The Miracle Match

Amazon.com

The writing-directing team of Angelo Pizzo and David Anspaugh tries to do for soccer what their films Hoosiers and Rudy did for, respectively, basketball and football. Here's another true story, a legendary upset in the early days of the World Cup. In 1950, America hastily forms a team to play against the world. We center on a tight Italian community in St. Louis providing the bulk of the national team. We meet GQ-ready stars led by goalie Frank Borgi (The Phantom of the Opera's Gerald Butler, deftly handling the duties). This brotherhood of players is unfortunately strapped to play off clichés and the movie never really engages us beyond the autumn-tinged scenery. A big part of the blame goes to the narrator telling us what we should be feeling (perhaps because we dumb Americans don't know soccer, er, football, like the rest of the world). No fault in the performance of the narrator/journalist (played by Patrick Stewart as the elder, Terry Kinney as the younger) or the rest of the cast. Perhaps the game is elusive to cinematic grandeur, (how many memorable soccer movies can you name?), but the movie is also tired and slow, something those earlier sports films were not. There's only a brief stirring when the earnest Gino (Louis Mandylor) has a wedding-date conflict and as the most famous English player of the day, Stanley Mortenson (Gavin Rossdale), patronizes the Americans in a public speech. Perhaps the studio knew they had a cellar dweller; the film was barely released and retitled for home video echoing the moniker of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. Soccer kids will enjoy the film, but others better stick to Geoffrey Douglas's book, The Game of Their Lives, the film's original title (and mistakenly left on the end credits). --Doug Thomas

Description

In the spirit of REMEMBER THE TITANS, MIRACLE, and THE ROOKIE, THE MIRACLE MATCH is the incredible story about the men behind one of the all-time greatest upsets in sports history. Two weeks before the 1950 World Cup, a ragtag group of recreational soccer players from St. Louis and New York were chosen to represent the USA in Brazil. Consumed with conflicts — personal, cultural, and playing styles — they had mere days to become a team. And then they had to play the British, the best team in the world. Inspired by a newfound belief in the team, their passion and talent turned into pure magic on the field — and the unthinkable happened. Filled with heart-stopping action, and featuring Patrick Stewart, this triumphant story is a rousing celebration of the human spirit, love of the sport, and pride of country.

Customer Reviews:

Review of "The Miracle Match".......2007-08-14

We enjoyed this video because it is based on a little known but true historical event and doesn't contain offensive material. It is especially good if you like soccer as we do.
We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

AWESOME and INSPIRATIONAL.......2007-07-03

This is an amazing and very moving film - sadly it got very little on screen theatre time! And it took me MONTHS to find it on dvd - and Im extremely glad to have it in my collection! This is an A+ movie with NO reservations about it! The cast is excellent and the story will bring you to tears!!!!! this is a MUST OWN DVD! AAAA++++

Movie/ packaging.......2007-06-11

Terrific movie based on terrific events. Will share with family & friends. Will watch it many times. Was packed
very well.

Great For Soccer Fans.......2007-05-14

This is a great movie if you love the game of soccer. Great cast selection.

Good, but not Great.......2007-03-22

I am a rabid fan of Gerard Butler, but even I can't give this film a glowing recommendation. I'm even from St. Louis, where some of the filming was done. Most of the team featured in the film was also from St. Louis.

It's a good film, but just not great.

Average customer rating:

Great Fun!
"An Almost Adequate dvd"
Definitely A Film Worth Getting If You Love Godzilla!
not much action
monster round table

Ghidorah: The Three-Headed Monster
Starring: Akihiko Hirata , Yuriko Hoshi , Emi Ito , Hisaya Ito , and Yumi Ito
Director: Ishiro Honda
Manufacturer: Classic Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000OCY7IU
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Description

(Sci-Fi) Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster -- A prophetess from Venus foretells cataclysmic disasters! Godzilla, Mothra and Rodan reappear in Japan, wreaking havoc! A giant meteor crashes into the mountains and the three-headed, fire-spitting space dragon King Ghidorah emerges! As the Venusian's prophecies come true, assassins from a tiny Asian kingdom hunt her down, while the Earth monsters must decide whether to settle their petty differences and join forces against the extraterrestrial enemy!

Customer Reviews:

Great Fun!.......2007-09-02

It doesn't get any better than giant monsters fighting each other and tearing up the town. TOHO had the best suit actors on their payroll as well as the best special effects crew of the time. And if you pay attention, you will learn that it's wrong to pollute the Earth and that we caused the mess we're in. You have to love a movie that has wanton destruction and yet delivers a "green" message. Enjoy!

"An Almost Adequate dvd".......2007-08-25

The original Japanese theatrical release is in pristine condition however Classic Media/Toho studios should have also cleaned up and remastered the American English dubbed version. That was annoying as one who would prefer to watch the American version and not have to concentrate on reading subtitles is distracted by the the uncleaned film print presented.

The dvd also offers a couple of extra features which consist of stills of the monsters that star in the film and a biography(forgotten who).
Stills include text and other film appearances of the monsters-with title and year given.

Definitely A Film Worth Getting If You Love Godzilla!.......2007-08-10

Being a life-long Godzilla fan, I was excited when Classic Media said they would release Ghidorah: The Three-Headed Monster on DVD! Back in 1998, we got a VHS release of the movie for the first time in YEARS. The film was pan and scan and was discolored and grainy. Not the perfect print for such a classic but we really didn't complain much because we finally got a chance to own the film.

Classic Media did a great job in bringing us a widescreen version of the U.S. release and the Toho Scope Japanese version! The coloring is great, the sound is wonderful, and there is considerably much less grain than on the VHS release a handful of years earlier!

