Amazon.com

Alexandre Dumas's classic tale of fraternal squabbling makes a more than satisfactory transition to celluloid with this 1976 made-for-television swashbuckler. Viewers familiar with the more recent Leonardo DiCaprio version may be stymied at first by the non-MTV pace and the rather unhip presence of Richard Chamberlain in the lead role(s). This well-lensed actioner overcomes a somewhat pokey first half to emerge as a terrific adventure, complete with plenty of derring-do, some sharply pointed dialogue, and a wonderful performance by the incomparably malevolent Patrick McGoohan. Rousing fun for burgeoning rapscallions of all ages. Director Mike Newell would later find success in a different genre with Four Weddings and a Funeral. Ian Holm, Louis Jordan, and Ralph Richardson round out the embarrassingly rich supporting cast. --Andrew Wright ... Read more

Reviews (9)

ONE IS CRUEL - THE OTHER IS A JEWEL -WHO WILL RULE?
THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK, is the most exciting of the Alexander Dumas classics. The multi-talented Richard Chamberlain, gave one of his finest performances playing dual roles - King Louis XIV and Philippe, twin brothers with totally different identities and destinies. Chamberlain showed his dazzling acting range, portraying the evil, mean-spirited, cruel Louis, who is absorbed by his own pleasures; while simultaneously portraying his kind and generous twin brother, Philippe, who has been hidden away in prison, encased in a miserable iron mask. The tall, lean, actor is ideally suited to play royalty, with his regal bearing, commanding voice, and ability to wear with dignity, the lavish royal period costumes, with their ruffles, wigs, capes, and plumes. The actor's tour de force comes in the movies climactic scenes, when Philippe must pretend to be Louis. He was brilliant, playing a character who must act like another character, when he himself has created both characters. The actor's beautiful face, should never be hidden behind a mask of any kind, for Chamberlain makes full use of his facial expressions to grip our emotions, when he first meets his Queen Mother. The face bespeaks the tragedy he has suffered; in his eyes, we see the loss, regret, and deep despair. This emotionally charged scene is delivered powerfully by the savvy and classy actor, bringing his audience to tears as they behold his deep sorrow. This great story held me captive and spellbound as the cast of fine actors, led by the ever-inspiring, incomparable, Richard Chamberlain worked their magic. As this classic thriller reaches its climax, one brother will ascend to the throne, the other will be imprisoned for life. One is calculating and cruel, the other a gentle and generous jewel ......which one will rule?

Good, Sober Realization
I just like the story line. The ending emphasizes the "what goes around comes around" idea.

Excellent scripting, acting, and dialogue
In an age where action is becoming more important than story, this version of The Man in the Iron Mask has refreshingly excellent acting and dialogue.

Chamberlain did well in this movie in his dual role, and equally well the other TV movie he made at nearly the same time, The Count of Monte Cristo. Patrick McGoohan and Ralph Richardson could not have been more perfectly cast as the dishonest Fouquet and the scheming Colbert, respectively, and the acting all-around was superb.

The score was decent, but entirely forgettable. The action scenes will excite no one, as all fighting is done with obviously plastic swords, and very little dramatic dying goes on. Most of the action and fencing goes on in court, which the ensemble cast (thank God) proved fully capable of doing.

And that, of course, is where this film really shines: at the court of Louis XIV. The pomp and cruel subtleties are conveyed very well, and the unattentive viewer will probably miss a lot. The royal 'we' is employed unselfconsciously by Newell, whereas the latest adaption seems hesitant to use such a little-known speech mannerism with the "uneducated" public. In one particularly well-done scene, Fouquet reveals to Louis that his brother, Philippe, is still alive. While initially respectful to the King, Fouquet asserts his power over Philippe, and thus over Louis, culminating in sitting down while Louis remains standing, normally something that Louis might be fickle enough to execute someone for.

If you want great acting and story rather than great action, this movie comes highly recommended.

Great Story, Scenery And Acting,
I didn't read the book yet. So I can't say how this movie compares to the book. I felt the Dicaprio version was fairly good. But I honestly prefer this version. This movie is not exactly Mel Gibson's "Hamlet" or Peter O Toole's "The Lion In the Winter." But it is a wonderful classic to be enjoyed and treasured. The scenery and outfits are both beautiful; but the images in this movie are fairly nice. The actors carry out their roles with great life and dignity. Chamberlain does well at portraying both the tyrant and suffering innocent. McGoohan is excellent as the king's effective servant. (Despite his evil nature, he does carry a charm, and at times it is easy to like him.) The humiliated wife of Louis XIV portrays her sorrow and frustrations well. In Mel Gibson's "Hamlet," Ian Holm portrayed the bumbling not so intelligent Polonius. But in this movie, he shows that he can also portray a shrewd, capable, and intelligent plotter. This movie is proof that action has it's place, but it is the script writing and acting that make the movie. Although there is not much action, the story is never boring. Even comical moments are well placed here and there. For those of you reading this, it may interest you to know that in reality, the mask was soft velvet; he lived in lush accomodations; he was very well treated and given anything he asked for; his guards were even known for being very respectful to him. To top it off, scholars are undecided as to whether the velvet masked man was of royal blood. Some actually think he was a playright! But if we are willing to forget historical reality, this movie is a timeless classic. ...

A really good movie
I've never read the book, so this movie seemed really good to me. I don't know if it's accurate to the book or not, but I liked what I saw. Richard Chamberlain did a wonderful job, along with Patrick McGoohan as the evil Rouquet. It's very exciting and at the climax of the movie when the true king must be chosen, it's very nerve-racking. I recommend this movie to anyone who likes historical fiction and excitement. This was a great movie. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A film for lovers of classic boats and adventure
This is a excellent film especially for those interested in traditional wooden boats and a good adventure story. The film follows the book fairly closely and apart from the German laughter which seems to be produced at the point of a sword, is well acted. Please bring it out on DVD as my VHS copy is just about worn out

A good smooth thriller with a little action thrown in.
The movie is an adaptation of the classic and politically controversial (at the time) novel about a pair of lower upper class Englishmen who discover that Kaiser Willhem II was planning an invasion of England by the undefended west coast using barges as transport. It is an exciting and charming film with Michael York playing an initially sceptical Foreign Office clerk who is drawn into the suspicions of Davies (Simon MacCorkindale), an expert sailor. The movie is charmingly infused with late Victorian optimism and self confidence.

Riddle of the Sands
Excellent adapation of the book. Bring it out on DVD!

Fantastic adventure story
An amazing adventure set several years before the outbreak of WWI. Two Englishmen on a sailing holiday off the Frisian Islands discover the Germans are up to no good. Fantastic story and camera work. Please bring this film out on DVD! ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you can stifle the urge to laugh at its pastel unisex costumes and futuristic shopping-mall décor, this extravagant science fiction film from 1976 is still visually fascinating and provocatively entertaining. Set in the year 2274, when ecological disaster has driven civilization to the protection of domed cities, the story revolves around a society that holds a ceremonial death ritual for all citizens who reach the age of 30. In a diseaseless city where free sex is encouraged and old age is virtually unknown, Logan (Michael York) is a "sandman," one who enforces this radical method of population control (but he's about to turn 30 and he doesn't want to die). Escaping from the domed city via a network of underground passages, Logan is joined by another "runner" named Jessica (Jenny Agutter), while his former sandman partner (Richard Jordan) is determined to terminate Logan's rebellion. Using a variety of splendid matte paintings and miniatures, Logan's Run earned a special Oscar for visual effects (images of a long-abandoned Washington, D.C., are particularly impressive), and in addition to fine performances by Jordan and Peter Ustinov, the film features '70s poster babe Farrah Fawcett in a cheesy supporting role. Jerry Goldsmith's semi-electronic score is still one of the prolific composer's best, and Logan's Run remains an interesting example of '70s sci-fi that preceded Star Wars by less than a year. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (108)

A visually stunning sci-fi spectacle
I have fond memories of seeing "Logan's Run" in the theaters many years ago, and am delighted to see this film getting a fine presentation on DVD. Directed by Michael Anderson, the film takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where humans live a hedonistic life in the shelter of a domed city. There's just one catch to this pleasure-oriented utopia: nobody is permitted to live past the age of 30. The title character, played by Michael York, is a Sandman: an elite policeman assigned to kill those who flee the birthday death sentence. But a surprising assignment takes Logan on a voyage that will change him profoundly.

