Standing In The Shadows of Motown

Amazon.com

Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a must-see film for any fan of the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, or any other classic Motown stars. This swinging documentary celebrates the Funk Brothers--the team of studio musicians who powered dozens and dozens of hit Motown songs--by combining reminiscences, reenactments, and clips from a recent concert put on by the Funk Brothers, featuring singers like Chaka Khan, Ben Harper, and Joan Osborne on classic tunes like "What's Going On," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," and "Heatwave." This crafty gang of elderly musicians will charm your pants off with a slew of entertaining anecdotes. Though it seems that there's a lot of dirt they're declining to dish, the movie deftly outlines the history of Motown, surely the most significant music label in American history--the label that turned segregated "race music" into chart-topping success. A soulful delight. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Detroit, Michigan, 1959. Berry Gordy gathers the best musicians from the city's thriving jazz and blues scene for his new record company: Motown. For the next 14 years these players are the heartbeat on "My Girl," "Baby Love," "Ooo Baby Baby," "Bernadette," "I Was Made To Love Her," "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," "Dancing In The Street," and every other hit from Motown's Detroit era. By the end of their phenomenal run, the unheralded group of musicians plays on more Number One hits than the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles combined, making them the greatest hit machine in the history of popular music. They call themselves the Funk Brothers. But no one knows their names...this is their story.

Customer Reviews:

Good Historical Information.......2007-07-14

It's about time that some of these artists finally get their recognition. It's not so much that they are such great performers, but their body of work is incredible

Funk.......2007-07-10

I'm not even a big fan of Motown records, but this film is something else. The Funk Brothers were the sessions players who played on a large percentage of the hits of the 60's and early 70's.
Sadly some of the key players died before this film was made but the remaining musicians get together and play. The contemparay film of them reformed playing motown classics is absolutely marvellous. It helps if you put the 5.1 sound on as well. The first performance brought me close to tears.

The documentary film is also interesting and the stories about the legendary bass player (who I had never heard of) James Jamerson and others are fascinating. I watched it three times in the first month of owning the DVD.

This is an essential music DVD for those interested in the history of Motown.

Do yourself a favor and get it.......2007-07-04

This might be the best 10 bucks you'll ever spend if you like Motown or heck if you like music. It leaves you wanting to know more and many of us who grew up with this music should know more. While some of their stories are heartbreaking it was a pleasure to see Pistol Allen smiling behind the drums even though he was so sick he would die shortly after the completion of the film. It was a sad moment too when two of the surviving brothers describe their last encounter with James Jamerson who would die the day after their visit. But there is fun too, fun for the Funk Brothers and fun for us as we are honored to hear these guys play and play they still can. The band is still very tight and very good. The vocalist do an admirable job of interpreting the hits. It would have been nice to have been graced with Marvin Gaye's and David Ruffin's presence but this is about the Funk Brothers and I for one am damn glad I got to see it.
Thanks to Dr. Lick's for putting this together.

Motown disappointment.......2007-06-27

I was looking forward to seeing the actual footage of the singers. I do appreciate the story of the fellows behind the artists but still, I think the video would have been more enjoyable had they included the actual singers.

FANTASTIC!.......2007-06-18

I rented this from Blockbuster,and immediately bought it. It's sooooo good and informative, I can't describe it. I loaned it to someone who stayed up until 2:00 a.m. to see the whole thing. There are absolutely great live performances from: the late Gerald Levert, (His "Shotgun" is outstanding) Me'shell Indegeocello (sp.)(who sexes up "You Really Got A Hold On Me"), Bootsy Collins, ("Cool Jerk"). Joan Osborne does a great ("What Becomes of the Broken Hearted") and Ben Harper all sing 2 songs. (The only performance I HATED was Ben Harper's "Heard it through the Grapevine"). Chaka Khan, Montell Jordan & Tom Scott also appear. The remaining "Funk Brothers" musicians who played behind the Motown groups,tell funny stories about each other, how they met, Berry Gordy and the label's performers. They even go to "Hitsville" where it all started. There are reinactments, and old photos. It's so good I've seen it at least six times. You will almost cry at the finale when they introduce everyone, even the musicians that have passed away. Their photos are on stage with the remaining members. There is a second disc of extras that I have yet to finish, but the movie itself is wonderful. I've watched it with Black and White people, young and old, and everyone loves it. Go get it. Now.

Average customer rating:

Amazing!!!
mandatory viewing
This may be all of us, after a cataclysm
Evocative film
Dark Days - Got Balls?