There are some nice extras on this DVD including a trailer, a poster slide-show, and film commentary! This film has just enough goodies on it to keep die-hard G-Fans entertained and satisfied! Highly recommended!

not much action.......2007-07-30

Doesn't anyone realize that this movie doesn't have a whole lot of action?
The battle between king ghidorah, rodan, mothra, and godzilla was short but good. The only problem was that in the middle of it it was interupted by the people. I thought that it could have been better but it was good.

monster round table.......2007-07-29

If you are anxious to see a Japanese monster movie about Rodan, Godzilla and Mothra having a round table discussion about whether to unite and save the world from Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, this is your film. Director Ishiro Honda delivers just that.

If, though, you want to see Honda's GREATEST film and one of the most horrifying and unsettling films of the sixties you should skip the above and check out Mantango. There are no monsters here over six feet tall, Tokyo is not threatened, no buildings are crushed, no tin tanks are destroyed, no thousands of people flee in terror, there is no radioactive breath anywhere and the Japanese army is nowhere in sight.

I guess this world is big enough for both.

Average customer rating:

Nomination for best war film ever?
If the Bullets Don't Get em the Gas Will
Best War movie you never heard of
An unexpected find.
Suprising....

The Lost Battalion
Starring: Rick Schroder , Phil McKee , Jamie Harris , Jay Rodan , and Adam James (II)
Director: Russell Mulcahy
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005U8F4
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Amazon.com

The true World War I story of an American unit that was surrounded by German troops and pounded mercilessly for days (at times even by its own artillery) is vividly portrayed in this made-for-television film starring Rick Schroder. Playing a patrician New York City lawyer commissioned a major and sent into combat, Schroder commands a battalion composed of New York wiseacres as well as so-called "apple knockers" from the West. The plot is straightforward (and will be familiar to those who know World War I history), but the film rises above what could have been a clichéd telling of the story of Major Whittlesey and his heroic men. The action sequences, shot tightly with hand-held cameras, owe a debt to Saving Private Ryan, and the surreal horror of World War I, in which armies killed with machine guns yet communicated by carrier pigeon, is conveyed very well. --Robert J. McNamara

Customer Reviews:

Nomination for best war film ever?.......2007-09-11

Mud, dirt, smoke, blood, dust, confusion, bad communications, privation and the scream of the wounded. As any grunt can attest, these are the realities of the foot soldier (okay, throw in the bad chow and wet socks). These are the things Hollywood oftens misses, because they are not glamorous. Many reviewers have compared this to "Saving Private Ryan," which was a Hollywood War story. This film is in a whole other class, this is a soldiers' story set in wartime. I think a better comparison might be "Hamburger Hill" No matter, forget comparisons - this film stands on its own as one of the best War films ever made. That it is a true story about a little known portion of the War that shaped the map we know today, makes it an imperative history lesson. That it depicts, realistically, what the citizen-soldiers of our country overcome with resiliency and determination, in every war, in the name of freedom, makes it a "must see" movie.

If the Bullets Don't Get em the Gas Will.......2007-08-28

Excellent gritty WWI movie. Ricky Schroder does a stand out performance and the rest the cast is good as well. For a TV movie the production is first rate. Any fan of war movies should catch this one. Even fans of drama will probably enjoy it. It does a great job of showing what trench warfare was like and the type of commanders they had. You will feel like you are with them up to your calves in mud and shells exploding about you. It shows the heroism and futilelity of their efforts. You get an inkling also of the statistics of soldiers that died from disease and other maladies during that time. Overall a brilliant movie and I highly recommend it.

Best War movie you never heard of.......2007-07-18

Was totally suprised by the quality of this film. One of the few movies to capture World War I in the trenches, and done so without the typical extra's presented by hollywood. A must see for anyone with even a casual interest in military history.

An unexpected find........2007-07-15

I came across the movie on cable and was immediately drawn in. It was exactly like seeing Gettysburg. Here was this epic battle recreation that I had no clue was even being made. Both are great, and really try to give you the feel of the times and battle.

I haven't bought Gettysburg, yet, I may, but The Lost Battalion I got right away. Its a great story, and at first I didn't know how factual it was, and it was nice to learn that it is factual. There's a wealth of minor things that I would have liked done a little different, but they're easily overlooked.

Suprising...........2007-05-04

I saw this movie coming on A&E or some other channel and thought it couldn't be good. It had RICK SHROEDER in it for crime's sake! And it was a made for tv movie. Well boy was I WRONG! This movie sucks you in with its realism and its insistence on detail. Small minute details are attended to as this story of the 1918 conflict unfolds in a most horrific (and true to life) manner.

This particular version is very crisp and clear. I actually like it better than the Made For TV version that I originally saw...

Buy it!

Invasion of Astro-Monster (aka Monster Zero)

Average customer rating:

rubber suit classic
A CLASSIC GODZILLA FAVORITE
Classic Godzilla well handled
ONE MOUTH, TWO VOICES & THREE HEADS
Aliens from planet X, Ghidorah, Godzilla does the jig, what more could anyone need?

Invasion of Astro-Monster (aka Monster Zero)
Starring: Nick Adams , Akira Kubo , Kumi Mizuno , Haruo Nakajima , and Takamaru Sasaki
Director: Ishiro Honda
Manufacturer: Classic Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000OCY7IK
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Description

(Sci-Fi) Invasion of Astro-Monster/Godzilla vs. Monster Zero -- Aliens from Planet X borrow our monsters for a little extermination project, but they've got something else up their sleeves: world domination! Using mind-control technology, these vinyl-and-sunglasses wearing spacemen turn Godzilla, Rodan and King Ghidorah loose in Japan, demanding Earth's surrender! It's up to American astronaut F. Glenn, his galaxy-trotting buddy Fuji, and nerdy inventor Tetsuo to break the aliens' hold on the monsters and save our planet from certain doom.

