Reviews (39)

memories
i remember spending the night at my grandmas old trailer as a kid and being all curled up on the wicker bed (which is now my bed) watching rags to riches on tv in my glowworm footy pajamas. now about to turn 24 and its still remaining one of my favorite movies of all time.
a group of motown loving orphans are being ridded from a state orphanage which leads them to plotting to cause all the damage they can to stick together. in a last attempt they are sent off and fall strait into the lap of luxury with rich yuppy nick folley. not without its downs but certainly not without its ups they worm their way into the heart of the worlds biggest buisnessman and arent letting do till he sees what hes got...

not a movie to miss out on. get a copy when its still out there. this tape can be a hard find...

RAGS TO RICHES
Great movie, and the songs were fun. The shembeckler girls were very good, especially Jodi, shes the one in the redpink bathing suit. Her fashion sense was amazing. I wish she had more parts in the movie.

This movie brings back memories
This was one of my childhood favorites...it needs to be put on dvd!

KAREN LYNN SCOTT, TRULY AMAZING.
I just wanted to comment on the previous reviews regarding Karen Lynn Scott, and how beautiful and legitimate she was playing one of the Shembeckler girls in Rags To Riches. She was the best part of the movie. Sure she was rude and snotty, but her looks made up for all of that in the movie.

SHEMBECKLER GIRL
KAREN LYNN SCOTT, WAS AMAZING AS THE SHEMBECKLER GIRL. SHE WAS THE BEST PART OF THE MOVIE, AND THAT RED BATHING SUIT SHE WAS WEARING WAS SIMPLY AMAZING. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

1.17 "Legacies" & 1.18 "A Voice in the Wilderness, Part 1"
Be forewarned that you only get "A Voice in the Wilderness Part 1" in this pair of episodes from the first season of "Babylon 5" and you can make up your own mind as to whether this bothers you or if you prefer the "Farscape" approach which puts episodes out of order so that you do not have to make two purchases to get both parts of a story.

Episode 17, "Legacies" (Written by D. C. Fontana, Aired July 20, 1994) begins with the station awaiting the arrival of a ship bearing the body of Branmer the Minbari general who led the attack in the Battle of the Line. The Minbari cruiser is bringing Branmer's body back home and making stops so that people can pay their last respects. The only problem is that when they open the casket for the viewing, Branmer's body is not there. Meanwhile, Alisa Beldon (Grace Una), a young girl entering puberty, exhibits telepathic abilities, which means she either joins the Psi Corps or gets to be heavily drugged for the rest of her life.

The plotline about the missing Mindari body is the most important, because apparently Delenn (Mira Furlan) has something to do with what is going on (and the word "chrysalis" matters big time). Commander Sinclair (Michael O'Hare) also has to deal with trash talk from the commander of the Mindari cruiser (John Vickery) in a sub-plot that has a nice resolution. Of course while Talia Winters (Andrea Thompson) talks up the Psi Corps to young Alisa, Ivanova (Claudia Christian) is telling horror stories about what happened to her mother. But when tests indicate that Alisa is at least a P10, she starts getting offers from the alien ambassadors. The fighting over Alisa's future is an odd pairing to put with the other plot line, but the part of this episode that has me shaking my head is that the humans still do not know what it means when a Minbari vessel has its gun ports open.

Episode 18, "A Voice in the Wilderness Part 1" (Written by J. Michael Straczynski, Aired July 27, 1944) deals with upheavals. While seismic activity on a planet near Babylon 5 reveals signs of an extinct alien civilization there is unrest on the Mars Colony that turns violent. Meanwhile, Ambassador Delenn enjoys a visit from her old mentor, Draal (Louis Turenne), who bemoans how the Minbari people have lost their sense of purpose, and Garibaldi (Jerry Doyle) is getting frantic about making contact with his ex-girlfriend on Mars.

The Mars subplot has some importance, not because of Garibaldi's love life but because Earth is treating that colony with the same sort of disdain it shows Babylon 5. But the main attraction here is the flickering image appears of an alien man pleading for help who appears to first Sinclair and then Londo (Peter Jurasik). When Sinclair and Ivanova investigate the planet what they find raises even more questions (such as why the top two command officers of B5 are both out investigating a planet together). Can another diplomatic crisis be far behind?

Important Clues To What Unfolds Later On Babylon 5
Admittedly, this video is a mixed bag with regards to quality, yet those who are interested in "Babylon 5" will consider it essential viewing. The first episode "Legacies" gives an important look into the complexities of Minbari society. It's followed by "A Voice in the Wilderness, Part I", which should have been offered together with its sequel. In "A Voice..." Commander Sinclair makes an important discovery regarding what lurks beneath the surface of Epsilon 3, and how it may affect space station Babylon 5's future. Sinclair's discovery will have important implications for the Shadow War destined to follow.

Not the best, but still fun to watch.
In "Legacies", the body of a deceased Minbari Leader who is going through B5 is stolen. The interesting part of this episode is the cultural differences of the various Minbari casts.

The other episode introduces us with the planet below B5 and the secrets it holds. This is a vital episode for the series and you need to see it to understand what goes on in the Shadow War.

Episode List
These tapes are episodes 1.10 (Legacies) and 1.11 (A Voice in the Wilderness Part I). ... Read more

Reviews (89)

Finnaly a Good Action Serie
This cool action mythologie girl serie comes in DVD on april 29. sister show of HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS who also will be on DVD on JUNE 3. Lucy Lawless is wonderful ,she has a real sword style and circle that no one else does. The First season includes :

1-Sins of the Past
2-Chariots of War
3-Dreamworker
4-Cradle of Hope
5-The Path Not Taken
6-The Reckoning
7-The Titans
8-Prometheus
9-Death in Chains
10-Hooves & Harlots
11-The Black Wolf
12-Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts
13-Athens City Academy of the Performing Bards
14-A Fistful of Dinars
15-Warrior...Princess
16-Mortal Beloved
17-The Royal Couple of Thieves
18-The Prodigal
19-Altared States
20-Ties That Bind
21-The Greater Good
22-Callisto
23-Death Mask
24-Is There a Doctor in the House?

I can wait too have this one. CAN YOU ???...

FINALLY XENA! But...
I agree with the other reviewers. It is great to be able to enjoy Xena's First Season and Lucy Lawless in all her glory! The first season finds the series still looking for an overall look and a direction, and you will have to wait for Season Three and Further Seasons for truly mythological storytelling and pathos.

My only complaint is ,of course, the total lack of special features of this Anchor Bay DVD edition. IT lacks alternate comment sound tracks, or documentaries, etc. One MAJOR miss is that NONE of the episodes are close-captioned (this is strange because when they were originally broadcast, they were...!). Maybe Anchor Bay will correct this in future Xena seasons'DVD releases. The lack of extras and the lack of close-captioning is the only two reasons why I adjudicated 3 out of 5 stars to this DVD.

