Flags of Our Fathers (Widescreen Edition)

Amazon.com

Thematically ambitious and emotionally complex, Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers is an intimate epic with much to say about war and the nature of heroism in America. Based on the non-fiction bestseller by James Bradley (with Ron Powers), and adapted by Million Dollar Baby screenwriter Paul Haggis (Jarhead screenwriter William Broyles Jr. wrote an earlier draft that was abandoned when Eastwood signed on to direct), this isn't so much a conventional war movie as it is a thought-provoking meditation on our collective need for heroes, even at the expense of those we deem heroic. In telling the story of the six men (five Marines, one Navy medic) who raised the American flag of victory on the battle-ravaged Japanese island of Iwo Jima on February 23rd, 1945, Eastwood takes us deep into the horror of war (in painstakingly authentic Iwo Jima battle scenes) while emphasizing how three of the surviving flag-raisers (played by Adam Beach, Ryan Phillippe, and Jesse Bradford) became reluctant celebrities - and resentful pawns in a wartime publicity campaign - after their flag-raising was immortalized by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal in the most famous photograph in military history.

As the surviving flag-raisers reluctantly play their public roles as "the heroes of Iwo Jima" during an exhausting (but clearly necessary) wartime bond rally tour, Flags of Our Fathers evolves into a pointed study of battlefield valor and misplaced idolatry, incorporating subtle comment on the bogus nature of celebrity, the trauma of battle, and the true meaning of heroism in wartime. Wisely avoiding any direct parallels to contemporary history, Eastwood allows us to draw our own conclusions about the Iwo Jima flag-raisers and how their postwar histories (both noble and tragic) simultaneously illustrate the hazards of exploited celebrity and society's genuine need for admirable role models during times of national crisis. Flags of Our Fathers defies the expectations of those seeking a more straightforward war-action drama, but it's richly satisfying, impeccably crafted film that manages to be genuinely patriotic (in celebrating the camaraderie of soldiers in battle) while dramatizing the ultimate futility of war. Eastwood's follow-up film, Letters from Iwo Jima, examines the Iwo Jima conflict from the Japanese perspective. --Jeff Shannon

Beyond Flags of Our Fathers

Other World War II DVDs
Essential DVDs by Director Clint Eastwood
Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley

Stills from Flags of Our Fathers (click for larger image)

Product Description

From Academy Award-winning director Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby, Unforgiven) comes the World Was II epic Flags of Our Fathers, produced by Eastwood, Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg (Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List), and Rob Lorenz (Mystic River), and from a screenplay adapted by William Broyles, Jr. (Cast Away) and Oscar winner Paul Haggis (Million Dollar Baby, Crash).
February 1945. Even as victory in Europe was finally within reach, the war in the Pacific raged on. One of the most crucial and bloodiest battles of the war was the struggle for the island of Iwo Jima, which culminated with what would become one of the most iconic images in history: five Marines and a Navy corpsman raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi. The inspiring photo capturing that moment became a symbol of victory to a nation that had grown weary of war and made instant heroes of the six American soldiers at the base of the flag, some of whom would die soon after, never knowing that they had been immortalized. But the surviving flag raisers had no interest in being held up as symbols and did not consider themselves heroes; they wanted only to stay on the front with their brothers in arms who were fighting and dying without fanfare or glory.
Flags of Our Fathers is based on the bestselling book by James Bradley with Ron Powers, which chronicled the battle of Iwo Jima and the fates of the flag raisers and some of their brothers in Easy Company. Bradley's father, John "Doc" Bradley, was one of the soldiers pictured raising the flag, although James never knew the full extent of his father's experiences until after the elder Bradley's death in 1994.

Customer Reviews:

The raising of the flag should be an event best left to history........2007-09-12

What is the point of this movie . . that American Indians have an alcohol problem, or that the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima was somehow a show, with meaning only for the publicists at that time. That a flag was raised twice is fine, and that there was some confusion over who was actually in the picture is also credible. But harping on one of the soldiers sour disposition, and his drinking problem just didn't seem to belong. And the insistence that the USA would run out of money unless the surviving soldiers put on shows across the country to help raise funds didn't seem appropriate either. Of all the problems we were faced with during the Good War, the inability for the Government to print money when required was not one of them.

This movie tried to sensationalize a very somber event, representing the first major triumph of US forces over the Japanese. It shouldn't have. The raising of the flag should be an event best left to history.

THROUGH A SOLDIERS EYES!!.......2007-09-02

flags of our fathers was a nicely done film. at some points it made me feel as if i was there. seeing what they saw, living what the lived, all the blood, corpses, and not knowing if they would live or die. everything they would go through, friends they would lose, and family they never know if they would see again. they would return, not feeling like heroes, but feeling empty, alone, with no one to understand, only those who lived and died during war. they would be traumatized, with images and voices they would never forget, but never share. this movie was very well done, a good thumbs up for catching that accuracy of the feeling only those who've been to war know about. clint eastwood nice job. great actor, and director. through this you can see just what people of all backgrounds, and race have done to give all of us what we now have.

