Amazon.com

One of Jim Henson's finest hours was the Storyteller series that aired on HBO in 1987. As with his other non-Muppet creations (Labyrinth), Henson fills the screen with wonderful creatures that have a wisp of a J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy. Half of the eight-part series was adapted from Greek myths by Anthony Minghella, who became an Oscar-winning filmmaker a decade later with The English Patient. Minghella weaves the narration of the storyteller (a sturdy and wonderful Michael Gambon, accompanied by a scene-stealing dog) with dialogue from the stories--two episodes per video--to beguiling effect.

By nature, the Greek myth episodes are a bit more mature and downbeat(ages 8 and up), yet give the audience lasting impressions of oft-quoted tales. In "Perseus and the Gorgon," King Argos locks away his wife when it is foretold his future son will kill him. Soon mother and son (Perseus, fathered by none other than Zeus) are washed ashore and another angry king looks to take away Perseus's mother. How can Perseus win the day? By killing the evil Gorgon whose snake-covered head includes eyes that turn humans into statues. Derek Jacobi stars as the brilliant Greek designer in the second tale, "Daedalus and Icarus." The father goes through many hardships, including the famous episode of his son flying too close to the sun. All is not well and does not end well. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Jim Henson + Greek mythology
The late Jim Henson, mostly known for his creation of the MUPPETS, has also endeavored into other worthwhile projects of note. His STORYTELLER series is one of them.

While mostly geared towards children, the STORYTELLER videos are also wonderful for adults as well. While most of us know sketches of the Greek myths depicted, this series does a fine job of elaborating on the lesser known details of the myths. For children, it's a fabulous way to be introduced to the storys for the first time.

The majority of the actors in the series are relative unknowns. However, in the present episode the viewer is treated to none other than the legendary Shakesperian actor Derek Jacoby as the sage inventor Daedalus. Jacoby's performance makes this STORYTELLER even more appealing than it would normally be.

For Jim Henson fans and for those who are infatuated with the ancient Greeks, this video is a can't miss. If you buy this film without being familiar with either Henson or the Greeks, you may very well find yourself falling in love with both simultaneously.

Greek Myths come to life beautifully.

That said, "Perseus & the Gorgon" is a verybeautiful and faithful retelling of the tale of Danae, the shower ofgold, the birth of Perseus and the slaying of Medusa (no Andromeda, though). But a particularly beautiful rendition of the legend of Atlas. However, it doesn't quite reach the high bar set by the original Storyteller series, because there's little added to the original in the adapation.

"Daedalus & Icarus", however more than compensates. Perhaps the best of the four episodes, there's a humanity infused into all the characters, but most notably through the performances of Derek Jacobi as a guilt-ridden Daedalus and John Wood as King Minos.

These episodes may be frightening to very young children simply because they are so faithful, but if they're reading things like the D'aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, this is a perfect companion.

Storyteller : Greek Myths - Answer to reviewer from Settle
Just to let you know that these Greek Myths (all 4) are available on DVD in the Netherlands (see the Jim Henson web site). All 4 tales are on the DVD and have English soundtracks with Dutch sub-titling. I recently bought a copy from ebay.com for £13.99. As far as I can see, you cannot turn off the sub-titling which is at the bottom of the screen but still on the image. I don't find it too disturbing.

Better than ever
I've read the stories of Perseus and Icarus, though not recentely. These, however, are the versions I'll remember.

The stories are richer, darker, and more nuanced than any version I saw in print. They're about intense personal passions, jealousies, and fear. Perseus is about controlling, even sadistic family. The story of Icarus is very salient today, about technical success that fails because it can not tolerate human weakness.

I had never seen "The Storyteller" before - now I want the whole set. Highly recommended, but not for the youngest viewers.

Frustrated from England
I saw these when they came out in England on TV last Christmas, and as a Latin teacher want to show them to my classes. I managed to tape all but Daedalus and Icarus and think they are marvellous, but cannot get them on video in England. As far as I can tell the US format will not support the British VHS PAL format. Immensely irritating, but I wholeheartedly recommend them and hope more might be done. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Non stop laughing film ---- A MUST SEE
This is the best comdey I have ever seen. I just couldn't stop laughing in this extremly funny film. I think that Mr.Bean is a very funny charactar that make you laugh even if you are not that kind that laugh easly. This is a must see film.

Fun for the Family
This is a great video. Bean is clean comedy the whole family can enjoy. We also watch this video over and over and it is still funny. Can't wait to get some other Bean videos! :-)

Digested Beans
This is a compiled digest of the antics of Rowan Atkinson's long suffering and silent character Mr. Bean. It's a great piece of work but one wonders when the entire uncut series will be available on DVD? Hardcore fans may want to wait until the producers finally get around to it. These snippets just leave you wanting more!

Very, very funny!
A good mood-fixer. If you're in a bad mood, this is the tape you'll want to get!

Tied for the best of Mr. Bean
This, and the Christmas tape, signify the pinnacle of the Mr. Bean series. Every sketch on this tape is a winner - the day at Herrods, changing at the beach, and the classic Exam episode. Don't forget the sermon snooze, a sketch so popular that when Rowan Atkinson did a college tour of his one-man show, he included it as the only Mr. Bean sketch in the entire 90 program (the rest was closer - generally speaking - to the verbal wit of his Blackadder persona).

Lots of laughs - echoes from when Mr Bean was fresh and funny. Also, one might note that here we have the first appearence of Mr Bean's nemesis - the three wheeled car. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great!
This is one of my all-time favorites, not just of Mr. Bean either. His comical scence not only draws every last laugh from children, but also hysterical for adults. A family must- have. Through his wild dentist apointment to a wasp frenzy i was already on the floor. After my favorite 'packing scene' i could relate to Mr. Bean's mishaps, except maybe not as extreme. This is one to go down into the history books, you won't know what your missing. The only sad part is when the tape finally wears out. :-)

I love this guy!
I got this video in a box set called 'The Big Box of Beans', and it is the third of six videos in that set. Rowan Atkinson is without a doubt a very odd character, especially as Mr. Bean, but he is hands down hilarious. Many British comedies are so different from North American comedy that they don't seem funny to the general American public, but I think Mr. Bean should without a doubt be seen at least once by everyone in America, because he is hands-down the funniest oddball I have ever seen. If you get any satisfaction whatsoever from laughing, get this video!

