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1. Amazing Stories - Book One
$16.99 list($14.98)
2. Parents
$89.99 list($19.98)
3. Amazing Stories Book Two
$14.99 list($9.94)
4. Subway Stories
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5. Amazing Stories - Book Three
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6. Amazing Stories: Book Four (Mirror
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7. The Last Good Time
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8. My Boyfriend's Back
$64.98 $42.13
9. Oz
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10. Subway Stories

1. Amazing Stories - Book One
Director: Paul Bartel, Joe Dante, Bob Clark (III), William Dear, Matthew Robbins, Danny DeVito, Graham Baker, Burt Reynolds, Paul Michael Glaser, Bob Balaban, Robert Markowitz, Kevin Reynolds, Mick Garris, Nick Castle, Ken Kwapis, Norman Reynolds, Phil Joanou, Clint Eastwood, Tobe Hooper, Timothy Hutton
list price: $19.98
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 6301961412
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 16585
Average Customer Review: 4.25 out of 5 stars
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Amazon.com

In 1985, Steven Spielberg launched the anthology TV series AmazingStories, directing one of the early episodes, "The Mission," a taut, emotional story set during a World War II combat flight.

Kevin Costner plays the pilot of an American bomber running raidsinto German airspace. During a dogfight with Nazis, a piece ofenemy aircraft wedges itself into the hull of Costner's rig and jams thehatch of the ball turret gunner. The shootout cripples the landing mechanism,and the net effect is that the gunner (Casey Siemaszko) is stuck in histransparent shell, unable to get back up into the body of the plane andcertain to die horribly during an imminent, emergency landing.Spielberg keeps tightening the screws, brilliantly directing a handful of goodactors (Kiefer Sutherland is in the mix) in a tight spacerapidly filling with dread and grief. While it has to be said that theresolution of "The Mission" may well be the most improbable turn of events in television history, everything up to that point is as exciting as TV can get.

Also on Book 1 is "The Wedding Ring," starring real-life spousesDanny DeVito and Rhea Perlman as a married couple who spice up their 10thyear together after DeVito, playing a costumer in a wax museum, gives hismousy bride a ring that belonged to a black-widow killer. Perlman, cast as a beleaguered waitress exploited by a callous boss, gets a personality makeover whenever she dons the ring, becoming insatiable in bed and a convincing femme fatale everywhere else. The only problem is that she's soon chasing herterrified husband around with a large kitchen knife, imbued with more thanthe sexy spirit of the ring's previous owner. Directed by DeVito, this cute episode works best as a different kind of vehicle for Perlman, who reallydoes make the screen sizzle. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (4)

5-0 out of 5 stars Best hour of TV ever
I remember watching this Amazing Stories premiere and being
rendered slackjawed for the entire episode. I can remember no
better television, ever. It was like watching 'Raiders of the
Lost Ark', '1941', and 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' all
wrapped up in an hour of tension. This is a masterpiece worthy
of film.

...and the DeVito episode is pretty good too.

:)

5-0 out of 5 stars With dream's, You live
I can seriously relate to the characters in the mission. My grandfather was a tailgunner during WWII. Once he was sick and unable to go on a mission. His entire crew and plane were destroyed on take-off. And where would I be? Out of existance. Steven Spielberg directs the first in a series of Amazing stories, a story about heart and survival. Kevin Costner is the captain of a crew of airmen in WWII. The Bellygunner dreams one day of drawing for Disney, and hopes as soon as the war is over, to work in the land of magic.

Kiefer Sutherland, a more serious character and close companion, always keeps an eye out and protects his friend nomatter the cost. On one mission in flight over enemy lands, the plane is hit my enemy fire. The good news is they can make it back to base. But the tragedy is, the door to the bellygunner is stuck and the landing wheels are jammed. Sutherland has a tremendous decision to make, and is faced with a hard decision of his life.

In a tension mounting climax, you see how the dreams and ambitions of one man can change the lives of the others around him forever. Absolutely great.

The other story, The Ring, is funny as all get out. If the decision had been left to me, I wouldn't have stuck these two stories together because they are so different. I would wait a half an hour between the two so you can get the most out of them. Devito and Pearlman have a hard lesson to learn about love, and what it takes to rekindle it. Good stuff.