Customer Reviews:

rubber suit classic.......2007-07-16

This movie, being the "Sequel" to Ghidora, the three headed monster, surpasses that movie in both action shots and story. for those into classic Godzilla movies, this is a must have.

A CLASSIC GODZILLA FAVORITE.......2007-07-05

I love that these old monster flicks are being produced on good, quality DVDs. CLASSIC MEDIA has done a wonderful job!

Classic Godzilla well handled.......2007-07-05

This is a sillier Godzilla then in the previous movies of this series. However, it is still entertaining. Classic Media does a wonderful job with the commentary on the American version and by having the Japanese version as well.

ONE MOUTH, TWO VOICES & THREE HEADS.......2007-06-09

Classic Media has to be applauded for the effort not only given to presenting the best versions of INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER possible (and they truly are some of best I've seen in a long, long while), but also the work that went into the case design. The box is striking, the artwork clever, clear, nostaligc and retro-future at all the same time. It's an attractive and eye catching design that demands (and gets) a second look. My copy has been picked up, picked over, and pick-pocketed a few times off my shelf already and throughly enjoyed.

But, having said that, I must admit that INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER is one of my least favorite GODZILLA films, yet one of my all time favorite TOHO movies. Truth be told, Godzilla here is at best a supporting player in a much larger and more complex story that could have done away with Godzilla and company and still have been just as compelling. Much like THE FIFTH ELEMENT fashion and design triumph over story and plot. This is one good looking movie. From the sets (wide open, with some of the most creative future computer and advanced table top technology), to the costumes (the aliens not only sport the expected antenna atop the head, but tight pants, trim sunglasses, and high useless collars), to the spaceships (which look exactly like spaceships should look), it's all here, and it's all a lot of fun.

It is something of a minor disappointment that Godzilla has been pushed to the margins here and used simply for effect than being the engine that drives the story. Godzilla, Rodan and King Ghidorah do loom large on the stunning minature sets on both PLANET X and Earth, and their battles are worth the long delay between the first and the last, but it does leave you wanting more. But, this does not stop INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER being a true gem.

The prints are the best possible and the extras are well done... although the commentary by Stuart Galbraith IV, while informative, fact filled and trivia stuffed is delivered in such a slow and measured way, that it sounds and feels like he's in fear of tripping over his own words if he talks too fast. Be prepared to feel like a five year old at some points when he wants to to Understand. Clearly. What. He. Is. Saying. To. You. So. You. Had. Better. Listen. While strange, it is a trip, and you will learn a thing or two.

Classic Media has done a great service to not only the fans of Godzilla, but to all those fans still to come. These DVD releases, like King Ghidorah, manages to wear three crowns and wear them well... they are entertaining, history and art all rolled into one.

Aliens from planet X, Ghidorah, Godzilla does the jig, what more could anyone need?.......2007-06-07

I am very pleased that Classic Media have released this long desired Godzilla movie on region 1 dvd. Having seen only the Simitar Dvd release, which actually was a fairly clean print, but left a lot to be desired, not the least of which was the original Japanese language track.

Well finally it is now here for all to enjoy.

There is a lot to like here. The packaging, extra features, sound quality and of course the movie itself are all pluses for this release.

Also, the picture quality is outstanding. leaps and bounds above the older Simitar release. A very clean print, with very very few scratches or blurs. Sharp image with an appropriate amount of contrast. Color is excellent.At times it can be a bit too bright or dark, but not so much so that it detracts from the overall presentation. Considering the original elements are nearly 40 years old, it will satisfy and perhaps exceed most viewers of this genre type movie's expectations.

I wholeheartedly recommend this release and am quite sure most fans of cheesy old sci-fi will truly get a kick out of the alien storyline and low budget space effects.

As for the movie itself, Nick Adams is especially good as Glenn, and the story and production while quite "hokey" and "cheesy" is still very enjoyable. The commentary and documentary of Tomoyuki Tanaka are both worthy bonuses. The Tanaka doc is particularly interesting, especially if you are a fairly long time fan of Godzilla films. His journey from ww2 propaganda films until reaching a creative peak with Toho studios is enlightening and quite inspiring.

So, lose yourself in the cold war era threat of the aliens from Planet X, the reapperance of Ghidorah, the hamminess of Nick Adams and company, and of course that unforgettable iconic Godzilla as he dances to his heart's content. The origin of that dance by the way, is mentioned during the on film commentary.

Enjoy "Invasion of Astro Monster", now available in the U.S. for the first time in it's originally intended Japanese language incarnation.

