Amazon.com

James Bond's fourth adventure takes him to the Bahamas, where a NATO warplane with a nuclear payload has disappeared into the sea. Bond (Sean Connery) travels from a tony health spa (where he tangles with a mechanized masseuse run amuck) to the casinos of Nassau and soon picks up the trail of SPECTRE's number-two man, Emilio Largo (Adolfo Celi), and his beautiful mistress, Domino (Claudine Auger), whom Bond soon seduces to his side. Equipped with more gadgets than ever, courtesy of the resourceful "Q" (Desmond Llewelyn), agent 007 escapes an ambush with a personal-size jet pack and takes to the water as he searches for the undersea plane, battles Largo's pet sharks, and finally leads the battle against Largo's scuba-equipped henchmen in a spectacular underwater climax. This thrilling Bond entry became Connery's most successful outing in the series and was remade in 1983 as Never Say Never Again, with Connery returning to the role after a 12-year hiatus. Tom Jones belts out the bold theme song to another classic Maurice Binder title sequence. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (132)

A Must Own on DVD
Explosive action, stunning locales, a tight plot and Sean Connery's most convincing turn as the world's favorite spy make Thunderball one of the finest-- if not the finest -- entries in the James Bond film series. Add to that a DVD package chock full of dynamic extras such as "behind the scenes" documentaries and two highly informative audio commentaries and you've got yourself a must own movie.

The most visually stunning of all Bond films, Thunderball's sheer cinematic beauty comes glistening through on the remastered DVD print. The light, tropical hues of The Bahamas radiate like never before and the vast scope of the dazzling underwater scenes are fully appreciated on the widescreen transfer. Having personally viewed this Bond classic at least 200 times on standard video, I felt as though I was seeing it for the first time via widescreen DVD.

The plot involves Emilio Largo(Adolfo Celi) as sinister SPECTRE baddie #2 who threatens to nuke Miami unless paid a hefty ransom by the British government and NATO. Of course, Bond has just four days in which to save the world -- four days filled with such distractions as an array of willing women, killer sharks, and exploding cars and boats!

Celi is absolutely captivating as Largo,the eye-patched criminal mastermind. Deliberate and understated, Largo catches on to Bond, and his intent, early on. The ensuing cat and mouse chase begins cordially before turning deadly. The pursuit of Bond through the Junkanoo Parade in the streets of Nausau is positively nerve-wracking. Ditto a pair of horrific scenes in Largo's swimming pool which convieniently doubles as a deadly shark tank.

Italian actress Luciana Paluzzi nearly steals the show as Fiona Volpe a femme fatale killer who yearns for Bond in more than one way. Paluzzi lights up the screen, oozing equal parts temptation and evil.

Former Miss France, Claudine Auger turns in a fine performance as Bond's main love interest Domino. The fact the Domino just happens to be Largo's mistress doesn't stop our favorite super-spy from pursuing her.

Rik Van Nutter's portrayal of CIA operative Felix Leiter is perhaps the series' finest. Of course, Moneypenny, Q and M all flawlessly reprise their respective roles.

A perfect blend of From Russia with Love's suspense and Goldfinger's fun-filled explosiveness, Thunderball is undoubtedly one of the best Bond films. MGM did a great job on the DVD, thus making Thunderball a necessary addition to every Bond fan's collection.

Connery at His Unadulterated Best on DVD
Double entendres abound in this aquatic tale of intrigue, action and adventure 007 style. And make no mistake about it; Sean Connery makes this his picture. This may not have the narrative flow of a "Goldfinger" but Connery's confident and energetic performance and the villain's well-laid out caper makes this one of the most entertaining, realistic and tongue-in-cheek films in the series. This film was made at the pinnacle of the James Bond phenomenon and it shows. No cost was too great. This movie is big and it looks and feels big in every way. The underwater bellicose -ballet is one of the best pieces of action ever put on film thanks to Lamar Boren's colorful and beautiful photography and John Barry's original, innovative and intuitive scoring. The opening fight scene between Bond and Jacques Boitier in the chateau is one the best choreographed and edited of the series. What really makes this film is the dialogue. Connery's one-liners, his banter with Adolfo Celi as Emilio Largo and Luciana Paluzzi as Fiona Volpe and his delivery is brimming with aplomb, wit, humor and confidence all rolled into one. Claudine Auger, Molly Peters, Luciana Paluzzi and Martine Beswick are the ultimate 'Bond Girls.' Production designer Ken Adam, Art design Peter Murton, Cinematographer Ted Moore, Special effects expert John Stears, Editor Peter Hunt, Composer John Barry, Screenwriter Richard Maibaum and Director Terence Young make this one of the best Bond films of the series. Bernard Lee as "M," Lois Maxwell as Moneypenny and Desmond Llewelyn as "Q" all give their best performances. One of the best looking Bond films! It sounds better than ever in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound!

The second best film of Bond series
Thunderball is a feast eye. Visually stunnig with advanced and ingenious twist and ideas.
The presence of Adolfo Celi as Emilio Largo and one of the most beautiful Bond's girls - Claudine Auger , are winners components.
The unforgettable submarine fight deserved for this film won Best special effects . And from its release became in a classic sequence.
Funny and plenty of chases , sharks and arresting locations.
After Goldfinger , this could be the most clever and kinetic movie of Bond series.

THUNDERBALL = Best Bond Movie
This movie is Awesome. The story is the best and score is fantastic. Sean Connery gives one of his best performances as James Bond along with everyone else in the film. This is truly one of my favourite movies ever and I've only become a mega fan this past year. Make your life better and get this along with every other James Bond film!

borderline classic, borderline franchise popcorn
this is the pivotal bond film because it has enough of the same qualitites that rank it nearly alongside dr no, from russia with love and goldfinger.
but, it also has enough hints of the rot that is you only live twice and diamonds are forever that follows.
the first three bond films can actually be considered good films period and not necessarily 'franchise films'.
thunderball truly is the beginning of the franchise that will become furmulaic popcorn with the next one and that was too bad,
and connery, wisely, knew this himself. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

The movie that MST3K used for the original (unaired) pilot
"The Green Slime" starts off like just another in a long line of science fiction films dealing with an asteroid on a collision course with the Earth, but this is the film that was used for the original (unaired) pilot for "Mystery Science Theater 3000." If that is not a claim to fame (or infamy) I do not know what would be. Standing between the asteroid and the end of the world as we know it is the United Nations Space Center and Jack Rankin (Robert Horton) takes off from Space Station Gamma 3 and nukes the asteroid. That is the good news. The bad news is that some green slime (hence the title) gets on a space suit and the next thing we know it is on the space station. Even though it ends up in the decontamination unit, it actually GROWS from green slime into a monster with tentacles and one big red eye. Furthermore, every time the creature gets shot you end up with another creature. So maybe letting the asteroid hit the Earth would have been a good thing. Meanwhile, just to make things even more interesting, Rankin is trying to win back Lisa Benson (Luciana Paluzzi) from the arrogant Vince Elliott (Richard Jaeckel), commander of Gamma 3.

