Reviews (37)

PLEASE!!!!!
Please make the ewok movies available on DVD. My 3 sisters and I continuosly watched this movie as children and I would love to be able to share it with my child. I can't believe that they are thinking of not releasing it. I recently found our old movies when my Grandparents moved. I tried to watch them, but they were so worn out that you couldn't watch the movie, but I can't bear to throw them out.PLASE bing this movie back, you'll make a fortune with all the new generations of Star Wars fans!!

Ewoke Adventure and Battle of Endor
I have both of these movies on VHS but would love to get them on DVD. I remember when I was a little girl just loving the Ewoks, it was the only Star Wars I like since they were in it. I wanted to be Cindal and I had a stuffed Wicket. This movie is great for children, I just watched it 2 nights ago with my 4 year old niece, she is as hooked as I was at her age. Timeless Classic!

good for the kids ony
this movie is a rather obvious attempt to cash in on the popularity the ewoks gained during the return of the jedi movie.nobody youve ever heard of isin it.but kids dont care,so theyll like it anyway.if you can listen really closely,a ewok cusses,but besides that,there is nothing to warp thier minds.it is not nearly as good as the star wars movies so dont be fooled!at one point a ewok gets killed.this could freak them out.the real deal on this one is that its cute for small children butthats about it.

Fun, FUn, FUN!
This movie really does take you back to when you were a child...well atleast if you were a child a couple years after it was released! 20 years later and this is still a classic! I can't wait for the DVD to come out! George Lucas is the man!

please come out on DVD
This movie was an amazing part of my childhood and the childhoods of many of my friends. I wish they would release it on DVD so that this generation could experience this amazing movie as well ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Great, great movie... but beware...
This is one of the funniest movies that I've ever seen. I had waited for YEARS for a chance to buy a copy after seing it on cable. BUT... sadly... this is the editied version. The uncut version (which I think was even edited on some cable channels!) is MUCH funnier. This is another case of adult humor being cut from animation because parents can't be bothered to police what their kids watch, I suppose. Even so, the cut version is great for kids because of the awesome animation and has enough humor to keep adults entertained as well.

Classic tale of Good vs. Evil with lovable heros
"... I know where to push it." -Ralph, the All-Purpose Animal

Twice Upon a Time is the story of Ralph the All-Purpose Animal and his buddy Mumford the No-Purpose Nothing.
They are misfits in the land of Frivoli, where sweet dreams are made. Unable to do much else with any success, they are challenged to... take out the garbage. They come across Flora Fauna, Rod Rescueman, Greensleeves, and the Fairy Godmother (FGM to you... she hates excess verbiage.)

The Villians in this tale are in the Murkworks, a giant filth-belching castle where nightmares are made. Synonymess Botch is the head villian. His agenda: Nightmares for everyone, all the time! Botch's henchmen include Ibor, Scuzzbopper, Ratatooi, and Rudy and the Minions.

While the songs in the movie forever date it an 80's film (Bruce Hornsby? ), we are forced to listen to them while the plot unfolds. I also noticed that some scenes are missing and the VHS edit isn't perfect... But these are the ONLY downsides to this animated treasure.
The surround sound encoding makes this one worth purchasing for ANYONE with a home theater. (When have you ever known George Lucas to take sound lightly?)

The animation style, while cuts outs, is not as crude or choppy as South Park. The character motions are fluid. (When I finally realized that Lumage was cut-out and not drawn animation, I was floored!)

The puns fly, the "asides" are hilarious, and the sub-references will keep you laughing. (Just watch the battle between Ibor and Rod Rescueman... if you don't laugh at that, you'd don't have a funny bone!)

While this aminated feature may not be for your kids, it is DEFINATELY for you! Like to laugh? BUY THIS MOVIE!

The uncut version is much much better
It is a shame in a country that is supposed to be free that we can't even buy movies in the version that they were released in. Shame on Warner & Lucas for not letting adults have the choice of which version to buy. It's bad enough that our news is filtered, altered & edited by major corporations to shape our opinions. Now entertainemt is being systematicly softend & polished not offend anyone. Now that the Carlye group (partly owned by the Bush family) has now bought out Loewe's movie theater's I'm sure that this will become the norm and now filmmakers will never dare to make movies containing any risque or objectionable content. Thank God for independent film & independtly owned theaters or we would just be watching the same 10 feel good films over & over again.

The REST of the story,..
OK - as far as the 2 versions of this movie. There were 2 people involved in the making - John Korty and Bill Couterie - the 'Adult' version was made possible by Bill Couterie. John Korty didn't like or approve this version. Thanks to Ladd films going under, they didn't advertise this movie and threw all their advertising cash for "The Right Stuff", hoping it would pull them through;... and it didn't. SO, this movie never really had a chance. When "Twice" made it to cable (HBO) - they showed the reels with Bill's version and John threatened to sue if it was shown anymore (did you notice how the 'adult' version wasn't on for very long?). Showtime got the 'clean' version. The version on this videotape is the version approved by John (who holds more power than Bill). It's a pity, really, as the 'adult' version is actually better and DOES make more sense. But it's VERY doubtful that it will ever be released in that version onto DVD (or any other format short of bootleg). Sorry to disappoint everyone. I know all this info as I used to be the president of the Twice Upon A Time Fan Club (still have numerous items from the movie - but my 'adult' version was stolen - only have a partial HBO copy of it now. If anybody out there has the complete 'adult' version - please contact me through my yahoo address at Nameless_Monster.) 5 stars to the 'adult' version - 3 to the 'clean' version.

