Amazon.com

After building up the duo's popularity through popular recordings and several performances on Saturday Night Live, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd--as "legendary" Chicago blues brothers Jake and Elwood Blues--took their act to the big screen in this action-packed hit from 1980. As Jake and Elwood struggle to reunite their old band and save the Chicago orphanage where they were raised, they wreak enough good-natured havoc to attract the entire Cook County police force. The result is a big-budget stunt-fest on a scale rarely attempted before or since, including extended car chases that result in the wanton destruction of shopping malls and more police cars than you can count. Along the way there's plenty of music to punctuate the action, including performances by Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway, and James Brown that are guaranteed to knock you out. As played with deadpan wit by Belushi and Aykroyd, the Blues Brothers are "on a mission from God," and that gives them a kind of reckless glee that keeps the movie from losing its comedic appeal. Otherwise this might have been just a bloated marathon of mayhem that quickly wears out its welcome (which is how some critics described this film and its 1998 sequel). Keep an eye out for Steven Spielberg as the city clerk who stamps some crucial paperwork near the end of the film. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (141)

Helloooo Boys!......
This review refers to the Universal Widescreen(Digitally THX Mastered) VHS edition of "The Blues Brothers".....

Saturday Night Live Alum together with a Who's Who list of the greatest Rhythm and Blues artists ever assembled in one film, make for one very entertaining, funny, action packed musical.The hard part of this review is keeping myself from revealing every funny line, and all the classic scenes that came from this film(and also all the great cameo performances you'll spot throughout the story).For those too young to remember this classic comedy, or if you haven't seen it for a while let me just refresh your memory(just a little).....

Jake "Joliet" Blues(the late great John Belushi)has just been released from prison. Brother Elwood Blues(Dan Aykroyd) picks him up and they're off to fullfill a promise to visit "The Penguin". Sister Mary Stigmata(Kathleen Freeman), the head nun at the Catholic Orphanage where they grew up informs them that the Orphanage will have to close down unless she can come up with the Five Thousand Dollars neccessary to pay the property taxes.No problem for "The Blues Brothers", they'll have the money she needs by tommorrow. But NO! NO! NO!, she does not want their filthy bank robbery money, and they are not to return until they can "redeem themselves"!

While on a visit to church, where you'll find James Brown as The Reverend Cleophus James leading the congregation in song, Jake literally "sees the light!".They'll just put "The Blues Band" back together for one big night and raise the money for "The Penguin" and the Orphanage. Getting the band back together is easier said than done though.Along the way, we are treated to some musical performances by these great names..Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles and even Chaka Khan. The hysterical action also heats up as they make enemies all along the way. They are being chased by the cops,the Nazis(led by one very funny Henry Gibson), and a very angry ex-girlfriend(Carrie Fisher) who has a thing for Flame Throwers. They leave a path a destruction in their wake that is unsurpassed in chase scenes.

It's a riotous romp, directed by John Landis(Animal House/Trading Places), that will leave you wanting more..and luckily...there's a sequel! "Blues Brothers 2000", which has the terrific addition of John Goodman to the cast.This VHS tape is terrific. Not only does it have a great picture in the original widescreen image(1.85:1), but the sound is digitally mastered, and is excellent in the stereo surround. There are even a couple of bonus features on this edition. There is the "Making Of" the sequel, talking with all the stars about coming back to do it again, and after the credits, you'll find the "making of" for the original, which clues you in on lots of little trivia details.

If you're looking for something really funny, something with a great music, a great script, and one that will be a terrific addition to your classic comedy collection, look no further, you've found it! And don't forget to look for all the great cameos along the way..(I think I restrained myself pretty well from giving them away... don't you?)
Have a great time with this one and maybe you too will "see the light".......Laurie

...it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses
This DVD is the Director's Cut of the film. That means 17 minutes of extra footage is included making the film a good 17 minutes too long. The added material just makes the pacing falter and so, ironically, the VHS release displays a better film. But, with that gripe out of the way, this is one fun film.

Jake and Elwood Blues are the creation of Saturday Night Live veterans Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi. They took the first step to the big screen amongst the countless other Saturday Night Live and SCTV characters (The CONEHEADS, WAYNE'S WORLD, ONE NIGHT AT THE ROXBURY, SUPERSTAR, THE LADIES MAN, STUART SAVES HIS FAMILY and STRANGE BREW amongst them.) And THE BLUES BROTHERS is the film to compare all of these too. That is bad news for them because this is an entertaining musical comedy. Filmed with the gritty look of a drama, the musical is indeed a surprise but with Jake and Elwood as 'musicians', what else can you expect.

The storyline follows the brothers as they try to raise money to save an orphanage. This means putting the band back together. As they piece it all back together, they encounter more colorful characters looking to block their success. John Candy, Charles Napier and Carrie Fisher take their hunt seriously. They also encounter assistance by Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway and Frank Oz amongst them. There are even small appearances by Paul "Pee Wee Herman" Reubens as a waiter and Steven Spielberg as a clerk in the finale. Now, this is Aykroyd and Belushi's film as they nonchalantly ignore life-changing catastrophes. Director John Landis brings these huge occurrences to the screen like a master. You can just feel the fun put into this production.

The greatest charm in the film is the musical numbers. Wherever the boys go, people just seem to break out into infectious song. You'll find yourself tapping along. With the exception of the 'restored' material, this is a nice DVD with a good video transfer and audio transfer that'll put your receiver to the test. Also a recent making-of documentary is included. If you get a chance to join Jake and Elwood, I recommend it.
They're on a mission from God.

I feel good and you will too!
Here is one of the few movies in my lifetime that qualifies as a "feel good" flick, one where I left so fulfilled I actually missed the characters, story and fun when the movie is over, wanting it all back again. Fortunately, through the miracle of tape and DVD, you and I can both do that!

This production was the linchpin event for the Saturday Night Live characters that wore black suits and sunglasses before the equally fashion-challenged "Men In Black" showed up. Along with "Animal House", this flick reminds me what a great comedy career John Belushi would have had in cinema had he lived more safely (as long as he stayed away from bombs like "1941").

Back to the film...this is loaded with great music, music from many 20th Century ages, music that makes you want to hum, tap your toe, dance, delight, smile, kiss your girlfriend and say hello to God. The plot -- something about getting money for an orphanage -- is superfluous but the movie has memorable scenes and characterizations equal to the equally uninhibited "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad World" from 1963.

A hyperactive musical street scene coming out of a music store -- led by the late Ray Charles doing a great blues tune -- is a typical venue in this film. Another time, Aretha Franklin takes a break from her waitress job to sing threateningly to Jake and Elmore. Still another time, Cab Calloway entertains kids so the brothers can get their cash to Chicago. In another scene, the Blues Brothers band does it up good in a honky tonk but drinks too much beer and ends up in a police-car-RV chase with some good old boys known as...the Good Old Boys!

This movie destroyed about 200 cars in and around Chicago and has one of the funniest car crash scenes and accompanying lines in American film history. The line is: "We're in a truck!" Watch the movie to get the joy from it. You'll laugh out loud and enjoy it almost as much as those Nazis driving off the end of the incomplete freeway overpass in Chicago!

If you want to experience mayhem disguised as two hours of uninhibited escapism filled with great fun, a thousand car chases and car crashes, lowlifes, ex-convicts and rednecks, and some of the best choreographed music sequences ever, buy, rent or borrow this DVD today and get set to ENJOY YOURSELF!

Unique and historical achievement
Unique, wonderful, hilarious.

"The Blues Brothers" holds up even better than one might have hoped. And that's a beautiful thing for one of the most unique movies ever made. Conceived, as Belushi once put it, as a show case for African-American music, the movie is exactly that and so much more.

I was moved to watch the "Shake Your Tail Feather" scene due to Ray Charles' recent death. The performance is so wonderful, so full of life; we have lost a true national treasure. But his amazing performance for the movie will live on forever. The soundtrack's 5.1 remix (including the reintegration of old footage cut from a preview at the Picwood Theater in LA. According to Landis, in the DVD's liner notes, the movie distributors complained no white people would see the movie!) is simply amazing. Even on my bargain set, it is crisp, pure and clean and is probably my candidate for best sound DVD ever. Landis again demonstrates his technical mastery, understanding of technology and choice of brilliant helpmates.