Terrible Tape
This is definitely not one of the best »Mr Bean« tapes. It basicly consists of some everyday situations to which Mr Atkinson's sketches do not really succeed to add a little spice. Avoidable without consequences.

So Very Funny!
Mr Bean did it again, he managed a way to find trouble and make it funny. In this viedo, Mr Bean's day starts off with a trip to the Dentist. In the second feature, Mr Bean makes us laugh again when he finds a man having a heart attack at the bus stop. This video is extreamly comical, and I would recomend this to anybody. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Rowan Atkinson's disaster-prone twit goes swimming in a public pool and not only panics (hilariously so) at the edge of a diving board, but loses his trunks in the water just as swim instruction for schoolgirls commences. The rest of this collection includes Bean's memorable construction of a complicated sandwich on a park bench, and his trials attempting to fix his own television set. If you couldn't quite figure out what was up with the feature film Bean, these sketches will fill you in on the background. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Swimming Pools, Park Benches, and a Movie.
THE EXCITING ESCAPADES OF MR. BEAN includes two episodes of the hit British series "The Curse of Mr. Bean" and "Mr. Bean Goes to Town". When I was younger I never understood the humor of Mr. Bean. However, as I've gotten older and my sense of humor has matured a little, I find Mr. Bean to be quite hilarious.

"The Curse of Mr. Bean" starts off with Bean attempting to dive off the high-no, make that the very, high dive at a local swimming pool. When he's had his fill of exercise, he attempts to leave the parking garage without paying the ticket by going through the entrance. Later on Bean settles down for lunch on a park bench, illustrating just how frugle and thrifty he is. Finally, Bean goes to the movies with his girlfriend to see a scary picture. I have to tell you, the scene at the movies is the funniest thing I have see Bean do. This tape is worth buying just for that scene alone.

"Mr. Bean Goes to Town" is the second episode on the tape and though I didn't enjoy it as much as curse, it still has its moments. It starts by showing Bean returning home with a new television set and the trouble he goes through trying to get a signal. He takes a walk in the park to take some pictures, but gets taken instead. Then it's off Club Phut with his girl for a night of club dancing. Bean doesn't fit in well and his girl ends up leaving him. However, Bean gets the last laugh.

The version I have of this tape also includes a deleted seen of the show that didn't originally air on televsion called "Bus Stop". In this short sketch Bean finds himself waiting and losing his place in line as he waits for a bus.

This is a great item to own for anyone who likes British comedy. Also, the movie sketch from "The Curse of Mr. Bean" is a great scene to show to Americans who just don't understand British humor--it's one almost everyone will laugh at.

Excellent Comedy
The hilarious MR. BEAN skits may be some of the best comedy ever produced. If you're hesitant about buying them, rent one first and see for yourself. Apparently Amazon is not presenting the entire series. Too bad. Most, if not all, of the episodes are available on VHS. The series exists on DVD but unfortunately it is incomplete; some fool arbitrarily cut some of the skits.

Not Particularly Funny
This »Mr Bean« tape does contain some good ideas, and the sketches are maybe even well-written and well-structured... but in fact, they are not that funny! Basicly a waste of money. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Included in this collection is Mr. Bean's brilliant Christmas show, in which the mumbling dolt (Rowan Atkinson) discovers an unusual technique for stuffing a large turkey that causes him to temporarily (and literally) lose his head. Which means, of course, cheese sandwiches for his poor, underappreciated girlfriend, not to mention the cheap gifts.... Also on this tape is Bean's misadventures at a hotel, where he is locked out of his room and ends up on the wrong end of a glare from the fusspot manager. Fabulous stuff. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Hilarious even for non-fans
There are basically two categories of people out there, Mr. Bean fans, and non-Mr. Bean fans. I'm a fan, my wife is not, but the Christmas segments in this video even had her rolling on the floor. Definitely one of my favorites, especially for the holiday season.

Pretty OK
Including the classic episode »Merry Christmas Mr Bean«, this selection is among the better tapes in this series. Unfortunately, the overall impression decreases becauses of the other sketch where Mr Bean fools around in a hotel - and this, in the end, just becomes too long and too much.

Absolutely Fabulous...Bean at his best!
Amazing, Rowan Atkinson never ceases to amaze me! This tape has numerous comical scenes, my favorite of which is conducting a band during Christmas time. A definite must have for any Bean fan! ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Wait for the complete series on DVD
Don't get me wrong, the footage is 5 stars - hilarious, being made up of skits from the BBC sitcom, "Mr. Bean", starring the brilliant Rowan Atkinson, but it is just a compilation. True fans will save their money for the complete series on DVD. Well, we have Blackadder, now where is Mr. Bean and "The Thin Blue Line" on DVD? Bean is completely opposite of Blackadder and Thin Blue Line in that as Bean, Rowan is all but mute and completely relies on physical comedy, where as in Blackadder (as Edmund) and Thin Blue line (as Inspector Fowler) Rowan talks his head off and the main source of comedy is in the dialogue, although physical comedy is not absent by any means. Those who only know Rowan for being Bean may be shocked when they see Blackadder or Blue line for the first time because of the drastic character change, but trust me he's just as funny with words as he is with physical action. "The Best Bits of Mr. Bean" is fine for a rental or for an extremely casual fan, but bigger fans of Rowan and Bean are still waiting for the complete series on DVD. I can highly recommend the Blackadder 5 disc DVD set, which contains all 4 series (24 episodes), a reunion special, and other goodies (read my review of that item for much more detail) but I recommend saving your money for the complete "Mr. Bean" series. The BBC series' "Mr. Bean" and "The Thin Blue Line" are essential comedy and I can't wait until they are represented as well as the brilliantly hilarious "Blackadder" series.

