Family Classics 4-Movie Pack - Son of Monte Cristo, Captain Kidd, Long John Silver's Return to Treasure Island, Scarlet Letter

Customer Reviews:

Pirates and swordsmen and cheats (Oh my!).......2007-08-02

FAMILY CLASSICS 4 MOVIE PACK is a nice little set of older films that will appeal to kids of all ages.

"Return to Treasure Island" is an Australian sequel to the British-made 1950 "Treasure Island." Robert Newton, who literally invented all the cliché pirate mannerisms (such as "Arrrrrrrrrrr!") reprises his role of one-legged Long John. After this movie, Newton starred in a TV show that was exported from Australia to America. "Long John Silver" was one of the first series to be shot in color. Newton died soon after its first and only season was completed.

Charles Laughton's portrayal of "Captain Kidd" is somewhat more restrained (if less courtly) than his "Mutiny on the Bounty" Captain Bligh. Co-star Randolph Scott is the handsome hero here. Look for Sheldon Leonard in Kidd's crew. Leonard was the racetrack tout on the "Jack Benny Program." He also created and produced such TV shows as "I Spy," "The Andy Griffith Show" and "My World and Welcome To It."

"Son of Monte Cristo" is a swashbuckler of the old school variety. A charming leading man, great scenery and costuming, suspense, plenty of action and a happy ending make for satisfying fare. TV's "Lone Ranger," Clayton Moore, appears here in a brief balcony scene.

"The Scarlet Letter" is a book worth reading. The 1934 movie is a close transcription of that book. Its only flaw occurs when the minister reveals his dark secret in front of his congregation. A rushed delivery and poor build-up weakens somewhat the overall impact of this climactic moment. Other than this, it's a decent film.

KIDS' FAVORITE ADVENTURE MOVIES is a somewhat larger collection of similar family fare. This nice box set has literary classics ("Heidi," "Alice in Wonderland" and "Jungle Book"), fun westerns (two "Over-the-Hill Gang" movies) and seven stranded castaways finally getting rescued from GILLIGAN'S ISLAND!

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The parenthetical numbers preceding titles are 1 to 10 viewer poll ratings found at a movie resource website.

(6.3) Captain Kidd (1945) - Charles Laughton/Randolph Scott/Barbara Britton/John Carradine
(6.3) Long John Silver's Return to Treasure Island ("Long John Silver") (Australia-1954) - Robert Newton
(5.1) The Scarlet Letter (1934) - Colleen Moore/Hardie Albright/Alan Hale/William Farnum (in support)
(6.1) The Son Of Monte Cristo (1940) - Louis Hayward/Joan Bennett/George Sanders/Clayton Moore (in support)

Average customer rating:

A bit of a letdown after the the HIDDEN RIVERS "prequel"
Wonderful Film - everyone should see
Wes Skiles and his crew have done it again....

Water's Journey - The River Returns
Director: Wes Skiles
Manufacturer: Karst Productions, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000AMW0X8
Release Date: 2005-10-15

Description

Utilizing some unusual views high above and deep within the earth, a team of explorers completely immerses themselves in the mechanics of a river system on a quest to define the nature and source of its powerful flow. Their adventures reveal the stunning beauty of a wild and scenic land and the difficult issues facing the populace as they grapple with the reality of inevitable growth.

As human kind comes perilously close to out-pacing our true understanding of these renewable resources, the challenge lies in learning how to coexist with our rivers, while building a better understanding of how our lives are intertwined in this great natural cycle of water.

The River Returns inspires hope that the great watersheds of our planet can be saved, and that environmental protection and sustainable growth can coexist in a new paradigm of cooperation.

Customer Reviews:

A bit of a letdown after the the HIDDEN RIVERS "prequel".......2006-04-05

As I had hoped, "Water's Journey - The River Returns" displays editorial care similar to its prequel, "Water's Journey - The Hidden Rivers of Florida," about which I raved in my February 15, 2006 review ("an outstanding environmental film, devoid of the usual propaganda, distortion, and fear-mongering typical of most nature documentaries of late").