Average customer rating:

All Monsters Attack
Not bad...but, not one of the best either
Doesn't Work?????
Des. All Mon.
Conflicted

Destroy All Monsters
Starring: Akira Kubo , Jun Tazaki , Yukiko Kobayashi , Yoshio Tsuchiya , and Kyôko Ai
Director: Ishirô Honda
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00003IXDZ
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Amazon.com

When a malevolent race of Moonwomen try to put the big hurt on Earth, it's up to (take a deep breath) Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra, Anguilas, Minya, Manda, Baragon, and Spigas to resist their evil mind control and make the world safe for monster (and human) kind! Long unavailable on video, Destroy All Monsters is the crowning achievement of the Japanese monster genre, with wall-to-wall action, cheesily magnificent special effects, and a final nine-to-one battle royale (against the awesome three-headed dragon known to fans as King Ghidorah) that's guaranteed to get even the most passive viewer noisily bopping around the room. A badly dubbed, logic-defying, supremely gonzo blast, presented in a widescreen format that allows the watcher to see every single rubber scale. The original title for this quintessential creature bash translates as Godzilla Electric Battle Masterpiece, which just about says it all. --Andrew Wright

Customer Reviews:

All Monsters Attack.......2007-08-09

What do people mean when they say there wasn't much monster action? There Was plenty of action. Godzilla, Mothra, Manda, And Rodan All Stomp Tokyo. Godzilla and Anguirus Rodan Vs. The space Ship And Some Military. Godzilla, Anguirus, Rodan, Mothra, Minilla, Kumonga, Manda, Varan, Baragon, Gorosaurus Vs. King Ghidorah. It was a cool movie. Get the 50th Anniversary version if you get it.

Not bad...but, not one of the best either.......2007-03-22

This Godzilla movie was good, however, i would have to say, not one of the best Godzilla movies in my view. Not enough monster battles scenes and too much talk, the narration was lame, but, its the 70s what can you say and any good monster fights is toward the end of the film. This film is only for the "hardcore" Godzilla fans and a rental at best, but, other than that, its a fun movie to watch.

Doesn't Work?????.......2006-11-11

I assumed I could just plop it in and watch the movie...but No? I put it in and something pops up called "SpinWare"??? It gives me two options "Cancel" and "Activate SpinWare" I click 'Cancel' and nothing happens, I click 'Activate SpinWare' and it takes me to something called 'ADV FILMS'. It give me a choice between 'ADV USA' and 'ADV UK', I click on 'ADV USA' and it says 'The page cannot be found'. And that is the extent of my viewing pleasure. This Sucks!!! Can anyone help me???

Des. All Mon........2006-08-22

The Plot is exelant, but the picture is realy, realy, bad. They don't even show mothra as an adult. Only larva! It's like the movie "Godzilla vs. Monster Zero" only with a lot more monsters such as Mothra, Manda, and Gorosaurus.

Conflicted.......2006-08-12

There was a few things I liked about this film and alot I hated.... Well hate is a strong word, but I was dissapointed to say the least. Although "Destroy All Monsters" features a ridiculous large cast of monsters, the amount of time they actually spend fighting is small and the fight is really one-sided. The main plot, which involves a crack team of commandos in a space ship?!? is pretty unintersesting and takes too much away from the film. If u want to see a Three-headed space Dragon get gang beat in a massive ground pound by practically every monster known to the franchise, this is that film.

Average customer rating:

Good movie, sub-par release
Great Godzilla movie
The Mother of Godzilla Adventures!!!!!
Boring and Cheesy
Could be better, could be worse.

Godzilla Vs Mechagodzilla II
Starring: Masahiro Takashima , Ryoko Sano , Megumi Odaka , Yusuke Kawazu , and Kenji Sahara
Director: Takao Okawara
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0006SGYLK
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Description

In response to Japan's request for a countermeasure against Godzilla, UN engineers construct Mechagodzilla, a giant robotic version of Godzilla. Nonetheless, Godzilla proves himself a force to be reckoned with against this monstrosity and battle ensues.

Customer Reviews:

Good movie, sub-par release.......2007-03-20

GvsMG2 is one of my favorite Heisei Godzilla films. I used to watch it vigorously as a kid when it was released on VHS in '99.

When Tristar announced they had acquired the rights to several G-films and were releasing them to DVD, I was a little disappointed that this was not on the list. When they finally did release this particular movie, I couldn't wait to get it. Unfortunately, when compared to the Tristar DVDs of Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster or the original Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla, this one falls short of my expectations.

First of all, the fact that both Japanese and English audio is available is a plus. However, they're NOT in 5.1 surround but 2.0 stereo and handled pretty poorly with lots of unequalized sound and echos. I won't talk about the English dub except say that it's god-awful. Even worse, the subtitles are taken from the English dub and NOT translated from the Japanese version, which means that what you're reading in English isn't what they're saying in Japanese. Alot of things are mistranslated or overly simplified and sound just plain stupid.

Second, the anamorphic widescreen is again a plus, but the quality of the print is not pristine, surprising for a film that's only a little older than 10 years. The print itself is the same video print Tristar released on VHS, with bland fonted credits at the beginning and worst of all the removal of the closing credits, replaced by a quick copyright statement. For a movie like this where the credits are rolling over an actual scene from the film, this is unforgivable. It was terrible on VHS, and why they did the same for the DVD is inexplicable. As a side note, all the other Tristar DVDs (excluding the 2 double-sided discs for GvsKG/GvsMothra and GvsSG/GvsDestroyah) come with the complete credits, especially the newer films.

Special features, like all the Tristar releases, are non-existent, which is a real shame. I don't understand why Tristar doesn't include making of features on ALL their discs because the Toho R2 releases have a wealth of making of featurettes and trailers, so they do exist and are available.

In conclusion, while better than the first crop of DVDs released by Tristar in the late '90s/early '00s, this one falls well below their better quality releases of some of the older films as well as the newer ones. If you could care less about print and audio quality, special features, and correct subtitles go ahead and buy this DVD. If you want the definitive version, get a region-free player and buy the R2 DVD.

Great Godzilla movie.......2007-03-11

Better than the first Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla.My son really like Rodan and Fire Rodan.

