Reviews (1)

Seven Deadly Sins - 1962
This is an awesome classic!!!

In the 'sloth' segment I saw the most beautiful body on earth. I was a twenty year old college student when I viewed this movie at the Times Fine Art theater in Milwaukee in 1962.

Her name, I believe, is Danielle Aubry. I have made love to women with gorgeous... but Danielle is still #1 even after all these (40) years.

There are also some socially redeeming qualities about this film but I forgot what they were.

GM ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Little Big Girl
Jodie Foster gives a first-rate performance in this provocative thriller. She plays a composed and independent 13 year old who dispatches a few nasty adults. The script is flawed somewhat, but the suspense compensates. There's also a poignant relationship between Jodie and Scott Jacoby, who supports her endeavors.

Jodie Foster
I've never been a big Foster fan, but when I saw this movie I was impressed. Jodie starred in this movie when she was a teenager. The movie is mainly about a girl whose father and mother have seemingly abandoned her, and she's left alone to fend off nosy teachers, and a would-be child molester. Although it seems Foster's character has it hard, her sagacity is amazing- -for Foster's the smoothest kid ever...nothing in this movie is what it seems. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

World War One's Answer to "Top Gun"
Rarely has the Great War ever been expressed on the wide screen as done in THE BLUE MAX. The air war is viewed from the German point of view with George Peppard in the starring role. Peppard portrays German lieutenant Stachel, the son of a working class family who rises from the mud-soaked enlisted infantry ranks to that of the privilaged pilot officer corps. Ruthless in his pursuit of Germany's highest decoration, the Pour Le Merit known as the Blue Max, Stachel violates the chivalrous confines of the air war to the point of insubordination. Stunning aerial combat sequences and beautiful Irish countryside (doubling for the front lines in France 1918) make this definitely a film worth watching. A great supporting cast, many of whom are regulars in war movies of the 1960's and 1970's, add considerable talent to this bold film. Indeed, Jeremy Kemp and George Peppard previously costarred in 1965's OPERATION CROSSBOW. Kemp would again play the role of a German officer in the 1980's television miniseries WAR AND REMEMBERANCE. Actor James Mason already perfected his recurring film roles as a German General in two previous films (in both of which he played German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel) and adds a powerful performance in THE BLUE MAX. Jerry Goldsmith's soundtrack is nothing less than spectacular. This World War One classic ranks highly with ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT and WHAT PRICE GLORY.

A German anti-hero determined to be a flying ace
"The Blue Max" is a film that keeps its hero at a distance from the audience. Although it contains absolutely stunning footage of aerial combat between World War I bi-planes we never really developing a strong rooting interest in the main character, Bruno Stachel (George Peppard). This is not just because Stachel is a German, who is gunning down British and French pilots throughout the film; films like "Das Boot" have managed to gain out compassion and concern for Germans during times of war. But Stachel is very much an anti-hero, who's passion for shooting down the enemy is for personal glory (symbolized by the military award, the Blue Max) rather than as part of the Fatherland's war effort. This is rather ironic because one of the major sub-texts of "The Blue Max" puts Stachel in the mode of the traditional American rags to riches success story: German fliers are mostly members of the aristocracy and Stachel had served two years in the trenches before transferring to the luftwaffe. Yet because the character does not have the moral attitude required of a great warrior, we are compelled to watch his story play out but are not persuaded to be moved. In fact, the ending of the film is decidedly different from Jack Hunter's novel, but in does conform to the character of Bruno Stachel developed in the film. The problem is not with Peppard's performance (he played a similar sort of heel in "The Carpetbaggers"), but rather with the character he plays.

"The Blue Max" has a historical accuracy that is rarely seen let alone truly noticed in a war movie and there is something about those World War I aircraft, the way they move in the air, that makes the metaphor of knights of the air more potent. The metaphor also matters because of the idea of chivalry that Stachel rejects throughout the film. James Mason plays General Count von Klugermann, who sees Stachel's exploits as a propaganda tool which will help make das volk happier to shed their blood in the trenches and Ursula Andress plays his wife, the Countess Kaeti von Klugermann, who is dangled as bait to get Stachel to play along. My favorite performance is Karl Michael Vogler as Otto Heidemann, the group commander and arguably one of the few real warriors in the film. "The Blue Max" has great aerial sequences that have to balance the more plodding action on the ground. This was one of the first movies I had seen after reading the book and it is interesting to reconsider the film today and finally articulate why I was so disappointed with it way back when.

Visually stunning, convincing, treat for Aero buffs.
Reading the other reviews, several of which were very impressive, wouldnt find much to disagree in MrGalatis comments, I was taken back to my own last viewing of this movie, a VHS, havent seen the DVD. I also had read the book, though after my first view of the film in my childhood. Its a thick book, and several sordid sub-plots including the blackmail attempt on Stachel by a member of groundcrew and a pilot which Stachel deals with murderously would have made the movie overlong, but the fatal low-level buzzing of the bridge seen in the movie resemble that bookplot in part. I wasnt surprised to read right here that the aircraft were specially constructed for this big-budget epic, let me point out there are no deHavilland Tiger Moths with Maltese crosses on them to appall the buff-viewer here, a convincing-looking legendary 'Richtofen' even puts in a brief 'cameo-appearance' in an impressive looking triplane, in what must have been chronologically Richtofens final days before death.Most of the British planes are SE5a's. The movie captures the WW1 atmosphere from the early gloomy morning scenes at the airfield and the German pilots ordering pink champagne at the mess-bar. This film is from the German viewpoint, and several sequences depicting the destruction of Allied troops or airmen may disturb some somewhat, there are a couple of graphic and convincing sequences depicting grim hand to hand between the ground forces that our characters soar above. The sequence where Stachel 'captures' a British two-seater and escorts it back to his base and what occurs there is grim and war-authentically brutal and insightful into wars moralities, to me, Peppard is accused of cold-bloodedness maybe even a war-crime for his handling of a situation which changes suddenly to foil his chivalrous attempt to capture rather than destroy a British two-seater, alas the situation looks like one thing to the witnesses on the ground who cannot see crucial events unfolding 20 metres ahead of Stachel high in the air, the real situation that only Stachel can see is quite different.Of course, Stachels reasons for attempting to spare the helpless British plane and its occupants are not entirely selfless either.

Peppards eventual engineered fate is a further comment on war and the people who run it, as well as what can happen to you if you assume to fool around with other peoples women, even if they dont seem to mind up front.I think the concept and background of this final scene is based on the story of a late-war German type, the Fokker D-viii monoplane and the problems encountered with that.More for the aero-history -buffs.

For the kids whove seen rubbish like 'Top Gun', or worse still 'pearl harbor', come see a movie with real aeroplanes doing real flying probably also actual life and death in the stunts themselves, no foxy ladies in leather jackets telling you how to handle Russian MiGs here, and no American fighter-pilots flying B-25 bombers to China and taking on Japanese infantry hand-to-hand either, or P-40s and Zero fighters that move like F-16s either.No CGI,no boy-band looking cast, just grim ambitious though courageous anti-heroes,with some conniving, breathtaking real aeroplanes and grim real-looking aerial killing. Top 60s-movie Vid or DVD, really, if your an aeroplane or war-movie person and havent seen it, chances are youll be blown away, or rather shot-down!