4-0 out of 5 stars The First Episode Reviewed, not the second!
The first episode, "The Mission", is a very enetertaining tale that anybody under the age of 20 would enjoy. I consists of fighting in WW2 and of the lives of B-17 pilots. It is a miniature "Memphis belle" yet is in its own class. A B-17 has many gun turrets on it, and one is located on the bottom of the plane. In this episode of Amazing stories, the belly gunner's bubble is damaged, and he cannot get out. To make matters worse, the bombers landing gear will not go down, so the crew has to risk a belly landing, which would spell the end of our cartoon-drawing, luftwaffae-fighting, and caring hero, Kevin Costner. The ending is surprising, and has a bit of magic to it. This is, of course, my opinion. And the music by John Williams! WOW! amazing, to say the least. Especially when the AS theme surges as the gunner frantically creates his solution to the problem. If you wanna know how it ends, scroll down as far as you can go

The gunner, being a cartoonist, frantically draws his airplane, while John Williams them races and flares. He draws his plane, and adds a pair of balloony, cartoon tires to the landing gear, which results in an impressive bending of animation and live action, for the time. And thus, the B-17 lands safely, and the gunner is united with his lady, and the crew lives happily ever after.

3-0 out of 5 stars First in the series of Amazing Stories videos not so strong.
This tape includes both "The Mission" and "The Wedding Ring." The Mission is helmed by Steven Spielberg. This special one-hour episode has his style written all over it. The cinematography is a gorgeous sepia and the winning score by John Williams is properly heroic. The whole episode is very grand for television including the superstar casting (Kevin Costner, Kiefer Sutherland). Even the screenplay is a direct, no-nonsense approach to the situation. However, the magical ending is a major letdown and is totally removed from the earthly tension Spielberg builds up through that point. In fact, one of the attempted solutions to their problem, involving passing an opened parachute through a little window to the belly gunner for him to use after he kicks out of his plexi-glass cock-pit would make for a more promising, dare I say 'Amazing' ending. Next on the tape is Danny DeVito's "Wedding Ring." This was the second season opener and, other than the star power of Rhea Perlman and husband Danny DeVito, is an un-Amazing whimper. DeVito and Perlman do portray a cute couple and the musical score by Craig Safan is enjoyable, but otherwise, this is a tired, boring story. ... Read more


2. Parents
Director: Bob Balaban
list price: $14.98
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Asin: 6301249038
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 16464
Average Customer Review: 3.92 out of 5 stars
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Amazon.com

In Parents, director Bob Balaban deconstructs our Father Knows Best perception of '50s suburbia, skewing it via moody cinematography and Angelo Badalamenti's sinister score. Ten-year-old Michael Lamele (Bryan Madorsky) thinks his parents (Randy Quaid and Mary Beth Hurt) are cannibals.His constant fear of his folks and their supposedly evil doings begin to warp his view of the world, and he starts seeing a social worker to confront his problems. Are they merely childhood fears intensified by an overactive imagination, or do Michael's parents really crave human flesh? Much in the way that David Lynch approached the sinister underside of small-town America in Wild at Heart, so too does Balaban challenge our notion of the 'burbs as an escape from the harsh reality of the city. If anything, Michael's parents show their true colors once they become wrapped up in the materialistic, socially predatory world of suburban life. Vastly underappreciated, Balaban's Parents is one of those rare modern horror films that uses psychology to freak you out rather than tossing buckets of blood at you (although there are a few in the film, given its theme). This is one horror film that stands up, and deserves repeated viewings. --Bryan Reesman ... Read more

Reviews (25)

4-0 out of 5 stars Brilliantly disturbing!
Parents is a film I had known about for quite a while before I finally decided to check it out. I was quite surprised by what I saw. Bob Baladan's cold, minimalistic style was just the touch this film needed. What could have been slapstick horror comedy (a la Dead-Alive or Evil Dead 2, both of which are great; that style just wouldn't work as well for this film) instead becomes a superbly filmed satire of 1950s family culture.

I never thought I could actually be afraid of Randy Quaid, but his performance is truly blood-curdling. (Strangely enough, due to the facial expressions he makes throughout the movie, this is the first time I've ever noticed a resemblance between him and his brother Dennis.) He plays the character with a understatement I didn't realize he was capable of.

I understand why some critics came down on the climax and resolution of the film, feeling it much too conventional in light of what had preceded it, but I feel that there weren't too many more possibilities they could have utilized. The film works fine the way it is, and I recommend it to fans of horror films and sharp-witted satire alike.