As the same Landis once put it, "Where else can a white kid see Cab Calloway, John Lee Hooker and James Brown in the same two hours?" He left out Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin as well as studio legends Steve "The Colonel" Cropper (who almost single-handed reintroduced cocaine to Hollywood, the number of people who began their addictions under his tutelage is frightening but no names here; you'll have to look it up yourself); and bass legend "Duck" Dunn, one of the greatest bassists of all times (sorry, Duck, my man, even you have to bow, with every other bassist, to Geddy Lee). Normally invisible, we get to see and here the Blues Brothers' amazing band. These studio legends get there fifteen minutes, often to hilarious effect. Willie "Too-Bit" Hall, the drummer even shows really comic talent, as does Dunn and "Mr. Fabulous," the horn man.

The movie also preserves the now destroyed Maxwell Street, one of the great centers of African-American music and R&B and one of the seedbeds of rock n roll. This is the only place anyone can see Maxwell Street in its prime. In a sense the movie is also a historical document, preserving those people and places who have left us.

The plot is almost irrelevant, beside the almost hysterical comedy and stunning musical performances (Calloway and Franklin never did BETTER jobs on their two signature classics), but there is a story there. The cameos are hilarious as well, from Carrie Fischer (who has said she quit coke because Belushi, on set, one day pointed at her and said, "You're becoming just like me." On that note, Robin Williams also says his visit to Belushi on his ultimate night helped him give up the Life that took his friend) and the Keystone Nazis the Boys have to avoid in their quest to save their childhood home, a dilapidate orphanage on Chicago's South side. The "Flight of the Pinto" scene is not to be missed. And be sure to listen for the tell-tale mating call of a most un-endangered species, "hut-hut-hut."
A movie for the ages. It also highlights the bitter tragedy of Belushi's self-destruction. One can only imagine what a sobered and cleaned-up Belushi could do when he did this movie whilst doing 4 grams of coke a day, dropping acid, downers, booze, marijuana (all of this is in Boobward's sensationalist "biography" of Belushi called "Wired"). Unlike other famous drug addicts and alcoholic (Monroe, Presley, Dean) Belushi's fortunately has been taken as a warning sign of Hollywood excess and hasn't lead to his apotheosis.

Despite his tragic end, the movie is one of the few that, no matter my troubles I can put this movie in the DVD player and know I will be smiling in mere minutes. As I smile now, writing this.

Every American teenager should see this simply for the musical numbers alone. The word classic is misused as often as the word "hero" these days, but it's not misused here. What could have been the umpteenth bad iteration of "Animal House" instead attained the temporary immortality of the true classic. Belushi's been gone for more than twenty years now, but the brilliant John, the hilarious John, the gifted performer John Belushi will live on forever.

And, wherever you are John that has to make you smile.

One-of-a-Kind Musical
The musical was so out of favor by 1980 that had Universal advertised "Blues Brothers" for what it was it would have done even more poorly at the box-office than it did. But time has righted that wrong and Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi's wacky star turn has taken it's place beside the other great examples of this unique American film art. It's too long, the colossal car chase near the end is a bore, and it's based on the mistaken notion that church property in America is taxed (something Canadian Ackroyd, the main scriptwriter, apparently assumed and nobody else caught). But there are so many other wonderful moments of singing and dancing and left-field comedy that everything else is forgiven and then some. Directed by the erratic John Landis, who's main signature as a director is some of the best photography in the history of the American movies. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Brilliant
Do you enjoy Michael Jackson's early work? Or are you an aspiring director? Either way this is a great thing to watch. Unlike most other "Making Of's" this one is generally longer. It is not only filled with interviews, but A LOT of footage on the video, such as the makeup, how it is done, and the filming. Buy it!

Thriller thriller thriller....
Thriller and I go way back. I was too young when Thrillermania was going on but I experienced parts of the michael jackson mania since the mid 80's. The video scared me when I was a toddler but I had a Thriller toy anyways and appreciated the video even more when I was older. It is a brilliant masterpiece, the king of all music videos and it will never be forgotten. I love this video, it shows you how this masterpiece was created and there's a lot of cute moments while making the video. I love mike, he's the best.

THRILLER NIGHT
THIS VIDEO IS GREAT. I THINK EVERYBODY SHUD GET THIS VIDEO . IT REALLY SCARY AND THA MAKING OF IT VERY COOL!! FIRST ULL SEE THA VID THEN THA MAKING OF THA VIDEO. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

More atmosphere than shocks
"Hey, ya wanna see something REALLY scary?" Well, watch another movie. However, Twilight Zone: the Movie was one of my favorite movies of my college years. I enjoyed the original series, but was never a fanatic. What captivated me about this movie, in particular the 3rd and 4th segments, was the atmosphere established by the filmmakers. The first segment with Vic Morrow is undoubtedly the weakest...there were obviously some script changes necessary due to his tragic death, and what we're left with is a predictable, trite, and even cruel story of a bigot who spouts a few angry words at the beginning then pays for it a thousand-fold. It's like watching someone being slowly tortured to learn a lesson then executed at the end just to make SURE he learned his lesson. The second segment is syrupy, but has the wonderful Scatman Crothers and some amusing moments with the old folks turning into kids. The third segment was my favorite. I always thought some of those old cartoons from the thirties were very creepy in their surreal quality, and watching this segment is like watching someone's nightmare of those old cartoons gone berserk. Of interest is the doomed sister, Ethel, who later on became the voice of Bart Simpson...she really DID get stuck in Cartoonland! And the fourth segment is pretty wonderful too, due to a comic twist on the horror provided by the script and John Lithgow's performance. Towering above the entire movie, though, is Jerry Goldsmith's score...one of his best and one of my three favorite film scores of all time. It truly adds to the eerieness of the first, third and fourth segments and while the second section pours on the schmaltzy strings, on its own it makes a GREAT listen with a memorable theme.

Tribute Classic
OK, there are some flaws in this movie but overall it can only be considered a modern classic. From the aged nursing home to the racial biggot sequence suspense reigns giving pure entertainment. Why this has not been transferred to DVD is beyond comprehension. As a cinema movie it is one i have never forgotten, the type of movie that remains embedded for twilight zone lovers. You can imagine my disappointment when continually searching for it on DVD. My fingers remain crossed !

I Love Creedence (ClearWater Revival)
After 20 plus years, TWILIGHT ZONE:THE MOVIE has attained somewhat of a cult following and has maintained a level that it is not too outdated, but did not do the original tv series justice. The movie will be remembered mostly because actor Vic Morrow (tv's COMBAT) was killed during filming along with two children. The first segment KKK is an original entry, directed by John Landis and starring Vic Morrow. It is not too inventive and very predictable. Morrow has made a career of playing baddies from BLACKBOARD JUNGLE to THE BAD NEWS BEARS so he was perfectly cast as the bigot who gets caught in a time warp to experience the suffering of the two groups he hates the most (blacks and jews). There is a segment where he is supposedly in Vietnam which doesn't go anywhere (because the scenes that were to be part of this sequence is where he got killed) but the producers stuck it in anyway. The next segment KICK THE CAN is directed by Spielberg who was continuing his period of working with children carried over from his film E.T. (and would culminate to his work on HOOK). This is a typical Spielberg directed sequence with a standout performance of Scatman Crothers as the instigator who entices the residences of an old folks home to think young again. The third segment ITS A GOOD LIFE is probably the most bizarre taking the original story to a more light-hearted approach. A boy who has the power to make anything he wishes come true while holding his family and townspeople at bay (in terror) was much more scarier and serious in the original tv episode. Director Joe Dante's take on it is more of a cartoon with a surprisingly upbeat and happy ending compared to the original's very downbeat ending. Bill Mumy (tv's LOST IN SPACE fame)who played the boy in the original tv episode makes a cameo appearance in the beginning of the sequence, but the cast (Kevin McCarthy,William Schallert,Lonna Schwab,Nancy Cartwright{voice of tv's Bart Simpson}) who plays the boy's terrorized family is the best part of the sequence along with lead Kathleen Quinlan. Finally, the last (and probably the best) segment, NIGHTMARE AT 20,000 FEET is pretty close to the original tv episode compared to the other two segments. John Lithgow's performance as the frightened passenger who sees a gremlin on the wing of a plane which disappears when he tries to get others to look out the window is equal to that of William Shatner's performance from the original tv episode. The prologue with Dan Aykroyd and Albert Brooks is amusing if not prdictable and the movie as stated still holds up despite its faults. Note: Look for a young John Larroquette in a brief appearance in the first segmnet (KKK).