AMERICA NEEDS MORE MR. BEAN MOVIES!!!
My husband and I have always enjoyed Mr. Bean.

Well flash forward. Our grand daughter is now his number one fan. Two years old and she can't wait to visit us. She sits for hours watching this wonderful comedian and all his antics. We can't pry her away from the "telly". "Mr. Bean Grandma - Mr. Bean!"

Mr. Atkinson, if you're out there Alexis H. is deffinantly you're number one fan and oh, by the way, please could you do a few more new episodes? I've seen the Best Bits of Mr. Bean about 1000 times. Please just a few new ones for Alexis!

Bean is delightful and funny all his episodes will make you laugh.

Money well spent. Fun for the whole family.

sooooooooo funny. 16th april 2004.
The reason i loved this is because it shows you different parts off different tapes of mr bean. He makes me laugh he is great.

Great DVD
I'm an obsessed fan of Mr Bean and Although this is bits of Mr Bean - it still includes lots of funny footages. Because it's not enough for me, I am ordering the "complete" collection which they say is still slightly edited.

Very Funny
A lot of people are complaining about the length of the clips but if you look in the title it says the best "bits" which means they are only short clips. I think this video does a good job of selecting some of the Classic Mr.Bean moment. All of Mr. Bean is funny but if you want the most popular and most haliarous moment this is a good video to buy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The problematic Bean (Rowan Atkinson) loses his trousers (again, again...) at a launderette and later adopts a style for playing miniature golf that some folks might call cheating. On this same video, Bean gets impatient at an outpatient clinic and starts noodling with other patients; he also visits Windsor castle, where he torments a poor guard on duty. As always, the world is one big problem for Atkinson's beloved twit, but it can (and will) always be turned into a bigger problem. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fortunately His FINAL Frolics
No-no. Apart from the sketch in the laundry, this tape is simply not funny. The minigolf sketch contains ONE joke... which is repeated 20 times, and the hospital and Queen's guard sketches are below mediocre. Goodbye, Mr Bean.

Keep it clean.
Mr. Bean is terribly funny, however, not always clean. If you do not like dumb characters- don't watch this film. Often Bean thinks himself to smart for the task at hand and therefore messes himself (and others) up. Mr. Bean is full of small jokes and kidish pride and he doesn't even have to say anything!

This video tape is hideously,and terribly funny!!!!
This video tape shows a few selfish and childish acts in the silly life of the devilish Bean.Mr Bean actually isn't human-like.He's like some troublesome and selfish phenomena that's wreaking havoc in the streets of London.In this video,Mr Bean tries to cheat a lady by throwing away her dirty clothes in a laundry shop and does something nasty to a punk that spilt coffee across Bean's shirt ; then Mr Bean tries to look like Tiger Woods in the Mini-golf game.He ends up sending the ball in and out of the sewers and everywhere across the town ; afterwards Mr Bean tries to push in line in a clinic and ends up being outwitted by a woman that's all wrapped up in bandages.The next scene will teach you how to make a beefeater look absoloutly stupid ( or handsome in Bean's opinion ) and how to lose teddy.Lasty Mr Bean will demonstrate a wholly new way to get to sleep by counting sheep.Rowan Atkinson did a really good job on this great tape. END ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

There's something fishy about Rowan Atkinson's Mr. Bean. Well, sure, he's willing to store a pantry's worth of sandwich ingredients (including butter, lettuce, and live fish) in his jacket. And he's capable of changing out of long pants and into skimpy swim trunks without ever exactly taking his clothes off (an incredible feat of comedic yoga). And he does all this without saying a single word more than a barely comprehensible mutter. Yes, there's something decidedly strange about this bitter buffoon--but something very, very funny about him too. This first collection of Mr. Bean's bizarre sketches collects the cream of the crop; besides the aforementioned swimsuit sequence, there's also a cringingly laughable experience with steak tartar at a posh restaurant, a chaotic plunge into class exam etiquette, a not-so-holier-than-thou napping competition during an afternoon sermon, and a bizarre run-in with the royalty during an upscale film premiere. If you're expecting the same histrionic humor as Atkinson's other well-known alter ego, the Black Adder, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Mr. Bean, at his best, displays a masterful mixture of subtle wit and slapstick, proving you don't need to say a word to craft a diabolically witty comeback--or dig yourself deeper and deeper into the silliest, strangest situations.--Grant Balfour ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Non stop laughing film ---- A MUST SEE
This is the best comdey I have ever seen. I just couldn't stop laughing in this extremly funny film. I think that Mr.Bean is a very funny charactar that make you laugh even if you are not that kind that laugh easly. This is a must see film.

Fun for the Family
This is a great video. Bean is clean comedy the whole family can enjoy. We also watch this video over and over and it is still funny. Can't wait to get some other Bean videos! :-)

Digested Beans
This is a compiled digest of the antics of Rowan Atkinson's long suffering and silent character Mr. Bean. It's a great piece of work but one wonders when the entire uncut series will be available on DVD? Hardcore fans may want to wait until the producers finally get around to it. These snippets just leave you wanting more!

Very, very funny!
A good mood-fixer. If you're in a bad mood, this is the tape you'll want to get!

Tied for the best of Mr. Bean
This, and the Christmas tape, signify the pinnacle of the Mr. Bean series. Every sketch on this tape is a winner - the day at Herrods, changing at the beach, and the classic Exam episode. Don't forget the sermon snooze, a sketch so popular that when Rowan Atkinson did a college tour of his one-man show, he included it as the only Mr. Bean sketch in the entire 90 program (the rest was closer - generally speaking - to the verbal wit of his Blackadder persona).

