Reviews (3)

Only for the die-hard fan
As a devoted fan of the Wonder Years, I must say that I was disappointed in this video collection. Not only is the quality poor (fading in and out, scratchiness, etc.) but there are only two episodes per video (on this one and on vol. 1). I appreciate the early episodes, but they definitely made a mistake by passing up some of the gems of the later seasons ("The Lake"/cara episode, "Goodbye", anything with Becky Slater...and of course, the 2-part series finale). Unless you're desperate and this is truly your only option, I would recommend holding out until something better comes along.

My review
The episodes on this video both really make you think. Not only are they both amusing, they also capture your heart. "My Father's Office" is a father-son episode, in which Kevin goes to work with his father and uncovers a few mysteries of the life of his father. He learns a few reasons why his father is the way he is. "Angel" is a funnier episode than the first, but it still manages to have a moral at the end and make you think. In it Karen, Kevin's older sister, has a new boyfriend, that Kevin discovers is cheating on her and Kevin tries to find ways to get rid of him. So if you're a Wonder Years fan, I reccommend you add this great video to your collection!

A fabulous trip down memory lane!
The Wonder Years is a show about innocence in a time not so innocent. The naration parallel to the beautiful script and hilarious acting, make the trip down memory lane a lot easier to swallow. Which, I assume, is it's initiative. As for these two episodes, the first is a must see. For those who had a father figure, this is a must see. It may make you want to reconsider the relationship with your son, or daughter. The other episode is another classic in a very classy t.v. show that will hopefully teach you as much as it has taught me about myself and my past. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This perennial, Christmas-season favorite from 1942 teamed Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire as entertainers (and rival suitors of Marjorie Reynolds) running an inn that is only open on holidays. It's a great excuse for lots of singing and dancing, seamlessly wrapped in a catchy story, and Astaire's frequent director Mark Sandrich (Top Hat, Shall We Dance?) doesn't let us down. The Irving Berlin numbers (each one connected to a different holiday) are winners. Crosby's warm performance of "White Christmas" is a movie touchstone. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Year round holiday classic!
For us, this movie is far superior to WHITE CHRISTMAS. It stars Fred Astaire and Bing Cosby as competive entertainers. Fred is the dancer (great scenes in this) , BING is the singer. (Bum, bum, bum, bum - - Bing adopted his "style" because he sometimes forgot the words. but, he maintained the music of the melody with his bum, bum, bum, bum s'-- a little trivia) Anyway, Bing grows tired of the cut-throat entertainment biz after his fiance' decides to marry someone else. He moves out of the city and up to a wintry zone, taking over an old motel. Since he is set to become a lazy owner, he vows only to open the motel for HOLIDAYS, hence HOLIDAY INN.

Every holiday is represented, including CHRISTMAS with age-old hit, WHITE CHRISTMAS. Performances with Marjorie Reynolds ( who plays Linda Mason, an upstart want-to-be ) and Virginia Dale ( Lila Dixon, Bing's here today, gone for stardom ex-fiance') are excellent. If you are looking for this movie for Christmas, get it now. Last year, it sold out early, pretty much like every year.

Kick your troubles down the stairs and come to Holiday Inn!
This is one of the finest holiday films ever made.

Inspired by a story by Irving Berlin, the film features many wonderful Berlin holiday tunes, from "White Christmas" to "Easter Parade". This is the film that introduced "White Christmas", Bing Crosby's signature song (which was almost cut from the final version!).

Holiday hijinks ensue when Jim Hardy (Bing Crosby), decides that he's had enough of show business and chooses to retire to a farm in Connecticut. His pal and partner Ted Hanover (Fred Astaire) steals his gal Lyla at the last minute, so Jim takes up the life of a farmer on his own. Unfortunately for Jim, the farm life drives him nuts. He decides to turn the farm into an inn, where he can do entertainment shows for every holiday. The result is Holiday Inn, "open holidays only".

Jim meets and falls in love with Linda Mason (Marjorie Reynolds), a fellow entertainer, and she helps out with the shows.

Things are looking up for Jim, but about this time, Ted's girl Lyla leaves him. Heartbroken (and crocked), Ted shows up at Holiday Inn on New Year's Eve and does a new dance number with Linda. It looks like he's found himself a new dance partner. Trouble is, he was so drunk, he can't remember who she is! Jim knows if Ted hooks up with Linda, he'll take her away from the Inn (and him!), so Jim begins some comedic conniving to keep Ted and Linda from meeting up. But poor Jim isn't out of the stewpot yet!

Walter Abel turns in a wonderful supporting perfomance as a scheming talent agent, and Irving Bacon is the quintissential New Englander as Gus the handyman. Fred does an inspired July Fourth dance routine, and Bing is in fine voice.

Holiday Inn has it all. Romance, laughter, crooning, catchy Irving Berlin tunes, and Bing and Fred at their best! We also get a sneak peek at the soundstage and set for Holiday Inn, as a Hollywood crew make a movie within the movie! A Christmas classic you're sure to love, not only at Christmastime, but at any time of the year.

If you need a lift, then come to Holiday Inn!

Wonderful movie!!!!
Holiday Inn is a wonderful old movie about a man who owns an inn that is only open on holidays. (If only there was such a place!) Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire are great as "friends" going after the same woman. Some of my favorite scenes include Fred's July 4th's firecracker tap dance and when he tries to dance on New Year's Eve when he's already drunk.

A film NOT just for Christmas
This is one of the better musicals from the 1940s. This is not MGM (luckily) so you don't get that 'songs coming from places for no reason' problem. In this, like a lot of the musicals from, lets say, the 1930s, the songs have reason to be there.

I think both Bing and Fred are great, but I have kind of a hate for Fred in this one. Really I guess, because his character is, well, kinda horrible. He is always stealing the women away from Bing, and he does it so easily. The film is mixed with a lot of the usual 'double-crossing' scenes, with some amazing songs by Irving Berlin, mostly sung by Bing, including 'White Christmas', 'Easter Parade' and a number of others, and not forgetting the wonderful dancing by Fred Astaire. Its Bing opening up his own inn, the 'Holiday Inn', which is open only during holidays. This is where the 'music being there for a reason' comes in, and there's lots of it too. Watch out for George Washington's birthday, I mean look out for the dance, which is, lets say amusingly funny.

The following part of this review, refers to a UK Region 2 release on DVD from Laureate/Universal.

The thing I love most about this DVD though is the print of the film, which looks great, and the extra features that go with it. The best being the 'A Couple of Song and Dance Men' featurette, with Ava Astaire MacKenzie and Ken Barnes, lasting around 40 odd minutes I think, which contains some interesting stories. Particularly the one about a certain dance which Fred does in the movie, while 'playing' drunk. Along with this, you get an audio commentary, filmographies, and a few other little things too.

Great movie, with a great DVD presentation. Highly recommended.

a great feel good movie!
This movie has become one of my holiday traditions. great dancing, and one of those which you get both Bing and Fred! They just don't make 'em like this anymore! Get the Dvd, and you get "Going My Way" too. It's worth it..and this IS the original "White Christmas" redition (for you purists). Lots of fun any time of the year! ... Read more

Reviews (1484)

Great Action Film
"Gladiator" is a film that should suit all tastes. It is an expertly mounted and eye-filling event; the blood and gore, delivered in split-second imagery (allowing your head to fill in the rest) should satisfy the most blood-thirsty movie goer; and the story is a superb tale of good vs. evil, power vs. honor, and "Might for Right". I was reminded of "Camelot" many times during this film, especially by the almost unrecognizable appearance of Richard Harris as the wise and noble Marcus Aurelis. Joaquin Phoenix gives a bone-chilling performance as the evil and cowardly Commodus, who inherits the title of emperor upon his father's death. But the sole weight of this overwhelming piece rests on the shoulders of the magnificent Russell Crowe. If one doesn't believe in him, then one doesn't believe in this epic costume drama. Kudos to the rest of the cast as well, and hand over heart for the late Oliver Reed. But back to Crowe--he is an actor to contend with. His work in "Gladiator" is a tour de force performance; he very nearly sprays testosterone from the screen. It's what was exactly demanded from him in this role, and he exceeds expectations in that regard.

