Robinson Crusoe on Mars - Criterion Collection

Description

Special-effects wunderkind and genre master Byron Haskin (The War of the Worlds, The Outer Limits) won a place in the hearts of fantasy-film lovers everywhere with this gorgeously designed journey into the unknown. When his spaceship crash-lands on the barren wastelands of Mars, U.S. astronaut Commander "Kit" Draper (Paul Mantee) must fight for survival, with a pet monkey seemingly his only companion. But is he alone? Shot in vast Techniscope and blazing Technicolor, Robinson Crusoe on Mars is an imaginative and beloved techni-marvel of classic science fiction.

Customer Reviews:

Deaf and hard of hearing people once again frozen out of classic cinema.......2007-09-12

What, no closed captions or English subtitles? For forty bucks, you'd think Paramount/Criterion could afford to make this accessible to the millions of us with hearing impairment.

I saw this film in the theater upon its original release, but it pretty much went by me because of my deafness. I had looked forward to seeing it again, but I'm disappointed to find that even 43 years later, I'm still not going to be able to understand the dialogue (or monologue).

I'd like to give it 4-5 stars based on others' reviews, but as long as Paramount doesn't give a damn about people like me, it's going to have to get a low rating.

courage in hopeless circumstances.......2007-08-23

An astronaut searches for food and water after an orbital mission to Mars crashes on the surface of the planet. Obviously low budget 60s sci-fi rises above the B-grade norm with sympathetic main performance, good pace and signs of intellect in plot.

Science in science fiction.......2007-08-12

Robinson Crusoe put the science in science fiction. There are no "noisey" ships or explosions in a vacuum. Our hero uses telecourses and video before compact portable video cameras were invented. He uses true American ingenuity to design a clock, find oxygen, and remain safe until he is taken back home. This film is truly different than science fantasies like E.T. or Star Wars. The score is magnificent and thrilling. And, best of all, it shows what all kids in the sixties knew--the conquest of space could easily be done with World War II surplus equipment.

Wonderful film for all ages.......2007-08-10

Count me in with the rest of the gang waiting rabidly for this release. I saw this film several times as a child and was totally engrossed in the idea of a trip to Mars and the adventure it could bring. That adventure is grandly represented by this wonderful film, which allowing for a few flaws in the plot, does at least attempt to present the story with some scientific merit and plausible ideas.

The cinematography is excellent! The stark, desolate landscape is both thrilling and chilling in it's magnificent but achingly isolated beauty. The lead actor, Paul Mantee, does a fine job of conveying the loneliness and edge of insanity mindset that comes from being in a situation of despair and solitude.

And best of all, you can watch this one with your kids, grandkids, spouse or preacher, for that matter. Good clean wholesome fun for all ages.

Highly recommended!

Classic Science Fiction.......2007-08-03

This is a Classic Science Fiction at its best. I dont know if today 's movie viewer that have limited patience and demand high end special effects will be able to enjoy this one, but anyone who loves Classic Science Fiction movies from the 50's - 60's will greatly enjoy this Gem
of a movie that remains entertaining decades after it was made.
A must have.

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"Out of Africa": The Movie, the Book, the Feminist
Wonderful movie
A classic!
The Best Movie Ever Made!!
Delight in "Out of Africa"

Out of Africa
Starring: Meryl Streep , Robert Redford , Klaus Maria Brandauer , Michael Kitchen , and Malick Bowens
Director: Sydney Pollack
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0783240171
Release Date: 2000-02-29

Amazon.com essential video

Sydney Pollack's 1985 multiple-Oscar winner is a sumptuous and emotionally satisfying film about the life of Danish writer Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep), better known as Isak Dinesen, who travels to Kenya to be with her German husband (Klaus Maria Brandauer) but falls for an English adventurer (Robert Redford). The film is slow in developing the relationship, but it is rich in beautiful images of Africa and in the romantic tone surrounding Blixen's gradual discovery of her life and voice. One downside: while we may all love Redford, he is as convincingly British as Kevin Costner is in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. --Tom Keogh

Description

The most acclaimed motion picture of 1985 stars Robert Redford and Meryl Streep in one of the screen's great epic romances. Directed by Oscar winner Sydney Pollack, Out of Africa is the fascinating true story of Karen Blixen, a strong-willed woman who, with her philandering husband (Klaus Maria Brandauer), runs a coffee plantation in Kenya, circa 1914. To her astonishment, she soon discovers herself falling in love with the land, its people and a mysterious white hunter (Redford). The masterfully crafted, breathtakingly produced story of love and loss earned Oscars for Best Picture, Director, Screenplay (based on material from another medium), Cinematography, Original Score, Art Direction (Set Decoration) and Sound.

Customer Reviews:

"Out of Africa": The Movie, the Book, the Feminist.......2007-09-11

The book, "Out of Africa," is a memoir of the Danish Baroness Karen Blixen's habitation near Nairobi in Kenya from 1914 to 1931 on a fertile 6000-acre coffee plantation, "at the foot of the Ngong Hills" (1992: 3). Blixen writes under the pen-name Isak Dinesen. Karen Blixen went to British East Africa (in a location in present-day, Kenya) to join her German husband (Baron Bror Blixen), and upon separation she stayed in Kenya to manage the farm by herself. The extent of her adventures in Africa, and to what extent she is a feminist is borne out by the book, as well as the film "Out of Africa," that is based on the book. This piece will examine such, as well as comparisons between the book and the film.

Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen) presents geographical detail, oftentimes comparisons and contrasts within this fertile land of the Kikuyu people that would several decades later be the crux of the Mau-Mau rebellion over whites' displacement and dispossession of natives from their land. Dinesen also compares features with those of her native Europe. Dinesen writes of the equatorial habitat, "Everything that you saw made for greatness and freedom, and unequaled nobility...Up in this high air you breathed easily, drawing in a vital assurance and lightness of heart: Here I am where I ought to be" (1992: 4). Dinesen writes of "heavy-scented lilies," of "long-rains," "ever-changing clouds," of "hills from the farm [that} changed their character many times in the course of the day, and sometimes looked quite close and at times very far away" (1992: 4). Dinesen, in precise and elegant language displays love and fascination for the geography, the clean air, the animals, the beauty of this African environment; she becomes possessed by the place.The movie captures the large, picturesque, mysterious, and varied eastern equatorial Africa where the eland, the buffalo, and the rhino are quite common sights; the movie impressively and unanimously earned, Oscar, "Best Picture of the Year."

In the end Dinesen is forced to give up her plantation, this scenario elicits a heartache and sadness. Dinesen's memoirs, years after she had left Africa could be a reflection of her nostalgic dealing with her loss of the farm as well as overall experiences in Africa. Dinesen stands out as a courageous and strong woman, one who is in the feminist direction. She lost her philandering husband, but stayed on bravely, for nearly 20 years in a foreign harsh environment, one with languages and cultures far-fetched from her own. Dinesen worked well at being appreciative of an environment that was new to her, during an era of colonialism in Africa, a time when Darwinian relegation of black Africans to the lowest of human species and elevation of whites to the upper rung was very strong. Dinesen cuts through the female traditional roles, she tries flying in planes, the goes on safari, she learns how to shoot and even shoots and kills game. She is open and welcomes countless visitors from all over the world to her home and farm. This was an age of exploration and acquisition of "Dark Africa," by Europeans and Asians. Dinesen is quite aware of her feminine strength. She rescues and adopts a wounded antelope she names Lulu; Lulu becomes a celebrity on the farm; Dinesen searches, discovers and celebrates the feminist strength in Lulu: "But Lulu was not really gentle, she had the so-called devil in her. She had, to the highest degree, the feminine trait of appearing to be exclusively on the defensive, concentrating on guarding the integrity of her being, when she was really, with the force in her, bent upon and defensive" (1992: 74). Also, "Lulu of the woods was a superior, independent being...she was in possession. If I had happened to have known a young princess in exile, and while she was still a pretender to the throne, and had met her again in her full queenly estate after she had come into her rights, our meeting would have had the same character" (1992: 78).

The book displays that Karen Blixen exemplified the Europeans with the upper hand in colonial world conquest and politics. It is to be recalled that the three weapons used by Europeans to subjugate Africans were the gun, the Bible, and the anthropologist. Karen used guns to protect herself. Catholic (mostly Belgian and French), Protestant (mostly British), and Muslim (mostly Arabic) agencies vied for power in Africa. The Germans were in present-day neighboring Tanzania (German East Africa) to the south. They would be ousted during this significant, "Scramble for Africa." The book illustrates how Karen Blixen took great interest in which religious group the young natives (some of whom served her) adhered to. Many native followers, taught to kneel and pray to an invisible white Almighty god, became converted to the political/ religious groups, as they became dispossessed of their land resources. The anthropology aspect, as mentioned, involved relegation of black Africans to the lowest rungs of evolutionary mankind...the white was relegated as the superior, the master, the savior, the benevolent, the genius. The movie is great at casting Meryl Streep as the beautiful, rosy-cheeked clean, statuesque woman amidst muddy, black African paradise! The real Karen Blixen likely had more rugged looks and likely often got "down-and-dirty," than is depicted in the movie. An equatorial Africa of long and heavy rainy seasons, of continuous tropical sun, and of limited running water would not leave the Danish heroine so clean and collected.

It is to be recalled that Dinesen is writing from an overly European point of view, hence, negative criticism of her will not be short. Her attitude to black Africans is racist and condescending. In the movie, Denys Finch-Hatton (Robert Redford) rebukes her for instructing native porters to get off her belongings by "shooing," them off!. Finch-Hatton, in shock, remarks to her, "Shoo?" as if telling her, "I do not believe you addressed these people that way!" Finch-Hatton (who became Dinesen's lover) knows the native languages (Kiswahili and Kikuyu), and goes on to communicate her instructions to the porters. Black Africans are prevalently depicted in the movie as poverty-stricken servants, laborers and porters, as helpless people close to animal nature. In tune with the movie, here Dinesen writes, "They were poor people, small and underfed; they looked like a pair of badgers on my lawn...I could hardly distinguish them against the grass. They were sank in deep grief; their bereavement and their economic loss melted into one overwhelming distress" (1992: 108). Dinesen is surprised that the, "Natives," are strikingly open, adapting, welcoming and unprejudiced. Yet, as prevalent in the colonial fashion, she does not attribute this to the inner traditions and workings of indigenous African society, but from influence from foreigners including slavers! "The lack of prejudice in the Natives is a striking thing, for you expect to find dark taboos in the primitive people. It is due...to their acquaintance with a variety of races and tribes, and to the lively human intercourse that was brought upon East Africa, first by the old traders of ivory and slaves...and...by the settlers and big-game hunters" (1992: 54).