Release a dvd!
i saw this movie when i was a kid, taped it and watched it till the video died. Now I desperately want it on dvd or at least a pal vhs!
Wicked movie!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Painfully Stupid
I caught this movie DEADLY MATRIMONY on the worst channel on cable television, you guessed it, the Lifetime channel! To be brief, it is overly melodramatic, poorly acted, and a pain in the gulliver to watch.( A CLOCKWORK ORANGE referance )
The only good part about it( spoilers, wait, it can't be a spoiler anyway because no one in the future will ever see this weak, pathetic excuse for a movie, and if they do I pity them )was the part where Treat Williams kills his wife with a poker. Wait, before you think, "what a sick and twisted misfit excuse for a human being", I think that is the only good scene not for its violence, but because it suprised me. I had no idea she would die right then, I thought she would learn how to fight and then kill him like so many other bad drama films like the highly atrocious, ENOUGH with Jennifer Lopez( ouch! ). And this is one of the only movies I saw that the geek gets the girl.
Oh, and did I mention that Treat Williams ... in this movie.

A good film
This is a good movie about a brave cop. Brian Dennehy is terrific. And I think that the movie is fair to Alan Masters -- after all, he was convicted, along with two others. The stories in the movie are also in a couple of books about the case!

Deadly Matrimony
I thought the movie was very good. I find it hard to believe he's not guilty since there were others convicted also. I think it showed a lot of courage of Jack Reed.

Pack of Lies
This is nothing but a bunch of lies about Alan Masters, a good man unjustly imprisoned. Were he the type the movie portrays him as, he'd have had the producers in court battling not to lose every penny they have after making this defamatory piece of trash. Instead, he suffered in silence until he died alone in prison. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Heatwarming Movie!!
This is a heatwarming movie starring John Lithgow about a couple having a premature baby.Watch the movie for the outcome.It's a must see!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nice Movie!!
This is a great movie starring Mark Harmon about the trials and tribulations of a pioneer early American family of sharecroppers.Check it out!! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This 1973 television movie about 110 years of American history as seen through the eyes of a black woman from Louisiana (Cicely Tyson) is a terrific achievement, a window onto racism from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Tyson gives a career performance as the title character, whose personal life is inextricably woven into the fabric of the African American struggle for equality. A mixture of the sentimental and the unflinching, this is the kind of educational experience that fully engages a viewer. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Fiction Was Never This Real
This is one of those works of fiction that is so realistic that the viewer can only assume that this is the story of a real American heroine, not a composite of the many unsung greats of the past. Cicely Tyson is magnificent as both the young and aged Miss Pittman. Her performance should go down as one of the best ever done for the small or the big screen. Every minute that she is in view is a major glimpse into the talent of a great actress.

The excellent script that traces the 110 years of the title character includes many of the critical points in the life of African-Americans from Reconstruction on to the Civil Rights struggle of the early 1960's. This is history that is informative as well as entertaining.

As an educator by profession, I heartily recommend this film to be a staple in every media center's video library. Timeless and relevant, "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" is an undeniable masterpiece!

That's MISS Jane to you.....
I first saw this movie in the gymnasium of my elementary school years ago when it was probably just released! Wow! History revealed through the eyes of a 110 year-old woman who was born into slavery and lived to see the turbulent civil rights movement era. Standout performances by all. When I was younger, I used to think Miss Jane Pitman was not just a fictitious person! The only thing that keeps me from giving this dvd five stars is the picture and sound quality could have been improved. I still wouldn't let that deter anyone from purchasing this dvd. Watchable over and over again. I dare you not to get a little misty eyed in the final scene of this film!

Excellent!
All I can add is that it's better than the book, at least in one significant way: The book does not have the ending the movie has, and the book leaves one just hanging out there, while the movie brings the story to a beautiful climax.

Read the book (or listen to it on tape), and then watch the movie. Awesome. Having read the book after seeing the movie several times, I felt like I had been ripped off and couldn't believe the book ended at a dead end. Thanks to the movie, my mood is repaired.

Better than the Book
It is not often that a movie is better than the book based upon. But this is one case where even a great book is surpassed. I needn't add to other reviews. It is an absorbing movie, very moving to those sensative to human rights. Even though the movie concerns Black Americans, it speaks universally to the injustice usually found in the heart of the human race.

But I will mention one thing about the movie that I believe definitively places the movie above the book. I will not describe this thing so that those who have read the book, but haven't seen the movie, will have it spoiled for them. The book ends at a particular point, I believe an unfortunate point, resulting in a dead ending. But the movie continues where the book leaves off, and the sequence of scenes is wonderful, truly pulling together the movie in a truly powerful ending.