I did not experience any noticeable graininess or blurring when playing my DVD's on my Sony DVD player and viewing it on my Sony 32" TV (not a new one, I might add). I have not tried watching the DVD's on my computer, but it has been my experience that DVDs do not play back with the same quality on DVD-enabled computers.

I still recommend XENA SEASON ONE DVD to all Xena enthusiasts.

Xena Rocks
Xena season one is amazing. It is here that we see how the Warrior Princess begins her adventures with her sexy little sidekick Gabrielle. This is classic Xena all the way, plus we are introduced to our favorites: Ephiny and the Amazons, Salmoneous, Lila, Cyrene, Draco, Autolycus (Bruce 'Evil Dead' Campbell), Ares, Hades, Princess Diana, Joxer and every Xenafan's favorite CALLISTO? There is also a cameo by Hercules and Iolaus for Hercfans.

Previously this season of Xena could only be ordered from a webpage as seen on tv. To my understanding this collection is not remastered, and does not include DVD extras such as deleted scenes or commentaries. The good new, for those that can wait a couple more months, another mastered version with DVD extras is soon to be released.

For those fans that must have this season now, order it here, it is about 30 dollars less than what it is offered in the commercials, but if you could relax for a month or two I suggest you get the vamped version.

Greatest Series of all time comes to dvd
Enjoyed every minute of watching my two favorite actress show after show in dvd quality. The only down side is not enough extra's.

A 5-star show; too bad the DVD collection's overpriced
"In a time of ancient gods, warlords, and kings, a land in turmoil cried out for a hero. She was Xena, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle. The power. The passion. The danger. Her courage will change the world."

If you don't recognize the above, you've been in a distant land since at least 1995, and this review isn't really for you. But you should buy this collection immediately, because you're in for an entirely novel treat.

Xena: Warrior Princess is a spin-off series from "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys", which followed 5 "Action Pack" (don't ask) Hercules movies. The Hercules and Xena stories are revisionist tales of antiquity. Most of the names are right ("Hercules" instead of "Herakles", and the Roman "Cupid" instead of Greek "Eros" are notable exceptions), but anachronisms abound. We first see Xena sitting on her horse, complete with stirrups (1000 years before their invention) and saddle horn (2000 years early). Xena's sword is bronze, but steel implements abound in an era when Indian Wootz steel was a commodity valued above gold. The wet countryside of New Zealand doubles for the dry Mediterranean clime of Greece. And barbarian warriors look suspiciously like Maori. Obviously the emphasis is on entertainment rather than historical accuracy. It's a good thing, too, because the entertainment value is outstanding.

The premise of the series is that Xena was a teenager living in the Greek village of Amphipolis when it was attacked. She rallied her neighbors to mount a successful defense. Then she took the surrounding towns to have a defensive perimeter. One thing led to another, and Xena was a warlord terrorizing the countryside. But, true to her original intent, she spared defenseless women and children. When her underlings thought that made her soft she broke from them, and began an epic quest for redemption. Soon after this she met Gabrielle, a young villager whose community is raided. With ambitions exceeding her small town's reach Gabrielle decides to follow Xena on her travels.

Xena is a mythic hero. Lacking the godly strength of Hercules, she nevertheless matches him in battle by virtue of superhuman agility. Plus, as she says, "I have many skills" -- including tactics, strategy, eastern martial arts, horsemanship, medicine, and singing. Xena is at the top of her form when we first see her. In sharp contrast to this we watch Gabrielle as she transforms from quick-witted but unsophisticated villager to wannabe bard to reluctant warrior.

Lucy Lawless got an early entry into the Hercules/Xena universe; she played Lysia in "Hercules and the Amazon Women", the very first of the movies that preceded the "Hercules" series. In fact this earlier role was a strike against her when trying out for the part of Xena in the "Hercules" series. But hair dye, boots with lifts, and skin bronzer transformed Lucy Lawless (5' 10 1/2", light brown hair, pale skin) to Xena (6' tall, brown-black hair, olive complexion). Add in a passable American accent, and this native New Zealander carried off the role of an Americanized Greek mythic hero with aplomb. When you see Xena riding at the gallop or trading blows with a foe that's really Lucy Lawless; when Xena is tumbling through the air it's a stunt performer.

Renee O'Connor also got an early start; she played an earlier version of Deianeira, Hercules' wife, in "Hercules and the Lost Kingdom", the second Hercules movie, before landing the role of Gabrielle. In the first season of X:WP O'Connor is listed as "also starring", after the title; only Lawless gets "starring" billing.

Various continuing characters from "Hercules" appear in Season One of X:WP:
- Kevin Smith as Ares, God of War
- Kevin Sorbo as Hercules
- Michael Hurst as Iolaus (Hercules' sidekick); also as Charon
- Robert Trebor as Salmoneus, mercurial merchant
- Bruce Campbell as Autolycus, King of Thieves
- Erik Thomson as Hades, God of the Underworld

Season One of Xena introduced a number of new faces that would become familiar:
- Danielle Cormack as Ephiny, Amazon warrior
- Paul Norell as Falafel, food stand vendor
- Karl Urban, who would appear again in seasons 2+ as Julius Caesar
- Hudson Leick as Callisto, nemesis extraordinaire
- Ted Raimi as Joxer, bumbling would-be warrior

More notable one-shot guest stars from Season One included:
- Kate Hodge as Celesta, Goddess of Death
- Galyn G"rg as Helen of Troy
- Tim Thomerson as Meleager the Mighty
- Peter McCauley as Talmodeus

Season One of X:WP was shot on 16mm film to keep production costs down, so the DVD video transfer is no better than you'd expect. The audio is quite a bit better, including outstanding music by Joseph LoDuca. The Xena theme, in particular, is a wonderful mix of bouzouki, french horns, and strings to mix traditional Greek sounds with the stirring European classical melodies we've come to associate with inspirational themes.

The 7-disc Season One collection is remarkable mostly for what it DOESN'T have. There are NO extras in the Season One DVDs AT ALL. Each of the 24 episodes is 44 minutes 15 seconds or less. There are no DVD or CC captions. There are no extra chapter stops; each episode has 5 or 6 chapters. The 7th disc is a CD-ROM, with rather unremarkable content. There are no printed guides in the set.

6 DVDs, with 4 episodes each; 24 total episodes
1 CD-ROM:
- Screensaver
- Cast & Director bios
- "Scrolls" - episode cast lists, guest stars ("mortals" and "gods"), search through the scrolls text
- Season One trivia game

Xena: Warrior Princess is a fun, butt-kicking action series. It's a shame that the DVD collection of Season One is both low on extra content and high on price. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

ROCK SOLID TELEVISION ENTERTAINMENT
The entire hercules movie series is an intriguing thrillfest perfectly designed to bring fun back to television. I really hope its success lures writers and producers to kill off these stupid reality shows and bring entertainment back to televison. I am forced to rent movies now that there is normally never anything compelling to watch other than cop and law shows.