The Mother of Godzilla Adventures!!!!!.......2006-08-21

This is a really good movie. Cool MechaGodzilla and great special effects. This is the only Godzilla 90's movie where you don't see wires every time you see a flying monster But the only reason that I give this movie four stars is the look of Rodan (Scratch that. Radon) He looks really weird in this movie. But a big leap on Baby Godzilla. He doesn't look like Cookie Monster anymore. Awesome Finale!!

Boring and Cheesy.......2006-06-21

I don't know what has happened. When this first came out on video in the late 90's I loved it. It was my all time favorite Godzilla movie. But now, several years later, it makes me cringe.

The movie starts out great, with the Mechagodzilla score blaring as we see the new-and-improved Hesei Mechagodzilla. In fact, my favorite aspect of the movie. After that point, we are introduced to dull characters speaking cheesy dialogue. I am fine with the dubbed track, as I expect the sub-par dubbing that Tri-Star made for these films. But the original Japanese track with subtitles is just as bad, which was suprising. As far as the characters go in the movie, most have gone through little development before the movie ends. At least the human characters do. Godzilla, Baby Godzilla and Rodan show a lot of emotion in this film, and the Godzilla suit was tweaked to give it a more feral look. The suits all look great, and they are handled well, though Rodan looks very fake while flying, since his wings barely flap at all, a frequent problem I've noticed in movies with flying kaiju. The updated Mchagodzilla looks feirce and powerful, but he does not instill the same amount of awe as the original.
But who cares about all that. Some people buy this movie just for the monster fights. Sadly, they aren't very notworty. The firt fight, between Godzilla and Rodan, is the only one worth pointing out, as it is fast paced and brutal, but the fights between Godzilla and MEchagodzilla are simply lame. They consist of the two monsters firing their energy beams at each other until one is incapacitated. The whole final battle is just spent firing beams, and is very unoriginal and unexciting.
So, in conclusion, both the human plots and monster fights are fairly boring, and the only upside is the one intense battle in the beggining of the film and the great score.

Could be better, could be worse. .......2006-05-24

A middle of the road Godzilla flick, this film sees one of Godzilla's classic foes return, marking the third time Godzilla has clashed with his mechanical counterpart. This second incarnation of Mechagodzilla is a construction of the humans as opposed to aliens, and is designed to put an end to Godzilla's reign of destruction, as opposed to conquering the planet.

Based upon the technology left behind by Mecha-King Ghidora in 1991's Godzilla vs. King Ghidora, this version of Mechagodzilla is impervious to Godzilla's atomic breath weapon and is loaded with missiles, laser cannons, and a weapon called the plasma grenade that can absorb Godzilla's breath and then use it against him. It also has electrical cables called shock anchors that can pierce Godzilla's skin and hit him with a powerful electrical charge, and an ultimate weapon known as the G-Crusher that can paralyze Godzilla. Why have I gone to all this trouble to tell you about Mechagodzilla's weapons? I did that because in the end, they don't matter, and Godzilla trashes Mechagodzilla badly. There, I've spoiled the ending; I'm a bad man. I guess you probably guessed that, though, because it always seems that Godzilla finds a way to win, no matter how badly the deck is stacked against him. I know Godzilla is supposed to be the villain and all, but be honest, how many of us are really rooting for the humans to destroy him? I always cheer for Godzilla to teach those puny humans a lesson they should have learned a long time ago: You cannot kill Godzilla; you can only piss him off. Let him stomp Tokyo flat and find a nice place to live where he won't come and crush you. Problem solved.

A large chunk of the film's plot centers on a baby Godzilla found on a distant island, and the return of Rodan. Rodan and Godzilla have a violent custody battle over the baby, but by the time they're finished, those dastardly humans have stolen the kid (who has yet to hatch at that point). Godzilla and Rodan are both telepathically drawn to the baby, and the humans decide to use this to smash the nuclear leviathan once and for all. What's interesting is that the baby Godzilla actually seems afraid of Godzilla - maybe he thinks he'll be an abusive dad - and calls out to Rodan when he needs help. Rodan spoils the human's plans by snatching the baby, but Mechagodzilla proves to be far too much for the pterodactyl to handle - Rodan's "death" at Mechagodzilla's hands is pretty gruesome. In the end, Godzilla prevails with Rodan's help. The baby Godzilla seems apprehensive at following his adoptive father - it seems like he would much rather stay behind with the humans, but the scientist who's been working with him knows he must leave. The fear you can see in the baby's eyes as it approaches the shore to follow Godzilla out to sea is pretty touching.

I found this film to be entertaining enough, and the return of Rodan was cool. Mechagodzilla seemed a bit overpowered, and doesn't look nearly as slick as his third incarnation in the Millennium Series. As usual, I could have done with a bit less human drama and a bit more giant-monster action, but you can't have everything, right? Still, as far as Godzilla adventures go, this one is well-done and fairly satisfying, it just lacks that "little extra something" to catapult it to the level of such masterworks as "Godzilla vs. Destoroyah" and "Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidora: Giant Monsters all-out Attack".

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Callas as Both Person and Artist
Lana
Ardant gives a "Master Class"
Divine Diva to the End
Callas Forever As It Might Have Been

Callas Forever
Starring: Fanny Ardant , Jeremy Irons , Joan Plowright , Jay Rodan , and Gabriel Garko
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00092ZKZ4
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Amazon.com

Franco Zeffirelli was and is clearly in love with Maria Callas, but unlike the average Callas fan, as a movie director, he was able to do something about it. This superbly made film, about the last few months of the great soprano's life in 1977, moves easily between fact and fantasy to express that love and to give her a more upbeat ending than the one that fate actually dealt her. It is made with the attention to small details that is a hallmark of Zeffirelli's work.