Dark Days
Director: Marc Singer
Manufacturer: Palm Pictures / Umvd
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005NSY6
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Amazon.com

For two years Marc Singer lived with the people who make their home in the tunnels beneath Penn Station in New York, creating an unflinching portrait of a part of society that is literally and figuratively beneath our notice.

"You'd be surprised what the human mind and body can adjust to," says Tito, one of the tunnel dwellers. He and his neighbors are homeless, but the tunnels offer them a degree of safety that doesn't exist on the streets above. In this strange place they manage to achieve a remarkable degree of domesticity, building shelters, keeping pets, and cooking meals.

Singer has an eye for telling images, such as Dee dragging a sofa along the train tracks like Sisyphus rolling his stone in Hell. With its grainy black-and-white photography and haunting soundtrack, this is a surprisingly beautiful film, but it is never sentimental, nor does it try to impose a false nobility on its subjects. Dark Days simply shows us a world that we never knew existed, and in this simplicity lies its power. --Simon Leake

Description

"Dark Days" is the multi-award winning documentary from Marc Singer about a community of homeless people living in a train tunnel beneath Manhattan. The film depicts a way of life that is unimaginable to most of those who walk the streets above. In the pitch black of the tunnel, rats swarm through piles of garbage as high-speed trains leaving Penn Station tear through the darkness. For some of those who have gone underground, it has been home for as long as twenty-five years. The director abandoned life on the outside to spend all of his time in the tunnels, making it his home for two years. Surprisingly entertaining and deeply moving, "Dark Days" is an eye-opening experience that shatters the myths of homelessness with the strength and universality of the people the film represents.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing!!!.......2007-06-19

This film is the antithesis of our seemingly endless obsession with the vacuous lives of rich and famous celebrities. This film examines the lives of people who are infinitely more interesting and far more resourceful than Paris Hilton or Oprah Winfrey could ever be. I must admit to not having the highest opinion of homeless people prior to seeing DARK DAYS, because I often felt like a magnet to which panhandlers were always attracted. It got to be a bit much at times. However, I now feel somewhat petty about getting angry with people who out of desperation (sometimes fueled by drug or alcohol problems) approached me for money. DARK DAYS opened my eyes to the plight of the homeless more than any other film I've seen. It did such a wonderful job of humanizing its subjects. When I watched the "making of" featurette on the DVD I understood how it accomplished that feat - the filmmaker lived among his homeless subjects in rat infested tunnels for an extended period of time and, in effect, became one of them. It's very obvious that he earned their respect and trust - something that really comes through in the film. In fact, I consider Marc Singer, the film's director, to be a remarkable human being. I sincerely believe he did this great work of art to help his homeless friends get out of the dark, dank tunnels in which so many of them lived for over a decade. My hat is off to Mr. Singer. What a great man!!

See this film. You won't regret it.

mandatory viewing.......2007-04-10

Consider this mandatory viewing. Forget Paris Hilton and all that crap; THIS is reality TV. I'm not sure how to describe it, but I promise you won't regret watching it. It is enlightening. (It's not all grim either, there is humor too.)

This may be all of us, after a cataclysm.......2007-03-29

Thoughtfully done by an apparent empath, without hurrying, without staging. The pace seems to faithfully replicate the actual days lived by each person who was kind enough to let us into their lives. Well done.

Evocative film.......2007-03-07

DARK DAYS goes underground to show how the mole people in the tunnels of New York city live. By showing the homes that they've built and their attempts to yield power over their lives DARK DAYS emphasizes the universal need we all share for a sense of home.

As we shift through the dark space of their world that is at once claustrophobic and cavernous, we see the mundane rituals of ordinary life play out: cooking, raising pets, cleaning, and showering. The men (and one woman) of this film speak of a life lived autonomous from societal intervention. One senses that the filmmaker, and more adamantly the homeless themselves, are trying to convince us that here in the subterranean garbage disposal of life, their needs are being provided for by the trash of the world that is chewed up and spit out. In the film, these leftovers become a metaphor for the people themselves - as they revel in finding a treasure of discarded donuts, or show their opportunist nature by collecting cans for cash to buy heroin. As our waste becomes their livelihood, we start to see them more and more as individuals. "We're not homeless," one man tells us, "homeless is when you don't have a home." But then his friend corrects him. "Nah, you're still homeless. You just ain't helpless." But as the film progresses, we start to perceive something in the darkness, something invisible around the edges that keeps them buried underground; it's their addiction to drugs, and the memories of past lives that are fraught with anguish and suffering. They are lost souls - shadow people moving through an ethereal, timeless landscape.

I highly recommend this film.