Gladiator ROCKS!!!
I completely dug this film from beginning to end,and every aspect of it,from the breathtaking cinamatography,the expertly staged battle sequences,and exqusite set-design,to the stellar performances of a top-notch cast,rang true.The film starts with a stunning battle and doesen't let up from the time Maximus says"on my mark,unleash Hell". Do they ever.Russell Crowe is perfect in the lead role,as an expert warrior with a grieving soul and a deep sense of honor and loyalty.It's a true star-making turn,and he oozes rugged charisma from every pore.Equally impressive,but in the exact opposite way,is Juaquin Phoenix as the conniving,decadent,deeply evil Emperor.Also great support from Richard Harris and the late,great Oliver Reed.Director Ridley Scott uses his gift for composition and visual flair to great effect,giving each scene a painterly burnish and unforgettable depth,whether it's the after-life of Maximus' dreams,the bustling,grand sprawl of Rome,the rip-roaring battles of the Coluseum,or the sinister twinkle in the Emporer's eyes.At one point Maximus admonishes the bloodthirsty crowd:"Is this not what you wanted? Are you not entertained?" Indeed we are Russell,very much so.What a great film.

okay
this is a three star movie with a five star dvd. one of the biggest problems with the movie was the first battle. i was expecting braveheart quality but ended with a battle less entertaining than the one in dragonheart. the blurry camera and closeups made it impossible to tell what was happening. if you want to see a movie like this but better, see the last samurai or braveheart.

A Modern Classic of an Old Age
I seldom write reviews for anything, but for a movie like 'Gladiator' I'm willing to make an exception, and gosh if it's worth doing it!!
The movie, by far the best of the year 2000, is not only an award-winning production, but it is also one of the few that I personally enjoy watching again and again and again. Not because it is flawless (at times the storyline is quite predictable) but because it portrays life and death in the Roman Empire in such a way that it really bring those old buildings we all know since childhood (the Coliseum, the Forum, Via Appia, etc) back to life.
And yet it does so not at the expense of the story but through it, from the characters, to the script (they're so many quotables lines from Maximus and Commudus alone to make a CD)...in fact everything in the movie, from the battle in Germanica to the last fight at the Coliseum, is portrayed with realism plus an amazing score lacking in so many movies these days.
The movie of course is not to be seen as "history" in the academic sense but rather as an historical exercise, Holywood style, of one of the most facinating and complex periods of Western History. The attention to the detail is amazing, especially in the opening scene (the battle in Germanica) and the gladiatorial fights. Even most deleted scenes are great in the sense that they allow us to understand the characters a little bit more (Commudus' sword smashing of his father's marble bust is a most see), although they neither add nor take of the story. The casting is superb, with Russell Crow in the main role, Joaquin Phoenix as the Emperor Commudus, along with such legends as Oliver Reed as the freedman slaveholder and Richard Harris as the great Marcus Aurelius.
I'll recomend strongly that anyone who sees this movie shoudl do his/her homework and do a little of reading about Rome, both as a Republic and after, and the huge importance of the entertaining business in her late everyday life (an importance unreached until recent times).
Overall, a classic epic of an scope and ambition not seen since 'Ben Hur'; full of action, drama... and yes, more action.
As the Romans themselves said, Faber est quisque fortunae suae... each one is the architect of his own fortune. Feliciter!

Decent story, captivating effect
Ridley Scott's movie, "Gladiator" is one based on fiction of a General in the times of Marcus Aurelius. It tracks the life of a general who is effective in battle and is to rewarded by the emperor with the crown of Rome until it can be handed back to the senate. The movie won 5 oscars and is compared to Ben-Hur, which is ludicrous. For starters, Ben-Hur had William Wyler as the director who went to Gore Vidal to fix the screenplay. This movie will imaginative has so many historical inaccuracies, it is funny that it can be even thought to be in the same league.

Some of the actors did a decent job, these include Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius and his daughter, Lucilla. I had problems with Russell Crowe's acting. He is unmistakably patrician, however, and physically very like Richard Burton, with Burton's battered face and gravel-voiced machismo. But Crowe's Maximus is no Mark Antony; there is no destructive love interest in the picture. Maximus is sweetly devoted to his late wife; though it turns out he once had a bit of an unbuckling thing going in his backstory for Commodus's lovely sister Lucilla (Connie Nielsen). I did not think that he deserved the best actor oscar. He has a very limited repertoire of actions and emotions. Crowe is no Tom Hanks or Geoffrey Rush in acting, he does not have depth and breadth of acting.

This movie cannot stand the test of time, it does not have great screenplay and historical integrity. It will gradually ebb away from the minds of the people. To stand out from the other movies, it has to have a new paradigm, either in acting or story or screenplay, none of which are depicted. Another one of those movies that do not deserve the best picture oscars. It is OK to watch this once. If you compare this director with Ang Lee, who did "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman", and "Sense and Sensibility" you can see the difference in directing talent. See them and judge for yourself. ... Read more

Description

No film better captures the powerful emotions of hope, courage, and friendship than this treasured and much beloved classic, OLD YELLER. The quintessential tale of a boy's love for his dog has touched the hearts of millions, its enduring legacy growing with each new generation and is "still one of the best!" (Leonard Maltin) Set amidst the landscape of 1860s Texas, a young boy named Travis (Tommy Kirk) wants nothing to do with the lop-eared stray. But Old Yeller quickly proves himself a loyal friend, protecting the family and saving Travis' life. Soon they become inseparable pals, sharing joyous experiences and learning valuable lessons about growing up. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

REALLY HOLLERIN' OVER OLD YELLER!
"Old Yeller" is the heart-wrenching family drama about two kids and their faithful dog. Dorothy McGuire gets top billing but, like Tommy Kirk, plays second fiddle to that darling golden retriever. "Here Yeller - come back yeller, best doggon dog in the west!"
This isn't Disney's best on DVD. In fact it's not even close to what a film like "Old Yeller" truly deserves. For starters, the print used to master this DVD is very softly focused while still managing to be riddled with edge enhancement, aliasing and shimmering of fine details. There's a lot of pixelization throughout that really breaks up fine detail. Color is improperly balanced in many of the outdoor scenes, with greens, in grass and trees shifting color from brownish beige to muddy green and then back again. Flesh tones often appear too, too orange. Fine detail is generally lost in the darker scenes.
The audio has been remixed but is very, very strident and forward sounding. At times its painful to listen to and really doesn't hold a candle in comparison to fidelity of the day from other films of "Old Yeller"'s period.
Extras: Disney gets top marks for their supplimental package on this and their other three "Vault Disney" releases. We get documentaries, isolated scores, vintage advertising and short subjects, a gallery of stills, trailers and television spots and interviews with the surviving cast members. What more could anybody ask for?
BOTTOM LINE: The print is disappointing. The extras are amazing. Decide for yourself and then buy - or not.

Great family movie
I hadn't watched this movie for many years, but I still remembered the basic story as I watched it again recently trying to get my 18 month old to be interested in the big yellow dog, the horses, cows and pigs. She was only vaguely interested. It is hard for this type of movie to compete with Toy Story and other modern movies that start and finish with lots of action and special effects.