A Solid Genre Movie.
Early fans of Hercules and Xena may remember the weekend Action Pack movies of 1994. This was the second movie that stars Kevin Sorbo as Hercules, Anthony Quinn as Zeus, Renee O'Conner "Gabrielle" as princess Deianeira, Robert Trebor "Salmoneus" as servant Weylan, and Nathaniel Lees "Chairon the Centaur of Young Hercules" as the Blue Priest. Once again Hercules is sent on a quest to stop the goddess Hera by finding the lost city of Troy. Giants, Queens, Sea Monsters, the 48 sons of Martinus and a Blue Priest Cult army stand in his way. The movie is clever, fast-paced and a good example of what makes these shows fun to watch. The Deianeira/Blue Priest storyline reminded me of the Dreamworker Xena episode. Well worth watching.

Full movie, two hour episode with Renee O'Connor too!
Antony Quinn plays Zeus, Kevin Sorbo the mighty Hercules. Add Renee O'Connor (pre Gabrielle, side kick to Xena) in this early episode that helped to make Hercules The Legendary Journeys into a series. When war threatens, Hercules pledges to save Troy from attack. But, Hera who bares no love for Hercules, hides the city. The only way to find the land is by using a magical compass that will reveal its coordinates. Giving a helpful preview, Renee O'Connor plays a rescued innocent who sort of helps in the quest. Great fun, punny humor, wonderful cast, and the magic of Hercules' unique style.

Wow! The best one of all!
Herc is charming and funny and it's a two-hour movie, I didn't know it existed but it's the best one of all.

Fun For All Ages!
Although not quite living up to the first H:TLJ movie, "Hercules and the Amazon Women", this "Hercules and The Lost Kingdom" is a pleasant movie the entire family should enjoy. What is most interesting is that Kevin Sorbo's co-star is a very young Renee O'Conner who will go on to be Gabrielle in the "Xena, Warrior Princess" television show. In this movie she plays a young, fiesty woman who seems an orphan but is haunted by the idea that she is more than she appears. She tags along with Hercules and they find one adventure after another, including being swallowed up by a giant sea serpent! Robert Trebor also appears but NOT as Salmoneous (as he has been in both HERCULES and XENA series). Instead, he is a very willing slave that learns to be a hero. Over all, not a superior movie but the special effects are good and, as always, Kevin Sorbo is a wonder to watch. NOTE * Anthony Quinn again plays Zeus to perfection but, sadly, dashing Michael Hurst did not return as Iolaus. His absence was felt. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Xena's great!!!
This was a very sad season because it was the end but it was one of the best seasons!!! ... Read more

Reviews (138)

Great Movie, great disc
Like many, I was a BIG fan of both the "V" mini-series as a kid. Though even as a kid I found the dumbed-down weekly series to be sub-par, which is ironic considering I was the target demographic NBC was looking for. In rewatching the mini-series' as an adult it's apparent that "V: The Final Battle," while good, was also inferior to Ken Johnson's original. It's a shame he wasn't allowed to guide the further installments, "V" would probably still be on the air today in some form.

I wanted to clear up some of the confusion I'm seeing in these postings. First of all there is no missing footage, the mini-series is not cut in half. This DVD is exactly what it is billed as, "V - The Original Mini-Series." The original "V" was two parts which ran over two nights in 1983. It didn't have an ending, it wasn't really suppose to in order to tell its allegorical tale. The second mini-series, "V : The Final Battle" was three parts and aired over a year later. Both mini-series' were syndicated to UHF stations in the late eighties. Those stations usually ran all five parts over a week, though heavily edited. That might be what's confusing some. Considering this DVD has sold about four times better than Warner Bros. was expecting, I'd say it's a sure bet "The Final Battle" will be released on DVD before too long.

As to the Gag Reel, sadly it's not on the disc. It was supposed to be but unfortunately, Warner Bros. was unable to clear it for release. Too many of the actors wanted to be paid an additional fee for its inclusion on the disc. ... just never updated the information. Hope that helps!

''V'' is for ''Visionary''
*
"V," the NBC Television mini-series which first aired nearly two decades ago, was intended to be seen for its entertainment value though, admittedly, using some pre-mid 20th century historical elements to contribute to the overall plot and theme of the story -- specifically World War II Germany (the alien "national symbol" even resembling an incompleted 'connect-the-dots' swastika). Little did the writers, directors and producers of this mini-series realize that their sci-fi project was a late 20th century prophecy which would begin seeing fulfillment in the just few months shy of the dawning years of the 21st century.

The purchase of this DVD marked the very first time of my ever seeing this feature, and I was instantly hooked, especially by its dazzling high-octane opening sequence. The special effects were also nicely done considering the time period in which it was made, that it was a "made for television" movie, and the fact that it was made on the cheap. (It was also nice to see Robert Englund as something other than a flame-scarred tragedy figure.)

The story of "V" revolves around a race of seemingly benevolent space aliens who look, sound and act a lot like us. They convince the world that they are our friends and only wish to extend the hand of cooperation & unity and work toward a "common good" where all will benefit. But there are those who have some very gnawing suspicions about the "Visitors," that they are not quite everything they appear to be -- which is a serious understatement, for it turns out that the real agenda of the "Visitors" is to rape the planet of its most precious resources and enslave humanity.

"V's" creators obviously tried to parallel the story with National Socialist Germany, but in hindsight it becomes frighteningly obvious that "V" was as much a vision of the "historical future" as it was a view to the "historical past!" That unintentionally forseen future sneaked up on us and, just like in the mini-series, nobody took notice... until it was too late! That "future" which "V" foreshadowed occured during the "Campaign 2000" ("C2K") presidential [s]election! The similarities are too hauntingly similar:

> "V": "Visitors" came as "friends" promoting "brotherhood" and prosperity for all.
> "C2K": Republican nominee presented himself as a "compassionate uniter" who promised a strong, vibrant economy.

> "V": "Visitors" took control without being duly elected and under suspicious circumstances.
> "C2K": Republican presidential administration took control without being duly elected and under suspicious circumstances.

> "V": In order to usurp power, "Visitors" took advantage of impotent elected government officials.
> "C2K": In order to usurp power, Republicans took advantage of impotent elected Democrat government officials & politicians.

> "V": "Visitors" fabricated a non-existent energy crisis on their homeworld in order to plunder & exploit the precious natural resourses of earth.
> "C2K": Republicans fabricated a non-existent energy crisis in our homeland (in California specifically and in the whole of the United States in general) in order to plunder & exploit the precious natural resourses of the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve.

> "V": Major news media almost unilaterally gave supportive non-critical "pro-Visitor" spin to the news and did all they could to suppress independent media outlets and put a halt to, or discredit, any serious investigative news reporting.
> "C2K": Major news media almost unilaterally gave supportive non-critical "pro-Bush" spin to the news and did all they could to suppress independent media outlets and put a halt to, or discredit, any serious investigative news reporting.