The importance of esprit de corps
As stated in other reviews here, the movie is excellent in many dimensions - characters, historic realism, action. I would like to discuss an aspect not covered elsewhere.

One of the main themes of the movie is the conflict between Stachel's personal ambition and the squadron's cohesion as a fighting unit. Stachel is (with the possible exception of Willie Klugermann) the best pilot, but he's newcomer to the air war, and he realizes he has only a short time to prove it. He's starting out with zero kills and he needs to catch up.

The interesting thing is that Stachel's ambition leads to various decisions that enhance his reputation as a pilot, but hurt the goals of his squadron. The tragic flaw is that he's too able a pilot to be forced to leave, and his value as a propaganda weapon only gives him more opportunity to hurt the squadron. This leads to a predicament where they can't court-marshall him when he obviously deserves it (in fact they are forced to reward him with the Blue Max), and this leads to the squadron commander's resignation - thus has Stachel's ambition damaged the squadron's integrety.

This individual vs. group conflict is a universal one (you see it all the time in the real world), and it's well shown in this movie.

Don't let this awesome movie fade away!
Why is this amazing and significant film still not available on DVD? I have a VHS copy and watch it regularly, year after year. I will purchase the DVD just as soon as I can get my hands on one, but what is taking so long? I saw this movie as a child when it first ran in theatres and have loved it all these years since; every time I watch it I reach a new level of historical, cultural and political understanding. The aerial combat scenes are breathtaking, the historical accuracy is very commendable and the music supports the imagery beautifully, as well as being superb on its own merits. Let's get this movie available on DVD before VHS truly becomes obsolete! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Ameen4L
This is an excellent movie. Richard Burton is superb. Why is this movie not in DVD?

Burton is a brooding ,sensual anti-hero for the masses.
This is the film that got me interested in Burton. I first saw it on British television many years ago,and Burtons portrayal of an intelligent, but massively tortured man is reminiscent of his own life.He had a "gift" which would ultimately tear him apart.This film is not currently available on video in the UK.That is a disgrace.

This movie is absolutely fantasic
I have seen this film three times on British television and I can recommend it to all. Richard Burton is at his absolute peak in the dark and menacing lead. The film itself is beautifully crafted, and works on numerous levels. It is not unknown for me to ask relative strangers what their favourite movie is and be told "The Medusa Touch" which is quite astounding since it is a little known title. If you get the opportunity to watch this film, I implore you to grab it with both hands.

The scarriest movie ever
I loved this movie i was tottaly blown and i saw this movie and i was so scared it is the most interesting and brain twisting movie ive ever seen

Telekinesis related to ...... skeptic times
the magnetic potential in brain wave WHY NOT To Beta FATHER DAMIEN i Hope To see it in Broad casting execute _Thank us ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Amateurish but entertaining
"Set it Off" is far from remarkable, but it's amiable and entertaining. The screenplay was definitely written by amateurs, packing as much melodrama into the storyline as possible. First we introduce the character of Jada Pinkett's brother. She's like a mother figure to him, since their parents are dead. He's a nice guy, gets into a fight with his sister and flees the house. It's no surprise when he turns out dead two scenes later. Then Kimberly Elise's child accidentally swallows some household substances and the custody of the kid is handed over to child services. We have Vivica A. Fox who got fired from her job at the bank and Queen Latifah who's just plain crazy. Basically, the character motivations seem ripped from a soap opera.

The film is predictable from the get-go, so just strap in for the ride. Don't expect high-class writing and high-class direction, especially from the guy who made "Friday." Don't get me wrong, that was a good movie, but like "Set it Off" it's only valuable as lightweight entertainment.

One thing I have to say is this is one black movie that didn't go for the humdrum "white people bad, black people good" premise. I assumed that was the direction the film was going after watching the first scene in which the white bank manager fires Vivica for not following procedure, totally ignoring the fact that she was at gunpoint, along with everyone else in the bank. But then we get introduced to the other two managers, who are both black and both sleazy. Not to say that black people are sleazy; it's just good knowing that the writers weren't associating the term "white" with "sleazy" and didn't see the characters in terms of color. Even the John C. McGinley character, the detective who is out to get the four women, isn't entirely sadistic.

SPOILERS AHEAD

There are a few moments that are just too silly for their own good. Are you telling me two cops are gonna be so distracted by an obnoxious vagrant that they'll totally disregard a bank robbery (literally) taking place right behind them? As I said, you can tell this was written by amateurs. And then we have Queen Latifah driving through the bank in a minivan, which is stupid in the first place and shown simply for cinematic pretentiousness, and the four women drive out, still not being actively pursued by the cops. Latifah makes one turn and suddenly she loses the cops altogether? That's too much disbelief to suspend. And of course, in the usual cinematic tradition, the minor characters have to die first. Kimberly Elise dies in standard operatic fashion--in someone's arms, saying her last words. Only in the movies can someone die like that 90 % of the time.

The acting is pretty good, though sometimes hammy. When Jada sees her brother dead on the street, screaming and crying out, "Whyyyyy!!" (I could be paraphrasing), that was too much. Latifah's role as a crazy thug wasn't much of a stretch, especially since this film was made back in her hip-hop days. She is a fine actress, though, and I prefer her more mature roles in films like "Living Out Loud." John C. McGinley and Blair Underwood add a touch of class.

If F. Gary Gray weren't so dependent on melodrama and big action spectacles to create tension, this wouldn't been a much more compelling film. Maybe someone like John Singleton or the Hughes Brothers could've made this a more powerful film. Just don't set your expectations too high and you should have a good time.

Well, it sure ain't Waiting to Exhale...
The characters in this story were so believable. One rough and rugged, one sweet and gentle, one sophisticated and wild, and one sensible and laid back. Although these women had such varying personalities, the genuine friendship between the four looked natural and unforced. They lived mundane lives, just struggling to make ends meet. And then, they are faced with trauma that sends them over the edge, one loses her job, and almost her life, in a bank hold-up - and is accused of being involved. Another loses her kid brother after he's shot by police officers when they mistake him for someone else. That's when they decide that the only way to make it out of their situation is to get fast money - by robbing banks. The humor at the beginning of the movie and in the first bank heist disappears, however, as these women become wanted and are risking their lives to pull off one last robbery. By the end of the movie, I felt like I had lost a few good friends.

This is a great movie with a combination of romance, humor, and hard-hitting action that centers around a group of women (for a change.) - And they don't go out like Thelma and Louise either!

TALENT!!
It's a great film, with great acting and a great story. Queen Latifah played a shocking part, but she did it well. Jada Pinkett ( one of my favorites) was just as good..., actually all the actresses did a fine job. I defintely recommend people to see this movie.

Oldie But Goodie
I love this movie no matter how many times I watch it.My favorite part is where Queen Latifah says to Jada Pinkett-Smith "Look Stoney we HOT then she says I know you not gonna play us for that bumpie at the bank" This shows some camaraderie as sister friends which is really hard to find. This movie also was very sad at certain points with mucho action.