Lots of laughs - echoes from when Mr Bean was fresh and funny. Also, one might note that here we have the first appearence of Mr Bean's nemesis - the three wheeled car. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Outrageously funny!
Mr. Bean (played by Rowan Atkinson) is an outrageously funny man; he cluelessly maneuvers through the world, spreading chaos wherever he goes. This tape includes two episodes, each roughly 25 minutes each. They are clean, and so funny that the whole family laughed their way through the shows!

The first episode is Mind the Baby, Mr. Bean, in which Mr. Bean accidentally finds a baby in his care. He's on his way to the Fun Fair, and how difficult can it be to take care of a baby? My family and I must have watched this episode a million times; it's great!

The second episode is Do-It-Yourself Mr. Bean, and starts with a somewhat dismal New Year's Eve party, in which Bean's guests start scheming a way out. New Year's Day sees our hero out buying everything he needs to redo his flat...it's a bit much for his Mini, but Bean knows a shortcut for everything! A great episode, and Bean's quick way to paint his flat has to be seen to be believed!

My family and I loved this tape, and highly recommend it to you!

The best episode "Do it yourself" is on this tape, however:
The DVD's appear to contain many more episodes than the VHS tape. Just look at the episodes contained. Amazon doesn't bring this to light, I wish I had known this before ordering some VHS tapes. I found that there are used VHS tapes that are Canadian "G" rated that cuts out I think the best 10 minutes or so of the episode "Do it yourself", I don't know why any rating system would cut out any of these shows, they are great for the family. I contacted the seller because this was not disclosed until it arrived.
I strongly recommond Mr Bean to anyone, funny funny funny!

Mediocre Mr Bean
The one with the baby is a little too much, and often too disgusting. Mr Atkinson should stay away from this lavatorial humor.

In the do-it-yourself sketch, Mr Bean starts out celebrating New Year's Eve, then proceeds to the January Sales, and ends up painting his living room in his very own - however efficient - way. An OK episode but not at all as entertaining as the funniest of »Mr Bean«!

Bean is the Best!
I'm sure that any Mr. Bean video you buy you will love but this is one of my favorites. It's a classic! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Outrageously funny!
Mr. Bean (played by Rowan Atkinson) is an outrageously funny man; he cluelessly maneuvers through the world, spreading chaos everywhere he goes. This tape includes two episodes, each roughly 25 minutes each. They are relatively clean, the sole exception being when a topless woman is shown from behind. Overall, though, there is no reason why this show can't be seen with the whole family (I simply fast-forwarded through that part of the scene).

The first episode is Back to School, Mr. Bean (originally aired in 1994), in which Bean goes to an open house at an adult education center. There, he single-handedly takes on the British Army, raises mayhem in a chemistry class, hilariously corrects an art class, overcomes a Judo teacher, and finally is forced to find his errant trousers! This episode is a complete gem, and left my entire family in stitches!

The second episode is Hair by Mr. Bean of London (made for video, and appears to have been the last one made before the movie). Here, Bean turns a trip to the hairstylist into a chance to make money (with unfortunate results for the other patrons), wins a best pet prize at a village Fete with his teddy bear, and attempts to take a train ride without a ticket. Another very, very funny episode.

My family and I loved this tape, and highly recommend it to you!

All said and done, I can see wht these were "unseen"
This tape has its moments. I liked seeing Christopher Ryan (of The Young Ones and AbFab fame) fear for his very virtue in the bathroom stall, for example. But really, there are two fundamental problems with the final two episodes of Mr. Bean. The first is forgivable - the Bean concept is stale, and thus not very funny. This was inevitable, no doubt, so I won't blame Rowan Atkinson or Robin Driscoll on that. In fact, they should be credited for stopping after this point - many...shows continue on long after the series has worn out.

The second problem is a big one - they've changed Mr. Bean's character a bit, at least to my mind. I always thought that Mr Bean represents primarily childlike innocence and impishness. Based on the opening credits, the literal interpretation I gave it was that Bean was either (a) the only man who was "born yesterday"; or (b) an alien trying to figure out our world and culture. Mind you, none of this bears much scrutiny, but these theories sort of explain the way he operates... simply, selfishly, innocently, naively... again, like a grown up child. Here, in these last episodes, Mr. Bean takes a turn for the worse. Instead of an innocent, he is spiteful; he is deliberately mean - doing things in order to tick people off rather than ticking them off simply by doing what comes naturally.

Rowan Atkinson is a brilliant comedian, with the rare gifts of both physical and verbal wit (witness Blackadder or Not The Nine O'Clock News for verbal humor). This video is worth having - especially at the price offered by Amazon - for that if nothing else.

Boom, Bang And Hair
On the sixth »Mr Bean« tape, our 'hero' visits the open doors' day of an evening school, and he puts every single subject in embarrassment! He annoys people, yet he's pretty creative too... but, er, who laughs last laughs best, as you know... A quite OK »Mr Bean« sketch.

In the other sketch, Bean gets tired of waiting for the hairdresser to get ready, so he puts on the uniform himself. Not exactly to the benefit of the costumers. Another OK sketch, but decreasing in quality.

This is not the best »Mr Bean« tape but it's not the worst one either. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Congratulations to director Paul Weiland for taking a stupid premise and creating a truly romantic look at marriage. Mercedes Ruehl is dying of a weak heart, and her husband, Jean Reno, hopes to keep his promise to bury her in their tiny Italian village, despite a lack of room in the cemetery. While he is trying to keep his friends and neighbors out of the local bone yard, she is quietly seeking candidates for his next wife. Many movies treat marriage as a death sentence. For Roseanna looks past daily bickering to the enduring love and warm companionship of well-matched lovers. Clearly defined characters, a disarming dénouement, and passionate performances transform the silly plot into a playful valentine. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Make sure you see the last line of the move!
For anyone whose been to a hilltop-castle town in Italy, and seen the gentlemen in the piazza with their cafe, this is a must see movie. The plot becomes, while a major stretch for American sensibilities, much more plausable for anyone who has ever been to town like the one in the movie. And make sure you catch the very last line - its one of the best closers for a movie in years. And for the love story - the last name of Jean Reno's character says it all.