"Logan's Run" is an adventure tale, a love story, a crime drama, a social satire, and a sumptuous visual spectacle all in one. The whole package is superbly enhanced by Jerry Goldsmith's inventive and varied score. This is one of the most visually stylish science fiction films ever made; it's full of scenes that are truly unforgettable.

The film is really grounded by the performances by the superb cast. Michael York and Jenny Agutter make an absolutely enchanting screen couple; the evolution of their characters' relationship is one of the key pleasures of the film. Richard Jordan brings complexity and intensity to his role as a fellow Sandman. And Peter Ustinov is delightfully warm, funny, and loveable in a critical supporting role.

The DVD includes a vintage "making of" featurette, as well as a full-length audio commentary by actor York, director Anderson, and costume designer Bill Thomas. The three discuss casting, stunts, special effects, Peter Ustinov's ad-libbing, and other aspects of making the film. They reveal some fascinating and delightful bits of trivia along the way. This is one of those great commentary tracks that makes you appreciate the film even more.

Solid sf adventure less than the sum of its parts
Logan's Run started off with a pretty amazing concept--(courtesy of science fiction writers William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson)what if our youth obsessed society put everyone over the age of 30 (21 in the novel)to death as a means of population control? This film version of a classic cautionary tale is intermittantly successful. David Zelag Goodman's screenplay condenses and changes around several key characters. Goodman's script essentially refocuses the novel into The Fugitive in the future. In the original novel Francis (played brilliantly by the late Richard Jordan)and the Old Man character (played as befuddled by Peter Ustinov) were one and the same. You'll need to read the novel to see why this was an important altered plot point.

Additionally, Sanctuary did exist in the novel while here it's clear that it's something of an urban myth. While these plot points might not seem essential, altering them radically reshaped the film. Still, it's clear that the film's director, producer and screenwriter (respectively, Michael Anderson the late Saul David and Goodman)wanted to streamline what could have been a confusing plot if not layed out correctly.

The basic plot--In the future our society is enclosed in domes. As a means to control the population, everyone has a life clock crystal on their hand. When you reach 30 you have the option to become "renewed" in a ceremony attended by the citizens. Logan (Michael York) and Francis (Richard Jordan) are Sandmen who hunt, capture/or kill runners (people who choose to not go through renewal and try to escape).

After one incident, Logan is debriefed by the computer that runs the city. The runner wore a symbol representing life. During this debriefing he is send undercover to become a "runner" and find out 1)Who is behind the network that tries to get people out of the city and 2) If sanctuary exists. Logan's life clock is prematurely aged to 30. He contacts a girl who he had met before on the circuit (a system where people can "dial up" others for casual sex)who he had seen wearing the same symbol. Despite her better judgement, she elects to help him escape.

Francis, alarmed that his friend is running, elects to chase him and either bring him back for renewal or kill him.

The film is quite good despite some gaping plot holes. Michael York gives a impassioned performance as Logan 5. Jenny Agutter is enchanting as Jessica. Richard Jordan shines as Logan's former partner Francis who feels betrayed and hunts Logan down. Roscoe Lee Brown is exceptional in his cameo as the demented cyborg Box. Michael Anderson, Jnr. gives a nice cameo performance as the surgeon hired to alter Logan's appearence. Made for $6 million, Logan's Run looked quite good when it was released in 1976. The symbolism of having Francis and Logan fight in the House of Representatives with an American flag was quite evident given the year of release (1976).
In many respects the themes in the film are more timely than ever. The obsession with youth, looking good and plastic surgery have come to define our culture in the 21st Century. The only thing missing from the film are botox injections.

Jerry Goldsmith's brilliant score is a highlight of the film. Like his score for Planet of the Apes, Goldsmith chose to go with a mix of sythesizers and orchestra to portray the city of the future. He eschews cliches in his music and the various themes and cues are at turns suspenseful and witty. The optical effects are pretty good given the time. The matte paintings by Albert Whitlock are outstanding and fairly convincing. The miniatures are a mixed bag. They didn't look completely convincing in 1976 nor do they today. Part of the problem has to do with the fact that waters don't fare well when placed in miniatures. You can't miniaturize the bubbles and water drops. Also, the use of the miniatures in combination with live action is quite grainy due to the film stock and amount of composites. Still, if you can suspend your disbelief, you'll enjoy the film despite its limitations.

Logan's Run attempted to tell an adult cautionary tale in a world of light weight escapist movies. It's a commendable film and the film makers frequently bite off more than they can chew. I'd rather have a film that's too ambitious than not at all.

Still, I appreciate the ambitions if not the execution. It's nice to finally have this fine if flawed movie on DVD. The transfer is quite good although the print has a number of flaws. There's also quite a bit of dirt evident on the print. These probably could have been cleared up with a direct digital transfer. Additionally, the 5.1 soundtrack occasionally sounds "tinny" and when played in the stereo format can be quite difficult to hear.

The extras are limited but nice. The commentary by director Michael Anderson and Michael York is quite good and informative. A pity the terrific actor Richard Jordan isn't around any longer to give us his perspective. I would have liked to see a fresh retrospective documentary on the making of the film. It's not likely to happen, though as no one is going to champion this film at the expensive of other newer projects (particulary since producer Saul David is gone). The featurette included is the original one made to promote the film. It's actually pretty decent given the age and purpose of it. The trailer is included as well. The disc is a dual sided single layer DVD with the widescreen and pan & scan versions on the same disc.

classic!
logan's run is a real gem. love the cast and the look of the film and it's a good dvd to have when you want to see something that's out of this world!

fantastic futuristic fun
Logan's Run was one of my faves as a kid. It was different from othe Sci Fi at the time. It created a weird world that was great to watch. I also watched the TV show version and loved it too (sure it was just a TV show and not quite as grand as the the more expensive flick but it was still weird enough to keep me watching). You've just got to love a show that creates it's own strange world and takes you away from reality. Logan has it's own style that provides just the right escape from the played out worlds of other Sci Fi flicks and shows. Give this a chance if you want something that's different and you've never seen it.

A bit excentric, but absolutely worth watching.
This is an awsome movie, even by today's standards. Granted the special effects can sometimes look corny or cheesy, but for the time when this movie was produced, the effects were top notch.

The story line goes like this. It is the year 2275. Disasters have forced what remains of civilization into a self contained, domed city. No one goes outside the city becuase they all beleive it to be a barren wasteland, incapable of supporting life. This is because it WAS that way when the city was founded, but that was over a hundred years ago. Since the city was founded, there was realised a great need to maintain the population to acceptable levels. So, it is determined that at age 30 you will "terminate". If you do not want to end your life at 30, you can participate on the "Carosel" on your "Last Day" (30 years to the day of your birth). The recorded message basically says that if you have a strong enough desire to renew, you will. Renewing gives you an unstated amount of extra time. If you are ready to end, you don't have to participate on Carosel. However, there exist a few people who don't want to follow the rules. They "run" from their fate. To prevent people from running (as well as for general law enforcement) there are a group of cop like folks. Each is refered to as a SandMan. It is their responsibility to enforce law in the domed city, and to track down anyone who decides to run, and terminate them.