Off the Hook!!!!
This film is good!!!! 4 ladies finally have enough of the tough life, and come up with a sceme to rob banks so they can get out of the hood. All I have to say is surpurb acting!!! Especially by Queen Latifah. She was just convincing as the lesbian tough gal. All the women in this film were great, and the movie was a good, good film. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This terrible 1987 film stars Kim Cattrall as an ancient spirit from Egypt who occupies the form of a department-store mannequin. A store employee (Andrew McCarthy) is the only one who sees the woman within, and they fall for one another. A great idea that might have made a nifty romantic comedy in the late 1930s--when Hollywood knew how to make these things--is bungled here. Meshach Taylor (of TV's Designing Women) is embarrassing as a flamboyant follower of fashion. You want comedies about spirits mingling with mortals? Try Topper or The Bishop's Wife. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Great Movie for Date Night!!!
I don't know if I'll lose my membership card in the "He-Man Tough Guy" club for reviewing "Mannequin" but, hey, I'm a risk-taker ... 8)

This is a fun movie. Kim Cattrall is a lot of fun as the Egyptian princess-turned-mannequin that comes to life. Andrew McCarthy is pretty good as the mannequin designer shocked to see his creation come to life. Estelle Getty (Golden Girls) steals every scene she's in, as the struggling department store owner.

Some of the especially fun scenes are the mannequin taking a hang-glider for a flight *inside* the multistoried department store. The mannequin and McCarthy's characters created fresh, animated mannequin displays which create a buzz among passersby. And they do a few take-offs, from "Ike and Tina Turner" and "Phantom of the Opera", among others. A young James Spader is almost unrecognizable as the mean store supervisor. I think they had a lot of fun making this movie.

Of course, Starship's ubiquitious "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" is all over the credits. But it's still a good song. In one memorable scene, a bulldog suffers a nervous breakdown after seeing the mannequin come to life. There's a bit of innuendo and mild language, so you'll have to decide if it's OK for your kids to watch.

Ladies, this is your kinda flick. Men, don't admit you enjoy it, just tell people your girlfriend or wife "made" you watch the film. Then, nobody need ever know! LOL!

Truly romantic, and the perfect modern day fairy-tale
This movie was one I had seen sometime when I was a kid, and now that I'm older, it's pretty interesting! I'm a kid born in the 80's who wished it would never end, and this has the perfect chemistry. The fact of Johnathan making a Mannequin who assumes the form of Emmy, an Egyptian Princess when he's alone is awesome. The story takes something that I've loved and found in japanese animation and stories: an unlucky in love guy through some form of magic or surreal circumstances finds the girl of his dreams. Of course, we have our bad guys who try to break them up. In this one, Emmy is kidnapped and as if she were the damsel in distress, Jonathan comes to her rescue with the aid of Hollywood, probably the coolest homosexual actor on screen: the major comic relief. The soundtrack is awesome, and now I'm trying to find it. As well, Kim Cattrell is great, and her acting with Andrew McCArthy is believable, that you don't think of them as actors. The crew they must have found to make mannequins resembling Cattrell is great, and makes good use of low-tech effects. If you go to a store or need something to rent that is pretty good, here's your answer. P.S. Do not see Mannequin 2. As far as I'm concerned, that one doesn't exist.

i love the 80's
Yes its a horrible plot, but I enjoyed this movie as a kid. I watched it so many times its ridiculous.

mannequin
The 1987 movie "Mannequin" was a great movie to see over agian after not seeing it for a long time. Andrew McCarthy is a very funny actor. It would also be nice if added to the "Product information" was the music info played in the movie.

Boring
I have seen this movie way too many times and am very sick of it. It plays on television way too many times and I am forced to watch it or hear it cause somebody else in the house likes it. So, if you enjoy the movies from back in the 80's, then you will like this one. Of course, some "older" movies are classics and you can never get sick of watching them, but this one just isn't one of them.
I just don't like the acting and the story line in this movie. I don't think it is funny and they could have done better. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Most of this second volume of stories from the 1985-87 televisionanthology series is a middling offering from former Steven Spielbergprotégé Robert Zemeckis, who later won an Oscar for directingForrest Gump. (Spielberg was the creator of Amazing Stories.)Zemeckis's episode is a bit of schlock horror called "Go to the Head of theClass," and while itstars Christopher Lloyd in a fiendish role as a decapitated teacher, and an atypical part for Mary Stuart Masterson as a manipulative teenage babe, there isn't much that sticks to the ribs.

The real treat on Book 2, however, is the animated "Family Dog,"directed by the little-known Brad Bird but supervised by Tim Burtonlong before he became a household name. A witty and observant satire on familydysfunction as seen through the eyes of a pet pooch and perennial scapegoat,"Family Dog" follows the misadventures of a sweet-natured mutt just trying tofit in with his human housemates but betrayed at every turn. Tormented by abratty boy, prodded by an exuberant toddler, and an easy target for an unhappymom and duplicitous dad, the dog can't get a break. Burton's dark sensibilitiesare certainly in play, and the animation--while owing something to Warner andDisney--is novel and expressive. One needn't worry about young viewers watchingthis one: there's no physical brutality and the comedy always prevails. Plus,the ending proves, definitively, that every dog does indeed have hisday. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Family Dog Takes the Cake!
The Family Dog is absolutely the funniest cartoon I have ever seen. We wore out our copy years ago, and I'm so grateful to find that it's here for sale. Although we haven't seen it for eons, my family still quotes from it, and we never fail to crack up in giggles at even the memory! I can't speak for the Christopher Lloyd portion, but Family Dog is WELL worth the investment, for the youngsters as well as the adults in the family!

Family Dog is the head of its Class! But, Class is a Dog.
This tape consists of "Go to the Head of the Class" and "Family Dog." Team Robert Zemeckis with his 'Back to the Future I, II, & III' & 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' star, Christopher Lloyd and you are bound to get a hysterically funny, creative tale. But, that did not happen here. Nothing of Zemeckis' (Used Cars, Contact, Forrest Gump) film making know how is evident here and Lloyd has never been more annoying. Additionally, this hour long episode has a half hour story-line stretched way too thin. Even Coffey and Masterson have no charm here. On the positive note, some of Stan Winston's (Terminator, Jurassic Park) headless effects are very impressive for 1980's television. BUT Family Dog!This could be the most successful of the entire series. After all, it spawned a spin-off series! (Very short lived). But, it is meritous. The animation is great fun. The dog's nose floating an inch off his face is hysterical and his reactions are obvious without being human. The stories themselves are smartly paced with 'real' dialogue and each is balanced with humorous music by Danny Elfman of Oingo Boingo fame. Enjoy!

OH MY GOD!!!
The cartoon was unbelievably funny! That rotten little boy and the smartass dog was too too funny for words.I RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE TO ANYONE WITH AN ATTITUDE PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS MOVIE WILL GET RID OF IT TEMPORARILY. JUST LONG ENOUGH FOR YOU TO FORGET WHY YOU WERE MAD IN THE 1ST PLACE

Amazing Stories Review By MaxS. McPike
When I first watched the Amazing Stories TV show I was just
stunned ,I loved it and I even thought it was better than
the Twilight Zone movie and also it was a lot different than other movies and TV shows . What I also liked about it was that it had a lot of famous people in it like: Kevin Kostner, Pat Hingle, Kiefer Sutherland, Mary Stuart Masterson,Christopher Lloyd, Rhea Perlman, and many others. I think it is fun for the whole family. P.S. I think they should put it on DVD.

