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In 1996, composer, producer, and guitar legend Ry Cooder entered Egrem Studios in Havana with the forgotten greats of Cuban music, many of them in their 60s and 70s, some of them long since retired. The resulting album, Buena Vista Social Club, became a Grammy-winning international bestseller. When Cooder returned to Havana in 1998 to record a solo album by 72-year-old vocalist Ibrahim Ferrer, filmmaker Wim Wenders was on hand to document the occasion. Wenders splits the film between portraits of the performers, who tell their stories directly to the camera as they wander the streets and neighborhoods of Havana, and a celebration of the music heard in performance scenes in the studio, in their first concert in Amsterdam, and in their second and final concert at Carnegie Hall. The songs are too often cut short in this fashion, but Buena Vista Social Club is not a concert film. Wenders weaves the artist biographies with a glimpse of modern Cuba remembering its past, capturing a lost culture in music that is suddenly, unexpectedly revived for audiences in Havana and around the world. Wenders makes his presence practically invisible, as if his directorial flourishes or off-screen narration might deflect attention from the artists, who do a fine job of telling their own stories through interviews and music. It's a loving portrait of a master class in Cuban music, with a vital cast of aging performers whose energy and passion belie their years.--Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (113)

So much talent. The spirit of music in the raw!
After all that's been said about the Grammy award winner album by Ry Cooder, I had to watch this superb documentary. They were right, this film deserves, also an award. Reknown musician and singer Ry Cooder sits back as Dream Team coach and lets this long forgotten talents of cuban music tell him naturally their stories, like Ibrahim Ferrer's recording debut at age 72 or Compay Segundo's 90 year old romance intentions. The heartwarming side of this film probably is the chance that this very talented singers and musicians have to fulfill every musician's dream concert: full house attendance at the legendary Carnegie Hall and Amsterdam. They also get to know the Big Apple and display child-like innocence and awe. One of the mayor acheivements of the film is how Wim Wenders blends the cuban studio and city shots with the actual concerts in N.Y. and Amsterdam. This is Not a concert though. All the songs are blended with interviews or Havanna scenaries.The video quality is very good, but don't expect IMAX or so. The sound quality is impecable and there are some extras (a couple of full songs). If you want an experience beyond ethnic music (which is great) but into ethnic discovery (which is grater) buy this gem.

LIVING LEGENDS
Directed by the german director Wim Wenders, THE BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB has received the 1999 best european documentary award. And please, take my word for granted, this movie deserves it. And more. Forget Martin Scorsese's THE LAST WALTZ and visit THE BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB !

In 1998, the well-known american guitarist Ry Cooder decides to go to Cuba and to record his new CD with cuban musicians. After a few days in the island, he discovers that a certain number of the musicians who made the Cuban sound of the 1930's and the 1940's are still alive. Hypnotized by these legends like Ibrahim Ferrer and Compay Segundo, he produces the record THE BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB with these old guys and organizes two concerts with them, one in Amsterdam and the other at the Carnegie Hall, in New-York.

These concerts, along with the studio sessions in La Havana, are the spine of the movie. Interviews with the members of this one-and-only record group in their homes, visits of the heart of La Havana are also going to capture your heart. I'm not a specialist of central america music but I was profoundly moved by these old timers who are certainly the fathers of a great part of what we are listening today.

One can also feel the respect of Wim Wenders before these men and women who have preferred to stay, poor and forgotten, in their beloved island, rather than to seek fortune in the U.S.A.

Oh yes ! I forgot. The music and the songs are wonderful. Extras are great, so is the quality of the images and the sound. Attention DVD Empire : it's a widescreen format (1:66). Overall, the DVD deserves the perfect 5.

A DVD for your library.

Quit grousing, it's fun and great music!! Share discographys
I was "introduced" to the Latin music by my Brazilian neighbor, but give Ry Cooder his due folks. Most of these marvelous Cuban musicians would still be only memories of your Grandparents had Cooder and Wender (sp)? not put the recordings and DVD together. Documentary or concert tape? who cares? I loved the music and since I've never been to Havana or Cuba, the video section of Ry and his son putting along on their motorcycle thru the city's streets to the recording studio were wonderful background for me.
Am I going to quit searching for Cuban / Latin music because I "found" Buena Vista Social Club? Hell no... I'm looking for more!! Does Ry Cooder's steel guitar work blend in with the Cuban sounds? Ahhh... Who cares? How much Gerry Garcia / Jimi Hendrix crap did we have to listen to... to get to the meat of their talent?
Give it a rest folks.. Or better yet- share some of the discographys of your favorite Latin players, young and old!!
THAT would be really fun!
But quit whining

The tapestry of life through their music
A previous writer's comment, "The movie needs a story, a thread going all the way through," illustrates a major difference between North American and Hispanic thinking. While those of northern European descent tend to think and talk in a more or less linear fashion, as if following just one thread, Hispanics tend to think and talk as if weaving a tapestry of many threads. This film captures perfectly the tapestry effect in that you are not aware that a story is being told until the final scene at Carnegie Hall, when the impact, and the import, of the entire picture becomes crystal clear. You have to be comfortable with not knowing exactly where you are to handle this kind of exposition. If this is not a story of excellence forgotten and rediscovered, I don't know what it is. These people give me hope; their lives tell so many important stories! If I can create half the beauty in my old age as they do and have done with their music, I'll consider myself successful and fulfilled, indeed.

Musically Solid
The film captures the live peformance of the wonderful musicians that were featured on the CD. From this perspective it is well worth owning. The ability to see Compay Segundo and Eliades ochoa perform Chan Chan live ,for example, is incredible.

The documentary style and the scenes of streetlife in Havana are also very colorful and entertaining,

However I must agree with some of the other reviewers that there is something off about Ry Cooder. I respect him for bringing this wonderful music and these artists the recognition they deserve but his attititude on film does seem strange and his guitar playing does not fit with some of the tunes. At one point he is performing with Rueben Gonzalez , the great Cuban pianist, and he sounds so out of place. In fact Gonzalez looks up from the keyboard with a look on his face that seemed to me to be saying."what are you doing?"

I guess Cooder might have made the choice to let the music of Cuba speak for itself and just be content to film it but he chose instead to feature himself too frequently for my taste.
That aside , this is still a fine documentary and a must for anyone who enjoys latin music. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Man from uncle are great
The first one is a little more wild than i like but the second on is the best I have seen.They are great guys I like it that the good guys always win at the end.

George Sanders steals Vol 2 in great dichotomous style
Why 5 stars you may ask? This volume really shows us the dichotomy that existed between the First and Second Seasons of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." television series. "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." was a great extension of the James Bond cinematic phenomena created in the 60s. "The Gazebo in the Maze Affair" and the follow-up "The Yukon Affair" couldn't be more different in tone. But that's what made this series so dynamic. George Sanders steals both episodes.

An UNCLE classic
The first show on this video is the sparkling Gazebo in the Maze affair, featuring the talented George Sanders as Squire G. Emory Partridge. This one is a classic example of how good this show was to begin with. The dialogue is crisp, and not to be missed are Jeanette Nolan's wacky Edith Partridge and Leo G. Carroll in biking attire! Written by Dean Hargrove, who should've done more episodes, this one has the kind of dialogue in it that made the show so popular. Illya is kidnapped by the Squire, who has a grudge against UNCLE, and it's Napoleon to the rescue (well, sort of, since he promptly gets captured as well). The classic line from this one is when they are escaping through the maze, while being chased by a gamekeeper and a very large, nasty looking wolf. When the gamekeeper accidentally is attacked by the wolf, Illya murmurs, "bon appetit!" Definitely a keeper!

