Training Day

Amazon.com essential video

A powerhouse performance by Denzel Washington fuels this brutal urban police drama, in which a rookie narcotics cop learns the hard way that even good cops can go very, very bad. Washington plays veteran detective Alonzo Harris, a self-proclaimed "wolf among wolves," eager to teach his rookie partner Jake (Ethan Hawke) that normal rules don't apply on the mean streets of Los Angeles. Caught in a web of deception, Jake watches with escalating horror as Alonzo uses his badge (and the support of his superiors) to justify a self-righteous policy of corruption. In stark contrast to most of his previous work, Denzel unleashes his dark side with fearlessness and fury, and the result is excellence without compromise. Director Antoine Fuqua (The Replacement Killers) won't score any points for subtlety, but gritty details (including actual L.A. gang members as extras) and Hawke's finely tuned performance are perfectly matched to Washington's frightening volatility. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

You'll discover more with repeat viewing.......2007-09-13

This film deserves every one of it's accollades and is intelligent, realistic fiction with deep moral reflections. Denzel, always fantastic; Ethan, seriously underappreciated. The writing, directing, cinematography, and supporting players are superb. If you haven't seen it, I urge you to refrain from reading too much about it beforehand. Just go get it!

If you've seen it and are debating whether it's worth buying, let me attempt to convince you: I believe that there is enough in this film that you'll be able to pick up new details even after the 5th or 6th viewing, and can appreciate it more each time. This is a psychological film with nuance, its characters so pushed and pulled, you'll begin to see in their faces every thought, spoken or unspoken. Training Day is simultaneously realistic and artistic.

Harris is a supercool, charismatic, intimidating, streetwise detective unhampered by the pretentions of police protocol. The filmgoer identifies easily with Hoyt, the new recruit, but squirms at his eagerness and timidity while sympathizing with his ambition and idealism. Both characters are coming from opposite ends of the job, and one wants to believe they are both looking out for the interests of LA, and each other. Harris' strong certainty, coupled with Hoyt's uncertainty, makes one want to trust more in the former. He is, however, the devil incarnate -- a character on par with a Nurse Ratchet, only much more insidious and alluring -- using the hopes and fears of the mind to corrupt or destroy. You just don't want to recognize it until it's too late, and Hoyt is upside down in a bathtub with a shotgun barrell in his mouth.

This movie got a lot of hype, .......2007-09-05

It was a very familiar story, maybe a little more but still nothing really new. Denzel looked uncomfortable with the corrupt cop routine, and Ethan used to be married to Uma Thurman, can you believe it? The right amount of sleazy characters and foul language but nothing earth shattering. It's ok, but wait till it's on TV, which it may have already been.

Denzel Washington's Alonzo makes this movie. Also picture quality nearly as good as hd dvd if you want to save$. Sp Feat below.......2007-09-05

Training day is a decent movie but Denzel Washington's character Alonzo is what keeps us captivated. He plays the type of character that if you just had the television on while you were doing things and Training Day happened to be on and you had never seen it you'd slowly find yourself drawn to the t.v and keep watching as his character grabs you. I just watched it the other night and I remembered his character having all these cool lines like Samuel L. Jackson's character did in Pulp Fiction from my first viewing but not so much, granted there are some cool lines but it is Washington's delivery of those lines that make them seem so cool, almost like how comedians say it's all about timing.
Other movie characters that come to mind that I feel there character out shined the movie are Kathy Bates in Misery and Daniel Day Lewis as Bill the Butcher in Scorsese's Gangs of New York. I would also mention Anthony Hopkins Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs but that film is great all around as it showed at Oscar time and matches Hopkins performance. Each of these characters I mention had strong supporting actors to enhance there performance like a dancing partner who is always there to catch and support the other partner. Kathy Bates had James Caan and Daniel Day Lewis had Leonardo DiCaprio now Denzel Washington gets his support from Ethan Hawke, who did not get an Oscar win as Washington Deservedly did for his role of Alonzo but did get an Oscar nomination.

With 493 reviews of this movie at the time I'm writing this and a good plot synopsis from Amazon there really is no reason to go into any plot detail, just wanted to point out A great movie character made by Denzel Washington and the reason this is a must see for his performance alone.

DVD
The picture and sound quality of this movie were great, I watched The Good Shepard on HD-DVD after this and Training Day on regular dvd looked possibly more impressive. So if you have blu ray or hd dvd player and like and have this film and are thinking of upgrading I wouldn't bother.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES: (from back of the dvd)
-Behind the scenes documentary hbo first look: The making of Training Day.
-Feature length audio commentary by director Antoine Fuqua.
-Additional Scenes.
-Alternate ending (it is pretty interesting giving a little bit more to Jakes day)
-2 Music Videos (music from the movie is good if you like hip hop/rap) Nelly's #1 and Pharoahe Monch's Got you
-Interactive menus
-Theatrical Trailer. Cast film highlights. Scene Access.