Dark Days - Got Balls?.......2006-10-27

People live in the NYC subway. Are you freaking serious? That's awesome! We should all aplaud Marc Singer for making this documentary about real people who live down there. Why? Because I sure as hell wouldn't do it. Have you ever seen a NYC rat? They could eat your foot. Cinematically it doesn't even matter because the story is enough, but Singer does a great job given the circumstances. He even won the cinematography award at Sundance in 2000. I was a little shocked by that one. Just validates the expression, "only two kinds of people can afford to live in New York, millionaires and the homeless." I don't know who said that.

Average customer rating:

Great, interesting, but not completely comprehensive
Absolutely Essential!
A genuine treat
Good documentary, but came up short in the trenches..
some very good points

Scratch (Ws Dol Dts)
Starring: Yoga Frog , DJ Swamp , DJ Premier , Mix Master Mike , and Frank Cuevas
Director: Doug Pray
Manufacturer: Palm Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00006AL1G
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Amazon.com

In the language of hip-hop, the MC raps on top of the beats. The DJ--or turntablist--supplies the beats. Doug Pray's lively documentary is a tribute to these unsung heroes of the "scratch." His approach is neither dry nor academic and is designed as much for the masters of the form as for the fans. Pray was also behind Hype!, which focused on the Seattle scene in the 1980s and 1990s. In his 2002 follow-up, he travels as far back as the 1970s (DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa) and roams the U.S. from New York (Gang Starr's DJ Premier) to the Bay Area (DJ Shadow, Q-Bert). After watching the film and grooving to the beat, you're likely to wonder if there's a soundtrack to accompany it. Fortunately, there is--Bill Laswell, producer of Herbie Hancock's seminal "Rockit," is behind a compilation featuring many of the same artists celebrated in Scratch. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

Director Doug Pray (Hype) pays tribute to the innovative art of DJing in the electrifying documentary Scratch. Featuring the most legendary figures in the DJ scene, Pray's film is at once a deeply insightful historical document and a highly entertaining glimpse into the world of underground hip-hop. Modern luminaries such as DJ Shadow, Mix Master Mike (of the Beastie Boys), DJ Q-bert, Rob Swift, and DJ Swamp are interviewed alongside living legends like Afrika Bambaataa, Jazzy Jay, and Grand Mixer DXT, in order to paint a broad, comprehensive picture of how DJing has evolved over the years.

Seamlessly cutting between interviews and actual footage filmed at several high-profile DJing contests including Skratchcon 2000 and the DMC U.S. Finals, Pray's film is a must-see for both seasoned fans and the uninitiated, a celebration of one of the late-20th century's most thrilling, original musical movements.

Customer Reviews:

Great, interesting, but not completely comprehensive.......2007-06-10

I would have liked to see this be more up to date, and a bit more comprehensive. The DVD case lists DJ Krush (whom I am a fan of) as one of the DJ's featured, but it only very quickly just shows him and mentions his name which I thought was a bit cheap. The piece on DJ Shadow was interesting. I like the different aspects the movie covers: technical, social, history, as well as a taste of some of the personalities.

DVD extras are interesting. Particularly some of the instructional how-to stuff. Almost makes me want to get some equipment and try it!

Absolutely Essential!.......2007-02-07

Goes down in my favorite hip-hop videos of all time.

My favorites are this, breakin, breakin 2, and freshest kids.

This actually helped lead me into breakdancing. From there I got How To Do The Robot - Breakdance Instructional DVD or Top 20 Breakdance Moves. These ones turned me from a hip-hop spectator into a serious breakdancer.

All of these are essential!

A genuine treat.......2007-01-12

From the opening sequence to the closing credits, this DVD presents the story of Hip Hop from its roots to present day. Impressive performances, interesting interviews and chock full of the people who made the music that influcenced almost all popular music of today. A must-see for any true Hip Hop fan.

Good documentary, but came up short in the trenches.........2006-05-13

This is a good documentary and I can appreciate that it was done since none of the pioneers put one out(like Crazy legz did for Freshest Kids). This documentary is more towards the general audience that don't have any knowledge of DJ'in or hip hop. But us old school guys won't get much out of it.