The second title brings back the squire, minus his wife, for a less clever episode. It's okay, but it definitely lacks the sparkle of the first. However, Illya manages to kiss the cute little Eskimo, and both agents wind up in the hospital. Not as clever or as imaginative as the Gazebo affair, but not as silly as some of the third season episodes, either.

Gazebo in the Maze and Yukon Affair
Though "The Gazebo in the Maze Affair" and "The Yukon Affair" are something like a two part episode, "The Gazebo in the Maze Affair" appeared in UNCLE's first season while "The Yukon Affair" appeared in UNCLE's second season. If you read on you'll find out why I'm only giving this volume only 3 stars.

Episode 27 "The Gazebo in the Maze Affair": A long time ago, Napoleon and Illya stopped the plan of Squire G. Emory Partridge (George Sanders) to control a small country in South America. Now he wants revenge. He kidnaps Illya and lures Napoleon to his manor in Eastsnout. He captures Napoleon and wants to have Napoleon and Illya convince Mr. Waverly come to Eastsnout to try to bring UNCLE down. They refuse though and Partridge, together with his wife Edith (Jeanette Nolan), torture Napoleon and Illya. Peggy Durance (Bonnie Franklin) helps them escape fortunately. The only thing is, the dungeon is right in the center of a maze in which it is filled with all sorts of deadly traps.* Great episode with a great plot. In the second season of UNCLE, they made it so Partridge returned again, in The Yukon Affair. I definitely prefer this first one with Partridge though. The part when Napoleon, Illya, and Peggy are trying to get out of the maze is really exciting, especially with Partridge, his henchman, and a wolf looking for them.

Episode 43 "The Yukon Affair": Sqire G. Emory Partridge (George Sanders) has returned and has acquired in Alaska a large quantity of Quadrillenium X, a very heavy metal with high magnetic powers which THRUSH wants. Napoleon and Illya are sent there to try to stop him but are immediately captured by Eskimos, but are saved by the chief's daughter Murphy (Tianne Gabrielle). Partridge and his niece Victoria (Marion Thompson) again capture them though. Will Napoleon and Illya be able to escape and find the cache of Quadrillenium X? * Weak and stupid plot, not very high up in my list of favorite UNCLE episodes. The scene in the beginning where Illya and Napoleon are in UNCLE headquarters is the best part of the whole episode, the rest is just too silly.

George Sanders returns twice as G. Emory Partridge
Volume 2 in the "Man from U.N.C.L.E." video collection features George Sanders as that most urbane bad guy, G. Emory Partridge in a pair of episodes from 1965. First up is "The Gazebo in the Maze Affair" (Episode #27: April 5, 1965), where it turns out that Partridge has not really been dead these seven years since last the boys saw him. Partridge kidnaps Kuryakin as a trap for Solo, with the aid of his strange but deadly wife, marvelously played by Jeanette Nolan. Dean Hargrove and Antony Ellis wrote the script for this above average episode, based on a story by Ellis, while Alf Kjellin was the director. Partridge returns in "The Yukon Affair" (Episode 43: December 24, 1965), although I am sad to report Mrs. Partridge does not make an appearance this time around. Like most sequels it is somewhat disappointing, especially since Sanders and Nolan were such an interesting tag team. Anyhow, Partridge tries to kill Solo with a big rock and then Waverly sends the boys off to the Yukon to track him down. While this certainly gives a whole new meaning to the idea of the Cold War, this is an okay episode that is just not as good as "Gazebo." In both of them the cheif charm is the way Sanders proceeds to do his evil deeds with such charm and grace. Marc Siegel wrote the "Yukon" episode, which was also directed by Kjellin. ... Read more

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Disney scored an unexpected hit with this goofy live-action remake of Jay Ward's Saturday-morning cartoon, a zippy Tarzan parody with topical references and absurd gags. Disney's big-screen version, starring Brendan Fraser as the sweet, hopelessly inept jungle hero, puts the emphasis on slapstick and silly fun. The klutzy hero, still swinging into trees and stray boulders, saves a lost L.A. socialite (Leslie Mann) on safari and, completely smitten, leaves behind his tree-house home and simian best friend (an Oxford-accented ape voiced by John Cleese) to accompany the socialite back to the concrete jungle of LA, much to the frustration of her conniving fiancé (Thomas Haden Church). Fraser's enthusiastic performance enriches our hunky hero with endearing innocence and energetic pluck. The humor is spotty and consistently more juvenile than the original cartoon, but the unending parade of visual gags (including George's pet elephant Shep, transformed into an overexcited six-ton puppy by inventive digital effects) keeps the tone light, frothy, and winningly fun. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (76)

A review from Mr. Entertainment Lover
Hee Hee Hee.... What a silly movie! Yes it's dumb and stupid! Still that's what makes it so funny. I have it in my video collection to watch on a day I'm bored. In this film George falls in love with a beautiful women named Ursala. However her nasty mother and her mean boyfriend won't allow it. From then on it's madness and comedy that will keep you laughing. John Cleese does an excellent job as an ape named Ape and Bredon Frasier is good as the bumbling George. This is a movie for the whole family!

Pretty good for a kid flick...The Review...
Well, first off I would like to "admit", the first viewing of this film did not go over well with my friend and myself. I thought it was boring and just plain dumb. It lacked something I like to call, PLOT! Well, those times have changed and I have sort of soled-out! Just kidding, it is better than before, though weak in thought. I first saw the film when it was on television and now I rented it on DVD.

The movie stars Brendan Fraser who plays the title role, George of the Jungle. He is not really musculer but I guess neither was the original character. This film is like Dudley Do Right, but this is MUCH, MUCH better! If you are stuck having to pick which of the two to watch, see this w-a-y before you see Dudley Do Right. The film is about George of the Jungle, he looks for love in a girl named Ursilla, a woman from America and George just can not understand why he starts having all of these feelings for another person. His mate. John Clease does an OK job of playing the voice for the character An Ape Named Ape. Ape is George's mentor and guide through his life until he leaves the "Heart of the Jungle."

This is an over all good film, GREAT for kids. If I was a little youger when this film came out, I would of loved it. If you liked this movie I would suggest the following movies, Dudley Do Right also starring Brendan Fraser, 101 Dalamations both the original and the remake and a host of others.

Hoped I helped, Have a good one!

Ryan

This is so stupid you have to buy it
If you have labeled movie shelves at home, you'll have to cut this DVD into thirds. One 3rd would go in stupid, another in funny and another in classics. This movie is so stupid its funny and its extreme stupidity makes it a classic! Ha! Ha!

So stupid it's funny.
George, who I'm assuming was raised by apes, is the king of the jungle (lol, NOT). Somehow he manages to meet Ursula, who has a wierdo for a fiance, and George falls in love with her. She takes him back to the city and he does all kind of wild stuff.

Meanwhile, two poachers in the jungle run across Ape the talking ape and manage to capture him. So this brings George and Ursula back to the jungle so George can save his best friend.