In reality, Callas became a recluse in her luxurious Paris apartment, mourning the loss of her voice, the breakup of her relationship to Aristotle Onassis and the disintegration of her career. Her final days were a nightmare. But Zeffirelli uses his imagination to rewrite that unhappy ending. He invents a rock producer, Tom Kelly (Jeremy Irons) who clearly is a Zeffirelli figure (the names rhyme). Kelly used to be her manager and has a scheme to revive her career in movies: he will film her greatest roles, using her recordings as soundtracks; she will go through the motions and lip-synch the words. It might have worked; experiments with Carmen, which she recorded but never sang onstage, were certainly promising. But Callas turned down the plan, on grounds of artistic integrity.

But in fact, Zeffirelli does make it work in this movie. Fanny Ardant does a marvelous job as Callas, not only shaping the words of her various arias (digitized and sounding better than ever) but also using facial expressions that speak as eloquently as words. Here is Callas reborn, with all her temperament, anguish and pride. Raw emotions are unleashed, particularly in a production of Tosca, when she stabs the villainous Scarpia (Justino Diaz) shouting savagely "muori dannato, muori, muori, muori" ("die , damn you, die, die die") She is avenging all the insults and disappointments of her life; Ardant becomes Callas in such moments. --Joe McLellan

Description

In this loving tribute to Maria Callas, Zeffirelli imagines what could have happened at the end of her life at the age of 53.

Customer Reviews:

Callas as Both Person and Artist.......2007-07-28

I am going to begin with a disclaimer. While I am an avid opera lover, I am not a Maria Callas fanatic. I'm not a Callas hater either. Those who love and loathe Maria Callas know every intimate detail of her life, both on and off the stage, have memorized her recorded legacy, both the official releases and the pirated recordings, and live, breath and die all things Maria Callas. I admire and appreciate her voice, and will admit there are some roles that Callas could do as no one else could, but I would say I have more of a fondness for her than anything else. I say this because as I've heard and read some of the reviews of the film, both on Amazon and in print, Callas lovers seem to have strong opinions of it: they're in love with every aspect of it, or pan it entirely.

The film takes place in the 1970's and Maria Callas (played by Fanny Ardant) has become a recluse. The events of her life are well known. In her pursuit of and failure to capture the love of Aristotle Onasis, a love that seemed at times to be cruelly unrequited, Callas' voice has deteriorated and even though she still could have performed based on persona alone, she hides away in a Paris apartment. Her manager Tom Kelly (Jeremy Irons) hates his new role as an agent for a punk rock band known as "Bad Dreams" and hopes to convince Callas, whom he once represented, to star in a film version of CARMEN. Well aware that her voice would be inadequate, he tries to convince her to do the equivalent of lip syncing. Callas' temperament gets in the way of anything happening, but at the convincing of reporter Sarah, a friend to Callas and Kelly, (played by Joan Plowright), Kelly works to get Callas to do the film version of an opera she recorded, but never performed on stage.

The film is based on some facts as well as some creative "what if's" by director and friend Franco Zeffirelli. Any film or stage production under Zeffirelli's direction is lavish down to the minutest details, and CALLAS FOREVER is no exception. Fanny Ardant has Callas' mannerisms, voice, and quirky ways mastered to perfection. She captures Callas' intensity when performing the operatic roles, whether it be the staging of the film version CARMEN or when she recreates the roles in her imagination. Ardant's portrayal of Callas is that of an artist as well as a famous personality. Jeremy Irons is good as Tom Kelly, portraying him as ruthless but also concerned about his former star. Joan Plowright`s portrayal of the fictional character Sarah was stellar. It's her empathy for Callas that motivates Kelly and her determination keeps Callas from becoming a total recluse. Some have commented that the Tom Kelly character and Sarah are actually two versions of Zeffirelli. Zeffirelli was one of Maria Callas' loyalist friends and did try to get her to star in film version of her operas well after she left the stage.

When the film concentrated on opera and the person of Callas, it was at its best. Kelly's pursuit of love and his punk rock band seemed to distract. More scenes of Callas recalling her stage triumphs would have been far better, at least for me. Still, it's a great story and any opera lover, Callas aficionado or not, should enjoy it.

Lana.......2006-10-30

When I watched the movie in the movie theater originally few years ago, the sound was so perfect. The movie itself moved me so mainly because of the powerful sound. So, I purchased the DVD few years later because I could not forget the emotional effect this movie had on me. I was shocked to learn that the DVD sound track was awful. Somebody has to have absolutely no sense of music to make a DVD for production without checking the quality of the sound. For this movie it was a killer. I am so disappointed; I want to return this DVD.