Rehashing a fair amount of the same subject matter (perhaps understandably, to help it stand on its own two feet), "The River Returns" is not quite the blockbuster that is "The Hidden Rivers." Sure, it has some of the same amazing photography, and for those who haven't seen "The Hidden Rivers" it might even rate a full five stars. Despite its excellent production values, however, the program fell significantly short of achieving its stated purpose -- to document the challenges facing the St. Johns River by traveling from its mouth at the Atlantic to its marshy beginnings west of Cape Canaveral.

Among the topics I was shocked to find missing, which the film's "even-keel" would doubtless have handled very well:

--- Not so much as a split second LOOK at Jacksonville's sewage treatment plants, much less a mention of their repeated regulatory violations in previous years (thankfully now declining), significantly degrading the Atlantic Coast estuaries watered by the St. Johns;
--- No snapshots or counts of the many septic tank and drain field "failures" in Jacksonville, nor a discussion of the fact that properly installed and maintained septic tank systems do not automatically threaten the river;
--- No photomicrographic or graphical displays of the fecal coliform counts in and around Jacksonville, contrasted with those in the most pristine tributaries and the new developments way upriver (way down south);
--- Not a single VISIT to an industrial neighbor (and its environmental engineers) of the river, such as the Jacksonville Electric Authority's most modern power plant or Georgia Pacific's pulp and paper mill waste treatment processing in the Hastings/Palatka area;
--- Not even a whisper about the massively destructive and finally deauthorized Cross Florida Barge Canal (now a "greenway" of sorts), despite the dramatic scar it still displays for interested aerial photographers traveling over the Oklawaha River, one of the St. Johns' major tributaries. How could they miss and/or omit this?!?
--- Not so much as a mention, much less any dramatic photos, of the severe damage (often unseen, and so begging to be captured by talented cinematographers) being inflicted on the greater St. Johns River aquatic ecosystems by exotic plant and animal species;
--- No interviews with or perspectives from any of the St. Johns River Water Management District's Ph.D. field biologists, despite their unmatched knowledge and the SJRWMD serving as a sponsor of the program;

Just a very few minutes -- with mere SECONDS for each -- to address such matters would have satisfied my expectations as an educator. A tiny bit less time spent filming platitudes at sunset and a bit more time skipping quickly through the above topics would have paid off handsomely, leaving viewers with a more realistic idea of how complex the St. Johns River is.

Relieving my disappointment just a teeny-tiny bit was one of several "bonus material" sections included on the apparently now-standard "Special Edition DVD" being shipped. The 15-minute long "Developing A Better Way," featuring UF/IFAS extension specialist Mark Clark, visited a small residential development designed with environmentally friendly groundwater management techniques. Although most of this was filmed over in Manatee County (which is not even part of the St. Johns River Water Management District), this is a tribute not only to an innovative architect/developer, but also to the residents who bought into the nature-friendly design compromises. This vividly demonstrates that much can be done in new neighborhoods if only a bit of creativity and open-mindedness is brought to bear on housing developments.

Wonderful Film - everyone should see.......2006-02-23

This film makes you understand that good water is not a resource that will last forever unless we takes steps to preserve it. It also shows you that Florida is about more than theme parks. When we were there we went to some of the state parks and they were beautiful.

Wes Skiles and his crew have done it again...........2006-01-19

I bought the Waters Journey The Hidden Rivers Of Florida, which is the fist dvd of the series, and loved it. Next I bought this dvd, Waters Journey-The River Returns, and I love it. This one is the second dvd of the series. Wes Skiles, a seasoned camera man, cave diver, and explorer takes his team to the beautiful St Johns River in Florida to document and explore how the water shed from this river is being affected by pollution. Lots of footage above and below water. Beautiful, yet disturbing to see how man is affecting this beautiful eco system. If you bought the Hidden Rivers OF Florida, and liked it, you will not be dissapointed with The River Returns. I highly recommend this dvd, and the rest of them that Wes and his team puts out. Get it.....