I wonder why this has been forgotten?
It really is a sad thing how critics and those who have viewed this find this film a lost cause or a pathetic outdated mess. Now the film is about 20 years old but it is still very good and fun to watch. People just constantly knock the film saying it's bits are weak and don't compare to the original series now that may be true but the film that it turned out to be it is worth laughing at and enjoying. You are not supposed to get scared by this film you are really supposed to laugh your butt off I find that kick the can story hilarious a little touching but come on "Fresh Young Minds" you just don't take words like that seriously. How about the story with Anthony O.K the special effects are a bit dated but who cares? that bit is so hysterical because the plot is trying to be serious but it just does not work instead you just end up laughing at how the people who Anthony has taken to his home are forced to sit around and watch Cartoons all day! The last story is probably the most thrilling of the four (That's probably why they saved it for last) because watching John Lithgow hysterical on that airplane with those people is just classic cinema in my opinion. You of course have your first story with Vic Morrow where the disaster happened O.K that bit is a little dark and distrurbing but the whole film is one big laugh after another what about when Dan Aykroyd and Albert Brooks are just driving down a road and singing dumb songs are bored out of there minds because there song "Let the Midnight Special" tape broke. If you want to see something really scary as Dan Aykroyd puts it in the film or just want to laugh your butt off at crazy cinema you'll like Twilght Zone The Movie.

lpcb
I think that this was a cleaver movie because it had 4 differendt shows in it, I espeacally liked the last 2 shows....
-Casey ... Read more

Amazon.com

After building up the duo's popularity through popular recordings and several performances on Saturday Night Live, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd--as "legendary" Chicago blues brothers Jake and Elwood Blues--took their act to the big screen in this action-packed hit from 1980. As Jake and Elwood struggle to reunite their old band and save the Chicago orphanage where they were raised, they wreak enough good-natured havoc to attract the entire Cook County police force. The result is a big-budget stunt-fest on a scale rarely attempted before or since, including extended car chases that result in the wanton destruction of shopping malls and more police cars than you can count. Along the way there's plenty of music to punctuate the action, including performances by Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway, and James Brown that are guaranteed to knock you out. As played with deadpan wit by Belushi and Aykroyd, the Blues Brothers are "on a mission from God," and that gives them a kind of reckless glee that keeps the movie from losing its comedic appeal. Otherwise this might have been just a bloated marathon of mayhem that quickly wears out its welcome (which is how some critics described this film and its 1998 sequel). Keep an eye out for Steven Spielberg as the city clerk who stamps some crucial paperwork near the end of the film.--Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (141)

Helloooo Boys!......
This review refers to the Universal Widescreen(Digitally THX Mastered) VHS edition of "The Blues Brothers".....

Saturday Night Live Alum together with a Who's Who list of the greatest Rhythm and Blues artists ever assembled in one film, make for one very entertaining, funny, action packed musical.The hard part of this review is keeping myself from revealing every funny line, and all the classic scenes that came from this film(and also all the great cameo performances you'll spot throughout the story).For those too young to remember this classic comedy, or if you haven't seen it for a while let me just refresh your memory(just a little).....

Jake "Joliet" Blues(the late great John Belushi)has just been released from prison. Brother Elwood Blues(Dan Aykroyd) picks him up and they're off to fullfill a promise to visit "The Penguin". Sister Mary Stigmata(Kathleen Freeman), the head nun at the Catholic Orphanage where they grew up informs them that the Orphanage will have to close down unless she can come up with the Five Thousand Dollars neccessary to pay the property taxes.No problem for "The Blues Brothers", they'll have the money she needs by tommorrow. But NO! NO! NO!, she does not want their filthy bank robbery money, and they are not to return until they can "redeem themselves"!

While on a visit to church, where you'll find James Brown as The Reverend Cleophus James leading the congregation in song, Jake literally "sees the light!".They'll just put "The Blues Band" back together for one big night and raise the money for "The Penguin" and the Orphanage. Getting the band back together is easier said than done though.Along the way, we are treated to some musical performances by these great names..Aretha Franklin, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles and even Chaka Khan. The hysterical action also heats up as they make enemies all along the way. They are being chased by the cops,the Nazis(led by one very funny Henry Gibson), and a very angry ex-girlfriend(Carrie Fisher) who has a thing for Flame Throwers. They leave a path a destruction in their wake that is unsurpassed in chase scenes.

It's a riotous romp, directed by John Landis(Animal House/Trading Places), that will leave you wanting more..and luckily...there's a sequel! "Blues Brothers 2000", which has the terrific addition of John Goodman to the cast.This VHS tape is terrific. Not only does it have a great picture in the original widescreen image(1.85:1), but the sound is digitally mastered, and is excellent in the stereo surround. There are even a couple of bonus features on this edition. There is the "Making Of" the sequel, talking with all the stars about coming back to do it again, and after the credits, you'll find the "making of" for the original, which clues you in on lots of little trivia details.

If you're looking for something really funny, something with a great music, a great script, and one that will be a terrific addition to your classic comedy collection, look no further, you've found it! And don't forget to look for all the great cameos along the way..(I think I restrained myself pretty well from giving them away... don't you?)
Have a great time with this one and maybe you too will "see the light".......Laurie

...it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses
This DVD is the Director's Cut of the film. That means 17 minutes of extra footage is included making the film a good 17 minutes too long. The added material just makes the pacing falter and so, ironically, the VHS release displays a better film. But, with that gripe out of the way, this is one fun film.

Jake and Elwood Blues are the creation of Saturday Night Live veterans Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi. They took the first step to the big screen amongst the countless other Saturday Night Live and SCTV characters (The CONEHEADS, WAYNE'S WORLD, ONE NIGHT AT THE ROXBURY, SUPERSTAR, THE LADIES MAN, STUART SAVES HIS FAMILY and STRANGE BREW amongst them.) And THE BLUES BROTHERS is the film to compare all of these too. That is bad news for them because this is an entertaining musical comedy. Filmed with the gritty look of a drama, the musical is indeed a surprise but with Jake and Elwood as 'musicians', what else can you expect.

The storyline follows the brothers as they try to raise money to save an orphanage. This means putting the band back together. As they piece it all back together, they encounter more colorful characters looking to block their success. John Candy, Charles Napier and Carrie Fisher take their hunt seriously. They also encounter assistance by Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway and Frank Oz amongst them. There are even small appearances by Paul "Pee Wee Herman" Reubens as a waiter and Steven Spielberg as a clerk in the finale. Now, this is Aykroyd and Belushi's film as they nonchalantly ignore life-changing catastrophes. Director John Landis brings these huge occurrences to the screen like a master. You can just feel the fun put into this production.

The greatest charm in the film is the musical numbers. Wherever the boys go, people just seem to break out into infectious song. You'll find yourself tapping along. With the exception of the 'restored' material, this is a nice DVD with a good video transfer and audio transfer that'll put your receiver to the test. Also a recent making-of documentary is included. If you get a chance to join Jake and Elwood, I recommend it.
They're on a mission from God.

I feel good and you will too!
Here is one of the few movies in my lifetime that qualifies as a "feel good" flick, one where I left so fulfilled I actually missed the characters, story and fun when the movie is over, wanting it all back again. Fortunately, through the miracle of tape and DVD, you and I can both do that!

This production was the linchpin event for the Saturday Night Live characters that wore black suits and sunglasses before the equally fashion-challenged "Men In Black" showed up. Along with "Animal House", this flick reminds me what a great comedy career John Belushi would have had in cinema had he lived more safely (as long as he stayed away from bombs like "1941").

Back to the film...this is loaded with great music, music from many 20th Century ages, music that makes you want to hum, tap your toe, dance, delight, smile, kiss your girlfriend and say hello to God. The plot -- something about getting money for an orphanage -- is superfluous but the movie has memorable scenes and characterizations equal to the equally uninhibited "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad World" from 1963.

A hyperactive musical street scene coming out of a music store -- led by the late Ray Charles doing a great blues tune -- is a typical venue in this film. Another time, Aretha Franklin takes a break from her waitress job to sing threateningly to Jake and Elmore. Still another time, Cab Calloway entertains kids so the brothers can get their cash to Chicago. In another scene, the Blues Brothers band does it up good in a honky tonk but drinks too much beer and ends up in a police-car-RV chase with some good old boys known as...the Good Old Boys!