Finally, I believe the movie is better than Roots (the series). And if you are interested in Roots, the book is better than the series.

Unforgettable
I saw this movie when it was first released with my brothers and cousins. I was the youngest at six years old. I had nightmares for that summer expecting men in white hoods to leap through my window and I was a six year old white child. Now that I have grown up and am knocking on 37 years of age, I have been wanting to see that movie again. I was too young to see it when I did, but it is an exceptional movie, one that I believe blows Roots out of the water. ... Read more

Description

"One of TV's all-time best." -Leonard Maltin The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman

This highly acclaimed drama, based on the epic novel by Ernest J. Gaines, eloquently covers the story of the Black Experience - from the Civil War to the civil rights movement - all told from the memories of a fictional 110-year-old slave played by Cicely Tyson. Ms. Tyson's tour-de-force performance, her most memorable, earned her an Emmy. All total this incredible made-for-TV film earned nine Emmys, including one for director Korty and one for Tracy Keenan Wynn's intelligent script. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Fiction Was Never This Real
This is one of those works of fiction that is so realistic that the viewer can only assume that this is the story of a real American heroine, not a composite of the many unsung greats of the past. Cicely Tyson is magnificent as both the young and aged Miss Pittman. Her performance should go down as one of the best ever done for the small or the big screen. Every minute that she is in view is a major glimpse into the talent of a great actress.

The excellent script that traces the 110 years of the title character includes many of the critical points in the life of African-Americans from Reconstruction on to the Civil Rights struggle of the early 1960's. This is history that is informative as well as entertaining.

As an educator by profession, I heartily recommend this film to be a staple in every media center's video library. Timeless and relevant, "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" is an undeniable masterpiece!

That's MISS Jane to you.....
I first saw this movie in the gymnasium of my elementary school years ago when it was probably just released! Wow! History revealed through the eyes of a 110 year-old woman who was born into slavery and lived to see the turbulent civil rights movement era. Standout performances by all. When I was younger, I used to think Miss Jane Pitman was not just a fictitious person! The only thing that keeps me from giving this dvd five stars is the picture and sound quality could have been improved. I still wouldn't let that deter anyone from purchasing this dvd. Watchable over and over again. I dare you not to get a little misty eyed in the final scene of this film!

Excellent!
All I can add is that it's better than the book, at least in one significant way: The book does not have the ending the movie has, and the book leaves one just hanging out there, while the movie brings the story to a beautiful climax.

Read the book (or listen to it on tape), and then watch the movie. Awesome. Having read the book after seeing the movie several times, I felt like I had been ripped off and couldn't believe the book ended at a dead end. Thanks to the movie, my mood is repaired.

Better than the Book
It is not often that a movie is better than the book based upon. But this is one case where even a great book is surpassed. I needn't add to other reviews. It is an absorbing movie, very moving to those sensative to human rights. Even though the movie concerns Black Americans, it speaks universally to the injustice usually found in the heart of the human race.

But I will mention one thing about the movie that I believe definitively places the movie above the book. I will not describe this thing so that those who have read the book, but haven't seen the movie, will have it spoiled for them. The book ends at a particular point, I believe an unfortunate point, resulting in a dead ending. But the movie continues where the book leaves off, and the sequence of scenes is wonderful, truly pulling together the movie in a truly powerful ending.

Finally, I believe the movie is better than Roots (the series). And if you are interested in Roots, the book is better than the series.

Unforgettable
I saw this movie when it was first released with my brothers and cousins. I was the youngest at six years old. I had nightmares for that summer expecting men in white hoods to leap through my window and I was a six year old white child. Now that I have grown up and am knocking on 37 years of age, I have been wanting to see that movie again. I was too young to see it when I did, but it is an exceptional movie, one that I believe blows Roots out of the water. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