5-0 out of 5 stars Parents: a future cult classic
Randy Quaid is what makes this film in my opinion. MaryBeth Hurt is good, but it's the bizarreness of Quaid which drew me in. It is the 1950's and it is a tale about a picture perfect family that turns out to have some very unusual customs. I will not tell you what seperates this family from others but I will tell you to give this movie a chance. This is Bob Balaban's directorial debut and it is a not a bad one. Buyer Beware: This is not typical Hollywood Cinema!

3-0 out of 5 stars Parents (1988)
Bizarre film takes place in the 50's and is the story of a boy who wonders where his parents get all their leftover meat from and what it was before it was leftovers...and soon he discovers the terrible (but obvious) truth. "Parents" could have been a nice little horror/comedy like "House," but turned out to be more of a weirdo, bizarro, psycho film that is just too weird to be excepted as proper entertainment. The 50's was portrayed in the most horrific and lurid manner, and the way of life was just heartbreaking (ie. the little girl that Michael befriends). I was looking forward to a fun little horror/comedy, but was disappointed when I found it was a weirdo, bizarro, psycho film (hehe). It's alright, but I don't think it's really that special. Too weird for my tastes.

3-0 out of 5 stars Duuuuuude...
This movie was really, really weird. I turned on the TV at 2 AM, and the first thing I saw was a kid drowning in a pool of blood. Needless to say, I had no choice but to watch the rest of the movie. The movie seemed to serve no real purpose, which is why I liked it. It was incredibly surreal. (Then again, part of that might have been because I was half-asleep.) In the morning, I actually convicned myself it had been a dream.

Anyway, through this whole thing I was expecting it to be deep, but it had a Goosebumps-type ending, which sort of ruined it for me. Well, anyway, I'm done now. I should never write reviews.

1-0 out of 5 stars zero stars. terrible horrible no good very bad movie
People have compared this movie to David Lynch. David Lynch this is NOT. People have called it artistic because it has an ethereal dream-like quality to it. I think it's fine to have dream sequences, but to have absolutely nothing happen for 1.5 hours into the movie is unacceptable. The child's acting (if you can call it acting) was awful. It was as if his face had been injected with massive amounts of botox. no expressions. no emotion.

The storyline was predictible with little to offer in the way of ingenuity or thrill factor. The scariest part of the movie might have been when the child turned around and ran into a foot hanging on a meat hook in the cellar. Even then, his face (weighed down by the botox) registered nothing. The father's death scene in the end lasted about 10 minutes of him flopping about trying to lay his hands on the child.

And having his grandparents lay a meat sandwich on his nighttable in the end was the straw that broke the camel's back.

Do not rent this movie. Do not buy it. Exit this screen and never think about this movie ever again. ... Read more


3. Amazing Stories Book Two
Director: Paul Bartel, Joe Dante, Bob Clark (III), William Dear, Matthew Robbins, Danny DeVito, Graham Baker, Burt Reynolds, Paul Michael Glaser, Bob Balaban, Robert Markowitz, Kevin Reynolds, Mick Garris, Nick Castle, Ken Kwapis, Norman Reynolds, Phil Joanou, Clint Eastwood, Tobe Hooper, Brad Bird
list price: $19.98
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 6302089611
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 4212
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars
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Amazon.com

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

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

Reviews (10)

5-0 out of 5 stars Family Dog Takes the Cake!
The Family Dog is absolutely the funniest cartoon I have ever seen. We wore out our copy years ago, and I'm so grateful to find that it's here for sale. Although we haven't seen it for eons, my family still quotes from it, and we never fail to crack up in giggles at even the memory! I can't speak for the Christopher Lloyd portion, but Family Dog is WELL worth the investment, for the youngsters as well as the adults in the family!