It focused more on the current DJ's rather than the history. They could have given the pioneers in NY alot more time, and then included the pioneers from California, and Miami. Starting off in L.A. with Joe Cooley, Dr Dre., Uncle Jamms ARmy, Unknown DJ etc. Then move up to Northern California would have been nice to see something about Cameron Paul, the IMAGINE Battles, then they could have brought in QBert. Qbert was on here, but there was no mention of the IMAGINE battles in the San Francisco bay area during the 1980's, im sure these battles where part of Q-Bert's inspirations. Back to Miami, they could have shown Gigilo Tony, MC ADE, Magic Mike, etc. these DJ's from the 80's especially had a huge influence on scratching. They could have easily included a small portion showing the rise of Freestyle music. The last section of the documentary, could have then focused on the DJ's of today.

Overall, its decent, but falls short on a history lesson and us old schoolers wont' get much out of it.

some very good points .......2005-09-02

all of the above have good info, and I agree I would like to see a more varied mix, but show it to someone who has no idea about the scene, and they will be impressed.

Thunderbirds Are Go (International Rescue Edition)

Average customer rating:

My four year old loves it!
Thunderbirds are Go!
If you're a fan, get it!
One of Gerry & Sylvia Anderson's Best Supermarionations
THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thunderbirds Are Go (International Rescue Edition)
Starring: Sylvia Anderson , Ray Barrett , Alexander Davion , Peter Dyneley , and Christine Finn
Director: David Lane
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: B00020X85M
Release Date: 2004-07-20

Amazon.com

Inspired by such disparate influences as Bonanza, James Bond, and the pop culture of '60s London, Thunderbirds burst onto the British television scene in 1964. The Tracey family of International Rescue consisted of retired astronaut and widower Jeff (a dead ringer for John Forsythe), and his five sons, each with his own Thunderbird rocket ship. They were assisted in their operations by the likes of Phil Spector look-alike Brains and Lady Penelope of the pink Rolls and baggy-faced chauffeur, Parker. The Hood, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the Yul Brynner of The King and I, is their archenemy. Thunderbirds Are Go was creator Gerry Anderson's first full-length feature. If the pacing is uneven and the supermarionettes (electronic puppets) not as expressive as the Claymation figures, it's an entertaining introduction nonetheless. The plot doesn't make much sense, but the special effects by Derek Meddings, who would provide the miniatures for several Bond features, hold up surprisingly well. And some of the set pieces are a real treat, particularly the Mars rescue and the dream trip to the Swinging Star, a cross between a '50s drive-in and a Christmas tree ornament. Cliff Richard and the Shadows contribute a couple of groovy numbers and perform--marionette style--at the Star for the entertainment of youngest son Alan (the "Little Joe" of the family) and the stylish Penelope, a plasticene version of Julie Christie. That surrealistic sequence alone is worth the price of admission. (Ages 5 to 12) --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

Blast off into interplanetary adventure with the first feature-length film starring the International Rescue team: millionaire ex-astronaut Jeff Tracy, his five stalwart sons, the fabulous secret agent Lady Penelope and, of course, their incredibly futuristic fleet of Thunderbird rescue ships! When the might spaceship Zero X is sabotaged on its first take-off for Mars, International Rescue is summoned to provide security for the second launch attempt. But after the ship successfully reaches its destination, it is attacked by rampaging alien life forms! Once again, the brave and resourceful International Rescue team is called into action. Can the team help the damaged ship re-enter Earth's atmosphere and prevent a crash-landing with devastating consequences?

Customer Reviews:

My four year old loves it!.......2007-01-20

This is a classic collection of the old Thunderbirds - marionette wires and all. My four year old son invites all of his neighborhood buddies to watch - all have become huge fans.

Hours of peace and quiet. A parent's dream.

Thunderbirds are Go!.......2006-07-03

I read a review that this dvd was worth the purchase if only for the dream sequence. That person was right, but really the whole thing was well worth the purchase. You have to watch the interviews at the end as well. Every person who watches this finds something interesting, entertaining and amazing in it.

If you're a fan, get it!.......2004-11-01

If you're a fan of the TV series, I guarantee you'll love this movie. It's all original material (no solar probe recycling), with a few fancy camera shots to show they have a budget. Plus, it has more of everything you love from the series: suspense, gaping plot holes, inane sci-babble, and utter hilarity. If you don't have it, what are you waiting for? GET IT NOW!

One of Gerry & Sylvia Anderson's Best Supermarionations.......2004-09-06

Between September 1965 and December 1966, British TV viewers had the opportunity to watch a program featuring a family (the Tracy's) represented by marionettes. The family members had devoted themselves to rescuing others (also played by marionettes) who had gotten themselves into various forms of trouble, usually due to some type of technical difficulty, weather or sabotage. Calling themselves "International Rescue", the Tracy family was more popularly known by the various high-tech vehicles that they used: the Thunderbirds, which was also the name of the TV program.