So what we have here is a film with American actors, an Italian leading lady, and a Japanese director (Kinji Fukasaku). The explanation for this is that "The Green Slime" was not just an American production but also a Japanese ("Gamma sango uchu daisakusen") but also an Italian ("Il Fango verde") one as well. Other English titles for the film were "After the Destruction of Space Station Gamma: Big Military Operation," "Battle Beyond the Stars," "The Battle of Space Station Gamma," "Death and the Green Slime," and "Gamma #3 Big Military Space Operation" (I think one of those might be a literal translation of the Japanese title). Ultimately the film is, as you would expect from this heritage, full of bad acting, ... sets, and cheesy monsters. However, the theme song was pretty good and after watching how much trouble it was to save the earth in "Armageddon" and "Deep Impact," there is something to be said for professionals who can get the job done by the end of Act I. Still, if the Green Slime (or, more appropriately, the Green Slime Monsters) wins it is no big loss given the cast of characters (and it is only a space station-one of at least three, apparently). If you loved bad science fiction films as a kid, then "The Green Slime" is for you, even though this one does not have the advantage of being dubbed.

A movie too funny to be an accident!
There isn't a single Japanese actor in this big-budget Japanese produced sci-fi drama, but the special effects are a dead give-away. A wandering astroid (code named `Flora') is on a collision course with Earth. Richard Jackel and Robert Horton lead a team which places atomic bombs on the astroid to blow it up. They succeed, but they unwittingly bring back an alien fungus to their wheel-shaped space station.

The fungus grows into man-sized monsters which multiply rapidly and overrun the space station. Jackel and Horton are forced to set aside their romantic rivalry over Luciana Paluzzi (`Thunderball') while they battle the creatures. Blazing laser guns abound in a desperate battle with the unstoppable monsters! The astronauts even don spacesuits and jet-packs for a battle on the space station's hull. All this in glorious color AND wide screen. Wow!

Sure, this sounds great but . . . well, these guys didn't know what they were doing.

. . . Or did they?

`The Green Slime' looks more like a clever satire of sci-fi movies than an ineptly made film. The odds against all the side-splitting humor in this movie happening by accident must be astronomical. The potato-shaped monster suits are hysterical. The miniatures of the rockets are so tiny the camera can barely focus on them. The dialogue sounds like perfect parodies of sci-fi's most treasured clichés. (Example: The doctor rushes up to soldiers as their about to attack a slim monster. `Stop, don't kill it!' he pleads. `This is a magnificent discovery, and we must do everything possible to SAVE it!' -- and he says it in a perfect imitation of Richard Nixon.)

When the heroes' rocket tries to outrun an atomic blast, Robert Horton orders the pilot to increase thrust. But the G-forces are already so strong, the pilot can't lift his hand to reach the throttle. Macho Robert jumps up, walks to the pilot's chair, and pushes the throttle himself!

`The Green Slime' is so full of scenes like this that it should be re-released as `National Lampoon's Space Adventure'. And just wait until you hear the Jimmy Hendrix sound-alike title theme, a psychedelic rock tune. Its was even released on 45 rpm! (That's kinda like a CD, for those of you too young to remember.)

But this movie, call your friends, and mix up a batch of lime Jello as a snack. This is MST3K squared!

The Green Slime
Some years ago I actually saw The Green Slime at a movie theatre. It has aired on local televison at least several times since. I am glad to see that this one has endured, destined to be a cult classic, I think. It is the cheeziest of the cheezy, the wackiest of the wacky, and the slimiest of the slimy. Buy this video and you will laugh!!

Clean Slime
My kids and I love this chessy flick. The groovy opening song, the plastic monsters, the plywood sliding doors, the miniture space cars moving along obvious "hidden" wires, the above average plot. We get a real hoot from the "thumbs up" exchanges between Robert Horton and whoever else is willing to give him a thumb in return. The dance party is a real gas. How did the women ever sit down modestly in those mini-skirts? We all like Richard Jaeckel because he looks so much like my son John. A parent needn't worry about what is said or done on screen. Great fun if you don't expect a big production.

Best movie I ever appeared in.
Richard Jaeckel was great.. courteous to the extras, acted well. Better production values than "King Kong Escapes" One of the better Japanese science fiction movies.

Little known fact.. the actor playing the monster in the green slime also played Godzilla in the 1960's Godzilla movies.

(An extra) ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Reluctant Saint 1962
this is a great heart warming and funny movie entertaining
great for all the family

Splendid!
There are many disappointing books and films about Francis and Franciscan spirituality. This film, based on Spoto's biography of Francis, isn't one of them. It offers a wonderful introduction to the Poverello of Assisi, beautiful to the eye and illuminating to the heart and mind. Replete with the usual breathtaking Assisi scenary one finds in films about Francis, this documentary also provides a sensitive interpretation of what Francis was up to, what values he represented, and what kind of lifestyle he lived and, by example, taught. With the aid of interpretive commentary from experts such as Murray Bodo and Bernard McGinn (as well as, rather oddly, from nonexperts such as Mario Cuomo), the film honestly explores Francis's sense of failure towards the end of his life and the extraordinary experience on Mt. Alverna that enabled him to reexamine his life's work and find peace with it. Throughout the film there are several contentious interpretations given as fact--the claim that Francis suffered from leprosy, for example--but overall, a fine and commendable addition to the growing body of work on Francis. Highly recommended!

Funniest Adaptation of a Saint's Life
I got this video together with a bunch of other saint videos, and was preparing myself for something rather pious and poorly produced. Boy, was I wrong! To begin with, this black and white film on the life of the medieval saint Joseph of Cupertino is brilliantly cast. Maximillian Scnell plays the rather stupid Joseph, a perennial klutz who can't keep anything straight in his head without much effort. But he loves God profoundly and desires to become a monk. The second thing that surprised me was how funny this movie was. It's quite episodical, and the humor is of the old more theatrical style - but given those limitations, it set me off laughing more than a few times. Richardo Montebalm also gives a great performance as the uptight monk who can't stand Joseph's stupidity or his extrordinary gifts. God blesses Joseph's love with unusual graces, onces that literally knock him off his feet, to the bewilderment of his priestly brothers.
A real treat. Don't miss it. Hope it goes to DVD! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The best of the beach movies.
"Muscle Beach Party" is the sharpest and funniest of the "Beach Party" movies. And it's the least dumb. That's saying a lot, really!

The supporting cast is unbeatable--Buddy Hackett, Don Rickles, Peter Lupus (billed as Rock Stevens), Morey Amsterdam, and a last-minute appearance by Peter Lorre (as Lupus' father!).

These were the first screen appearances of Stevie Wonder, who steals the musical portion of the flick, and Lupus, who is quite good as the ego-centered Flex Martian, chief muscleman in Rickles' stable. Why this movie works so well is a mystery, but it does. You could spend your money less wisely.

Fun in the sun
While I wouldn't consider myself a Frankie & Annette fan, I did order a copy of this movie. It has the kooky fun of a 60's beach flick complete with dancing, singing and some madcap adventures, but I wanted the movie for 2 other reasons. 1) I wanted to get a copy of the big screen debut of 'Little' Stevie Wonder which is a rockin' performance with Dick Dale & the Del Tones. It's fun to see Stevie doing his thing in front of the band, instead of crooning behind a piano. 2) Candy Johnson. You may remember her as the gal who was shaking & quaking with outfits covered in tassles. If Carol Burnett was a go-go dancer, this would be her.