Ardant gives a "Master Class".......2006-10-24

Fanny Ardant said that she wanted to do this role because the script gave her the opportunity to have every emotion, and then on top of that, she would be playinig Maria Callas (apparently she had played Callas onstage in "Master Class" before doing this film). She was right. The words "tour de force performance" are tossed around a lot, but this is what the phrase is about. Fanny Ardant proves herself to be one of the best film actresses around in this film. Ardant is simply magnificent.
Fellini's direction is at it's finest and tightest here. His love of the theatrical gets its rightful venting in the scenes of rehearsal, and of the film within the film; but there are no extraneous flights of fancy. To me, Jeremy Irons and Joan Plowright are usually very much the same in every film, but they are greats, and they provide a perfect platform for Ardant to dive off of.
I recently saw the disappointing "Being Julia" in which Jeremy Irons also appears. Everything that film lacks, is here in this perfect, truly loving (warts and all) tribute to an immortal great. You do not have to like Opera to appreciate this film, and if you don't it is handled here in a way that will keep you engaged. If you do have an appreciation for Opera, and for great acting...you will have moments- as I did- of chills, and tears. Much more than being a tribute to Opera, this is an excellent tribute to the arts and to artists. Brava

Divine Diva to the End.......2006-08-02

I am not a professional movie critic who must judge a movie for its Oscar capabilities or its position in the world of cinema. I am not an opera "expert" who feels that tampering with a classical masterpiece (such as Carmen) is an abomination. Nor am I seeking revenge against any of the following: Franco Zefferelli, Jeremy Irons, Fanny Ardant, or Maria Callas.

I am one who loves movies, all kinds of movies, with my favorites being manner comedies in sumptuous settings. CALLAS FOREVER is part bio-picture, part comedy of manner, and part masterpiece. All I ever expect a movie to do is to entertain me. I dabble in Opera. I have the 1962 Callas Carmen CD with Nicolai Gedda as Don Jose and the Orchestre du Theatre National de L'Opera de Paris conducted by Georges Pretre, which is the music in the movie. Although not an opera snob, I find this CD particularly enjoyable as it is Callas at her peak. The way Zefferelli used this opera version illuminates the opera book, the characters, and THE music, for those who may want to purchase a copy of the recording. There are many versions of Carmen for sale on CD, but this must be the best.

Zefferelli set out as a business associate and close personal friend of Callas to show her the way that she was in her final days. He completely accomplished this by the film CALLAS FOREVER. Although, the plot is part fictional, it is a suitable vehicle to accomplish its task. It is Fanny Ardant that brings the entire production to fruition. He says repeatedly during interviews that "she is more Callas than was Callas." That is reason enough for me to accept this film from both an intellectual/artistic one and an emotional one, as Fanny Ardant made me feel that I have known Callas way more personally that by just merely listening to her sing on record or reading something. Ardant is absolutely amazing in this role.

Moreover, the gay subplot and the drama centered around artistic integrity are what makes this film real to me and not just a bio-pic.

I will continue to read the other critics, but I will always follow my heart.

Callas Forever As It Might Have Been.......2006-04-11

This was a very compelling movie, and beautiful to watch. The glaring fault in Fanny Ardant's otherwise excellent portrayal, which obviously can't be helped, was her heavy French accent - in every fictionalized drama I've seen where Maria Callas appears as a character (The Greek Tycoon, TV movies about Jackie Kennedy or Aristotle Onassis, etc) Maria is played as either having a thick Greek or Italian accent, when, as any documentary will show, she spoke with a definite American accent, only with a couple of grammatical slips and vocal inflections from having lived in Europe so much in adulthood. I wonder if any drama will ever depict Callas speaking as she actually did.

It was also an unnecessary annoyance to have Jeremy Irons' character manage that unseen British punk band. We could have done without hearing that very bad parody of what was supposed to resemble early punk rock music (but was just bad 70's rock pop music, not even heavy metal) in the opening credits.
All this depiction does is date Zefferelli's efforts and make an inaccurate foray into supposedly being "with it." There seemed to be about the entire characterization of Irons an attempt at a more contemporary portrayal of a worldly man being cool or hip, rather than a late 1970's ambience. He just seemed too flashy and involved with the trendy interests of the day to be seriously taken as an opera devotee who worshipped Callas and truly wanted to resurrect her career, although it made his character believable that he'd attract such a youthful, sexy boyfriend - who was scarcely developed as a character himself; should have had a more dramatic meeting with Callas, more interaction with her, etc - it would have been fine to develop the interesting gay love story a little more, see what happened to the characters and their relationship (salvagable, resurrected?) after Callas died, their sad reactions to her demise and so forth - but then again, it was "right" that the last scene was Callas strolling away in the Paris sunlight.

I give this movie 4 stars for the effort, for the sheer beauty of the film and the fact that there isn't a single dull, draggy moment - the viewer is mesmerized throughout, and the best scenes, accent aside, are of Callas as a lonely recluse in her elegant Avenue Foch apartment, taking pills and being anxiously attended to by her faithful maid Bruna. Ardant as Callas miming to the Madame Butterfly recording is heartbreaking. I'm glad Franco Zeffirelli at least came close to realizing his dream and making the film about Callas he always wanted to.

Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (Shichinin No Samurai) ~ Original Theatrical Version [Import, All-region] (Dvd)

Average customer rating:

This Version

Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (Shichinin No Samurai) ~ Original Theatrical Version [Import, All-region] (Dvd)
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Manufacturer: Uni One
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Product Features:

The original Japanese version wanted by director Kurosawa with English subtitles.
The Mighty Warriors Who Became the Seven National Heroes of a Small Town - The original 'Magnificent Seven".
One of the most beloved movie epics of all time.
Import from Korea made for dvd players in the USA/Canada/Korea (NTSC, All-Region).

ASIN: B000NNXEH0

Product Description

One of the most beloved movie epics of all time. Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (Shichinin no samurai) is the story of a sixteenth-century tormented village that hires seven out-of-work warriors to protect them from invading bandits. A three hour roller coaster -- featuring legendary actors Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura -- magnificently weaves philosophy and entertainment, volatile human emotions and relentless action into a rich, evocative, and unforgettable tale of courage and hope.