4-0 out of 5 stars Family Dog is the head of its Class! But, Class is a Dog.
This tape consists of "Go to the Head of the Class" and "Family Dog." Team Robert Zemeckis with his 'Back to the Future I, II, & III' & 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' star, Christopher Lloyd and you are bound to get a hysterically funny, creative tale. But, that did not happen here. Nothing of Zemeckis' (Used Cars, Contact, Forrest Gump) film making know how is evident here and Lloyd has never been more annoying. Additionally, this hour long episode has a half hour story-line stretched way too thin. Even Coffey and Masterson have no charm here. On the positive note, some of Stan Winston's (Terminator, Jurassic Park) headless effects are very impressive for 1980's television. BUT Family Dog!This could be the most successful of the entire series. After all, it spawned a spin-off series! (Very short lived). But, it is meritous. The animation is great fun. The dog's nose floating an inch off his face is hysterical and his reactions are obvious without being human. The stories themselves are smartly paced with 'real' dialogue and each is balanced with humorous music by Danny Elfman of Oingo Boingo fame. Enjoy!

4-0 out of 5 stars OH MY GOD!!!
The cartoon was unbelievably funny! That rotten little boy and the smartass dog was too too funny for words.I RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE TO ANYONE WITH AN ATTITUDE PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS MOVIE WILL GET RID OF IT TEMPORARILY. JUST LONG ENOUGH FOR YOU TO FORGET WHY YOU WERE MAD IN THE 1ST PLACE

5-0 out of 5 stars Amazing Stories Review By MaxS. McPike
When I first watched the Amazing Stories TV show I was just
stunned ,I loved it and I even thought it was better than
the Twilight Zone movie and also it was a lot different than other movies and TV shows . What I also liked about it was that it had a lot of famous people in it like: Kevin Kostner, Pat Hingle, Kiefer Sutherland, Mary Stuart Masterson,Christopher Lloyd, Rhea Perlman, and many others. I think it is fun for the whole family. P.S. I think they should put it on DVD.

5-0 out of 5 stars THE BEST ANIMATION SHORT OF ITS TIME
BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT, just for the short, "Family Dog" I have been looking for this cartoon for years!! I knew of someone's household that was similar to this short! My family and I used to watch this everytime it came on cable, before the series came out. ... Read more


4. Subway Stories
Director: Jonathan Demme, Seth Zvi Rosenfeld, Abel Ferrara, Alison Maclean, Lucas Platt, Patricia Benoit, Julie Dash, Craig McKay, Ted Demme, Bob Balaban
list price: $9.94
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Asin: 0783111029
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 24205
Average Customer Review: 4.86 out of 5 stars
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Description

'Subway Stories' ' captures the laughter, the fear, the sexiness and the strangeness of riding the New York subways. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

5-0 out of 5 stars Very , Very Pleased
I saw this movie on HBO a couple of years ago, and I have been trying to find it on DVD for a couple of months now, I finally found it on VHS and bought it anyway, cause I just had to have it. The story with Taral Hicks is my favorite, she is trying to reach her mother who is dying in the hospital. She gets stuck and eventually she ends up having to call her from the subway station. When she gets a hold of her mother she sings here favorite song to her over the phone, the song is Troubles of the World. That girl sings the mess out of that song, it will bring tears to your eyes. If you have not seen this movie, you really should.

5-0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Collection of Stories!
The first time I saw "Subway Stories" on HBO, it totally blew me away. The whole concept behind the film was to compile the winning short stories from a contest (all of the stories had to be connected to the subways of New York). While the stories are diverse in their plots and themes, I couldn't help but be glued to the TV anticipating the next story. There is something there for everyone. I was particularly fond of John Guare's segment about the war vet pan-handling on the train, although all of the stories were much better than average.

My only problem with this movie is that it is not yet available on DVD. IF you haven't seen this and are a fan of short stories, you will love this movie.

5-0 out of 5 stars Waiting for the DVD
Please please please release "Subway Stories" on DVD! Its a great movie, but I'm waiting for the DVD (perhaps with some extras)!

5-0 out of 5 stars John Rocker can't ride the subway, but i will
when i lived in maine, i was only 6 hours from NYC, and i made a habit to go to the big city whenever i could. I always rode the subway. some people may think it's crazy, but i have always been fascinated by them.the last time i was there, i rode one from greenwich village to queens at 130 in the morning and became dazzled by the wonder of gotham. This movie will leave you dazzled by the the variety of the themes presented her., from a snooty rich woman who gets locked in the subway and has to stay there over night, ending up acting like a homeless person. to the old man on the train who gives stock tips to a young trade, these stories tell people more about new york city than any travel giude could. my favorite is the one featuring rosie perez who flirts with a married man on the train