thru the eyes of the blind they see their own prejudice
This TVM is based on the (presumably true) lives of Ethel and James Lee, a blind couple who were the first to legally adopt children in America. What distinguishes the teleplay by Barbara Turner is her presentation of the couple played by Mare Winningham and Keith Carradine as individuals, in spite of being blind. Often writers are tempted to make martyrs of those living with handicaps, in the "testament to the human spirit" nauseating genre, but Turner avoids that sanctimoniousness. These people are extraordinary and not just for being blind. Since the narrative begins with Ethel Lee as a child, Turner's focus is more on Winningham, than Carradine, and Winningham gives her Ethel a subtle eccentricity. Winningham soars over her "I'm playing a blind person" business, something which Carradine with his more passive persona is less a success at, since it's hard to catch him "acting" in other roles anyway. Turner occasionally slips in some semantic goofs like "Let's see" and "I'm looking forward to" but perhaps one's antennae is as attuned to these as much as one waits for either of the couple to fall over something. The idea that the child Ethel should be taken from her po' white trash home to a school for the blind also seems unnecessary since her blind child is so remarkeably accomplished and domesticated. She makes Patty Duke's Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker look positively insane. I was actually glad when Winningham took over from the child playing Ethel since the little girl gets to sing the title song in an uninspired "heroic" moment. Ethel's temporary adult sightedness is left unexplained, particularly when the period is definitely pre-laser surgery, though it's probably just as well her blindness returned since the glasses she wore for sight are so unattractive. Director John Korty scores an unintentional laugh when she wears those ugly frames under her wedding veil. Korty's montage of Ethel performing practical household chores for the education of social workers who are assessing her suitability for adoption, to an idiot soundtrack so that we get that Ethel is being patronised, negates a sighted person's natural curiousity about how a blind person manages, and is later paralled with a demonstration of chores that only the Lee's sighted friends seem able to do - the hanging of curtains and paintings on the wall. When we see Ethel speaking into a tape recorder it is only later that we realise that this is the way she "writes a letter". When the Lee's are finally allowed to be adoptive parents they are used by agencies for short term placements, as a judgement of prejudice, as well as providing a definition of the unwanted children as "garbage", though these short term placements help to convince the authorities of the Lee's capability. Since Ethel came from a family of 11 children, she has the common sense to deal with someone "difficult" and Winningham has a scene where her spanking a child turns to an embrace, revealing her maternal instinct. The kinds of children that the Lees accept reminded me of Mia Farrow, though they were made legal parents in 1969, I think before Farrow began to collect her brood. Mention is made of Conchata Ferrell as a social worker who becomes their greatest defender against the adoptive beaurocracy. And Turner ends the treatment on a clever note. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Fiction Was Never This Real
This is one of those works of fiction that is so realistic that the viewer can only assume that this is the story of a real American heroine, not a composite of the many unsung greats of the past. Cicely Tyson is magnificent as both the young and aged Miss Pittman. Her performance should go down as one of the best ever done for the small or the big screen. Every minute that she is in view is a major glimpse into the talent of a great actress.

The excellent script that traces the 110 years of the title character includes many of the critical points in the life of African-Americans from Reconstruction on to the Civil Rights struggle of the early 1960's. This is history that is informative as well as entertaining.

As an educator by profession, I heartily recommend this film to be a staple in every media center's video library. Timeless and relevant, "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" is an undeniable masterpiece!

That's MISS Jane to you.....
I first saw this movie in the gymnasium of my elementary school years ago when it was probably just released! Wow! History revealed through the eyes of a 110 year-old woman who was born into slavery and lived to see the turbulent civil rights movement era. Standout performances by all. When I was younger, I used to think Miss Jane Pitman was not just a fictitious person! The only thing that keeps me from giving this dvd five stars is the picture and sound quality could have been improved. I still wouldn't let that deter anyone from purchasing this dvd. Watchable over and over again. I dare you not to get a little misty eyed in the final scene of this film!

Excellent!
All I can add is that it's better than the book, at least in one significant way: The book does not have the ending the movie has, and the book leaves one just hanging out there, while the movie brings the story to a beautiful climax.

Read the book (or listen to it on tape), and then watch the movie. Awesome. Having read the book after seeing the movie several times, I felt like I had been ripped off and couldn't believe the book ended at a dead end. Thanks to the movie, my mood is repaired.

Better than the Book
It is not often that a movie is better than the book based upon. But this is one case where even a great book is surpassed. I needn't add to other reviews. It is an absorbing movie, very moving to those sensative to human rights. Even though the movie concerns Black Americans, it speaks universally to the injustice usually found in the heart of the human race.

But I will mention one thing about the movie that I believe definitively places the movie above the book. I will not describe this thing so that those who have read the book, but haven't seen the movie, will have it spoiled for them. The book ends at a particular point, I believe an unfortunate point, resulting in a dead ending. But the movie continues where the book leaves off, and the sequence of scenes is wonderful, truly pulling together the movie in a truly powerful ending.

Finally, I believe the movie is better than Roots (the series). And if you are interested in Roots, the book is better than the series.

Unforgettable
I saw this movie when it was first released with my brothers and cousins. I was the youngest at six years old. I had nightmares for that summer expecting men in white hoods to leap through my window and I was a six year old white child. Now that I have grown up and am knocking on 37 years of age, I have been wanting to see that movie again. I was too young to see it when I did, but it is an exceptional movie, one that I believe blows Roots out of the water. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Heartwarming but Realistic Christmas Favorite
Although I admit part of the fun in watching Christmas movies is that they are so corny, this realistic tale rounds out a Christmas collection nicely.

It is about a newly divorced single mom from the midwest trying to make a new start in San Francisco. The multi-ethnic city is the perfect setting for this made-for-tv movie with a very diverse set of characters in who share a love of music. These characters are people with real problems and weaknesses. They are played by a terrific cast of theatrical worthy actors such as John Houseman, James Chromwell, Micheal Learned and Valerie Curtin.

It is nice to be able watch a Christmas movie that is heartwarming and life affirming while being true to life.