But the story here, a well done coming of age story, is timeless and classic and well worth sitting down with the kids and a bucket of popcorn to watch. There are lots of things this kind of movie can bring for topics of discussion, and unless one has seen it a few times, the emotional parts should stir up at least some feelings (even for non dog lovers).

I give a strong recommendation for this movie, it is a simple and straight forward story, and what it lacks in action and effects, it makes up for in it's timelessness and powerful story line.

Yet another in a long line of bad DVD's from Disney
It's almost hard to fathom a studio having so little respect for its classic movies. This "Vault Disney" release of "Old Yeller" is a perfect example.

The "Vault Disney" releases are promoted as "high end", supposedly better than the cheapy "movie-only" releases of many of Disney's live action movies.

From the initial opening credits, with the worst example I have seen of "grain" in a picture outside of a non-major-studio release, I knew this was going to be another Disney disaster. Though the grain subsided SOMEWHAT, the softness of the picture throughout was not even close to what I would expect of a classic movie release. While my widescreen television is relatively small, I'd hate to see how bad this picture would look on a large widescreen display.

In addition, the chintzy packaging for these movies is hardly up to "special edition" quality either, and the majority of the extras are nothing more than more "Disney" horn-blowing.

I will commend them for the inclusion of one of Pluto's best cartoons {"Bone Trouble"}, and for the current-day interview with Tommy Kirk {whom I would have NEVER recognized}.

However, all in all, Disney should be ashamed at the quality on such a classic film release.

A BOY AND HIS DOG....
I first saw this as a kid and nearly never saw another movie again. Especially one with an animal in it. For anyone who has ever bonded with an animal (especially a dog), "Old Yeller" strikes a nerve or two. The was also the first time I ever heard the phrase "It's only a movie!" after I saw "Old Yeller" because I cried so hard. This is probably one of the finest family films ever made by the Walt Disney people. It's a simple tale of a frontier boy who bonds with a stray dog (that more than proves it's loyalty) and the boy's final realization that he has to grow up. Dorothy McGuire is the steadfast mother and Tommy Kirk is the boy who must make a gut-wrenching decision that will start him on the road to maturity. I hated this movie for years but as an adult I more than see the beauty of it now and highly recommend it all round. But keep those kleenex handy because if you're like me, you'll need 'em.

Stop killing dogs
I can't stand it when dogs die in the movies.

I'd much rather watch people die before dogs.

I could laugh my butt off watching Meryl Streep in pain from cancer in that dumb movie with Renee Zellweger before I can stand to see a dog suffer.

Just tears your heart out. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

One of my favorite movies ever!
Danny Kaye at his best. For anyone who has traveled the road with a band, or had to live the life of a musician, this movie will bring back all the good times. Kaye does a beautiful job portraying both a band leader and husband/father. Right up there with A Song Is Born!

Thoroughly delightful - Danny Kaye's best!
A funny, warm, and perfectly wonderful musical -- the best kind of family entertainment. Danny Kaye is simply perfect as Red Nichols, the great jazzman of the 20's, and the bonus is the terrific music (many of which, I was surprised to discover later, were all Nichols' own songs). Wonderful work by Barbara Bel Geddes and the other featured players, especially the adorable little girl who plays Kaye's daughter. I've watched it again and again -- I think you will too.

Among the top 5 movies ever made
This movie is as close to perfection at one can come! Why is not yet out on DVD? Pleeeeeeease (and yes, I'm begging here) release this masterpiece on DVD.

Will be bought by more if.....
Isn't there a way for this great movie to be put on DVD and CD. In this day when there is so much inappropriate material in the movies and on TV, watching the Five Pennies is a wonderful breath of fresh air. My daughter and I have a special relationship partly because of this movie. On her wedding day I gave her five new pennies (1960) her birth date and we have watched this movie many times together. It would be so much better to watch and hear it on DVD/CD. My orginal long playing record is about wore out. Please contact those in the power and forward my request, I know it would be a great seller. Bill Williams

The Five Pennies DVD and audio CD release?
This is a wonderful film, a real moving tear jerking classic. An excellent performance by Mr. Kaye, as always, and unique footage of Louis Armstrong. Wonderful jazz harmonies. When will this movie receive the credit it deserves and be released on remastered DVD and audio CD? Movie studios you have been told!! ... Read more

Reviews (882)

Scott gets the look, as usual
[This review speaks mainly to the film, not the 3-disc special edition release]

Black Hawk Down is a tough movie to qualify. It's visually amazing--this is some of the best combat I've seen in a movie. It's thrilling, it's realistic, it's exciting. I wouldn't exactly call this an anti-war film because it depicts war as the ultimate thrill, a real game of real bullets and blood. Yes, it's hell, but with Ridley Scott directing it looks like a very, very good video game.

I don't know why this movie was made. There is no political leaning, there is very little context. It's a blow by blow account of what happened when over 100 Army Ranger and Delta Force soldiers were stuck in a hostile part of Mogadishu, Somalia in late 1993. The enemy, as to be expected from a Jerry Bruckheimer film, is given no identity. They are throngs of Africans, many of them kids, firing round after round and coming like swarms of bees even as they get cut down by the superior US firepower.

The problem is that the movie goes to very impressive lengths to play out this story. The production is huge--the battle scenes, the city scenes (filmed in some bombed-out-looking part of Morocco apparently), the gunplay, etc. This is an expensive film, and I have to wonder why the money and resources go into something like this if there is nothing to say. Then it becomes pure entertainment, which is all the film turns out to be. That's fine, but again, once in a while it would be nice to inject some intelligence into a project that obviously commanded so many other resources and considerations.

Why was America in Somalia? Granted, that is not the concern of the film, but some kind of context for the war, the rebels, the aims of the mission, the pov of Somalis who were killing to negotiate, as one Somali says in the only behind-the-scenes bit in the film, would have put the film over the edge and actually made the audience ::gasp:: think about why America fights where it does.

There's also the obligatory war film clichés that are just hard to stomach when we know that these are real soldiers being trivialized for the popcorn crowd. Tom Sizemore, as a veteran and tough-as-nails McKnight, goes back into the fray to rescue more men and walks calmly through the street as bullets ricochet around him, like Robert Duvall in Apocalypse Now. Modern movie special effects can simulate rockets blowing people apart, literally, and leg wounds being operated on with someone's bare hands, muscle and sinew and all. It is typical of Hollywood today: they have limitless resources, but those resources (being able to shoot a film as visually and technically impressive as this) serve a story that could use a bit more tweaking and humanization. But the filmmakers are
not interested in that angle.

It would be nice to know why Mogadishu is hell on earth, with hordes of enemies tearing people out of helicopters and raining rockets on American soldiers. Yes, the soldiers were brave, they were highly trained, but the mission was a disaster, and it does the real story a disservice to portray it as just another chapter in American gung ho-ism. Also, the single most memorable bit of that real story was the body of an Army Ranger being dragged through the streets by an angry mob that spit on him, and much worse. That was a disturbing bit of footage for Americans to watch. Would that have been more tasteless than showing an RPG rocket stuck in someone's side? Massive, gaping wounds? Missing legs? Why clean up real events and their aftermath for the sake of a night out at the movies? Maybe they should put their mouths where the money is.

Make no mistake--I couldn't turn this film off. It's exciting; it made me want to play Ghost Recon or one of those games. It also made me want to find out more about this grim chapter in President Clinton's tenure as Commander in Chief, even though it was his predecessor who landed troops there when he was a lame duck. Somalia was an embarrassment, an event that told America we were no longer willing to sacrifice men--18 as compared to over 1,000 Somalis killed in battle--in some foreign wasteland. The film is not enlightening in that regard. It's exciting, it's Jerry Bruckheimer, folks. Watch it and decide for yourself.