So stupid that it's hilarious, but I'm sorry, I can never take Brenden Fraser seriously again.

where is the widescreen version???
I love this movie - the wit is funny, the sight gags are funny and the characters are endearing - very hard to do when you are creating a movie from cartoon characters. But where is the widescreen version?? The whole reason for buying a DVD is having the chance to see the movie as it was originally envisioned. If I want to watch full frame, I'll watch television. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

perfect revenge movie
Death Wish was an excellent movie that told the story of mild mannered common man Paul Kersey driven to become a vigilante after the murder of his wife and rape of his daughter. Death Wish is very artistic and was a hit that spawned 4 sequels. Death Wish 2 set the pattern for the other movies in the series and is a different type of film from the first. The second Death Wish falls into the category of revenge films and has a gritty look to it that captures the rawness of it's subject. Some have complained about the look of the film, but it serves to make it much more visceral from the first film and one of the grittiest films ever made. There's a disturbing snuff film/documentary feel about Death Wish 2 which both repulses and transfixes, and at the same time the film also works on a much more unreal level as a revenge fantasy.
In the first film Kersey never catches the thugs who destroyed his family, but in Death Wish 2 his revenge isn't just aimed at random criminals, but at specific thugs responsible for his daughter's death. The first Death Wish was about Kersey's transformation into a vigilante, but Death Wish 2 is about hunting down specific guilty criminals and seeing that they pay for their crimes. There have been many revenge films, but there's just something much more satisfying about the way justice is served in the Death Wish series than in other films. William Lustig's Vigilante is another good film of this type as is The Exterminator, but Death Wish 2, like the rest of the series, really provides the audience with a satisfying feeling of justice. The combination of the hyper real and the fantastic make Death Wish 2 compelling viewing. As a cinematic revenge fantasy it's the best of it's kind.

A sequel far from equal to the first.
For some reason it took 8 to 9 years for there to be a sequel made to the movie that most people associate with Charles Bronson. It wasn't worth the wait. Even revisiting the movie on DVD (sadly full frame, at least they could have restored it to its proper aspect ratio) did not improve my original thoughts on this follow up. Death Wish 2 is to Death Wish what Jaws 2 was to Jaws, a sequel that attempts to pass itself off as a continuation of the first film but largely recycles its plot and most memorable moments. Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson) is now living in Los Angeles and he has had his still mentally withdrawn (and actually younger looking) daughter Carol moved to a nearby facility. Evidently her husband left her, as that character is not mentioned this time out, even in passing. When Kersey and his new girlfriend (played by Bronson's real life wife Jill Ireland) take Carol out for some quality family time, Paul is attacked by muggers who steal his wallet. Of course Kersey gives chase and manages to pound one mugger against a wall, but they still have his wallet - which contains his address and, of course, the muggers are gunning for revenge. This is obviously meant to recreate (or homage) the set-up for the attack by a trio of thugs who get the Kersey home address at the supermarket in the first Death Wish. The muggers attack the Kersey household, sexually assaulting both the housekeeper as well as Kersey's daughter (again), both of whom die. The major difference from the first movie is that Kersey is there and thus knows just who to hunt down after a little alone time. In the first Death Wish it was a business trip to Tuscon, in Death Wish 2 it's a weekend at a friend's rustic cabin. The rest of the movie is basically Bronson wandering around the seedier areas of Hollywood until he finds his prey - that and avoiding his girlfriend while trying to keep her clueless about what he is doing at night. Death Wish 2 delivers on the violence and sleazy exploitation, but it misses the mark in even attempting to create a compelling story. Despite there being ample oppurtunity to do so. Some Bronson fans will no doubt want this, put it remains a poor follow up to a truly great movie.

A real Winner
Not sure where to begin with Death Wish 2. Significantly, it was directed by Michael Winner, who directed the first and would go on to direct the amazing third entry in this series about 'bleeding heart liberal' architect Paul Kersey and his vigilante side job.

Paul Kersey now lives in sunny Los Angeles, which like New York is depicted as a pit of human filth and depravity. The incredible cynicism of the filmmakers begins right away as Kersey's housemaid and daughter--who, remember, was violently raped in the original--are brutaly raped, with the maid murdered. Then Kersey's daughter is taken away, raped again, and decides to jump out a window rather than endure the rest of the film. Kersey then puts down his slide ruler and blueprints and takes up his old hobby of blowing away criminal scum.

The main difference between Part 2 and the original, besides an even deeper cynicism, a lower budget, and overall abysmal effort by all involved, is that Bronson actually hunts down the individuals responsible for these acts of malfeasance. His behavior now flat-out pathological, he rents a cheap office in a bad part of LA, using it as a home base for his vigilante operations. Donning ski cap and dark clothes and packing heat, he roams the streets of LA, looking for revenge.

Even the tagline is noteworthy:

Bronson's on the loose again! Seems to suggest that, in effect, it didn't matter who Bronson was playing, because 'he' was on the loose again!

Overall, it's bad. Very, very bad. Part 3 is bad, but it has other things going for it, namely that it cannot be taken seriously for a moment and it knows it, the tongue so firmly in cheek that it becomes an incredible guilty pleasure and one of the best bad movies of the 80s, perhaps ever. But Part 2, for the most part, is an exploitation movie. The film looks cheap, grimy, and rushed. It can't even succeed as a bad movie, which is pretty depressing. It feels seedy, right down to the very grainy film stock and washed out look to the picture. And to top it off, Jimmy Page contributes one of the most appalling scores I've heard in a movie of any genre. Not even his score for Part 3 was this embarassing. And yes, it is THE Jimmy Page.

As for Bronson, he's particularly wooden in this one. Which may be appropriate as at this point, Kersey is less than sane.

But alas! The Death Wish flicks finally reappeared on DVD, right around the time of Bronson's death in 2003. Obviously recommended if you like, well, Death Wish movies, the DVDs are capable, if pretty bare bones. I would love to hear Michael Winner do a commentary track to discuss his state of mind when he directed this one.

Character Development
REASONS TO BUY:
Unlike the first part, Bronson has a strong unyielding character. He's not the least bit afraid to get the job done this time and doesn't stop untill he gets every single on of those creeps that killed his daughter. It really gives you a sense of staisfaction even if it's just a movie.

REASONS NOT TO BUY:
This is the cut version. Evidently, some people believe that we are not intelligent enough to view certain scenes. I think it's worth the time to search the internet for the full uncut version.

Brutal reality
Plot
This film is the second appearance of the character of Paul Kersey, the liberal architect who became a vigilante after his daughter was assaulted (with spray paint) and his wife was killed while trying to stop the assault perpetrators. Kerseys daughter is visiting her father but is still in the state in which she was left in the first film, only she seems to be happier. Kersey takes his daughter and his girlfriend to a fair, then goes to get ice cream. But it seems that he is the only man in the world who can get mugged during such an activity; a gang with a kingpin played by Lawrence Fishburn steals his wallet. He chases after them and stops, but this is definitely not the last he hears of them as they use his ID to find his home then rape his maid; then he returns with his daughter and they knock him out, kidnap his daughter and rape her. She dies by throwing herself out a window. And so the plot is set for Charles Bronson's character to avenge his daughter and reenter the vigilante lifestyle.

Analysis
I very much enjoyed this movie, from seeing a movie shows reality in a form that's so blunt it offends many people, to the delivery of such lines as "Do you believe in Jesus...well now your going to meet him."

In this movie, unlike its predecessor, Kersey actually knows who he is hunting, and he does not to bother those who he did not see in the apartment, while in the first movie he simply capped those who tried to mug him, or in one case a gang who was harassing a middle aged man. Rather than simply being a vigilante, Bronson is now also playing an avenger.

There is another change in Kersey in this movie; he no longer is reluctant to kill. Granted that went away in the second half of the first movie but in the sequel that reluctance is even less. Kersey now delivers lines to his enemies before doing away with them, and does it as though it's the most natural thing in the world. Having Bronson play the protagonist really aids this effect; with is calm voice he can make statements in a straightforward and threatening manner but at the same time not show any signs that he has lost his cool. As though dispatching criminals and antagonizing them were just a normal part of life for him, oh wait, it is lol.