This is a fun movie that makes you yearn for simpler times before the world got so jaded.

MUSCLE STUDS A GO-GO!
If you like to see Bodyuilders from years gone by then this tape is right up your alley! See a young Larry Scott (the first Mr. Olympia) flex and pose his Beautiful, Golden body along with about a dozen other hunky Muscle Men. You won't be disappointed when the Beefy Lads come out on the beach and drop the capes they were wearing, exposing their marvelous physiques. Swoon! I first saw this as a kid and it had a MAJOR impact on my young phsyche - I've had a huge crush on Bodybuilders ever since. Let this movie work it's magic on you!

Reissue Of Annette Funicello Album From The Mid Sixties
This is reissue of the original LP soundtrack from the movie of the same title. The track listing is as follows:

(1) Muscle Beach Party (2) A Girl Needs A Boy (3) Surfer's Holiday (4) I Dream About Frankie (5) Muscle Bustle (6) Merlin Jones (7) Custom City (8) Draggin' U.S.A. (9) Reble Rider (10) Waikiki (11) Shut Down Again (12) The Scrambled Egghead

All songs are in flawless true stereo suggesting they came from the master tapes. This is a Japanese Import. Unless on hand by the dealer, it could take a while to get but is still available as of September 98. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Brigitte Bardot takes one of her first starring roles as a provincialgirl who heads to Paris to become a novelist and, through a complicated (and often silly) set of misunderstandings, winds up competing in a striptease contest behind a mask and a pseudonym. The inevitable conflict occurs when her reporter boyfriend starts wooing both Bardots while charged with unmasking the mystery sexpot, climaxing in a door-slamming farce of mistaken identities. This frothy sex comedy, written by Bardot's husband and sometime director, Roger Vadim, and directed with minimal style but good humor by Marc Allegret, puts its assets right up front. Bardot plays the good girl with a bad girl's body, the innocent object of every man's lust, whose shyness makes her striptease act more tease than strip. In the background is a stream of cheesecake poses and almost nonchalant nudity from Bardot's fellow contestants (Bardot remains strategically covered but teasingly displayed in tight dresses and low necklines). Hardly a comedy classic, this lightweight bon-bon is an unapologetic product of the age of sexual double standards, largely buoyed by Bardot's charms and a solid cast of supporting comic actors. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Epitome of striptease in all its restored glory
I first saw this movie when I was ten and it began my lifelong fascination with striptease. But, I had only seen a version (probably trimmed for North America) featuring only partial strip, a version which was later released on video. When I saw the DVD version, my eyes popped out of my head : the contestants performing just before Bardot in the striptease contest were fully nude at the end of their act! It was so unbelievable and unexpected that at first I thought that it was fake, that the remaining clothes had been digitally edited out, but no! As I saw by comparing with the VHS version, those are really different takes on the same scene! And the quality of the transfer is top-notch, much better than on the VHS.

Entertaining wacky comedy
Plucking the Daisy is a zany comedy in black and white.

The cast of characters do a fine job. Bardot here looks so very young.This lady always seems to be a joy to watch especially in lighter fare such as this movie. While maybe not one of her sexier performances it is still one of her better overall performances.

Bardot plays the role of a 'good girl' and a rather atypical shy and modest one. She gets into trouble by her own doing and enters an amateur striptease contest to win some much needed cash to bail herself out of her predictament. While other contestants take it all off during the competition, Bardot bares very little at all but still manages to win the contest (first phase).

Other versions of this movie are called Madamoselle Striptease and Please Mr. Balzac. Plucking the Daisy is the film you want to see since it has been digitally restored and is in excellent condition.

While I can't put Plucking the Daisy high on my list of favorite Bardot movies it is nonetheless an eminently watchable and entertaining flick. Those who enjoy wacky type comedies should really enjoy this one.

Enjoyable Fun!
The story line of this film is an enjoyable vehicle which displays the timeless beauty of Brigitte Bardot. This VHS version is marred, however, by the terrible audio and video quality. 5 Stars for Bardot + 0 Stars for the quality of the tape = 2 Stars. If you are a big fan of Bardot (such as myself) you may want to pick to this up to add to your collection, otherwise buy something else. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Curl up with the popcorn and indulge....
Okay, so it is VERY different from the original PEYTON PLACE, but so was the book! Carol Lynley and Tuesday Weld are gorgeous, adorable and totally enjoyable. Eleanor Parker and Mary Astor are campier than a couple of drag queens. It is kitschy, early 60s soap opera at is best. This should be playing in revival houses as a double bill with the original. Watch for Bob Crane in a cameo role as a talk show sidekick.

Horrible Follow Up To The Original Classic
The only thing good about this video is the opening song sung by Rosemary Clooney.

This was a terrible sequel to the original movie. Different cast, different feel. Rent the video before you buy this one.

Return to Peyton Place ... an entertaining sequel
This is an interesting sequel from the point of view that none of the cast from Peyton Place reprise their roles and the time period seems to have been moved up 10 or 15 years without the principal characters aging. This film retains the feel of the original in some of the scenes (especially behind the credits where many of the pastoral New England shots from the original were used), but it has a back lot studio look about it in other scenes. Unlike the original, a good portion of this story takes place in New York City as it revolves its focus amongst the pairs of main characters. The story is standard soap opera material, yet it does not fail to entertain thanks to fine performances from a menacing Mary Astor, a charming and gracious Jeff Chandler and a noble Robert Sterling. Not to its detriment nor benefit, the main characters of this piece consist of the film's younger cast members who's performances are just standard with the exception of Tuesday Weld. However, the film benefits from beautiful color photography and Franz Waxman's reworking of his original Peyton Place score, which is in stereo on this VHS copy. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A hilariously campy piece of garbage
This is such an atrociously awful movie that it's a joy to watch. You have to be aware of the real life events that were ongoing during the making of "The Klansman." Burton and Taylor were busting up and Burton was awash in vodka. He arrived in Oroville, California and promptly proposed to an 18 year Denny's waitress. His costar, Lee Marvin, was also drinking a bottle a day. Neither was sober for a single syllable of this terrible movie and their struggles to appear sober make for some hilarious moments.

Burton, as usual, dreadfully overacts and his attempts at a Southern accent are pitiful, to say the least. Marvin's acting is much better, but when he has to speak inane lines from a miserable script, he can't fare much better. The highlights has to be the scene in the bus station when Burton karate chops poor Cameron Mitchell nearly to death. The movie was so cheaply edited that you can clearly hear director Terrence Young yelling, "Cut, Cam! Get up! Cut!" They don't even bother to edit out the director's instructions. You will be laughing yourself into a choking fit during this lengthy bus station melee,

This is a great movie to watch with a couple of beers. If you appreciate a terrible script, crude sets and two major stars who were drunk out of their minds while filming, you'll love this one.

Truly disappointing!
Firstly, poor sound. Secondly, the film has been cut, heavily.
Let us hope that Paramount release it on DVD soon, as it is their film. In the meantime, if anyone wants to see this film then just buy the Paramount VHS tape- it's very good quality for picture & sound & it is UNCUT! Do not waste your money or time on this poor attempt at a DVD release!!!