Now meet Logan 5. He's a sand man, and he loves his job. But one day when he is doing his job and terminates a runner, he finds an Ankh on the runner. He doesn't think much of it. So he picks it up with the rest of the runner's belongings, and heads back to HQ to be "debriefed". But the central computer DOES recognise the Ankh. It is determined to be a symbol associated with a legenday place called Sanctuary, where runners can go and hide and live out their life normally (as you and I would consider normal). The computer determines that Sanctuary must be either right on the inside of the dome, or outside the city. Logan 5 is assigned to find sanctuary, and destroy it.

And so begins his Grand adventure, during the process of which he leaves the city, Falls in love with his "partner in crime, Jessica" (which is strictly forbidden in the city), Finds a man who has more cats than I could count, and returns to the city to try and stop the madness.

A very good movie on all counts. It should have been more popular. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

jrtt2002
I saw this movie as a child, and it made a lifetime impression on me. It was heart-warming, and very compelling!! I would recommend this to everyone! A great movie. IF you like civil war movies, "The Blue and The Grey" is on the same line as "Beulah Land"

Fantastic Movie About The Old South
If you are looking for a movie about the south in the Civil War era, buy this movie. You won't be sorry. The acting and the story line is one of the best by far. It is not as good as Gone With The Wind, but it comes very close. It is a very touching story and really gives insight to how people in that era had to live to servive. I have watched this movie several times and enjoy it every time as if it was the first.

Great Movie
I believe this was a great movie, it was no near Gone with the Wind , but in a totally different live. It shows thestoory of the old south from a very different perspective. I would recommend this ,movie to anybody who is interested in movies about the old south

Disappointed
This movie was not what I expected, I really did not like any of the characters in it and it is obvious it was never a blockbuster movie. It was certainly no Gone With the Wind, not even close. I was anxious to see it and enjoyed it enough to watch the whole thing however, I would not recommend it as the movie to see. I will never watch it again. It was not moving, exciting nor interesting to listen to. I will keep it in my collection in the event someone else wants to see it when they have nothing better to do.

Great Southern Movie
Beulah Land was an excellent movie. It compared well with Gone With the Wind beign a great southern movie. But it is in a totally different league, because it was about more than just the war and the years following it. It was one of the best movies I had ever seen. It brought the story down to a very human level. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Very few films achieve a kind of subliminal greatness with cross-cultural impact, but Walkabout is one of those films--a visual tone poem that functions more as an allegory than a conventionally plotted adventure. Considered a cult favorite for years, Nicolas Roeg's 1971 film--about two British children who are rescued in the Australian outback by a young aborigine--was originally released in the U.S. with an R rating, edited from its European length of 100 minutes. In 1997, the film was fully restored to its director's cut, and in its remastered video and DVD release, it's now wisely unrated (as Roeg had always intended) but still suitable for viewers of all ages. For parents this is a rare opportunity to treat well-supervised children (ages 5 and over) to an adventure that won't insult their intelligence, presenting scenes of frontal nudity and the hunting of animals in a context that invites valuable discussion and introspection. Through exquisite cinematography and a story of subtle human complexity, the film continues to resonate on many thematic and artistic levels. Roeg had always intended it to be a cautionary morality tale, in which the limitations and restrictions of civilization become painfully clear when the two children (played by Jenny Agutter and Roeg's young son, Lucien John) cannot survive without the aborigine's assistance. They become primitives themselves, if only temporarily, while the young aborigine proves ultimately and tragically unable to join the "family" of civilization. With its story of two worlds colliding, Walkabout now seems like a film for the ages, hypnotic and open to several compelling levels of interpretation. In addition to presenting the film in its original 1.77:1 aspect ratio, the Criterion Collection DVD of Walkabout includes a variety of bonus features, including a full-length commentary by Nicolas Roeg and Jenny Agutter, original theatrical trailers, and an essay by critic Roger Ebert. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (59)

Intricate Beauty
For some reasons I had reservations about seeing this film when I first heard about it; maybe because what I heard and the advertising I saw didn't begin to hint at its depth. Ostensibly its the story of two WASPs who get stranded in the Australian outback and meet an aborigine boy who helps them to surive their journey back to civilization. Most noticeably, for me, the movie criticizes the spiritual emptiness of civilized society and lets the viewer glimpse at some of uncharted territory's secret beauty. The movie works fine on this level. But its brilliance lies in how many different levels it does work, and its subtlety.

It is a tragic story of two people who fail to communicate. The blindess of the girl (presented in quite a harsh light, and a symbolic big slap in the face to whitey now that I rethink it) despite huge language and cultural differences is inept or unwilling to understand the aborigine boy's perspective. Indeed she is deeply rooted in Anglo-Saxon values -- only the young boy, her companion, is able to break down the barrier and communicate simple ideas.

There are points in the film that expose sexual tension as brilliantly and as subtley as I have ever seen. It is vastly important that the boy is not dramatized or stylized in any way, he seems really to have been picked out of the outback and cast directly in the movie. His behavior should seem at least somewhat bewildering to the audience, it was to me, particularly in the haunting mating dance scene. The girl rejects him out of a lack of understanding and fear, and he sheds tears of failure. Was sexual consumation a part of his walkabout or did he fall deeply for this girl. What are the cues to suggest the latter? I'd have to watch the movie again.

Walkabout is delicate and complex but doesn't spoil itself by becoming overambitious. There are many, many internal psychological and emotional aspects of the two children that remain rightfully unexplored. Suffice to say being shot at by your dad and stranded in the wilderness might create some wrenching immediate -- nevermind longterm -- consequences. The film could easily have veered off into myriad branches and lost track of itself. Roeg decides to focus on particular elements and does so meticulously and with grace.

And for the film's obvious disdain for civilized society, it doesn't necessarily suggest that the boy has an easier or more satisfying life. It merely presents a different angle -- though that angle is shot in breathtaking, but unsentimental, beauty. There is no sap in this film; the score is moving but does not grab forcefully at one's heartstrings. The shots of the outback are gorgeous, but they do not imply any false notions of peace in nature. And for these very reasons, the film, I would imagine, would be great at exposing both beauty and the harsh face of reality to kids despite all the complexity that wouldn't be understood.

ANOTHER LITTLE GEM FROM CRITERION
Second movie of director Nicolas Roeg, WALKABOUT is a rather pessimistic description of the cultural gaps created by our civilization. In order to illustrate his ideas, Roeg and writer Edward Bond imagine the encounter between two young australians lost in the outback and an aborigenes who will help them to come back to a more civilized world.

This encounter which could have produced a lifelong friendship will end in a dramatic manner. Because cultural differences are far more powerful than love or the desire to understand each other. Simple story, simple theme but universal.

Breath-taking cinematography, admirable young actors and a light poetic touch are sufficient reasons to see at least once WALKABOUT. It is also really amazing to observe how Nicolas Roeg has been able to convert this trip in the wilderness in a symbolic sexual initiation in the heart of a Nature that can only show the way to these young adults.

Terrific video transfer and above-average extra-features.

A DVD for the child in you.

walkabout
DONT LET THE OTHER REVIEWS THROW YOU> I honestly thought that the end credits were the best part of this movie. I thought that the acting was bad, the sound was horrible,there was no plot and there were quite a few tasteless scenes.I felt ripped off as the Criterion Collection usually has GOOD movies. Im sorry to say but someone goofed in picking this movie for the collection.