Notes
The film that was actually released in theatres is different from the original version in terms of graphic rape scenes. The MPAA was going to give it an X rating but gave it an R after the movie was toned down.

See Lawrence Fishburn playing a rapist known as Cutter; he doesn't have quite the same effect as the paint fetish guys from DW but he's still pretty sadistic. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Shot on location in numerous countries, this ambitious Wim Wendersfantasy takes Sam Neill, Solveig Dommartin, William Hurt, and a ragtag group in pursuit around the world and back again. Though set in 1999 under the shadow of impending disaster as a wobbly nuclear satellite threatens to Chernobyl the planet, the leisurely gait of their worldwide escapades has a distinctly '40s-era decadence. The ultimate object of their quest is a machine that records visual information from one person and reconstructs it in the brains of others--granting the miraculous power of sight to the blind for one thing, but even more mystically, enabling a person's dreams to be recorded. When the film seeks resolutions on the most intimate questions of the human soul which dovetail with the possibility of a destroyed world, the film is hampered by the VHS running time, which subtracts several hours from the laser disc version. But numerous joys, not least among them Jeanne Moreau and Max von Sydow as Hurt's parents, inhabit this thought-provoking film. --Alan E. Rapp ... Read more

Reviews (70)

Where is the DVD?
I have found this movie more difficult to describe than any other I have seen. This isn't because of plot complexity or character development. It's because with Until the End of the World, you are getting what essentially becomes three films. This movie's massive story arc (and mind you, I have only seen the VHS version which is something like two hours shorter than the laser disc) can be broken down into three seperate stories. They are not even acts when you dislocate them from the larger "end of the world" plot. I've never seen such a sprawling narrative work so well in a film. The characters are unpolished and even the good guys are shady. This film violates every modern Hollywood sceenplay rule and does it perfectly. One of the reasons I bought a DVD player was in the hopes that this movie would be released in that format at some point. I've only ever seen the VHS version of this film and have seen that more times than I can count. DVD! DVD! Where's my DVD?

music rights must be the problem...
That has to be the reason this wonderful wonderful film has not been released on DVD. The soundtrack is mesmerizing, haunting, and still one of my favorite albums of all time. But it must be almost impossible to get the rights to use all that music...U2, Talking Heads, Depeche Mode, Elvis Costello etc.

As for the film itself, I am in love with it. Sweeping, cinematic, epic, unconventional, dead romantic, chilling. It's a long long film, but I wish it were longer. Even Solveig's stiff acting style grew on me by the middle of the movie, and by the end of it I *was* Clare. This is the LAST VHS TAPE I am still holding onto, since all my other favorites have come out on DVD...and its starting to look a little worn :( PLEEEEASE RELEASE THIS TITLE ON DVD!!!!!!!

This Just In...
It now appears that there's a DVD version of Until the End of the World! Here's the scoop from a fellow named Brent Alverti, dated March 6, 2004:

"The cut features two sets of Italian subtitles (not sure currently what the difference is). There are no English subs (burned-in or not) for the few non-English scenes in the movie. The extras consist of:

* 10 minute monologue (in English) by Wim Wenders as he is driven around in Australia
* 40-minute interview (in English) on the making of the Director's Cut
* 30-minute montage of cut scenes and out-takes
* photo gallery

This is a PAL format DVD, so you will need a multi-format player to view it in non-Europe locales. It likely runs slightly shorter than the film version due to typical PAL transfer speed-up (motion picture film, shot at 24fps, is played back at 25fps to match PAL video standard). Also, no commentary track in included, although initial details suggested there would be one.

I have no definitive word on when the US version might be released. There is a rumor that Anchor Bay is transitioning ownership, and that may impact the US release date which was rumored for mid-2004."

The Travesty Is...
...Wim has yet to release a DVD version of this Wenderfully-sensitive sci-fi film. He's been threatening to press it to disk for years. Still, we are left with just the VHS version. It's a pity that the filmmaker is taking so long on his much-anticipated "director's cut." Wim, drown yourself in coffee and get on the stick, we're waiting!

finally available on dvd
Go to Wim Wenders' official website, there is a link there to an Italian site that sells the full movie as a 4 dvd set. I only mention this because I checked all of the Amazon stores [US/UK/CA/France/Germany/Japan] and I couldn't find it at any of them. Also, Wender's is apparently endorsing it by hyperlinking the Italian website that is selling it. I received mine in about ten days from ordering and it is the real deal; 1 of each of the three chapters to the 4 hr. 40 minute opus is on each of the first three disks and the fourth is all bonus features. I was able to watch it without Italian subtitles, although I have found no English subs for the few parts of the movie that are not in English. The picture is fantastic and it is all-around a deal at any price. Thank you Wim for finally releasing this! ... Read more

Description

Behold this critically acclaimed feature-length fantasy created, written, and directed by Richard Williams, the three-time Academy Award(R)-winning animator. Almost 30 years in the making, it incorporates extraordinary M.C. Escher-like backgrounds with classic two-and-a-half-dimension hand-painted animation. In the ancient city of Baghdad, magically protected by three Golden Balls, a timid shoemaker named Tack falls for the lovely, adventure-loving Princess Yumyum. When a bumbling thief manages to steal the enchanted orbs, they fall into the hands of the wicked wizard Zigzag. Tack and the Princess must recover the magic balls, defeat the evil Zigzag, and save their beloved city from destruction! Feast your eyes and ears on this exotic mosaic of exquisite color, hilarious comedy, enchanting music, and all-star voices. The magic of THE THIEF AND THE COBBLER will steal your heart and the hearts of your entire family! ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Quit the whining about what isn't...
I find yet another forum for those who have seen some other version of a movie to whine about what should've been. Deal with this reality, people! Miramax/Disney has placed this one in the same category of importance as Air Bud! I purchased my copy of the DVD on eBay from someone in Canada who got it free on a box of Froot Loops. So Disney sees it as disposable, as far as I am concerned and I don't expect to see it released anytime soon. We originally saw this in Laser Disc format and we have loved it ever since, and I miss that widescreen version. Vincent Price's voice as a baddie is perfect, as always. What's not to love about Matthew Broderick as the underdog hero? But, most of all, I wouldn't know what to do without Jonathan Winters as the thief with his witty, albeit anachronistic, comments. So if you haven't seen the original version, you will probably like this one well enough, especially if you like animation in all its varieties. The nice thing is you can buy this one used on Amazon for a few bucks, so you won't be out much $$$ even if you don't like it.

An animation gem hidden in a mess of studio insanity
With the announcement from Richard Williams himself that the "work-in-progress" version of "The Thief and the Cobbler" will one day be released to the public, perhaps "The Magnificent Ambersons" of animation will not suffer that film's tragic fate. Until William's work print is released, however, we have to contend with this version. While displaying some of William's awe-inspiring animation (done before CGI was even heard of), the studio version is one of the most unbearable bastardizations I've ever seen of a film. William's groundbreaking animated work is intercut with horrid Saturday-morning cartoon quality animation, which also contains pointless and downright painful musical numbers. Even the footage that remains from William's version is often marred by awful voiceovers from Jonathan Winters and Matthew Broderick as the title characters. One bright spot in the voice cast is the late, great Vincent Price. While Zig-Zag might not be quite as memorable as Ratigan, Price recites rhymes and musings with a quality that no other actor could match. If you are looking for an example of just how severe the damage of studio interference can be, study this film (as well as the Criterion edition of "Brazil"), and you will come to the irrevocable opinion that letting executives within a mile of a single frame of film is always a turn for the worst. I can't wait to own the REAL version of "The Thief and the Cobbler" on DVD, in its restored, widescreen, and (near) complete glory.