"THE KLANSMAN" WAS A DISASTER
In the Spring of 1974 Director Terance Young and company came to Oroville, California to film the Klansman. The locals were excited to have a big studio film made in the small town. However, when it opened at the State Theatre in Oroville, there was widespread horror.

The film included a castration, an attempted rape and two rapes, plus a whole lot of racial comments and some god-awful acting. You would have thought that Richard Burton would have done well with his acting, but he was one of the worse. He was drunk and chasing an under-age girl for most of the shooting schedule and could not seem to handle the southern accent. (This may have been the incident that destroyed his and Liz Taylor's marriage.)

Lee Marvin, Cameron Mitchell, Lola Falana and a few others did well in their acting but the script shot them down. It was full of racial stereotypes that probably set back racial relations for the next 100 years. (This was OJ Simpson's first film.)

I was there in 1974 and saw a lot of the shooting of the movie. It's only redeeming value to me is the fact that it showed a lot of areas of Table Mountain, Cherokee, Oroville and Sugarloaf Mountain (75 miles north of Sacramento in Northern California).
The scenery is beautiful but the movie is awful.

There are many scenes that are unintentially funny because of the bad acting plus a hilarious scene where Richard Burton "slaps" Cameron Mitchell into a blood pulp. A Classic!

All in all a minor film but worth seeing if you want a laugh or two. Warning, the rape scene with Lola Falana is not for the faint of heart! Plus the castration scene makes ME grit my teeth!

Sad waste of two powerhouse talents
Richard Burton was one of the all-time great thespians and it's a travesty that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences never honored him with an Oscar for any of his numerous nominations. Lee Marvin was a dynamic actor in his own right as well. Why they are wasting their time in this ugly, worthless (...) movie is anybody's guess.
Many films that incorporate a racist theme merit importance when they depict the horror and any subsequent violence that such bigotry and hatred derives. This film does nothing but present a shallow glimpse into the racial tensions stemming from the South (a common and unfortunate stereotype).
One interesting note: OJ Simpson made his film debut here as a radical "Black Panther"-type militant who murders white folks whenever he has a chance. (...)

Campy in the extreme!
This is such an atrociously awful movie that it's a joy to watch. You have to be aware of the real life events that were ongoing during the making of "The Klansman." Burton and Taylor were busting up and Burton was awash in vodka. He arrived in Oroville, California and promptly proposed to an 18 year Denny's waitress. His costar, Lee Marvin, was also drinking a bottle a day. Neither was sober for a single syllable of this terrible movie and their struggles to appear sober make for some hilarious moments.

Burton, as usual, dreadfully overacts and his attempts at a Southern accent are pitiful, to say the least. Marvin's acting is much better, but when he has to speak inane lines from a miserable script, he can't fare much better.

This is a great movie to watch with a couple of beers. If you appreciate a terrible script, crude sets and two major stars who were drunk out of their minds while filming, you'll love this one. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Did Disney ruin it forever, or was it already too late?
I will make frequent reference to my copy, a discounted version on the notoriously low-quality "Goodtimes Home Video", especially the trademark misrepresentation of the sleeve. SLEEVE: "The Best Heroic Action Movie Ever Made" TRUTH: Probably one of the most ambitious plots. By this print in 1990, there may well have been better action movies. SLEEVE: SEE Hercules single-handedly wrestle a man-eating lion! TRUTH: LAUGH at Hercules as he single-handedly wrestles down a shag carpet. SLEEVE: SEE Hercules beat the infamous Cretan Bull down with his fists! TRUTH: SEE footage of a bull! SEE Hercules struggle for ten minutes with a taxidermist's rendition of a different bull. Strangely enough, these encounters in the first half mean nothing to the plot...because they are about Hercules. The movie, it turns out, is not about Hercules, as he just ends up being an Argonaut stooge. While better dubbed than--say--a Bruce Lee movie, it tries to be a similar style of action (fighting) movie, and these scenes fail miserably by today's standards. It's a given that no child will ever choose this film over the cartoon. However, it was probably doomed to the classic nostalgia crowd anyway. It's a shame Disney got hold of him before there could be a Godzilla-ish remake. All the classics seem to go one way or the other.

The Great Steve Reeves as Hercules
I remember seeing this movie as a child and interestingly enough, now that it is on dvd, my son has bought this for his family.There are no great special effects. And don't look for any great acting, but Hercules is a fun movie and Reeves is the perfect Hercules with a sculpted physique, handsome and charismatic. I hope more Reeves movies become available on dvd. He was the original action hero.

Buff Beyond Belief -- The Original Sand and Sandal Epic
I just watched the Italian film Hercules staring Steve Reeves in the title role. First of all it was a pleasure to see Hercules call on his father Jupiter (and not Zeus as so many would have it).

Hercules travels to Jialco where he finds himself first welcomed by the Throne and then despised. After defeating the Cretan Bull, Hercules finds Jason, lost heir to the throne of Jialco. To prove Jason is who he says he is, Hercules, Jason, Argos and others set out to find the lost Golden Fleece.

Originally shot in Italian, this film does suffer from bad dubbing. This film, and particularly its sequel, Hercules Unchained, are some of the best interpretations of the Hercules legend.

Steve Reeves is wonderful as the hero and looks like he could defeat Kevin Sorbo without even trying. Reeves spends most of the film sans shirt showing off one of the finest builds ever filmed. For those who prefer looking at bodies with more curves, there are plenty of women in short Grecian robes.

What a great pity
This is without doubt the worst film transfer to DVD I have ever seen. I saw the film recently on TV and it was 10 times the quality of this DVD. Dont waste your money on this DVD.
It is an insult to modern technology and frankly a rip-off. Amazon should be ashamed of selling this product.