One of the Great Films
Walkabout is simply one of the best films ever made. The photography and editing are exceptional. The sound editing is better than in any other film I have seen.
However I disagree with SOME of the reviews which seem to indicate that the film is some kind of hymn of praise direted towards the primitive aboriginals and a condemnation of modern society. Roeg seems to be saying there are problems in both. After all, both the girl's father and the aborigine kill themselves, though more criticism is naturally reserved for civilization. There is plenty of animal killing here, but except for the white hunters, it is done for food so I don't see what the problem is. People who buy food from supermarkets really just want to mentaly distance themseselves from the foodchain process.
Still, the story, the scenery, the acting, and the direction make this a movie not to miss. The failed courtship scenes before the second suicide are some of the best sequences on film.

Coming of age in the outback of Australia
A very unusual film for its time, Walkabout combines many themes in what is ostensibly a tale of survival in the Australian outback. I suppose it was a bit too racy for American audiences as Roeg focuses lovingly on a young nubile Jenny Augutter but that would be missing the point of this movie which contrasts the sterile life of a young British girl and boy with an Aborigine man-child.

The film depicts the initial bleakness of the Australian desert which the two children find themselves thrust into after the father mysteriously chooses to commit suicide, but eventually shows the immense diversity of the outback as the young Aborigine leads the lost children back to civilization. Roeg uses a variety of cinematic techniques to paste together his poetic vision, ultimately developing the sexual tension between Agutter and the Aborigine, culminating in a fateful courting ritual which Agutter appears oblivious too. However, the star of the movie is the little boy, Luc Roeg, who forms a very special bond with the Aborigine.

The film may be too much to handle for small children, but it is ideal for teenagers, as it will give them a very different experience from the run-of-the-mill teen movies that proliferate in the video stores. Don't fret over the R rating, as the nudity is fleeting and treated in a very respectful way. In Britain, the rating is 12 for young teenagers. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

King of the Wind
A most sensitive and moving film. The love the young boy has for his horse is especially touching. Great acting all around, especially by Jenny Agutter. This film is one that children of all ages will enjoy, and all adults should appreciate.

I loved this movie!!!
The movie is basically about a tale of devotion between a mute boy and his horse. The boy saves his horse from being killed because the horse was considered bad luck. And from then on the horse, Sham, and the boy stay together.I thought the movie was really great and I recomend this movie to any one who loves horses or a story of devotion. ... Read more

Reviews (108)

A visually stunning sci-fi spectacle
I have fond memories of seeing "Logan's Run" in the theaters many years ago, and am delighted to see this film getting a fine presentation on DVD. Directed by Michael Anderson, the film takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where humans live a hedonistic life in the shelter of a domed city. There's just one catch to this pleasure-oriented utopia: nobody is permitted to live past the age of 30. The title character, played by Michael York, is a Sandman: an elite policeman assigned to kill those who flee the birthday death sentence. But a surprising assignment takes Logan on a voyage that will change him profoundly.

"Logan's Run" is an adventure tale, a love story, a crime drama, a social satire, and a sumptuous visual spectacle all in one. The whole package is superbly enhanced by Jerry Goldsmith's inventive and varied score. This is one of the most visually stylish science fiction films ever made; it's full of scenes that are truly unforgettable.

The film is really grounded by the performances by the superb cast. Michael York and Jenny Agutter make an absolutely enchanting screen couple; the evolution of their characters' relationship is one of the key pleasures of the film. Richard Jordan brings complexity and intensity to his role as a fellow Sandman. And Peter Ustinov is delightfully warm, funny, and loveable in a critical supporting role.

The DVD includes a vintage "making of" featurette, as well as a full-length audio commentary by actor York, director Anderson, and costume designer Bill Thomas. The three discuss casting, stunts, special effects, Peter Ustinov's ad-libbing, and other aspects of making the film. They reveal some fascinating and delightful bits of trivia along the way. This is one of those great commentary tracks that makes you appreciate the film even more.

Solid sf adventure less than the sum of its parts
Logan's Run started off with a pretty amazing concept--(courtesy of science fiction writers William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson)what if our youth obsessed society put everyone over the age of 30 (21 in the novel)to death as a means of population control? This film version of a classic cautionary tale is intermittantly successful. David Zelag Goodman's screenplay condenses and changes around several key characters. Goodman's script essentially refocuses the novel into The Fugitive in the future. In the original novel Francis (played brilliantly by the late Richard Jordan)and the Old Man character (played as befuddled by Peter Ustinov) were one and the same. You'll need to read the novel to see why this was an important altered plot point.

Additionally, Sanctuary did exist in the novel while here it's clear that it's something of an urban myth. While these plot points might not seem essential, altering them radically reshaped the film. Still, it's clear that the film's director, producer and screenwriter (respectively, Michael Anderson the late Saul David and Goodman)wanted to streamline what could have been a confusing plot if not layed out correctly.

The basic plot--In the future our society is enclosed in domes. As a means to control the population, everyone has a life clock crystal on their hand. When you reach 30 you have the option to become "renewed" in a ceremony attended by the citizens. Logan (Michael York) and Francis (Richard Jordan) are Sandmen who hunt, capture/or kill runners (people who choose to not go through renewal and try to escape).

After one incident, Logan is debriefed by the computer that runs the city. The runner wore a symbol representing life. During this debriefing he is send undercover to become a "runner" and find out 1)Who is behind the network that tries to get people out of the city and 2) If sanctuary exists. Logan's life clock is prematurely aged to 30. He contacts a girl who he had met before on the circuit (a system where people can "dial up" others for casual sex)who he had seen wearing the same symbol. Despite her better judgement, she elects to help him escape.

Francis, alarmed that his friend is running, elects to chase him and either bring him back for renewal or kill him.

The film is quite good despite some gaping plot holes. Michael York gives a impassioned performance as Logan 5. Jenny Agutter is enchanting as Jessica. Richard Jordan shines as Logan's former partner Francis who feels betrayed and hunts Logan down. Roscoe Lee Brown is exceptional in his cameo as the demented cyborg Box. Michael Anderson, Jnr. gives a nice cameo performance as the surgeon hired to alter Logan's appearence. Made for $6 million, Logan's Run looked quite good when it was released in 1976. The symbolism of having Francis and Logan fight in the House of Representatives with an American flag was quite evident given the year of release (1976).
In many respects the themes in the film are more timely than ever. The obsession with youth, looking good and plastic surgery have come to define our culture in the 21st Century. The only thing missing from the film are botox injections.

Jerry Goldsmith's brilliant score is a highlight of the film. Like his score for Planet of the Apes, Goldsmith chose to go with a mix of sythesizers and orchestra to portray the city of the future. He eschews cliches in his music and the various themes and cues are at turns suspenseful and witty. The optical effects are pretty good given the time. The matte paintings by Albert Whitlock are outstanding and fairly convincing. The miniatures are a mixed bag. They didn't look completely convincing in 1976 nor do they today. Part of the problem has to do with the fact that waters don't fare well when placed in miniatures. You can't miniaturize the bubbles and water drops. Also, the use of the miniatures in combination with live action is quite grainy due to the film stock and amount of composites. Still, if you can suspend your disbelief, you'll enjoy the film despite its limitations.

Logan's Run attempted to tell an adult cautionary tale in a world of light weight escapist movies. It's a commendable film and the film makers frequently bite off more than they can chew. I'd rather have a film that's too ambitious than not at all.

Still, I appreciate the ambitions if not the execution. It's nice to finally have this fine if flawed movie on DVD. The transfer is quite good although the print has a number of flaws. There's also quite a bit of dirt evident on the print. These probably could have been cleared up with a direct digital transfer. Additionally, the 5.1 soundtrack occasionally sounds "tinny" and when played in the stereo format can be quite difficult to hear.