Enhanced features for your dvd-rom pc Line to the original theatrical web site and other locations. Log in to future online events

A Study in Seduction.......2007-09-04

Upon first seeing Training Day, I was disappointed especially seeing Denzel Washington playing the character of corrupt cop, Alonzo Harris (which he portrayed exceedingly well). His performance was so convincing one finds oneself being revolted by his portrayal. However, there was something that always brought me back to this movie, seeing it three times over. On my fourth viewing of the DVD, I listened to Antoine Fuqua's directorial comments of the film, and I was able to appreciate the film to a greater depth.

The story itself is a study of the seduction of ambition and what one will compromise regarding personal morals in order to fulfill it. From the beginning of the movie at Jake Hoyt's residence, Jake comments to his wife about the possible advancement in the force this new position will bring and the material comfort it can provide his family. Before leaving his home and thus beginning his first day of training, his wife warns rather than encourages Jake not to screw up. Such comments sting the conscience of any one who seeks to provide the best for the family and one can sense the shame of past failures embedded in such a statement, making it all the more important that one will do what it takes to make it work. Picking up on Jake's enthusiasm and eagerness to please, Alonzo Harris, the veteran cop assigned to train Jake toys, manipulates, and pushes him beyond his own boundaries, and manages to force Jake to cross the line in order to prove himself.

Alonzo himself though has crossed that line long before. When visiting the home of a drug dealer whom Alonzo has built a working relationship with, he comments on how naïve and ignorant he was as Jake is now when he first started. Later on we see Alonzo seeking audience from three of his corrupt superiors, and it is he who becomes docile seeking to impress those whose worlds Alonzo aspires to enter.

Altogether Training Day is a hard-hitting, thought provoking film that is extremely well acted and directed. The one point where the movie seems improbable is the bath tub scene, but it is through Antoine Fuqua's commentary that this turn of events is given some credibility to the scene.

All in One Day.......2007-08-26

This movie is great it takes place over one day. One long day for new narcotics office Jake Joyt played by Ethan Hawke. He is led along by Alonzo Harris portrayed by Denzel Washington. Great ending

Corey Cotta, Author of All of Yesterdays Tomorrows.

Average customer rating:

GOOD COP...BAD COP...ACTION THRILLER...

Training Day [Blu-ray]
Starring: Raymond J. Barry , Tom Berenger , Nick Chinlund , Raymond Cruz , and Scott Glenn
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000H1RFKU
Release Date: 2006-08-01

Description

Working undercover is a job. And an attitude. A mad dog narco cop blurs the line between cop and criminal as he mentors an idealistic rookie partner during his Training Day.

DVD Features:
Alternate endings
Audio Commentary:Feature Length Commentary by director Antoine Fuqua
DVD ROM Features:Link to the original theatrical web site and other locations Log in to future events
Deleted Scenes
Documentary:Behind-the-Scenes Documentary
Filmographies:Cast and Crew Film Highlights
Music Video:2 Music Videos: - Nelly's #1 - Pharoahe Monch's Got You
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

GOOD COP...BAD COP...ACTION THRILLER..........2006-12-17

This is a crisp, action thriller that focuses on one day, the training day of rookie narcotics undercover cop Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke). Jake is to be trained by veteren narcotics squad supervisor Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington). Almost immediately, the viewer discerns that Jake's training day will be unlike any other day he has ever had.

Alonzo is an unbelievably corrupt cop, a once good cop who has lost his way. He now corrupts those cops who come under his command, all for one and one for all. Jake, the newcomer to the group, still innocent and wide eyed about his reasons for being a cop, will be a test of Alonzo's ability to corrupt the seemingly incorruptible. A series of trials and tribulations await Jake that day, situations that in his wildest imagination he could never have envisioned, all of them fiendishly and cleverly engineered by Alonzo. All of them insidious. All of them criminal. The only question is whether good will overcome evil.

Denzel Washington gives a performance of a lifetime and is certainly worthy of his Academy Award for Best Actor. He is at once both repelling and ingratiating as the character Alonzo Harris. His performance is charismatic, commanding, compelling, and completely mesmerizing as the narcotics commanding officer who has gone over the deep end and crossed a line that, once crossed, is final. Alonzo rules his territory and those within it with an iron hand, misjudging fear for respect. Murder and mayhem are the key words of his reign. He also seems to report to a trumvirate of corrupt police officials whom he refers to as the wisemen. Unfortunately for Alonzo, he has come to believe his own hype and bites off more than he can chew, ultimately pissing off the wrong people.