When Times Were Simpler and Steve Reeves Was Hercules!
Ah, yes! Those were the days! Disregard the dubbed-in dialogue and hokey plot lines. The orginal 1957 "Hercules" is a treasure of fantasy and fun. To those Americans who possess a sense of the past (what used to be known fondly as "nostalgia" prior to the MTV generation and its contemptuous stance toward anything that occurred prior to the maturation of Jennifer Lopez's big, fat posterior), Johnny Weismuller was Tarzen. Bela Lugosi was Dracula. Clayton Moore was the Lone Ranger. And Steve Reeves was Hercules. Long before Arnold there was Steve Reeves, the prototype body builder who in the 1940s and 50s surpassed what Charles Atlas initiated a generation earlier. A scrawny, unathletic kid who was teased unmercifully, Reeves decided to do something about his predicament. He made body building and fitness a way of life. Between 1945 and 1950, Reeves won every body building competition and award in the universe, and he did so without the use of steroids or any other drugs. It didn't take long for Hollywood to come calling. After being considered and then turned down for the role of Samson (for being "too muscular") in the 1949 MGM production of "Samson and Delilah" opposite Heddy Lamarr, Reeves spent a few years playing mostly forgetable parts in a number of films before achieving celluloid stardom in his adopted home, Italy. In 1957 Reeves portrayed the legendary Greek hero Hercules in the film of the same name, and repeated the role in its sequel, "Hercules Unchained," two years later. Reeves was extraordinarily handsome with black wavy hair and piercing blue eyes. With his beard and spectacular physique, Reeves looked exactly like the image of the Greek demigod as it had been depicted for thousands of years. So ingrained became his image in the minds of movie fans, that the names "Steve Reeves" and "Hercules" became synonomous. For a time in the late 1950s and early 1960s he was the highest-paid movie star in the world. To kids growing up in an innocent age of malt shops, high school dances, science-fiction comics, and "Father Knows Best," Reeves was the epitome of wholesome manliness. He became the idol and inspiration for a whole new generation of weightlifters and body builders, including Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbo, Reg Park, and old Arnold himself. He enchanted young and old alike as Hercules and as a number of other legendary Greco-Roman characters. In the late 1960s while still fit as a fiddle, very popular, and only in his early 40s, Reeves was asked by Sergio Leonne to star in a series of Spaghetti Westerns. But Reeves decided to leave the acting business. His place was taken by Clint Eastwood, and the rest is history (there's that anachronistic word again). Reeves continued living in Italy where he could be spotted daily "power-walking" (rapidly walking while carrying light weights in his arms) around all the famous sites in Rome. By the 1990s he and his wife returned to America where they raised horses and lived quietly on a beautiful ranch in Southern California. Reeves still looked great into his seventies and remained a steadfast advocate of drug-free athletics. Which is why it was so shocking to hear of his sudden death from cancer in 2000. Supposedly, Reeves visited his physician and was diagnosed with an accutely malignant form of cancer. In two weeks, he was dead. Upon hearing the news, I couldn't accept the fact of his passing. "Steve Reeves dead? Can't be." He always seemed so invincible. How time marches on. But the image of Reeves as the prototype celluloid demigod will endure. In the hearts and memories of many a young boy in the 1950s and 60s, there was no more popular person in the world than Steve Reeves. In many ways, Reeves may well have been the last great role model of an America that used to be. Malt shops are gone. Early sci-fi classic films with thoughtful plots like Howard Hawks' "The Thing From Another World" and Robert Wise's "The Day the Earth Stood Still" are now considered archaic by a generation whose attention span is measureable in nanoseconds. High school dances long ago devolved into loud, coarse, uncivil environments known as "clubs." There are no TV shows even remotely resembling the quaint idealism of "Father Knows Best." Yet certain images from yesteryear remain transfixed eternally in the minds of those still thoughtful enough to remember. Steve Reeves will always be the one and only "Hercules." So long, pal. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Chuka
This is one of the better westerns around. The cast is fantastic. The story is very entertaining and action packed. I don't see how anyone could give it 2 stars. The Indians win and the army loses, maybe that's why. But in any event the story line is intriging. Rod Taylor is at his finest as a hired gun with ethics and a deep appreciation for the Arapahoe Indians plight. John Mills, Ernest Borgnine, Luciana Paluzzi, Louis Hayword, James Whitmore et. al. are all excellent in this 1967 western. By the way the fight scene between Rod and Ernie is the greatest fist fight ever seen on film. The Indian attack on the fort is spectacular and the spear scene with Rod Taylor will stun your senses. The ending is special, so don't miss it.

Androcles at the Alamo
Fans of Rod Taylor have had to sit through some fairly awful movies over the years and this is one of them. It's hard to say why this goes so wrong, but nothing really works or suspends disbelief. It certainly has an outstanding supporting cast, including (Sir) John Mills, Ernest Borgnine, James Whitmore, Luciana Paluzzi, Michael Cole, even old Louis Hayward (in a particularly improbable bit of casting).

Taylor (Australian), Mills (British), and Paluzzi (Italian) all seem as lost and incongruous in a western as Connery and Bardot did in "Shalako". Borgnine and Whitmore do what they can with sketchy sub-characters. And the mini-Fort Apache most of the drama plays out on feels like a set on a sound stage from beginning to end.

As always, Taylor has some fine moments, and Mills gets to make an interesting acting choice as the crumbling commander, and Paluzzi gets through it with beauty and dignity. But it's all to very little purpose in this clunky, derivative cowboys and indians melodrama.

As in so many Rod Taylor films, you wish they all could have got back together in a better movie.

RVC ... Read more

Reviews (132)

A Must Own on DVD
Explosive action, stunning locales, a tight plot and Sean Connery's most convincing turn as the world's favorite spy make Thunderball one of the finest-- if not the finest -- entries in the James Bond film series. Add to that a DVD package chock full of dynamic extras such as "behind the scenes" documentaries and two highly informative audio commentaries and you've got yourself a must own movie.

The most visually stunning of all Bond films, Thunderball's sheer cinematic beauty comes glistening through on the remastered DVD print. The light, tropical hues of The Bahamas radiate like never before and the vast scope of the dazzling underwater scenes are fully appreciated on the widescreen transfer. Having personally viewed this Bond classic at least 200 times on standard video, I felt as though I was seeing it for the first time via widescreen DVD.

The plot involves Emilio Largo(Adolfo Celi) as sinister SPECTRE baddie #2 who threatens to nuke Miami unless paid a hefty ransom by the British government and NATO. Of course, Bond has just four days in which to save the world -- four days filled with such distractions as an array of willing women, killer sharks, and exploding cars and boats!

Celi is absolutely captivating as Largo,the eye-patched criminal mastermind. Deliberate and understated, Largo catches on to Bond, and his intent, early on. The ensuing cat and mouse chase begins cordially before turning deadly. The pursuit of Bond through the Junkanoo Parade in the streets of Nausau is positively nerve-wracking. Ditto a pair of horrific scenes in Largo's swimming pool which convieniently doubles as a deadly shark tank.

Italian actress Luciana Paluzzi nearly steals the show as Fiona Volpe a femme fatale killer who yearns for Bond in more than one way. Paluzzi lights up the screen, oozing equal parts temptation and evil.

Former Miss France, Claudine Auger turns in a fine performance as Bond's main love interest Domino. The fact the Domino just happens to be Largo's mistress doesn't stop our favorite super-spy from pursuing her.

Rik Van Nutter's portrayal of CIA operative Felix Leiter is perhaps the series' finest. Of course, Moneypenny, Q and M all flawlessly reprise their respective roles.

A perfect blend of From Russia with Love's suspense and Goldfinger's fun-filled explosiveness, Thunderball is undoubtedly one of the best Bond films. MGM did a great job on the DVD, thus making Thunderball a necessary addition to every Bond fan's collection.

Connery at His Unadulterated Best on DVD
Double entendres abound in this aquatic tale of intrigue, action and adventure 007 style. And make no mistake about it; Sean Connery makes this his picture. This may not have the narrative flow of a "Goldfinger" but Connery's confident and energetic performance and the villain's well-laid out caper makes this one of the most entertaining, realistic and tongue-in-cheek films in the series. This film was made at the pinnacle of the James Bond phenomenon and it shows. No cost was too great. This movie is big and it looks and feels big in every way. The underwater bellicose -ballet is one of the best pieces of action ever put on film thanks to Lamar Boren's colorful and beautiful photography and John Barry's original, innovative and intuitive scoring. The opening fight scene between Bond and Jacques Boitier in the chateau is one the best choreographed and edited of the series. What really makes this film is the dialogue. Connery's one-liners, his banter with Adolfo Celi as Emilio Largo and Luciana Paluzzi as Fiona Volpe and his delivery is brimming with aplomb, wit, humor and confidence all rolled into one. Claudine Auger, Molly Peters, Luciana Paluzzi and Martine Beswick are the ultimate 'Bond Girls.' Production designer Ken Adam, Art design Peter Murton, Cinematographer Ted Moore, Special effects expert John Stears, Editor Peter Hunt, Composer John Barry, Screenwriter Richard Maibaum and Director Terence Young make this one of the best Bond films of the series. Bernard Lee as "M," Lois Maxwell as Moneypenny and Desmond Llewelyn as "Q" all give their best performances. One of the best looking Bond films! It sounds better than ever in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound!