God bless Mark Frankel.

Italy in your living room!
This is the kind of movie a wide range of people will enjoy. For a start, it taps into that ever popular theme of 'gentle comedy in small-town Italy'. If you've enjoyed 'Cinema Paradiso', 'Il Postino' or 'Life is Beautiful', you'll want to see this too. It has the same successful mix of scenery, music and eccentric characters. Watching this feels as though the wine bars and winding streets have come to your living room. Unlike the films just mentioned, however, this isn't really an Italian movie at all - it's all in English, with the characters affecting Italian accents with varying degrees of success and authenticity. Still, the accents are not too grating - you get used to them quite quickly - and its easy to enter into the spirit of the movie's premise. It helps greatly that the location filming is superb. The town is shown in all its slightly shoddy beauty. Nothing seems 'tarted up' for the camera, and this gives the whole a sense of realism to counterbalance the admittedly incredible plot. While this is absolutely a comedy, with some very funny moments, there is still a serious undertone - it all revolves around the wishes of a dying woman. The pain of love, requited and unrequited, is explored most sensitively. There are moments that will bring you to tears.

Got a good marriage? Wish you did?
For Roseanna is one of those little beautiful movies that you look for for a long time to add to your DVD collection but sadly hasn't come out yet.
Life and love. That is truely what is important. Mercedes Ruehl and Jean Reno shine as two people so madly in love with each other that they would do anything to make the other happy when all they really want is each other. If you have a good marriage (as I do) or wish you did it opens the warmth and possibility that such simple things actually exist and when you find them to grab on with both hands and cherish it.
Buy this movie. Guys. You'll even like it!

COZY ITALIA !!
A truly perfect movie.It shall be pity if you miss.Actually I'm a fan of Jean Reno,but this is really one of his best and also not a well-known one.Why don't they release the DVD version of it?

WHAT A WONDERFUL SURPRISE -- FROM BEGINNING TO END!
I expected Ms. Ruehl to be great and she was. But it was Jean Reno who really surprised me. I loved him in The Professional, but this was a character I'd never seen him play....and he did it with class, wit and above-all -- great talent! So, to all you Jean Reno fans who've yet to see this movie, you're in for a treat. And for everyone who loves Mercedes, you'll love her even more! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Two back-to-back episodes of the beloved Bean series find Rowan Atkinson's strange boy-man having his fun cramped at a fair because he has to take care of a needy baby, then taking advantage of "January sales" to spruce up his apartment with a new piece of furniture and a gallon of paint. The former is one of the most ambitious chapters from the Bean chronicles but, alas, not among the funniest. The latter, however, has that old, meandering Bean magic. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Mediocre Mr Bean
The one with the baby is a little too much, and often too disgusting. Mr Atkinson should stay away from this lavatorial humor.

In the do-it-yourself sketch, Mr Bean starts out celebrating New Year's Eve, then proceeds to the January Sales, and ends up painting his living room in his very own - however efficient - way. An OK episode but not at all as entertaining as the funniest of »Mr Bean«!

BEAN STRIKES AGAIN
Rowan Atkinson once again strikes the funny bone of millions, and this video is just plain hilarious. Seeing Mr. Bean saddled with a babe is downright head-splitting. A man as immature as Mr. Bean has no right to have a child! Rupert and Hubert (two fellows I met on a bus) come over for a New Year's Eve party, and Bean as host is just as funny as Bean as parent. And almost as alarming. Atkinson is a comedy genius. ... Read more

Description

With Christmas around the corner, Bernard Bottle is fired by his boss, his sweetheart leaves him and an ancient lamp explodes in his face, releasing a sword-swinging maniac! ... Read more

Reviews (19)

a wonderful movie
this is probably the best made for tv movie I have ever seen. I got it this past christmas, when my local pbs station dumped "chef", and I was dying for some good english comedy to view. This movie didnt dissapoint. Its written by the man who did blackadder- so it, like black adder gets better with repeated viewings.... Henry is a comic genius and Cuming.. .well lets just say, thanks to this, I have tickets to see him on Broadway! An absolutely delightful film, and a welcome addition to anyones video collection.

Funniest Movie Ever! Can not be seen enough times!
I have had this film since Christmas of '92. Everyone should see this movie twice! Lenny Henry is at his best and the gags just do not stop! If you know of anyone who needs a good laugh and a Great holiday film - recommend this one to them! If you enjoy subtle humor and outrageous sight gags you will love this film!

Sweet, but never syrupy
"Bernard and the Genie" is everything a Christmas movie should be: heartwarming, poignant, tear-jerking and hilarious. By the end you should be cheering and crying, thoroughly touched by this marvelous film. If I didn't already have it on tape, I'd be paying $80 to whoever is selling it right now. One of my favorite movies, Christmas or no.

My favorite Christmas movie, but good any time of the year.
This is my all time favorite and I think it should be shown on tv every Christmas. The story is good but the actors really make this movie a joy. This one can pick up your spirits any time of year. A must for the video library.

thank ye thank ye Richard Curtis
thank ye thank ye Richard Curtis for writing yet again another
film we can all enjoy!!!!It is one of the best christmas flicks I have ever seen in the whole of my life. Lenny and Alan and of course Rowan are fab actors!!Of course I wish lenny henry's wife dawn french had a part in this but oh well....
But what I really wish (aside from world peace) is that the BBC would get off their bums and get this on DVD!
(as well as others like the CHEF)
We enjoyed this movie and the music they included like this song by Slade
"So it will be a Merry Christmas everybody's having fun.....
look to the future, yeah, its only just begun......" ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Way underrated!!!
Why didn't the critics like this movie? It's a modern-day "Gone With The Wind"!!!

Leonard, Part 6 is hilarious! It's way better than Parts 3, 4 or 5. Bill Cosby takes an already strong script and takes it to a new level. The result is extremely funny! I almost lost it when Cosby was riding around on the emu! Where did the writers come with this material? It's on par with Hulk Hogan's "No Holds Barred" and Vanilla Ice's "Cool As Ice"!