This movie destroyed about 200 cars in and around Chicago and has one of the funniest car crash scenes and accompanying lines in American film history. The line is: "We're in a truck!" Watch the movie to get the joy from it. You'll laugh out loud and enjoy it almost as much as those Nazis driving off the end of the incomplete freeway overpass in Chicago!

If you want to experience mayhem disguised as two hours of uninhibited escapism filled with great fun, a thousand car chases and car crashes, lowlifes, ex-convicts and rednecks, and some of the best choreographed music sequences ever, buy, rent or borrow this DVD today and get set to ENJOY YOURSELF!

Unique and historical achievement
Unique, wonderful, hilarious.

"The Blues Brothers" holds up even better than one might have hoped. And that's a beautiful thing for one of the most unique movies ever made. Conceived, as Belushi once put it, as a show case for African-American music, the movie is exactly that and so much more.

I was moved to watch the "Shake Your Tail Feather" scene due to Ray Charles' recent death. The performance is so wonderful, so full of life; we have lost a true national treasure. But his amazing performance for the movie will live on forever. The soundtrack's 5.1 remix (including the reintegration of old footage cut from a preview at the Picwood Theater in LA. According to Landis, in the DVD's liner notes, the movie distributors complained no white people would see the movie!) is simply amazing. Even on my bargain set, it is crisp, pure and clean and is probably my candidate for best sound DVD ever. Landis again demonstrates his technical mastery, understanding of technology and choice of brilliant helpmates.

As the same Landis once put it, "Where else can a white kid see Cab Calloway, John Lee Hooker and James Brown in the same two hours?" He left out Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin as well as studio legends Steve "The Colonel" Cropper (who almost single-handed reintroduced cocaine to Hollywood, the number of people who began their addictions under his tutelage is frightening but no names here; you'll have to look it up yourself); and bass legend "Duck" Dunn, one of the greatest bassists of all times (sorry, Duck, my man, even you have to bow, with every other bassist, to Geddy Lee). Normally invisible, we get to see and here the Blues Brothers' amazing band. These studio legends get there fifteen minutes, often to hilarious effect. Willie "Too-Bit" Hall, the drummer even shows really comic talent, as does Dunn and "Mr. Fabulous," the horn man.

The movie also preserves the now destroyed Maxwell Street, one of the great centers of African-American music and R&B and one of the seedbeds of rock n roll. This is the only place anyone can see Maxwell Street in its prime. In a sense the movie is also a historical document, preserving those people and places who have left us.

The plot is almost irrelevant, beside the almost hysterical comedy and stunning musical performances (Calloway and Franklin never did BETTER jobs on their two signature classics), but there is a story there. The cameos are hilarious as well, from Carrie Fischer (who has said she quit coke because Belushi, on set, one day pointed at her and said, "You're becoming just like me." On that note, Robin Williams also says his visit to Belushi on his ultimate night helped him give up the Life that took his friend) and the Keystone Nazis the Boys have to avoid in their quest to save their childhood home, a dilapidate orphanage on Chicago's South side. The "Flight of the Pinto" scene is not to be missed. And be sure to listen for the tell-tale mating call of a most un-endangered species, "hut-hut-hut."
A movie for the ages. It also highlights the bitter tragedy of Belushi's self-destruction. One can only imagine what a sobered and cleaned-up Belushi could do when he did this movie whilst doing 4 grams of coke a day, dropping acid, downers, booze, marijuana (all of this is in Boobward's sensationalist "biography" of Belushi called "Wired"). Unlike other famous drug addicts and alcoholic (Monroe, Presley, Dean) Belushi's fortunately has been taken as a warning sign of Hollywood excess and hasn't lead to his apotheosis.

Despite his tragic end, the movie is one of the few that, no matter my troubles I can put this movie in the DVD player and know I will be smiling in mere minutes. As I smile now, writing this.

Every American teenager should see this simply for the musical numbers alone. The word classic is misused as often as the word "hero" these days, but it's not misused here. What could have been the umpteenth bad iteration of "Animal House" instead attained the temporary immortality of the true classic. Belushi's been gone for more than twenty years now, but the brilliant John, the hilarious John, the gifted performer John Belushi will live on forever.

And, wherever you are John that has to make you smile.

One-of-a-Kind Musical
The musical was so out of favor by 1980 that had Universal advertised "Blues Brothers" for what it was it would have done even more poorly at the box-office than it did. But time has righted that wrong and Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi's wacky star turn has taken it's place beside the other great examples of this unique American film art. It's too long, the colossal car chase near the end is a bore, and it's based on the mistaken notion that church property in America is taxed (something Canadian Ackroyd, the main scriptwriter, apparently assumed and nobody else caught). But there are so many other wonderful moments of singing and dancing and left-field comedy that everything else is forgiven and then some. Directed by the erratic John Landis, who's main signature as a director is some of the best photography in the history of the American movies. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

wasnt that bad of a movie
Nastassja Kinski(Cold Heart, Cat People) hires Billy Zane(Zoolander, Tombstone), Dan Aykroyd(tv's Psi Factor, Ghostbusters 1 and 2), Lara Flynn Boyle(tv's The Practice, Afterglow), Michael Biehn(The Rock, The Art Of War) and Rob Schneider(Hot Chick, The Animal) into a plan that would kill her ex-husband Adrian Paul(Highlander Endgame, Christine)...Biehn and Schneider shoot Paul three times but he doesnt die....this is a good black comedy with some funny ass moments...a lot of dreaming and waking up though...Zane is hilarious...Kinski is hot and Biehn as Dave is just a plain dumbass...mainly Biehn in his movies plays a cop or a seal or a badguy. other actors are Joey Travolta, Lisa Eichhorn, Bill Duke(Predator, Commando) and Thomas Haden Church(Demon Knight, George of the jungle).

Hated the Movie, Loved Adrian Paul
I knew this movie was going to be terrible before I bought it, however, I'll watch anything with Adrian Paul in it. Huge fans of Paul's will probably do the same. If you're not a huge fan, I'd recommend skipping this movie and getting "Premonition" instead.

Abyssmal
I thought with the director and cast that this movie might be worth viewing so I rented it. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY! If there is a plot it is miniscule. The cast must have had overdue mortgage payments to agree to be in this abomination. One sees more useless scenes of the Hollywood sign; Hollywood landmarks and CA traffic than anything else. Do Not waste time by viewing the film. If someone offers it to you for free, refuse.

What happened?
This movie is so bad it hurts to watch it. With the cast, and John Landis directing, I expected at least modest entertainment, but this movie didn't deliver. Not only does the plot make no sense..Adrian Paul as the rich ex-boyfriend hasn't changed his will to cut out Natass after THREE years? but it has all these super irritating scenes that look like they are happening...I am a fan of Adrian Paul, I should have realized when he doesn't get mentioned on the jacket that his part was small..like 45 seconds. My recommendation..watch an old highlander episode and save your $. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This is one of those movies that works for all the wrong reasons--disgusting, lowbrow, base humor that we are all far too sophisticated to find amusing. So, just don't tell anyone you still think it's a riot to watch John Belushi as the brutish Bluto slurp Jell-O or terrorize his less-aggressive fellow students. This crude parody of college life in the '60s spawned many imitations, but none could match the fresh-faced talent or bad taste of this huge box office success. (Remember all those toga parties in the '80s?) The first of the National Lampoon movies, this was originally released as National Lampoon's Animal House. Keep an eye out for a very young Kevin Bacon in his first credited screen appearance. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (253)