5-0 out of 5 stars 5 Star Presentation
I watched most of this while in a motel. This movie is incredible. It's very interesting and entertaining. It's one of those movies that makes you think and makes you laugh and the music by Mecca Bodega is spectacular. If you don't already own this I wouldn't hesitate to purchase it. ... Read more


5. Amazing Stories - Book Three
Director: Paul Bartel, Joe Dante, Bob Clark (III), William Dear, Matthew Robbins, Danny DeVito, Graham Baker, Burt Reynolds, Paul Michael Glaser, Bob Balaban, Robert Markowitz, Kevin Reynolds, Mick Garris, Nick Castle, Ken Kwapis, Norman Reynolds, Phil Joanou, Clint Eastwood, Tobe Hooper, Timothy Hutton
list price: $19.98
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 6302142261
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 18640
Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Amazon.com

The third volume of collected episodes from Steven Spielberg's mid-1980stelevision series Amazing Stories includes three memorablestories. First up is "The Amazing Falsworth," a cat-and-mouse thrillerstarring Gregory Hines as the title character, a nightclub psychic whose act includes reading the minds of audience members by merely touching them.During a performance Falsworth comes into physical contactwith a serial killer; he sees the monster's most recent victims in his mind and grows terrified for his own safety. Enter a skeptical police detective(Richard Masur) whose real identity is so obvious that director Peter Hyams doesn't bother to mask it well. One complaint: theepisode begins with some truly grisly and gratuitous violence that, inretrospect, had no place in a fantasy series squarely aimed at families and boasting Spielberg's involvement. Kids should notsee "The Amazing Falsworth"--or anything else on Book 3, for that matter.

The second episode is certainly one of the most thoughtful in the series:"Life on Death Row," starring Patrick Swayze in an interesting performance as a convicted murderer. Scheduled to die imminently in the electric chair,Swayze's character, Eric Peterson, joins an escape effort and is hit bylightning during a storm. The freak accident bestows on him the power toheal the sick and wounded--a cruelly ironic development, given Peterson'sforeshortened destiny.

The final story, "No Day at the Beach," begins the day before the D-Dayinvasion of Normandy by allied forces, and concentrates on a handful ofsoldiers as they ready themselves psychologically for this turning point in the battle. Charlie Sheen is the best-known name among the cast in thisblack-and-white, Twilight Zone-like drama directed by Lesli LinkaGlatter. Sheen's character stands outas the one guy in his company refusing to taunt a simple-mindedGI who later becomes a hero at Normandy--or is it someone else besides that poor sap boldly taking out Germans left and right? --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (2)

3-0 out of 5 stars Kind of Amazing
Being a Patrick Swayze fan, I purchased this video to check out his vignette. All of the stories in this video are interesting and well acted, but I wouldn't place the movie on my list of all time favorites.

4-0 out of 5 stars Falsworth worth its weight and Death Row worth living for.
This tape consists of three episodes: 'The Amazing Falsworth', 'No Day at the Beach' and 'Life on Death Row.' Peter Hyams (Running Scared, 2010) presents the suspense yarn 'Falsworth'with definate, economical camera work and 2 very respectful performances by GregoryHines as the magician and Richard Masur as the psychopathic killer. Like a well-paced short story, the viewer is presented with information only when needed. Mix this in with some of the best 'Alfred Hitchcock' mysteries. Leslie Linka Glatter (Deep Impact, Without Diana) delivers the lopsided drama 'No Day at the Beach'. It does boast gorgeous black and white photography, a slick short story, a performance by post 'Platoon' Charlie Sheen, and a strong re-creation of D-Day. Okay, it is no 'Saving Private Ryan' but Linka Glatter masterfully uses stock WWII footage edited with new footage to create a reality that would otherwise destroy an entire series budget! However, the nebbish Arnold is a cartoon character in this otherwise real story. It serves as a major distraction, especially in the early scenes. Also, the manipulative reading of the letter is very off-focus and stands as an obvious emotional ploy even with Sheen in good form. Finally, Life on Death Row. The only problem with this episode is that it is too darn short. The story just moves along too quickly and doesn't allow the viewer to experience some of the interesting concepts. And the episode could be filled with them. Patrick Swayze and Hector Elizondo give strong performances. Once again, prison proves to be a cinematographer and lighting directors best friend. ... Read more