Found it high quality but boring.......2007-09-02

I was looking for something more like "Letters from Iwo Jima" which was an excellent movie. Although FOF is typical Eastwood quality, I found the movie itself boring and still haven't finished it. I guess if you're into WWII history and character studies it would be better, and although the story about the two flags is interesting the movie just didn't do much for me.

Important film for all generations.......2007-09-01

Bought this for Father's Day, as my late father was a Navy Medic in Iwo Jima, just as the main character in the film. It was moving in so many ways, primarily to see what he went through, but never spoke of. The Marines had no medics, so they borrowed them from the Navy. They carried no weapons, and saw the most horrific action. The scam fostered by the government was an indictment and an embarrassment, but part of our history that must be told, and the Native American experience was also something I was not aware of. A must see for all Americans.

The Hidden Side of The Flag Raising on Iwo Jima.......2007-08-31

A compeling story of the cost of war on young lives. Not only those who died, but also those who survived. The lives of the survivors were forever changed, often for the worse.

Average customer rating:

A Few Good Men [Blu-ray]
Starring: Tom Cruise , Jack Nicholson , Demi Moore , and Kevin Bacon
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000OQF6KE
Release Date: 2007-09-18

Average customer rating:

Loved this Movie, but Have a Question
A Few Good Men
A Few Good Men
..."YOU WANT ME ON THAT WALL....YOU....NEED....ME ON THAT WALL"...
memorable

A Few Good Men (Special Edition)
Starring: Tom Cruise , Jack Nicholson , Demi Moore , Kevin Bacon , and Kiefer Sutherland
Director: Rob Reiner
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: B00005B6JZ
Release Date: 2001-05-29

Amazon.com essential video

A U.S. soldier is dead, and military lawyers Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee and Lieutenant Commander JoAnne Galloway want to know who killed him. "You want the truth?" snaps Colonel Jessup (Jack Nicholson). "You can't handle the truth!" Astonishingly, Jack Nicholson's legendary performance as a military tough guy in A Few Good Men really amounts to a glorified cameo: he's only in a few scenes. But they're killer scenes, and the film has much more to offer. Tom Cruise (Kaffee) shines as a lazy lawyer who rises to the occasion, and Demi Moore (Galloway) gives a command performance. Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland, J.T. Walsh, and Cuba Gooding Jr. (of Jerry Maguire fame) round out the superb cast. Director Rob Reiner poses important questions about the rights of the powerful and the responsibilities of those just following orders in this classic courtroom drama. --Alan Smithee

Customer Reviews:

Loved this Movie, but Have a Question.......2007-07-22

I have seen this remarkably acted movie several times. Today I watched it again. It seems each time I do I learn new things.
My question is if Dawson and Downey did as they were ordered why did they get a dishonorable discharge? I mean Dawson kept saying over and over that it was the right thing to do to follow a direct order and then at the end he tells Downey that they got it because they are there to protect others and they didn't.

A Few Good Men.......2007-07-13

Every time this movie shows up on T.V. we watch it but have to deal with the commercials. It is a must for every movie library and appropriate for older kids. (Little ones would be bored.) The acting and casting is amazing with a strong story line.

A Few Good Men.......2007-07-11

This engrossing military-legal thriller from director Rob Reiner soars thanks to Aaron Sorkin's gripping, expertly paced script (based on his hit Broadway play) and a brawny, high-wattage cast: Cruise and Moore make a winning pair of legal eagles, Bacon is commanding as Kaffee's courtroom nemesis, and Jack Nicholson delivers one of his most indelible performances as arrogant, tough-as-nails Col. Nathan Jessup, who may or may not know more than he claims. Dealing with illegal hazing, government cover-ups, and the outer limits of military honor, "Men" packs a double-barreled wallop. Can you handle the truth?

..."YOU WANT ME ON THAT WALL....YOU....NEED....ME ON THAT WALL"..........2007-05-07

....Darn good movie [DVD]...Sorkin's screen/play defines the spartan USMC discipline to perfection...for instance, when Jack Nicholson [he overshadows the entire cast of this film] berates all the non/combatant Navy JAG/attorneys trying to bring his illustrious Marine career to an abrupt end is spell/binding and cuts right to the bone [an immense scene of impact]...his bombastic and clarion call to what a Fleet Marine Force Marine [FMF] is all about is so true to all the unsuspecting civilians taking life for granted, etc...his sneering but simple, "Thank You" is all he expects...."and be on your way, my man" is totally real...99% of the American people don't know the instantanious, and grating/lethal feeling... I'm about to die!!....pooof, dead!!...no more mama-no more papa...no more nothing!!...is what Fleet Marines go through in combat operations 24/7 by closing with America's enemies, etc...Nicholson tries his darndest to bring this sailent point home with alacrity, "You Want Me On That Wall..You...NEED... Me On That Wall!!!"...he's right on, folks.....give the devil his due...as for the final fadeout, Nicholson's character gets his just reward of due process of the Military Code of Justice...but, I say again...Nicholson's portrayal as a FMF Marine Colonel is colossal by the fact, how the United States Marine Marine Corps' commitment to duty, honor and country allows all Americans to go about their daily rush of life in peace and at days end, sleep the good sleep while the USMC guards the ramparts like no other, since 1775...a very good cast begets a great show!!....Semper Fidelis...SSGT CHRIS SARNO-USMC FMF

memorable.......2007-03-15

This movie is very good, especially for it's memorable moments in the end. It is a nice window into the lives of our military people and how honor and obediance play into their lives.