The second best film of Bond series
Thunderball is a feast eye. Visually stunnig with advanced and ingenious twist and ideas.
The presence of Adolfo Celi as Emilio Largo and one of the most beautiful Bond's girls - Claudine Auger , are winners components.
The unforgettable submarine fight deserved for this film won Best special effects . And from its release became in a classic sequence.
Funny and plenty of chases , sharks and arresting locations.
After Goldfinger , this could be the most clever and kinetic movie of Bond series.

THUNDERBALL = Best Bond Movie
This movie is Awesome. The story is the best and score is fantastic. Sean Connery gives one of his best performances as James Bond along with everyone else in the film. This is truly one of my favourite movies ever and I've only become a mega fan this past year. Make your life better and get this along with every other James Bond film!

borderline classic, borderline franchise popcorn
this is the pivotal bond film because it has enough of the same qualitites that rank it nearly alongside dr no, from russia with love and goldfinger.
but, it also has enough hints of the rot that is you only live twice and diamonds are forever that follows.
the first three bond films can actually be considered good films period and not necessarily 'franchise films'.
thunderball truly is the beginning of the franchise that will become furmulaic popcorn with the next one and that was too bad,
and connery, wisely, knew this himself. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Reluctant Saint 1962
this is a great heart warming and funny movie entertaining
great for all the family

Splendid!
There are many disappointing books and films about Francis and Franciscan spirituality. This film, based on Spoto's biography of Francis, isn't one of them. It offers a wonderful introduction to the Poverello of Assisi, beautiful to the eye and illuminating to the heart and mind. Replete with the usual breathtaking Assisi scenary one finds in films about Francis, this documentary also provides a sensitive interpretation of what Francis was up to, what values he represented, and what kind of lifestyle he lived and, by example, taught. With the aid of interpretive commentary from experts such as Murray Bodo and Bernard McGinn (as well as, rather oddly, from nonexperts such as Mario Cuomo), the film honestly explores Francis's sense of failure towards the end of his life and the extraordinary experience on Mt. Alverna that enabled him to reexamine his life's work and find peace with it. Throughout the film there are several contentious interpretations given as fact--the claim that Francis suffered from leprosy, for example--but overall, a fine and commendable addition to the growing body of work on Francis. Highly recommended!

Funniest Adaptation of a Saint's Life
I got this video together with a bunch of other saint videos, and was preparing myself for something rather pious and poorly produced. Boy, was I wrong! To begin with, this black and white film on the life of the medieval saint Joseph of Cupertino is brilliantly cast. Maximillian Scnell plays the rather stupid Joseph, a perennial klutz who can't keep anything straight in his head without much effort. But he loves God profoundly and desires to become a monk. The second thing that surprised me was how funny this movie was. It's quite episodical, and the humor is of the old more theatrical style - but given those limitations, it set me off laughing more than a few times. Richardo Montebalm also gives a great performance as the uptight monk who can't stand Joseph's stupidity or his extrordinary gifts. God blesses Joseph's love with unusual graces, onces that literally knock him off his feet, to the bewilderment of his priestly brothers.
A real treat. Don't miss it. Hope it goes to DVD! ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Did Disney ruin it forever, or was it already too late?
I will make frequent reference to my copy, a discounted version on the notoriously low-quality "Goodtimes Home Video", especially the trademark misrepresentation of the sleeve. SLEEVE: "The Best Heroic Action Movie Ever Made" TRUTH: Probably one of the most ambitious plots. By this print in 1990, there may well have been better action movies. SLEEVE: SEE Hercules single-handedly wrestle a man-eating lion! TRUTH: LAUGH at Hercules as he single-handedly wrestles down a shag carpet. SLEEVE: SEE Hercules beat the infamous Cretan Bull down with his fists! TRUTH: SEE footage of a bull! SEE Hercules struggle for ten minutes with a taxidermist's rendition of a different bull. Strangely enough, these encounters in the first half mean nothing to the plot...because they are about Hercules. The movie, it turns out, is not about Hercules, as he just ends up being an Argonaut stooge. While better dubbed than--say--a Bruce Lee movie, it tries to be a similar style of action (fighting) movie, and these scenes fail miserably by today's standards. It's a given that no child will ever choose this film over the cartoon. However, it was probably doomed to the classic nostalgia crowd anyway. It's a shame Disney got hold of him before there could be a Godzilla-ish remake. All the classics seem to go one way or the other.

The Great Steve Reeves as Hercules
I remember seeing this movie as a child and interestingly enough, now that it is on dvd, my son has bought this for his family.There are no great special effects. And don't look for any great acting, but Hercules is a fun movie and Reeves is the perfect Hercules with a sculpted physique, handsome and charismatic. I hope more Reeves movies become available on dvd. He was the original action hero.

Buff Beyond Belief -- The Original Sand and Sandal Epic
I just watched the Italian film Hercules staring Steve Reeves in the title role. First of all it was a pleasure to see Hercules call on his father Jupiter (and not Zeus as so many would have it).

Hercules travels to Jialco where he finds himself first welcomed by the Throne and then despised. After defeating the Cretan Bull, Hercules finds Jason, lost heir to the throne of Jialco. To prove Jason is who he says he is, Hercules, Jason, Argos and others set out to find the lost Golden Fleece.

Originally shot in Italian, this film does suffer from bad dubbing. This film, and particularly its sequel, Hercules Unchained, are some of the best interpretations of the Hercules legend.

Steve Reeves is wonderful as the hero and looks like he could defeat Kevin Sorbo without even trying. Reeves spends most of the film sans shirt showing off one of the finest builds ever filmed. For those who prefer looking at bodies with more curves, there are plenty of women in short Grecian robes.

What a great pity
This is without doubt the worst film transfer to DVD I have ever seen. I saw the film recently on TV and it was 10 times the quality of this DVD. Dont waste your money on this DVD.
It is an insult to modern technology and frankly a rip-off. Amazon should be ashamed of selling this product.