6. Amazing Stories: Book Four (Mirror Mirror, Blue Man Down, Mr. Magic)
Director: Paul Bartel, Joe Dante, Bob Clark (III), William Dear, Matthew Robbins, Danny DeVito, Graham Baker, Burt Reynolds, Paul Michael Glaser, Bob Balaban, Robert Markowitz, Kevin Reynolds, Mick Garris, Nick Castle, Ken Kwapis, Norman Reynolds, Phil Joanou, Clint Eastwood, Tobe Hooper, Brad Bird
list price: $19.98
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 6302277744
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 22267
Average Customer Review: 5 out of 5 stars
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Amazon.com

This fourth volume of collected episodes from Steven Spielberg's 1980santhology television series begins with some heavyweight talent. MartinScorsese directs "Mirror Mirror," arguably the most frightening andaccomplished episode from the show's entire run. Sam Waterston plays a wildly successful horror novelist who claims never to be frightened of the samescary stories that unnerve ordinary mortals. So he begins living one of his own, and terrifying it is: whenever he looks in a mirror or other reflective surface, Waterston's character sees a hideous ghoul stalking him,prepared for murder. The trouble is that there is no corresponding danger in the real world, although the ghoul is determined to get its hands on thebeleaguered author.

Also on tap is "Blue Man Down," a solid action piece with supernaturalovertones, written by Spielberg. Max Gail stars as a traumatized,guilt-ridden cop who blames himself for the murder of his young partner. His confidence shot and his nerves a wreck, the suffering heroattempts to hide within the lesser duties of traffic detail, only to findhimself partnered with a compassionate, attractive female officer (KateMcNeil) who helps him get back on his feet and pushes him toward full duty again. The downside: no one else appears to see her. Actor-director PaulMichael Glaser does some of his best behind-the-camera work on this show.

Finally, Sid Caesar stars in "Mr. Magic," a sentimental tale of anaging, washed-up nightclub magician who purchases a set of cards withmarvelous powers of flight. Rescued from the trash heap of small-timehas-beens, Caesar's character gets a new lease on life when his cards takeover the act, twirling, flying, mimicking people, and astoundingaudiences--with no help from Caesar. --Tom Keogh. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

5-0 out of 5 stars Bringing out the dead...of the mind...
Remember when you were young and you were told not to watch a movie, or read horror or comic books because they would warp your mind. Here, chillingly is that saying realized. Imagine a writer of horror, a successful person that has had his novels plastered on the big screen. He is the person everybody is talking about, and in the book world he is what every writer wants to be. While on a talk show he is asked whether or not he fears his influence has endangered the minds of youngsters. He replies rather smerkly, "How could something not real hurt the minds of children."

Is it true that your own mind can punish you for damage done? Is there any escape? These questions are answered as the main character takes a spiraled decent into the darkness that he has created. He himself has to deal with the damage his imagination has summoned - To pay the price for what he has released into the world.
Real great story, that you won't forget any time soon.

5-0 out of 5 stars A Genuinely Frightening Excursion
It was probably "Amazing Stories" schizophrenic nature - amusing family-oriented fare coupled with more mature offerings - that led to the show only lasting one season. An example of the latter is "Mirror, Mirror," a scary story about a Stephen King-like author "stalked" by a mystery figure similar to one of the characters of his novels. Only the author, well-played by a pre-"Law & Order" Sam Waterson can see the spectre until the story's final few seconds. If the show had stuck to one genre, say of the horror/thriller vein, then it may have had a longer run. This reviewed story is, undeniably, one of the program's best.

The second installment in this tape benefits by being paired with this one.

5-0 out of 5 stars I can't believe this is television!
This tape consist of three stories, 'Mirror, Mirror','Blue Man Down' and 'Mr. Magic.'Martin Scorcese(Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas) makes a directing appearance in the stylish little horror "Mirror, Mirror". The portrayal of the estranged relationship with his ex-girlfriend is very smart and economical, especially for television. The antiseptic white home is a unique environment to have a horror story played out. The phantom, played by Tim Robbins in unrecognizable make-up is appropriately menacing to Waterston, but only in reflections. The concept does become frightening and the musical score by Michael Kamen joins in the fun. Next, Blue Man Down...This strong episode is also one of the most unique in the series. Max Gail does a great job with 22 minute character building and Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky and Hutch) handles directing this mini cop drama very well. It is easily defined and yet, could actually warrant second viewing surprises. Finally, 'Mr. Magic'.This impressive piece stars Sid Caesar as Lou Bundles, a slight of hand magician who's slight of hand has slid. His understanding of the character is wonderful and Petrie does a great job of letting Sid go. This is one of the few episodes that actually tugs at you emotionally. Very powerful. Of the 5 tapes, this has the most consistent work. Enjoy! ... Read more