Great movie!!
Leonard, Part 6 is hilarious!! It's way better than Parts 4 or 5. Bill Cosby takes an already strong script and takes it to the next level.

Cosby is a spy who comes out of retirement to stop an evil woman. The acting is superb, the action scenes are mindblowing, and the jokes are rip-roaringly funny! I almost lost it when Cosby was riding around on the emu! Where did the writers come up with these ideas?!!

You've got to see this movie! It's even better than Hulk Hogan's "No Holds Barred" and Vanilla Ice's "Cool As Ice"!!!

The worst movie ever
I have not watched this movie since going to the theater in 1987 to see it.
To this day when I hear mention of a bad movie, I always ask, "Have you seen Leonard Part 6"? More times than not, the fortunate souls say "no". Those unlucky few of us who have suffered the brain nummbing 90 minutes of our lives will never recoup that time.
I am writing this as a service to anyone who feels that comedy should be funny and not so stupid that you laugh at the idea that someone paid to see it before you realize that you just paid to see it. This movie has got to be in the running for worst theatrical release ever. I'd rather watch a 5 mile snail race than subject myself to this mistreatment again. I am a Cosby fan and I love his work in other shows, but, this one proves that no matter how good an actor you are, you're not immune to something that flat out sucks.

This is the WORST Movie I've ever seen in my life
However, it is hilarious and I love it. It makes absolutely no sense at all and that's why it works. The reason why it works is it doesn't take itself too seriously (An ostrich in ballet slippers?) so it's easy to let yourself enjoy it. A true guilty pleasure.

I do have one question. Are there really parts 1-5 or is this an urban legend?

Simply perfect!
A simple, PERFECT film...a wonderful soul music soundtrack from Peabo Bryson and starring Bill Cosby, Tom Courtney et al. Nothing more to say - one of my favourite films of all time. If the closing "Love Theme From Leonard Pt 6 (Without You)" doesn't melt your heart, then you really do not have a soul.. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of Jim Henson's finest hours was the Storyteller series that aired on HBO in 1987. As with his other non-Muppet entertainments (Labyrinth), Henson fills the screen with wonderful creatures that have a wisp of a J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy. The eight-part series was adapted from European folk tales by Anthony Minghella, who became an Oscar-winning filmmaker a decade later with The English Patient. Minghella weaves the narration of the storyteller (played with aplomb by John Hurt) with dialogue from the stories to beguiling effect; the storyteller doesn't simply introduce the tales (two episodes per video). "Sapsorrow" is a curious variation on the Cinderella legend. The second, "The Luck Child," is abrilliant short about a king bent on destroying a commoner boy after a wizard declares the boy will grow up to be king. The boy, known as the luck child ("the seventh son born of a seventh son on a week with two Fridays"), faces abduction, murder attempts, robbers, a man-eating griffin, and other obstacles. The fate of the king is one of those hooks that should have the kids smiling for days. Henson's work is true family entertainment (ages 6 and up) and at only 22 minutes per episode, it's the perfect companion for some fine entertainment around the TV. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Truly an all time favorite
In the course of what must now be almost 20 years since I saw Jim Henson's adaptions of fairy tales for the first time, they have lost none of their appeal to me - something, I should perhaps add, that also rings true for most of other Henson's work, ranging from 'Sesame Street', 'The Muppets Show' to 'The Dark Crystal'. Among the twelve episodes of 'The Storyteller' (nine fairy tales, three Greek myths), 'The Soldier and Death' has a special place in my heart, not least thanks to the ranks of rather cute devils that have 'muppet' written all over them. While it is a pity that to this very day there is, indeed, no RC1 dvd edition available, it may be of interest to afficionados that in the Netherlands 4 dvd featuring all 12 episodes were released. While the release by 'Bridge Entertainment' suffers from notable defects in sound & picture quality (the dvds seem to have been mastered from VHS material), to my knowledge it offers what is currently the only chance to view one of the best childrens' series that ever were in their entirety. While I do hope to see the day on which the episodes of 'The Storyteller' get the dvd treatment they deserve, I'll keep on watching my old tapes as I have done for years ... and recommending 'The Soldier and Death' and all other available episodes of 'The Storyteller' to old and new Jim Henson fans alike.

Sapsorrow: the Best Rendition of Cinderella
With a screenplay by Anthony Minghella, soundtrack by Rachel Portman, and production by Jim Henson, it is no wonder that The Storyteller is one of the best series ever filmed. Sapsorrow is my all-time favorite of the 13-odd episodes they made. John Hurt's superb narration gives the story an extra kick, not that it needed it, what with the exciting story of princess who must excape marriage to her father plus the dynamic relationship between the prince and the "Straggletag." "The Luck Child" is another excellent one. You can definitely relate to the wicked king who only wants to keep his kingdom and his daughter to himself, then comes home to find the lucky boy he tried to kill *married* to his daughter. The rest of the series is excellent and then some. See it if you can find it.

among the best
I can't praise these incarnations of the greek myths enough. They are neither watered-down nor meant to cater to the queasy hypocrisy that seems to pass for children's fare in these days of over-protectiveness and over-indulgence. My own children grew up with these tales and appreciated Jim Henson's series for the undiluted yet highly masterful handling of the tales that, until the advent of Shakespeare, best defined the human ethos.

Already the possessor of the equally praiseworthy Storyteller series on DVD, I can only echo the sentiments of previous reviewers: the entire Henson Greek Myth series deserves to be out on DVD.

Superb Video for everyone
Our children watched these videos when they were very young. I searched every store for the past ten years and could never buy them. These are so good that even as teenagers and now as over 20-s they can enjoy them. A great investment for proper viewing for children! I can't agreee more with one reviewer who said that the whole series (Volumes 1and 2 and 3) should be published. Enjoy the ones that are available!!!