THE BEST ANIMATION SHORT OF ITS TIME
BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT, just for the short, "Family Dog" I have been looking for this cartoon for years!! I knew of someone's household that was similar to this short! My family and I used to watch this everytime it came on cable, before the series came out. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Mini-series king Richard reigns supreme here. . .
I first saw this production in 1975, when I was a senior in high school, about the same time I was writing a paper about the book it's based on. From the time I was a little girl, Richard Chamberlain had made my heart flutter as Dr. Kildare on TV. "Count" was after the filming of Richard Lester's "Three Musketeers", but before such classic mini-series as "Shogun" and "Thorn Birds", which are what this generation associates the Chamberlain name with most readily. This production did a wonderful job depicting Edmond's despair and loss of hope as the years pass and he realizes that his enemies mean for him to rot away in the solitary confinement of prison. Fortunately, while trying to dig out of there, he digs himself into the cell of Abbe Faria, who becomes his teacher, mentor, savior. . .and ultimately, benefactor. (Trevor Howard was marvelous here, by the way).

It takes 20 years, but Edmond finally escapes jail, finds the treasure, engages the best barber and tailor in Paris, and proceeds to make monkeys of his betrayers. Chamberlain was physically right for this part--very thin, as if he'd subsisted on soup and bread for two decades--and capable of moving as smoothly as a panther. Kate Nelligan was excellent as Mercedes--a woman whose heart was equal mixtures of bitterness, regret, and love for her son alone after losing the great love of her life at age 20. I liked Tony Curtis--he'd played so many good guys in movies like Spartacus, and also comedy such as in Some Like It Hot--that it was fun to see him be the villian here.

All in all, this production was an excellent SHORT adaptation of the book. Had it been made five years later, when mini-series became more popular in America, much more could have done more with the secondary characters and little subplots. It would be the French who beat Hollywood to the remake, however, with the 1998 mini-series starring Gerard Depardieu in the title role. I rented the Chamberlain version and watched it again last year after having seen the Depardieu version for the first time. It's as good as it was 25 years ago, and the prison scenes are far superior to the ones in the Depardieu production. Other than that, you can't really compare the two of them. The French had a longer version, bigger budget, etc. The Chamberlain version, however, holds its own among newer English or American versions of Dumas' works. If you love the book, then all the video and DVD versions are worth collecting. I'll be adding this one to my own collection soon:)

A Story With A Strong Moral Lesson
THE COUNT OF MONTE CHRISTO is a film adaptation of the classic story by Alexandre Dumas of three men who conspire to have their common enemy Edmund Dantes sent to prison and the vengeance wreaked by Dantes after his escape many years later. The movie is reasonably faithful to the book. The early part of the film depicts prison life graphically and the mood changes abruptly for the better with the start of the revenge sequence.

Richard Chaberlain gives a good performance and is believable as both the younger and older Edmund Dantes. A strong supporting cast includes Kate Nelligan, Louis Jourdan, Donald Pleasance and Tony Curtis. David Greene is known for his direction of GRAY LADY DOWN and THE STRANGE AFFAIR.

An excellent film, full of rich characterization
This is a top-notch production. Richard Chamberlain, the fine English actor seen in "Shogun" and "Thornbirds", is in top form as the wronged and vengeful Edmund Dantes. The story begins with Edmund content and happy, then betrayed by a rival suitor. He spends 14 years in prison, then escapes and uncovers buried treasure through the directions of a fellow inmate. He resurfaces in Paris as the mysterious count of Monte Cristo and exacts revenge on the people who imprisoned him. The story moves swiftly and is quite engaging. Richard Chamberlain is believable and compelling, both as the young Edmund, before prison, then as the older and cunning Count of Monte Cristo. The acting from the supporting cast is also almost uniformly excellent. The script is well-written, although it is a bit stunted at times. This movie is part of a set of 8 in a series called LITERARY MASTERPIECES. I have also seen 2 others in this series, LES MISERABLES and THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK. These were top-notch productions as well. END

Richard Chamberlain .....IS.....THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO!
Richard Chamberlain gives a commanding performance as THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. The newer version, with Jim Caviezel is bland and less believable, largely because Caviezel cannot compete with Chamberlain's passion and style. Richard Chamberlain was created to play this role with his long, lean, graceful body and beautifully carved facial features. No one has the ability to wear the gorgeous costumes and capes with such grandeur! Richard Chamberlain can always be counted on to provide stately charm and class when needed. This film will leave no doubt in your mind......Richard Chamberlain ....IS......THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO!

Chamberlain, Count of Monte Cristo
I have always like Richard Chamberlain, but I think this is one of his best works. The story does not bog down and action keeps going. I love movies in this time period and would like to see more of them. The scenery and acting in this movie, not only by Richard Chamberlain, but of all the actors is phenominal. I highly recommend that if you have not seen this movie, take the time to see it. It will be well worth your time. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not a true Best of Eddie Murphy video
The first thing one needs to know about this tape is that it is not a Best of Eddie Murphy collection by any means. This video contains the bulk of two SNL episodes hosted by Eddie Murphy: one when he, still a cast member, filled in for an ailing Nick Nolte, and one marking his return as host to the show he had recently left (oddly, they are shown in reverse chronological order). SNL just wasn't a very good show in those years; Eddie Murphy had basically been carrying the show on his own shoulders. Since all of the skits on this tape don't actually include Eddie Murphy, you get some pretty bad segments to go along with the good ones. Murphy even warned the audience in his first monologue that some things on the show would not be very funny, and he wasn't lying.

There are a few memorable skits on this tape, however. Buckwheat lives again to have an odd reunion with Alfalfa, Eddie delivers one of his vintage Stevie Wonder impressions, Mr. Robinson returns to the neighborhood, and Murphy goes undercover as a white man in his memorable documentary White Like Me. Throwaway skits such as Milestones (with Eddie as Desmond Tutu) and Hairem Skarem (with Eddie as an effeminate hair care professional) manage to dreg a few laughs out of the indifferent material. Gumby gets his own Christmas special, but the bad moments outweigh the good in this particular skit. The real highlight here, in my opinion, is Black History Moment. Eddie fudges his lines a couple of times and compensates with some very funny ad libs.

With the good comes the bad. Harry Anderson's eight minutes of comical magic seems to bring the video to a crashing halt. Lifestyles of the Relatives of the Rich and Famous, with Martin Short playing Jerry Lewis' niece, is bad; The Stairs, with Martin Short as a soldier who has no clue as to how to climb stairs, is even worse; Julia Louis-Dreyfus' A Christmas Message is simply atrocious. Eddie Murphy fans will certainly find some good material on this tape, but it comes with some pretty unfunny baggage. Don't let the title fool you: this is a far cry from a Best of Eddie Murphy video.