Richard Williams deserves better than this
I rented "The Thief and the Cobbler" and I didn't enjoy it, fully. It would've become the greatest animated film of all time, if it wasn't so horribly butchered by Miramax. I saw some parts of the Workprint version on the internet first before I worked up the courage to rent the Released Version. In the released version, I didn't like the constant narration and the voices added to Tack the Cobbler (Matthew Broderick) and the Thief (Jonathan Winters), who were both intended as silent characters. It ruins the subtlety and it's inappropriate.
They also cut many scenes of the film and replaced them with lame musical numbers. I heard the songs were awful so I didn't hear them. I put on mute and fast forward. I can't believe this happened to a would-be classic masterpiece Williams worked on for almost 30 years.
Time to talk about the things I like. I think it has the best animation I've ever seen. It has scenes with animation that'll blow you away. My favorite scenes include, the beginning where The Thief and the Cobbler fall down the stairs and disrupt Zig-Zag the Grand Vizier's march, when Tack chases the Thief through the optical illusion-filled hallways of the castle, when the Thief gets caught in a polo game, Zig-Zag's card trick, and The War Machine sequence (which is absolutely astounding). I love the character and background designs, very suitable to their personalities. Overall, it's worth watching, but I suggest turning the sound off for the subtle feel (That's what I did), but save the sound for Vincent Price's outstanding performance as Zig-Zag, who they didn't replace in the voice cast. It's also a great learning exercise for animation students. I hope one day to own a copy the rare Workprint version to see what it could've been like or have it released to the public someway. Good Luck, Richard.

Am I feeling love?
I've always loved this movie ever since I was a little girl even. I, for one, think the songs are so beautiful, "Am I Feeling Love?" And "She is More Than This" have astounding lyrics and melodies. I don't find the animation to be spectacular like other people, but it's interesting to look at and the plot is amazing. If you like Aladdin, you will probably like this.

woah
To start: this movie is HORRIBLE! Everything about is terribly done. An added side note: THIS MOVIE FREAKED ME OUT! I don't know what it was about it but it's kinda creepy ... Read more

Amazon.com

Anyone who fought in Vietnam can tell you that the war bore little resemblance to this propagandistic action film starring and codirected by John Wayne. But the film itself is not nearly as bad as its reputation would suggest; critics roasted its gung-ho politics while ignoring its merits as an exciting (if rather conventional and idealistic) war movie. Some notorious mistakes were made--in the final shot, the sun sets in the east!--and it's an awkward attempt to graft WWII heroics onto the Vietnam experience. But as the Duke's attempt to acknowledge the men who were fighting and dying overseas, it's a rousing film in which Wayne commands a regiment on a mission to kidnap a Viet Cong general. David Janssen plays a journalist who learns to understand Wayne's commitment to battling Communism, and Jim Hutton (Timothy's dad) plays an ill-fated soldier who adopts a Vietnamese orphan. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (63)

Good, But Flawed
Although I have seen this picture well over a dozen times and although I think it's basically a good movie, I must be objective and admit that "The Green Berets" is basically a propaganda piece that at the time of its filming was an attempt to change public sentiment about our country's involvement in Vietnam. For this reason, as well as the healing period our country went through after Vietnam, the movie seems rather archaic and naive today. Those on the far left ridicule it. Those on the far right treat it with the reverence of a Biblical tale. The truth about "The Green Berets" is that it lies somewhere between these two extremes.

The Fort Benning, Georgia filmed training sequences appear to be as real as anything I ever saw while I was in uniform. The combat sequences, however, contained a fair share of errors, most notably the well-known "sun setting in the east" flub. The acting was rather wooden, especially from Wayne as well as Jack Soo, portraying the ARVN officer, and the plot meandered from being quite good in some parts to being downright silly in others.

The most important thing to remember about this movie is that it should be taken for what it is...a good war movie. To casually dismiss it as irrelevant or hopelessly out of step with the truth simply doesn't do it justice. In similar fashion, it's rather stupid to portray it as an homage to the American way of life and characterize those who point out this picture's many flaws as "un-American", as one previous review did. This picture is best enjoyed with the viewer's bias, be it liberal or conservative, turned off.

from a patriot who was not afraid.
if John Wayne had made something like this today he would be ostracized from all of Hollywood and from about 2% of this nation. he was a man, a patriot and he wanted to show the good of our struggle. vietnam was a war that was not unlike every other war, the only difference was our citizens. the baby boomers grew up spoiled (founding fathers of the modern left). they didnt understand hard work and what a country need's to do for freedom. the left will today say freedom is a slogan, that we will always be free, they will say bush's war is for oil or some uneducated and clichéd response, but freedom is not just about a war or occupation, it's the freedom to not be afraid to get on a airplane, the freedom to not fear going into tall buildings, the freedom not to fear gathering large groups in public. and for the arab world it means to not be afraid to have your wife drive your car, or wear a dress in public, or to question a religious authority. the whole idea of vietnam was to prevent the spread of communism, it was a war that transcended vietnam itself, it was a war to measure our country and our people's resolve. vietnam taught our enemies (and todays modern terrorists) that if they can scare us, horrify us or kill enough of us that we will cower and not fight. Stalin, Khrushchev, khadafi, Usama, and hussein thought this, and we taught them all a lesson through might.

just because liberal's think war is not the answer it does not mean that our enemies do also. we are not europe, if we do not spend money on our military, flex our muscles, set deadlines and take action no one ele will. we do not have anyone to protect us like europe and the world have us. terrorist do not seek peace, they do not hate us because we are us they hate us because of hollywood, because of our freedom from starvation, our comfort in life and from our belief that we can live life any way we want without regard.

John wayne in his portrayal of vietnam was not "propaganda" it was to boost moral for the country, to support our efforts in defeating communism. i read before someone said john wayne was no patriot, what is a patriot if not to support the united states and to keep it's moral up? john wayne did that, ask any soldier from WWII to the present day. i feel bad for the liberal's they hate everyone, stand for everything while believing in nothing and really do not know anything of history or of humanity.

THE DUKE HAS THE LEFT TIED IN KNOTS
In 1969, John Wayne infuriated the Left with "The Green Berets", a film that made no apologies in its all-out support of America's effort in Vietnam. It was lambasted by critics, but in a very interesting sign, sold out at the box office. It plays today and while it is heavy-handed, there is little about it that rings untrue. The soldiers do not swear, complain or bastardize their uniforms like the actual guys did, but their patriotism and military professionalism was the real deal. The Communists they fight in the film are shifty little pissants. This does not deviate from the essential truth.

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM

bad propoganda but a couple of gem performances
the performances of david jansaan and jim hutton stand out in this really blatant propoganda piece.
wayne the director and producer is not someone i empathize with but i do believe wayne the actor was vastly underrated.
too many people, myslef included, often let waynes politcs get in the way of acknowledging his acting powers.
this film is that in a nutshull.
his politics are unavoidable but the scen in which he wells up, on the verge of tears, trying to tell the young boy of huttons death is powerhouse acting pure and simple.
try to appreciate it.

A solid, well-made film
John Wayne like any other American had the right to promote his opinion. Period. ...

Now, the film is as accurate as any other Vietnam film made in that last 30 years because films are created to promote an opinion. (I've known Vietnam Vets who were not dope smoking, gun-totting genocidists.)