"Kingsfield" in season
John Houseman is NOT Professor Kingsfield, in this seasonal film about a choir rehearsing "The Messiah", but all the signs are there. Houseman's award-winning role as the sharp, brutish law school professor in "The Paper Chase" is revived in a modified format, this time as a retired conductor trying to inject professionalism into an amateur choir group.

The familiar rumble, the stern withering look as his pupils stumble with unfamiliar concepts might have been transposed directly from the "Paper Chase"s larger than life character. In the end however Ephraim/Kingsfield has the desired effect as his charges rally to his aid and perform Handel's oratorio with gusto.

As befitting a seasonal film "A Christmas Without Snow" gets an annual airing, at least on Australian television, and is one of the rare seasonal films to project its characters as three dimensional. Michael Learned is particularly adept in her role of Zoe, an ex-schoolteacher who leaves her Nebraska home and small son, to try her luck in San Francisco. There she meets an eclectic bunch of characters, from the spinster with a penchant for collecting glory-box items at parish functions, to a Minister's son who vandalises the church's pipe organ in frustration at his sequestered life.

Each character is brought sharply into focus as the climactic performance approaches. Calvin Levels is excellent as a youth ensnared by bigotry, and who must confront his own anger at being reliant on his grandmother for financial and moral support. "Babe"'s James Crawford is well cast as the Minister trying to tie all the various personalities together to work for their common goal.

The interplay of characters, with their all too human foibles, but with determination and resolve to overcome their own personal shortcomings, is the lifeblood of this unsentimental tale. A definite viewing must for those who are tired of contrived goodwill.

Memorable movie.
There was something about this movie that entralled me and stayed in my mind over the last 24 years since I first saw it and I decided to order a copy. The other reviews concerning the product quality alarmed me, I was prepared for the worst but ordered the DVD anyway, I was surprised that it was not nearly as bad as I had expected, I had no trouble viewing the picture or hearing words. I think what appeals to me so much about this story is the sense of Christian community it portrays, a story of several different people struggling with everyday problems, yet coming together and finding fellowship while striving together as the body of Christ to produce a magnificent offering of adoration to the Lord. It inspires me to want to do the same.

Horrifying Quality . . .
I tried several times to watch it all the way through but i just couldn't make it. Some good acting, some bad acting . . . heartwarming, kinda cheesy storyline . . . BUT . . . the video quality is horrendous and the audio is terribly muffled. NOT WORTH THE MONEY UNTIL THIS FILM GETS THE QUALITY IT DESERVES!

Okay Drama Badly copied on DVD
Watching a Christmas Without Snow can be an enjoyable afternoon especially watching Michael Learned (Mama Walton) and John Houseman (Professor Kingfield) give their stock performances. The main plot line is okay, except that there are far too many subplots, many of which are totally forgotten by the end. There are also logistical problems in the story (Her son sends her Kindergarten level paintings, when he is a smart 10-year old.)

However, the portrayal of the amateur choir, especially the technicalities of singing are well done.

My biggest problem is the quality of the DVD - it is obviously just a cheap copy of the tape. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

one of the best of all time
I agree with the other reviews! A great choice of roles and an exceptional performance by Ms.DeMornay! I'm a guy but I think everyone can relate to this movie in some kind of way. To me this was a movie about reaching inside yourself and finding an inner strenghth to carry on despite what happened yesterday.But in this case it was really tough because we have a woman who wanted her child,not "throw it away" like some people do!I admire "Arlene for trying on her own even though she got involved with the wrong kind of guy-she could have latched on to another guy for security,like some women do,but she went on her own.She made a mistake but pressed on.Her mother and father were an example of how grownups forget what it's like to be little and were selfish,child molesters and women and children beaters should get life in prison without parole because the victims sometimes never recover and are sentenced to their own prisons.Arlene reached inside herself and had some help from a friend!An excellent movie and agreat performance by Ms.deMornay-her best role and performance!If you can't find it at Amazon.com rent it and maybe Amazon.com will get some more copies!That's all folks!

A beautiful TV-movie
Rebecca De Mornay plays Arlene, a woman getting out from a prison after eight years. Now she wants to start a new life with her son, who was taken from her after he was born. But things turn out more difficult than she had expected. It doesn't get better by her mother's attitude and that she (the mother) refuses to see she made mistakes and admit she knew Arlene was molested by her father as a child.

Rebecca De Mornay is one of the greatest and most underrated actresses of our time and she makes a wonderful job portraying Arlene, a woman like any other, but who has been though lots of difficulties. Ellen Burstyn is good as the mother and Carole Mitchell-Leon as her new neighbor, Ruby. The music is good and the movie is well written and feels very true, very real. It's one of Rebecca's best movies and, unfortunately, one of her least well known. More people should get the chance to see this beautiful movie. I recommend you to see it!

my opinion
I liked this movie because it showed a side of women I never thought of before,a woman who made a mistake,(who's perfect),and because of parents who didn't value her as a kid,she pays a high price.She really wanted to be a mother but couldn't, alot of women have been placed in similar situations by "tough guys" and selfish family members in real life! I thought Rebecca DeMornay was excellent as usual!