Average customer rating:

EXCELLENT FOLLOW-UP - GREAT CHARACTERS
Magnificent Dvds of "Aliens" movie
Extended Edition/Director's Cut Superior To Original
Aliens
Marketing ploy to enjoy

Aliens (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
Starring: Sigourney Weaver , Carrie Henn , Michael Biehn , Lance Henriksen , and Paul Reiser
Director: James Cameron
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00012FXAE
Release Date: 2004-01-06

Description

In this action-packed sequel to Alien, Sigourney Weaver returns as Ripley, the only survivor from mankind's first encounter with the monstrous Alien. Her account of the Alien and the fate of her crew are received with skepticism - until the mysterious disappearance of colonists on LV-426 leads her to join a team of high-tech colonial marines sent in to investigate.

Personally supervised by director James Cameron, this special edition includes scenes eliminated prior to the film's 1986 release which broaden the narrative scope and enrich the emotional impact of the film.

Customer Reviews:

EXCELLENT FOLLOW-UP - GREAT CHARACTERS.......2007-09-13

For the most part I have liked most Sci-Fi movies.
Aliens [the trilogy]not having seen the fourth, is fast becoming a classic.

Ridley, in her bvd's must have tickled many a guy's imagination. And I sure could understand her dread of returning to the infected planet.
What is strange is that the idiots who press her into joining the return discount her tale of distruction. Of course it is the Company that drives the mission into the "rescue" of the settlers.

Until Ridley finds out that the Company still wants a live capture of an Alien. Bishop is a much improved counterpart to Ash in the first movie, he cannot harm a human. Lance made Bishop come alive.

The little girl became a counter-drive of the movie - a definite reason to escape the Aliens or destroy them. The poor Marines [elite force] were led to the slaughter. But even they held out nicely.

The little girl's mannerism were endearing - and what expressions.
I was hoping that the last remaining characters were going to come out of the escape alive. Bummer.

Great characters - fast action - lovely Aliens? - nasty Company men - will be watching it again in the future.

Don't care for all the technical jargon of the movies short-comings or as a review - who cares? the movie is for entertainment.

DEFINITELY RECOMMEND - AGAIN not for those prone to nightmares.

Magnificent Dvds of "Aliens" movie.......2007-09-11

"Aliens" is in my 10 Top all time favorite Science Fiction movies. So I wanted to get it on DVD. Glad I did! This set is Magnificent. Not only do you get Lots of extra deleted scenes from original movie showing, but you get an extra disc with Super Great interviews with actors such a Sigourney Weaver and Michael Biehn not only while working on the original movie but from recently looking back. I recommend this dvd set highly to anyone who likes James Cameron movies too. As he is the consumate Producer/Director as you can see from his other fine movies, Titanic and other sci fi movies.

Extended Edition/Director's Cut Superior To Original.......2007-07-31

Cameron's excellent film is now made even better by adding fundamental elements that make more of an emotional connection to Ripley. With the added material we get essential information on just WHY she connected to Newt so strongly. Seeing Newt with her parents and brother on the planet adds a wonderful new dimension to an already outstanding film. As Cameron says in the introduction (at least there's one on my quadrilogy set) "this is the ride we intended you to take" and what a far more richer ride it is.

Aliens.......2007-07-06

James Cameron's big-budget, special-effects-driven sequel to Ridley Scott's "Alien" might lack the carefully orchestrated tension of its predecessor, but its unrelenting pace and Weaver's smart, tough performance carry the film into its own nightmare orbit. Essentially an action film pitting a squad of scared, trigger-happy grunts against a teeming nest of truly frightening monsters, "Aliens" benefits from its superb small cast--including Lance Henriksen and comic Paul Reiser playing against type as a devious corporate slime-ball--as well as director Cameron's breathless pacing and air-tight direction. Just wait til Mother arrives!

Marketing ploy to enjoy.......2007-06-16

If you're not the type to run out and replace your VCR collection as soon as the new format arrives, you probably appreciate a slightly clever ploy to spring for a new version of a classic. An additional 17 minutes of film may seem little justification for this expensive proposition. But seeing the slimey xenomorphs on DVD is reward enough for a fan. The discs include the theatrical release and the director's cut along with other extras, which include an interview with director James Cameron. Cameron dwells excessively on his strained patience dealing with a British film crew. His comments may reveal insight into Cameron's choice to forgo taking the director's seat for the third film (which received some critical acclaim but disappointed fans).

I originally screened Aliens in the theater in July 1986. I remember watching the credits roll with the powerful soundtrack that kept the heart pounding as the last of the text disappeared. Even with the lights coming up, the sound of a slithering alien sent chills down my spine. Sadly, this part of the track is missing from this set.