C.A.M.
UAE

Please, Oh Please, Give us this on DVD...!
Superb! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Jim Henson's muppet creations, as well as good children's fairy tales (I must admit I enjoy these myself, and I am now 38 years old...!).
I only wish the missing episodes were available. The very best thing, would be the whole collection in a DVD Box Set...!!! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The best of the Mr. Bean videos!
This is, in my opinion, the best of the eight Mr. Bean videos. The funniest skits are when Mr. Bean is scared to death while seeing a horror movie with his girlfriend, and when he is trying to exit through the entrance of a parking lot so he doesn't have to pay the high toll.

This tape also contains an extra skit in which Bean waits impatiently for a bus at the bus stop. This skit was never shown on TV. Buy this video if you are looking for a clever comedy that will crack you up. And if you should happen to like this video, I would also recommend buying The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Bean, and The Merry Mishaps of Mr. Bean

My Review
I love Mr. Bean! Although this isn't one of his better ones its still funny to see him painstakingly try to make a sandwitch. The 7 others are also great, in order. Amazing Adventures, Exciting Escapades,Terrible Tales, Perilous Pursuits, Merry Mishaps, Final Frolics(why isnt it no 7),Unseen Been, Best Bits. It would make a great edition if u have a Mr. Bean collection. Also, "Rowan Atkinson Live" is good if u like him. My favorite is the Library sketch too, which can be found at the end of Amazing Adventures

Best of some of the tapes
The park bench skit and the Horror Movie are great!

My favorite skit I can't find though - when he goes to the library and destroys an ancient book.

Oh, well, this is the best of the tapes that I've seen.

Good Stuff!
I got this video in a box set called 'The Big Box of Beans', and it is the second of six videos in that set. Rowan Atkinson is without a doubt a very odd character, especially as Mr. Bean, but he is hands down hilarious. Many British comedies are so different from North American comedy that they don't seem funny to the general American public, but I think Mr. Bean should without a doubt be seen at least once by everyone in America, because he is hands-down the funniest oddball I have ever seen. If you get any satisfaction whatsoever from laughing, get this video!

Very Funny!
When I want comedy, this video is what I want. Though most of the scenes are exceptionally funny, some are not as rib-cracking as others. The TV scene is very funny, but the sandwich scene is worth the price of the video. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

a wonderful movie
this is probably the best made for tv movie I have ever seen. I got it this past christmas, when my local pbs station dumped "chef", and I was dying for some good english comedy to view. This movie didnt dissapoint. Its written by the man who did blackadder- so it, like black adder gets better with repeated viewings.... Henry is a comic genius and Cuming.. .well lets just say, thanks to this, I have tickets to see him on Broadway! An absolutely delightful film, and a welcome addition to anyones video collection.

Funniest Movie Ever! Can not be seen enough times!
I have had this film since Christmas of '92. Everyone should see this movie twice! Lenny Henry is at his best and the gags just do not stop! If you know of anyone who needs a good laugh and a Great holiday film - recommend this one to them! If you enjoy subtle humor and outrageous sight gags you will love this film!

Sweet, but never syrupy
"Bernard and the Genie" is everything a Christmas movie should be: heartwarming, poignant, tear-jerking and hilarious. By the end you should be cheering and crying, thoroughly touched by this marvelous film. If I didn't already have it on tape, I'd be paying $80 to whoever is selling it right now. One of my favorite movies, Christmas or no.

My favorite Christmas movie, but good any time of the year.
This is my all time favorite and I think it should be shown on tv every Christmas. The story is good but the actors really make this movie a joy. This one can pick up your spirits any time of year. A must for the video library.

thank ye thank ye Richard Curtis
thank ye thank ye Richard Curtis for writing yet again another
film we can all enjoy!!!!It is one of the best christmas flicks I have ever seen in the whole of my life. Lenny and Alan and of course Rowan are fab actors!!Of course I wish lenny henry's wife dawn french had a part in this but oh well....
But what I really wish (aside from world peace) is that the BBC would get off their bums and get this on DVD!
(as well as others like the CHEF)
We enjoyed this movie and the music they included like this song by Slade
"So it will be a Merry Christmas everybody's having fun.....
look to the future, yeah, its only just begun......" ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Why no City Slickers III? (3.5 stars)
This sequel is at least as good as its precursor. It combines solid (if unspectacular) humor, with a feel-good message. But the director got it right. You need to start with the humor, to engage the viewer, before bringing in the heavier themes. Otherwise it's too easy for the uninvolved and sarcastic viewer to write the film off as corny or too sincere. It can be said that there is nothing truly innovative in this film; in some respects it aims for the common-denominator, but it hits it. The fact of the matter is, this is the level at which a lot of guys interact and bond. The treatment of westerners and women aren't great, but that's not what this modest movie is about. It's about male bonding.

Other pluses include the strong acting and the well-defined characters. Palance and Lovitz prove interesting muses for Crystal, albeit in very different respects. And even if we've heard it a million times before, it's good to be reminded that what you learn along the way is often more valuable than the what you are pursuing in the process.

So while this film is no great work of art, unlike the main characters in their quest, the moviemakers fully achieve what they set out to do.

A Sequel That Is Good!
City Slickers is a very good movie and though sequels often pale in comparison this sequel was actually pretty good and Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern and Jack Palance were still in top form and I liked the addition of Jon Lovitz as Billy's lazy freeloading brother but I wish that Bruno Kirby was in this sequel too reprising his roll from the original but it's still a good movie and I highly recommend it and I hope to buy this and the first movie on DVD!

"Let's get that gold!"
This is a very funny movie, with an A+ cast, and script. With quirky one liners and beautiful scenery, you really do feel like your in a western.
It was fun seeing the cast again in this sequel, except for Bruno Kirby, who was replaced by Jon Lovitz.
The commentary for the movie is also quiet good. It's fun learning about what went on behind the scenes and such.
I personally think this is one of the better sequels. Very nicely done. 