As far as action and commitment, the Green Berets succeeds as a solid "war film." No one who cares about good film making can argue that, unless they believe in censorship. The film is panoramic and energetic in cinematic quality. The characters are strong male types (like Vets I've known.) The film chose its side and promoted it. There is one strong element that the film brings home. The US military was better at killing, and it had to be. Most US detachments were generally outnumbered, fighting an opposition armed by numerous totalitarian countries from Europe to Asia. That is a historical fact, which interestingly enough, was introduced into a film over 35 years old.

The Green Berets, again, is a solid war-film and interestingly enough, is less fancifully than Platoon. The Green Berets is worth the time to see. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

We did kidnap my father! It's a nightmare!
All right, I'm biased. When I watched the whole series on TV I was only about 7, so my memories of most of the episodes are all but nonexistent. "Phantom Train" is one of the exceptions, and the most vivid in my mind. So naturally I enjoyed watching it again, even more than the others. It's great as a breather between "Trenches of Hell" and "Oganga", which are very thoughtful and serious. It is a tad hokey, but in that respect most like the Harrison Ford movies. Indy undergoes character developement, however, which is good. The first half has plenty of action, but Indy learns his lesson of the day, and this lesson actually sticks with him and is seen in the movies. That is, that the ability to improvise is a quality.

The second half seems slow when compared with the first, but doesn't end up being anticlimatic. Von Lettow was really great as the stodgy German general, who reminds Indy of his father (see review title). The German woman who manages to shampoo and condition her hair out in the wilds was, in my opinion, a yawner. But she didn't figure in all that prominantly, so it wasn't too bad.

Five stars for all the times I was able to say, "I remember this part!"

VERY, VERY GOOD VIDEO
I've been an Indiana Jones fan for over six years and this was one of the first young Indy videos I watched. I have seen about half of the episodes available on video and so far this is still my favorite. It had a good story with good acting and great special effects. It is a classic tale of adventure in Africa. In the first part of the video Indy accidently goes on a mission to blow up a mysterious train with a flat-bed mounted cannon that has been shelling allied troops but cannot be found. In the second part of the video, Indy and his army buddy Remmy try to survive the wilds of Africa with an important german military prisoner. They run into hostile bush-men, lions, and are being pursued by the entire German army the whole time. Action-packed and full of surprises along with nice bits of humor in appropriate places this video should delight anyone intereseted in Indiana Jones.

Wonderful Saturday matinee fun
The first hour is pure fun, the action has all the wit and humor of Raiders or Last Crusade, with a wonderful contrast between Young Indy and the much older soldiers.

The second continues all of the wit and humor, yet adds a thoughtful look at Indy's search for father figures to replace his own estranged father, Prof Henry Jones Sr.

Quick, some lead a crusade to persuade Viacom (Paramount's parent company) that either of their networks CBS or UPN needs to make more Young Indy movies! We'll all be right behind you!

"Train" lays down tracks for the developing Indy's character
In his filmed introduction, George Lucas describes "Phantom Train of Doom" as one of his favorite Young Indy stories. For once, his perception of his own work isn't inflated. This is great Saturday afternoon matinee material, as the series was always intended to be. Like the equally exciting "Daredevils of the Desert", this episode succeeds because it is plausible, its historical figures are limited, and its two hours--filmed at different times--are knitted together extremely well.

Hour One has us meeting a very young Indy, indeed. This Indy is a relatively new inductee into the Belgian Army fresh off the boat to East Africa. Indy here is, well, uptight--more uptight than even the younger, River Phoenix portrayal. He likes plans, orders. He hasn't learned yet to say, "I don't know, I'm making this up as I go along". But the group of older soldiers he meets in East Africa soon teach him the value of flexibility. They teach him, in short, how to improvise. In the process, we're shuttled along on a rollicking great adventure.

Hour Two largely reverses Hour One and shows us--and Indy--that improvisation can only successfully begin from a position of discipline. Demonstrating the point is a finely-acted General Von Lettow Vorbeck, Commander of the German forces in East Africa, who variously plays captive and captor. It is a fascinating study in the relative values of luck and strategy. Lucas' choice of von Lettow, along with the apparently accurate 'elderly regiment', is, to my mind, what Lucas should've been doing in most of the episodes. By chosing people who are at once historically important, yet relatively unknown to modern audiences, Indy's association with them doesn't feel so blatantly contrived as in other episodes. Also, by concentrating almost exclusively on Von Lettow in the second hour, we really get a chance to understand the character in a way we never did in, say, "Mystery of the Blues", where historical figures virtually flooded the plot. Here, with just the single villain, we have an enjoyable game of cat and mouse, somewhat akin to "Silence of the Lambs", where we at once dislike and admire our antagonist.

What Hour Two ultimately says, then, is that, while fortune does indeed favor the bold, heroic outcomes are largely the result of ordinary hard work. Ford's Indy has obviously learned the lesson well. For all the action and adventure we see in the films, there's also a lot of study and hard work before Indy ever dons the leather jacket. It is, for the audience, a lesson far more valuable than the history on offer.

Classic Indy Adventure
This film has the classic Indy feel to it. It is an adventure comedy and it is full of fun adventures and one liners. While not as good as Oganga or Trenches of Hell this film is probably the most Indiana Jonesesque of all the Young Indy series. Fun for the family! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The Revolution is no dinner party!
A powerful drama of the French Revolution depicting how high-minded ideals become the victims of the flawed human beings who espouse them, only to subvert them. The movie gives you a strong sense of the squalor of the French masses in this Revolutionary era and is magnificently filmed. The dialogue (in French) is full of high-minded rhetoric and good intentions coupled with prescience of the limits of these ideals. The setting is around 1794, just after revolutionaries have executed Louis VXI and established the First Republic in France. In his characteristic larger-than-life manner, Gerard Depardieu masterfully portrays the namesake of this movie as a sympathetic, if somewhat eccentric, hero of the French Revolutionary, next to the severe performance by Polish actor Wojciech Pszoniak who plays Robespierre. Robespierre heads the Committee of Public Safety which pursues opponents to the Revolution with increasing vigor. Danton appeals to Robespierre to check the bloody Reign of Terror which follows the Revolution, only to find himself at the guillotine, ostensibly for treason. The encounter between these two lead characters over a dinner to which Robespierre is invited by Danton is one of the most splendid parts of the movie, bringing out the tremendous force of character as well as political clumsiness of Danton. In the prophetic words soulfully delivered by Depardieu, Danton declares that the Revolution is devouring its own children. The almost identical scenes at the beginning and at the end of the movie in which Robespierre's son is reciting the articles of the post-Revolution constitution of the First Republic are haunting. Some commentators have said that this is Polish director Andrzej Wadja's metaphor for the events of his native Poland where the Solidarity crisis was in full force when he made this film. This is a first-rate dramatic performance.

Masterful political horror film...
Polish Director Andrzej Wajda presents this masterful, cinematic rendering of The French Reign of Terror as political horror parable. DANTON,superbly played by Gerard Depardieu,is Jacobin Revolutionary Party leader who killed King Louis XVI and forever altered Western history. Wojceich Pszoniak is Robespierre,his "Man of the Mountain" partner of the perversely named Committee of Public Saftey(today's PC police/ideological bretheren might even shudder at this irony). The PARTNERSHIP soon drowns in blood as the Revolutionaries conspire against each other, and "devour" themselves in the maw of Mme.La Guillotine.