> "V": Scientists were demonized by "Visitors" as unwholesome, unpatriotic, and even dangerous elements of society.
> "C2K": Environmentalists, corporate regulation advocates, and civil rights advocacy groups were demonized by Republicans as unwholesome, unpatriotic, and even dangerous elements of society.

> "V": "Visitors" preached peace and tolerance while instigating a very one-sided "endless war on terrorism," resulting in the repeal of certain rights guaranteed under Constitution-- including and especially 'free speech' --and labelling anyone critical of their unconstitutional actions as having sided with terrorists.
> "C2K": The Bush Administration preached peace and tolerance while instigating a very one-sided "endless war on terrorism," resulting in the repeal of certain rights guaranteed under Constitution-- including and especially 'free speech' --and labelling anyone critical of their unconstitutional actions as having sided with terrorists.

> "V": "Visitors" operated a 'secret government' from a base on their homeworld.
> "C2K": The Bush Administration established a secret government in an undisclosed location here in our homeland.

Where does one stop with all of the comparisons? The similarities are virtually endless! The only thing missing is a distinctive insignia to rally behind (that is, of course, if one doesn't already consider the American Flag to be it), designer costumes for the "Youth Brigades," and entire sweeps of towns and mass imprisonments.

In "V" the violators of our basic and most cherished rights were lizard-creatures wearing human-looking skin; In 21st century America they are human through-and-through, though they often speak with the 'forked tongue' of a reptile!

The makers of this mini-series probably had no idea they were developing a story with an eye on a direct future outcome, which makes this series even more enjoyable and even more disturbing to watch. Everyone should watch this video, not only for the entertainment value, but also as a warning and a wake-up call!

[Dialogue from the film]:
(Mike Donovan): "How did someone like that get to be your leader anyway?"
("Martin"): "Charisma. Circumstances, promises. Not enough of us spoke out to question him until it was too late."

* * *

"Do it Right.....V.......For Victory"
Sure the hair, Ferrari Sunglasses, and fashion scream 80's! The opening montage of the movie's stars pictured with thier names is straight out of any cheesy "movie-of-the-week" opening. But that is where "V"'s comparison to other made for TV movies ends. Look beyond all of that and you will find an engrossing story. A true underdog story that everyone will enjoy. Sure, "V" is basically a science fiction retelling of the Nazi takeover of Europe, but it is also much more. When I was a kid and this Mini-series first aired, me and my buddies couldn't get enough. Now watching it 20 years later, I wasn't sure how it would hold up. My wife who had never seen "V" figured I had just doomed her to another evening of "rubber" alien suited actors chasing half clothed women who are stupid enough to seperate themselves from the hero/heroine. But after about half an hour, "V" captured her imagination and attention as well. If you have never seen "V", then try not to find out too much of the story, and get this disk. Let if unfold for you the way it did for me back in 1983, and for my wife just the other night. You will be swept along on a journey that will not disappoint. The special effects hold up well, considering this was done before computer animation (which usually ends up looking worse than a guy in a rubber suit). The acting is okay too (I mean let's face it, "V" stars the Beastmaster guy and one of the students from The Greatest American Hero, plus a few scenes with Freddy Krueger), but it really is just the basic story that is so gripping. And now that this DVD is around $10 you just can't go wrong.

Not a complete piece
V is a rarity - a seminal achievment of classic sci-fi in a made-for-TV movie. This mini-series provides the groundwork, primarily the expository "these are the aliens, these people are the good guys, who's right and who's wrong" setup of the larger story. I remembered V very fondly from my youth, and was a bit dismayed to discover how seemingly incomplete this first mini-series was. When viewed with the now-available "V - The Final Battle" it's quite a satisfying ride. I would highly recommend buying "V" with "V - The Final Battle" and watching them as one. If you just buy this one, you'll be left wanting more.

Soon to be available? V - The Complete Series. A worthy continuation of the TV epic. At the time of its production, it was the most expensive per-episode TV series ever made. Now, a single cast member from "Friends" makes more per episode than an episode of "V" cost to make.

This mini-series is still awesome after 21 years!
After seeing this again, after 20 or so years, I still love it. Truly it is one of my favorite pieces of film of all time. It was way ahead of it's time in 1983. The storyline, special effects, and acting were all excellent, and the ending is climatic. Although it is 10 hours long, I didn't want to stop watching it, then or now. It really parrallels life, and hopefully will continue to open people's minds. I've now showed it to my children and pointed out how it is reminiscent of the holocaust in many ways. I definitely recommend that if you have never seen this, you do, and if it's been awhile, check it out again. It's fun the second time around. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

1.11 "Survivors" & 1.12 "By Any Means Necessary"
The common denominator for this pair of first season episodes from "Babylon 5" is that the government back on Earth is run by fascist idiots. Episode 11, "Survivors" (Written by Mark Scott Zicree, Aired May 4, 1994) has Babylon 5 getting ready for a visit by President Santiago. The stated reason is to present a new fighter wing to the station, several years late, but the popular suspicion is that he is trying to drum up support for his new alien trade and immigration policies. The station will have a lot to do to get ready for the visit but almost immediately there is an explosion in a cargo bay that needs renovation. The next thing we know Major Lianna Kemmer (Elaine Thomas), head of the president's security staff, arrives and is doing a heavy handed storm trooper routine, ramming her authority down everyone's throat at every opportunity. It also turns out that she and Garibaldi (Jerry Doyle) have an ugly history having to do with the death of her father seventeen years earlier. She has never forgiven Garibaldi for his part in her father's death and when the security chief is implicated in the sabotage on Babylon 5 she is ready to haul him away in chains.

Since we know that Garibaldi is innocent it is pretty easy to figure out who the real culprit is in this one. Apparently the whole point of the episode is to give Garibaldi a reason to start drinking again. Apparently when the going gets tough, Garibaldi gets drunk, which really does nothing to strengthen the character in our eyes. But then early on in the episode Garibaldi starts to come off the rails, picking fights with pickpockets for example. He spends a couple of minutes trying to figure out how to prove his innocence before sitting in a bar and getting drunk. Still, that will not stop him from being the hero at the end of this one. All of this character "depth" just rings hollow, and since the mystery is not that hard to crack this episode does not have that working for it either.

Episode 12, "By Any Means Necessary" (Written by Kathryn Drennan, Aired May 11, 1994) starts with an accident in the docking area causing the death of one of the workers. Apparently working conditions on the docks at Babylon 5 are deteriorating and the workers are prepared to launch an illegal strike. For Neeoma Connoly (Katy Boyer), the labor leader for the workers, the decision of the Earth government to not provide any of the budgetary increases needed for B5 is the last straw and the illegal strike is on. Earth sends its best negotiator, Orin Zento (John Synder) to resolve the dispute, but he is empowered to invoke the Rush Act and use military force to crush the workers. Meanwhile, just to give Commander Sinclair (Michael O'Hare) another headache, G'Kar (Andreas Katsulas) needs a G'Quan Eth for a religious ceremony important to his family and the only one on the station belongs to Londo (Peter Jurasik), who has a long list of grievances needing payback.

