Reviews (3)

Serial Killing that is not serious at all
A thriller that is fascinating from the very start. A serial killer is handcuffing his victims and then killing them ruthlessly. But a girl has a sixth sense and she sees the killings, the murders, the victims in their ordeals. The murderer is the final surprise of course, especially since the police goes the wrong way and covers him for us. The problems touched in this film are simple. the role of the media and particularly TV as a discloser of investigation details, and then the development of a debate about such serial killings with only one objective : to make a lot of audience and hence a lot of money. To be famous first of all and above all. The second question is that of prescience : is it possible, acceptable, believable, etc ? It is convincing in the film, but not much more. The third problem is the motivation of a serial killer and the famous profiling of the FBI. It is both rejected by the older cop who is responsible for the investigation, and by the film because the motivation of the killer is totally antagonistic with the profiling technique. All the victims have handcuffs but apart from that there is no other connection between the various victims or murders and the motivation has nothing to do with standard and even substandard serial killing motivations. It is something completely different. I can't reveal it here of course. But this very « plot » makes the film very trite. It is dynamic, entertaining but it is not very enlightening on the subject it deals with. Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, Paris Universities II and IX.

Murder Mystery at its Best
Once called "The Clairvoyant", The Killing Hour is a suspense/thriller/murder mystery rolled into one. Personally, I prefer the original title, since it better captures a key element of the story. Our protagonist (played by Elizabeth Kemp) has two unique gifts. She is an artist and has a sixth sense. But she doesn't see dead people, instead she can foresee who will be the next victim in a series of seemingly unrelated murders. Unrelated that is, except for the handcuffs found on each victim. Her clairvoyance strikes her when she is drawing and usually, she draws the next victim. She begins to panic, when during one of her episodes, she draws herself.

When she finally goes to the police, she manages to convince the skeptical officers assigned to the murders that their may be some validity to her story. More willing to believe her, a TV talk show host/reporter (played by Perry King) tries to befriend her and interview her on his show.

Slowly, the killer moves in on her. The clairvoyant knows he (or she) is near, but her power doesn't reveal the face to her. Nor does the director give this one away. We have to wait until he is ready to reveal the killer, but once he does, it all makes perfect sense.

Overall, I found this movie to be a pleasant surprise. Suspenseful, cleverly written, well acted, it will keep you guessing until the end, when the killer finally and unexpectedly, is revealed.

SURPRISINGLY GOOD MOVIE
At first glance, you might think this is an exploitation movie that thrives on T and A and extreme violence, but the Killing Hour, aka the Clairvoyant, is a surprisingly well produced, well directed, and well acted movie. Good perfomances by Elizabeth Kemp (especially Liz Kemp) and Perry King. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Two special episodes.
In "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" while Monica (Roma Downey) waits in a storm with young Joey (Paul Wittenburg), worrying about his brother Wayne (Randy Travis) who is out in a storm, she tells him a tale of another Christmas when Mark Twain (played by two time Tony Award winner John Cullum) suffered a crises of faith. Helena Carroll, Kate Fuglei and Paul Winfield also guest star.

In "There But for the Grace of God" Tess (Della Reese) takes to the streets to help a proud businessman (Gregory Harrision) who has become homeless. Ken Page (Broadway's "Cats"), Marion Ross and Malcolm-Jamal Warner also guest star. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

heart touched
Like every show this one touches me deeply.At the end i feel lifted.It makes me feel there is hope in the world.It makes me feel that i am not alone.The thought of angels being with me helps me get through the day. this video makes me happy and loved.It made me think alot.

Touched by an Angel
"Touched by an Angel," an on-going CBS miracle drama, has touched the lives of numerous human beings and given the world renewed hope through one simple message: "God loves you."

This entertaining, emotional, and enthralling series can also be beneficial to parents as an excellent teaching tool for their children. Each epsiode easily captures the attention of its viewers; grown-ups and kids alike can share in the angelic, yet very human characters of Monica (Roma Downey), Tess (Della Reese), and Andrew (John Dye).

I wasn't an immense fan of "Touched by an Angel" when a friend introduced the episode "Amazing Grace" to my family. My mom was slightly skeptical to begin with, and my brothers were entirely disinterested. Our friend insisted that we give it a chance, however, and by the time it was over we all had a new outlook on prejudice and the difference between looking with our eyes and looking with our hearts.

Every lesson that "Touched by an Angel" teaches is worth learning...and I have that on very high authority!