Ethan Hawke gives his best performance ever, imbuing Jake with a vulnerability and innocence that is believable and compelling, making Jake's struggle with his situation all the more angst ridden. It is a balance of the desire to succeed and get ahead with the instinctive knowledge of right and wrong. The viewer sees Jake going along with Alonzo at first, wanting to please his superior officer, even when some of the things Alonzo asks him to do are not only transgressions of police procedure, but violations of the very laws that they are employed as police to enforce. As Alonzo inveigles Jake to cross the line, the viewer can see the struggle within Jake take place, as shock gives way to a struggle for his very survival. The only question is whether Jake's better nature will ultimately allow him to do what he believes to be right. Ethan Hawke's a performance is certainly worthy of its Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

This is a gripping film, with a fair amount of violence. Wonderful performances are also given by Scott Glenn, a drug lord whose dream of retiring to the Phillipines is cut short, as well as by Macy Gray, who is sensational in the role of another drug lord's wife. While some of the film is over the top, it is a film that will not fail to entertain and engage the viewer.

Average customer rating:

You'll discover more with repeat viewing
This movie got a lot of hype,
Denzel Washington's Alonzo makes this movie. Also picture quality nearly as good as hd dvd if you want to save$. Sp Feat below
A Study in Seduction
All in One Day

Training Day [HD DVD]
Starring: Denzel Washington , Ethan Hawke , Scott Glenn , Tom Berenger , and Harris Yulin
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

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ASIN: B000E5KJE8
Release Date: 2006-05-09

Amazon.com essential video

Description

Working undercover is a job. And an attitude. A mad dog narco cop blurs the line between cop and criminal as he mentors an idealistic rookie partner during his Training Day.

Customer Reviews:

You'll discover more with repeat viewing.......2007-09-13

This movie got a lot of hype, .......2007-09-05

Denzel Washington's Alonzo makes this movie. Also picture quality nearly as good as hd dvd if you want to save$. Sp Feat below.......2007-09-05

A Study in Seduction.......2007-09-04

All in One Day.......2007-08-26

Average customer rating:

Did we see the same film?
Special features practically outdo the film
D-Day as an Arthouse Flick
"A smaller and smaller part of a bigger and bigger machine...." (3.5 stars)
OVERLORD CRITERION A MUST SEE!!!!..

Overlord (Criterion Collection)
Starring: Brian Stirner , Davyd Harries , Nicholas Ball , Julie Neesam , and Sam Sewell
Director: Stuart Cooper
Manufacturer: Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000MTEFPA
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Amazon.com

To borrow a phrase from Film Comment editor-at-large Kent Jones, "unjustly forgotten and now happily resurrected" is the best way to describe Criterion's superb DVD release of Stuart Cooper's Overlord. Relatively unseen since its European theatrical release in 1975, this moody, well-crafted meditation on one soldier's preparation for battle employs a remarkably seamless combination of fictional narrative and amazing World War II footage from the archives of England's Imperial War Museum. While this "reel + real" technique is relatively common, director Stuart Cooper (an American filmmaker working in England) applied meticulous archival research to ensure that the documentary footage was logically and authentically integrated with his fictional narrative (cowritten with Christopher Hudson) to lend convincing verisimilitude to his simple, straightforward story of a young British soldier's anxious days prior to joining the front line in the D-Day Invasion of Nazi-occupied France (a.k.a. "Operation Overlord"--June 6, 1944). Haunted by a premonition of his own death, Tom (Brian Stirner) goes about his pre-battle business as any soldier would (including a touchingly sweet romance with an equally shy British girl, played by Julie Neesam), and as Overlord progresses, we see how the individual soldier is gradually absorbed into the massive machinery of warfare. Brilliantly filmed in black and white by Stanley Kubrick's frequent cinematographer John Alcott, Overlord succeeds as a thought-provoking study of war from intimate to epic scales, in addition to being an impressive technical achievement that's stylistically connected to the experimental narratives of the 1970s, yet still firmly rooted in the nobility of British war films from the 1940s. --Jeff Shannon