This movie is a funfest!
Title of film: National Lampoon's Animal House
Year Released: 1978
Running time: 109 minutes
Director/studio: John Landis/Universal Studios
Actors/Actresses: John Belushi......"Bluto"
Tim Matheson......"Otter"
John Vernon......."Dean Wormer"
Verna Bloom......."Marion Wormer"
Tom Hulce........."Pinto"
Cesare Danova....."The Mayor"
Peter Riegert....."Boon"
Mary Louise Weller...."Mandy Pepperidge
Stephen Furst........."Flounder" Dorfman
James Daughton........"Greg Marmalard"
Bruce McGill.........."D-Day"
Mark Metcalf.........."Douglas Neidermeyer"
Karen Allen..........."Katy Fuller"
James Widdoes........."Robert Hoover"
Martha Smith.........."Babs"
Lisa Baur............."Shelly Dubinsky"
Sarah Holcomb........."Clorette De Pasto"
Kevin Bacon..........."Chip Diller"
Donald Sutherland....."Professor Jennings"
Douglas Kenney........"Stork"
Chris Miller.........."Hardbar"
Bruce Bonnheim........"B.B."
Joshua Daniel........."Mothball"
Sunny Johnson........."Otters Co-ed"
Stacy Grooman........."Sissy"
Stephen Bishop........"Guy with guitar"
Eliza Roberts........."Brunella"
Aseneth Jurgenson....."Beth"
Katherine Denning....."Noreen"
Raymone Robinson......"Mean Dude"
Robert Elliott........"Meaner Dude"
Reginald Farmer......."Meanest Dude"
Jebidiah R. Dumas....."Gigantic Dude"
Priscilla Lauris......"Wormer's Secretary"
Rick Eby.............."Omega"
Nominations/Awards:
1979 Won People's Choice Award for Favorite Non-Musical Motion Picture
1979 Nominated WGS Screen Award Category/Recipients--Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen
Douglas Kenney, Chris Miller (III), Harold Ramis

Faber College during fall fraternity pledge season is the place all young men want to be regardless of societal ranking. The disparity between two of the fraternities is quickly evident when we see the wealthy white young men recruiting look-a-likes to join their fraternity and snubbing wannabe's who don't quite measure up. The wealthy frat house has the approval of the school's Dean Wormer and he despises with a passion the characters who choose Delta House fraternity. Dean Wormer wants Delta House off of his campus and he asks Omega House (the rich boys) to help him accomplish this task. This is where the fun begins.

It doesn't take long for the viewer to realize that fun-loving, sloppy, middle-class guys inhabit Delta house and they live for pulling pranks on the Omega House fraternity and Dean Wormer.

This movie truly portrays college life on campuses during the 1970's. The underdog Delta House is only looking for acceptance and they won't stop at anything to achieve it! The pledge class consists of all the rejects from Omega House not only from this year but year's past. Together this group works together to undo Dean Wormer's wish to rid their house from his campus.

Flounder's experience with the horse is hysterical. The lunchroom scene with Bluto is classic. Otter's "happy-go-lucky" love interests including Dean Wormer's life are characteristic of a young man's college sexual escapades of the 70's. The closing of the Delta House and the road trip are comical. And finally the parade of all parades allows Delta House to get their revenge.

Scenes from this movie stay with you forever! Keep smiling as you relive quotes and replay scenes in your mind years after viewing this very funny film!

Life, Liberty, And Fraternity
Animal House is a rowdy and riotous look at college life in 1962. Faber College is home to the infamous Delta Fraternity. Known for its wild parties, peeping toms, food fights, and practical jokes at Dean Wormer's (John Vernon) expense.

Director John Landis assembled a great cast for this film. Aside from the late John Belushi as "Bluto", there's inspired lunacy from Tim Matheson, Tom Hulce, a very young Kevin Bacon, Stephen Furst as "Flounder", Mark Metcalf, Peter Riegert and Karen Allen, all have a memorable moment or two. The script, written by Harold Ramis, Douglas Kennedy, and Chris Miller, gives us plenty of laughs. Anyone who watches this will identify with at least one character in the film. Many people that have seen Animal House has their favorite bit in the movie. As for me, it has to be the horse in the Dean's offce, I laugh every time--Belushi was born to play "Bluto"

To celebrate the film's 25th Anniversary, the Double Secret Probation DVD, boasts some solid extas. A somewhat funny "mock-u-mentary", catches up with the cast as their characters. Some of the jokes work better than others. But everyone gives it the "old college try" and has fun. Instead of an audio commentary, there's an animated anecdotes trivia mode that's fun. The cast and crew gather again for a retrospective documentary about the film. This 45 minute feature is filled with great stories about the production-ala the Caddyshack DVD. The song "Shout", sung by Otis And The Knights in the film, gets a video from MxPx. The theatrical trailer, additional production/cast+crew notes and DVD-ROM material tops off the disc.

Because Animal House is set in the past, it is timeless, and holds up quite well. It was the first of its kind and remains a comedy classic. If you have never seen this, do yourself a favor...if you already have seen the movie before...this is one reunion use should not miss.

Classic College Movie
This is one hilarous movie! My dad always used to tell me how good it was and how he watched it when he was in college, but I never believed him. When I got a DVD player as a gift from my boyfriend my freshman year of college, it was one of the first movies that I purchased. It is so funny and it's a great movie to watch with your friends while you're relaxing and having a few beers! I think that everyone who has ever experienced college parties should be buying this movie because you probably never experienced a party like the guys on Animal House throw! Enjoy!!

no more advertising!
enough!!!! i do not want to be forced to watch advertising on DVD's I buy. this DVD forces you to watch previews, even if you do not want to see them.

Bluto Lives!
ANIMAL HOUSE is one of the funniest, most subversive comedies ever made! It takes the college system apart, turning it into a playground for the outcasts on campus. Dean Wormer (John Vernon) has had just about enough of these delinquents. Delta Tau Chi is the worst frat in Faber College history, infamous for it's debauchery and total lack of respect for the traditions of the fraternity system. Delta house is more funhouse than fraternity house. It's members are a band of sex-obsessed alcoholics (hmmm, actually sounds pretty normal to me) with a knack for causing mayhem. Peter Riegert is "Boon" and Karen Allen is his girlfriend, Katy, who is just about fed up with the whole immature mess. Tim Matheson is "Otter", the Don Juan-type, set only on finding and fulfilling every woman's fantasy.... well, something like that. John Belushi is brilliant as "Bluto" Blutarski, a drunken lunatic with a heart of gold. His near silent performance steals every scene in a Chaplin / Keaton-esque way. This movie is the best thing the NATIONAL LAMPOON (the most irreverent, politically incorrect, spot-on hilarious humor magazine ever conceived) ever did. Written by Chris Miller, ANIMAL HOUSE is VERY loosely based on his own experiences at Dartmouth. He even has a small part as "HARDBAR". Doug Kenney (A national lampoon founding father) is "STORK", the guy who leads the Faber marching band astray in the legendary parade scene. If you like toga parties (aka: orgies), road trips, food fights, and anything else it takes to get through an otherwise dull existence, then ANIMAL HOUSE is for you! This movie was the first of it's kind, unfortunately giving birth to a stream of immitators and lesser phlegms.. er, films, like Porky's, Revenge Of The Nerds, etc. None have come remotely close to this masterpiece of hijinx gone terribly wrong! Highly recommended... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Half of the characters in this 1988 John Landis potboiler seem to be played either by Eddie Murphy or costar Arsenio Hall, swaddled in elaborate Rick Baker makeup appliances that render them unrecognizable but also weirdly immobile. As a pampered African prince who journeys incognito to Queens, New York, to find a bride who will love him just for himself, Murphy manages to look smug and naive at the same time. There are enjoyable sequences of Murphy's Prince Akeem applying his lordly manner to his new job in a fast-food emporium, and falling for the boss's spirited daughter (Shari Headley), who teaches him how to party down, American style. But the fish-out-water premise is never fully exploited. Star spotters will have a field day locating Cuba Gooding Jr., Donna Summer, Louie Anderson, Vondie Curtis Hall, E.R.'s Eriq La Salle, and Samuel L. Jackson in their minuscule supporting roles. --David Chute ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Hilarious classic that will live in our hearts forever!!!
This is one of my all time-favorite African-American movies. First of all, Eddie Murphy is hilarious (in all of his roles). Arsenio Hall is a perfect foil for Eddie's hijinks. Eddie let his full range of talent show in this film; he played an innocent person who grows into a mature adult right in front of our eyes and realizes that there is a price to pay for love; whether or not you are born into royalty. This is one of those movies that a person watches over and over again and ends up reciting the lines as the movies is playing. James Earl Jones and Madge Sinclair are wonderful in this movie as well as the King and Queen. Madge Sinclair was one of the world's best actresses and I miss her greatly. She tells James Earl Jones "put a sock in it, Geoffrey, the boy is in love." Nobody can deliver that line to a black king, except a black queen. John Amos, (whom I have loved since Good Times), is a great actor as well. He plays the part of a black businessman so well, and as a father he takes no stuff off of the King. He tells James Earl Jones, "I will break my foot off in your royal _____); now that's a ghetto father for you. James Earl Jones knew where to draw the line with Cleo McDowell.