The extras are limited but nice. The commentary by director Michael Anderson and Michael York is quite good and informative. A pity the terrific actor Richard Jordan isn't around any longer to give us his perspective. I would have liked to see a fresh retrospective documentary on the making of the film. It's not likely to happen, though as no one is going to champion this film at the expensive of other newer projects (particulary since producer Saul David is gone). The featurette included is the original one made to promote the film. It's actually pretty decent given the age and purpose of it. The trailer is included as well. The disc is a dual sided single layer DVD with the widescreen and pan & scan versions on the same disc.

classic!
logan's run is a real gem. love the cast and the look of the film and it's a good dvd to have when you want to see something that's out of this world!

fantastic futuristic fun
Logan's Run was one of my faves as a kid. It was different from othe Sci Fi at the time. It created a weird world that was great to watch. I also watched the TV show version and loved it too (sure it was just a TV show and not quite as grand as the the more expensive flick but it was still weird enough to keep me watching). You've just got to love a show that creates it's own strange world and takes you away from reality. Logan has it's own style that provides just the right escape from the played out worlds of other Sci Fi flicks and shows. Give this a chance if you want something that's different and you've never seen it.

A bit excentric, but absolutely worth watching.
This is an awsome movie, even by today's standards. Granted the special effects can sometimes look corny or cheesy, but for the time when this movie was produced, the effects were top notch.

The story line goes like this. It is the year 2275. Disasters have forced what remains of civilization into a self contained, domed city. No one goes outside the city becuase they all beleive it to be a barren wasteland, incapable of supporting life. This is because it WAS that way when the city was founded, but that was over a hundred years ago. Since the city was founded, there was realised a great need to maintain the population to acceptable levels. So, it is determined that at age 30 you will "terminate". If you do not want to end your life at 30, you can participate on the "Carosel" on your "Last Day" (30 years to the day of your birth). The recorded message basically says that if you have a strong enough desire to renew, you will. Renewing gives you an unstated amount of extra time. If you are ready to end, you don't have to participate on Carosel. However, there exist a few people who don't want to follow the rules. They "run" from their fate. To prevent people from running (as well as for general law enforcement) there are a group of cop like folks. Each is refered to as a SandMan. It is their responsibility to enforce law in the domed city, and to track down anyone who decides to run, and terminate them.

Now meet Logan 5. He's a sand man, and he loves his job. But one day when he is doing his job and terminates a runner, he finds an Ankh on the runner. He doesn't think much of it. So he picks it up with the rest of the runner's belongings, and heads back to HQ to be "debriefed". But the central computer DOES recognise the Ankh. It is determined to be a symbol associated with a legenday place called Sanctuary, where runners can go and hide and live out their life normally (as you and I would consider normal). The computer determines that Sanctuary must be either right on the inside of the dome, or outside the city. Logan 5 is assigned to find sanctuary, and destroy it.

And so begins his Grand adventure, during the process of which he leaves the city, Falls in love with his "partner in crime, Jessica" (which is strictly forbidden in the city), Finds a man who has more cats than I could count, and returns to the city to try and stop the madness.

A very good movie on all counts. It should have been more popular. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This 1976 adventure story set in World War II concerns a Nazi plot to kidnap Churchill from his retreat--or murder him if need be. The large, great cast and a director, John Sturges, who's been down this road of ensemble action before (The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape) make this project exciting if not as memorable as Sturges's more famous works. The weak ending doesn't help. -- Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Non-stop espionage & adventure to please WWII buffs........
At long last, one of my favourite "fictional" World War II films is finally out on DVD and the transfer is excellent all round.

The 1970's was a period where war movies were filled with mercenaries, commando's and full steam ahead action....and "The Eagle has Landed" is no exception, but a better told tale than many others !

John Sturges shows once again why he is one sharpest action / suspense film directors around with this exciting filming of the very popular Jack Higgins novel. What makes this film so enjoyable, and able to withstand repeated viewings is the talented cast at the centre of this twisting tale of spies and espionage. Kurt Steiner (Michael Caine) is the disgraced leader of a group of crack German paratroopers that have been exiled to operate an MTB boat in the English Channel. Opportuntity comes their way in the form of Colonel Radl (Robert Duvall), with an incredible plot to secretly parachute into England and kidnap Winston Churchill from a country retreat. Donald Pleasance turns in a chilling performance as SS leader, Heinrich Himmler...Donald Sutherland in fine form as the IRA ally, Liam Devlin...Larry Hagman is the pompous and foolhardy Colonel Pitts and Treat Willians (in his first movie role) as the wiser and more wary American Ranger, Captain Clark. Jenny Agutter contributes the love interest as Molly Prior, and Jean Marsh puts in a cold blooded display as the Nazi sympathasier, Joanna Grey.

"The Eagle has Landed" has some great twists and turns and never lets the viewer relax as the story holds a keen balance between action, suspense, romance and tragedy. Highly recommended for those who like intrigue and adventure in their WWII movies !!

A highly entertaining and different WWII film that stands out from the rest.

Great Film, Non-Anamorphic and Grainy Transfer
This movie is a first rate action film. It's high adventure and great story telling all the way. My only disappointment is that Amazon says it is "Anamorphic Widescreen" and it is NOT. The picture is grainy and not clean. Sound quality is good, however. It would be a five star DVD otherwise.

My worst DVD in a collection of 200 DVD's
This is the worst DVD ever produced- the visual quality is beyond poor- its blurry grainy awful to watch and the sound sucks also.
To top all of that off the movie is terrible, really really bad, and the acting stinks. This was probably pulled from the theatres the week it was released- I bought this as part of the 2-pack with Hamburger Hill, but this movie sucks and I gave it away the next day.

Above average adaptation of Jack Higgins's book
This version of the Jack Higgins book isn't bad. Fine performances by a varied cast: including, a steely-eyed Michael Caine; a cocky Donald Sutherland; a mysterious Robert Duvall, and the alway eerie Donald Pleasance, as well as a "nasty" turn by Jean Marsh, as a sympathetic villager. Judy Geeson and Jenny Agutter provide a little beauty amongst the "beasts", i.e., the Germans. The "American style" salutes seem out of place, by those playing Germans, e.g., Caine, as opposed to the "heil" salutes. [My tape was marred a little by some "garbled" sound at the end, I'll have to see if there is a DVD version.] I would say that it wasn't bad. There's also an interesting turn by Larry Hagman, of all people, as a "gung ho" American who's attempt to "see action" before he goes home to a "desk job" only gets him killed.

Classic Adventure Film
In spite of an all start cast giving excellent performances, this fanciful, classic WW2 adventure pales in comparison with the book upon which it is based. Having read the novel first, I admit I was sorely disappointed by the film version. However, if you've only seen (and enjoyed) the movie, you will be in for a treat when you read the book! ... Read more

Reviews (70)

Pretty Good
I'd say this was the best CP ever,but it has plenty(maybe
a little to much)false scares,plot holes,and humor.I think the goriest moment in this movie was when chucky as a doll shoves the knife up his arm.It is SO gross!I also say that this was the least scariest one.CP 1 was the scariest,and the darkest.But BOC(bride of chuckie)is way too plot holey-funny.It is twice as bad as this.But now,i'll tell you of the actuall movie:
Chuckie,as we should know from CP 1,was burned to a crisp and shot to pieces.This should have been the end,but NO!The stupid GOOD GUY factory rebuilds chucky,which is the biggest horror movie no-no ever!And he 's back,chasing Andy B.For his soul.Soon,
Andy moves to a foster home because his mom had a nervous breakdown and is in phciatric care.Anyway,just a day or 2 later,Chucky arrives-but is surprised to see Andy now onwns another Good Gye-TOMMY.Chucky destroyes it with andy Foster mom's statue.Soon,"Kyle"and Andy are alone.(kyle's andy foster sister).They head to the Good-Guy Factory,and after a few tries,kill chucky.
This is a good video to buy.