On the DVD
As always, the Criterion Collection did extensive research to provide Overlord with a wealth of informative supplements. Director Stuart Cooper and actor Brian Stirner share the DVD's feature-length commentary, and Overlord's historical context is thoroughly explored, beginning with "Mining the Archive," in which the Imperial War Museum archivists provide background history on the archival footage that director Stuart Cooper so carefully integrated into his narrative. "Capa Influences Cooper" is a photo essay in which Cooper explores the influence of legendary war photographer Rober Capa on the visual and emotional content of Overlord, and this emphasis is further supported by "Cameramen at War," a newsreel tribute to wartime photographers and newsreel cameramen, featuring some of the Imperial War Museum's most spectacular footage from World War II. "Germany Calling" is an amusing example of archival propaganda (produced in 1941 by the British Ministry of Information and briefly excerpted in Overlord) which ridicules Hitler's Nazi regime by synchronizing Nazi rally footage so a silly British melody. "A Test of Violence" is Stuart Cooper's 1969 short tribute to the bleak, war-themed paintings of Spanish artist Juan Genovés; it was this film that led Cooper to create Overlord. Also included is Stirner's dramatic reading of journals by two Scottish D-Day soldiers whose experiences parallel those of Stirner's character in Overlord; the film's original theatrical trailer; and a 30-page booklet with an Overlord essay by Kent Jones, a short history of the Imperial War Museum, and excerpts from the Overlord novelization by Cooper and cowriter Christopher Hudson. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Seamlessly interweaving archival war footage and a fictional narrative, Stuart Cooper's immersive account of one 20-year-old's journey from basic training to the battle front lines at D-day brings all the terrors and isolation of war to its viewers with jolting authenticity. Overlord, impressionistically shot by Stanley Kubrick's longtime cinematographer John Alcott, is both a document of WWII and a dreamlike meditation on man's smallness in a large, incomprehensible machine.

Customer Reviews:

Did we see the same film?.......2007-08-11

The Overlord film that I saw consisted of two streams intermingled. The first stream is the Imperial War Museum highlight reel. Footage of real World War II action, occasionally amazing if often repetitive. The highlight of these highlights is footage of a high-level nighttime bombing raid, where you see the flashes of bombs exploding on the ground diffused by the clouds below the bombers. That stream I would rate 3 stars if I could find a way to forgive its disjointed and repetitive nature. The second stream is a "new" (ie., from 1974) fictionalized account of a British soldier preparing for D-Day and then dying in the initial assault. This second stream is a string of cliches, a tarp of maudlin pap. 0 stars for this second stream, which leaves the movie with a 1.5 star rating unless you can find a way to easily skip through the second stream entirely. Bottom line - I would have rather seen a Time documentary of WWII than this weak gruel. (Nonetheless, I am glad that Criterion released this film with such a good transfer.)

Special features practically outdo the film.......2007-06-27

"Overlord" is a curious film that blends archival footage into a fictional account of a typical British soldier preparing for the D-Day invasion. While I found "Overlord" lacking as a narrative, it was a worthy cinematic experiment and should be of particular interest to anyone interested in World War II.

Made in England in 1975 with the help of the Imperial War Museum, "Overlord" was not released in the United States until 2006. This long overdue DVD release helps atone somewhat for the film's long absence from North American markets.

"Overlord" is a short sometimes choppy story that manages as well as might be expected to integrate actual footage of Nazis and Allied troops in action including bombing raids and their devastating results. While the focus of the story is on one soldier's enlistment in the British Army and training for D-Day, it is an at times powerful meditation on war's effect on individuals. "Overlord" specifically examines the mindset of soldiers preparing for battle especially as they face the reality of their own mortality.

The real triumph of the DVD is the bonus features. On one such feature two representatives of the Imperial War Museum speak about the making of the film, specifically the archival footage. Another is a tribute to war photographers that was made in 1943. "Germany Calling" produced by the British government's propaganda arm during the war, is a very funny spoof of the Nazis.

As is always the case with Criterion films, the DVD is pricey (they don't do anything on the cheap) but as is also always the case with Criterion, the movie and all features are presented in pristine condition.

"Overlord" is an important edition to the many outstanding films on World War II, bold in its ambition and significant for its use of actual footage. And in this DVD release, the bonus features are not just add ons.

D-Day as an Arthouse Flick.......2007-06-12

Frankly, I was disappointed by this film. I knew that it would not be a spectacular like "Saving Private Ryan" (which I also did not like that much except for the opening). But I felt the movie was far too surreal and "artistic." Case in point, there were several long sequences that tracked planes flying over Europe and showing the devastation (and I mean LONG sequences). The "hero" of the story was an infantryman so the flight sequences were awfully disconnected from the very, very minimal plot. There were a number of other "out of place" scenes as well, the most notable being one where inexplicably, we see two of the soldiers in the story sneak into a theater where a little girl is being made to sing on a stage by her mother.