Hands Across the Border / Billy the Kid Returns

Average customer rating:

GOOD OL ROY
Roy at his digital best!

Hands Across the Border / Billy the Kid Returns
Starring: Roy Rogers , Smiley Burnette , Lynne Roberts , Morgan Wallace , and Fred Kohler
Director: Joseph Kane
Manufacturer: ROAN
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00002E20D
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Description

Hands Across the Border(Uncut) New Masters, Uncut for the first time! Double Feature. Rogers is appointed a special deputy and goes undercover to help prevent a range war 1943 - USA - 72 min - B&W

Billy the Kid Returns--Roy helps Terry solve the murder of her ranger father. Climactic horse race. 1938 - USA - 54 min. - B&W

Customer Reviews:

GOOD OL ROY.......2003-04-02

Wonderful, Pure nostalgia, I wrote to Roy as a young lad in the early 50`s. Never had a reply. Never got over it. This certainly makes up for it...I am still the front row kid thrilling to Roy and Triggers adventures even though i am now 60 years of age..For anyone who wants to be transported back 50 odd years or so this is for you. As the Lone Ranger intro used to say. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear
The only thing that i can never understand and i hope one day to find out. George Gabby Hayes was in most of the early ones and he was nearly always Gabby Whitaker..WHY.

Roy at his digital best!.......2000-10-14

Roy fans know these films. They have been available for years on tape. If you like Roy, you will love the films.

What makes this and the other Roan Group release special is the care that went into the restoration and DVD transfer. There are loads of bad transfers of films with a limited audience being issued, but this is NOT one of them. These discs are beautiful! In addition, the menus are coded with a musical note to indicate that a song starts at that point.

Can it GET any better than that?!? It sure can! The bonus items on Volume One are very, very cool.

Product Description

Roy Rogers, the king of the Cowboys, takes to the high plains again in the name of truth and justice.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT DVD VALUE FROM ALPHA!.......2007-07-11

2 early Roy Rogers films on a one-sided dvd, and 2 good ones they are!
First, in THE ARIZONA KID (1939) Roy and Gabby join up with the Confederate Army and have to go up against Confederate renegade Val McBride. Roy's best friend rides with McBride, but Gabby takes care of things.
Next, in BILLY THE KID RETURNS (1938) Roy impersonates the famous outlaw and helps Pat Garrett clean up the territory. Smiley Burnette is Frog Millhouse and Fred Kohler is the chief henchman. Both films were directed by action ace director Joe Kane, and the visuals are stunning!
Both films have strong plots and good acting all-round. These are 2 very well-made examples of the B-Western and may surprise those unfamiliar with the genre.
The prints used appear complete and are clean and quite acceptable, especially BILLY THE KID RETURNS, which looks as though it were being shown in your neighborhood theater TODAY!...CRISP, SHARP, MINT!
...And all of the songs appear complete & uncut in both films! So if you're a Roy Rogers fan, or just a fan of B-Westerns this is an absolute must-have! Don't put this one off, it's necessary viewing.

Saturday Matinee - Silver Spurs / Billy the Kid Returns

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Saturday Matinee - Silver Spurs / Billy the Kid Returns

Manufacturer: Cascadia
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

ASIN: B0009TAM0K

Product Description

SILVER SPURS Roy's boss has inherited a very large ranch but the will keeps him from selling it although his widow could. Lucky Miller is out to get control of the ranch so he has a girl come west to marry him. Then after the wedding he has his henchman kill the owner. Roy is nearby and when the murder gun is switched with his, Roy finds himself in jail. Stars: Roy Rogers, Trigger, Smiley Burnette, John Carradine, and Pat Brady--------BILLY THE KID RETURNS After Pat Garrett kills Billy the Kid, Billy's look-alike Roy Rogers arrives and is mistaken for him. Although a murderer, Billy was on the side of the homesteaders against the large ranchers. As Billy's death is unknown, Roy gets Garrett to let him pose as Billy to continue the fight, but without the killing. Stars: Roy Rogers, Smiley Burnette, Lynne Roberts, Morgan Wallace. DVD Features: Scene Access; Interactive Menus; Scene Access