The best in the series and with a welcome sense of humor.
This was o.k. In fact some of the scenes in this film are drop down and catch your breath funny. And the story was cool with us finding out what happened after the original. Andy Barclay has just gotten over the fact that his mom was commited to a psycho ward and him being adopted by a family who want him to live with them. But everyone thinks he's nuts. Why? Well Charles Ray has finally found him. With a new body which he got from being rebuilt by a greedy toymaker who can't wait to unviel the new Good Guys Dolls. Chucky will find Andy and if he doesn't act like a good kid and hand his soul over, then Chucky is going to kill everyone Andy holds dear at the moment. But with the help of a fellow adoptive sister (who is eighteen to Andy's ten) he might just have a chance to escape with his life and end Chucky's second reign of terror. With a great sense of humor, numerous original death and the best finale in the series I highly recommend you get this film for your horror DVD (or cassete) library.

Decent
Decidely the second-worst movie in the CP trilogy. CP 3 is the best, CP 1 the worst. (CP 1 was good but it is the worst of the three). This one has more Chucky action and less slowness to the premise - a plus. Poor Andy is sent to foster care where him and Kyle must battle Chucky's evil. The movie is a bit unbelieveable - The factory ressurects the very same doll that may have been responsible for the murders? Even if they don't believe it, this gets a thumbs-down as the opener. It would've been deliciously spooky for Chucky to ressurect himself, but then again, how would he have?
Overall, the acting is mostly average. Jenny Augutter does fairly well, Gerrit Graham -- tries, and the actress for Kyle does an excellent job. Alex Vincent does not do as well as the first film; he's lost the 6-year-old "innocent" feel.
I'd say this is more worth a buy than a rent. Most people say watching a few times increases the stregnth of the impact of the movie.
The ending on the VHS & DVD is Kyle and Andy walking outside of the factory. Some cable channels show the beginning of the third movie to end this one: Chucky getting reassembled and smiling. That's a mistake.
This movie, especially the last fifteen minutes, delivers fairly well for the price. I'd never say STELLAR, but I'd say good or maybe great.

Sorry Jack, Chucky's back!
This sequel picks up where the first one left off.

Young Andy is now in foster care after being taken away from his mother. He still has nightmares about his killer doll.

Little does he know that the company has completly reconstucted Chucky. After Chucky escapes from the factory, he tracks Andy down to his new home. He begins to do things that get Andy in trouble and nobody listens when Andy tells them "Chucky's back".

When Chucky and Andy have their final showdown at the doll factory, Chucky finds out that it is now too late to transfer his soul. He is now human. This enrages Chucky and his goal now is to kill him.

Not as good as the original, the sequal is decent at best.

30 Minutes Stretched Into 90 minutes
Child's Play 2 did not have much of a storyline. The movie could of easily been fit into a half an hour. This film really deserves 0 stars. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

It's not British, it's Australian
Another reviewer made the mistake of calling this a british movie...it is not, it's Australian. That fact is what makes the movie interesting. It's an Australian surfer movie...and that's not something that's too common. As a Zeta-Jones fan, I rented this and liked her in the role. Sean Pertwee and Ewan McGregor play their roles well enough to make this a passable moive. I would liked to have seen a bit more surfing footage, and a little less dialog (after all, this was supposed to be a surfing flick), but still, it wasn't too bad, and worth watching for Zeta-Jones fans.

Awesome
Blue Juice is an absolute classic which sums up the Cornish surfing community very well. The film and countryside is true to Kernow and as a Cornish surfer myself, know alot of people in situations very similar. Although actual footage is limited, its a film about their lives rather than a surfing vid. It is balanced well and is funny, true to life and shows what some of our lives down here are really like.

Good no-brainer
This is a great cute movie if you don't want to have to think too hard. Some classic funny lines, really goofy characters.

JC (Sean Pertwee) must prove his worth as a surfer (in England!) where surfing barely exists. Kind of a cute twist on the surfer movies: it's cold and there's really no waves to speak of. But once in a blue moon, these huge waves come in and that is when JC must prove himself.

BUT... his girlfriend (Cahterine Zeta-Jones) will disown him if he even tries! So, here lies the issue. Does he pronounce his love and forget the stupid wave, or is he influenced by his childhood friends who care nothing for intimate relationships?

Unrealistic, sure. Of course. But cute.

Plot is thin, but the characters are memorable and there are some truly classic funny lines. JC's childhood friends (Ewan McGregor, Peter Gunn and Steven Mackintosh) are hilarious characters and are all portrayed very well. Definitely worth the rental price, or buy it used.

A couple things I don't understand:

WHY ON EARTH IS THE PRICE SO HIGH!?!?! What's up with that? But it used.

WHY is Ewan McGregor on the front cover, as if he is the main character? Yes, he plays a pivotal character - JC actually forsakes his love to save Dean's pride and his life. But shouldn't Sean Pertwee be the one on the cover with Catherine Zeta-Jones? As cute as McGregor is, he never looks this clean-cut (or sane) in the movie!

bought this for ewan but love Sean Pertwee as well now
I always made fun of the surfer dudes before seeing Ewan in this movie. I loved the acid trip scene where Ewan gets embarrassed over his friend's behavior although he gave him the acid. Check out the braided hair on Ewan as well and they had a cool song and sock/p*nis scene as well.

Blue Juice the reivew
In one part of the moive I think you sould look away on that one. Trush me. The legend is here it's JC (Sean Pertwee). In the moive he has the look's and fame and he has it all: And he has the hottest girl in town her name is Chloe (Catherine Zeta Jones). Ok one of his friend's (Ewan McGregor) enter him in a dangerous surfing contest, poor JC he must risk his life or his one ture love.

Which one is it going to be? The girl or the contest???

In the moive he said he is out of shape and he can't surf like that anymore. In the moive he said he almost die form that foolishly stuff. Once he had it all but now I don't know about that one.

Well, enjoy the moive I did you will too!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A film adaptation of the famous play by Peter Shaffer, Equus starsRichard Burton (Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, 1984) asMartin Dysart, a psychiatrist who takes on an unusual case: a youngstable boy (Peter Firth, The Hunt for Red October) who, in a frenzy, has blindedsix horses. Their sessions reveal that the boy has aquasi-religious fetish for horses and he rides them in the dead of night,experiencing an ecstasy unlike anything Dysart has ever known. Dysartbegins to question: Is the pursuit of normalcy worth the loss ofindividual passions? Equus features a lot of hokum--its therapyscenes are absurd crescendos of revelation and insights. But its centralquestion has substance, the direction is energetic, and the performancesare powerful; Burton, handsome and haggard, brings a complex self-loathingto his role. Also featuring Jenny Agutter (Logan's Run) and JoanPlowright (Enchanted April). --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (21)

POWERFUL PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMA....
Absolutely stunning film version of the Tony-winning play. Richard Burton is fine as psychiatrist Dr.Dysart who tackles a disturbing case involving a young stablehand, Alan(Peter Firth) who has inexplicably blinded six horses. Alan has become obsessed with the mythological horse god Equus and secretly worships horses in religious/sexual frenzy. Dysart (who has problems of his own) tries to uncover what led up to the mutilations and discovers the boy's parents were aware of some of his strange rituals but coldly did nothing. Joan Plowright is excellent as the mother who reveals too late her own shortcomings. Beautiful Jenny Agutter is also fine as the girl whose seduction of Alan in the stables leads to the tragic occurrance... but Peter Firth is simply fantastic as the mentally fragile Alan. His performance carries the film and his role requires him to be nude through much of it. But titillating this is not. It is a wrenching film and the blinding of the horses is almost unbearable to watch. This is the kind of film that challenges the viewer and leaves much open for discussion. On that level alone, it is recommended highly. Others beware that the bizarre subject matter may put some viewers off. Nonetheless, it's an excellent film and an unusual journey into the psyche of a most unusual (and sad) young man. Excellent direction by Sidney Lumet. Rather "bare bones" DVD but it looks and sounds great. A collector's item.