I also like the fact that the Kingdom of Zamunda was filled with kindness, and the people were happy, the royal family was truly wealthy and had everything. You know, this movie is truly a fantasy and helps us escape from our everyday lives. Just to see the Queen and King eating breakfast and talking to their son on a "speaker phone" because the table is so long, is funny. The King and Queen taking their entourage to Queens when they received the telegram to send $1 million to Semmi who had spent up all his pocket change is one of my favorite scenes. That music that is playing during the sequence when the entourage arrives in Queens is so wonderful, moving and swirling, I am buying the soundtrack just to get that song. When I get married, I would like that song to play as my "court" walks down the aisle before me.

All the cameos in this movie are great as well. Nobody can play a doped-up thug like Samuel L. Jackson; Samuel is a natural at playing a killer. Also, Louie Anderson was funny, so was Eriq LaSalle, and Alison Dean.

Now the guys in the barbershop have to be taken from classic characters in the black community. In all the black neighborhoods I have been in during my whole life; there has got to be a black barbershop full of men eating, talking stuff, and cutting hair. When "Clarence" says that Martin Luther King, Jr. ran up to him and hit him in the chest, I just crack up, cause Martin Luther King, Jr. was a prophet of non-violence. And, Eddie Murphy playing a white man is too funny, and a Jewish white man on top of that. Now, that takes creativity; and comic genuis, and Eddie's got it. And, Arsenio's portrayal of Rev. Brown is right on target, there is always some country preacher in the neighborhood that comes to every event, eats up the food, and blesses the weddings, blesses the children, and buries the dead.

One of my favorite parts is when Lisa tells Prince Akeem, she cannot marry him; because he lied to her about his identity. That made Akeem grow up very fast, and learn that nobody; no matter who he is, can buy love.

The clothes in this movie are also wonderful. Deborah Nadoolman did a great job showing how royalty would dress in a foreign country where it is warm, Also, how they would dress in Queens during the winter; those fur coats Madge Sinclair had on were fantastic and so were the suits worn by the King himself. His coat of an entire lion's skin was dramatic and the diamond eyes on that lion's head were cool.

The ending this cinderella story was great, love did really win out in the end.

Well, I could go on and on about how much I liked this movie but, I am going to stop now. Get this movie and keep it in your video collection so you can watch it and laugh over and over.

FUNNY !
This is a feel good movie with the main players being Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. Young Prince Akeem is about to be wed to a beautiful woman, but the problem is he does not love this women. He decides he will travel to Queens, NY In America and find his true love. Now how does a pampered Africian Prince
survive in Queens. Soon he falls in love with his bosses daughter and the story takes you through a tender courtship.
I loved her father, and the King and Queen were priceless!
This was a really fun movie! The wedding scenes at the end were beautiful and my favorite part. Well worth your time to watch!
Qute enjoyable!

F U N N Y
I love this movie. There is nothing I can complain about. This is Eddie Murphy at his Best. This is when Eddie and Arsenio was the BOMB. Every scene makes you laugh. Do you see Samuel Jackson in one of his early roles? Also, ER's Eric LaSalle in his Jeri Curl. This movie is wonderful. I can watch it over and over and over again and laugh at the Soul Glow commercials, because everyone in my area wore a Jerri Curl that looked that nasty. This is a must own.

Fun Relaxed Comedy
Coming to America cheerfully pokes fun at everything. There isn't really a meanspirited moment in the movie. A spoiled Afican Prince comes to Queens, NYC to live a normal life & find his true love. Queens for a future king, get it? The humor isn't exactly highbrow but its constant and Arsenio Hall is hilarious.

Five star cast in a hilariously funny film "fit for royalty"
Coming to America is truly the creme de la creme of the comedic genre. I have watched this movie many times, and never can resist throwing my head back and laughing out loud in total glee. Sometimes I even admit to falling right off the couch in fits of laughter!

Murphy's principal role in the movie is that of Prince Akeem, with Arsenio Hall as his sidekick and personal servant Semi (though both play numerous other minor roles with the help of elaborate makeup to disguise the fact). Promised in marriage to a beautiful woman raised from birth to please him, Akeem finds himself dissatisfied with the very idea of an arranged marriage. He wants to select a wife with a mind of her own who loves him for himself.

Hence Akeem's decision to leave the kingdom of Zamunda to travel to America. Unaware of his son's true purpose for the trip, King Jaffre Jafur decrees that Akeem simply needs to take a trip to "sow his royal oats." James Earl Jones as the King, and Madge Sinclair as the Queen are hilarious in their roles as Akeem's parents.

Akeem and Semi leave their luxurious lifestyle in the palace behind and end up in Queens, NY, posing as "average Americn students." They secure jobs at a knockoff of McDonald's, owned by Mr. McDowell (engagingly portrayed to hilarious effect by John Amos) and his daughters Lisa and Patrice. Falling hard for the eldest daughter Lisa (Shari Headley), Akeem competes with her boyfriend, Darrell(Eric LaSalle), the arrogant, smooth talking heir to the "Soul Glo" hair product fortune, for her affections. The numerous conflicts and silly situations that stem from this will keep you in stitches.

Blessed with an EXCELLENT cast who each make the utmost of their roles (those mentioned previously, plus Samuel L.Jackson, Louie Anderson, Don Ameche and others), truly funny material, witty dialogue, and a delightful feel-good ending, Coming to America is a movie not to be missed. I hope you enjoy this frothy funfilled comedy as much as I did! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Three Western stars (Martin Short, Steve Martin, Chevy Chase) from Hollywood silent films go to Mexico for what they assume will be a publicity appearance, and find they've actually been summoned to fight a local bandit. John Landis directed this 1986 comedy with self-conscious artifice, and it's hard to get into his self-congratulatory joke. Even the three main stars, brilliant comics all, can't sustain anything funny in it. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (68)

A Blazing Saddles style parody
Steve Martin is one of the funniest actors on the planet and also one of the best comedic writers. This movie is styled somewhat after Blazing Saddles in that the characters alternate between crazy and outrageous. The plot centers around three silent film stars who are summarily canned from their studio for the audacious request of actually being paid for their work. Broke, they are sent a telegram from a small town in Mexico with what they think is a request for a personal appearance. Unfortunately, the request was not clear because the town was so poor they could not afford all the words needed in the telegram to explain they want the Amigos to rid the town of a killer bandito by the name of El Guapo. The movie is very funny, filled with bizarre characters, such as the singing bush, surreal moments, like the Amigos singing around a campfire or singing to a room full of desperados, and extremely funny conversations. Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short all do good comedic turns. The only thing I do not understand is how this movie got rated R; besides the sometimes rough language, this should be a PG-13.

FUNNIEST COMIC TRIO SINCE "THE THREE STOOGES"
I have this very funny movie in my collection. SUPERBERBLY directed by John Landis, here is an UPROARIOUS comedy about three loveable bumblers, who are way in over their heads. But come what may, they'll always remain the "THREE AMIGOS". Steve Matin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short travel a dusty road to adventure and laughter lin this ZANY mix of sharp one liners and clever sight gags. The "THREE AMIGOS" are a silent screen comedy act who have seen better days. So has a remote Mexican hamlet which is being TERRORIZED by a FIERCE bandit gang. FINALLY, in desperation, a naive villager sends the actors a telegram asking for help. [THREE AMIGOS HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA. YOU ARE VERY GREAT. 100,000 PESOS TO COME TO SANTO POCO. PUT ON SHOW. STOP. THE INFAMOUS EL GUAPO.]. THINKING they're being offered a fortune for a personal appearance, the hapless trio arrives in Mexico. ONLY TO DISCOVER that this time they're dodging REAL bullet!!!. This is a VERY FUNNY movie and I recommend to my fellow viewers to buy it and add it to their video library collection. I PERSONALLY CAN NOT WAIT FOR A SEQUEL TO BE MADE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

The (Un) Magnificent Trio
The movie was produced at a time when Martin and Chase were trying to revitalize their movie careers. Martin Short was just starting to make films. THE THREE AMIGOS was supposedly a live action variation of Disney's THE THREE CABALLEROS but couldn't secure the rights and its a good thing. This is pretty much an unwatchable one joke premise film. Three soon-to-be unemployed silent screen actors whose movie screen personas are "The Three Amigos" are unknowingly hired to go to a south of the border town to get rid of a bandito (El Guapo) who is wreaking havoc to all the village townsfolk. The three arrive thinking they are to perform for the people and end up fighting the villian. Not much here as all three 'Amigos' have the same lame-brain personalities. Director Landis (ANIMAL HOUSE, THE BLUES BROTHERS) can't get much from the one-joke, not-very-original script (SNL's Lorne Michaels) and not one funny performance from either leads. There is a musical sequence reminiscent of the old singing cowboy movies that is mildly amusing (and again not very original). Otherwise, this is a very forgettable movie.