This episode reminds me of the alien in "Plan 9 From Outer Space" who declares "You Earth people are all idiots," because that is what I feel about the Earth government. The negotiator they send is a model of arrogance, with no semblance of diplomatic skills. How this clown is successful at settling anything is beyond me. Fortunately Sinclair has so much experience keeping alien species from killing each other on his station that he is able to take advantage of Zento's arrogance and a provision in the Rush Act that empowers him to end the strike "by any means necessary" to save the day. He is equally adept at resolving the G'Quan Eth dispute. If Sinclair was President of Earth the planet might have a chance, but I will not be holding by breath on that score.

Not the best, but still fun to watch.
In 'Survivors' we see the Earth President visiting the station. As the episode unfolds, we witness an attempt on the president's life, while his security chief holds Garibaldi responsible for it. We also learn information on Garibaldi's past, who escapes to Down Below while Sinclair tries to get him off the hook.

In 'By Any Means Necessary' a serious accident is causing a major strike and Sinclair has to work it out without betraying anyone: Earth dome, his crew or himself. Somewhat boring, but the side story is quite fun, as G'Kar and Mollari harass each other by stealing religious items. ... Read more

Reviews (65)

An Awsome Finale
This Director's cut of the contriversial series finale of Xena is amazingly emotional as well as action packed. Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor are at thier best as Xena and Gabrielle. A very poetic and symbolic ending to one of the greatest adventure stories ever. The Director's cut is so much better paced than the televised two part version. With audio commentary by Lucy and Renee as well as director Rob Tapert and a making of documentary make this a great addition to any Xena collection.

Buy only to see Renee's acting
I've watched the series since the beginning, have every episode on tape and the show will always remain one of my favorite series. However, FIN, even with the 30-minute extra footage is still bad, barely understandable, and full of holes. Why would anyone introduce ANOTHER storyline during a series finale is beyong reason. This story could have been told eariler during the season, and the final could have been focused on Gabrielle's attempt to bring her back (successfully or unsuccessfully). But to focus on Xena's past "crime" in Japa and her effort to redeem herself once again is silly.

Buy the DVD only to see the spectacular job that Renne O'Connor gives 110%. Gabrielle was totally believeable. Xena...that wasn't Xena. Maybe we can say it was all just a dream....

I thought the series finale was a fitting end to the series
I'm looking forward to seeing the directors cut since I did enjoy the series finale.I wish they had wrote season four and five with that intensity as they did for "When Fates Collide and Friend In Need I/II".I might have continued to watch the series but towards the middle of season four it seemed the writers had ran out of ideas and it seemed that every other episode the characters were breaking into song and dance or storylines made you scream at the television.....where's the plot?
This DVD Lucy,ROC and Tabert do a commentary during the showing of the finale,explaining what went where,why they did this instead of that.If you ever watched Mystery Theater it plays out the same way.You also have your other option of just watching without commentary.A few additional scenes that are added explain a little bit more.The behind the scenes is awesome and ROC actually climbed down that cliff to get to the urn!
Xena went out the same way she started on Hercules,as a Warrior!!!

Very sad but good!!
This story line is great and it ties into the Greece story line. Because Xena travels from Greece to her FINAL destination. It is the very last episode. The directors cut is better than the series final that was broadcasted on TV. I own both. It is sad to see her go. But it was time for the Xena series to end. I have been collecting a lot of Xena series. I have one more to go and I have them all. My honest opinion is that the last 2 series are some of the best written always keeping you on guard to what is to come next. Xena will always live on in the hearts of her fans.

Once again the day is saved...but gone forever...
I have never seen a better series berfore in my life. Although I have only seen it once, I feel as though I am connected. I am sure others would agree that if they have seen it once they would like to see it again and just capture the moments. When Xena died I felt a part of me go with her. I want to see her entire series all over again. I may not have brought a DVD or book yet but it seems i will soon. Gabrell and Xena belonged together forever but now Xena is gone. I watch Hercules every day now and hope that an episode with Xena will show. I LOVE YOU XENA!!! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Delicious primer into XENA's dark side.
This is the first episode in which Xena is shown. Not first with Lucy Lawless (she played an Amazon in an earlier Herc episode) Anyhoo, this tale is about Xena's darkness ending. When Hercules boldy challenges her reign of terror, she deviously targets his weak spot by seducing Iolaus and luring Hercules into a perilous trap. All right Xena. Oops. Love this episode. You really should get all three episodes as they tend to be one massive tale about XENA : Warrior Princess

spanktacular!!!
Turn the sound down and some Barry White up. You know what I'm talking about!

Lucy at her best!
I loved it!! You get to see the frightening side of Xena that you rarely get to see on the the show. A must see for you true Xena and Hercules fans!!!

I've seen better
It was horrible,so I gave it five stars

Mad Cheddar
This film is off da hook and features sorbo at his best! Highly Recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

the final and finest season of them all....
I've been an unconditional Xena fan from day one & I'm convinced there will never be another show as noble, profound, rare and all encompassing as Xena: Warrior Princess was. With that, I own all 6 box sets & this season, hands down, is my FAVORITE for more reasons that I can express. The chemistry between Xena (Lucy Lawless) & Gabrielle (the brilliant Renee O'Connor) was always unsurpassed but they both just ILLUMINATED every adventure, every script, and every moment of this season like it was nothing. The acting was immeasurable and flawless, the plots were salted with idealism, stories of retribution and forgiveness, everlasting love, inexplicable sacrifice and unrelenting bravery, the profound depths of one's being exposed...EVERYTHING was touched upon this season. The special effects were top notch, the sets were lush and rich, the guest stars were excellent, the dialogue consisting of nothing but the best & their devotion to one another the strongest it ever was.

6th SEASON FAVES INCLUDE:

Who's Gurkhan?
When Gabrielle learns that her niece has been captured by the vicious raider Gurkhan, she sets sail for North Africa on a rescue mission with Xena, Eve, and Virgil.

Legacy
Xena and Gabrielle intervene to help two tribes unite against their Roman enemies in the North African desert.

The Abyss
Xena and Gabrielle are forced into a deadly confrontation with cannibals when they go in search of Virgil. Contains the famous cave scene where Xena embraces the very hypothermic Gab

The Rheingold
Xena embarks on a deadly mission involving her dark past when the Norse warrior Beowulf approaches her for help.

The Ring
Xena must battle a monster of her own making to recover the destructive Rheingold ring she forged in her evil Xena days.

Return of the Valkyrie
Xena battles to regain her memory and reverse the curse of the Rheingold ring.

You Are There
In an ancient world meets modern-day satire, a tabloid TV reporter stalks Xena and Gabrielle, determined to get a juicy scoop on the Warrior Princess.

When Fates Collide- BEST EPISODE EVER
Xena finds herself empress of Rome when Caesar chains the three Fates and cuts the strands of time. Mad surprises await....