It looks like they went to very impressive lengths to put this out on DVD, as expected with a production like this. Definitely worthwhile to pick up, as multiple commentaries, deleted scenes, and other goodies sweeten the deal.

A Special Operation
It's about time! Sony Pictures finally got around to releasing a deluxe edition DVD of director Ridley Scott's magnificent fact-based war thriller "Black Hawk Down". Fortunately, it's well worth the wait; sporting three discs with every concievable extra feature, it could well be the best DVD package I've ever seen.

Possibly the finest of all pure war pictures and unquestionably the best movie ever made about the Special Forces, "Black Hawk Down" recounts the fierce battle that ensued in Somalia on October 3, 1993 during a mission by the Army's Rangers and elite Delta Force operators to capture two lieutenants of a repulsive warlord.

The film presents a raw, vivid dramatization of the fight, with graphic depictions of violent death on both sides. The difference is that Scott, unlike many of his contemporaries, mostly manages to steer clear of sentimentality, preachiness and jingoism (no small feat when you're making a war movie). Understanding the need for occasional breaks in what is essentially a two-hour-long battle scene, Scott also injects a little comic relief in the form of three lost Rangers and some other great little moments (my favorite is the part where Sgt. Eversmann, played with surprising vigor by Josh Hartnett, has to pause in the middle of battle to pull a scalding-hot spent shell casing from inside his uniform; little details like that are cinematic gold).

The first disc has the film along with three outstanding audio commentaries: one from Scott and producer Jerry Bruckheimer; one from screenwriter Ken Nolan and Mark Bowden, author of the original book; and, most interestingly, another by four actual veterans of the battle, who expand on true elements of the story and comment on some of the film's technical innacuracies ("This scene is really cool - too bad it never really happened").

Disc two features a 150-minute "making of" featurette that explores just about every facett of the production, including technical accuracy, CGI effects and footage of the actors at Ranger boot camp.

Disc three has two absorbing documentaries about the battle from the History Channel and PBS's "Frontline". There's also a feature that allows you to watch the fast-roping insertion scene from multiple camera angles and some Q & A sessions with the filmmakers and actors. There's a nice moment in one of these sessions in which Jason Issacs, who plays the aptly named Capt. Steele, comments on how "BHD" actually made him a better person: "After knowing what these soldiers went through, you feel a bit embarrassed complaining about the size of your trailer."

"Black Hawk Down", simply by virtue of its adherence to telling the story as it happened (as much as is possible, at least, within the confines of a 2 1/2 hour movie), is much more military-friendly than many of the artsy war pictures that depict soldiers as victims or, even worse, as psychopaths. It's also a far cry from the simplistic "super soldier" flicks of the 1980s that stressed a comic book mentality over respect for what real American warriors have endured over the centuries. "Black Hawk Down" is a profoundly patriotic movie, but its patriotism is more subtle, mature and real. The only American flags you really see are patches sewn onto the right shoulder of the troops' uniforms. The flag is backwards, so that the stars are closer to the soldier's heart.

A True Horror Film
It just doesn't get any better than this. I've seen this film 4 times & it never ceases to astound me. The acting is exceptional, Ridley Scott is directing here at the peak of his powers & Pietro Scalia should have received an Oscar for the outstanding editing job. The film itself functions more like a rocket ride than just a war film. The word visceral comes to mind. Violent? Frightening? Absolutely! But to demonstrate the true impact of war, for the soldiers & for us, there is no alternative. I noticed a fellow customer said this film is better than SAVING PRIVATE RYAN; am I the only one who noticed the huge hole in that film's storyline? Move over THREE KINGS, FULL METAL JACKET, THE THIN RED LINE...BLACK HAWK DOWN may just be the greatest war film ever made. Why? Because a war film isn't just bullets & the terrible death of comrades. Ridley Scott has shown us the true horror. I know it will haunt my dreams......

Great War Movie
I recently bought the DVD for this movie and I have to say that I'm blown away by the movie about the operation to capture Adid in Mogadishu, Somalia in October '93. This movie is very accurate in showing the realities of combat and I think that this is a movie that will really convey to people what it's like to fight and die not only for their country, but for each other.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to know about what it's like in the heat of combat and the courage and fortitude of our soliders.

Best Film of Post-WW2 Combat
Prior to "Black Hawk Down", "Apocalypse Down" was hands down my favorite non-World War II war movie. Time and distance works wonders, and Ridley Scott proves he can film modern combat, like sci-fi ("Alien") with the best of them.

This is a post Private Ryan film, which means that the street combat scenes are jumpy, erratic, and extremely violent. But like Spielberg, Scott does not lose sight of character development, particularly Harnett's character who becomes marooned with his "stick" of Rangers overnight in the centre of Mogadishu surrounded by thousands of screeming, RPG-toting Somalis who can use cell phones to mobilize and direct their forces. The movie builds like "Alien", to the point where it becomes incomprehensible that anyone is going to get out alive. The movie does not take sides when commanders sacrifice four or five soldiers to save one - it just happens.

Some reviewers have referred to the book as a "novel" - it is not. This battle really happened, but once we left Somalia (or were pushed out, depending on your point of view) it got quietly shunted aside as a bad sideshow until Mark Bowden wrote his book of the same title, which is a MUST read for people who loved the movie (it goes into greater detail of the Ranger culture and background politics). Lots of lessons abound for our current escapade into Mesopotamia.

Sizemore, who is also in "Private Ryan", is by leaps and bounds the best hard-nosed NCO anywhere. Ewan McGregor, who has had to suffer through Lucas' recent disasters, gets to demonstrate his versatility. Harnett is terrific.

No review should pass up the incredible sound, which demands a 5.1 system and heavy on the subwoofer. The soundtrack (with the exception of the vaguely Celtic ooh-ahhs at the end) is the best I recall of any war movie. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

DVD NEEDED!!!
Please release these on DVD asap. The quality is so much better. Who has vhs??

DVD!! please soon. thank you.

Beautiful, Symbolic, Artisitc, Sensual, Powerful
This is a small, arty, and magnificent film! Certainly a DVD version should be released. Although all the dancing and music is amazing and highly entertaining, it is the interesting story - with its constant crosing over between the reality of the "story" and the reality of the performance (or story within the story) - that creates a depth lacking in most films. The film also explores the relationship between director/actor, man/woman and the various "politics" and power issues within those relationships. This film can be enjoyed through casual viewing as well as critical scrutiny - it holds up. Overall a wonderful and rewarding viewing experience.

Carmen and dance trilogy now on DVD!!!!!
Good news to all. Carmen and the Carlos Saura Dance Trilogy are available on DVD (PAL) if you visit www.flamencoexport.com. Shipping is a bit expensive but each DVD only costs around 21 Euros.

Please release the Dance Trilogy on DVD
My girlfriend had to drag me to see this onscreen when it first came out. She never had to drag me to see anything by Saura again. Carmen, Blood Wedding, Flamenco...everything I've seen was wonderful. I may not be able to carry a tune, I sure can't dance well, but I can tell when someone else is doing a good job. And my goodness, do they ever do a good job.

Please release all the Dance Trilogy on DVD. My old VHS tapes of the first 2 are likely to wear out someday, I'd much rather replace the tapes with a disc.