Successive viewings have not spoiled enjoyment of this finely crafted script and its special effects. Rubber suits, scale models and puppetry have never been used to such great effect. The scenes involving the "drop ship" are stunning. The breathless sequence that takes the drop ship from the mother ship to the planet's surface is but one of many that make this nightmare so real.

Few pauses and a lot of action pace this relentless story. Cameron's decision to write Marines into the confrontation was nothing shy of genius. The Marines think they're heading to a "bug hunt." Bill Paxton's Hudson, who provides comedic relief, describes the array of weaponry they bring. But for all the techno gadetry and fire power, the Marines find themselves stranded amid an army of aliens intent on making them hosts for more bugs. Sigourney Weaver's Ripley, whom we didn't know was a parent from the original release, provides a first-rate performance in the escape ahead of the massing aliens.

Cameron's tip of the hat to Hitchcock is one the best moments in cinematic history. The confrontation in the bowels of the disintegrating atmosphere generating plant is as disturbing as anything science fiction has to offer. Not since Hitchcock's "The Birds" has there been anything like it. And, there's more. The final battle with the queen alien is a masterpiece of action filming. Not until the survivors are snuggly tucked into their cryotubes, do we finally get to gasp a sigh of relief.

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Honor Above War, Love Above Loyalty
'Between the Wind and the Lion is the woman. For her, half the world may go to war.'
The Wind and the Lion
luis g caliz
SEAN CONNERY? AN ARAB TRIBAL EADER??

The Wind and the Lion
Starring: Chris Aller , Luis Barboo , Deborah Baxter , Candice Bergen , and Sean Connery
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0000EYUCK
Release Date: 2004-01-06

Amazon.com

The up-and-down career of director John Milius had no finer moment than The Wind and the Lion, a dandy adventure tale. It's based on fact: An American (played by Candice Bergen) and her two children were kidnapped in 1904 Morocco by a Berber tribe, an international incident settled by President Theodore Roosevelt's "big stick" military muscle. The film's sweep and swagger are unabashedly old-fashioned, even as Milius occasionally pokes fun at the grand characters. Some of the peripheral material is sloppy, but as long as Milius keeps his sights locked on the two powerful protagonists, he's dead-on: Brian Keith makes a gutsy Roosevelt, and Sean Connery is in splendid form (with Scots accent in place--got a problem with that?) as the dashing Berber chieftain. Perhaps overshadowed by John Huston's The Man Who Would be King the same year (Huston plays advisor John Hay in this one), Wind makes a marvelous companion piece. --Robert Horton

Description

An American is kidnapped by a rebellious Arab chieftain, principally as a means to embarrass the Sultan of Morocco. This abduction sparks the threat of armed intervention by President Theodore Roosevelt.

Customer Reviews:

Honor Above War, Love Above Loyalty.......2007-08-25

I sometimes tire of non-fiction (reality) and escape into DVDs, but many of them are either reality or a sembalnce of reality that merits respect. This is such a film.

I would also add a note of caution to those who would demean this film as "corny." NOT right. This film was ahead of its time. In this film, the moderate Islamists (represented by Sean Connery) are upset with foreign presence (Western Europe), and the USA with its bully Theodore and its aggressive Marines, are in the wrong until the Marines are led back on track by the female American protagonist (Candice Bergen) and free the Lion of Islam to fight again.

TAKEAWAY: Americans can be, are, morally wrong (as are all immoral predatory nations), and moderate Islamists are, in their own place that we have invaded, morally correct. Our God is NOT, as LtGen Jerry Boykin, one of my top five greatest generals ever (out of 75 or so I have known, most never more than a Colonel with a facelift) greater than theirs. Our God is CO-Equal to theirs, and the sooner we put Dick Cheney and Henry Kissinger behind bars, the sooner we eliminate our 750 bases overseas, the sooner the world can restore balance. Legitimacy and morality are the two strategic pillars that America has abondoned its in prostitution to Saudi oil and 42 of 44 dictators, and we can never be America the Beautiful, America the Good, unless we right ourselves.

As a patriotic estranges Republican I will say this clearly: America and Israel are the scourges of the world, followed by Saudi Aribia. We have sown the dragon's teeth, and I weep for what we have become: virtual colonialists, unilateralist military confusing might with right, and a cheating culture that ignores the class war led by our predatory immoral Wall Street band of merry thieves laundering drug money and covering up the complicity of Dick Cheney and Rudy Gulliani in the murder of most who died on 9-11 from controlled demolitions (NYC) or a missile (the Pentagon).

Where, or where, is the American Eagle that we need so desperately? See the image I have posted above to understand where we need to go if our children, if all children, are to have a future.