When Times Were Simpler and Steve Reeves Was Hercules!
Ah, yes! Those were the days! Disregard the dubbed-in dialogue and hokey plot lines. The orginal 1957 "Hercules" is a treasure of fantasy and fun. To those Americans who possess a sense of the past (what used to be known fondly as "nostalgia" prior to the MTV generation and its contemptuous stance toward anything that occurred prior to the maturation of Jennifer Lopez's big, fat posterior), Johnny Weismuller was Tarzen. Bela Lugosi was Dracula. Clayton Moore was the Lone Ranger. And Steve Reeves was Hercules. Long before Arnold there was Steve Reeves, the prototype body builder who in the 1940s and 50s surpassed what Charles Atlas initiated a generation earlier. A scrawny, unathletic kid who was teased unmercifully, Reeves decided to do something about his predicament. He made body building and fitness a way of life. Between 1945 and 1950, Reeves won every body building competition and award in the universe, and he did so without the use of steroids or any other drugs. It didn't take long for Hollywood to come calling. After being considered and then turned down for the role of Samson (for being "too muscular") in the 1949 MGM production of "Samson and Delilah" opposite Heddy Lamarr, Reeves spent a few years playing mostly forgetable parts in a number of films before achieving celluloid stardom in his adopted home, Italy. In 1957 Reeves portrayed the legendary Greek hero Hercules in the film of the same name, and repeated the role in its sequel, "Hercules Unchained," two years later. Reeves was extraordinarily handsome with black wavy hair and piercing blue eyes. With his beard and spectacular physique, Reeves looked exactly like the image of the Greek demigod as it had been depicted for thousands of years. So ingrained became his image in the minds of movie fans, that the names "Steve Reeves" and "Hercules" became synonomous. For a time in the late 1950s and early 1960s he was the highest-paid movie star in the world. To kids growing up in an innocent age of malt shops, high school dances, science-fiction comics, and "Father Knows Best," Reeves was the epitome of wholesome manliness. He became the idol and inspiration for a whole new generation of weightlifters and body builders, including Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbo, Reg Park, and old Arnold himself. He enchanted young and old alike as Hercules and as a number of other legendary Greco-Roman characters. In the late 1960s while still fit as a fiddle, very popular, and only in his early 40s, Reeves was asked by Sergio Leonne to star in a series of Spaghetti Westerns. But Reeves decided to leave the acting business. His place was taken by Clint Eastwood, and the rest is history (there's that anachronistic word again). Reeves continued living in Italy where he could be spotted daily "power-walking" (rapidly walking while carrying light weights in his arms) around all the famous sites in Rome. By the 1990s he and his wife returned to America where they raised horses and lived quietly on a beautiful ranch in Southern California. Reeves still looked great into his seventies and remained a steadfast advocate of drug-free athletics. Which is why it was so shocking to hear of his sudden death from cancer in 2000. Supposedly, Reeves visited his physician and was diagnosed with an accutely malignant form of cancer. In two weeks, he was dead. Upon hearing the news, I couldn't accept the fact of his passing. "Steve Reeves dead? Can't be." He always seemed so invincible. How time marches on. But the image of Reeves as the prototype celluloid demigod will endure. In the hearts and memories of many a young boy in the 1950s and 60s, there was no more popular person in the world than Steve Reeves. In many ways, Reeves may well have been the last great role model of an America that used to be. Malt shops are gone. Early sci-fi classic films with thoughtful plots like Howard Hawks' "The Thing From Another World" and Robert Wise's "The Day the Earth Stood Still" are now considered archaic by a generation whose attention span is measureable in nanoseconds. High school dances long ago devolved into loud, coarse, uncivil environments known as "clubs." There are no TV shows even remotely resembling the quaint idealism of "Father Knows Best." Yet certain images from yesteryear remain transfixed eternally in the minds of those still thoughtful enough to remember. Steve Reeves will always be the one and only "Hercules." So long, pal. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good adventure film with a great villan, and a bit of humor
Rod Taylor and Dennis Cole are troubleshooters for hire brought in by a railroad to rescue a hijcaked train in the southwest of 1914. Fernando Lamas has a great time playing a bandit (with all the stereotypes you don't expect to find in a 1970 film...though you can see elements of political awareness when our hereos buy a hotel that refused to rent rooms to the Hispanic family of the bad guy). Rod Taylor brings his typical light touch and charm to his role as the hero, leaving young Dennis Cole to do a lot of the action, that is climbing onto the moving train. Great cast with John McIntyre as the railroad owner and Micheal Ansara as the jailed brother of Lamas. The other hero of the show is the car...a 1914 Stutz Bearcat. If you like old cars, there are great shots of it roaring through the desert. The film served as the pilot film for a 1971 CBS-TV series starring Taylor and Cole, "Bearcats!" ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Sensuality Returning to Immortality: New Ending Please!!
I would like to center in on the ending of this piece of film. We see immortality already returning to the Doctor at the Restaurant Scene which is very good. He is younger, more healthy, his hair color has even changed. Ursula, or the Nurse has done a very good job. She has liberated him from an evil family, diabolical as can be seen from the character's early plays. But the ending, how upsetting!!! She should join with him, but I would like to see her eyes turn blue white instead of black. I would like to see her channeling God's energy into his heart center healing it, cleaning it. Why make Death out of such a woman, a woman who gives life earlier? If any of you have scene the great Spielberg in The Ark film the scene where the ark is opened, incredible!!! How about an ending like that for this film? Except, the force of God not bringing death, but life....I would even like to see the two of them, both the nurse and the doctor even translating, going beyond, maybe late in my version. This is all Eastern. This is my review, basically a rewrite of the ending with some special effects, or how about filming it for real, God allowed?

is a cool film
I see the picture in my country 1978.It's a satire, very funny for relax.Ursula is a wonder his strip is a master piece. I recomenden this film.

Jack Palance.....acting god!!!
Where to begin....a gripping horror/suspense film that shows the dark descent into madness. Jack Palance plays Neil Martrom, an antique dealer who also worships the african love idol, Chuku. His worship of the wooden idol leads him to madness, by sacrificing women to keep the favor of the allmighty chuku. Only Neil's brave assistant Ronnie can put an end to the insanity....but will he? Most certainly Jack Palance's finest performance. A can't miss!

Jack Palance...need we say more!
Jack Palance rises above the so-so plot line of this movie with one of his finest performances. He portrays Neal Mottram, a deranged antique dealer who believes that his recent good fortunes are the result of blood sacrifices presented to an antique idol...Chuku! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A hilariously campy piece of garbage
This is such an atrociously awful movie that it's a joy to watch. You have to be aware of the real life events that were ongoing during the making of "The Klansman." Burton and Taylor were busting up and Burton was awash in vodka. He arrived in Oroville, California and promptly proposed to an 18 year Denny's waitress. His costar, Lee Marvin, was also drinking a bottle a day. Neither was sober for a single syllable of this terrible movie and their struggles to appear sober make for some hilarious moments.

Burton, as usual, dreadfully overacts and his attempts at a Southern accent are pitiful, to say the least. Marvin's acting is much better, but when he has to speak inane lines from a miserable script, he can't fare much better. The highlights has to be the scene in the bus station when Burton karate chops poor Cameron Mitchell nearly to death. The movie was so cheaply edited that you can clearly hear director Terrence Young yelling, "Cut, Cam! Get up! Cut!" They don't even bother to edit out the director's instructions. You will be laughing yourself into a choking fit during this lengthy bus station melee,

This is a great movie to watch with a couple of beers. If you appreciate a terrible script, crude sets and two major stars who were drunk out of their minds while filming, you'll love this one.

Truly disappointing!
Firstly, poor sound. Secondly, the film has been cut, heavily.
Let us hope that Paramount release it on DVD soon, as it is their film. In the meantime, if anyone wants to see this film then just buy the Paramount VHS tape- it's very good quality for picture & sound & it is UNCUT! Do not waste your money or time on this poor attempt at a DVD release!!!