Dinesen wishes the natives would understand and appreciate her more. It is always presumptuous to be confident of having fully understood a foreign culture and people; she does not seem to believe she is prejudiced and why the natives to a good extent regard her as a foreigner far different from them, and difficult to comprehend. She writes, "If I know a song of Africa,---I thought,---of the Giraffe, and the African new moon lying on her back, of the ploughs in the field, and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa know a song of me?" (1992: 83). At the same time, Dinesen quite often acknowledges that newcomers from Africa are from a noisy and rushed world, they do not have the patience and connectedness of native Africans. European colonialists imposed on the natives an alien system of forced dispossession and displacement and of monopoly. So much of this colonial intrusion was quite new to the prevalently communalist and family-oriented, egalitarian way of native African subsistence.

Karen Blixen's marriage starts out as more of a convenience than of romance. She left Denmark to marry the German Baron Bror Blixen (Klaus Maria Brandauer) and start a dairy in Kenya. Bror is actually the brother of her lover. Karen is offering her fortune for companionship and adventure (and for the title of, "Baroness") much more than for enjoying the security of a man. So, from the outset, Karen's feminist inclinations are strong. The husband changes his mind about the diary, and instead invests her money in a risky venture of growing coffee. The husband is unfaithful, philandering, gives her syphilis that will disable her from having children; the marriage breaks up. Karen is left to manage the farm, she has to battle with floods and fire. Hardly anything of British big game hunter Denys Finch-Hatton's romance with Dinesen (Karen Blixen), is mentioned in the book; the movie likely borrows from other sources depicting the life of Karen Blixen. Unfortunately the English accent of Denys Finch-Hatton is not conveyed by Redford, compared to Karen's excellent outflow of a Scandinavian accent. Yet, the movie depicts their chemistry, Denys is impressed by her strength and independence, Karen's ability to tell and weave stories, they kiss, and in one scene have sex. Karen does seem to desire long-term companionship and commitment from Denys, desire for a man who will sacrifice to be with her. She stands against having a man like Denys who wants to be "free-wheeling," one who will come and go depending on need and desire, he loves the African outdoors. Finch-Hatton is mysterious, elusive and emotionally distant, but he is miscast in that in the movie: he seems to represent an all-American jock that waywardly found his way into Africa. Karen was wounded before, and this encounter with Denys is only a brief moment of ecstasy, but she bravely soldiers on, appreciating more of what is around her. Karen is indeed confident, stoic and creative in face of the odds. She did resist going on safari with Denys, but she eventually succumbed to his quite undeniable invitation. Eventually, they got closer, she broadened her horizons, she better adapted to and better accepted foreigners and their ways.

In conclusion, the movie emphasizes the romantic issues and episodes in Karen Blixen's life in Africa (romance and sex sells in Hollywood), much more than the book does. The book seems to be constructed from a breadth of notes of what Blixen put together while in Africa, and weaved them into a good fairy tale. The truth is that Blixen dealt with aspects like fluctuating coffee prices, sometimes drought and heavy rains, discontented dispossessed natives, scrambles for Africa amongst several European agencies, African diseases and sometimes unsanitary conditions, wildlife from untamed neighborhoods. The movie does display the exquisite beauty of tropical Africa which Blixen did dwell on, but not on the colonial wranglings. There is lyrical beauty in Blixen's writing, and the movie does elicit an African peaceful mood through the excellent music. Blixen, in both the movie and the book is a strong and opinionated woman, yet flexible and open to ideas, people, and adventure. She is a significant precursor of modern-day feminism.

Wonderful movie.......2007-09-04

I didn't see this movie when it came out in 1985 - but I wish I had !
Fantastic scenery (shot in Kenya) and a terrific performance by Streep, Brandauer and Michael Kitchens.
This was based on a true story about author Isak Dinesen (not certain about that spelling; her pen name was Karen Blixen. Or maybe its the other way around).
It helps to know a bit about the story beforehand; and also something about colonial Africa. Otherwise it may not hold your interest (especially younger adults).
Biggest drawback is Redford's character Denis Finch-Hatton. Finch-Hatton was and Englishman but Redford makes no attempt at a British accent. Redford has the right rugged good looks but the accent messes up the character.
I highly recommend this film.

A classic!.......2007-08-28

One of the all-time best movies!...gorgeous sound track, gorgeous scenery..beautiful story beautifully narrated..top cast. I own it and view it repeatedly.

The Best Movie Ever Made!!.......2007-07-30

So Often when I ask people if they've seen this movie, they say no. I'm shocked at that, as it is, for sure, the best movie ever made. In its day it won 7 Academy Awards! First of all the acting, the scenery, and music are superb. But the story, based on the true adventures of an amazing lady will touch you forever. For Ladies, if you've ever been a woman seeking idealistic love or a woman trying to being successful in your professional efforts, you will relate to Karen, her life, her joys and her frustrations. For men, you will relate to that need men have to keep their safe distance from matters of the heart and to go out and be adventurers. Also, it may help you understand the complexities of women. I warn you both though, this movie will give you a yearning to visit Africa. I recommend you watch the director comments and especially the music comments, then go back and watch it again and again. I recently had the pleasure of meeting director Sydney Pollack and told him i've seen it about 22 times, he told me that was a record!

Delight in "Out of Africa".......2007-07-23

I wanted to update my movie collection by buying a DVD to replace my VHS tape of "Out of Africa." The quality is much better and nicer to watch. In addition, there are "extra features" on the DVD that were added and are interesting to see. For example, Meryl Streep talks about making the movie. Fascinating stuff. What an elegant movie with gorgeous photography and an amazing story of interesting people living in interesting times.