Best compilation of Eddie Murphy material
This video is probably the funniest compilation of SNL skits with Eddie Murphy. A college friend of mine had a copy and we spent many a night watching it over and over. Then we'd hit the bars and perform skits in our drunken stupor. I have been looking to purchase this video for the past couple of years, and would like to find it!!!

This video is HILARIOUS
If yuo want an insane laugh, go for this tape anyday. It is blatantly offensive and very 80's, but that is what makes it so much fun- and neat, that he was great then and is great now as well! ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Kick's Disney's butt
What gives? This is a sweet, endearing, lovely story with great animation--so why do so many people dislike it? Heck, after watching this movie, *I* daydreamed about being Thumbelina. Admit it, wouldn't you like it?

The traditional Hans Christian Anderson story: A woman who wishes for a daughter is blessed with one in a flower--and she's about six inches tall. But this doesn't matter to Mother or her array of barnyard animals, who love Thumbelina dearly. However, soon a handsome fairy prince named Cornelius arrives and is smitten with Thumbelina. After taking her on a ride on his pet bumblebee, he has to leave but promises to come back.

That night, Thumbelina is kidnapped by a family of singing frogs, but as she escapes with the help of a French swallow, she ends up in deeper and deeper trouble.

Some things in this movie are rather cloying--the jitterbugs, for example--but they're too small a part of the movie to be noticeable. Thumbelina is not a macho heroine, so don't expect her to act like one--she's a lost, frightened girl who's been sheltered all of her life. She shows remarkable strength and I got the feeling that the Thumbelina at the end was very different from the girl at the beginning.

Cornelius remains my favorite character. Our first glimpse of the adolescent fairy is after he escapes from a royal parade, where he is forced to sit on *snicker* a white butterfly. He's strong, funny, interesting, lifelike, and... dare I say it?... sexy.

Ten to one your kid will adore this movie.

Eye Candy with a Gorgeous Love Song
I have to admit it once and for all--I am a romantic at heart. That said, I must also admit that my favorite Disney movie is, you guessed it, The Little Mermaid. Imagine my surprise when I popped Thumbelina into the tape player and heard my favorite voice again in a new incarnation. I absolutley love Jodi Benson's voice--something about it as a child captured my imagination and I couldn't stop singing "Part of Your World...." and I still do. That said, I think that it's wonderful to have Jodi singing again, even if I absolutley detested this particular character.

Of course everyone knows the familiar story of Thumbelina, so I won't belabor it, except to say that I really didn't care for Don Bluth's additions to the story. I'm sorry, but the jitterbug nightclub? Where did that one come from? Most of the "new" characters simply annoyed me, rather than seeming cute, like those from The Little Mermaind (Flounder, anyone?). And to tell you the truth, I couldn't get past those little...things...on the side of Thumbelina's head--what the heck are they? Yes, I know they're hair, but how can a fairy prince fall in love with someone with hair that ugly? I suppose I'm simply used to the Esmeraldas and Jasmines of the animated world, perfect in every way. But though you may call me shallow, I prefer that my animated characters look as beautiful as I would like to look in real life, not dorky, thank you very much. So that was a terrible dissapointment and colored my entire movie experience.

So what did I like about this movie, you ask in puzzlement. Well, as I already said, I'm an incurable romantic, and my favorite part, of course, is when Cornelius shows up and sweeps Thumbelina off her feet. That love song is so pretty and man, can he sing! I also adore that final scene where Thumbelina uses her voice to make the snow melt and the flowers bloom...and to bring the fairies out (hope I'm not ruining any endings for anyone...). It is just so magical and I confess to rewinding the movie a few times to those places. But other than that, I only midly tolerated the rest of the movie.

In any case, I would recommend this movie to two groups of people only--those with young children, and those who love Jodi Benson's voice and have already memorized The Little Mermaid. And if you aren't in one of those groups, go see The Little Mermaid instead!

Excellent movie, even for the older set!
This is an incredibly cute movie that I would gladly watch over again. The story flows pretty well, the animation is way above par (even though I spent the entire movie thinking how much Cornelius and Thumbelina resembled Fox's Dimitri and Anastasia), and the voice acting was wonderful. I liked all of the voices chosen, but I of course had a hard time separating Thumbelina and the Little Mermaid (cause they share the same voice actress). Anyway, this is a great movie, and I recommend all see it, no matter what your age!

Thumbs up!
Despite the very mixed reviews, we decided to give this one a try.
My 3 1/2 year old loves it and it has become her new favorite movie. She loves Thumbelina and is delighted she has the same voice as Ariel (The Little Mermaid). The music is upbeat and catchy (and I'm NOT a big fan of Barry Manilow). OK, Thumbelina is a bit wimpy but not much more so than any other fairytale princess. A charming movie parents won't mind watching with their kids.

An under-rated Don Bluth production
I didn't see "Thumbelina" until I was in my 20's, but since I love animation, it didn't make much difference. I love this movie and finally got it on DVD a couple days ago. Jodi Benson did another great job lending her voice to the lead character and the music was great too. The only complaints I have about the movie, to echo other reviewers, is that some of the animals in the farm were very strange looking. Also, I couldn't help but notice that Thumbelina was constantly losing her balance no matter where she was standing. Still, I think Don Bluth did an excellent job on "Thumbelina" and that it deserved much more recognition. I admit, I'm a softy for fairy tales, and I actually love her innocent, naive personality. It was great to see her make the right decision at the end though, even knowing she might be alone. Unlike what some reviewers have said, I think that makes her a great role model. We all have to go through a learning process. But without being silly and over analyzing the film's psychological effect on society, it's just a fun and enjoyable movie that I would recommend for any young girl or adult who's young at heart. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

THE CLASH OF THE TITANS...
Superlative soaper in which two cousins, Charlotte (Bette Davis) and Delia (miriam Hopkins) have the misfortune to love the same man, Clem (George Brent), with lifetime repercussions for both.

The film begins around the time of the Civil War. Clem returns home, only to find that the woman he loves, Delia, is getting married that same day. She is marrying a rich banker and, though she loves Clem, a ne'er do well, she wants security, so she goes through with the marriage. Seeing and seizing an opportunity, Charlotte declares herself to Clem, telling him how she has always loved him, as he goes off to fight in the war.

Duting the war, Charlotte manages to hook up with Clem long enough to get pregnant. While away, ostensibly to recover from an illness, she has Clem's out of wedlock baby, unbeknownst to the very married Delia. Clem, in the meantime is killed in action. When Charlotte returns home, she converts her stables into a foundling home for war orphans. Among them is a special favorite named Tina.

Charlotte decides to marry her cousin's brother-in-law. On the day of her wedding, Charlotte confesses to Delia what happened between her and Clem and tells her the truth about Tina. Delia, insanely jealous over this, puts a crimp in Charlotte's wedding plans. and the wedding never takes place.

Charlotte remains single and becomes a bitter and formidable woman whom Tina knows as Aunt Charlotte. Delia, meanwhile, has Tina call her "Mummy", much to Charlotte's chagrin. Delia is having the ultimate revenge, as she has never forgiven Charlotte for her amatory trespass. As Tina grows into womanhood, she speaks disparagingly to Charlotte, saving her love and adoration for "Mummy". As Tina approaches the age at which young women marry, Charlotte makes the ultimate sacrifice for her daughter. It is a sacrific that Tina will never know, but one that will allow Tina to have the hapiness that Charlotte never had.