This movie needs to be on DVD
This is one of my favorite movies. It should be on DVD so it is more available. ... Read more

Description

Hollywood superstar Bruce Willis (ARMAGEDDON, THE SIEGE) brings a powerful presence to an edge-of-your-seat thriller from writer-director M. Night Shyamalan (Oscar(R)-nominee for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director) that critics are calling one of the greatest ghost stories ever filmed. When Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Willis), a distinguished child psychologist, meets Cole Sear (Oscar(R)-nominee Haley Joel Osment, Best Supporting Actor), a frightened, confused, eight-year-old, Dr. Crowe is completely unprepared to face the truth of what haunts Cole. With a riveting intensity you'll find thoroughly chilling, the discovery of Cole's incredible sixth sense leads them to mysterious places with unforgettable consequences! ... Read more

Reviews (325)

Cole Sear's initiation
As of this writing, Amazon.com already has 594 customer reviews for THE SIXTH SENSE; however, this movie was so awesome I can't prevent myself from writing about it, regardless as to whether or not it may be useful. It is rare to find a movie that approaches ghosts and psychic ability in such a realistic manner; this one's a treasure to those who follow the subject.

The story centers around two people, Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) and Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment). Malcolm is a child psychologist who is shot by one of his now-adult former patients, Vincent Grey (Donnie Wahlberg), in the opening of the story. Several months later, Malcolm has apparently recovered and starts treating a new patient, nine-year-old Cole Sear, who is in a similar situation to Vincent's and showing the same symptoms. Cole's parents are divorced and he has no close friends. As a matter of fact, many call him a freak. Cole's mother, Lynn (Toni Collette), keeps noticing odd occurrences around her son and begs him to tell her what's going on. Finally, Cole confides to Malcolm that he sees dead people. Malcolm is skeptical at first, then finds some corroboration for this "gift" in his archives of Vincent's case. It soon becomes clear to Malcolm that the guidance Cole really needs is to face his talent and how to work with it. In the meantime, this inexperienced child gives Malcolm advice on how to handle his marriage problems.

The mood of this vehicle is quiet, building up its tension with suggestion, which starts when Malcolm's wife, Anna (Olivia Williams) shivers while grabbing a bottle of wine in the basement of their home. The way it briefly fades to black after major crisis points adds to its momentum. It replaces the historical atmosphere of Philadelphia, where the story takes place, with one of spookiness. The ghosts who come looking for Cole in his home have a bone-chilling affect that makes the audience jump.

Willis gives a performance that's worthy of an Oscar nomination, even if the Academy preferred five other performances from last year. He sheds enough of his macho image to play a sensitive professional who has private frustrations. He is convincing in this gentler role. Guilt over Malcolm's failure with Vincent underlines Malcolm's motivation in regard to Cole.

Osment is exceptional as the troubled child. Despite Cole's resistence to talk about what's really bothering him, Osment's eyes constantly implore others for help. Anyone with any compassion would be anxious to offer him comfort. Once Cole is relieved, it's amazing how much lighter Osment projects his character.

Collette portrays the baffled, single mother well. At first it's hard to tell whether she's abusive or protective, and the ambiguity serves the story well. Williams has the most challenging scene to play in the restaurant and her sarcastic yet woeful words achieve just the right effect. Wahlberg as the unhinged assailant conveys the fright, confusion, and nihilism of the unresolved circumstances that have hovered over Vincent most of his life.

In an interview director and screenwriter M. Night Shyamalan did on NPR's FRESH AIR when this movie was first released, he claims he has had no outstanding paranormal experiences. It's hard to believe he's that out-of-touch after an incident another medium had.

When I went to see THE SIXTH SENSE during the first week of its release, I had arranged to go with a few friends, one of whom is a medium of the same caliber as Cole. We were to meet at a restaurant then go to a showing at the theater across the street. The medium neither met us at the restaurant nor caught up with us at the theater, even though she has always been very good about letting people know when she couldn't fulfill her engagements. When I talked to her later, she said for some reason, she couldn't find the restaurant. That was rather odd, since it was an area she was familiar with. Instead, she went to a nearby mall to window shop until she could meet the rest of us at the theater. Unfortunately, she missed the show when she realized too late that it was past time to go. Several days later, she saw the movie on her own and claims it turned her into a basket case. It was uncannily similar to her own experience and shook her up more and more as the story progressed. She had no idea what the movie was about beforehand and needed the rest of the evening alone to compose herself. Her "circle" of spirit guides had prevented her from attending the outing we had planned for that very reason. (And I was bursting to ask her all kinds of questions afterward. They were correct she wouldn't have gotten any peace.)

This story is more realistic than Shyamalan may credit. When you're a medium at Cole's level, you need to form a great deal of shielding, like the tent Cole keeps in his bedroom, to avoid the onslaught of demands these wandering souls have. There is a great deal of character growth in the ending, but in actuality some of Cole's greatest challenges come in learning afterward how to deal with his sixth sense.

This movie is a gripping picture of paranormal life. The ghosts don't reach out and brutilize people the way they do in THE HAUNTING or THE HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, they're frightening just by looking for attention. THE SIXTH SENSE is a gem that shows how disruptive the ability can be to the lives of those who have it.

Creepy flick, GREAT DVD!
Director M. Night Shyamalan's breakthrough film is one of my all-time favorite creepfests. Haley Joel Osment ("A.I.") plays a boy with the power to see ghosts -- and he sees them everywhere. Bruce Willis ("Armageddon") is the psychiatrist who at first tries to help the boy with what he thinks are delusions, but soon grows to believe in.

Shyamalan's "Signs" is another great scary flick, and for a simple reason: Shyamalan knows the secret to horror. It's all about the quick, fleeting glances of the darkness. It's all about building up the proper, terrified state of mind. I've never considered slasher flicks like "Halloween" or the endless "Friday the 13th" sequels to be even remotely scary. Shyamalan knows that what you imagine is scarier than what he can show you, and he uses it.

"The Sixth Sense" pulls you in and makes you feel for these characters before the resolution, followed by what has become one of the most famous twists in recent cinema history.

This Vista Series DVD is a great presentation, as well. Special features include a featurette about religion and the afterlife in movies and a cool look at Shyamalan's storyboarding process... but why still no commentary? C'mon, Night, tell us what was going through your head while you were making these flicks!

The Return of Good Horror Films
"I see dead people". If you've been hiding under a rock for the last few years you missed this fantastic horror film. The return of good horror films after a long long dry spell of Scream, Friday the 13th and all the other stupid horror films. This is a fantastic smart horror film. A must own.

"I see dead people,"
M. Night Shyamalan's THE SIXTH SENSE has ranked high on my list of favorite films ever since its 1999 theatrical release.

First of all, it hits close to home. Why? First off, Shyamalan graduated from Waldron Mercy Academy, my private Catholic school, back when it was Waldron Academy and all-boys. Today, the nationally renowned school is coed. Second, THE SIXTH SENSE is filmed in the bustling city of Philadelphia, PA, very close to where I lived. I recognized most, if not all of the places shown in Shyamalan's thriller.

That said, it didn't necessarily mean I was going to automatically enjoy the film. At the age of 11, I was hasty to see it. But my Daddy, as usual, bribed me into it, assuring me I wouldn't regret seeing the movie.

"Whatever," I muttered as he dragged me to the neighborhood cinema.

I had set my standards low. I arrived in the theatre, expecting a Pepsi, a Hershey bar, and a nap.

I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, I was elated!

The talented Bruce Willis takes on the role of psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crowe, very distinguished in his profession. Haley Joel Osment, newcomer to the big screen, plays Cole Sear, a disturbed 8 year-old. His mother, up in arms about what to do with her withdrawn and unhappy son, calls Dr. Crowe to help sort out the situation. Mrs. Sear, a single parent, is wonderfully played by Toni Colette, who brings life and significance to her character, giving off a near immaculate 3-dimensional performance.