Funniest movie of all time
The Three Amigos is the absolute funniest movie of all time. Each time you watch it you will find new things that will crack you up. Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short are gods.

three aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamigos!
Are you ready to laugh your socks off? If yes, get this movie and start watching it! This mix of three amazingly hilarious comedians make an outstanding team that will certainly make your stomach hurt from laughing. Chevy Chase, Martin Short, and Steve Martin play the "Three Amigos," who are out-of-work actors asked to go fight the infamous El Guapo in Mexico. Thinking that El Guapo is "more than famous" instead of horrible, they take the job. As you can probably see, this mix-up causes quite a few problems that aren't at all too serious. After seeing this movie once, you'll be wanting to see it again and again. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Third Time is NOT the Charm
The third installment of the popular "Beverly Hills Cop" series is like a distant relative who comes to stay with you. At first, you're glad to see them and catch up on old times, but they sure wear out their welcome fast. This film reaches that point after about fifteen minutes.

Eddie Murphy is back as Alex Foley, the increasingly improbable fish-out-of-water detective from Detroit. Once again, Axel is doing battle with the law enforcement establishment, the Beverly Hills Police Department, and the Bad Guys who killed his friend. Sound familiar? Even Serge (Bronson Pinchot) is back, in a desperate, painful scene that seems to go on forever.

The direction, by veteran Murphy helmer John Landis, is acceptable, showing Landis' usual flair for pacing and stunts. The screenplay by the usually reliable Steven deSouza, though, is woefully half-baked. It is never clear what the tone of the picture is supposed to be. The action scenes are very off-hand and frequently played for laughs, while the comedy scenes are forced and unfunny. The story never builds the sense of jeopardy and conflict that is essential to a film of this type. It is neither a laugh riot, nor is it even remotely suspenseful. Also, any film that makes Hector Elizondo--one of the best character actors around--look bad has some serious problems.

There are two good things about "Cop III." One is an excellent action sequence set on an amusement park Ferris wheel. That is the only exciting part of the film. The other thing I liked was the series of cameos by a variety of famous film directors (like George Lucas), a typical Landis gag. It at least gives you something to look for in some pretty boring scenes.

Not Bad & Not Good
3rd in the increasingly irrelevant BHC series. Marginally better than BHC2 but that's not saying much since BHC2 was landfill. Funny and clever mostly because Murphy and cast enjoy themselves. They seem to understand this series has run its course and this flick is just for fun. Not brilliant moviemaking but mostly harmless.

Shouldn't have been made
The original Beverly Hills Cop is a classic. The 2nd one was just as good. Both had a perfect blend of action, comedy, and suspense. The fact that they waited to make this 3rd installment so many years later (during Eddie's current streak of terrible movies) should have told everyone making this movie right off the bat that it was a bad idea. John Landis (who usually makes pretty good flicks) took over the directing for this one and let's just say it's not something he should be proud to have on his resume. In a nutshell, this movie is just campy... knee slapper jokes, lame plot, etc. The spirit and integrity of the first two movies is completely lost in this 3rd one. It's a shame too how you go from making two great movies to a third that's not just below par, but stinks to the high heaven.

Should have stopped at two
This movie was just horrible. It takes place in an amusement park for one. The action was weak, the story line was weak, and the ending was just silly. Watch this film at your own risk!!!!!

SOMEHOW IT WORKS....
DESPITE A FEW NEGATIVE REVIEWS OF THIS MOVIE, I ACTUALLY THOUGHT IT WAS A FUN WAY FOR PARAMOUNT TO MAKE FUN OF DISNEY WORLD AND THE OVER-RATED COMPANY THAT IT HAS BECOME. THEY POKE FUN AT THE COMPANY SO MUCH IN THIS MOVIE, THAT I THINK IN IT'S OWN WAY IT WAS SAYING THAT DISNEY IS NOT A REAL MOVIE STUDIO, BUT WE ARE. I AGREE COMPLETELY WITH THAT. ... Read more

Reviews (63)

Extremely Uneven But Often Very Entertaining
THE KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE is a series of sketches that lampoon various venues of its day: industrial training films, television commercials, news shows, martial arts flicks, and talk shows--in fact, it is very much like the original SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. But while being on the big screen means the film can go a lot further than SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE ever could on television, KFM doesn't have the same level of talent behind it. When you add in the dated quality of the humor, the result is very hit or miss indeed.

The film originated when two brothers and their best friend--David and Jerry Zucker and Jim Abrahams--created a live show called "Kentucky Fried Theatre," and it proved such a hit that the three took the show to Los Angeles, where they managed to interest director John Landis and producer Robert Weiss in turning the whole thing into a low-budget film. Filmed with a no-name cast interspersed with cameos by Bill Bixby, Donald Sutherland, and Henry Gibson, KFM became the surprise hit of 1977.

Some of it holds up extremely well, most notably the "movie trailers" for such imaginary no-class explotation films as CATHOLIC HIGHSCHOOL GIRLS IN TROUBLE and CLEOPATRA SCHWARTZ, both of which will probably have film buffs screaming with laughter. And then there is a sketch which has a couple making love according to directions issued by a phonograph record, an instructional film on the uses of zinc oxide, a wicked take-off on "Point/Counterpoint," and a still darker take-off on television public service announcement--all of them a hoot and half.

But when the film falters, it falls with a thud. Fans of Bruce Lee will probably appreciate the film's centerpiece more than I did, a twenty-minute take-off on martial arts films called "A Fistful of Yen;" I myself thought it would be more amusing if it were half as long. The "Feel-Around" selection was a clever idea that never actually took off, and really much the same can be said for most of the sketches. Some of it is a matter of datedness: what was topical in 1977 doesn't necessarily have a great deal of relevance for a contemporary viewer. Some of it is shock-humor that doesn't shock any more because it has been done so often and so much better. But even so, and while the film as a whole is perhaps best approached as a cultural artifact, it's still worth a look--particularly if you like such films as AIRPLANE, THE NAKED GUN, ANIMAL HOUSE, and THE BLUES BROTHERS, all of which were created by various members of the crew that originally created KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE.

As for the DVD, the film quality is as good as it gets (and you should remember it wasn't great to begin with), and it offers the option of viewing the film in either widescreen or pan-and-scan--but the bonuses that seem so intriguing are actually less interesting than you might expect. The "behind the scenes" home movies and stills are actually rather dull, and as for the commentary... well, it sounds like the DVD package producers got the Zuckers, Abrahams, Landis, and Weiss together, gave them a couple of beers, and turned on the movie. They clearly haven't seen the film in quite a long time, spend a great deal of time trying to remember the names of the actors, and generally yuk it up. Now and then it is amusing and even informative, but on the whole it isn't greatly memorable one way or another. On the whole, I do recommend the DVD as a curiosity--and it would be a great party film--but this isn't one that you're likely to replay a great deal.

The Popcorn You Are Eating Has Been Pissed In...
That happens to be a line from the film, "Kentucky Fried Movie". Tasteless, huh? Yeah, well, so is the film. But it also happens to be one of the funniest films of the '70s. And also one of the most forgotten.

The film itself is a collection of skits similiar to those of early "Saturday Night Live" and "Not Necessarily The News" . But, thankfully, there are no pesky TV censors to hold back any of the vulgarity. Some of the stars that are included in these unbelievably nasty sketches are Donald Sutherland (JFK, Invasion of the Body Snatchers), Bill Bixby ("The Incredible Hulk") and Tony Dow (The Beav!). Also, the film has many very funny moments. Some of my favorites: "Fistful of Yen", which is a cross between old Bruce Lee movies and "The Wizard Of Oz" and "High Adventure" with explorer Claude Lamont!