Miriam Hopkins and Bette Davis give wonderful performances, each compelling in its own way. Charlotte's appearance toward the end of the film is a caricature of the proverbial old maid, while Delia remains youthful and vibrant. Undoubtedly, Charlotte's appearance is a result of her suffering, knowing that her own flesh and blood loves another, as a child love's its mother. This is a film that will long be remembered by the viewer for the performances given by these two divas.

"Aunt" Charlotte
Bette Davis stars as an unmarried mother in 1870's America who allows her wealthier, widowed cousin Miriam Hopkins to raise her daughter, thus saving the child and herself from any scandal. The child's father, George Brent, was Hopkins' former fiance, and was killed in the Civil War. Needless to say, it's a painful thing to watch her daughter calling another woman Mother. Davis gives a sympathetic, tightly controlled performance that anchors the film. Hopkins' character isn't well defined, although she manages to give the character some dimension. Brent, in the presence of these two actresses staking their territories, is his customary non-presence. Jane Bryan, as the grown up daughter, again shows that it is too bad her career in Hollywood didn't last more than a few years. She's excellent as the spoiled, headstrong girl. The film has a number of quiet, moving moments, although I found the pacing a little slow. Of course, this isn't the ideal subject matter for me in a film, but I do recognize the quality of the film. I think fans of melodrama and Davis will certainly want to make a point of seeing this movie. I think there are other better unwed mother films, but this one also delivers.

Pretty Racy Stuff!
Considering our perception of those prudish days gone by, this one has a pretty racy storyline rife with infidelity, adultery and illegitimacy. Bette Davis is great in the first half, even while Miriam Hopkins emotes wildly like a silent movie actress. Unfortunately, the movie falls apart in the second half and Davis plays everything on one note, with an absurd makeup job that screams out community theatre. We come to expect a gigantic payoff that is never delivered. A disappointment, but not bad rainy afternoon matinee fare.

Davis triumphs in classic tearjerker
This melodrama / tearjerker is fairly typical of Hollywood from the 1930s to the 1960s - a basically decent woman breaks the moral code of her day and pays dearly for it. The story is interesting, but its biggest asset is Bette Davis' rather subdued performance as Charlotte Lovell, the woman who pays the price. Made in 1939, the film is from Davis' golden period. She was nominated for an Academy Award every year from 1939 to 1943. While her work here is strong, she received no special acclaim for it, possibly because the role is so similar to the one she played in the superior "Jezebel", for which she won an Oscar in 1939.

The movie begins during the Civil War. Socialite Delia Lovell [Miriam Hopkins] is about to be wed, and her cousin Charlotte is in attendance. When Delia learns that the man she promised to marry two years earlier is in town, she sends Charlotte to beg him not to make a scene. The guy is one Charlotte is secretly in love with, and she winds up consoling him in a very intimate fashion. Several years pass. The man has been killed in the war, and Charlotte is running a home for war orphans. When Delia learns that one of the children is actually one Charlotte had out of wedlock and that the father was the dead soldier, she destroys Charlotte's chance to marry a very prominent man. In a cruel twist of fate, Charlotte's daughter grows up in Delia's home and is led to believe that her mother is her aunt.

Bette Davis was a rather unusual star for her time because she was also a consummate actress. As such, she demanded roles in which glamour and beauty were often cast aside. Stunningly pretty in the first part of the movie, she spends the rest of it heavily made up to look like a dowdy old maid aunt. It's a startling transformation. By contrast, her co-star, Ms. Hopkins, typical of female stars at the time, barely ages at all. Hopkins actually gives a sensitive, studied performance, but, because of her determination to portray her character as realistically as possible, Davis totally dominates the picture.

The photography and the sets are first-rate. The script seems a little truncated, and I wonder if the print we have today is an edited one that the studio made for second run engagements. [This was a common practice in those days.] The score by Max Steiner is not one of his best and relies heavily on stock music, such as Old My Darling Clementine and Wagner's Wedding March. But when would he have had the time to compose one of his full, lush scores for the movie? He worked on at least a dozen movies that year. One of those was "Gone With the Wind".

One of Bette Davis's greatest films
I often think that "The Old Maid" has been unfairly forgotten by film historians and tends to get overshadowed by the other famous Davis vechicles of this time like "Dark Victory", "Now Voyager" and "The Letter".

Bette Davis has never been better than in the role of Charlotte Lovell a young lady who by one indiscretion is doomed to spend her life as a bitter old maid not being able to be a real mother to her daughter who turns to others for affection and guidance.

The film is justly famous as the first of two on screen teamings of Davis and Miriam Hopkins which resulted in fireworks on a daily basis as the two locked horns on every aspect of the production making it a nightmare assignment for talented director Edmund Goulding. The behind the scenes story of this production makes very amusing reading as two notorius scene stealers and grand dames went into daily war with each other. Amazingly this terrible tension however never shows on screen and the two women have a terrific screen chemistry that glows in one scene after another.

"The Old Maid" is a beautiful story that is nevertheless one full of tragedy, regret and pent up emotions. Davis's character has a brief affair with George Brent's character after Hopkins character passes him over to marry into money. The result is a child which Miriam Hopkins adapts and raises as her own . "Tina" the child, spends her youth calling Davis "Aunt Charlotte" and never does find out the truth about who her mother actually is. It is the stuff that great soaps are made of but the two actresses here carry it off beautifully and raise the story to great art.

George Brent, so often a co star in Davis vechicles here plays Clem Spencer, the object of both women's affection who is killed in the civil war. Brent's character dies less than half way through the film but his presence remains front and centre for the rest of the film and largely controls the lives of both women. He is very effective in his role and appears less stiff than he does in alot of Warner Bros 1940's vechicles. The great character actor Donald Crisp lends his usual dignified presence to this production. Crisp, an exceptional actor, I dont think ever gave a bad performance and here plays the family Doctor who witnesses over a number of years all the tragedy and heartbreak experienced by the two women and is the only one , with the exception of Hopkins's Delia, who knows Tina's real parentage.

The overraul look of the film is lavish and I feel it resembles an MGM production in some ways more than a Warner Bros one. Attention to sets and in particular costumnes and lighting is first class and in reality Bette Davis, long thought of as no great beauty in Hollywood here looks terrific and in the scene where she is in her own Wedding dress for her marriage which doesn't take place, she looks stunning.

"The Old Maid" has so many wonderfully touching moments and the one that never fails to move me is the concluding moment of the film after Tina's own wedding has taken place and where finally Delia and Charlotte are able to unite and put aside past grievances and regrets and walk arm in arm back through the front door which closes behind them. Never fails to bring great emotion forward!!!

As a less well known film of Bette Davis I know you will be very moved by this excellent production which I would rate among her top 5 performances. ... Read more

Description

In this long-awaited restoration, the Doctor, Jamie and Victoria encounter the intriguing Ice Warrior monsters from Mars during Earth's second Ice Age in 3000 AD. Includes CD of lost episodes' audiotrack plus booklet on missing episodes. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Not your usual ice pops
One of the great things about Patrick Troughton was his ability to display great humanity. None of the other Doctors managed the feat of the little panic attacks and the indecision and the occasional fluster and bluster.