Cole is blessed. Or is he cursed? You decide. He has been bestowed/cursed with the power of the sixth sense, a skill both ugly and horrible, in a sense. Cole, with this magical skill, can help others. Yet at the same time, his sixth sense haunts him to the point of insanity. "I see dead people," he eventually explains to Dr. Crowe. Indeed, young Cole speaks the harrowing truth. He sees ghostly apparations that haunt him by night and show themselves by day, terrifying and confusing him to no end. Alas, Dr. Crowe is unprepared when Cole enlightens him with this information.

Yet this new knowledge is a beginning for various journeys. Together, the doctor and his young patient travel to places previously unbeknownst to them. Their adventures lead them to both saddening truths and irrevocable consequences.

THE SIXH SENSE proves to a fickle audience, namely America, that special effects aren't required to make a superb and memorable horror film. M. Night Shyamalan's unforgettable effort (not his first, FYI) is bone chilling, dazzling, and beautiful, with performances that either launched careers or furthered them. This film is a masterpiece, no matter how you try to look at it, and it deserved all 6 of its Oscar nods. Yes, it broke my heart when it didn't win any...

Enjoy this thrilling treat, if you haven't already.

An Entertaining film
It's somewhat scary, and holds your interest for sure. But, sorry; IMHO not a five-star film by any means. The ending can be surprising ... or not. Worth seeing. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Everybody important from the first film, including the writing-directing team of Charles Shyer and Nancy Meyers, regroups for this sequel involving a pair of pregnancies. Steve Martin's patriarch has a crisis when his married daughter (Kimberly Williams) is with child, and an even bigger one when his middle-aged wife (Diane Keaton) announces that another bambino is on the way. Martin Short is more effectively used this time around (he played the wedding coordinator in the first film), and while this movie's inevitable climax has both women giving birth on the same chaotic night, the overall effect of the film is less contrived than its predecessor. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (33)

An enjoyable (but repetitve sequel)
George Banks (Steve Martin) has finally recovered from his daughter's wedding - he's just finished paying for it, and not only did he learn how to deal with the fact his Annie is married (well, mostly by thinking she and her husband Bryan are playing house) but is starting to like Bryan a little... Until Annie announces she's going to have a baby. George Banks? A grandfather? He always knew that Bryan was up to no good - he, for one thing, is too young to be a grandfather! As if he needed more proof for that, his wife Nina (Diane Keaton) is preagnant again - just as George was starting to look forward to having the place for himself and Nina in a few very short years when their young sone Matthew leaves the house... Throw in Frunk the weird wedding coordinator and his assistant Howard, Bryan's parents and their "lovable" dogs, and you get a movie as hilarious as the first one: there's just the right amount of references to the first movie to be funny but not to bore the viewer as a typically boring sequel... Unfortunately, the structure of the movie is very similar to the first one's (including Annie & Bryan fighting at around the same time in the story line), which made it feel a little repetitive.

Don't waste you're time and money on this one
Why make a movie about a perfect conservative family, living in a perfect conservative neighbourhood, living a perfect conservative life?
Typical Hollywood-production: technically well done and no originality at all. Predictable on every detail. Hollow personalities and loads of stupid cliches and politically correct jokes.

bride's father becomes a grandfather and father of three
The sequel to the original 1950 film was entitled FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND. This sequel,to the remake of the original is just entitled FATHER OF THE BRIDE PART II. It's very much like Alan Alda's A NEW LIFE because George Banks(Steve Martin) like Alda in his film,becomes a grandfather and a father again. George drives home from his company Sidekicks on a beautiful fall day(cool air and gradually falling multi-colored leaves). At the Banks' home,where Bryan MacKenzie's(George Newbern) parents David and Joanna were also,George,Nina(Diane Keaton),David and Joanna learn,when their respective children show up,that Annie(Kimberly williams) and Bryan will become parents. Annie's brother Matt(Kieran Culkin) learns also. George gets a makeover in one scene(he dyes his hair). He surprises his wife Nina,saying "I look like the guy you married!". Also he presents some sexy lingerie to Nina,which she refuses since she is a grandmother-to-be("Hey,you're not my grandmother!",George quipps.). The lingerie led to an unexpected preganancy for Nina,which is her third. The Bankses experience some faults with their house. George and Nina agreed to sell it if something else went wrong. So termites attacked,and on the real estate market the Bankses' house at 24 Maple Drive in San Marino,California,went. The new owner had not yet closed and sent a bulldozer with a wrecking ball to demolish the house. George decides to take the house back("Don't destroy my memories!"). He tells the wrecking crew how he painted the shutters of the Banks' home and accidentally broke a window with a flying frisbee. So the "new owner" sends the wrecking crew away,bringing relief to George. Around the same time,George's and Nina's third child and Annie's and Bryan's child are born in the very same hospital. At a clinic,George and Nina run into Franc Eggelhoffer,the same European guy who coordinated Annie's wedding. Franc(Martin Short) learns of Nina's and Annie's respective pregnancies("modder and dodder prognont togodder?",as pronounced by Franc). So Nina and Annie have a baby shower together. In the final scene,George is pushing his newborn son in a carriage. This film was directed by Charles Shyer,who directed the first remake in 1991.

Movie Showcases the Importance of Family
Steve Martin represents a typical husband, in an average suburban, middle-class American family. He's married, has one daughter who is married (the story of which was brought forward in the original Father of the Bride), and has a son. Now that his daughter is married, Martin thinks that he can finally start from scratch with his wife and move to a condo. It turns out that just isn't going to happen.

Why?

Well, during a celebration of his renewed independence--it turns out that he inpregnates his wife, and thus he is going to be a father. It's a bit shocking to him, but it happens. So lo and behold, his daughter and wife are both pregnant. The story from there showcases what love and respect he has for both of them. Although it was intended as comedy, it is not a ha-ha laughter type of film. I just couldn't laugh at most moments. Yet, the film is an important indication of why every culture really values the family: there is some joy about being so close-knit together, even in times of crisis.

Michael Gordon

Father of the Bride Part II
This movie is a fantastic celebration of life, love, and family. It reminds the viewer of the importance of the "simple things" that mean the most to us. Steve Martin sums up the essence of the movie when he is speaking to a doctor on behalf of his daughter and his wife. He simply states, "Doctor, these women are my life." She understands. The viewer understands. I've probably watched the film a dozen times and it never gets old. I plan to watch it at least 2 dozen more times...especially when life gets tough and I need a reminder about the "good stuff" it has to offer! Thank you! ... Read more

Reviews (19)

SENSATIONAL--MINUS 20
I've been hearing for years about "Twin Peaks", whether by word of mouth or on the internet. It's popular to mention the numerous pop-culture moments this show created and the fact that so many shows try to imitate, and fail, this landmark show. So after reading recaps of the pilot and first couple episodes, I decided to buy the whole thing.

I took a risk and I'd do it again because this show is one of the greatest achievements of all TV time. The pilot is a perfect intro to the show, establishing the characters and plots, the main one and various subplots, that it's addictive. WHO KILLED LAURA PALMER!? The mix of light and dark, quirky humor, heavy drama, fantastic production values, and so much more! If you haven't seen any of the show, stay clear of the last 15-20 minutes. I heard about the special ending and found out that the original pilot ends at Sarah Palmer's scream after her dream. End it there, watch the rest of the series, then go back and watch the ending.

Other than that, sit back, relax, and ENJOY! And believe me, YOU WILL!