Average customer rating:

This version is better than Disney's.
Perfect for the youngsters
Would Give it More Stars if More Than Five Were Possible
This is the one you want
terrific, original story

My Neighbor Totoro
Starring: Noriko Hidaka , Chika Sakamoto , Shigesato Itoi , Sumi Shimamoto , and Tanie Kitabayashi
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001XAQ0A
Release Date: 2006-03-07

Amazon.com essential video

My Neighbor Totoro is that rare delight, a family film that appeals to children and adults alike. While their mother is in the hospital, 10-year-old Satsuki and 4-year-old Mei move into an old-fashioned house in the country with their professor father. At the foot of an enormous camphor tree, Mei discovers the nest of King Totoro, a giant forest spirit who resembles an enormous bunny rabbit. Mei and Satsuki learn that Totoro makes the trees grow, and when he flies over the countryside or roars in his thunderous voice, the winds blow. Totoro becomes the protector of the two sisters, watching over them when they wait for their father, and carrying them over the forests on an enchanted journey. When the children worry about their mother, Totoro sends them to visit her via a Catbus, a magical, multilegged creature with a grin the Cheshire Cat might envy.

Unlike many cartoon children, Satsuki and Mei are neither smart-alecky nor cloyingly saccharine. They are credible kids: bright, energetic, silly, helpful, and occasionally impatient. Filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki makes the viewer believe the two sisters love each other in a way no American feature has ever achieved. My Neighbor Totoro is enormously popular in Japan, and some of the character merchandise has begun to appear in America. The film has also inspired a Japanese environmental group to buy a Totoro Forest preserve in the Saitama Prefecture, where Miyazaki's film is set. --Charles Solomon

Description

Critically acclaimed as one of the most delightful and charming family films ever, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO is a stunning animated treat full of magical adventure from Hayao Miyazaki. Follow the adventures of Satsuki and her four-year-old sister Mei when they move into a new home in the countryside. To their delight, they discover that their new neighbor is a mysterious forest spirit called Totoro, who can be seen only through the eyes of a child. Totoro introduces them to extraordinary characters -- including a cat that doubles as a bus! -- and takes them on an incredible journey. Full of wonder and heart, this spectacular 2-disc set features the voice talents of Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning. MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO is a magical experience for the whole family! © 1988 Nibariki • G

Customer Reviews:

This version is better than Disney's........2007-09-14

I like this version a lot better than the one that Disney recently released. I own them both and this is the one that I watch. The Disney one has its benefits; you can view the film in the original Japanese language and you can watch it in Widescreen. However, the voice over done on the new Disney one is terrible; it sounds really "acty". I am not fond of Disney's decision to try to sell Miyazaki's movies based on WHO does the voice over as opposed to HOW WELL they do the voice over.
This movie was my introduction to Miyazaki many years ago and is one of my most favorite animated films. Every child I have ever know that sees this movie loves it.

Perfect for the youngsters.......2007-09-08

The Japanese origin of this film gives it a refreshing look compared to American animation. The story is delightful, and for a change a girl has the lead role. Kids will love the landscapes and the characters. Good, clean fun.

Would Give it More Stars if More Than Five Were Possible.......2007-09-06

Have probably watched this movie at least fifty times with and without my daughter either all the way through or just for 10 or so minutes here and there. It's safe to say that nobody in my home has shown the slightest capacity to lose any interest in this totally brilliant-but-understatedly-so movie. If I could only recommend one thing of all the things I've ever purchased on Amazon it might just be this movie. Can't recommend it highly enough.

This is the one you want.......2007-07-30

This is the definitive English-dubbed version. You've got to have it.

Steer clear of the Disney product. They butchered Totoro.

I concur that a full-blown multi-disc DVD would be nice, but then you might be settling for Disney dubbing. And all the good Fox version DVD's will be bought up and no longer available. Or they will be $200 collector's items.

I truly hate what Disney does to Japanese film. All the film's messages are reduced to a slow 1st grade reading level. Americanisms are substituted for Japanisms. Famous AMerican actors are used for the voices. Very distracting.

Get a clue, Disney. I'm trying to watch a Japanese film so I can see a Japanese film. I don't need it dumbed down and Americanized.

Note that the above criticism is directed agaist the Disney product.

This Fox product is great. Whatever anime you can get your hands on that Disney hasn't touched, congratulations.

I hate what Disney does to anime ever more than I hate Ted Turner for colorizing everything, but it's the same kind of hate.

terrific, original story.......2007-07-26

very nice to have little girls as the primary characters. Well written dynamic between the sisters, showing how a big sister tends to look out for her younger siblings, and how very young children feel about being told what to do. The magical world and characters that the girls discover at their summer home is a great connection to the imaginary play that I see in the younger children. Its a little long for the little ones(3- 4.5 yrs) but my 5 year old enjoys the whole movie on an indoor day or long trip. We watched Sprirted Away first, another great movie, but its not really for little ones (some "scary" characters and a separation from parents).
In this movie, the girls' are concerned about their mother who is recuperating, but that is not the focus of the story, and I think its good to present the idea that little kids could sometimes have an ill or recuperating parent. (Instead of just dead, like so many of the princess movies)

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Princess Mononoke
When your going to kill a god, let someone else do your dirty work.
completes my collection
Princess Mononoke
A masterwork...

Princess Mononoke
Starring: Hisaya Morishige , Jada Pinkett Smith , Billy Bob Thornton , Yuko Tanaka , and Yoji Matsuda
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00003CXBK
Release Date: 2000-12-19

Amazon.com essential video

This epic, animated 1997 fantasy has already made history as the top-grossing domestic feature ever released in Japan, where its combination of mythic themes, mystical forces, and ravishing visuals tapped deeply into cultural identity and contemporary, ecological anxieties. For international animation and anime fans, Princess Mononoke represents an auspicious next step for its revered creator, Hayao Miyazaki (My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service), an acknowledged anime pioneer, whose painterly style, vivid character design, and stylized approach to storytelling take ambitious, evolutionary steps here.