7. The Last Good Time
Director: Bob Balaban
list price: $14.98
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 6303666671
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 43045
Average Customer Review: 5 out of 5 stars
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Reviews (2)

5-0 out of 5 stars *****
I was lucky to see this film at a screening where Armin Mueller-Stahl talked to the audience (and even played his violin for us!). He was as charming as this film. The film is warm, thoughtful, charming and original. I was disappointed it did not do better. It deserved to. A true gem.

5-0 out of 5 stars Armin Mueller-Stahl Gives a Memorable Performance
Sad, sometimes funny story of a prideful man coping in a difficult situation. Also it is a poignant, bitter-sweet love story. I feel Mueller-Stahl is an outstanding character actor--if you've seen him in "Music Box" with Jessica Lange, you'll love this movie. ... Read more


8. My Boyfriend's Back
Director: Bob Balaban
list price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 6303022936
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 32452
Average Customer Review: 3.73 out of 5 stars
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Reviews (22)

5-0 out of 5 stars My Boyfriend's Back (jbordelon@kricket.net)
well first of all WAZZUP !!........i love this movie with a passion i`ve seen it at least 40 times. but last night i rented it for the 41st time......and noticed something i never noticed before......THE NAME OF THE SONG THEY DANCED TO AT THE END OF THE MOVIE........i had my closed-captioning running, and all of a sudden it pops up "hanging on for dear life" BY: MMC *now i was thinking that MMC stood for mickey mouse club, but i don`t think in this case it does. also......comment to other amazon reviwers......i know too much more than ANYBODY about movies and music......but if you want to know the name of a song or something you`ve got to leave your e-mail address in your review so people can write you back. well.....peace love and chicken grease !!!!! BYE BYE BYE BYE BYE

2-0 out of 5 stars "And As You Can See, He's Got An Axe In His Head..."
This black comedy is not great art. It's silly, cheesy, and totally ridiculous....and I like it!!. I'm always a sucker for stupid B movie films like this. It's fun and funny in a really stupid way. Andrew Lowery stars as a kid who has the hots for a girl. In an attempt to show off to her, he gets killed by a store robber. He comes back as a zombie and begins to live life as if nothing ever happened. Of course, there are certain body parts that fall off and stuff, but that's to be expected from a rotting corpse. There are a few jokes and gags in here that are genuinely funny, in a sophmoric way. The best come from chacrter actor Austin Pendleton as a nutty doctor. The rest of the cast include : Paul Dooley, Edward Herrmann, Cloris Leachman, and Mary Beth Hurt. It's a juvenile comedy with a somewhat delightful and appealing presence. If your into that sort of thing, then you will probably enjoy this. Otherwise, stay far away.

5-0 out of 5 stars Time enough for love
Johnny Dingo loved little Missy with a love that would not die. His only wish was to take her to the prom. His scheme to get here to go with him goes awry. Johnny finds himself six foot under ground. That night he RETURNS.

We find love, loyalty, and ground Chuck on the menu. This movie is right up there with the best zombie movies such as "Weekend at Bernie's II."

Notice how his parents are very supportive though out the story. And there is an appropriate lesson near the end.

4-0 out of 5 stars An Enjoyable Fantasy Comedy.
Teenager Johnny Dingle (Andrew Lowery) always wanted to date his long time Crush on the Beautiful-Missy (Traci Lind) by taking her to the Prom. But when he saves her life from Gunpoint from a local General Store. After Johnny dies and then unexpectedly he comes back to life & still wants to take her to the Prom! but Johnny has to eat the living to stay alive!

Directed by Bob Balaban (Parents) made a wonderful, dumb, fantasy-comedy that was a Misfire on the Release in the Summer of 1993. Lowery gives a likeable performance in this film. This film has an terrific supporting cast, including:Edward Herrmann, Mary Beth Hurt, Austin Pendleton, Jay O. Sanders, Cloris Leachman, Matthew Fox & Philip Seymour Hoffman. This might be a forgetten gem & this could be a Camp Classic. DVD's has an terrific anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) and an good-Dolby Stereo 2.0 Surround Sound. Written by Dean Lorey (Jason Goes to Hell:The Final Friday) & Produced by Sean S. Cunningham (Friday the 13th, House, The Last House on the Left). Watch for Matthew McConaughey & Renee Zellweger as Extras. Grade:A-.