A video worth watching over and over again!
I purchased this video over a year ago and I still enjoy watching it. The story really makes you think about how you look at people. I think sometimes that, if all people were born blind, there wouldn't be as much prejudice and criticism of others. With the tragedies thay we are seeing happening in our schools; we need to wake up to the fact that the country has turned it's back on God. Continue making shows that show there is hope if we have the faith in God.

The most beautiful episode I have ever seen
This episode of "TBAA" was so touching. For most of the show, Monica was not able to see and she had to see with her heart. I think I was crying for most of the episode. I thought it was very moving when the whole town decided to help clean the place up and Monica was then able to see. I was balling at that point! This was probably the best episode that I have ever seen.

An Eye Opening Experience
This episode of TBAA hits home on many levels. First, when Monica is blinded she must "see" life without the obstacles that can lead to racial and social prejudices. Second, we are able to witness a young man's pain when he realizes that all actions have consequences. And Third, it's never too late to make a difference in someone's life. These are but a few of the lessons learned. Each time you view this episode you will be touched by another aspect of life. Brava Martha for bringing to TV one hour a week that the whole family can experience a slice of life without unnecessary sex and violence. TBAA has allowed us to welcome many new faces into our homes by way of TV that we would all feel comfortable welcoming in person. Della, John, and Roma, you are always welcome at our table! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Robin cooks invasion
I was in favor of this well thought out book. I have all of Robin Cooks books and this story is one of my favorites. I felt it keeps you in suspence to find out who was infected by the virus and who was not. Most love stories always end with a happy ending and well cant give it away but I would recommend the book and I also enjoyed the movie.

Dumb and Dumber
Robin Cook's Invasion was such a bad book that I had to see if the mini-series would make any improvements. It did not.

The miniseries almost immediately diverged from the book. Apparently to ease the budget, NBC used small black rocks instead of the small silver-dollar-sized disks that resembled small flying saucers. In the book, the disks were the only spacecraft. Shortly after landing the rock was seen to vaporize a snake. The disks had no such capability, although they could collapse into micro-sized black holes. The billionaire software mogul was not power and money hungry. And what was this business about RH negative blood? That certainly wasn't in the book. In the book, people who caught the flu and had some sort of genetic deficiency (like diabetes) died from the exposure. This was the virus's way of improving the human genetic stock. Infected people actively sought out the uninfected and infected them.

The series did manage to eliminate the architectural errors in the novel by not setting the Foundation in a mansion. No, instead the infected bought a military base. Not only did it seem strange that a private citizen would be buying a military base, but the general conducting the tour and spouting the benefits to its purchaser, suddenly claims that it is a military base and cannot be sold to a private citizen. But, the sale goes through with the help of a little virus.

The second part of Robin Cook's Invasion was even worse than the first. Not only were the few good parts of the book eliminated, but a complete break from the plot was enacted.

The foundation and its gateway continued to be assembled. Apparently to make a gateway you need a couple of old hangers and some large plastic water bottles (like the Department of Streets uses for watering median strips) which are then hung from the ceiling. And what is this gateway for if the aliens are arriving by ship? How should I know, there were no ships in the book. This gateway is also very fragile. Apparently just removing your hand from the controls will cause it and the arriving ship to explode. Very advanced!

As for the characters, different people died or were infected. Cassie was locked in an isolation ward as soon as she arrived at the secret installation (at her own request). In the book, that is. In the series she just hung out with everyone as she became more alien. Beau did not give up looking for Cassie in the desert. Instead they found the base and proceeded to slowly gain entry. Meanwhile the uninfected discovered, not an antibody (and certainly not microscopic BEMs), but that the virus breaks out of the body when the body is attacked by another viral infection. And guess what? They were working in a bio-war lab with hundreds of tailor-made plagues. They managed to find one to suit their needs in the catalog, a super cold that no one had an immunity to and was highly communicable. This was released an eventually cured the population. Far more believable than dropping a vial, having everyone cough twice and then be cured.

The ending of the movie was changed even further with the destruction of the gateway. In the book one of the heroes drives an all terrain vehicle through the mansion and rams the gateway apparatus. Very effective. In the movie Beau takes his hand off of a pad and everything blows up. Uh-huh!

If you have nothing better to do you might want to watch this. But reading the book would be better. Not much, but better. Better yet, reread Tolkien, watch Star Wars or even old episodes of Land of the Giants. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Pal version
What I would really like is that these vhs tapes will be available in pal version also.
I bet there are many more people in Europe who want to buy the series on tape! ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Compelling, Riveting...Yes!
I had, recently, seen brief bits of the DEAD ZONE television show and I had garnered an observation that the production, acting, special effects, and script were of a superior kind...and my main purpose/motivation for renting the DVD television premiere.