Something Went Horribly Wrong!
Directed by Sidney Lumet, creator of Network, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon and The Pawnbroker; with the screenplay written by Peter Shaffer, the author of the original play, which is one of the great plays of the Twentieth Century; and starring Richard Burton, one of our finest dramatic actors; the movie version of EQUUS should have been both a thrilling visual and emotional experience. Something, however, went horribly wrong in translating the play to the screen. Nothing seems to work. For example, the blinding of the horses in the stage production is totally believable and so overpowering. Using men wearing metal horses' heads works completely. The similar scenes in the movie with actual horses are so brutal as to be almost unwatchable. The nudity is not at all gratuituous in the play but seems unnecessary in the movie adaptation. The spare set complements the acting in the play and is so effective. That is all of course lost in the movie version. Martin Dysart's talking to the audience is so moving in the play; in the movie it comes off simply as both artificial and boring. (It doesn't help matters that Burton has three volumnes: loud, much louder and too loud.) The psychiatrist's musings as to whether the young man should be "fixed" and brought into the mainstream but never be able to "run" free again are at the heart of the play; here they just appear trite.

Not every great work of art can be translated into another medium. I'm not sure this great play could ever be made into a good movie. Maybe a film should have been made of a good stage production in order that this truly great play could be seen by a larger audience.

Doctor must help a teenage boy with a horse and sex.
Richard Burton narrates to the audience and stars as a psychiatrist who is to help an english teenage boy, Alan (Peter Firth), who seems to be out of touch of reality. He loves horses and dreams of horses. Alan must see the psychiatrist every day and make progress or he will end up in a mental hospital. He is not allowed to watch television according to his parents, but remebers specific jingles and repeats them often. His behavior at times is erratic. Dr. Martin Dysart had odd dreams of his own and must get to the root of Alan's problem. Alan will relay to Dr. Dysart his own memories as a child and his obsession for a horse. ADULTS ONLY! Includes full frontal male and female nudity and sexual situations. Cast also includes Joan Plowright, Colin Blakly and Kate Reid. Richard Burton and Peter Firth were both nominated for an Academy Award.

Fantastic Dialogue and The Experience of Therapy
"Equus" restored my faith in Sidney Lumet after watching a few of his films that bombed. Lumet transfers the stage play beautifully to the screen, exploring an interesting case of a boy who has blinded six horses. Richard Burton is magnificent and one of the only actors that can carry on long-winded dialogues with conviction. Equally able is the deranged boy (played by Peter Firth) who cross-examines Burton, knocking him off his feet in a similar manner to Matt Damon in "Good Will Hunting."

"Equus" explores what it means to be normal. Burton's character realizes that being normal, to a certain degree, is having abnormalities. Peter Firth's character has a worship that is more passionate and alive than most human beings ever feel-certainly more than Burton's character. Burton longs to have the boy's passion and yet realizes that he is trying to free the boy from these feelings as he is doing so. He muses over the meaning of his life and the therapy he gives. If he can never understand "why" a child acts the way it does, is there any point to therapy?

While this movie starts out with a completely absurd and twisted plot, it eventually fades into a very believable plot line. As Burton pulls the information from Firth's head and we witness the boy's instable home life and threatening religious background, the plot becomes normal and we come to understand the boy's situation. The movie becomes clear as the boy's troubles become clear. The effect of this is that we experience the therapy along with Peter Firth. This is masterfully done and Lumet should be applauded.

My only complaint about the movie is that it is a little long-winded. However, the dialogue is top-notch and the acting is incredible. If you're a fan of Richard Burton and his monologue performances driven by a play-adaptation, get this film.

Equus = no good...
The stableboy is
a monster who should have been put to death for his acts. The film is a horrible waste of time, and yet another example of the worst of the '70s attempts to show how a film adaptation of a novel and stage play can be put to the screen and still manage to rope in suckers and even win some awards. These types of films generally suck plain and simple, but this is among the notoriously worst of its kind. Would you care about the boys psychological make-up and rehibilitation if he had done this cruel act to a group of children? I think not. Richard Burton is better served in films such as 'Candy' and 'Bluebeard' - Stick to comedies, horror films and period pieces and forget this bogged down, heavyweight crappola! Sentimental poop! God rest Richard Burton's soul for this one!! ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Top Julie,Average Movie
Noel Coward said of this movie,"It will undoubtedly be a marvelous commercial film,and Julie Andrews and Danny will
be wonderful;so will all those nostalgic,unforgettable songs.
But it won't bear the slightest possible resemblance to the
Gertie we knew".Coward,who was one of Gertrude Lawrence's best
friends and wrote some of Daniel Massey's(who played him)dialogue,was so right!"STAR!" is two films in one.First,it's
basically nothing more than a routine Hollywood musical biogrpahy,full of more fiction than fact.Robert Wise,Saul
Chaplin, and Twentieth Century-Fox spent far too much money on
the sumptuous sets and costumes(which do look beautiful in
Ernest Laszlo's gorgeous Technicolor photography).They should
have spent it on William Fairchild's banal script.And who said
it had to be three hours?Wise and editor William Reynolds should
have cut it by at least one hour.
But secondly, "STAR!" is also a Julie Andrews star vehicle, and
on that level it works.Vocally and dramatically,this is one of
Julie's best performances.Although she was wrong for the part
due to differences in voice and personality, Julie is winning
and winsome here.And she's never looked better on film!And,oh,
that soundtrack!Gershwin,Porter,Weill,and the others have rarely
been perfromed so well(magnificent work by arranger/conductor
Lennie Hayton and his crew!).
All in all,though, this is just a typical big-budget 1960s musical-entertaining for an evening,but nothing more.Not the
horror most critics and fans called it,but not a classic,either.
For a much better musical bio,try Doris Day's "Love Me Or Leave
Me".

This "Star" definitely shines!
Julie Andrews received most of the blame for the critical and financial failure of this film. Critics were not kind to her because she sought to drop her so-called "wholesome" image with her performance of Gertrude Lawrence. Actually the problem, if there is one, is the script. With its integration of newsreel footage, both real and re-enacted, and the behind-the-scenes story of the star who was once the toast of the Broadway and London stages, the film takes on a rather disjointed look. But the technique is an original, innovative and generally successful one. The musical numbers are exceptional with "Berlington Bertie...", "Limehouse Blues" and the finale, "Jenny" among the highlights. Daniel Massey as Noel Coward nearly steals the show. But above all there is Julie! She is magnificent! Surely no one else could have taken on the enviable but difficult task of portraying Lawrence in a massive production like this one. Her work is on a par with MARY POPPINS, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, HAWAII, VICTOR/VICTORIA and DUET FOR ONE! The close-mindedness of the critics and audiences at the time of STAR!'s release does not diminish the fact that the acting, singing and dancing of Andrews is a monumental achievement and elevates the film to near greatness! If you can see this film in a letterboxed, surround sound edition or better still in a widescreen movie theatre it is even better. The truncated version that is the most widely seen runs around 120 minutes and should be avoided. Try and catch the 175 minute version. You will not be sorry!