Set in medieval Japan, Miyazaki's original story envisions a struggle between nature and man. The march of technology, embodied in the dark iron forges of the ambitious Tatara clan, threatens the natural forces explicit in the benevolent Great God of the Forest and the wide-eyed, spectral spirits he protects. When Ashitaka, a young warrior from a remote, and endangered, village clan, kills a ravenous, boar-like monster, he discovers the beast is in fact an infectious "demon god," transformed by human anger. Ashitaka's quest to solve the beast's fatal curse brings him into the midst of human political intrigues as well as the more crucial battle between man and nature.

Miyazaki's convoluted fable is clearly not the stuff of kiddie matinees, nor is the often graphic violence depicted during the battles that ensue. If some younger viewers (or less attentive older ones) will wish for a diagram to sort out the players, Miyazaki's atmospheric world and its lush visual design are reasons enough to watch. For the English-language version, Miramax assembled an impressive vocal cast including Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup (as Ashitaka), Claire Danes (as San), Minnie Driver (as Lady Eboshi), Billy Bob Thornton, and Jada Pinkett Smith. They bring added nuance to a very different kind of magic kingdom. Recommended for ages 12 and older. --Sam Sutherland

Description

Claire Danes (THE MOD SQUAD), Minnie Driver (GOOD WILL HUNTING), and Billy Bob Thornton (ARMAGEDDON, SLING BLADE) head a cast of hot Hollywood stars who lend their talents to this exquisitely animated, overwhelmingly acclaimed adventure epic! Inflicted with a deadly curse, a young warrior named Ashitaka (Billy Crudup -- WITHOUT LIMITS) sets out for the forests of the west in search of the cure that will save his life. Once there, he becomes inextricably entangled in a bitter battle that matches Lady Eboshi (Driver) and a proud clan of humans against the forest's animal gods, who are led by the brave Princess Mononoke (Danes), a young woman raised by wolves! Also starring Gillian Anderson (THE X-FILES) and Jada Pinkett Smith (SCREAM 2), this monumental struggle between man and nature will have you transfixed as stunning artistry blends with epic storytelling to create a uniquely entertaining motion picture!

Customer Reviews:

Princess Mononoke.......2007-09-04

This is one of the best stories I know that illustrate our ambivalence toward nature and the assortment of conflicting human natures including greed and reverence. Why the title is about a princess when the major subject is a prince is somewhat mystifying to me. Still, the story is well done and the illustrations superb. The major drawback is that it is rather long for many audiences. Overall, I have to consider it among the top movies I have ever seen.

When your going to kill a god, let someone else do your dirty work........2007-08-08

The complexity of this story is classic Miyazaki. The story is great, the imagery is breathtaking. There are some fantastic lines in the English version--witty Gaiman at work. I adore the tree spirits...

completes my collection.......2007-08-01

i own all the film that were made like castle in the sky,Howl's moving castle, My neighbor totoro,Kiki's delivery service, The cat returns,Porco rosso,Spirited away and there all amazing and you will love each one i'm glad amazon had the one i brought were no one did thanks

Princess Mononoke.......2007-07-13

Sophisticated, hand-drawn animation and an epic storyline about the conflict between ecology and the industrial ambitions of mankind turn Miyazaki's film into a marvelously potent parable. This unusually thoughtful and transporting tale never falls into a simplistic portrayal of good and evil, but rather asks how man and nature can live in harmony. Set in mystical, long-ago Japan and populated by wood spirits, nature gods, fierce demons, and other marvels of mythic dimension, "Mononoke" is a rare visual treat for dreamers of any age.

A masterwork..........2007-07-12

I LOVE this movie. Epic story, sweeping score, a little more violent and graphic than Miyazaki's other films, but still a stunning work of art.

Average customer rating:

Awesome Movie
Average delivery
More like a NEGATIVE 3
Mythological Fiction
Medicore Playback Abliltiy

The Odyssey
Starring: Armand Assante , Greta Scacchi , Isabella Rossellini , Bernadette Peters , and Eric Roberts
Director: Andrei Konchalovsky
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005N913
Release Date: 2001-09-18

Amazon.com

Andrei Konchalovsky's expansive television mini-series production of Homer's epic poem gets off to clumsy start as he tries to squeeze the Trojan War into a mere half hour, but once the arrogant but honorable Odysseus (strikingly played by Armand Assante) and his loyal crew begin their doomed voyage home, this film turns into a fantastical adventure. Integrating often-stunning special effects with inventive art design, Konchalovsky achieves a beautiful look on a limited budget as he follows the 10-year ordeal of Odysseus from his battles with the Cyclops and the magical Circe (Bernadette Peters) to his secret homecoming and his confrontation with the treacherous Eurymachus (Eric Roberts). Isabella Rossellini appears as his spiritual guide, the goddess Athena, with Greta Scacchi as Odysseus's faithful wife and Vanessa Williams as the seductive Calypso. The rest of the cast includes Geraldine Chaplin, Jeroen Krabbé, Christopher Lee, and Irene Papas. The production was shot on location in and around the Mediterranean, making for a lush, lovely visual experience. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Movie.......2007-09-10

I purchased the movie for my 10th grade World History classes. We were studying Ancient Greece and I wanted to show them The Odyssey. My students really enjoyed watching it. One of my students was eager to see the way the movie ended.