Don't listen to CJ! It's a great sequel!
One of the few sequels that live up to the original. Yes there are a few gags repeated from the first movie - it's called CONTINUITY, CJ - look into it.

Other than that, it takes the likeable characters from the original and puts them in a brand new adventure. This isn't a retread of the original plot. Scenery is beautiful, Lovitz is a riot.

Slick City guy returns to the west.
Billy Crystal is looking marvelous in the amusing comedy that is fun to watch. I actually like the sequel just slightly better than the original. Billy crystal is charming and funny and Jack Palance is great. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of Jim Henson's finest hours was the Storyteller series that aired on HBO in 1987. As with his other non-Muppet tales (Labyrinth), Henson fills the screen with wonderful creatures that have a wisp of a J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy. The eight-part series was adapted from European folk tales by Anthony Minghella, who became an Oscar-winning filmmaker a decade later with The English Patient. Minghella weaves the narration of the storyteller (played with aplomb by John Hurt) with dialogue from the stories to beguiling effect; the storyteller doesn't simply introduce the tales. Henson himself directs "Death and the Soldier," a brilliant example of how these 22-minute episodes (two per video) were so wonderfully complex. A penniless solider (Bob Peck) isgiven a magical sack and he uses it to full effect, capturing gremlins and greater evils on his way to be king. "A Story Short" is the storyteller's own adventure. He makes a deal with a king to tell a story every day of the year. Yet on the last day, the storyteller's mind is a blank and his fate may lead him to a boiling vat of oil. Henson's work is true family entertainment. Ages 6 and up. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Truly an all time favorite
In the course of what must now be almost 20 years since I saw Jim Henson's adaptions of fairy tales for the first time, they have lost none of their appeal to me - something, I should perhaps add, that also rings true for most of other Henson's work, ranging from 'Sesame Street', 'The Muppets Show' to 'The Dark Crystal'. Among the twelve episodes of 'The Storyteller' (nine fairy tales, three Greek myths), 'The Soldier and Death' has a special place in my heart, not least thanks to the ranks of rather cute devils that have 'muppet' written all over them. While it is a pity that to this very day there is, indeed, no RC1 dvd edition available, it may be of interest to afficionados that in the Netherlands 4 dvd featuring all 12 episodes were released. While the release by 'Bridge Entertainment' suffers from notable defects in sound & picture quality (the dvds seem to have been mastered from VHS material), to my knowledge it offers what is currently the only chance to view one of the best childrens' series that ever were in their entirety. While I do hope to see the day on which the episodes of 'The Storyteller' get the dvd treatment they deserve, I'll keep on watching my old tapes as I have done for years ... and recommending 'The Soldier and Death' and all other available episodes of 'The Storyteller' to old and new Jim Henson fans alike.

Sapsorrow: the Best Rendition of Cinderella
With a screenplay by Anthony Minghella, soundtrack by Rachel Portman, and production by Jim Henson, it is no wonder that The Storyteller is one of the best series ever filmed. Sapsorrow is my all-time favorite of the 13-odd episodes they made. John Hurt's superb narration gives the story an extra kick, not that it needed it, what with the exciting story of princess who must excape marriage to her father plus the dynamic relationship between the prince and the "Straggletag." "The Luck Child" is another excellent one. You can definitely relate to the wicked king who only wants to keep his kingdom and his daughter to himself, then comes home to find the lucky boy he tried to kill *married* to his daughter. The rest of the series is excellent and then some. See it if you can find it.

among the best
I can't praise these incarnations of the greek myths enough. They are neither watered-down nor meant to cater to the queasy hypocrisy that seems to pass for children's fare in these days of over-protectiveness and over-indulgence. My own children grew up with these tales and appreciated Jim Henson's series for the undiluted yet highly masterful handling of the tales that, until the advent of Shakespeare, best defined the human ethos.

Already the possessor of the equally praiseworthy Storyteller series on DVD, I can only echo the sentiments of previous reviewers: the entire Henson Greek Myth series deserves to be out on DVD.

Superb Video for everyone
Our children watched these videos when they were very young. I searched every store for the past ten years and could never buy them. These are so good that even as teenagers and now as over 20-s they can enjoy them. A great investment for proper viewing for children! I can't agreee more with one reviewer who said that the whole series (Volumes 1and 2 and 3) should be published. Enjoy the ones that are available!!!

C.A.M.
UAE

Please, Oh Please, Give us this on DVD...!
Superb! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Jim Henson's muppet creations, as well as good children's fairy tales (I must admit I enjoy these myself, and I am now 38 years old...!).
I only wish the missing episodes were available. The very best thing, would be the whole collection in a DVD Box Set...!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Feeling even more feisty than usual, the absurd Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) spends a day harassing an army drill unit and an exhibition of hobbyists. But he gets a bit of comeuppance when he stumbles into an art class and panics at the prospect of nude figure drawing. Also on this video, Bean outwits a black-belt judo instructor and enters his weathered teddy bear in a pet contest--where Teddy proves wonderfully responsive to the command "sit." This isn't the best material from Atkinson's tenure as Bean, but there are plenty of good laughs and any genuine Atkinson fan will want a look. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Boom, Bang And Hair
On the sixth »Mr Bean« tape, our 'hero' visits the open doors' day of an evening school, and he puts every single subject in embarrassment! He annoys people, yet he's pretty creative too... but, er, who laughs last laughs best, as you know... A quite OK »Mr Bean« sketch.

In the other sketch, Bean gets tired of waiting for the hairdresser to get ready, so he puts on the uniform himself. Not exactly to the benefit of the costumers. Another OK sketch, but decreasing in quality.

This is not the best »Mr Bean« tape but it's not the worst one either.

This was funny but not as funny as most of his shows.
This show seemed to be a little slow paced. It took quite some time before you burst out lauging, but I would still reccomend seeing this.

Not his best, but still funny
Great for Mr Bean lovers, not exactly his best work but still funny. Mr Bean ends this video with no car. 4 Stars. ... Read more