Consisting of 32 episodes (26 during its first season and 6 during its second), BBC-TV cancelled "The Thunderbirds" early into its second season. Knowing that their show had been cancelled, the show creators, Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, produced a feature length film entitled "Thunderbirds Are Go" that was released in British theaters 10 days before the final television episode aired on December 25, 1966. The film's fictional story was about the first manned space flight to Mars using a spacecraft called "Zero-X". On take-off, the Zero-X crashes. Two years later, an investigative committee concludes that the crash was due to sabotage. With the impending take-off of the second Zero-X mission, mission commanders decide to ask International Rescue for assistance with security. However, International Rescue has never provided security, as its mission has been limited to helping those who are already in trouble. After thinking it over, John Tracy (voice of Ray Barrett) decides to assist. Involved in the security efforts are Jeff Tracy (voice of Peter Dyneley), Gordon Tracy (voice of David Graham), Brains (voice also done by David Graham), Scott Tracy (voice of Shane Rimmer), Alan Tracy (voice Matt Zimmerman), Virgil Tracy (voice of Jeremy Wilkin), Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward (voice of Sylvia Anderson) and her chauffeur Parker (voice also by David Graham). After the launch of Zero-X, its crew makes an interesting discovery on Mars before returning to Earth; but their return landing may require the International Rescue's assistance again. Keeping up with what was then popular 1960's culture, the Anderson's created marionette versions of the British pop band "Cliff Richards and the Shadows" and featured the band's song "Shooting Star" in the film.

Two years after "Thunderbirds Are Go" was released, one more Thunderbirds feature-length film was released two years later: "Thunderbird Six". Though no new Thunderbirds episodes or feature-length films were ever made using Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's "supermarionation" technique, a steady cult following of the show that has lasted nearly 40 years brought about the production of a live-action version that was released in theaters in 2004. Aptly titled "Thunderbirds" and directed by long-time "Star Trek" actor Jonathan Frakes, the 2004 film did not live up to most Thunderbird aficionados' expectations.

Overall, I rate the 1966 supermarionation film "Thunderbirds Are Go" with 4 out of 5 stars. It continues to be a very entertaining film even after nearly 40 years, though it may seem somewhat campy by today's standards. Other TV series that the Anderson's successfully produced using supermarionation include "Supercar" (1960-1962, supermarionation), "Fireball XL5" (1962), "Captain Scarlett and the Mysterons" (1967) and "Joe 90" (1968). After that, the Anderson's started producing live-action TV series that include "U.F.O." (1970-1971) and the more familiar "Space: 1999" (1975-1977).

THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-07-28

, 4, 3, 2, 1 ...................... THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is an excellent movie guaranteed to entertain the entire family.
If you love famed SUPERMARIONATION creator Gerry Anderson's series THE THUNDERBIRDS, you will be in for a treat watching this movie. All the elements which made the series a huge hit is here in this movie.
This MOVIE was made just after The Thunderbirds television series was cancelled. Many of the props, puppets, vehicles etc appear in this movie, giving the movie a hidden lost episode FEEL. The DVD is in widescreen format as was released in movie theatres back in 1966. The DVD transfer is pretty clean, but since the movie was shot in 35mm format and letter-boxed back in '66, the movie is not as clear as one could hope for. I would say the quality is about the same as the television series, which is not too shabby. There is a few extras including about 3 short documentarys about the movie with interviews from Sylva Anderson. These interviews are OK, but I would have like to see more, They run very quick (about 10 minutes apeice).
The actual PLOT of THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO is not exactly very inventive. Some of the series premises and plots are rehashed, given a new coat of paint and reused. But, in my opinion, if you are a Thunderbirds fan, this movie is a MUST. You will enjoy it. Also, famed rock and rollers CLIFF RICHARD JR. and The SHADOWS appear in cameos as MARIONETTES !!!!!!!!! This is very strange. They even do a song which is very mid 60's Beatlish. and accompanying this some is a,, believe it or not, MUSIC MARIONETTE VIDEO of the whole band !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Trust me, it will put a smile on your face.
THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO is a MUST.

Average customer rating:

Shadow Magic
I really wanted to like this movie
For everyone learning to speak Chinese a real blessing
Universal themes wrapped in a unique package
Cinema Paradiso Chinese Style

Shadow Magic
Starring: Jared Harris , Yu Xia , Yufei Xing , Peiqi Liu , and Liping Lu
Director: Ann Hu
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005N5RN
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Customer Reviews:

Shadow Magic.......2006-11-10

What an interesting movie - a real find. Very intelligently written and beautifully executed, the movie "reflects" the birth of motion pictures and how mysterious and wonderful it appeared to people experiencing it for the first time.