The film was directed by John Landis, who went on to direct "Trading Places", "Coming To America" and "Spies Like Us." The film also includes David and Jerry Zucker and Jim Abrahams ("ZAZ"). They went on to do such classic spoof comedies, such as "Airplane!", "The Naked Gun", and "Hot Shots!"

If you are a fan of any of these other titles I've mentioned in this review and are not easily offended, then "Kentucky Fried Movie" is for you!

Film At Eleven.

Samuel L Bronkowittz presents a very funny film
I remember seeing this film the first time when I was 15. My friends and I had an inside joke with some of the more outrages sketches such as 'Catholic High School Girls in Trouble', 'Fist full of Yen', and "Zinc Oxide' (fake science filmstrip).
Having seen the DVD, I must say that the print is good though the original film stock had poor detail. There is a choice of 16:9 or fullscreen, though this choice is awkwardly implemented in the menu.
If you wish to see an early example of tasteless sketch comedy, you may enjoy this film. Some of the fake movie previews, directed by the ubiquitous Samuel L. Bronkowitz are still very funny. Other parts of Kentucky Fried Movie may not have aged well from the 1970s, however.

Udder stupidity
I recommend Survivor: Borneo on DVD. A lot better than this "non sense" ROFL

This is the funniest thing I have ever seen.
I doubt you will ever see a movie like this again.
It starts off with a bang. When I first rented it a few years
ago, I watched it with a few freinds. And after the opening theme song, which is strange enough. A reporter comes on and
says "The popcorn you are eating has been pissed in."
One of my freinds nearly choked on a ciggarette from laughter.

There are so many funny moments to this movie. One is where a family makes there dead kid part of the family again. As they take him to the dinner table and ball game.
Another is a spoof of a porno called "When Catholic Girls Go Wild" This is just too funny, I laugh as I'm typing thinking about it. My 3rd favorite is The Joy of Sex which is like an instructional video on how to have sex narrated by Shadow Stevens formerley of American Top 40. I could go on and name scene after scene. But they are all funny.

If you like sketch comedey and have a open mind to humor.
This is a must own. It is old but this is a classic.

I love this stupid movie. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

He Gets By With A Little Help From His Friends
In an effort to support Landis in his legal tribulations, a glittering array of Hollywood heavyweight directors and actors, with a rock star thrown in, toil as bit players and extras to make a manic movie with ultra-dry wit and tongue-in-cheek dialogue. Goldblum and Pfeiffer play their roles a little subdued compared to what is going on around them. It all makes for a well-constructed comedy that became an instant cult favorite. The more times the viewer sees it the more nuances and cameos jump out. Highly recommended!

Good plot, but missing something. . .
I rented this movie for the sole reason that David Bowie is in it. His performance was wonderful, yet extremely brief. Therefore I was highly disapointed. Granted, the movie wasn't too bad, Pfiefer and Goldblum are both wonderful, but Bowie was gyped. He is an amazing actor and should have had a bigger part, or at lease more time on screen. I suggest this movie for the sole reason of seeing his 2 small scenes.

enjoyable film
This is a chase movie, a kind of film-noir without the black and white. Here the ordinary man is Jeff Goldblum, a guy so so unhappy with his mundane job and cheating wife that he spends his nights driving the LA streets instead of sleeping. One night he finds himself in the wrong place at the right time. He interrupts the murder of a beautiful and mysterious Michelle Pfeifer and very shortly he finds himself her unwilling accomplice as both evade her ruthless pursuers. She warns him right up front that she is "one of the bad guys", but he's hooked. The chase takes them to all of the "mink-lined sewers" of after dark LA and lets them encounter quirky and sometimes violent characters. This movie plays like a mix of dark comedy and thriller.It has a plot twist of sorts, but does not end darkly. The cameos will be interesting to film buffs, but not to anyone else. It's Goldblum, Pfeifer, and the chase that drives this movie. And thankfully, the story - though improbable - strings tightly together and does not involve stupid car chases, explosions, or wanton killing. In fact, the violence is tame by today's standards. There's the brief nudity seen in 80's movies and occasional mild profanity. A nice film to rent. I bought it.

Awesome and lots of fun...
This is one of the best comedy/adventure/chase flicks ever made. Lots of fun with some interesting twists. Don't miss it.

one of my all time favorites
This is a great movie that is always underrated by critics. Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer are wonderful here, at the start of their careers, and without big star egos. The surprise cameos are fun and the story is fresh and unique. I recommend it to anyone who is tired of the same old plot and action. This is well worth the money. ... Read more

Reviews (57)

Great Collection
While Jackson's ego as the "King of Pop" has folded over recent years, his legacy lives in this compilation of his videos and performances. With the advent of DVD, Jackson's fans will get to see and hear the great quality of his performances and music finally. Two videos on this compilation are worth seeing. The first, "Liberian Girl," is a beautiful ballad, and the celebrity-filled video is one of Jacko's rarely seen videos. The other, "Scream," which was the most expensive video ever made has Michael and his sister, Janet, in a futuristic spaceship setting, that was beautifully directed by Music Video guru Mark Romanek (Madonna's "Bedtime Story" was also his work). Forget the scandals and his wierd habits, and buy this coolection.

KING OF POP
Micheal Jackson is definetly the king of pop - after u see this collection of his videos you wont dispute that.
THE DVD
1.PROGRAM START
2.teaser-elaborate teaser showing micheal jackson as a huge statue.
3.BILLIE JEAN motown 25- an amazing performance of micheal jackson singing billie jean and doing moonwalk for first time- here he shows his amazing talent - in this performance u think it cant get any better than this but yet he ceases to amaze me - performances keep getting better. 5 star performance
4.BEAT IT- classic mj video great dancing - good song 4.3 stars
5.LIBERIAN GIRL- ok/ catchy song with alot of appearances by celebritys - very rare video- 3 stars
6.SMOOTH CRIMINAL-this one i rank up there with billie jean- here he outdoes himself again showing his amazing talent and dancing abilitys- 5 star performance
7.1995 mtv video music awards-another amazing performance- my personal favorite along with smooth criminal- here he does many songs in a mix of some sort and shows many diffrent dances and it amazes me how he can switch so quick into the diff dances -one of a kind performance - 5 stars
8.THRILLER- classic masterpiece /great performances by all- 5 stars
SIDE TWO
1.SCREAM- innovative original video with sister janet- very cool video - 4 stars
2.CHILDHOOD-pretty good video -3.5 stars
3. YOU ARE NOT ALONE- not one of my favorites but still good video/ shows micheals sensitive side- 4 stars
4.EARTH SONG- beautiful video - have to see it to believe it -5 stars
5.THEY DONT CARE ABOUT US- so so video / fun to watch- 3.5 stars
6.STRANGER IN MOSCOW- diffrent type of video yet beautiful-3.8 stars
7.BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR- the worst video on whole disk - i didnt like this song or video at all but the other videos make up for this one - 1 star( this just wasnt micheal jackson- it wasnt his style ) i expect more from this - hes more talented and hes shown that in his past but maybe he just wanted to try somthing diffrent
8.BRACE yourself-3.5-4 stars
SO I RECOMEND THIS DVD TO ANYONE - any pop music lover or micheal jackson fan - even if ur not a big micheal jackson fan u will be after veiwing this collection and this dvd is also good for chronicaling some very memorable video masterpieces.

Michael Jackson is the King! Period!
How can someone who hasn't released any commercially successful material in the last six years be the King? Watch this video and you'll find out!

This is packed with some of Michael's most ambitious video's and live performances.

Video listing:

1. Bille Jean (Motown 25: yesterday, Today and Forever)

2. Beat It 3. Liberian Girl (very rare)

4. Smooth Criminal (one of his finest and higly overlooked videos)

5. 1995 MTV Video Music Awards Performance (Killer 15 minute Jackson performance!)

6. Thriller

7. Scream (duet with sister Janet and an amazing visual effect video!) 8. Childhood

9. You Are Not Alone (Video for the first song ever to debut at No.1 on the Billboard #100)

10. Earth Song (Beautiful video!)

11. They Don't Care About Us (Highly contorvercial song and video from 1996)

12. Stranger In Moscow (rare)

13. Bllod On The Dance Floor (rare in North America)

14. Brace Yourself

Get this DVD 'cause these are some fine pieces of work from the greatest entertainer of the last twenty years!

Five out of five

Video HIStory,volume 2
This package was released sometime after the 1997