The pace of the film is relentless. Its thematic force "illuminates" what Arthur Koestler called, DARKNESS at NOON(re: Stalin's Purge of Communist heroes and revolutionaries in the 30's). Danton reveals himself to have been an heroic fool who imagined he might stir mobs to democratic parliamentary Republicanism after he had sicked them on the taste of Aristocratic blood. The icy, more ruthess,Robepierre knows what must be done(total blood bath of not only the Aristocracy and its Royalist sympathizers; but Counter Revolutionaries opposed to the "lawless" massacre NECESSITY dictates.

Two outstanding actors in this fearsome drama are Patrice Chereau,as Camille Demoulins: idealist,revolutionary philospopher and propagandist(who believes his own "democratic" press even as Robespierre's thugs--under archetypal fascist,Fouquier Tinville (played by Roger Planchon)-- torch it, and warn the "citizen editor" of his impending arrest for treason. The most sinister character in this "Tale of One City" is essayed by Boguslaw Linda as fanatical, Angel of Death,St.Just. Reveling in political bloodlust, St.Just exalts in his role as merciless advocate of unrelentant,mass murder.

Outcome of this anti-sacramental Confirmation in blood of the Age of Reason,and Republic of Liberte,Egalite & Fraternite; would be the Dictator, "The Son of the Enlightenment": Napoleon who...as Man of Destiny,in limitless ambition and will to power...would declare himself emperor and launch a generational war of world conquest...that does not end--for two decades--until 1815.

Polish Director Wajda was said to fear such an outcome in the SOLIDARITY revolt against Communism. Having lived under Totalitarism, he was well aware of what occurs when "men of destiny" challenge criminals and(often) become what they behold. Poland was finally spared. DANTON, however,is an artistic triumph about ironic horrors and incalcuable violence of wars fought for political mastery without limits, or God's Law.

Amazing!
As another reviewer pointed out, this is probably the best film about the French Revolution and the fledgling Republic of France. It gives you great detail on the characters behind the Revolution itself and the biggest surprise to me, just how close they actually came to regressing and or becoming a dictatorship.

Gerard Depardieu is phenomenal. If you only remember him from "Green Card" forget that...that is not representational of how fantastic of an actor he is. I have seen other French films with him in it but I think this is his finest performance.

If you like historical or costume dramas, you cannot go wrong with this one.

Cheeers

Unforgettable
This is probably the finest movie ever done concerning the French revolution and its anarchic aftermath. Everything is just accomplished so well, the acting, the story, the dialogue and historical accuracy are just amazing. For fans of French history, it is an amazing treat, while to the regular movie buff, it is a memorable cinema experience.

The story of Danton takes place in what is known in French history as the Terror. Following the overthrow and execution of King Louis XVI, groups of revolutionaries formed various councils and committees, such as the infamous Committee for Public Safety in Paris. Although started with good intentions, the Committees soon became harsh instruments of brutal tyranny and social control. Their power soon reached the levels of dictators, and the their most powerful committee leader was Robespierre. A puritanical revolutionary, he believed any dissent was a direct threat to the revolution. As he became more power hungry, his old comrades began to turn against him. Robespierre used any means necessary to stamp out dissent, including the famous guillotine. However, powerful sources soon turned against him, such as Danton, the peoples favorite. Danton was the polar opposite of Robespierre, a wild and vivacious revolutionary who valued all the good in life. The two clashed numerous times, until, as the movie shows, Robespierre descends into madness, lashing out at anyone who questions him. This leads to disaster for Danton, and for the Republic.

This movie delivers on all levels. The beauty and darkness of terror era France are portrayed vividly, with director Andrzej Wajda filling the screen with historic finery. The characters, especially Robespierre and Danton are exquisitely detailed, with actors Gerald Depardieu and Wojciech Pszoniak delivering powerful performances. The tension and drama builds, culminating in the wonderful courtroom scenes. The movie delivers a powerful message of human freedom and bravery in the face of official repression.

One of the best movies of all time
Depardieu gives a riveting performance of Danton in a fabulous movie. Camille Desmoulins is also well represented in an unforgetable and powerful drama. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

The two classic Brady Bunch Marcia, Marcia, Marcia episodes
We are not talking lofty standards here when we recognize the fact that this particular set of episodes from "The Brady Bunch" contains two of the show's signature episodes from the perspective of American pop culture. The common denominator here is the oldest female Brady, Marcia (Maureen McCormick), in what are clearly her two most famous misadventures. "Getting Davy Jones" (Episode #61, December 10, 1971) has Marcia promising to get teenage hearthrob Davy Jones of the Monkees to sing at her school prom. Unfortunately, this appearance is news to Davy. Good thing this is a television comedy otherwise this would end badly for Marcia. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia gets her comeuppance in "The Subject Was Noses" (Episode #90, February 9, 1973), when she gets hit in the nose with a football. The nose swells up like a balloon and because of the disfigurement Marcia's boyfriend Doug Simpson (Nicholas Hammond) ditches her. Obviously no great loss, but it sure bothers little miss vanity. For fan's of neglected sister Jan this has to be the most popular episode of "The Brady Bunch" ever. You do not have to like these episodes let alone "The Brady Bunch," but you do have to at least know about them as touchstones of pop culture. P.S. Pay attention to the guest stars besides Davy Jones on these episodes and their importance in television history. The first one has Marcia Wallace, who went on to success on "The Bob Newhart Show" as receptionist Carol Kester and who know provides the voice for Bart's teacher Edna Krabappel on "The Simpsons." Nicholas Hammond from the other episode ended up as television's "Spider-Man" after being one of the Von Trapp children in "The Sound of Music."

Girl, look what you've done to me ....
Classic Brady! Do you know any girl who, not only got a rock star to play at her prom, but got a date out of him? Only Marcia could pull this off! I remember when it originally aired in the 70's and had dreams of meeting the infamous Monkee (OK, I was 6 years old and hadn't discovered "Tiger Beat" yet). The clothes and hairdews alone make the episode (check out Davey's dorky mananger and Marcia's groovy poncho). On a footnote: did actually meet Davey 15 years later during a Monkees Reunion, a disappointment. Better on tape, than in person.

Of course it's stupid fantasy...
and this video is worth the money just to hear the black girl in the Davy Jones episode ask Marcia (referring to Davy) -- all excited and bubbly -- "is he as neat as he looks?" Yeah, right. I like the end of the episode when Marcia and Davy stand side by side, and you can get an idea of just how short Davy is - he is shorter than Maureen McCormick. The "oh my nose" episode is pure fantasy -- and as for Marcia episode it's right up there with the Romeo and Juliet and braces episode --the family that paints together? Marcia's swollen nose disappears overnight? The Big Man on Campus asks Marcia out? She ultimately chooses Charlie the awkward delivery boy? And in the former episode, Marcia enters Davy's recording studio -- while he's recording no less -- without any problems? If you ask these questions then you definitely won't enjoy it. If you don't care about reality...then this is the best! Crank up "Girl" and drive your neighbors nuts!

A Great Show For Its Pure and Utter Stupidity
The Brady Bunch is a guilty pleasure of mine. It's ridiculously cheesey and stupid and unrealistic, but it's a great show to watch and make fun of. Plus it's a good show to help cheer you up, or to watch when you're sick.

Still, it's pretty stupid. I mean (everyone knows this already) the Brady family is SO perfect, what with the dad always giving horrible speeches everytime the kids say something mean to each other (they don't much, though), but most of the time he just does the ridiculous speeches for no reason. The kids are terriblly happy all the time, and the situations they always get themselves into are just plain dumb!

Carol Brady (Florence Henderson) is only there to say stuff like "Oh, Mike," or "Your father's right." The kids are all very one dimensional yet fun to watch. Alice does nothing but say dumb jokes however I respect Ann B. Davis as an actress (not that she is one anymore).