GREAT PERFORMANCES
GETTING OUT is one of those rare TV movies that are actually good. Rebecca DeMornay returns to her hometown upon release from prison. The film depicts her strained relationship with her mother & the confronting of the past. DeMornay's character had been molested as a child by her father whom is now an invalid. Ellen Burstyn portrays her sleazy mother and they are both amazing in there roles. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

They Watch
For an independent film, the movie was pretty good. Some scenes are suspenseful and creepy, but the movie is more of a drama. The film is about a father who is haunted by his dead daughter, and goes looking for her spirit. And a lost soul tries to keep him from finding her. Most of the movie was good, but did drag at points. I was a little disappointed that the movie did not have a lot of frightening scenes, which would have made the movie a little better. But, over all, there is good acting, an interesting plot, and a movie that could have released in theaters (limitedly though). ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Fine ensemble performance
A wonderful movie with fine performances by a great ensemble cast. The whole film, from start to finish is excellent. Lithgow's performance as an adoptive father striving to encourage his adopted daughter's, Salonga, musical career will touch a lot of buttons. Her longing to know her birth family is topical as well as intensely personal, a good blend. The adoptive mother flits in and out; obviously not all that interested in her adoptive daughter. Lithgow's sudden death leads to to a further estrangement between mother and daughter. A trip to visit Lithgow's sister starts a whole new series of events for Salonga and her meeting with Daniels and all that comes from that. The ending is a complete surprise but at the same times, explains much. A well crafted and performed movie. Even the small roles are done well, be it in a lumbar yard, vet's center or in the cemetery. This film touches a number of issues, adoption, emotional pair, personal developement and the maturing process. All are captured in this film and the result is a fine movie that should be in every video library.

Lea's Performance
Although this film has the same kind of background as the plot in Miss Saigon,it seems to have a strange "freshness" about it. I think that the introduction of Miss Lea Salonga into this cast was the perfect choice for this story.She was of course the original girl to play Kim in the London cast of Miss Saigon.Her "Newness"to film acting comes through now and again,but it was a good performance,and a good story with a little twist at the end.

Only for fans
A great premise, and even more promising cast. However, Salonga's acting is terribly disappointing. She's very theatrical, possibly from her then-recent Miss Saigon experience. Expect a pretty slow-pace film.

Excellent acting, and a good storyline.
My favorite part is the storyline because this vide talks about finding your true self, who you really are, in all aspects of life, not just nationality. I certainly wish there was a soundtrack to go with it. I wonder if Lea Salonga plays in the movie. She seems to be quite a good pianist. The actors are wonderful, and I especially liked Jeff Daniels as the Vietnam soldier who lived in the Redwood Forest. He fit the part so nicely that I didn't even know it was him until I saw the credits. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fantastic!
This is a great Scrooge story to add to your collection! The ghost are updated and believable. The actors do a great job!

Visions Prompt
When miserly banker Ebenita Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, visions prompt her to reflect on her life. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Fine ensemble performance
A wonderful movie with fine performances by a great ensemble cast. The whole film, from start to finish is excellent. Lithgow's performance as an adoptive father striving to encourage his adopted daughter's, Salonga, musical career will touch a lot of buttons. Her longing to know her birth family is topical as well as intensely personal, a good blend. The adoptive mother flits in and out; obviously not all that interested in her adoptive daughter. Lithgow's sudden death leads to to a further estrangement between mother and daughter. A trip to visit Lithgow's sister starts a whole new series of events for Salonga and her meeting with Daniels and all that comes from that. The ending is a complete surprise but at the same times, explains much. A well crafted and performed movie. Even the small roles are done well, be it in a lumbar yard, vet's center or in the cemetery. This film touches a number of issues, adoption, emotional pair, personal developement and the maturing process. All are captured in this film and the result is a fine movie that should be in every video library.

Lea's Performance
Although this film has the same kind of background as the plot in Miss Saigon,it seems to have a strange "freshness" about it. I think that the introduction of Miss Lea Salonga into this cast was the perfect choice for this story.She was of course the original girl to play Kim in the London cast of Miss Saigon.Her "Newness"to film acting comes through now and again,but it was a good performance,and a good story with a little twist at the end.

Only for fans
A great premise, and even more promising cast. However, Salonga's acting is terribly disappointing. She's very theatrical, possibly from her then-recent Miss Saigon experience. Expect a pretty slow-pace film.

Excellent acting, and a good storyline.
My favorite part is the storyline because this vide talks about finding your true self, who you really are, in all aspects of life, not just nationality. I certainly wish there was a soundtrack to go with it. I wonder if Lea Salonga plays in the movie. She seems to be quite a good pianist. The actors are wonderful, and I especially liked Jeff Daniels as the Vietnam soldier who lived in the Redwood Forest. He fit the part so nicely that I didn't even know it was him until I saw the credits. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A well-acted adaption of a true story
Based on a true story, "Gift of Love" tells the story of a high school student, Daniel Huffman (played by Elden Henson), who looks to have a promising future in football. He is very close to his grandmother, Shirlee Allison (Debbie Reynolds), who helped to raise him.