Average delivery.......2007-07-07

The Odyssey is probably one of the most well-known stories of Western literature. It contains elements of suspense, action, adventure, fantasy, romance, and even some comedy. It is also quite long, and features a big cast of characters; human and non-human. With all of this, it would seem to be a perfect candidate for a top-notch movie. Surprisingly, Hollywood has made very few movies about this topic, with probably the best one being this production by Hallmark.

The storyline follows the original epic quite well in terms of action. The casting is better than average, as Armande Assante does look like he is of Mediterranean descent, and gratefully, does not speak with an English accent as Sean Bean's Odysseus in the movie "Troy". The special effects are as Hallmark movies go; believable but not extravagant. The dialogue is somewhat flat. For such a famous epic with so many hundreds of English translations, the director should have tried to make this tale like Kenneth Branagh with his Shakespeare movies; have the characters speak the dialogue from the original text. Other than that, no noticeable flaws. Nothing spectacular but still worth the 3+ hours to watch this movie.

More like a NEGATIVE 3.......2007-06-13

This comes close to being the worse piece of garbage it has ever been my privilege to view. The acting...HORRENDOUS!!! CGI...poorly done. Do yourself a favor and watch the Roman version of the Odyssey...Ulysses with Kirk Douglas. It may be an oldie, but it's definitely an absolute goodie!!

Mythological Fiction.......2007-05-26

This film is one of the better of this genre--due to the casting, and the more "true to life and literature" approach that is taken. The characters seem much more "human." Enough sexual content, albeit well done, to preclude viewing by even teenagers. Homer's story is followed pretty faithfully, too, from my distant memories. But the real "excellence" is in the acting.

Medicore Playback Abliltiy.......2007-05-14

The Movie in itself is a great movie however, there were a few times that the movie stopped and digital quality became distorted. I did not send it back because I did not want to go through with hassling of shipping it back. Let's just let bygones be bygones.:)

Sincerely
Stephanie Sims

Average customer rating:

A Thoroughly Satisfying Adventure Movie
Mummy Comes To Life
Great on HD DVD
Absolutely Phenomenal On HD DVD
The Mummy Comes to life again

The Mummy [HD DVD]
Starring: Erick Avari , Carl Chase , Bernard Fox , Brendan Fraser , and Jonathan Hyde
Director: Stephen Sommers
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

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ASIN: B000IONJGU
Release Date: 2006-11-28

Amazon.com

If you're expecting bandaged-wrapped corpses and a lurching Boris Karloff-type villain, then you've come to the wrong movie. But if outrageous effects, a hunky hero, and some hearty laughs are what you're looking for, the 1999 version of The Mummy is spectacularly good fun. Yes, the critics called it "hokey," "cheesy," and "pallid." Well, the critics are unjust. Granted, the plot tends to stray, the acting is a bit of a stretch, and the characters occasionally slip into cliché, but who cares? When that action gets going, hold tight--those two hours just fly by.

The premise of the movie isn't that far off from the original. Egyptologist and general mess Evelyn (Rachel Weisz) discovers a map to the lost city of Hamunaptra, and so she hires rogue Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) to lead her there. Once there, Evelyn accidentally unlocks the tomb of Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), a man who had been buried alive a couple of millennia ago with flesh-eating bugs as punishment for sleeping with the pharaoh's girlfriend. The ancient mummy is revived, and he is determined to bring his old love back to life, which of course means much mayhem (including the unleashing of the 10 plagues) and human sacrifice. Despite the rather gory premise, this movie is fairly tame in terms of violence; most of the magic and surprise come from the special effects, which are glorious to watch, although Imhotep, before being fully reconstituted, is, as one explorer puts it, rather "juicy." Keep in mind this film is as much comedy as it is adventure--those looking for a straightforward horror pic will be disappointed. But for those who want good old-fashioned eye-candy kind of fun, The Mummy ranks as one of choicest flicks of 1999. --Jenny Brown

Customer Reviews:

A Thoroughly Satisfying Adventure Movie.......2007-09-07

The Mummy is high quality entertainment. It does a great job of entertaining, that's saying something. Some movies can't even do that. But this succeeds on all levels.

It's a great popcorn flick. And it's packed to the brim with action.

The DVD features a commentary from the director Stephen Sommers, deleted scenes, a few making of featurettes, and a bevy of other special features including trailers and a music only track.

If you're a fan of action, definitely recommended.

Mummy Comes To Life.......2007-08-06

I already have the standard Mummy DVD. This HD version sounds and looks better. If you love the movie buy it. If you don't, the standard DVD is fine.

Great on HD DVD.......2007-07-30

This is a excellent movie. This review is about the HD DVD version. I thought the transfer was overall excellent. However, there were a few spots where you can see lines or spots on the film (most other HD DVDs I have seen have not had lines or spots at all, so I was surprised to see some in this one). Other areas look almost 3D like. Sound is great.

Most of the special effects have held up well over time. The acting and direction are great. If you enjoy pure action / adventures with a bit of humor, and a wee bit of scariness, this movie is for you!

HD DVD transfer: 3.5
Movie 4.5
Overall: 4.0

Absolutely Phenomenal On HD DVD.......2007-06-28

Everyone knows the plot of the movie and that it was based on the 1940s film, "The Mummy's Hand," so what I'm going to talk about is the HD DVD transfer.

I got my HD DVD player last year and have been thoroughly stoked about it, given the right movie. "The Mummy" is definitely one of those right movies. From the opening credits to the first views of the Egyptian city, the clarity of the high-def presentation rivals that of your local theater. Once a wall-sized monitor becomes available, film buffs are truly going to be able to have the theater experience right in their own homes.

The action sequences are great. The colors are fantastic. And the special effects are tremendous. The dust cloud confrontation at the end just blew me away all over again.