Other DVDs (see also my lists):
Tibet - Cry of the Snow Lion
Why We Fight
Gandhi (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition)
The Last Samurai (Full Screen Edition)

'Between the Wind and the Lion is the woman. For her, half the world may go to war.'.......2007-08-23

For me, The Wind and the Lion is one of the great adventure films of all time (rather than an action movie per se) and certainly has the best script of the 70s, managing to combine adventure, myth, romance, wit and political cynicism while creating memorable characters and driving the story forward. Its influences are clearly noticeable, and all acknowledged by writer-director John Milius: the children's behavior is straight out of A High Wind in Jamaica, the superb beach sequence inspired by another horseback swordfight in The Hidden Fortress (Kurosawa is a big Milius influence elsewhere in the film as well) while the finale throws in a tip of the hat, both musically and visually, to The Wild Bunch. But unlike a Tarantino grab-bag of favorite movie moments, Milius manages to make something unique of his own out of them all in this highly romanticised tale of an American woman (Candice Bergen) and her children kidnapped by an Arab leader (Sean Connery) in Morocco in 1904 that became an international incident that briefly threatened to turn into a war as Teddy Roosevelt (Brian Keith) used it as a rallying cry during his election campaign. But as the Americans and European powers that control the region rattle sabres, hostage and captive form a real friendship they'll risk anything for.

As for Connery's casting... Well, it makes a change to cast a Scot as a north of the border Berber - up until then Hollywood usually cast Welsh actors like Hugh Griffiths as Arabs. Yes, you do laugh when you first hear him speak, but after his line "I am the Raisuli - you will not laugh at me again!", you won't. Accent or not, this is one of his most likeable and charismatic performances, proving himself one of the few actors with enough presence for the epic genre. He's well-matched by Brian Keith's blustering but self-aware Roosevelt, the film building up a growing relationship of mutual respect between the two leaders from different sides of the world who never meet that threatens to make more of an impact than Connery's sparring with Bergen. Connery's The Man Who Would Be King director John Huston offers a good supporting turn as Roosevelt's Secretary of State John Hay, while Jerry Goldsmith's exciting and richly romantic scores is indeed one of the all-time greats. Splendid entertainment in every way.

Warners' DVD is the best presentation of the film to date, offering a fine 2.35:1 widescreen transfer, a vintage making of featurette, theatrical trailer and typically engaging commentary from John Milius.

The Wind and the Lion.......2007-08-09

One of the greatest ever---action, history, romance. Sean Connery and
Candice Bergin are superb together. My highest recommendation.

luis g caliz.......2007-07-20

A good movie and if you think about it, very similar to events taking place in this days....

SEAN CONNERY? AN ARAB TRIBAL EADER??.......2007-05-21

Only Sean Connery, with his thick, albeit familiar accent could pull off a role such as this, with Candace Bergen no less as the believeable heroine. Sprawling vistas, great cinematography, great soundtrack make this a must collector item for lovers of adventure films and historical epics. In spite of the beheadings (tastefully depicted) my entire family enjoyed the picture.

shullcat2003

Average customer rating:

DON'T BOTHER!
Interesting racial themes
Some Enchanted Movie
South Pacific
inspiring and beautiful

South Pacific (Collector's Edition)
Starring: Rossano Brazzi , Mitzi Gaynor , John Kerr (II) , Ray Walston , and Juanita Hall
Director: Joshua Logan
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000HT3PGK
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Amazon.com

The dazzling Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, brought to lush life by the director of the original stage version, Joshua Logan. Set on a remote island during the Second World War, South Pacific tracks two parallel romances: one between a Navy nurse (Mitzi Gaynor) "as corny as Kansas in August" and a wealthy French plantation owner (Rossano Brazzi), the other between a young American officer (John Kerr) and a native girl (France Nuyen). The theme of interracial love was still daring in 1958, and so was director Logan's decision to overlay emotional moments with tinted filters--a technique that misfires as often as it hits. The comic relief tends to fall flat, and an overly spunky Mitzi Gaynor is a poor substitute for the stage original's Mary Martin. But the location scenery on the Hawaiian island of Kauai is gorgeous, and the songs are among the finest in the American musical catalog: "Some Enchanted Evening," "Younger than Springtime," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair," "This Nearly Was Mine." That's Juanita Hall as the sly native trader Bloody Mary, singing the haunting tune that launched a thousand tiki bars, "Bali H'ai." Based on stories from James Michener's book Tales from the South Pacific. --Robert Horton

Description

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Academy Award -winning "South Pacific" is a towering musical masterpiece and the tender love story of a naïve young Navy nurse (Mitzi Gaynor) and an older French Plantation owner (Rossano Brazzi) on a U.S. occupied South Sea island. The breathtaking score is highlighted by some of the most romantic songs ever written: "Some Enchanted Evening," "There is Nothin' Like a Dame," "Younger Than Springtime" and more. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, South Pacific ranks among the most celebrated of Rodgers and Hammerstein's acclaimed musicals.

Customer Reviews:

DON'T BOTHER!.......2007-08-15

This is the worst rendition of a wonderful Broadway show I have ever seen.

What else can you say.

FOEGET IT.

It's the worst transition from a wonderful classic Broadway show I have ever seen.

It's a joke and it insults people's inteiiligence.

thia

Interesting racial themes.......2007-08-09

The Collectors Edition DVD set contains all that anyone interested in this movie could want.