Missing STAR!
I own the VHS version of STAR! and the Laser Disc too. Both are compete versions of the film. Now I purchased the DVD of STAR! and find it pales to both the VHS and Laser Disc. What happened to the intermission title and Enter-act music? We are talking about a minute and a half of music. The DVD even talks about the intermission music and how to control the presentation of the second act. This is totally unexceptable. I think I will return this DVD and get my money back. I'll stick to the beautiful complete version on Laser Disc.

THE BEST ANDREWS
Wow what a film.... But as a biography is falls short on information about Gertie. However; as a Julie Andrews-extravaganza it is pure GOLD! Her timing and talent is beyond Poppins, Maria Von Trapp and Victor/Victoria:-))))

COULDN'T MAKE UP THEIR MINDS........
This Lavish, Spectacular, and ultimately hollow version of Gertie's life says very little about everybody, exceot it shows that the gal had drive, passion, oooodles of talent [Gertie said something about herself "I know not to bump into the furniture and don't sing tooo well, but I do try"]... and that's basically what we get here. [It somewhat smatters of that lavish Shirley Maclaine/Gene Kelly musical, you know which one - she's always marrying the wrong man - Kelly directed, with Paul Newman, Dean Martin, etc.]

JULIE ANDREWS is exquisitely gowned and coiffed ... and surrounded by a stellar cast Daniel Massey as the wry Noel Coward [old time chum of Gertie's ~ we never delve into his life - which would have been an interesting counterpoint to Gertie's - slightly predatorial, but UTTERLY, UTTERLY charming]

The movie is sandwiched between old sepia [recreated] newsreel footage] so we constantly jump from small scarchy period screen to widescreen and TODD-AO constantly ~ This version is new to me - I originally saw the shortened, cropped version - and unless I blinked -the length does defy concentration I believe that PARIESSIENNE PIERROT is excised from this version ... this one contains the eleborate, East Indian "Patella Tune" - too technical - not an inch of fun.

BUT JULIE does look spectacular - of special note is the final scene from 'LADY IN THE DARK' - that problem musical. An odd recording of this original with Gertie is around, strangely only "My Ship" and "Jennie" remain on this disc - the rest is just dialogue between Gertie and the psychiatrist ......

No, it is a fine DVD to own, but Gertie deserves just something else - perhaps starting with THE KING AND I [her final Broadway show ~ and her rather dramatic passing away during the run] and working back INCLUDING Noel's PRIVATE LIFE????? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

How bad can animation get? - This bad.
It looks as if they patched together two different movies. The beginning is misleading. It makes the story seem as if it's a Medieval story but after twenty minutes it switches to a modern day story. Halfway through the movie they decide it's going to be a musical. To make it worse they introduce one main villan at the beginning and switch to another later.
This was one movie in bad need of a rewrite. The committee who wrote the first script probably never even met.
The only thing good about this film, aside from a few interesting scenes -- most likely manufactured for promotional reasons -- is the self-promotional warning they give at the start of the film. Any movie that feels the need to promote itself in the title credits can't be good.

Chase's Favorite
Our daughter Chase is three years old. We have rented this video from the video store so many times that we could have owned about 3 copies. We finally decided to buy one when she walked in the store the other day and knew exactly where it was located. She has assured us it is a 5 star movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jenny Agutter stars as the mother in this Masterpiece Theater remake of the beloved 1970 Lionel Jeffries film of the same name, in which she played the oldest daughter. This time that role is played by Jemima Rooper, whose face perfectly captures the conflict between her girlhood of railway adventures and her adulthood, in which she comes to understand far more about the disappearance of her father than her younger siblings do. This early 20th-century story based on Edith Nesbit's novel is set in motion when the children's father is taken off in the night from their London home and the family moves to the country in reduced circumstances. The trio take to waving at passing trains for amusement and wind up preventing a derailment, reuniting a Russian prison escapee with his family, and rescuing a schoolboy injured in a tunnel. A couple of their heroics are accomplished with the assistance of a jovial-looking gentleman (Richard Attenborough), who waves to them from the rear car. He turns out to be the owner of the railroad and helps Rooper's character clear her father of a false treason conviction.Agutter does well as the proper British mum with a heart, but this is clearly Rooper's picture. The movie itself is 97 minutes with a few minutes tacked on at the beginning and end for Russell Baker's customary commentary and historical context. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Charming and Beautiful
E. Nesbit's stories have charmed children and adults for a century. Many of her books are about children who gain magical powers or contact magical creatures. They are fun, but none has as much strength and beauty as The Railway Children. This is a story of three children whose father is falsely imprisoned. They and their mother retreat into the countryside where they live a hand to mouth existence for several months. Nesbit included quite a few of her own democratic socialist beliefs into The Railway Children, but the ideology does not detract from the story.

This DVD is beautifully done so that the outdoor scenes, especially, are magnificent. The children's adventures and their developing friendships with the people who live in and around their small village are all lovingly filmed. A host of talented actors, including Michael Kitchen, Jenny Agutter, and Sophie Thompson, among many others, enhance the story. And the final scenes, when the newly released father steps off the train into his daughter's arms, are guaranteed to produce a lump in your throat.

Railway Children
Wonderful service oriented tender story without any of Hollywood's sex, violence or language. Delightful movie for all ages.

Strong effort in remaking a classic
This is a valiant effort to remake the 1970 film based on Edith Nesbit's novel. In comparing the two, the new version features more "emoting"; things which went unsaid but were implied in 1970 are now told to us rather than shown. This is to the detriment of the newer version.
In spite of this, it is still a beautifully presented tale appropriate for the entire family; I think the production team was quite brave to even attempt a remake.

WILL MAKE YOU WARM LIKE THE STOVE IN THE STATION
THE RAILWAY CHILDREN IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES, I WOULD CHALLENGE ANYONE TO SAY ANTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL FILM AND THE CHILD ACTORS:)
THIS HAS A HALLMARK HALL OF FAME TASTE, BUT HAS MUCH MORE DEPTH AND ISNT COATED IN SUGAR.
A GOOD WGBH/BOSTON/PBS PRODUCTION- IF TRYING TO LOCATE ?

THIS WOULD MAKE A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT AND HOLDAY TRADITION TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY---A WONDERFUL TURN OF THE CENTURY TALE.

"MICHAEL KITCHENS" (FOYLES WAR), RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH, GREGOR FISHER, AND JENNY AGUTTER SHOULD BE APPRECIATED AND RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR FINE ACTING TALENTS:) FROM EDITH NESBITS 1906 NOVEL.
ORIGINALLY AN E/M "MASTERPICE THEATRE" PRESENTATION---GET THIS DVD NOW?!

The Railway Children as Good as Ever
This is a splendid remake of E. Nesbit's classic children's novel, The Railway Children -- it is as good as the earlier (1970) version, and also, in its way, as delightful and moving as the book itself. Jenny Agutter, who was wonderful as Bobbie in the earlier version, is equally splendid as mother in this; while Jemima Rooper makes a perfect Bobbie, struggling on the threshhold of womanhood. The production is in general careful and imaginative. I have one criticism only -- why, oh why, do those responsible for Masterpiece Theater imagine that we are incapable of appreciating such an offering as this without "commentary" before and after it? There would be something patronizing about such an assumption, even if the commentary said anything worth saying: as it is, we are inflicted with several minutes of Russell Baker mouthing pompous, irrelevant twaddle. Five stars for the movie, and MINUS five for whomever cooked up that nonsense! ...