I really wanted to like this movie.......2006-05-25

And there really is nothing wrong with it, other than I was maybe hoping for something really spectacular and intriguing, and what I got was kind of... dull. Shadow Magic is about one of the first introductions of movies to China. In SM the person doing the introducing is Raymond Wallace, an englishman who's wife had just recently left him. A young man named Liu, who is continually fascinated with western technology, allies himself next to Wallace to bring the movies, aka Shadow Magic, to China. Of course life is not easy, and it is tradition and the arranged marriage to the wrong woman that complicates matters. As I said earlier, I really wanted to like this movie. And honestly, I can't quite pin down what it was that disappointed me about it. It flows along at a considerable pace, and has that sweet sentmentality that countries like Ireland and England have practically put a copyright on. But I suppose I was expecting something more, and I was let down. Either which way, I would recommend this film for a historical aspect. But don't expect anything above average.

For everyone learning to speak Chinese a real blessing.......2006-05-25

I enjoyed the heck out of this movie, but even if I did not, the best part is that the Chinese spoken is easy to understand. The actors speak very clearly and the captioning actually is in the frames where the speaking occurs. The sound tracking is very clean. I have been watching a lot of Chinese films while I learn to speak Chinese.Too many times it is impossible to follow the voices. This film is great for voice clarity. speed of speaking, lack of complex sentences, and tracking. You can even hear the tonality of the language. A real blessing to begining suffering student.

Universal themes wrapped in a unique package.......2005-04-27

Only at the beginning of this movie do you strain with captions. As you progress they become almost second nature and you are transported into the story.

I was surprised as the basic story on the surface seems to tell of how people deal with new technology. This is the introduction of moving pictures or "Shadow Magic."

The reality of the story is the friendship of two people Raymond Wallace (Jared Harris), Liu Jinglun (Xia Yu), and their relation ship to others. Raymond is dumped by his wife for someone with money; yet finds his self and future in the making of film. Liu is in a rigid culture, including family and friends, which is trying to force him into marring a rich widow instead of the young aristocrat girl Liu Jinglun (Yufei Xing) he loves.
Can Liu over come the culture and individual prejudices or will he re-assimilate?
And what is to become of Raymond?

Though, short of a tear jerker, you will still get involved with their lives and marvel at the cinematography.

Cinema Paradiso Chinese Style.......2004-08-30

The material for this movie is good: a Westerner trying to strike it big in the Middle Kingdom a.k.a China by introducing Chinese to motion picture. The movie was set in the early 20th century as China was on the verge of Industrial Revolution and prior to destruction of Ching Dynasty. It was difficult for him to set up the business at first but through the help of a pro-Western and curious Chinese, motion picture gradually made its headway into the local scene. Personally, I feel that the motion picture is a metaphor of modern time. Naturally, there were Chinese who were reluctant to embrace motion picture because they felt that Chinese Opera Theatre had been going on since the beginning of time and thus, that should continue. Anyway, the movie touched upon the cultural difference between East and West. The Chinese character was coerced by his father to marry a wealthy widow who was significantly older than him. In the olden times, the son had no option but conformed out of obligation. However, the Western fellow (played by Jarred Harris) convinced the Chinese who had since become his best of friend that he should follow his heart, to pursue his dream lady the daughter of a revered Opera Singer of the time. Jarred's character explained further that it's perfectly okay to display his affection for the opposite sex. Then, there was mentioning about hierarchy difference. Whereas the Opera singer's daughter was rich, the Chinese was poor. Again, in the olden times, it was an impossibility to bridge the gap somewhat. As a movie would have it, it would build to a climax where circumstances tried the friendship between the Chinese and the Western guy, the new against the old, complacency against courage. Being a feel good movie, you can guess the rest. I really feel that this movie is much aligned with "Cinema Paradiso" as the scenes of Chinese watching motion picture for the first time was exactly how it set up in the Italian movie. Furthermore, the soundtrack utilised here is very much an Ernio Morricone rip-off. It is expected for such kind of movie to be slow-moving. It's unjust to compare this movie against Cinema Paradiso. Yet, it's also unfair that the story is put to us in a condescending way suggesting that that's exactly what's going on in China during that time. Naturally, there were touching moments but it's as if we have been down the same track before. I question the accuracy of the depiction. Is it the right kind of gramaphone used for the time? There's never any display of chaos when the country was supposed to be filled with soldiers of both East and West trying to curb the civil war and the colonisation of various Western powers. In this instance, Jarred Harris is THE only Westerner in the movie. Overall, a well-made movie but in a shallow kind of way. Recommended watching but not for everyone.