I became familiar with all the South Pacific songs as a child but didn't actually watch the movie until middle-age. I found it unexpectedly strange but interesting - particularly the racist aspects of the story. Despite the soul searching, "you have to be taught to hate", etc it is still a product of its time. The brown wife of the white French planter is conveniently dead and the young American "Lieutenann" is also killed to avoid the embarrassment of miscegenation.

Some Enchanted Movie.......2007-07-18

I first saw SP on black and white TV in 1971 and '73 and was spellbound by the story and music. In 1978 while in New York City I saw an ad in the paper that it was showing at a movie theater in downtown Manhattan so I jumped at the opportunity. I was so glad I did because the theatrical experience is unforgettable. That soundtrack is done full justice in a big theater. You can see why SP got the Academy Award for "Achievement in Sound". Moreover, the big-screen experience, the gorgeous colors all come together beautifully. This happened again in 1986 at another special screening and I was lucky enought to repeat the experience.
Like others, I cannot understand why this film was criticized so harshly.
I found Mitzi Gaynor ideally suited for the part of Nellie. From the ecstatic heights of singing & dancing about being in love with "A Wonderful Guy" to depths of despair as she struggled with the demons of "Carefully Taught" racial prejudice, she conveyed the full range of emotions Nellie the Nurse experiences. The other actors were just as good. The movie packs an emotional wallop about bigotry that is bold for the time it was released and it darn near breaks your heart in the process.
It contains all the spectrum of emotions - laughter, tears, anger and of course love. Rodgers & Hammerstein's musicals certainly had what I would call "heart". They were not "fluffy" like the MGM musicals of the 40's. They had a message and the songs somehow stay with you longer. I find "South Pacific" one of the most haunting, but in a pleasant way. Like Bali H'ai, I long to visit my "special island" again and again via this film.

South Pacific.......2007-07-12

This is one of my most favorite movies. The DVD copy was a much better quality then the old VHS.

inspiring and beautiful.......2007-05-29

ignore all the bad reviews - just watch and enjoy - if for no other reason than to see Juanita Hall give a great performance......a tremendous film with flaws but in this case it doesn't matter.

Average customer rating:

streets of fire
Streets of Fire
A rock n roll Fable
A Great and Funny Entertainment
Streets of Fire

Streets of Fire
Starring: Michael Paré , Diane Lane , Rick Moranis , Amy Madigan , and Willem Dafoe
Director: Walter Hill
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0783227876
Release Date: 1998-07-22

Amazon.com

Walter Hill's updated (1984), highly stylized take on biker movies still looks like a determinedly eccentric project that happens to work at times, but not at others. Michael Paré plays a biker who agrees to rescue his ex-girlfriend (a rocker played by Diane Lane) from kidnappers (led by Willem Dafoe). The ensuing battle against a nocturnal background of industrial blight, chrome, and loud music is like some fever dream of a Springsteen fan who listened to the song "Born to Run" far too often. The audacity of the film carries it a long way even after it becomes clear that Hill's experiment is crumbling under its own weight. Dafoe, who looked even spookier back then than he does now, is memorable, as are Amy Madigan and Rick Moranis. Music is by Ry Cooder, with an appearance by the Blasters. The DVD release has a widescreen presentation, optional French soundtrack, optional Spanish subtitles. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

streets of fire.......2007-09-04

I just love this movie, so happy that i could purchase this and own it

Streets of Fire.......2007-08-30

I love the movie and consider it a cult classic. Lots of famous stars that I love to see when they were younger.

A rock n roll Fable.......2007-08-11

It is amazing how many of the actors in this movie are all over the movie industry. Fun story and great music. Had to have a copy to show people that have never seen it.

A Great and Funny Entertainment.......2007-08-06

This is a very good tale, and Walter Hill relates it with all the "clichés" that the story needs. Is a matter of honor. The characters are what you expect from them, the bad is really a bad guy, the anti-heroe is very stupid, the girl is a little fool, very pretty and interested in her carrer. The hero is perfect, when he travells by train, he is in the train ALONE. It's a perfect combination of music, motorcycle, leather's jackets and action, honor, blues & Rock & Roll. Enjoy it.

Streets of Fire.......2007-07-13

Streets of Fire is a great movie to have.Lot of action in it.Michael Pare is a great actor in it rescuing his ex-girlfriend.I watched this movie years ago and found it here on Amazon and decided to get it because of a good memory of the movie.This movie is a enjoyable movie to watch

Average customer rating:

First rate product and service!
Heartbreak Ridge
Clint Deserved a Promotion
Clint Eastwood & the old breed of Marines
Excellent Movie

Heartbreak Ridge
Starring: John Eames , Ramón Franco , Boyd Gaines , Mike Gomez , and Moses Gunn
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JL1V
Release Date: 2002-10-01

Amazon.com essential video

The controversial, Reagan-era invasion of Grenada by U.S. troops is, oddly enough, at the center of this initially interesting story of a seasoned Marine sergeant (Clint Eastwood) routinely insulted by younger officers for being a symbol of the war that America "lost" in Vietnam. Looking for both a victory and a little redemption, Eastwood's character trains a squadron of scrappy pups and turns them into fighting grunts, just in time to follow White House orders and take the little island. Marsha Mason plays Eastwood's love interest, and Mario Van Peebles is funny as an undisciplined con artist who joins Clint's men and finally catches the spirit after getting his butt kicked a few times. --Tom Keogh

Description

After serving in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway finds himself with a collection of medals and no war to fight. Training a new group of Marines that are more green than mean, Highway complicates matters by attempting to reconcile with his former wife, Aggie. Rekindling the spark in his failed marriage won't be easy with a crisis brewing in Grenada and his pathetic platoon far from ready.