To Helicon and Back
When the Amazon Queen Varia is kidnapped by a masked warrior, Gabrielle leads the Amazons to Helicon on a bloody rescue mission.

Many Happy Returns
On Gab's birthday, the two prevent a group of religious fanatics from sacrificing a virgin and teach her the ways of the world along with Aphrodite. Features the BEAUTIFUL Sappho poem written for Gabrielle.

Soul Possession
When an ancient scroll chronicling the life of Xena surfaces in the present, conflicts arise among the reincarnations of Xena, Gabrielle, Ares and Joxer. (also has clips)

ONE GREAT SEASON!!!
As sad as I was to hear that my beloved Xena would be taken off the air I was also hopefull that it would be a great sign off. And I was not disappointed. The last season defines what Xena was all about. Funny, heartbreaking, touching, and heroic. All in all it was not a let down. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

An Enthousiastic Glimpse Of What's Yet To Come!
To the newer fans who can't remember Cordelia as popular, Giles as a librarian or the wrath of the Master, this video of the first two episodes of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" offers an enthousiastic glimpse of what's yet to come.

Buffy has already been slaying vampires for some time as "Welcome to the Hellmouth" begins and, after adults perceive her actions as part of a violent attitude, she moves to Sunnydale to start her life over. Despite Buffy's determination to retire from slaying, the new watcher Giles convinces her of Sunnydale's proxmity to the Hellmouth and the importance of fighting the Master. After the story background has been introduced and Willow, Xander and Buffy become friends, "The Harvest" illustrates the newfound importance of their fighting team against the forces of evil. Also, the story introduces Buffy's mother, Joyce, and her first meeting with the mysterious Angel.

Don't miss the interview with creator Joss Whedon just before the episodes air (I recommend watching them after you see both shows). This is a wonderful introduction to establish Buffy's reasons for slaying and the foundation of the soon-to-be Scooby gang!

Buffy Rocks As Always
I have been a big fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer since about the middle of first season. I did not get to see how she arrived in Sunnydale or how she befriended Xander and Willow. Also the introduction to Angel was a sight to behold as well. "She is the Slayer..." as Giles put it and this video proves it so. I'm glad these shows have been put to videotape for all to relive and enjoy the series. I plan to collect all of them!!

I Bought the Complete First Season on DVD!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an outstanding show and a mix of Fantasty, Horror, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Drama, and Action and Adventure! Welcome to The Hellmouth is the first episode of season 1 and shows Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) on her first day at Sunnydale High after moving from Los Angeles with her Mom after being kicked out of her old high school. She is hoping to start over and to give up being the Slayer but the school librarian Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) turns out to be her new Watcher and he must convince her that she needs to fight the forces of evil in Sunnydale which is sitting on the Hellmouth. On her first day she meets Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) who is the most popular girl in school and she also meets Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon) and Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan) who is a shy wallflower type constantly being made fun of by Cordelia and her friends and when Buffy sees the way Cordelia treats Willow and Xander she decides she would rather be friends with them then become one of the popular girls by hanging out with Cordelia. Willow and Xander soon discover that their new friend is a slayer of vampires and other demons and decide that they want to help. The big bad of this season is a Vampire called The Master who is played by Mark Metcalf who some older Buffy fans may remember as playing Nedemeyer (SP?) from Animal House. We are also introduced to Darla (Julie Benz) and the mysterious Angel (David Boreanaz). The Harvest is the second part of Welcome to the Hellmouth in which Buffy with the help of her watcher and friends must stop the Master's gang of vampires from completing ritual sacrifices that will restore the Master from the underground. I highly recommend these episodes. I don't have the videos but opted instead to buy the boxset that has the complete first season on DVD!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the Beginning, Take 2
In "Welcome to the Hellmouth" Buffy Summers moves to Sunnydale in the wake of that unfortunate incident where the gym burned down (an allusion to the climax of the film version, which you certainly do not need to see to appreciate these episodes). She yearns for a normal life, but suddenly she is confronted with a new Watcher, a mysterious dark stranger named Angel, and the little known fact that Sunnydale is located on the Hellmouth, a demon portal of the first order. At the present time the big bad in town is the Master, a vampire lord trapped below and waiting for his time to rise up, kill the Slayer, destroy the human race, etc. However, the most important element for redefining Whedon's vision is the creation of the Scooby Gang of Willow, Xander and (later) Cordelia. The master metaphor here is that High School is Hell, and it is the Scoobies that help bring that out the most and gives the Buffy storyline added depth.

"The Harvest" picks up right where Part One left off, with Buffy about to get the bite from Luke, the Master's right hand vamp. The title refers to a rather special night where the Master selects a vessel who will go out and feed upon the Sunnydale night life with all that power being transferred to the big bad guy trapped down below. The mystery of Angel is played out a bit more, but the most important thing is that this is merely round one in what would prove to be a season long battle between the Slayer and the Master.

Joss Whedon did not like the campy twist his script was given in the theatrical version of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and this two-part pilot episode for the television series reaffirms the correctness of his original twist on the girl who beats up the monsters that attack her in the dark alleyway. For those of you who love this television series from the start or are going back to find out how all the merriment began, this is definitely your starting point. It provides a solid foundation for the series and holds up extremely well, better than most pilot episodes do several years down the road.

Better than most movies.
This is where the television series began and picks up more or less
where the movie left off. You can start here, you don't need to have
seen the original movie. All you need to know is that Buffy is the
current slayer and that a slayer is someone given special superhuman
powers that enables them to fight the supernatural in all their
forms.

Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) has been brought from her old
school (in the movie) to the town of Sunnydale by her mother for a new
start, unfortunately it turns out that as luck (or design would have
it), Sunnydale is built on a gate to hell called the Hellmouth. This
sets the premise for the show, in that frequently various monsters are
attracted to the presence of the Hellmouth and cause all kinds of
mayhem each week.

This tape is the first two episodes of the first
series. It introduces and brings the major characters together for the
first time: Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), Buffy's new watcher
and doubling (as cover) as the school librarian, Xander (Nicholas
Brendon) and Willow (Alyson Hannigan), two of the people so far on the
outer of the in crowd they might as well be in another solar system
and Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter), very much part of the in crowd and
someone that the rest of the group continually cross swords
with.

This two part opener is fairly straightforward, it introduces
the Season 1 villain, The Master (Mark Metcalf) who is trapped
underground....
...his henchmen led by Luke (Brian Thompson - best known as the
shapeshifting alien bounty hunter from the X-Files) and Darla (Julie
Benz)...

This
is a great start to the television series and it is amazing how the
actors have portrayed their characters so well from the very first
episode. It also sets the tone of the show, in that not only is there
frequent battles with monsters but also having to deal with high
school, classes, the principal and people who just don't like you
because you're not in the 'in crowd' at the same time.

This tape is
a great introduction to the show and makes a great gift to introduce
the show to anyone who hasn't seen it before, with a great mix of
humour and action. ....