"THE KLANSMAN" WAS A DISASTER
In the Spring of 1974 Director Terance Young and company came to Oroville, California to film the Klansman. The locals were excited to have a big studio film made in the small town. However, when it opened at the State Theatre in Oroville, there was widespread horror.

The film included a castration, an attempted rape and two rapes, plus a whole lot of racial comments and some god-awful acting. You would have thought that Richard Burton would have done well with his acting, but he was one of the worse. He was drunk and chasing an under-age girl for most of the shooting schedule and could not seem to handle the southern accent. (This may have been the incident that destroyed his and Liz Taylor's marriage.)

Lee Marvin, Cameron Mitchell, Lola Falana and a few others did well in their acting but the script shot them down. It was full of racial stereotypes that probably set back racial relations for the next 100 years. (This was OJ Simpson's first film.)

I was there in 1974 and saw a lot of the shooting of the movie. It's only redeeming value to me is the fact that it showed a lot of areas of Table Mountain, Cherokee, Oroville and Sugarloaf Mountain (75 miles north of Sacramento in Northern California).
The scenery is beautiful but the movie is awful.

There are many scenes that are unintentially funny because of the bad acting plus a hilarious scene where Richard Burton "slaps" Cameron Mitchell into a blood pulp. A Classic!

All in all a minor film but worth seeing if you want a laugh or two. Warning, the rape scene with Lola Falana is not for the faint of heart! Plus the castration scene makes ME grit my teeth!

Sad waste of two powerhouse talents
Richard Burton was one of the all-time great thespians and it's a travesty that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences never honored him with an Oscar for any of his numerous nominations. Lee Marvin was a dynamic actor in his own right as well. Why they are wasting their time in this ugly, worthless (...) movie is anybody's guess.
Many films that incorporate a racist theme merit importance when they depict the horror and any subsequent violence that such bigotry and hatred derives. This film does nothing but present a shallow glimpse into the racial tensions stemming from the South (a common and unfortunate stereotype).
One interesting note: OJ Simpson made his film debut here as a radical "Black Panther"-type militant who murders white folks whenever he has a chance. (...)

Campy in the extreme!
This is such an atrociously awful movie that it's a joy to watch. You have to be aware of the real life events that were ongoing during the making of "The Klansman." Burton and Taylor were busting up and Burton was awash in vodka. He arrived in Oroville, California and promptly proposed to an 18 year Denny's waitress. His costar, Lee Marvin, was also drinking a bottle a day. Neither was sober for a single syllable of this terrible movie and their struggles to appear sober make for some hilarious moments.

Burton, as usual, dreadfully overacts and his attempts at a Southern accent are pitiful, to say the least. Marvin's acting is much better, but when he has to speak inane lines from a miserable script, he can't fare much better.

This is a great movie to watch with a couple of beers. If you appreciate a terrible script, crude sets and two major stars who were drunk out of their minds while filming, you'll love this one. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Did Disney ruin it forever, or was it already too late?
I will make frequent reference to my copy, a discounted version on the notoriously low-quality "Goodtimes Home Video", especially the trademark misrepresentation of the sleeve. SLEEVE: "The Best Heroic Action Movie Ever Made" TRUTH: Probably one of the most ambitious plots. By this print in 1990, there may well have been better action movies. SLEEVE: SEE Hercules single-handedly wrestle a man-eating lion! TRUTH: LAUGH at Hercules as he single-handedly wrestles down a shag carpet. SLEEVE: SEE Hercules beat the infamous Cretan Bull down with his fists! TRUTH: SEE footage of a bull! SEE Hercules struggle for ten minutes with a taxidermist's rendition of a different bull. Strangely enough, these encounters in the first half mean nothing to the plot...because they are about Hercules. The movie, it turns out, is not about Hercules, as he just ends up being an Argonaut stooge. While better dubbed than--say--a Bruce Lee movie, it tries to be a similar style of action (fighting) movie, and these scenes fail miserably by today's standards. It's a given that no child will ever choose this film over the cartoon. However, it was probably doomed to the classic nostalgia crowd anyway. It's a shame Disney got hold of him before there could be a Godzilla-ish remake. All the classics seem to go one way or the other.

The Great Steve Reeves as Hercules
I remember seeing this movie as a child and interestingly enough, now that it is on dvd, my son has bought this for his family.There are no great special effects. And don't look for any great acting, but Hercules is a fun movie and Reeves is the perfect Hercules with a sculpted physique, handsome and charismatic. I hope more Reeves movies become available on dvd. He was the original action hero.

Buff Beyond Belief -- The Original Sand and Sandal Epic
I just watched the Italian film Hercules staring Steve Reeves in the title role. First of all it was a pleasure to see Hercules call on his father Jupiter (and not Zeus as so many would have it).

Hercules travels to Jialco where he finds himself first welcomed by the Throne and then despised. After defeating the Cretan Bull, Hercules finds Jason, lost heir to the throne of Jialco. To prove Jason is who he says he is, Hercules, Jason, Argos and others set out to find the lost Golden Fleece.

Originally shot in Italian, this film does suffer from bad dubbing. This film, and particularly its sequel, Hercules Unchained, are some of the best interpretations of the Hercules legend.

Steve Reeves is wonderful as the hero and looks like he could defeat Kevin Sorbo without even trying. Reeves spends most of the film sans shirt showing off one of the finest builds ever filmed. For those who prefer looking at bodies with more curves, there are plenty of women in short Grecian robes.

What a great pity
This is without doubt the worst film transfer to DVD I have ever seen. I saw the film recently on TV and it was 10 times the quality of this DVD. Dont waste your money on this DVD.
It is an insult to modern technology and frankly a rip-off. Amazon should be ashamed of selling this product.

When Times Were Simpler and Steve Reeves Was Hercules!
Ah, yes! Those were the days! Disregard the dubbed-in dialogue and hokey plot lines. The orginal 1957 "Hercules" is a treasure of fantasy and fun. To those Americans who possess a sense of the past (what used to be known fondly as "nostalgia" prior to the MTV generation and its contemptuous stance toward anything that occurred prior to the maturation of Jennifer Lopez's big, fat posterior), Johnny Weismuller was Tarzen. Bela Lugosi was Dracula. Clayton Moore was the Lone Ranger. And Steve Reeves was Hercules. Long before Arnold there was Steve Reeves, the prototype body builder who in the 1940s and 50s surpassed what Charles Atlas initiated a generation earlier. A scrawny, unathletic kid who was teased unmercifully, Reeves decided to do something about his predicament. He made body building and fitness a way of life. Between 1945 and 1950, Reeves won every body building competition and award in the universe, and he did so without the use of steroids or any other drugs. It didn't take long for Hollywood to come calling. After being considered and then turned down for the role of Samson (for being "too muscular") in the 1949 MGM production of "Samson and Delilah" opposite Heddy Lamarr, Reeves spent a few years playing mostly forgetable parts in a number of films before achieving celluloid stardom in his adopted home, Italy. In 1957 Reeves portrayed the legendary Greek hero Hercules in the film of the same name, and repeated the role in its sequel, "Hercules Unchained," two years later. Reeves was extraordinarily handsome with black wavy hair and piercing blue eyes. With his beard and spectacular physiqu