DVD Features:
Filmographies:Cast/Screenwriter Film Highlights
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

First rate product and service!.......2007-08-04

My product arrive as advertised by the seller in excellent condition. And the price was very reasonable.

Heartbreak Ridge.......2007-08-01

Being a military person myself, I must admit I've ran into a few people whom actually live like this... it's all they live for and most go overboard with it - so to see Gunny show some care for his troops was good. I love this movie for many reasons, Mario Van whatever is not one of them.

Clint Deserved a Promotion.......2007-07-20

Clint Eastwood's "Heartbreak Ridge" is an outstanding movie that was actually ahead of its time in giving us insight into how much one has to sacrifice when completing a career in the military. The movie is set in 1983, and Eastwood plays a grizzled gunnery sergeant in the USMC. He's been in just about every conflict since the battle on the frozen hill of Korea, from which the title is taken. It's a pretty typical military movie, with veteran Clint taking a bunch of low performing gyrines and whipping them into a top-notch unit. The characters are well cast, espeically the commanding officer, who gets his just desserts in a one-on-one faceoff with Eastwood. The subplot, detailing Eastwood's failed marriage to gorgeous Marsha Mason is perfectly handled as well. You can't help rooting for Clint and her to get back together, but the relationship is handled in very adult manner, leaving that question unanswered untilthe final sequence. The climax, set against the backdrop of the Granada invasion, reminds us all of the high risks our soldiers take to every day keep us all free. It also marks the transitionary phase toward increased professionalism our military was going through during the years of neglect after the fall of Saigon. As a vet who served during that time, I felt especially vindicated when I first saw this movie back when it was released in the theaters. Although I suspect it never got its due from the critics, it's a classic and can be enjoyed over and over. Great job, Clint.

Clint Eastwood & the old breed of Marines.......2007-05-13

This is a wonderful movie...showing the difference between the "old breed" and "new breed" of marines. I have seen this MANY times. I know some of the quotes by heart, and started using one of them from time to time.

Excellent Movie.......2007-01-15

I bought this for my brother because he wanted it. We ended up watching it and I was really pulled into this movie. This is not your typical war movie, but more about how Clint transforms a bunch of poor soldiers into fighting men. A fine movie!

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THE APEX OF THE ALIEN FILMS
They come mostly at night ... mostly.
Overall good, but boring at times
A classic science fiction movie with Sigourney Weaver at her best
A brilliant sequel

Aliens (Special Edition)
Starring: Sigourney Weaver , Carrie Henn , Michael Biehn , Lance Henriksen , and Paul Reiser
Director: James Cameron
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00000ILDE
Release Date: 1999-06-01

Description

Customer Reviews:

THE APEX OF THE ALIEN FILMS.......2007-08-31

This is by far and away the best of the Alien films: it is frankly one of the best sci fi movies of all time, it is simply perfect. The creature is the coolest ever created in the sci fi genre and Weaver rocks are the protagonist anti hero, Ripley. This will have you on the edge of your seat: not for the weak at heart. Highly recommend; if i could give it ten stars i would.

They come mostly at night ... mostly........2007-08-26

One of my all time favorites that I first saw in a theater and have watched on VCR and DVD many times since. Glad to see the restored intro scene where Newt's family rediscovers the aliens (the hard way), because I always enjoy Carrie Henn's scenes. (I know Newt irritates the hell out of some people, but I like the character.) She got her share of quotable (cliched? no, quotable) dialogue, too: "I guess we're not leaving, right?" (as alien infested shuttle crashes and burns) "Why do they tell little kids that?" (that there are no real monsters) "Can I dream?" (closing lines) "Aiiieeeeee!" (whenever confronted by aliens)

Overall good, but boring at times.......2007-08-21

Most people personally choose this as their favorite in the "Alien" series. It does a great job of expanding on the Ridley Scott original, but I think the movie is extremely slow and boring at times.

However, you can't deny how this movie does have the most props. The APC, guns everywhere, flame throwers, movement sensor guns, and of course lots of focus on the movement detectors. These really help build the movie and add a lot to the setting.

But seriously. What is with Bill Paxton whining like a baby. I can't stop thinking of him when he played "Chet" in the movie "Weird Science". Especially during the part where he is crying "GAMEOVER MAN". He's a SPACE MARINE. Sigourney Weaver is more of a man than Bill Paxton in this movie.

Paul Riser is especially hard to watch, probably because when I see him I think about his later performance on the sitcom "Mad About You". I think a better actor could have easily been picked for his part. He almost has a lovable look instead of someone I want to hate.

Much of the dialogue is pretty bad in my opinion. The way the movie is shot makes small scenes explode on the screen, which is awesome. But the smaller scenes tend to drag on.