I owned the movie on DVD and had watched it on television a few times (it's one of those on a list of guilty pleasures) but I hadn't seen anything like this presentation outside of the theater.

Now I gotta get "The Mummy Returns" and "The Scorpion King." And I can't wait for "The Mummy 3" coming in 2008!

The Mummy Comes to life again .......2007-05-29

Not as startling as some of the more recent HD transfers. Don't get me wrong it is very good. Bringing life backing to old family favorite. The colors and sound were the most noticeable, mind you the high quality picture was not to be out done either. It was like watching a new movie. Well not quite. But there were a bunch of little things and scenes that went unnoticed before that are front and center in this edition because of the improved sound and picture.

One thing I never noticed before is right after Imhotep's casket fell through the tomb ceiling there is a line through the center of the picture, it disappeared in less than a minute. I doubt this is fault to do with the HD transfer so it was probably on the original print.

One weird thing was the menu. All of the other HD DVDs have graphics from the movie, this one had generic music and the universal logo.

Great Picture. Great Sound. Worth having on HD. Over all 4/5. Bring on Jurassic Park!

Average customer rating:

A treasure of a film!
A fun, fast-paced adventure
Let the Search Begin...
Splendid action packed movie with Nick Cage
great movie

National Treasure (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Nicolas Cage , Diane Kruger , Justin Bartha , Sean Bean , and Jon Voight
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JN5E
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Amazon.com

Like a Hardy Boys mystery on steroids, National Treasure offers popcorn thrills and enough boyish charm to overcome its rampant silliness. Although it was roundly criticized as a poor man's rip-off of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Da Vinci Code, it's entertaining on its own ludicrous terms, and Nicolas Cage proves once again that one actor's infectious enthusiasm can compensate for a multitude of movie sins. The contrived plot involves Cage's present-day quest for the ancient treasure of the Knights Templar, kept secret through the ages by Freemasons past and present. Finding the treasure requires the theft of the Declaration of Independence (there are crucial treasure clues on the back, of course!), so you can add "caper comedy" to this Jerry Bruckheimer production's multi-genre appeal. Nobody will ever accuse director Jon Turtletaub of artistic ambition, but you've got to admit he serves up an enjoyable dose of PG-rated entertainment, full of musty clues, skeletons, deep tunnels, and harmless adventure in the old-school tradition. It's a load of hokum, but it's fun hokum, and that makes all the difference. --Jeff Shannon

Description

From Jerry Bruckheimer, producer of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, and Jon Turteltaub, director of PHENOMENON, comes NATIONAL TREASURE. It's the thrilling, edge-of-your-seat adventure starring Academy Award® winner Nicolas Cage (1995 Best Actor, LEAVING LAS VEGAS) as Benjamin Franklin Gates. Ever since he was a boy, Gates has been obsessed with finding the legendary Knights Templar Treasure, the greatest fortune known to man. As Gates tries to find and decipher ancient riddles that will lead him to it, he's dogged by a ruthless enemy (Sean Bean, THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy) who wants the riches for himself. Now in a race against time, Gates must steal one of America's most sacred and guarded documents -- the Declaration of Independence -- or let it, and a key clue to the mystery, fall into dangerous hands. Heart-pounding chases, close calls, and the FBI turn Gates's quest into a high-stakes crime caper and the most exciting treasure hunt you've ever experienced.

Customer Reviews:

A treasure of a film!.......2007-09-06

Ben Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) has a family timeline of treasure hunters since our founding fathers has been obsessed with finding the legendary Knights Templer Treasure, one of America's greatest undiscovered mysteries. His rival (Sean Bean) wants to have the treasure too as they compete with each other, Ben decides to steal the declairation of Independence for it has a secret and a caurator (Diane Kruger)joins him on his quest to find the clues to the lost treasure.

Well made and entertaining action adventure from producer Jerry Bruckheimer offers terrific acting and a good storyline. It's an interesting film about "What if some of our national monuments had a secret?" and there's some humor, it's great fun for the whole family and for fans of action adventure.

This DVD has good extras like audio commentary, deleted scenes, alternate ending, three featurettes, opening scene animatric and 3 games.

Also recommended: "The Gonnies", "Indiana Jones Trilogy", "The Da Vinci Code", "Catch Me if you Can", "It's a Mad Mad Mad World", "Mission Impossible Trilogy", "Young Sherlock Holmes".

A fun, fast-paced adventure.......2007-08-13

Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicholas Cage) has spent his whole life searching for the famous Knights Templar Treasure, which is supposed to be a priceless collection of artifacts and gold. As Ben and his friends get closer to finding the treasure, they face multiple challenges, including a nasty enemy (Sean Bean) intent on finding the treasure and keeping it all for himself, and a team of FBI agents (led by Harvey Keitel) who are after Ben for committing the minor infraction of stealing the Declaration of Independence. The film is full of suspenseful chases and an exciting treasure hunt that keeps the audience guessing until the very end.

It's true that this movie is completely unrealistic and also rather silly at times, but it's also a lot of fun and provides quality entertainment: I don't think there's anyone out there that wouldn't relish in the idea of such a large-scale treasure hunt. The one thing about the film that bugged me was the character of Abigail (Diane Kruger), who works at the National Archives and ends up assisting Ben and his partner Riley (Justin Bartha) in their quest. I could buy the fact that Abigail would refuse to let Ben take off with the Declaration of Independence in hand, but the fact that she was so quick to join up with them in the end was just a little out there for me, and not at all true to the character that was sketched out for her in the beginning. Still, that's a relatively minor gripe. "National Treasure" is a fun adventure for the whole family, and I'm looking forward to the highly-anticipated sequel that will be released later this year.