Another thing I did not like was the morbid nature of the hero. I don't have a problem with him feeling that he was going to die. I imagine a lot of our guys and the Brits did on the eve of Overlord. I just can't imagine writing a letter forecasting my own death to my parents. Given the fact that they would have been worried sick already, it would have been the wrong thing to do. And I speak from experience since I was in the Army and while I did not see hand-to-hand combat, I was in several combat zones, and while I was scared, I managed to avoid writing morbid letters back home to my folks.

On a final note, I can't help but wonder if this film is very much so a product of the 1970s and post-Vietnam era both in the rather dreamy nature of the film and the muted anti-war tone.

If I had to do it over again, I would not have spent the money I did on this film to buy it new. I STRONGLY recommend anyone who must see it to get it on netflix or buy it used. It is just not worth the price that is on it.

"A smaller and smaller part of a bigger and bigger machine...." (3.5 stars).......2007-06-03

One young British soldier, who celebrates his 20th birthday while training for the impending D-Day invasion, writes a letter to his parents and tells them that as time passes, he feels like a smaller and smaller part of a bigger and bigger machine.

Being a small component of a massive device is the central idea behind Stuart Cooper's "Overlord," an odd, hazy, child's-fever-dream of a movie that uses staged black-and-white scenes interspersed with actual archival footage from World War II.

We follow Tom (Brian Stirner) through a drab, dispiriting round of basic training; his experiences are interspersed with separate scenes of battle, of invasion and aftermath to illustrate events going on "meanwhile" all around him, events leading up to Normandy.

The movie is a truly unique visual experience. John Alcott shot the storyline scenes (just before he began work on "Barry Lyndon") and the movie has a look not unlike "The Elephant Man," or its thematic brother, "Johnny Got His Gun."

Though the incorporation of actual footage is very smooth, I never had any trouble distinguishing what came from the 40s and what was shot in the 70s. That didn't ruin the experience for me: Look at the hauntingly beautiful scenes involving bombers flying above the cloudline at night, or a harrowing training sequence in which a rowboat ditches its passengers onto rocks (Cooper reveals in his commentary that one or two men actually died during the exercise).

With its short, spare narrative and its stark conclusion, "Overlord" almost feels like a short story of a movie, but that doesn't downplay its impact or importance. This is a little-known movie worth reviving and it gets a fine Criterion presentation here. The commentary with Copper and Sterner is particularly good; it's worth listening to to hear how they did it even if you don't particularly connect with the film.

OVERLORD CRITERION A MUST SEE!!!!.........2007-05-12

WOW!...Another amazing hidden gem from the folks at criterion..if you are a an avid fan of Criterion, and the amazing films they bring to viewer's attention, you owe it to yourself to buy and watch Overlord. An amazing film, the story line is shot in an amazing way, mixed with real world war 2 stock footage...the film plays like a dream. A war film directed by David Lynch!....The composition of each shot, angle is carfefuly thought out by the filmakers...It is a haunting film, and stayed with me for days!....check it out!, one of the best dvd's of the year!.

Average customer rating:

Great core workout
Better ones out there
Core Exercise
Nicely versatile DVD with a variety of core workout options
it's all about the abs!

Perfect Core: In Just Minutes a Day
Starring: Perfect Core in Just Minutes a Day
Manufacturer: bodywisdom media, inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000GNOGUG
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Description

Perfect Core contains 15 of the best workouts available to build strong, lean and toned core and abs. In just minutes a day, you will look and feel better while building fantastic core strength. These are the very same routines that renowned fitness star Meghan White teaches in her own classes.

Pilates Based Sculpting

Pilates has been the core conditioning method of choice for models, dancers and athletes for decades. Improve flexibility, agility and strength while sculpting lean legs, flat abs and a strong back. Whether you have 10 minutes or 30 minutes, if you want a full core workout or to focus on just one core area, our Pilates based routines are the perfect fit.

Core Blast

Strong abs are key to core conditioning. We've included the most effective, proven routines to condition, strengthen and sculpt your abs. You will work every part of your abs with these easy to follow, results driven 5 minute blasts.

Ab Challenge & More

Additional workouts target your abs in a variety of ways using hand weights, the ring or a balance ball. Other workouts help target arms, back, legs & glutes.

Customer Reviews:

Great core workout.......2007-05-30

I have only done this video a couple of times, but my husband does it religiously & loves it! We are only able to do about 15 minutes of the core abs b/c it's pretty tough but a great workout that you can keep building on!