What I viewed was everything I expected and much more. The storyline/script is smartly written, with each scene vital and drawing the viewer in (i.e. you or me). The exploration of this man's coma/accident-induced powers...the untapped realm of the brain known as the "dead zone"...is explored with great imagination and emotional impact.

There was one scene that placed me in awe of the production values of this film. It involves the dead zone guy's Vietnamese doctor who, through his patient's powers, discovers that his mother is alive, not dead as the doctor had thought. In the reunion scene...a scene that will make you reach for the tissues, I have not seen in a long time a film that displayed such raw and genuine emotion (with special mention going to the actors in this scene). Just thinking about that scene makes me savor film and the power/art of film-making at its best. The exhileration of the reunion, with no dialogue whatsoever, was truly astounding. Once you see that scene, you'll know what I'm talking about (get the tissues in advance)...

I, too, cannot wait for the rest of the season to come out on DVD. And though I rented this movie, I plan to also buy it shortly.

I believe the reason this film was so effective as a pilot for the rest of the show is the directoral prowess of Michael Pillar whose ability in film production is most evident in the latter years of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION. Whether or not you like that latter television series, those shows, especially the 5th-7th seasons, were critically praised. Pillar's influence in the DEAD ZONE is visibly apparent. I do not know whether the rest of the series has held to the same production values, however, I have viewed several episodes that were quality-made.

This film deserves a 4.5 rating...

Great TV pilot on a DVD packed with extras for the fans
This TV series pilot movie (actually first 2 episodes of the series) is based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. It is an excellent adaptation of the novel for an on-going TV series. Anthony Michael Hall shines in the role of Johnny Smith and brings a real sense of sympathy to the role. It's hard to believe you are watching a grown up "Rusty Griswold" from the "Vacation" movies.

I was happily surprised when I watched this movie and at the end it successfully makes you want more - and as a hook for a TV series its up there with pilots like that of "The Invisible Man (2000)".

This disc also has a host of extras such as commentary by the cast over the feature. They come out with a lot of interesting remarks on how long it took to film, cast changes and story changes and network interference in the plot and character outlines. There is also a look behind the scenes in a mini-documentary, TV ad spots etc.

If you enjoyed the series, or simply have heard good things about it, pick up this DVD for a superior adaptation of a Stephen King book. A very addictive primer for a great TV show.

Dead Zone Fans Beware
Warning -- If you are looking for the unaired original Dead Zone pilot episode that was offered for a short time as a bonus to those who purchased the First Season Set, do not buy this DVD.

Although this is a great DVD, it is the same first episode that is included in the First Season Set.

I purchased the first season set after the deadline for taking advantage of the offer for the bonus DVD. I really wanted to see the original unaired pilot episode and I mistakenly thought that this was it. To my dismay found that it was the 2 hour series premier that I already had on the First Season Set.
I guess this one will find its way to a friend or end up in the used bin at the video store.

If you are unfamiliar with The Dead Zone and don't want to lay out the bucks for the complete First Season Set, this DVD is an outstanding intro to the series. However, if you love the series, go for the gusto and get the set. I'm on my second viewing of the set and can't wait for the release of the Second Season Set.

Very good for a TV show
The pilot is included with the first-season DVD, so now I have two of them. The production is very good, as are the special effects, especially the scenes in Vietnam where debris is frozen in mid-air while the lead character walks through the dustry street.

The story is tight, and the writing is good. I'd like to have seen Rev. Purdy's character better explained, but I think that will make itself known in the first season, which I'm now watching.

Overall, it's a really good story and makes you think about the possibilities.

I'm glad it's a cable show, because the cable shows these days seem to do a better job at developing characters and offering something fresh and unique. That is: They aren't afraid to take chances.

I think we've all had enough reality on television that "The Dead Zone" is a welcome chance to walk on the other side.

Stephen King's novel is turned into a pretty good TV series
"The Dead Zone" is one of my favorite Stephen King novels and I have taught it a couple of times in class because of the way in which the series of events persuade Johnny Smith to do what he does at the end. It is also one of the best Stephen King books to recommend to people who do not like Stephen King books (i.e., monsters and scary things). The 1983 movie version of "The Dead Zone" was one of my least favorite Stephen King movies, mainly because I thought the casting of Christopher Walken as Johnny was a mistake; Johnny has to be more of an ordinary guy in extraordinary circumstances, and nobody can ever mistake Walken for ordinary. Anyhow, the idea of turning "The Dead Zone" into a television series instantly appealed to me, because the premise of the character and the episodic nature of the novel, both lent themselves to such an adaptation.