I suspect that the lack of espisodes of this irrascible fellow makes them even more valuable. This particular story, originally transmitted between November 11 and December 16 1967, focuses attention on the problems of a new ice age and man's inability to defend him(her)self against mother nature. Once again there is the case against reliance on computers to find solutions, requiring the utmost obedience and removing the need for the human race to think for themselves. Indeed, those who do think for themselves and see the flaws in the case for computer dominance are derided, denounced and outcast.

The leader of the station is also disabled but he is not handicapped by the disability and leads his team despite the adverse conditions even though the mounting evidence against the computers becomes glaringly obvious. Ultimately he sees the error of his ways and regains his humanity in a final display of leadership.

The Ice Warriors are cast as a militaristic society with soldiers and officers but one has some sympathy with their need for conquest due to the dying planet Mars being unable to sustain life any more. This plays out as a tragic Darwinian survival of the fittest struggle when the warriors are ultimately defeated with the aid of the Doctor's assistance.

Happily this VHS tape was released which includes the soundtrack for the entire show on CD. Unhappily, there are many missing episodes, mainly of the Troughton years and the likelihood of them being found diminishes daily. In England the BBC is releasing CD versions of the missing stories which hopefully will be generally available in the US soon.

This is another excellent Doctor Who Story.

Great for fans of Troughton.
What is it about Patrick Troughton that makes him such a loveable Doctor? "The Ice Warriors" terrifically captures Troughton in his element as the Doctor and delves into the mystery of the Ice Warriors. I was first introduced to them in a Jon Pertwee episode and had no clue about them. However, after doing research and seeing some Troughton episodes, I know more.

Buy it, watch it, and cherish this video.

One of the best vintage WHO's you will see
I grew up in the Posh Deadpan Pertwee era, my teens in the wide eyed curly haired Tom Baker years, and suffered the consequences of the overacting and badly portrayed final doctors of the downhill years there after.

Pat Troughton was Dr Who in my eyes even though I wasn't born until the mid 60's.The Ice warriors does not loose out by having missing episodes as the linking material is excellent. This is a video you can sit and watch without feeling the need for distraction or breaks. Fraser Heinz is, as usual, excellent as the doctors companion. The story is gripping and never boring. This is the one to buy-definitly recommended to those uncertain of purchasing it.

Pat Troughton's Doctor a marvel in "The Ice Warriors"!!!
It took several years, but Patrick Troughton's doctor has completely won me over. Not that I did not originally like Pat's performance. From the start,I enjoyed his Chaplin approach to
the character, his ability to use brain over brawn to defeat his enemies. The problem is that there are so few complete serials of his era (the number to-date is only six). This is why "The Ice Warriors" is a complete joy to watch! The very first Ice Warrior story is a good, filled with suspence, solid supoorting characters and quips of humor. Still, the reason to buy this is tape is Troughton. Well established as the doctor at this point, Pat does a remarkable job of mixing humor, believable fright and underestimated self-confidence into the doctor that it reminds us what a superb actor he truly was. A must for all Doctor Who fans!

Troughton at his Best
This video is a must own for anyone who has ever pined away for the lost episodes of Doctor Who. It satisfies the hunger of die-hard Troughton fans and is a perfect example of the stories, characters and quality acting of this period in Who. If you have little experience with Troughton's genius portrayal of the Doctor, the "Ice Warriors" shows him at the top of his game.

The story is told in the typical Who acts ... the Doctor and crew are mistaken as trouble makers ... then they are befriended ... then they truly are part of the trouble. It includes the characteristic Who "companions and Doctor are captured and then escape" moments and the obligitory "...oh yeah, there are only 5 minutes left, so let's defeat the bad guy" endings. But the ideas, performances and costumes lift this production up.

The ideas of Man vs. Machine and man's dependence on machine are well played out. Supporting characters like Leader Clent are well fleshed out and undergo good development as the story prgresses. Troughton exudes mystery at all times; unlike Hartnell, who usually was trapped and had to fight his way back to the TARDIS, Troughton's Doctor could leave at any time. He stays because he delights in trouble and adventure.

Also, the scene where Victoria is trying to escape through the ice caves while persued by an Ice Warrior is creepy and suspenseful.

The reconstruction of episodes 2 and 3 are marvellous ... and the included CD of missing audio is a treat to listen to. The story does not lose at all by the loss of these episodes.

I was taken by surprise by this one. It is a glimpse at the greatness of the "Monster Seasons."

BUY IT NOW! ... Read more

Description

The Doctor slips into a coma as the TARDIS lands on Spiridon, where far beneath the planet's surface lurks the largest force of Daleks ever assembled. This complete and restored six-part adventure includes the rarely broadcast black-and-white Episode 3. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A tribute to the first Daleks story
Planet Of The Daleks picks up where Frontier In Space ended. The Doctor has been wounded and after being helped into the TARDIS by Jo, sends a telepathic message to the Time Lords before collapsing. After landing, Jo goes out for help in a hostile jungle where bizarre plants squirt nasty spores at her.

The Time Lords have sent him to Spiridon, described as "one of the nastiest pieces of space garbage in the ninth system. The vegetation is more like animal life than plant, creatures that are hostile to everything including themselves, and a climate that changes from tropical during the day to subfreezing in the night."

That analysis was given by one of a trio of Thals who rescue the Doctor from near oxygen starvation. They initially don't trust him, but they team up to fight against Daleks planning to master invisibility, that's a potential ten thousand Daleks who will conquer the galaxy if they succeed. Of the Thals, Tarron is the cautious leader, Vaber is impatient, wanting action, Codal is scared but courageous, and Latep, has a goofy look on his face when he sees Jo and is smitten.

The Doctor plays counselor to the people he met during his first incarnation. He gives the self-doubting Codal a "tutorial on bravery." "Courage isn't just a matter of not being frightened. It's being afraid and doing what you have to do anyway." When Tarron is worried that his lover Rebec being part of the team would affect his command decisions, he is told: "The business of command is not for a machine. The moment we forget we're dealing with people, we're no better than the machines we came to destroy. If we start acting and thinking like the Daleks, the battle is lost." And to the follies of glorifying war: "Be careful how you tell that story [of war]. Don't make war sound like an exciting or thrilling game. Tell them about the fear, otherwise your people might relish the idea of war. We don't want that." No, and neither should we.

The jungle set is really well-realized, as well as the design of the exotic plants. However, the creatures' eyes on the Plane of Stones are clearly lights flicked on and off.

Bernard Horsfall (Tarron) would play Goth in The Deadly Assassin, and Prentis Hancock's Vaber is a warmup for his role as Salamar in Planet Of Evil. Roy Skelton has double duty providing Dalek voices and playing the friendly Spiridon native Wester.

This is a fond tribute to the very first Dalek story, and that's what makes this story successful. There are repeated references and themes to the first Dalek story, beginning with his mention of how he, Barbara, Ian, and Susan, helped the Thals against the Daleks. Another is the Daleks disabling their victims rather than killing, and there are many more--see how many you can find. And since Episode 3 is shown in black-and-white (guess what the BBC did with the colour original?) that's a reminder of how old William Hartnell stories were seen.