Average customer rating:

Billy The Kid Returns
Starring: Roy Rogers; Smiley Burnette; Lynne Roberts; Trigger
Director: Joseph Kane
Manufacturer: Reel Enterprises
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000NWYNZI
Release Date: 2007-03-02

Description

The real Billy the Kid is killed in the opening scenes by the local Sheriff. However, a young cowboy (Rogers) shows up the next day, and is mistaken for the famous criminal, due to a close resemblance. With the Sheriff's blessing, Rogers decides to become Billy the Kid in order to help the homesteaders of Lincoln County restore law and order from the grips of the evil local henchmen, employed by rich ranch barons wanting to steal their land. A fun Roy Rogers classic!

Average customer rating:

Back to the School Yard
DVD quality isn't.......
...
A great movie, probably more so for Kitano fans
Once again Kitano does it right!

Kids Return
Starring: Ken Kaneko , Masanobu Ando , Leo Morimoto , Hatsuo Yamatani , and Mitsuko Oka
Director: Takeshi Kitano
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000051S63
Release Date: 2000-12-12

Description

Takeshi Kitano's humorous, offbeat, and ironic tale of lost adolescence and survival. Masaru and Shinji are two delinquent teenage slackers who cut classes, play pranks on their teachers and extort money from their fellow students. After dropping out of school, Shinji takes up boxing. Masaru, the loud mouth, talks his way into the local Yakuza gang. But just as they're about to attain success in their new professions, the past returns to haunt them.

Customer Reviews:

Back to the School Yard.......2004-06-01

_Kids Return_ marks the 5th film directed by Kitano Takeshi that I have had the pleasure to watch. Unlike the pure sentimentality of _Kikujiro_, the brutality and arthouse elegance of _Fireworks_ the near silent _Scene at the Sea_, and the over the top madness of _Getting Any?_, _Kids Return_ is a simpler story that depicts the lives of two high schoolers Masaru and Shinji.

Masaru, Ken Kaneko, _Himitsu_, is a brash young man with chin length hair who enjoys bullying other students for pocket money. He also enjoys playing a number of jokes on his teachers. Sick of his delinquent ways his teachers give up actually teaching him anything and patiently wait till the day he will graduate. Things seem to be going pretty well for Masaru until one day an amatuer boxer beats him up avenging one of the schoolers Masaru had robbed earlier. Masaru soon drops out of school and joins a boxing gym

Shinji, Masanobu Ando, _Tribute to a Sad Genius_, _Battle Royale_, almost seems to be the polar opposite of Masaru. Whereas Masaru roughs up a number of individuals to get their money, Shinji just goes along with his friend silently. After Masaru quits school and joins the gym, Shinji quickly follows suit.

However, it is soon evident that Shinji has more athletic ability than his friend, and after Masaru quits after losing a sparring match to Shinji, Shinji's star continues to rise in the amateur boxing world. Masaru, looking for a place to belong, joins the yakuza and tries to find his niche in organized crime.

However, things do not work out quite like he two friends would hope.

DVD quality isn't..............2003-12-12

As far as the review of the movie, I must concur with all positive writtings about it. HOWEVER, I must stress that the movie wasn't remastered or anything, hence the DVD quality is actually below satisfactory level. What a shame, coz' the movie IS kick-a**!!