The premise is fairly simple. Johnny Smith (Anthony Michael Hall) is a high school teacher who has some minor psychic abilities as a result of a childhood accident. One night, after a fun date with his fiancé, Sarah (Nicole de Boer), Johnny is in a car accident. He wakes up six years later to find his perfect life is gone and that now, when he touches someone, he gets intense psychic images that serve as warnings of back things happening. With great power comes great responsibility and Johnny tries to use his gift to help.

There are some problems with this movie that serves as the pilot for "The Dead Zone" television series, but creators Michael and Shawn Piller come up with several significant changes from the novel that serve as a solid foundation for the first season and beyond. This television pilot is actually the first two episodes thrown together (for distribution as a movie if the series was not sold), with the first hour devoted to establishing Johnny's new situation and the second to the serial killer story from the novel. The main problem is that there are several instances where things get a bit rushed: Johnny wakes up in the hospital and Dr. Tran (Rick Tae) IMMEDIATELY tells him that he has been in a coma for six years. Dr. Tran wants to wait to tell Johnny that his mother died and his fiancé got married during those six years, but the whole six years of your life gone in an instance he hits this guy with right away. Similarly, in terms of everything that Sarah has to tell him he picks up on in flash when he touches her and even the wall that exists between Johnny and Sarah's husband Walt Bannerman (Chris Bruno) does not last long in the second hour of the show. Also, if you want to have fun nitpicking, Johnny would have known about O.J. Fortunately, while the serial killer plot gets resolved in the second hour, as dictated by the USA network, the series did go on to take its time with Greg Stillson.

What outweighs these problems are some of the changes the brothers Piller made in the elements of the novel. First, on their fun date Johnny and Sarah produced a child, which gives the characters an unavoidable link and another aspect to the new love triangle. Second, related to that, is the idea to back Sarah's husband Sheriff Bannerman (this raises a question: will Johnny warn Walt about Cujo?), which adds another layer of complexity to the love triangle because Walt the husband and Bannerman the sheriff have different relationships with Johnny under different circumstances. Third, Johnny's parents are now out of the picture and in their place is the Reverend Gene Purdy (David Ogden Stiers), the beneficiary of Vera Smith's money and a powerful figure with a continuing interest in Johnny, an interest that exists on multiple levels and cannot really be pinned down. Fourth, Johnny Smith now has a sidekick, Bruce Lewis (John L. Adams), his physical therapist, and the first true believer. This allows the writers to give Johnny someone to talk to instead of finding ways to get Johnny to think out loud all of the time.

Fifth, picking up from the theatrical version, when Johnny has his visions we see him there, in the setting. An extension of this, taken from the novel, is that Johnny unconsciously mimics the person he is seeing, talking their language. This works very well with the subplot involving Dr. Tran, who is the updated version of Dr. Weizak (a nice move, both in terms of the updating and in terms of the new resolution to the question of Tran's mother). This also provides the director to come up with some stunning set pieces as everyone freezes and Johnny walks through the moment paying attention to the details (it looks like he is walking through a Matrix-like CGI shot, but it is simply done for the most part). But there are some equally impressive effects created during Johnny's visions by cutting back and forth between now and then, or by doing reverse shots from two different locations. Consequently, "The Dead Zone" has a visual style that makes for some nice examples of creativity in filming a television show.

The second hour does a nice job of establishing the rules of the game here in terms of how Johnny gets flashes of the future, but that it is a future that can be changed: you taken one moment out of the string of life and everything changes. This becomes a very workable premise for a television series, with the story of a real life superhero, on to which we throw all the interpersonal angst of Johnny's relationships. It would have been nice to have seen what this show would have done if they had been allowed to take their time with these initial story threads, but being rushed by the network seems a small price to pay if it means getting the series on the air. As a TV pilot this 2002 version of "The Dead Zone" is not perfect, but it does a very good job of establishing a solid foundation for a pretty good television series.

Final Note: If you pick up the first season of "The Dead Zone" on DVD you get the TV pilot as the first two episodes, but you do not get the commentary (which is split in half) that appears on this particular DVD. ... Read more

Description

Perry, a New York crime lord, wants to expand his empire. He violently takes over Star's entertainment management company, which has Diana, a popular television actress and a group of comedians under contract. After the takeover everything is great...until the murders start. With the cops on the trial, trouble in the air and a murderer on the loose...the action is out of control and everybody has to watch their backs! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Vampire with a heart!
Ben Cross was great as Barnabas Collins. It's too bad that the series didn't go on with more twists and turns. Dan Curtis, if you ever read this, please, please have Dark Shadows back on the air waves! ... Read more