Better ones out there.......2007-05-07

To be able to fully use everything on the DVD, you'll need a Pilates ring, a small Pilates ball, hand weights, a stability ball, and a mat, which is almost 50% more equipment than I have or am willing to spend more money and space on.

With the exception of a few variations of standard floor crunches, almost ALL of the exercises are standard Pilates floorwork and best suited for intermediate/advanced exercisers. There's not much here for the true beginner, the overweight, or the older exerciser.

Workouts range from 4 minutes to 30 minutes and unlike quite a few other DVDs of its type, it's all presented in a bland style that borders on the monotonous.

In the end, I traded it in to my local used DVD store. There are better DVDs out there for working your core that require less equipment or none at all. For the beginner who wants a Pilates-style workout, I'd recommend something like Pilates for Dummies, Pilates for Everybody, or Pilates for Inflexible People.

Core Exercise.......2007-02-20

I have used the program but I'm not very impressed compared with others I purchased. Not for a beginner.
I did receive my dvd in a timely fashion.

Nicely versatile DVD with a variety of core workout options.......2007-02-14

This DVD features instructor Meghan White leading 15 different customized core routines. Some of the routines centered around traditional crunches, whereas others are Pilates-based, sometimes incorporating equipment such as a stability ball and dumbbells. The Main Menu is set up as follows:

Core Basics
Core Challenge
...More for Your Core!

Core Basics provides beginner level workouts. Although Meghan goes slower here and does offer form pointers, I don't think she gives enough instruction to make these workouts appropriate for someone brand-new to Pilates. However, this section would probably work well for those who have some prior familiarity with Pilates but have limited flexibility. Here is the Core Basics menu, with brief descriptions added by me:

*Basic Abs (5 Min.)--basic and oblique crunches, keeping feet on the floor
*Strong Abs (5 Min.)--basic crunches, crunches w/legs raised, pulses, knees in and up, oblique work, unique side move
PILATES BASED CORE WORKOUTS (modified for beginners)
*Legs & Glutes (11 Min.)--modified versions of exercises such as the roll-up, rolling like a ball, side kicks, etc.
*Arms & Back (8 Min.)--modified versions of the hundred, roll-up, spine stretch forward, swan prep, swimming, scapular lift, and plank work
*Pilates Abs (11 Min.)--modified version of hundred, rolling like a ball, single and double leg stretch, scissors, criss-cross, single leg teaser, and seal

The Core Challenge menu is set up similarly to the Basics menu above, and the exercises are similar as well, but in an unmodified and more challenging form. Here is the Core Challenge menu, with brief descriptions added by me:

*Advanced Abs (5 Min.)--basic crunch, oblique reaches, pulses, transverse crunch, transverse w/twist, knees in and out (lower than in basic program)
*Stronger Abs (5 Min.)--basic crunch, crunch w/leg lift, crunch w/1 leg in and out, crunch w/1 leg up and down, hip lifts, bicycle
PILATES BASED CORE WORKOUTS
*Abs, Legs & Glutes (15 Min.)--there are two separate segments here, a 4-minute abs workout with the hundred, rolling like a ball, double leg lowers, and criss-cross, and an 11-minute legs/glutes segment with the roll-up, leg circles, the saw, single leg kicks, a side kick series, and leg lifts on all 4s
*Abs, Arms & Back (15 Min.)--this was also two separate segments, a 9-minute abs portion with the hundred, rolling like a ball, single and double leg stretch, scissors, double leg lowers, torso twists, teaser, and seal, and then a 6.5 minute arms and back portion with the hundred, roll-up, spine stretch forward, a series of back work (swan, swimming, scapular lifts), and leg lifts on all 4s

Finally, the ...More For Your Core! menu contains some more challenging workouts that include use of equipment as described below.

*Abs with Ring, Arms & Back, Stretch (15 Min.)--tough little segment using a fitness ring for the teaser and double leg stretch; followed by the same arms and back segment in the Core Challenge section and Stretch section with both reclined and seated stretches (actual time 17 minutes)
*Abs with Weights, Legs & Glutes (20 Min.)--starts with a 4-minute Pilates matwork flow and moves into a second 4-minute segment using a dumbbell for some unique moves such as side plank, partial roll-down, reverse curls w/weight under knees, and double leg stretch w/weight in hands; finishes with the same legs and glutes segment in the Core Challenge section
*Pilates Core and Stretch (30 Min.)--combines the 9-minute abs, 11-minute legs and glutes, 7-minute arms and back (all from the Core Challenge section) with the 3-minute stretch for a full 30-minute workout
CORE ABS
*Stability Ball (4 Min.)--nice short segment on the stability ball: roll-ups holding the ball in your hands, oblique work and teasers with feet on the ball, and double leg stretch holding the ball overhead
*Weighted Ball (4 Min.)--nice short segment using a small medicine ball: holding the ball between your feet for the hundred, hip lifts, rolling with a twist, and transverse crunch