..........2003-11-05

More than any other movie I've seen, Kids Return does the all-too-impossible-but-very-simple job of portraying the inevitable drift through the societal meat grinder young adults generally face (friendships fading into the past, troubles with love, school and finidng a career, and... the moments when all those small 'insignificant' things you neglected or avoided and otherwise didn't do suddenly turn into a 50' tall tsunami hitting you point blank). Natch, I can't say if it was Kitano's intent to do so, but it's a significant part of what I noticed, understood, and enjoyed.

Stylistically, this is the best Kitano movie I've seen. Although I'm constantly tempted to call into question his taste in music, the persistant, if somewhat cheesy scores' driving qualities seem to enchant his movies (If only someone would slide him some recordings of Phillip Glass, Steve Reich, or even Marjan Mozetich). The visual elements are also terrific as ususal (and maybe more so). The most siginificant improvement Kids Return makes over every other Kitano movie I've seen is in the narrative/presentation... it's done in a manner that has a sort of blurred focus... never concentrating on its main characters for long before switiching over to another character, which is really what allows it to convey that 'societal meat grinder' mentioned earlier. This vaguely reminded me of Nashville, but unlike Altman's multi-character orgies, Kids Return seems to have a more intimate focus on its characters and their general situation.

At any rate, Kids Return, along with Kikujiro and A Scene at the Sea, is a good introduction to Takeshi Kitano's movies for those non-action fans who were turned off by his more famous ones like Hana-Bi and Brother (as opposed to the action junkies who were appaled that they wern't 99% car chase and raid on enemy headquarters).

A great movie, probably more so for Kitano fans.......2001-02-09

I took this movie on the shelf one day even though I had never heard of it, only to discover how great it was.I've never been that big a fan of Takeshi Kitano, but I have to say that Kid's Return is a great movie and in my opinion his best. It's very funny, especially in the beginning and has a great score. It seems like most movies involving boxing never fail.

Once again Kitano does it right!.......2000-12-16

Kid's return is Takeshi Kitano's fifth movie. Born in Tokyo in 1947, Takeshi's movies are filled with childhood memories. Kids return is once again a masterpiece. Two friends go back to their school and talk about the past, when they first met. In the beginning, they are enemies but as the time goes by, they end up as best friends, and become bullies. Boxing is the element that has linked them but only one of them follows a boxing carrier while the other turns out to be a Yakuza. A very fine movie full of intense moments. If you are a Kitano fan, get it into your collection. I can promise that you won't regret it!

Roy Rogers: Billy the Kid Returns/In Old Caliente/Rough Riders' Round-up/The Arizona Kid/Sheriff of

Average customer rating:

Roy Rogers: Billy the Kid Returns/In Old Caliente/Rough Riders' Round-up/The Arizona Kid/Sheriff of
Starring: Roy Rogers
Manufacturer: Pop Flix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000GIXEHW
Release Date: 2006-08-08

Description

THE KING OF COWBOYS IN AUTHENTIC MOMENTS FROM U.S. HISTORY!

Billy the Kid Returns (1938) 54 min B&W Co-starring: George "Gabby" Hayes, Smiley Burnette; Director: Joseph Kane Rogers, an ex-sheriff from Texas, strolls into town with only a knapsack and a smooth voice, but the townsfolk think he's the dangerous murderer Billy the Kid.

In Old Caliente (1939) 60 min B&W
Co-starring: Mary Hart, George "Gabby" Hayes; Director: Joseph Kane It's a case of good vs. evil when Rogers, who works for respectable ranchero Don Jose, gets into a nasty row with Jose's sinister foreman Sugauro.

Rough Riders' Round-Up (1939) 54 min B&W
Co-starring: Mary Hart, Raymond Hatton; Director: Joseph Kane Back from duty, Rogers & his Spanish-American war buddies join the Texas patrol and quickly learn that the notorious Arizona Jack is the ringleader of various local crimes.

The Arizona Kid (1939) 54 min B&W
Co-starring: George "Gabby" Hayes, Sally March; Director: Joseph Kane Rogers and Gabby are recruited as confederate scouts who learn that a group of Confederate soldiers are terrorizing Union sympathizers.

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