Overall, this movie is a must see. Do yourself a favor and see the original "Alien" movie before seeing this. If you enjoy both, try "Alien 3" and "Resurrection". I personally prefer those to this movie by far (visually and in terms of dialogue / characters).

A classic science fiction movie with Sigourney Weaver at her best.......2007-05-17

It is very rare that we have the chance to see a science fiction movie where part two of the movie was better than part one. This is that kind of movie. If you are a fan of science fiction movies then you must add this one to your collection. Although this one was better than the first (Alien 1979), you'll still want to add the first one to your collection as another science fiction classic.

A brilliant sequel.......2007-04-19

James Cameron directed one of the most exciting and fascinating SF action adventure films ever made in Aliens. Not only does the story flow seamlessly from the first film of the series, Alien, but the characters, special effects and directorial pacing cause the film to pound like a sledge hammer from start to finish. The action is nearly non-stop once it begins and the character of Ripley as all protagonists should be, is driven further and further up that tree of absolute peril until you are just sure she'll be torn limb from limb. The grisly antagonists drive the action with such relentless power that the screen seems to come alive with their swarming malice. No surprise there though, since these monsters were dreamt up by Dan O'Bannon and Ron Shusett and brought to organic, ghastly life by the artist and sculptor H.R. Giger. If you haven't seen it, see it. If you've seen it already, see it again and tune into the finer cinematic touches that make the danger so palpable, especially the sound.

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Flashdance movie
Love This Music
Dynamic, fun, and spicy
Way before my time but still pretty cool for an 80's movie!
:-(

Flashdance
Starring: Belinda Bauer , Jennifer Beals , Bettina Birnbaum , Don Brockett , and Philip Bruns
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JKG5
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Amazon.com

That Oscar-winning title song buzzes in your ears long after the movie has stopped. The attraction here is youthful spirit and a pulsating score, because the weak story is merely a conduit for the song-and-dance numbers. The plot is every young woman's daydream come true. Jennifer Beals holds down a macho job as a welder by day, but performs erotic dance numbers in a club at night. It's not a strip club, so her morality remains intact. She dates her wealthy boss (Michael Nouri) and practices hard for the day she can audition for the upscale, local dance school, even though she has no formal training. It is malarkey, of course, unless you view this as total romantic fantasy. It works because you are carried along by the sheer force of the energetic, boisterous, MTV-style imagery by director Adrian Lyne. Beals is a plus as the stubborn, pouty, somewhat eccentric young woman made all the more interesting for her driving ambition. In the end, she is aided by her Prince Charming, who arrives bearing favors. Mind you, this is not the same as a rescue, as Beals is one rather tough damsel who does just fine on her own. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

Flashdance movie.......2007-08-11

Saw this when it came out several years ago and wanted to see again. Love the music!

Love This Music.......2007-05-10

I just have to have this movie. I am slowly buying movies I like on DVD. On most occassions, I also buy the CD.

Dynamic, fun, and spicy.......2007-03-30

If you like music, dance, and romance, I'm sure you will like this movie. It won a couple of Oscars for best original score and best original song. Jennifer Beals was also nominated as best actress. I very much enjoyed the dance scenes and music. As a matter of fact I watched the final dance scene over and over. Last but not least, the plot holds your interest. It emphasizes following your dreams and never giving up. Great flick!

Way before my time but still pretty cool for an 80's movie!.......2007-02-01

The 80's produced some of the corniest movies of all time but I must admit, this one was not bad. I think this movie was more of a trendy film and a cultural statement than a masterpiece. It's about a young woman named Alex who is a steel worker by day and an exotic (non nude) dancer by night. She dreams of becoming a professional dancer one day but has no formal training. A very cool scene is when she goes to the snooty dance school to apply and is wearing dirty work boots among all the elegant dancers and she runs out of the building because she is so intimidated. Alex ends up dating a rich guy, which makes for some clever lines and funny scenes. I think Jennifer Beals is gorgeous in this movie and in great shape! Overall, this is a movie that was great in it's day not because of a huge budget or great acting (though the acting is pretty good) but because it made a huge statement and influenced fashions of the 80's. The message here is: You can do anything you put your mind to and should not be afraid to strive for the things you dream of! I also liked the fact that this was made in a time when strong female characters were just becoming popular. Don't watch this movie if you want something deep and meaningful. This is more of a nostalgic and 'fun' movie for when you want something not-so-serious. The movie has a refreshing innocence about it. I found it to be very inspirational and I thought it had a positive message for women. Honestly, it made me want to cut the collar out of my sweatshirt so it hangs over one shoulder, throw on a pair of spandex and leg-warmers and hit the gym and accomplish some of MY goals! I thought this was a cute movie (even though it's really outdated) and I would watch it again!

:-( .......2007-01-05

I bought this movie because it reminds me the 80's. But I just could'nt got "the feeling" It can't be seen. This movie advices only to be use on Region One in wich I am part of, my dvd player shows only the initial presentation and nothing more, not even the main menu. I wrote to the seller but never got an answer.

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