Customer Reviews:

This Version.......2007-05-07

I will only review this particular DVD because this film is one of those classics that was so instrumental in filmmaking that it has become so much more than a "movie." Beyond the masterfully written screenplay & past the deft performances of the ensemble, this film is watched over and over by the megalopolis that is the cluster of great filmmakers of the 70s, 80s, 90s and today to keeps Kurosawa's vision fresh in their own heads.

This DVD has no special features. It is simply the theatrical version... obviously... if u can afford the criterion collection... that's the way to go... but... if ur an aspiring/struggling filmmaker... & u can do what the greats do... which is... the week before you start shooting... you watch The Cinematic Formula (The Searchers + It's A Wonderful Life + Lawrence of Arabia + Seven Samurai).

Good luck... see you on the festival circuit!

Average customer rating:

The Strength of Great Actors vs, So-So Material
Worst performance
One of my favorites!
A good adaptation of the book
Hidden gem!

The Caveman's Valentine
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson , Colm Feore , Ann Magnuson , Damir Andrei , and Aunjanue Ellis
Director: Kasi Lemmons
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005JCA8
Release Date: 2001-07-17

Amazon.com

Samuel L. Jackson gives a virtuoso performance in this intensely visual suspense film. Jackson stars as Romulus Ledbetter, a brilliant musician whose mental demons have driven him onto the streets. When Ledbetter finds a murdered man outside the cave he calls home one morning, he is compelled to find the real killer. While interesting enough to hold the viewer's attention, the mystery of The Caveman's Valentine is a distant third to Jackson's performance and the film's sumptuous visuals. The film is gorgeously shot, and lights and abstract images are effectively used to show Romulus's beautiful but tormented inner world. While the plot does take a silly leap of logic or two, Romulus's illness and the strain it puts on his family are sensitively and realistically handled. His all-too-real run-ins with his policewoman daughter are nicely contrasted with his visions of his ex-wife, who serves as a combination of Greek chorus and muse. If one is willing to suspend a little disbelief here and there, this picture is well worth a look. --Ali Davis

Customer Reviews:

The Strength of Great Actors vs, So-So Material.......2006-01-09

I have seen this film many times over the years and my opinion of it hasn't changed much. Kasi Lemmons is a very interesting director, she has a nice visual flair as evidenced also with Eve's Bayou, she seems to have incorporated elements of Black Theatre into this piece with the Moth Seraphs and their dances.

Samuel L. Jackson is completely at his best, and once again shows why he is a huge mainstream movie star. His portrayal of Romulus Ledbetter is very much Sam Jack, but he does some amazing things with this character with such small nuances as his disoriented walk much like what Ralph Fiennes did in Cronenberg's Spider (for those who have seen that), in fact this is the kind of story I could see David Cronenberg tackling, but alas this film suffers from what I call a conventional ending, and has too many cliche plot twists for me that in the end it almost comes off as an above average prime time television show along the lines of CSI or even a made-for-television film.

I do recommend seeing this for Lemmons direction, and Jackson's awesome performance. Any young actor can learn a thing or two.

-Thomas Galasso

Worst performance.......2005-12-27

I am a genuine fan of Samuel Jackson - his recent fims such as Coach Carter and In my Country have proved his undoubted versatility as an actor. So what on earth induced him to get involved in such a trashy film - and to allow himself to be directed in such a way. His acting is atrocious, as is the rest of the film - feeble script, dismal cinematography and a complete bore. Sorry, but this had to be said !

One of my favorites!.......2004-10-04

This is perhaps one of the most underestimated films of all time. I don't see how this film went totally unnoticed by pretty much everyone. Samuel L. Jackson gives THE best performance of his career as Romulus Ledbetter - second only to Jules Winnfield in "Pulp Fiction". Kasi Lemmons proves once again that she's an excellent director, who strangely hasn't directed anything since this. The music by Terence Blanchard is also excellent. The cinematography is BEAUTIFUL. Everything about this film is excellent, although your suspension of disbelief will come in handy every now and again.

Totally recommended!

A good adaptation of the book.......2004-05-01

There were many things missing or different from the book, but what movie adaptation is perfect?... Samuel L. Jackson was wonderful as Romulus, and the story made a good movie. If you enjoy the movie, you should pick up the George Dawes Green book -- same author as The Juror, also adapted into a movie starring Demi Moore and Alec Baldwin.
Also, on the DVD's "Deleted Scenes" section there is a WONDERFULLY choreographed scene with Rom's "moth-seraphs" which is just amazingly beautiful to watch! It's too bad they cut it from the movie, but be sure to take it in when you're going through the Bonus Features.

Hidden gem!.......2004-01-14

I got this movie just because of Samuel Jackson. It turned out to be a great movie. On the one hand, it's a very decent thriller, on the other hand, it's a good psychological drama. The story of homeless man witnessing a murder is not the most original but the movie makes it fresh by very good character development. Having said this, the thriller part of the movie is not perfect. There are certain aspects of it that could be done better or plot sometimes could be more logical. But still the overall approach to the movie, its atmsosphere and great Samuel Jackson play make this movie worth watching.

Average customer rating:

Big Hit

Rodan
Starring: Akihiko Hirata , Akio Kobori , Kenji Sahara , Yumi Shirakawa , and Yoshifumi Tajima
Director: Ishiro Honda
Manufacturer: Classic Media
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000KJTGEW
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Customer Reviews:

Big Hit.......2007-07-03

I bought Rodan for my nephews 5th birthday and it was a big hit. Thanks to you I'm his favorite aunt. The product was processed and shipped out in a timely manner. Very happy with quality of toy.

Thank you,
Patricia Bologna

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