Anyway, as I said these two episodes are better than most
movies made and chances are if you like this sort of thing, you will
especially like this. Hopefully, you will also want to keep following
the show as it is also actually one of the most skillfully written and
insightful shows around at the moment as well.

Highly recommended.






... Read more

Reviews (31)

One of the Best
Season Two of Xena is one of my favorites. The first season was a little 'bleh' as it was busy getting it's feat wet. Season Two was well worth the wait. The actual quality of the dvd set is much better than the first one. Even though the first group of episodes in S2 were still shot in 16mm, the season two set does a better job of cleaning up the film grain. The coolest thing about this set besides the episodes, is the audio and video commentary tracks with Lucy Lawless(Xena), Renee O'Connor(Gabrielle) and Rob Tapert(writer,producer,director). Lucy and Renee are just too funny as they tend to go the Mystery Science Theatre 3000 route and just make fun of themeselves.The Rob Tapert commentary is a little frustrating,as the guy only talks about how he wishes he could have done this better and that different (The same problem with the FIN dvd). He doesn't seem to be very happy with his eps, oh well, I like em. My favorite things in S2 are Hudson Leick(Callisto)'s brilliant performance as Xena's arch nemesis. Renee(Gabrielle)'s growth as an actress (The Quest) and introduction of the comedy episodes (Warrior...Princess...Tramp, A Day In The Life).

Just the DVD facts (ma'am)
[Summary: Just over 4.5 stars; a big step up from Season One's DVD collection]

Note: Just in case you haven't already watched X:WP Season Two, this review contains NO SPOILERS.

Xena: Warrior Princess Season Two DVD collection summary:
- 6 DVDs, with 4 episodes each except for 2 in the last; 22 total episodes.
- 1 CD-ROM, with largely useless content.
- Video: MUCH better than the grainy 16mm film transfer of Season One.
- Audio: Dolby Digital throughout (a big step up from the Dolby Stereo of Season Two).
- DVD Extras: Good-quality stills, plus audio and video commentary on three episodes. Season One included zip - nada - bupkus. MUCH better!
- CD-ROM: Same old junk as was included for Season One. Why?
- Price: Lower than Season One, for better quality. Yay!
- Episodes: 22. Season One had 24. The only comparative downside.

Season One rated just over 3.5 stars. Season Two is worth a bit over 4.5 stars -- a major step up.

Disc 1: Portrait of Gabrielle on label
- Orphan of War
- Remember Nothing
- The Giant Killer
- Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Disc Extras:
- Still Gallery
- Weblink to www.xenadvd.com

Disc 2: Portrait of Joxer on label
- Return of Callisto
"Return of Callisto" extras: Audio and video commentary by Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor
- Warrior ... Princess ... Tramp
- Intimate Strangers
- Ten Little Warlords

Disc 3: Picture of Xena on label
- A Solstice Carol
- The Xena Scrolls
- Here She Comes ... Miss Amphipolis
- Destiny
"Destiny" extras: Audio and video commentary by Rob Tapert

Disc 4: Picture of Xena (as "Miss Amphipolis") on label
- The Quest
- A Necessary Evil
- A Day in the Life
"A Day in the Life" extras: Audio and video commentary by Lucy Lawless, Renee O'Connor, and Rob Tapert
- For Him the Bell Tolls

Disc 5: Picture of Xena and Draco on label
- The Execution
- Blind Faith
- Ulysses
- The Price
(No extras.)

Disc 6: Picture of Cupid on label
- Lost Mariner
- A Comedy of Eros
(No extras.)

Disc 7 (CD-ROM): Picture of Xena and Gabrielle on label
- Screensaver
- Cast & Director bios
- "Scrolls" - episode cast lists, guest stars ("mortals" and "gods"), search through the scrolls text
- Season Two trivia game

The audio commentaries are the usual option, easily available through the menu for each of the three episodes. The video commentaries are a subset (about 40% in each case) of the audio commentaries, with images of the commentators sitting in front of a wide-screen TV watching the episodes. The same set (except for number of chairs) is used in all three video commentaries.

X:WP Season Two contains performances by the following recurring characters from the Hercules/Xena world:
- Ted Raimi as Joxer, bumbling would-be warrior
- Hudson Leick as Callisto, nemesis extraordinaire
- Kevin Smith as Ares, God of War
- Robert Trebor as Salmoneus, mercurial merchant
- Bruce Campbell as Autolycus, King of Thieves
- Danielle Cormack as Ephiny, Amazon warrior
- Michael Hurst as Iolaus (Hercules' sidekick)
- Tim Thomerson as Meleager the Mighty
- Alexandra Tydings as Aphrodite, Goddess of Love
- Karl Urban as both Julius Caesar and Cupid (son of Aphrodite) ) (should actually be "Eros"; "Cupid" is his Roman name)
- Jay Laga'aia as Draco

More notable one-shot guest stars from Season Two included:
- Lisa Zane as Miss Skiros
- Mindy Clarke as Velasca
- Rachel Blakely as Penelope
- Tony Todd as Cecrops

More butt-kicking fun in the Hercules/Xena world. Get your copy, make some popcorn, and have a party!

Fabulous TV Show, Grainy DVD
I love Xena Warrior Princess and Hercules Legendary Journeys, and season 2 is Xena at her best. Destiny is one of the five best episodes of Xena ever; it reveals what made Xena into the Warrior Princess rather than just another petty warlord, and it has that great Gaelic song. I didn't pay much attention to Remember Nothing when it aired on television, but after watching it twice on dvd, I've realized how important it is to the series. However, the quality of the dvd did not match the quality of the show. It's very grainy; actually, it's the poorest quality of any dvd I've ever seen.

Great season of a great show!
A unique mix of action, drama, and humor, of fantasy, history and myth, made X:WP a unique show. All these qualities are on display in Xena's Season 2, probably the show's second best next to S3. Highlights include outstanding drama such as THE RETURN OF CALLISTO, DESTINY, A NECESSARY EVIL and THE PRICE, and sparkling comedy such as the unforgettable A DAY IN THE LIFE, TEN LITTLE WARLORDS and A COMEDY OF EROS (which combines madcap comedy with genuine poignant pathos at the end). Other terrific eps: REMEMBER NOTHING, INTIMATE STRANGER, THE QUEST, BLIND FAITH, LOST MARINER. Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor really come into their own in this season. The supporting cast shines too: Hudson Leick does a superb job not only as Callisto but as Xena in the body switch episodes, INTIMATE STRANGER and TEN LITTLE WARLORDS. The late lamented Kevin Smith shows two very different sides of Ares, God of War -- the cruel arrogant god and the suddenly human mortal. Ted Raimi as Joxer raises his character above mere comic relief, giving him true nobility and poignancy. There's also Karl Urban in dual roles as Caesar and Cupid, Alexandra Tydings as Aphrodite, and a notable guest appearance by Tony Todd in LOST MARINER.