The Best 2 Hours of Film Anywhere!
Twin Peaks is the premier for the greatest TV series ever created. Brought in to investigate the murder of Twin Peaks Homecoming Queen Laura Palmer, Agent Dale Cooper "Kyle MacLachlan" becomes wrapped up in a town full of mystery, murder, damn good coffee and killer cherry pie.

Start here.
This is pretty much what any fan of the show or David Lynch needs to start with. It's the original movie/pilot, and is a great piece of work. The story, the characters, and the whole northwest environment really make for an interesting and sometimes creepy watch. Many cool actors showed up in "Twin Peaks", among them Kyle McLachlan, Lara Flynn-Boyle, Sheryl Lee, Jack Nance, and the sexy Sherilyn Fenn. If you enjoy this, seek out the VHS collectors series, episodes 1-7. Or the DVD first season, which is also episodes 1-7, minus this pilot.

sdrawkcab dneb smra ym
So I'm sitting on this chair, in this house, on mars when this movie comes on. TWIN PEAKS. The first thing I saw was this grotesque factory-mill type place. And then there was this close-up shot of some rusty machine, and it moved...it moved with the music. Sparks were shooting out everywhere, and it was all moving to this other-worldly melody. Then waterfalls, ponds, ducks...in less than one minute, Lynch had sucked me in, shattered me, put me back together (the way he saw fit), and then he dropped me off into TWIN PEAKS.
The whole thing was beatiful. Lynch and Frost had created this soft cloud of a world that was filled shards of glass and rusty nails. It was all like a dream -a dream that you don't want to wake up from. Bobby, Donna, Shelly, Big Ed. I was lost.
"I too have been touched by the devilish one. Ahh, but when I saw the face of God..." This sleek-Norman Rockwell-wrong way on a one way street-imitation silk-nightmare is a mountain top work of art that leads you dead on into the midst of the footstool of the heavens.
-be sure to watch it in the full blossom of the evening, and you just might experience the beatific vision...FIRE WALK WITH ME.

One of TV's best pilots!
If only it were on DVD! This tape contains the classic 2 hour pilot for David Lynch's extraordinary and quirky TV cult favorite, "Twin Peaks". This 2 hour intro is NOT part of the six tape "complete" series collection that has the actual 29 episodes. There is a neat, confusing, untelevised 15 minute ending that was used to "wrap up" the whole murder when this same tape was released in Europe as a made-for-TV movie. Still, it is simply Twin Peaks at its best. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A pioneer of America's first frontier came to life every week for years--now you can relive his adventures with Daniel Boone: Premiere Episode. In "Ken-Tuck-E," Fess Parker as our national hero must take territory from the natives in order to prepare for war with the British.Along the way, we meet his family, friends (including Ed Ames as Mingo), and enemies as "Dan'l" fights, talks, and sings his way through scrape after scrape. Though some of the characterizations might offend modern sensibilities, if viewed in context the show can be seen as respectful (except possibly to the British and raccoons). This classic episode shows why Daniel Boone stayed in living rooms for so long--charm and adventure go a long way in this country. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (10)

THE DAYS OF YESTERYEAR
As several have said, Fess Parker was a better Daniel Boone than a Davy Crockett. Oh well, he was Davy only four or five times, and Daniel about SIX YEARS. Practice does make perfect. This is a good video for nostalgic reasons and fairly believable acting. If you are a historian who nitpicks about accuracy, then don't watch. It was amazing to see Plains TeePees intermingled with East Coast wigwams. Some of the tribal costume was out of place as well. Oh yes, some of the "Indians" needed a little more berry juice for complexion.
Other than that, this is an excellent video. It is very family oriented(Daniel does not take the Indian wife that is offered to him because Becky is waiting back home), his family always runs to meet him, and gets angry if he has to leave again. He tells stories to his children, and sings to the Missus.
Yes, there is some violence and killing and probably excessive, but Dan'l doesn't kill unless it is to protect someone, and tries avoid it if possible.
These things just are not done in films today, and if they are attempted they just don't have the same spirit.
This video(may there soon be more!!) also gives our children a chanced to see a program that excited us when we were young. everyone has seen all the Peanuts cartoons, and odds and ends of famous sci-fi, but this is a simpler life video.
It is also great to see familiar faces we haven't heard from in years like Ed Ames, and did anyone notice George "Goober Pyle" Lindsay up on the stockade wall during the battle?
AHHHH for the days of clean, if very inaccurrate historical stories. Yes we were very prejudiced in those days, but I think things like this were the beginning of racial acceptance.

Dan'l Boone living large on the frontier of Ken Tuck E
"Ken Tuck E" is the pilot episode for "Daniel Boone," which originally aired on September 24, 1964. Fess Parker, who had become famous in the 1950's playing Davy Crockett for Disney, became even more successful as American frontiersman and folk hero Daniel Boone. Technically a "Western," the series was set in the 18th century, right before the American Revolution, when the "west" was the North Carolina-Tennessee-Kentucky! In this pilot episode Dan'l gets his friends, both Indians and settlers, ready to fight the British. Ed Ames co-starred as Dan'l's Indian friend, Mingo, while Patricia Blair played Rebecca Boone, Veronica Cartwright was daughter Jemima, and Darby hinton son Israel. The show also featured Albert Salmi as Yadkin and Dal McKennon as Cincinnatus, the tavern-keeper of Boonesborough. This first episode is certainly representative of the series, which focused on Boone's encounters with friendly and hostile Indians, his pioneering exploits, and his relationship with his family. I know I am not alone in thinking that Parker made a better Daniel Boone than he did a Davy Crockett.

great family entertainment
I agree with the other reviewers, this is great family entertainment that you aren't ashamed of letting your kids and family see. I think all the baby boomers and even some of the kids of today would enjoy seeing this series on DVD or at least VHS.

Please pass this on to the ones who decide what is coming out next on video.

danel boon
simply one of the best tv shows of the 60s down to earth and very entertaining. i have been in search of i think a disney daniel boone when he was not married to rebbeca but was on his way to discover ken-tuck.i seen it on tv in the mid.60s but that was it. so far iam unable to fine.it stared fess parker and ed ames.

Great tape Wonderful Return to the Past
One of the best TV Shows of the 60's. I hope more Fess Parker Daniel Boone shows will be available.This was pure entertainment.I have wondered for years why this program was not out on tape. During those years we watched it every week. Those were heroes you could cheer for. I would like to own all the Daniel Boone TV shows.I hope Amazon.com will be able to offer more of these. Harry at Vidayo did a top notch job getting the tape to us. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A good movie, generally faithful to Scripture
This is a good movie. The movie covers the period shortly before Abraham's calling by God to his wandering to Egypt and finally back up to Canaan. It also tells the story of Lot as a sub-plot. It then concludes with the birth of Isaac and Ishmael and the offering of Isaac.

Scripturally, the movie is pretty sound. Their artistic license was not distracting from the Scriptures as happens sometimes in other films.

From a production point of view, it is very well done. The actors are good and even know how to show emotion (I've seen too many Biblical movies where the actors talk in some strange distant tone of voice). Lots of action, too.

This movie is definitely PG-13. It portrays some animal sacrifices and war between the four kings and Abraham, among other scenes.

Entertaining, accurate, educational and stirring
The movie is an extraordinary portrayal of the life of Abraham. It's entertaining, accurate, educational and stirring. In a world filled with gods you can build, see, hold, and collect; Abraham's trust in and obedience to the invisible God is inspiring. The up and downs of the life of faith are wonderfully depicted. The emotional aspect of Old Testament animal sacrifice is explained in a way that theological textbooks could never rival.