Jackie Chan Adventures - The Shadow of Shendu

Average customer rating:

Janyce and Shendu
Jackie Chan rocks!
Sometimes I wonder if reviewers even own the DVDs.
Dave's Review
Teasers missing - very disappointing

Jackie Chan Adventures - The Shadow of Shendu
Director: Phil Weinstein , and Frank Squillace
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00005V1X2
Release Date: 2002-03-05

Customer Reviews:

Janyce and Shendu.......2005-08-10

I have been trying to ration the Jackie Chan DVDs since it is no longer available on Saturday morning but I am sure that I will be more than satisfied!!!!

Jackie Chan rocks!.......2004-11-16

Jackie Chan you kick ass buddy! I love your new cartoon, its not only kick ass but its badass. I watch it every day at 7:00 AM when im 14 minutes late for school. By the way, I HATE SCHOOL, BUT JACKIE CHAN IS AWSOME!

Sometimes I wonder if reviewers even own the DVDs........2004-05-04

(...) Having taped Jackie Chan Adventures on both Kids WB! and Cartoon Network, and having recently purchased all three JCA DVDs used (never pay retail!) I can WITHOUT A DOUBT say that these episodes are intact. Much like Cartoon Network does, this DVD plays the opening credits, the show, the ending credits. Kids WB! plays approx. 90 sec. of the episode (the intro), then the opening credits, then the rest of the show, and then the ending credits. For example in the first episode on the first DVD, the opening theme/credits are played, then the 90 sec. intro which takes place in the castle (it is this part which Kids WB! would play before the opening credits, then the scene changes to Uncle's shop and the rest of the episode continues. Where these DVDs really deviate is by playing one opening credit, all three episodes in "movie format", then all three "Ask Jackie" spots and finally a combined ending credits. Strangely, though they use the opening theme music during the end credits as adopted in later seasons NOT the "Chan is the Man" song originally used.

(...).

All JCA episodes on these DVDs are intact, though why Columbia/Tri-Star (Sony distributes the show, but not the DVDs) chose to go with the "movie format" instead of just a straight-forward Episode 1, Episode 2, etc. and then stopped making the DVDs with Episode 9 is beyond me. I would like to see a Season One, Season Two, Season Three, and Season Four box set (especially since JCA has been picked up for a fifth season), hence my only giving these DVDs three stars each.

Dave's Review.......2003-09-06

Jackie Chan Adventures is now on dvd. what will they think of next? this dvd is okay but they should have specail featrues like how the show was made and how it began. to my point of view they shouldn't make a dvd without some type of special features, thats what makes dvd,s exciting for people to watch and to learn about the movie. The movie it self is real good, it's just like on tv without the comercials. In this episode shendu escapes jackie and the team have to stop him.

Teasers missing - very disappointing.......2002-04-23

I would also like to add my expression of disappointment with the omission of the teasers. Leaving out the trailers really detracts from getting into the story. I expected better from a Sony product.

Average customer rating:

A Great Gift..
The Shadow Knows...
Remade as Batman Begins.
Lots of surprises
Brought back my childhood radio daze . . .

The Shadow - DTS
Starring: Alec Baldwin , John Lone , Penelope Ann Miller , Peter Boyle , and Ian McKellen
Director: Russell Mulcahy
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0783230699
Release Date: 1999-02-23

Amazon.com

A mixed bag that received mixed reviews when released in 1994, this lavish film works overtime to honor the spirit and style of the vintage pulp novels and radio shows that made The Shadow a household name in the 1930s and '40s. Alec Baldwin plays the Shadow, a.k.a. Lamont Cranston, who arrives in New York from his decadent life in Tibet, fully reformed and disciplined in his ability "to cloud men's minds." A crime fighter who lurks in the dark recesses of the city, the Shadow faces his most deadly challenge when Shiwan Khan (John Lone), the last surviving descendant of Genghis Khan, hatches a plot to conquer the world. The scheme involves a madman (Tim Curry), a hapless scientist (Ian McKellen), and various traps designed to catch and kill the Shadow, who must also contend with his blossoming romance with Margo Lane (Penelope Ann Miller), a slender beauty capable of a little mind play of her own. The movie's art deco production design turns out to be a scene-stealer when the plot drags, and in the title role Baldwin is never given enough good material to create a compelling character. Still, The Shadow is true to the legacy that inspired it, admirably avoiding any conspicuous compromise of its 1930s style and setting. If you can't get into the story, you're sure to be hooked by the look of the production, which is never less than dazzling. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

A Great Gift.........2007-07-24

My father in law loves this movie, so it was the perfect father s day present and we had a nice time as a family...