Shirlee becomes quite ill, and is in desperate need of a kidney transplant. Daniel selflessly gives her one of his, a choice that results in him never being able to play football again.

The movie was obviously made to "tug at the heart strings"; it's packed with saccharine, if you catch my drift. The acting, however, is top notch - with fantastic performances from Henson and Reynolds, especially. Ed Marinaro also stars as Daniel's coach. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Heartwarming but Realistic Christmas Favorite
Although I admit part of the fun in watching Christmas movies is that they are so corny, this realistic tale rounds out a Christmas collection nicely.

It is about a newly divorced single mom from the midwest trying to make a new start in San Francisco. The multi-ethnic city is the perfect setting for this made-for-tv movie with a very diverse set of characters in who share a love of music. These characters are people with real problems and weaknesses. They are played by a terrific cast of theatrical worthy actors such as John Houseman, James Chromwell, Micheal Learned and Valerie Curtin.

It is nice to be able watch a Christmas movie that is heartwarming and life affirming while being true to life.

"Kingsfield" in season
John Houseman is NOT Professor Kingsfield, in this seasonal film about a choir rehearsing "The Messiah", but all the signs are there. Houseman's award-winning role as the sharp, brutish law school professor in "The Paper Chase" is revived in a modified format, this time as a retired conductor trying to inject professionalism into an amateur choir group.

The familiar rumble, the stern withering look as his pupils stumble with unfamiliar concepts might have been transposed directly from the "Paper Chase"s larger than life character. In the end however Ephraim/Kingsfield has the desired effect as his charges rally to his aid and perform Handel's oratorio with gusto.

As befitting a seasonal film "A Christmas Without Snow" gets an annual airing, at least on Australian television, and is one of the rare seasonal films to project its characters as three dimensional. Michael Learned is particularly adept in her role of Zoe, an ex-schoolteacher who leaves her Nebraska home and small son, to try her luck in San Francisco. There she meets an eclectic bunch of characters, from the spinster with a penchant for collecting glory-box items at parish functions, to a Minister's son who vandalises the church's pipe organ in frustration at his sequestered life.

Each character is brought sharply into focus as the climactic performance approaches. Calvin Levels is excellent as a youth ensnared by bigotry, and who must confront his own anger at being reliant on his grandmother for financial and moral support. "Babe"'s James Crawford is well cast as the Minister trying to tie all the various personalities together to work for their common goal.

The interplay of characters, with their all too human foibles, but with determination and resolve to overcome their own personal shortcomings, is the lifeblood of this unsentimental tale. A definite viewing must for those who are tired of contrived goodwill.

Memorable movie.
There was something about this movie that entralled me and stayed in my mind over the last 24 years since I first saw it and I decided to order a copy. The other reviews concerning the product quality alarmed me, I was prepared for the worst but ordered the DVD anyway, I was surprised that it was not nearly as bad as I had expected, I had no trouble viewing the picture or hearing words. I think what appeals to me so much about this story is the sense of Christian community it portrays, a story of several different people struggling with everyday problems, yet coming together and finding fellowship while striving together as the body of Christ to produce a magnificent offering of adoration to the Lord. It inspires me to want to do the same.

Horrifying Quality . . .
I tried several times to watch it all the way through but i just couldn't make it. Some good acting, some bad acting . . . heartwarming, kinda cheesy storyline . . . BUT . . . the video quality is horrendous and the audio is terribly muffled. NOT WORTH THE MONEY UNTIL THIS FILM GETS THE QUALITY IT DESERVES!

Okay Drama Badly copied on DVD
Watching a Christmas Without Snow can be an enjoyable afternoon especially watching Michael Learned (Mama Walton) and John Houseman (Professor Kingfield) give their stock performances. The main plot line is okay, except that there are far too many subplots, many of which are totally forgotten by the end. There are also logistical problems in the story (Her son sends her Kindergarten level paintings, when he is a smart 10-year old.)

However, the portrayal of the amateur choir, especially the technicalities of singing are well done.

My biggest problem is the quality of the DVD - it is obviously just a cheap copy of the tape. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

THIS IS NOT THE KORTY FILM
This is not the film from 1967 by John Korty, it is a cheesey 1994 B-horror/comedy movie about someone who is "Half Jester and Half Demon!" So beware if you think (like I did) that you made a lucky discovery of this film, because you didn't! Order at your own risk!

oh my god!
i borrowed this of a friend at school about 3 years ago and i laughed the whole way through it.im not sure if its meant to be serious or not but i just think its great.buy it what are you waiting for!

sorrted !!
on my way flying home to germany my girlfriend told me to find a funny film for us to watch. The title said it all, and i was fooled..... this has to be the funniest,sickest and most intriguingly bizarre film ever made; the concepts involved are beyond all diseased imagining.everyone has seen films that their friends swore would have them clueless as to what happens next but this one is the daddyman. Christopher Lee is the only actor in the film I have ever seen before.( or since come to that) There is gut wrenching cruelty mixed with bedlam humour of a type particularly suited to the english psyche, encompassing what one strives to explain on holiday as "british humour", i.e dark and twisted enough to tickle our subliminal humour valve,but too dark and over the heads of johnny foreigner. to whit: if i had explain,you wouldn't understand. I mean,seriously, i had to watch it three or four times to understand it myself. you will never,ever find a film quite this mental anywhere,anywhen.