5-0 out of 5 stars A Delight-The best
I couldn't believe when I first read that this wonderful, witty, funny movie is on DVD. I now finally own it on DVD and it's just fantastic. The picture quality is really good, the sound is beautiful-no complaints. I'm so happy with it. Now some people might think that this is a silly, maybe even cheesy movie, but it's quite the opposite.The casting is perfect, I wouldn't change a thing. I absolutly LOVE TRACI LIN or is credited as Traci Lind with a d. Every film I see her in I love, She is just spectacular. She really is one of the best actress' of her time. I hope and pray that Fright Night 2' gets a DVD release. The storyline in this film is just charming and one of a kind.Johnny Dingles love for Missy McCloud is sweet and believeable. The end sequence is the cream of the crop. This is one of those films where you just feel good. There's a good feeling about this film. And it delivers on all fronts. ... Read more


9. Oz
Director: Daniel Loflin, Theodore Bogosian, Adam Bernstein, Leslie Libman, J. Miller Tobin, Keith Samples, Jean de Segonzac, Uli Edel, John Henry Davis, Alan Taylor, Gloria Muzio, Alex Zakrzewski, Darnell Martin, Marc Klasfeld, Rob Morrow, David Von Ancken, Terry Kinney, Mary Harron, Bob Balaban, Chazz Palminteri
list price: $64.98
our price: $64.98
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: B0000716I7
Catlog: Video
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10. Subway Stories
Director: Jonathan Demme, Seth Zvi Rosenfeld, Abel Ferrara, Alison Maclean, Lucas Platt, Patricia Benoit, Julie Dash, Craig McKay, Ted Demme, Bob Balaban
list price: $9.94
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0783112866
Catlog: Video
Sales Rank: 74350
Average Customer Review: 4.86 out of 5 stars
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Reviews (7)

5-0 out of 5 stars Very , Very Pleased
I saw this movie on HBO a couple of years ago, and I have been trying to find it on DVD for a couple of months now, I finally found it on VHS and bought it anyway, cause I just had to have it. The story with Taral Hicks is my favorite, she is trying to reach her mother who is dying in the hospital. She gets stuck and eventually she ends up having to call her from the subway station. When she gets a hold of her mother she sings here favorite song to her over the phone, the song is Troubles of the World. That girl sings the mess out of that song, it will bring tears to your eyes. If you have not seen this movie, you really should.

5-0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Collection of Stories!
The first time I saw "Subway Stories" on HBO, it totally blew me away. The whole concept behind the film was to compile the winning short stories from a contest (all of the stories had to be connected to the subways of New York). While the stories are diverse in their plots and themes, I couldn't help but be glued to the TV anticipating the next story. There is something there for everyone. I was particularly fond of John Guare's segment about the war vet pan-handling on the train, although all of the stories were much better than average.

My only problem with this movie is that it is not yet available on DVD. IF you haven't seen this and are a fan of short stories, you will love this movie.

5-0 out of 5 stars Waiting for the DVD
Please please please release "Subway Stories" on DVD! Its a great movie, but I'm waiting for the DVD (perhaps with some extras)!

5-0 out of 5 stars John Rocker can't ride the subway, but i will
when i lived in maine, i was only 6 hours from NYC, and i made a habit to go to the big city whenever i could. I always rode the subway. some people may think it's crazy, but i have always been fascinated by them.the last time i was there, i rode one from greenwich village to queens at 130 in the morning and became dazzled by the wonder of gotham. This movie will leave you dazzled by the the variety of the themes presented her., from a snooty rich woman who gets locked in the subway and has to stay there over night, ending up acting like a homeless person. to the old man on the train who gives stock tips to a young trade, these stories tell people more about new york city than any travel giude could. my favorite is the one featuring rosie perez who flirts with a married man on the train

5-0 out of 5 stars 5 Star Presentation
I watched most of this while in a motel. This movie is incredible. It's very interesting and entertaining. It's one of those movies that makes you think and makes you laugh and the music by Mecca Bodega is spectacular. If you don't already own this I wouldn't hesitate to purchase it. ... Read more


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