The Shadow Knows..........2007-07-21

1994's "The Shadow" is a faithful film take on the popular 1930's and 1940's radio and comic book crime-fighting hero The Shadow. Filled with authentic period costumes, weapons, and cars, and paying full homage to the mystical underpinnings of the original character, "The Shadow" is an entertaining movie that never quite hits its stride.

Alec Baldwin stars as the Shadow and as his alter-ego, the weathly New York playboy Lamont Cranston. Penelope Ann Miller is more than adequate as his beautiful and telepathic romantic interest. John Lone and Tim Curry are delightfully over-the-top menancing as the Shadow's ancient enemy Shirwan Khan and his scheming henchman. Peter Boyle has an excellent cameo as a taxi driver who ferries the Shadow around his nightly forays in New York.

Shirwan Khan's arrival in New York with a plan to take over the City sets the stage for his battle with the Shadow. Khan and a host of helpers set repeated traps for the Shadow while securing the use of a primitive atomic bomb. Lamont Cranston as the Shadow must evade the various traps while dealing with the complication of a girlfriend who is resistant to his power to "cloud men's minds." The final showdown, in an art deco skyscraper, matches the Shadow and Khan in a battle of mind over matter to save the City.

Baldwin's character never gets the development it needs to hold the interest of audiences too young to remember the original Shadow. The movie can't quite seem to make up its mind on what The Shadow's powers really are, which leaves him oddly vulnerable to Khan's underlings, yet able to face Khan. On the plus side, the sets are extremely stylish and detailed, and a excellent set of supporting characters help advance the storyline.

This movie is well recommended as good entertainment, whether for fans of the original series or younger audiences looking for something new in an old action hero.

Remade as Batman Begins........2007-06-26

THIS IS ONE OF THE WORST SUPER HERO MOVIES EVER MADE. Even Remo Williams was better. At least Remo Williams had some humor and heart.

BATMAN BEGINS SEEMS LIKE RIP OFF OF THIS MOVIE, BUT SO MUCH BETTER. If you have seen Batman Begins, you have seen this movie. A guy living in the underworld in some Asian mountains find the light with a guru. He returns to the big city as a rich playboy and fights crime. He ends up fighting those who trained under the same guru. Although The Shadow did it first, and Batman Begins is a copycat, Batman Returns is a much better movie.

I really like Alec Baldwin, but in this movie, he is a cardboard character. How he turns from bad to good is never shown, it just happens. He really doesn't show any emotion during the whole movie. He is a lot like the character he makes fun of in 30 Rock.

Not much is done with the concept of The Shadow. There is one short episode near the beginning of the movie tha shows what The Swhadow is all about, but it isn't very thrilling or interesting. He just captures some criminals on a bridge, but there is no background to draw you into the story.

After that, it is more a supernatural story, and not much to do with The Shadow. A much better movie would have been to explore more about The Shadow, just like Batman Begins gives you a rich story about Batman, who he was and how he fought crime. But, it also gives you a backgrind story about the criminals he fights so there is tension.

The love story in this movie is also very weak.

This movie was killed by critics and was a bomb at the box office. But, sometimes the critics can be wrong and the movie fans might miss a winner. You can decide if you want to take the chance.

Lots of surprises.......2007-05-13

This movie has fast paced action,good acting with a touch of the exotic. Based on an radio series. I liked it!

Brought back my childhood radio daze . . ........2007-04-25

I really liked this movie. I saw it in the theater and several times on DVD and VHS. When I was a kid in the 40's this was one of my favorite radio shows. It worked then because of my imagination and the talent of those radio actors and writers. The later black and white movies were a disappointment because of the lack of special effects, so they weren't convincing at all. Just a guy in a black baggy outfit with the other actors pretending not to see him. This version had it all. The right guy in the starring role, Alec Baldwin as the handsome Lamont Cranson/Shadow. Penelope Ann Miller as the vivacious Margo Lane and a great supporting cast with John Lone as the villain, the great Tim Curry, Ian McKellan before The X-Men and Gandalf, Peter Boyle, Jonathan Winters, et. al. The look of the film was excellent, the comic relief really well done and the writer David Koepp deserved a big slap on the back. This is one of those films that I will look at over and over in the future. The film deserved better and I think better advertising might have created a better financial performance, maybe one matching the performance of all who participated in making the film.

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