You'll Love it, Or Hate It, But probably enjoy it.
Okay, Let's start by saying Chris Lee ain't exactly fully featured here okay, so don't buy this for him being in it. HOWEVER, this film IS BRILLIANT, it's mix of comedy AND horror are pure genius, and no one should miss out on seeing it. The funnyman slogan is "He's cheeky and he's cruel", and that is SO right. Anyway, just buy the damn thing, you'll love it, it's hilariously funny, and rather rude!

Pure Brilliance
This film is brilliant, as you can probably tell by the fact that it stars Christopher Lee himself, however don't expect a massive budget extravanganzar with this film, it's basically about a man who gambles a lot and he wins a house, a house which is haunted by an evil jester, the funnyman, The jester kills the man and his family and some visitors the man has around, the funnyman is extremely crude and extremely funny, using phrases "I'm off for a toss me!" , this film is $90, sure, but it's deffinately worth it, i'd recommend it to anyone. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Must-See Follow-up For "Love Story" Fans
Although not as interesting as "Love Story," this sequel does allow us to see what Oliver's life was like in the years after Jenny's death.

The movie begins with Jenny's funeral and we watch Oliver go through the motions of living, but not really participating in anything except his work. One day, he meets a jogger played by Candice Bergen. They begin a relationship that is pretty much of a bore to all but the most devoted Ryan O'Neal fans (of which I am definitely one!). Ms. Bergen's portrayal is wooden and unappealing, and viewers are probably relieved when she announces she can no longer live with Jenny's ghost. The one good thing her character, Marcy Bonwit Nash, does is take Oliver on a tour of her company's Hong Kong factories. When Oliver sees the poor conditions there, he begins to gain respect for his father and the way the senior Barrett ran his mills.

Oliver's long overdue reunion with his father is touching and we finally get a glimmer of hope at the end that Oliver has learned that living is for the living, and he will finally be able to live his life again.

Not a great movie, but interesting and definitely worth seeing if you loved "Love Story."

Not a Very Good Movie...BUT
A second boring love story with Ryan O'Neil trying to rebuild his life after the death of his wife, meeting a new woman and the relationship goes no where. But the film is redeamed by Oliver re-estalishing a relationship with his father (Ray Milland) and thinking of going into his father's business after retirement. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

THIS IS NOT THE KORTY FILM
This is not the film from 1967 by John Korty, it is a cheesey 1994 B-horror/comedy movie about someone who is "Half Jester and Half Demon!" So beware if you think (like I did) that you made a lucky discovery of this film, because you didn't! Order at your own risk!

oh my god!
i borrowed this of a friend at school about 3 years ago and i laughed the whole way through it.im not sure if its meant to be serious or not but i just think its great.buy it what are you waiting for!

sorrted !!
on my way flying home to germany my girlfriend told me to find a funny film for us to watch. The title said it all, and i was fooled..... this has to be the funniest,sickest and most intriguingly bizarre film ever made; the concepts involved are beyond all diseased imagining.everyone has seen films that their friends swore would have them clueless as to what happens next but this one is the daddyman. Christopher Lee is the only actor in the film I have ever seen before.( or since come to that) There is gut wrenching cruelty mixed with bedlam humour of a type particularly suited to the english psyche, encompassing what one strives to explain on holiday as "british humour", i.e dark and twisted enough to tickle our subliminal humour valve,but too dark and over the heads of johnny foreigner. to whit: if i had explain,you wouldn't understand. I mean,seriously, i had to watch it three or four times to understand it myself. you will never,ever find a film quite this mental anywhere,anywhen.

You'll Love it, Or Hate It, But probably enjoy it.
Okay, Let's start by saying Chris Lee ain't exactly fully featured here okay, so don't buy this for him being in it. HOWEVER, this film IS BRILLIANT, it's mix of comedy AND horror are pure genius, and no one should miss out on seeing it. The funnyman slogan is "He's cheeky and he's cruel", and that is SO right. Anyway, just buy the damn thing, you'll love it, it's hilariously funny, and rather rude!

Pure Brilliance
This film is brilliant, as you can probably tell by the fact that it stars Christopher Lee himself, however don't expect a massive budget extravanganzar with this film, it's basically about a man who gambles a lot and he wins a house, a house which is haunted by an evil jester, the funnyman, The jester kills the man and his family and some visitors the man has around, the funnyman is extremely crude and extremely funny, using phrases "I'm off for a toss me!" , this film is $90, sure, but it's deffinately worth it, i'd recommend it to anyone. ... Read more