I found the picture and sound quality to be excellent. There could have been more in the way of commentary and bonus footage (no outtakes here, for instance), but still this is a great buy for any Xena fan.

Excellent
All I can say is if you like midevil stories and books like that then this is the series for you. Lucy is excellent. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

THe best video in the pack
These two episdoes are the best in the pack. First you got Angel which is the episode when Buffy learns the truth about Angel and when they share there first kiss. Then you have the puppet show. Even though many people don't like it I think it's one of the greatest epsidoes in the video pack. A horrible murder happens at the school talent show and Buffy suspects that sid, a wodden dummy is the killer.

Out of all the Buffy movies this is the Must Have video!
I have all three Buffy The Vampire Slayer videos and all are great. In "Angel" and "The puppet show" it is full of comedy, and drama. Sarah Michelle Geller and David Boreanaz are wonderful together. This is a must have video!

Angel-The Puppet Show
The VDO is good i like the angel episode:D...the puppet show wz ok but the VDO is worth it 4 just the Angel episode:D

Buffy learns the truth about Angel (and about Sid the dummy)
This third and final tape in the collection of episodes from the first season of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" presents "Angel," one of the pivotal episodes, along with a rather pedestrian effort "The Puppet Show." What this means of course is that like most aficionados of Buffy I am stunned that the set concludes with "The Puppet Show" instead of the pivotal "Prophecy Girl" which wrapped up the whole story arc regarding the Master. Fortunately, Joss Whedon has been more selective in his collections for seasons two and three.

"Angel," written by David Greenwalt, really completes the initial set up for the series as Buffy learns that the mysterious man in her life is not only a vampire, but also a vampire with a soul. What a difference a kiss can make. This is where the ascent to the epic heights of "Becoming," which ended the second season, really begins as Buffy and Angel are established as two of the most star-crossed lovers in history. After the shattering revelation in "Angel," the adventure of Sid the talking dummy in "The Puppet Show," written by Dean Batali & Rob Des Hotel, is something of a let down, although the tag sequence of Buffy, Willow and Xander butchering "Oedipus Rex" is truly memorable. But when it comes to significant episodes in the Buffy mythos, "Angel" is definitely on the short list.

The Buffy episode of "Angel" is a keeper, but "Puppet Show"?
"Angel" is a very pivotal episode from the first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer when Buffy discovers her boyfriend is a vampire with a soul, but "The Puppet Show" is a below average one, although the tag sequence is a hoot. Why you would want just this tape instead of the entire boxed set is beyond me. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Babylon 5
It's my personal opinion that Bablylon 5 is the best show that has ever been on television, Science Fiction or otherwise. This is the end of an incredible 5 year story arc, it's powerful and moving, and not at all the typical ending for a television series. I won't say more and ruin it for you!

The end of story of the last of the Babylon Stations
One word describes this set: WOW! JMS takes a totally different tract with the end of the series than other shows and its worth it. While shows like Star Trek go out in big battles, these episodes show a winding down of the past five years. People's lives are changed and everyone gets a proper goodbye, leaving the newcomers to do the jobs they set out to.

But the real gem of this collection is the series finale, "Sleeping in Light." A very moving hour of storytelling set 20 years past the time of the penultimate episode, we learn the final fate of some of the characters. It is *very* moving and *very* touching, a can't miss for any fan of science fiction or just those who love great stories.

this video rocks
JMS is the man. These videos show the last 4 episodes of the series and a re not to be missed.

Series complete. Maybe...
There is a hole in your mind. Since Amazon won't get off their encounter-suited butts to tell you what this set contains, allow me. This 2-pack is the last from the Wheel of Fire season and includes 5.11 WHEEL OF FIRE/OBJECTS IN MOTION and 5.12 OBJECTS AT REST/SLEEPING IN LIGHT. This is the first 2-tape set to be released. With the exception of the first, unless they get really creative, each season will likely be released this way. (Do the math.) I'd be willing to bet the after-series movies will be released as individuals the way In The Beginning was. ... Read more

Description

Volume 3 features the episodes "Becoming, Part 1" and "Becoming, Part 2." ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A heart-wrenching, incredible set of episodes
"Becoming," parts 1 and 2, are two of the most intense episodes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Ending the show's second season, the episodes wrapped up a lot of story lines that had been building in the seasons before, and also created a beginning for storylines to come. Part 1 of "Becoming" focuses on Angel's past, showing how he became a vampire, how he made Drusilla a vampire, and how his soul was returned to him. Fastforward to 1996: Angel is living on the streets, near starvation, when he is found by a good demon named Whistler, who takes Angel to Los Angeles to see a pre-slayer Buffy. Part 2 returns to the present, where Buffy must make some life-and-death decisions. I won't give anything away, but the last 5 minutes of the episode are perhaps the saddest, most intense 5 minutes in Buffy history. If this episode doesn't bring tears to your eyes, nothing will. Superb performance by the entire cast in one--okay two--incredible episodes. Every Buffy should fan should have the Becoming episodes on tape.

Probably the best 'Buffy' episodes ever
With 100 episodes already aired and the new series currently being broadcast, this TV show has only gone from strength to strength. But whatever you think about the later series, there's no denying that 'Becoming' parts 1 and 2 make for fantastic watching. Here we see in full evidence what Joss Whedon managed to create: a show that seems to be aimed at teens but actually has a lot more to it, a gothic-fantasy-comi-tragedy masterpiece.

In this episode Angelus plans the end of the world when he finds the tomb of the demon Acathla. Buffy has to keep her romantic feelings for the vicious killer under wraps and stop him before Acathla can destroy the world. Sounds silly doesn't it? Well, what most people don't realise is the genius of 'Buffy'. It uses overexaggeration to demonstrate the true trauma of adolescense, a horror unto itself. Here it literally is the end of the world when Buffy's boyfriend doesn't want her anymore. He changes, only literally.

Among this we also get a fantastic fight between Buffy and Xander, Kendra's return and some dramatic outbursts. There are some fantastic scenes, such as when Buffy's mother finds out about her 'identity'. We get mom on the side asking her daughter if she's 'tried not being a slayer' and the mutual frustration at loving one another but quite understanding each other. Then there's the end, which will blow the audience away. The acting from all concerned (but particularly Gellar and Boreanaz) is excellent, as we are led to a tragic conclusion. Sarah McLachlan's 'Full Of Grace' perfectly fits the end.

All in all, a real winner.

2 of the Best Buffy Episodes Ever!
This tape contains two episodes of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer": the season 2 two-part finale "Becoming, Parts 1 and 2." Buffy's former boyfriend Angel, a vampire, is plotting the end of the world and Buffy must stop him. He's trying to revive a centuries-old demon named Acathla, who will suck the entire world into Hell. To stop him, Buffy must form some alliances with a new demon in town named Whistler and vampire nemesis Spike, who wants his girlfriend back. This is one of the best TV cliffhangers ever, and "Becoming, Part 2" is consistently rated as one of the top episodes by fans. If you're a Buffy fan, this is a must have video.