Overall, this is a nice DVD with a good variety of abs routines. I did find the sequencing to be a bit strange: for example, the abs segment with ring starts off with a teaser variation, but then when you get to the arms & back segment, you begin with the hundred, usually the starting point for most Pilates routines (and sometimes the hundred is actually performed twice in the same routine here!). I would've preferred if all of the individual segments were listed in one menu where I could mix and match rather than having to choose one of the pre-formatted workouts on the menus. However, for someone who likes both traditional core work and Pilates and who is looking for a wide variety of workout options, this DVD is likely to fit the bill.

it's all about the abs!.......2006-10-11

I have been using workout videos for ages, and it's hard to find one that is effective and not boring. I have a ton of old VHS and even some of the newer DVDs that haven't been used in years. I have to say that I LOVE Perfect Core. I've only been using it a short time and I already see a difference. My abs are stronger and I love that I can pick the amount of time to work out. The trainer is great. This workout will stay in active rotation for quite awhile.

The Best of Blu-Ray, Volume One (Lethal Weapon / The Road Warrior / Swordfish / Training Day) [Blu-ray]

Average customer rating:

The Best of Blu-Ray, Volume One (Lethal Weapon / The Road Warrior / Swordfish / Training Day) [Blu-ray]
Starring: Mel Gibson , and Denzel Washington
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

Action & Adventure | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

General | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000RGX0KO
Release Date: 2007-09-18

The Best of HD DVD, Volume One (Lethal Weapon / The Road Warrior / Swordfish / Training Day) [HD DVD]

Average customer rating:

The Best of HD DVD, Volume One (Lethal Weapon / The Road Warrior / Swordfish / Training Day) [HD DVD]
Starring: Mel Gibson , and Denzel Washington
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

Action & Adventure | HD DVD | Formats | DVD | Video

General | HD DVD | Formats | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000RGX0LS
Release Date: 2007-09-18

Description

THE ROAD WARRIOR One of the most mind-blowing stunt movies ever made. Mel Gibson first made his movie mark as loner Mad Max, driving the roads of a post-apocalypse Australian outback and helping the scraggly defenders of a fuel-depot encampment against murderous marauders. Exclusive-to-Hi-Def Bonus: Director/Cinematographer Commentary! Rated R. SWORDFISH Your password for high-tech excitement. John Travolta is an mastermind plotting a huge electronic theft caper, Hugh Jackman is a wily computer superhacker and Halle Berry and Don Cheadle co-star. Bonuses: Alternate Endings, Director Commentary, Interviews, Making-of Featurettes and Music Video. Rated R. TRAINING DAY Denzel Washington won his second Academy Award?* as a twisted L.A. undercover detective who becomes the kind of thug he's sworn to collar. Ethan Hawke is his unseasoned new partner and Antoine Fuqua (Shooter) directs. Bonuses: Additonal Scenes and Alternate Ending, Director Commentary, Making-of Featurettes and 2 Music Videos. Rated R. LETHAL WEAPON Two Vietnam vets-turned-cops (Mel Gibson and Danny Glover) have just one thing in common: both hate to work with partners. But their partnership becomes key to their survival when a routine murder investigation leads to all-out, martial-arts-and-machine-guns war with an international heroin ring. Bonus: Additonal Scenes. Rated R.

Average customer rating:

Lame
LOVE THIS!
Great Cardio Workout
No workout here
donna rocks

Donna Richardson: 3-Day Rotation 2000
Starring: Linda Shelton , and Donna Richardson
Manufacturer: Starz / Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

Fitness | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video

Kickboxing | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video

Aerobics | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video

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( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: 6305650748
Release Date: 2000-10-03

Amazon.com

You get three different workouts in this video. Each is 20 exercise-packed minutes long, so if you're short on time, do just one of them. They all come complete with warm-up, workout, and cool-down, but are very different. "Circuit Toning" is a muscle-endurance workout using light weights while continuing to move quickly enough to keep your heart rate up for aerobic conditioning and calorie burning. Sometimes you're doing two moves at once--squats and triceps, for example; other times you concentrate on one muscle group. (You use only one set of weights, so your large muscles won't feel these as much as the small muscles.) Instructor Donna Richardson also includes some innovative standing lower-body exercises. "Kick and Jab" gives you a taste of the popular kickbox aerobics with high-energy rounds of kickboxing alternating with punching and kicking. It's helpful if you've already taken some box-aerobics classes, because Richardson moves quickly into complicated combinations. The "Dance Party" segment is a low-impact, funk-aerobics workout, with a Latin flair and plenty of dance moves, attitude, and what Richardson calls "flavor." Donna Richardson is an energetic, motivating instructor who cues well, moves well, looks great, and knows her stuff. --Joan Price

Customer Reviews:

Lame.......2007-07-06

I didn't like this at all. Donna is like the cheerleader you hated in high school. I'm sure I got something out of the workout, but not much.