Of course everyone also know that the late Michael Reed dispised this show, and he had good reason, especially with the way his character acts. Everyone seems to regret starring on this show! Serious. Just watch the E True Hollywood Story on The Brady Bunch, and see. Susan Olsen (Cindy) sais she's been stereotyped ever since. Barry Williams (Greg) claims it's now very hard to get a job, and Florence Henderson sais the show was to unrealistic, and so on.

Still, you gotta love the show. How can't you? The people that hate this show have no heart. I'm mean, it's a horrible show, but it's a wonderful show! Sound strange? Sorry, but come on, even you people who bash it here really love it, and you know it. Why? Because it's really entertaining, and some episodes are actually GOOD (the Hawaii episode early in the show).

Don't buy these DVDs, the show is on all the time. But do buy the Brady movies, they're hilarious!

Later

Don't knock him!!
For Pamela, I'm sorry David didn't fulfill your dreams. He is really a wonderful guy - YOU should try to make EVERYONE happy for a while and see how you do at it! David would feel terrible that he hurt your feelings. I've gotten to know him in the last few years, and he is sweet, charming, kind and considerate. Whatever happened at the concert you attended, he had his reasons for his behavior. He's not perfect - but then neither are ANY of us!! Please don't defile his character. He gets enough S**t from fair-weather fans who don't "know" him . He's a very special guy!! Give it another try - things will work out better next time!! Believe me, it's worth the effort!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Rowan Atkinson's disaster-prone twit goes swimming in a public pool and not only panics (hilariously so) at the edge of a diving board, but loses his trunks in the water just as swim instruction for schoolgirls commences. The rest of this collection includes Bean's memorable construction of a complicated sandwich on a park bench, and his trials attempting to fix his own television set. If you couldn't quite figure out what was up with the feature film Bean, these sketches will fill you in on the background. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Swimming Pools, Park Benches, and a Movie.
THE EXCITING ESCAPADES OF MR. BEAN includes two episodes of the hit British series "The Curse of Mr. Bean" and "Mr. Bean Goes to Town". When I was younger I never understood the humor of Mr. Bean. However, as I've gotten older and my sense of humor has matured a little, I find Mr. Bean to be quite hilarious.

"The Curse of Mr. Bean" starts off with Bean attempting to dive off the high-no, make that the very, high dive at a local swimming pool. When he's had his fill of exercise, he attempts to leave the parking garage without paying the ticket by going through the entrance. Later on Bean settles down for lunch on a park bench, illustrating just how frugle and thrifty he is. Finally, Bean goes to the movies with his girlfriend to see a scary picture. I have to tell you, the scene at the movies is the funniest thing I have see Bean do. This tape is worth buying just for that scene alone.

"Mr. Bean Goes to Town" is the second episode on the tape and though I didn't enjoy it as much as curse, it still has its moments. It starts by showing Bean returning home with a new television set and the trouble he goes through trying to get a signal. He takes a walk in the park to take some pictures, but gets taken instead. Then it's off Club Phut with his girl for a night of club dancing. Bean doesn't fit in well and his girl ends up leaving him. However, Bean gets the last laugh.

The version I have of this tape also includes a deleted seen of the show that didn't originally air on televsion called "Bus Stop". In this short sketch Bean finds himself waiting and losing his place in line as he waits for a bus.

This is a great item to own for anyone who likes British comedy. Also, the movie sketch from "The Curse of Mr. Bean" is a great scene to show to Americans who just don't understand British humor--it's one almost everyone will laugh at.

Excellent Comedy
The hilarious MR. BEAN skits may be some of the best comedy ever produced. If you're hesitant about buying them, rent one first and see for yourself. Apparently Amazon is not presenting the entire series. Too bad. Most, if not all, of the episodes are available on VHS. The series exists on DVD but unfortunately it is incomplete; some fool arbitrarily cut some of the skits.

Not Particularly Funny
This »Mr Bean« tape does contain some good ideas, and the sketches are maybe even well-written and well-structured... but in fact, they are not that funny! Basicly a waste of money. ... Read more

Description

Brandon de Wilde and Walter Brennan star in the simple-and simply charming-story of a Mississippi swamp boy's discovery of an unusual dog who steals his heart, based on James Street's novel. Year: 1956 Director: William A. Wellman Starring:Walter Brennan, Phil Harris, Brandon De Wilde ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A classic Walter Brennan story and a dog lover's movie
This is a wonderful movie for all ages. After losing my own dog to cancer, I remembered a line from this movie that the boy uttered after having to return a dog he found, "I had me a dog." A classic movie in every sense.

A heartwarming story with moments of kneeslapping humor
This is the story of a Man and his orphaned nephew who live in the Pascagoula swamps of Mississippi. They find a lost Besenji dog near the swamp, and the boy takes him in and trains him as a bird dog....much to the suprise and amazement of Mr. Cash the owner of several traditional bird dogs. The humor of the movie is mostly in the dialouge....terms such as "I'll be John Brown", and "Great day in the morning" pop up at various points. More heartwarming than the relationship between the boy and his dog, is the relationship between the boy and his Uncle Jesse Jackson, played brilliantly by Walter Brennan. You can see how proud of his nephew Jesse is and Claude, (Skeeter) uses all of his uncles sayings such as "Thats a jawbreaker". And is proud to have finally reached the age to share a cup of coffee with Jesse. (Though he must use a good helping of cream). I recomend this movie highly to sentimental baby boom age folks who miss the days of black and white, folksy stories, and also to fans of the late Walter Brennan who is at his best, as Jesse Jackson a man in need of some Roebuckers. (False Teeth). Get this movie, and sit back, relax and enjoy.

Excellent movie
As a previous reviewer wrote, this movie should be shown in school (which I have done). Rarely do we see honorable people anymore, whether in real life or as characters. Here, a boy makes a decision that he knows is the right one, even if it is not the one that makes him happy. Wonderful acting, likable characters, laughs, tears and a dog. What more could you want?

THIS WILL MAKE YOU CRY & YODEL
A boy named Claude and called "Skeeter" by all lives with his elderly uncle in a cabin in the Mississippi woods. They hunt for a living and have been able to get by.

One day Skeeter sees a strange, beautiful little dog being chased by hounds. He watches the unusual creature who makes a melodious yodeling sound, who cleans herself like a cat and has a tightly curled tail. After warding off the pack of hounds, the strange little dog shyly approaches Skeeter. He befriends the little dog, whom he names Lady and teaches her how to hunt. A bright, spirited little dog, Lady proves herself to be an able hunter. She and Skeeter are almost never apart.

Almost never, until...a neighbor reads of a missing basenji in the local paper. Skeeter is devastated by this as he loves his dog. Sidney Poitier, who plays a neighboring farmer is familiar with basenjis and had originally hoped to catch Lady for the reward. He sees how the basenji has bonded with Skeeter, so he tells the boy he could not part them.

Skeeter is torn between returning the beautiful basenji to her rightful owners or keeping her. It is a very moving story about the love of basenji. You might cry when you see how Skeeter wipes the dog's tears away when he says, "Goodbye, My Lady."

This is a wonderful movie.

touching, tender
I ordered this film because it popped up as a recommendation and I had just acquired a "rescue" basenji. It's a tender and touching movie, not all that great, but it made me cry. My dog enjoyed the basenji scenes. It's in B&W and the tape and sound quality are very good. The story isn't all that interesting and it plays more like a showcase to introduce the basenji breed to america, highlighting its trainability and hunting skills. ... Read more