One of the best of the Pertwee Years.
I have little to add to the comprehensive reviews already recorded here.

I am in total agreement about this being one of the best Dalek adventures and as usual the realisation that there are too many episodes. That was one innovation of the Pertwee years that did not work, despite the good intentions. Stretching out the show to the equivalent of a full length movie is a good idea provide that you have the resources to back it up.

The other aspect of this is, as another reviewer has reported, the unfortunate and untimely death of Roger Delgado a.k.a 'The Master', the villain that everyone loved so much. This threw a major spanner in the works as the season in question, Pertwee's last, was essentially conceived of in it's entirety. Planet of the Daleks suffers from a continuity break due to his death and the following story, the Green Deathis conspicuous for having no continuity at all.

However, this has got pretty much everything, invisible inhabitants, Daleks, Thals, jungle, ice, monsters in the dark as in the 'Dead Planet', the works. There is of course the love interest and it is a little surprising when Joe decides to leave and return with the Doctor despite the obvious attraction she has for one of the Thal group which is clearly reciprocated.

There is one question that is not answere about Dalek mobility. It is not clear how they can travel around in the jungle or in the rocky terrain, nor is it accounted for in other stories.

Ultimately it does not detract from what is a great story and one of the best Dalek stories ever.

Originally transmitted 7 April through 12 May 1973.

My Favorite Dr. Who Story
Part of being a "Doctor Who" fan is not only having a favorite story, but also having a favorite Doctor. Jon Pertwee, the Third Doctor, has always been my favorite. His charm, courage, wit, intelligence & personality, not to mention his fancy choice of wardrobe, has always endeared him the most to me of all the Doctors (though I love 'em all!). With "Planet Of The Daleks," Jon Pertwee is given his greatest adventure, and, in my opinion, it's the best "Doctor Who" story ever made. It's exciting & greatly entertaining, just like a "Doctor Who" classic should be.The six-part "Planet Of The Daleks" has it all: the best Doctor (Pertwee, in a terrific performance), the best companion, Jo Grant (the eternally adorable Katy Manning), the legendary Daleks, a great script by Terry Nation, a fine supporting cast playing the Thals (the space travelers who help the Doctor & Jo in their fight against the Daleks), and excellent set pieces in the Spiridon jungle, as well as inside the Daleks' hidden base. Terrific action & drama abounds, with nice bits of humor sprinkled throughout. Not once does this story ever lag, and it always entertains. What more could you WANT from a "Doctor Who" story?"Planet Of The Daleks" is solid, first-rate "Doctor Who," and my personal favorite story of the entire series. Add this classic "Doctor Who" adventure to your collection now. It's a winner!

Fine Conclusion to an Epic Doctor Who Adventure
Planet of the Daleks concludes the storyline that began in Frontier in Space and does so with a much more compact adventure, unlike the previous story's epic canvas. Here, the Doctor, injured by the Master at the end of Frontier, guides the Tardis to Spiridon to hunt for the Dalek base that is the headquarters for a galaxy-wide invasion. He must first recover his senses, ally himself with a group of Thals that are also searching for the base, and then destroy the base, along with its massive army of 10,000 Daleks. Although the adventure has enough action for most viewers -- especially an exciting chase up a ventilator shaft with the Doctor and his allies hanging on to a balloon while a Dalek hovers up after them -- the story sometimes seems a bit padded, and would probably have worked better as a four parter than the six parter presented here. A scene involving a campfire surrounded by unseen -- except for some unfortunately fake looking eyes in the dark -- monsters seems to go on forever, and doesn't raise suspense so much as it kills some of what's already been built up. However, the final episode more than makes up for this with an intelligent solution to the Doctor's problems and a fine exit for the remainder of the cast. Also on hand is our first viewing of the Supreme Dalek, a different model than the others -- actually one of the Daleks used in the Peter Cushing films -- which adds on to the already established Dalek mythology very nicely. Perhaps this video will appeal more to long time fans than neophyte viewers, but it's one of the better Dalek adventures that's still available to us, and, when watched back-to-back with Frontier in Space, makes for a nice, epic Doctor Who adventure. Note that the third episode is in black and white, but it makes no difference in either quality or enjoyability.

planet is one of the best
when i first saw planet of the daleks i know i had to own it if you like the daleks this is a most in your collection, oh the doctor is good to ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The final season for the Not Ready for Primetime Players
If you love the Not Ready for Primetime Players then you'll love the best of 1980. Although it's the first season without Dan Aykroid...it's also the last season with Lorne before his hiatus. Bill Murry sings his heart out as Nick the Lounge Singer. Gilda, Jane Curtain, and Lorain Newman also display their comedic genius with Teri Garr in the Mr. Potaoehead sketch. Kirk Douglas and Buck Henry are excelent hosts as well, and hilarious performences by Tom Davis and AL Franken make this tape a classic. ... Read more

Description

Everybody's favorite giant turtles travel through time and space to feudal Japan to rescue their plucky sidekick April, when a golden sword accidentally causes her to switch places with a rebellious samurai. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Tame and sicking kiddie fare
Oh dear, if you're diabetic then I would seriously advise against watching this film. It' so sugary it'll rot the brain right out of your head.

Why on earth Eastman and Laird allowed this to be made is beyond me. It's soooooooo far removed from their black and white comic book. Okay, I know the cartoon series was too but the first movie did have a hard edge to it. I mean, take a look at the cover-the Turtles are smiling and happy. Then look a cover of one of the original comic books. They're almost always gritting their teeth and frowning. THAT'S how it should be. Not like this.

Even the animatronics look fake. The first 2 had a rather believeable Splinter but now he's juddering and stiff and obviously operated by a couple of technicians loitering a few feet off camera. His voice is also totally different and he seems a touch more upbeat and lively. HARDLY the way Splinter is supposed to be.

The plot itself defies logic and there are massive holes all over the place. With such a dramatic change in locale from New York to Fuedal Japan you'd think the movie would take advantage of that and go nuts with imagination.

But sadly not. It just...goes nowhere. I mean, what is the deal with the character of Whit. Why does he look like the great, great, great grandfather of Casey Jones.

In fact, the return of Casey is the only reason I am not giving this a 1-star rating. It's a pretty wretched movie but Elias Koteas can make it a tiny bit less unbearable.

Hopefully the new cartoon show and the possibilty of another (harder) movie will cancel this one out. It's nothing but dated, mindless fodder for under-fives. At the risk of repeating myself; this is NOT how the Turtles shoud be.

Extras are almost non-existant but the animated menus are cool. The 1.85:1 anamorphic picture is in pretty good shape but the Dolby 5.1 track isn't up to much I'm afraid. The film was orginally recorded in Dolby SR so this is obviously a remastering job. It's just adequate is all I'm saying.

STILL FUNNY!
THIS MOVIE IS NOT SO BAD AS EVERYONE SAID IT WAS. IT'S A GREAT MOVIE WHICH HAS EVERYTHING AND IS'NT AS BORING AS THE FIRST TWO. IT'S A GREAT MOVIE!