LOVE THIS!.......2007-01-14

This DVD saved me from inactivity. This is an excellent option for those who say they "don't have enough time" to exercise. Bologna! Anyone can fit in 20 minutes of really fun exercise a day...and combine workouts for more of a challenge when you are up to it. I really love the kickboxing (2nd workout) portion. It's fun to do and I actually look forward to doing this workout.

Great Cardio Workout.......2005-12-28

Great cardio workout, but not for beginners who have no coordination. This DVD is good, but it does not offer a lot of introduction to knew moves. Also, the moves are executed too quickly and are not done for a long period of time. But I love the intensity. It really worked me through which is my goal. If I didn't get a move, I just kept moving. Overall, with more introduction and training of techniques prior to workout, this would be an excellent workout DVD.

No workout here.......2005-06-25

This one was a huge disappointment. The cardio was funky but not fun, and won't do anything for your heartrate. The cuing is poor, especially with the kickboxing, where she just goes right into a move. The weight portion wasn't bad, but there are better tapes out there. I really regret buying this one.

donna rocks.......2005-05-29

I really enjoy Donna Richardson's workout routines. She's fun, energetic and informative in her workouts. While I love this video, I'm not a huge advocate of the 3 section workouts being so brief and would prefer longer cardio sections. To get maximum benefits, I need to do two sections and fast-forward past the next warmup to get enough cardio in. The pros of this video is that these are no nonsense, 'get results' types of moves, which are executed in proper form. For a beginner this is an excellent video that is well rounded. By incorporating her 'dance aerobics', a nice cardio section that seems less like exercise and thereby makes it seems effortless, she makes this segment a fun fat burner.

Average customer rating:

A bargain!

Training Day / Fallen (Double Feature)
Starring: Warner Double Features
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

ASIN: B000NA1WEK
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Description

Det. Alonzo Harris is on the streets. Somebody call the cops. Denzel Washington departed from his frequent good-guy roles and received a 2001 Best Actor OscarÂ® for his fiercely charismatic Training Day [Side A] portrayal of Harris, a narco officer whose brutal brand of law enforcement make him the type of thug he's supposed to collar. Ethan Hawke portrays the idealistic rookie on his first day of patrol with Harris. Supernatural thrills mix with gritty excitement in Fallen [Side B]. Washington portrays a relentless cop on the trail of a murderous satanic force that passes from one human host to another with the simple brush of a passing overcoat or touch of a hand. Catch this demon and there'll be hell to pay.

Customer Reviews:

A bargain!.......2007-07-01

More of these double and triple featues are starting to show up, with their original screen ratio and as separate discs in a single case. This one pairs two excellent films, and for the cost is quite a steal. Let's hope all the studios invest in this trend with their catalog items.

Potty Training in One Day - A DVD for Today's Parent

Average customer rating:

Not that helpful

Potty Training in One Day - A DVD for Today's Parent
Starring: Real children & moms
Director: Bonnie Horn
Manufacturer: Mom Innovations
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

ASIN: B000MGB7MM
Release Date: 2007-02-05

Product Description

Here's what you have been looking for - an instructional video featuring real parents and children demonstrating the most comprehensive and proven potty training method. Potty Training In One Day ~ A DVD For Today s Parents is the first instructional video of it s kind. For decades, parents, teachers, doctors, and clinical psychologists have used the one-day potty training method. Now you can learn the method, step-by-step, through this visual journey. You will discover: Why Potty Training In One Day really works How to know if your child is ready for potty training What pre-training exercises to use to increase your child s understanding Which supplies you ll need and where to purchase them How to set up for the big day Step by step instructions for the big day How to handle accidents What to do during the follow-up week And so much more!

Customer Reviews:

Not that helpful.......2007-08-23

I did not find the video very helpful. I found more useful info on the internet from other sources and from talking to other moms. The video did not answer many of the questions I had and focused too much on the products they want you to purchase from their website. You don't need a doll to show your kid how to use the potty. All you need to buy is a bag of gummy bears!

DVD:

DVD

DVD