Richard Harris is brilliant as the patriarch Abraham. Barbara Hershey makes a very believable and winsome Sarah. The costuming and scenery are outstanding. I found only minimal disagreement between this portrayal compared to the Biblical account, the culture of the time, and the ancillary facts of history. I would highly recommend the movie "Abraham." Abraham is one of the very best movies from Turner Home Entertainment's excellent Bible Collection. Running time 150 minutes.

"and you shall be the father of many nations"
Richard Harris is brilliant as Abraham, strong as well as tender, and with the ability to convey emotion so perfectly in his voice that it's a performance that can be enjoyed by just listening to it.
It covers Genesis 11:27 through Chapter 22:17, and stays fairly close to the scripture,
though there are a few omissions, and some additions to fill out the film; I especially like Abraham teaching Ishmael and Isaac, in separate scenes, the principles of the sacrificial rite. Christians will appreciate that Isaac was one of the "types" that run through the Old Testament pointing to Jesus.

Among the other changes/additions are the shifting of the meeting with Melchizedek (Ch. 14), to after God makes a covenant with Abraham to give him the land of the "ites" in Ch. 15 (Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, etc ); Lot offering himself as well as his daughters to the people of Sodom as a substitute for his guests, and also in this film Lot is the one that suggests he separate his family and flocks from Abraham's, instead of the other way around.
Abraham was 75 when he started his immense journey of faith, and there are scenes where he talks and listens to God that are wonderful.
This would not be a good film for children however, as it is not a colorful film, with the sets and costumes all in earth tones, and there are many animals that suffer a bad fate, either from the famine that takes place in the early part of the film, or the sacrifices.

The cast is splendid, with Barbara Hershey excellent as the beautiful Sarah, as is Carolina Rosi, who makes a stunning Hagar. John Gottfried plays Abraham's faithful steward Eliezar, and two venerable international actors have smaller roles, Vittorio Gassman as Terah, and Maximillian Schell as Pharaoh.
Filmed in Quarzazate, Morocco, it has lovely cinematography by Raffaele Mertes, score by Marco Frisina, and is a way above average TV production...and for Richard Harris fans, a performance not to be missed.

Faith Based Movie
Authentic faith based movie. The writers, producers, and actors, demonstrate deep insight into the faith and obedience based rewarding life of Abraham, and why he is said to be, "God's friend." Viewing this movie in private, over and over, has significantly developed and strengthened my faith and belief in God. For a limited budget, it is nevertheless, an outstanding movie. Recommended for seeking Christians, and non-Christians.

Excellent Excellent!
For anyone who wants to enjoy the story of Abraham more fully and understand the Bible more clearly, this is a video for you! It is fun to watch and scripturally very accurate. I recommend this to anyone and everyone! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A simple masterpiece
Whoopi Goldberg gives an unbelievable performance in this film. I have never seen her do anything that holds a candle to this. Oprah Winfrey as well. Danny Glover is outstanding. This is a very sad story... the tears will pour early on, but it is well told. An excellent script, terrific performances. This is a must see. ... Read more

Reviews (66)

Satire, Sex, The Cold War...And Rock & Roll!
This movie is an excellent time-capsule for the end of the late '50's/early'60's rock n' roll era. (It came out in 1963, just a few months before the Beatles hit our shores & changed everything forever.)

It's got everything:

An Elvis-like rock n' roll sex-machine on a motorcycle, check!

Cold War political satire, check!

A spoof of middle-class American values, check!

Young, gorgeous Ann-Marget, check & check again!

I was born too late to experience this time period & I haven't actually seen the Broadway original from 1960 with Chita Rivera in the Janet Leigh role. But this movie is a fast-paced, witty musical-comedy. I know the 1995 version sticks closer to the original story, but I think that version plays too much into the whole "nostalgia"-thing....an element that was NOT a part of any show actually made back then. That version was also slow & not very funny.

This version is great! A lot has been said about the music, but the comedy hasn't got much attention. The humor manages to be suggestive without being vulgar. It's kind of like reading an old issue of MAD Magazine, but this is acted out!

If you want laughs every second, great songs & great dancing, as well as a humorous glimpse as to what American attitudes were like back then, then this 1963 version is for you!

It's "Honestly Sincere!"

this is my favorite movie
this is my favorite movie of all time. i love the music. even the intro and ending with ann margret are awsome!!! the movie is so funny, the overly ed sullivan obsessive family has a sex idol staying at their house. then theres the perfect blue collar boyfriend with a bad hair cut i must say, that is soo jelous of conrad because he thinks kim likes conrad more then him. of course she doesn't its a movie but a boy can dream can't he? alberts mother is hilarious, no one could have been more perfect for the part same goes for kim's father.
i refuse to see the new version because i think the old one is so great that it would totally ruin the movie altogether. i think everyone should go out and rent it.

Disappointing
Although the movie has its moments, it pales in comparison to the television version starring Jason Alexander and Vanessa Williams (a version that was, at one time, avaialable on VHS). The problem with the Ann-Margret version is that the movie is a vehicle for Ann-Margret; unfortunately, the original story gets lost in the process. The television movie also features several new and outstanding tunes; both should be available on DVD!

Pretty lame
I notice that most people did not find the review from "moviesmusic" to be helpful, but in retrospect -- it was the most useful review there (had I only read it BEFORE purchasing this DVD). I love a good musical but I really found this one to be lame. Other than "Put on a Happy Face" and maybe "Kids" -- the songs were nothing special (or worse). I was amazed to see moviemusic's version of the Conrad Birdie song about being sincere because I too found that to be one of the most shockingly awful parts of the movie -- and "moviemusic" reviewer is not lying about the lyrics!

It's not the worst movie I ever saw and obviously some people like it but there are so many far better musicals out there and I found this one to be bad enough that I consider it a waste of money and time. I admit that I think my 4-year old girl might like it -- but she would probably like anything with music and colors -- however lame. My 13-year old son enjoyed watching the "I'm sincere" song with me and we (along with my husband) had a good laugh about how AWFUL it was! So, in that respect, the movie delivered some laughs.

If you love Ann-Margret I say get "Viva Las Vegas" instead and don't watch an "Elvis-like" character -- watch the real thing. The energy between Margret and Presley and their dance numbers in that movie are great -- and while that movie is a little corny too, I thoroughly enjoyed it (unlike Bye Bye Birdie).

Just to help you know my taste in musicals so you can see whether we are on the same page and whether you should heed my review -- Some musicals I have liked: The King and I; Camelot; Oklahoma; Tammy and the Bachelor; Sound of Music; Mary Poppins; Singin' in the Rain; White Christmas; An American in Paris; Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; Some Like it Hot; Jail House Rock (and several other Elvis musicals); My Fair Lady; All that Jazz; and more recently "Chicago." I did not particularly like "Damn Yankees" but didn't dislike it as much as Bye Bye Birdie. OK, well maybe you won't find this review useful either but at least I will have offered support to my apparent soulmate!

Even my kids love it!
I originally bought this movie because our school was going to put on the musical production of "Bye Bye Birdie".
As it turns out the play and the movie are quite different but each ever so enjoyable in their own way. We saw the movie first than the play and it all tied together so well whereas if you have just seen the play it seems to leave questions unanswered and doesn't seem to be "complete".
My family absolutely loves the movie! This movie is honestly my 5 year old little girl's favorite and she knows all of the words to the songs. On the other hand my mother thought it was a blah movie with lame acting--which I did as well when I first saw it.
I think that what changed my mind and why I now truly enjoy the movie now is the songs. There are songs in this movie I have heard all my life such as "Put on a Happy Face" but had no idea where they originated and they do compliment the movie perfectly. I do enjoy the acting of Ann Margaret, Dick