Let the Search Begin..........2007-07-27

Walt Disney Pictures has sure hit a streak of massive live-action box office triumphs of late. Usually Disney does well with their animated films, but for the most part their live-action movies just don't quite add up to the same box office success. However, in recent years Disney's managed to change their luck, sure there've been a couple of flops here and there ("The Shaggy Dog" remake), but those have been massively overshadowed by their successful releases, such as "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" and the sequels that followed, "Remember the Titans", and "Hidalgo". One movie of Disney's that actually surprised both audiences by how good it was, and critics with how well it did at the box office, would have to be the Nicolas Cage, 'Indiana Jones' inspired, action/adventure film "National Treasure".

"National Treasure" is about a treasure hunter named Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) who along with his partner Riley (Justin Bartha) are seeking this lost treasure of the Knights Templar that Ben's grandfather had told him about. It turns out the Gates family has been trying to find this secret treasure for years and have never succeeded, but Ben is getting closer. With clues hidden in numerous places, Ben and Riley are inching closer and closer to finding the treasure. However, Ben isn't like most treasure hunters, his only goal is to find the treasure and divide it amongst various museums so that all the world can see. But they aren't the only ones who know of the treasure, a rogue treasure hunter (Sean Bean), who used to work with Ben until he betrayed him, is searching for the treasure as well, and his motives are not nearly as pure. As both close in on the final clues, each man comes to the realization that the biggest clue lies in Washington D.C. on the back of the Declaration of Independence. Now, Ben will attempt to steal the Declaration of Independence for two reasons, one is that he hopes he can find the answers to solve the clues that has consumed his family for generations, and secondly, to protect the document from reaching his competitor's hands, who will use the treasure for his own selfish gains.

"National Treasure" is actually one of those movies that looks good from the trailers, but also leaves you wondering if it's just a knock-off of some previous hit movie ('Indiana Jones' trilogy, in this case). But surprisingly, even though there are elements that are similar to Steven Spielberg's classic trilogy, this film does deliver to audiences a truly engaging and entertaining escape that feels both fresh and new. Director Jon Turtletaub ("Phenomenon") and uber-producer Jerry Bruckheimer ('Pirates of the Caribbean' movies) have taken what was most likely a run-of-the-mill action/adventure and spiced it up to become better than it actually was destined to be. Truth be told, the basic story is fairly formulaic and easy to predict, but the solid performances, fun action sequences, and even some really funny bits of comedy give the movie a much more polished feel. The story actually did have some interesting bits of trivia about our nation's history sprinkled throughout as part of the clues, which I felt was a neat touch, and just the way each of the clues linked up was very well thought out, which also assisted in elevating the basic plot from your average action movie.

The actors all do very well with their roles Nicolas Cage gives a more low-key performance that doesn't appear to include his usual quirkiness that he's so well known for. Sean Bean is right on in the role of the rogue treasure hunter, villains are roles that Bean plays very well, and he always manages to entertain. Justin Bartha provides the bits of comedy that were used to break up the adventurous overtones, without them feeling out of place or forced. Cameo appearances by Jon Voight, Christopher Plummer, and Harvey Keitel are all entertaining and fun to see, although I guess Voight's role is a little more than a cameo but he's only in the latter half of the film.

"National Treasure" is a solid, action/adventure film that has a little something for everyone, and can be enjoyed by the whole family, and as a little bonus you may even learn some bits of trivia that you never even knew about our country.

"National Treasure" is rated PG for violence.

Splendid action packed movie with Nick Cage.......2007-07-27

I love the plot of this movie. It's a thriller, a who done it, action packed with surprises around so many corners in so many directions.
My kinda movie. I'm thrilled to add it to my personal movie library.

great movie.......2007-07-11

This was very entertaining. It combines history and fiction in a believable way and makes us want to learn more about the subjects that we hear about. I definitely recommend watching all the bonus material on the disc. You'll probably end up searching the Internet for more information on the Knights Templar when you are done. I highly recommend this movie.

Team America: World Police - Unrated (Widescreen Special Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

F*** Yeah!
Yikes!
Simply hilarious
I can't think about it without cracking up!!!
I laughed so hard I was exhausted...THIS IS NOT FOR CHILDREN!!!!!

Team America: World Police - Unrated (Widescreen Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: Phil Hendrie , Angie Jaree , John D. Kim , Maurice LaMarche , and Josiah D. Lee
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007Y08IS
Release Date: 2005-05-17

Amazon.com

An elite U.S. counter-terrorism squad loses a member while decimating half of Paris in the reckless pursuit of Middle Eastern maniacs; a Broadway actor with a traumatic childhood secret is naturally hired to replace him. Oh--and they're all marionettes. South Park maestros Trey Parker and Matt Stone (along with co-writer Pam Brady) came up with this shameless satire of pea-brained Hollywood action flicks and even smaller-minded global politics, so don't expect subtlety or even a hint of good taste. Team America is soon on the trail of North Korea's evil Kim Jong Il, who treats us to a tender song about his loneliness before ensnaring Alec Baldwin and the rest of the oblivious Film Actors Guild (F.A.G. for short) in a plot to blow up every major city on the planet. Just as the mindless squad cheerfully demolishes everything in sight, so do director Parker and company. Throwing punches Left, Right, and in-between, the movie's politics leave no turn un-stoned; there's even time to bludgeon the musical Rent. It's offensive, irresponsible comic anarchy seemingly made by sniggering little boys. Painfully funny sniggering little boys.--Steve Wiecking

Description

In TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE, a group of marionette puppets form Team America, an international police f