| UK | Germany |
| Home - Video - Formats | Help | |
| 61-80 of 200 Back 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next 20 |
click price to see details click image to enlarge click link to go to the store
| 61. CNN's Millennium Boxed Set | |
![]() | list price: $79.92
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00001IVFT Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 9292 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com Reviews (1)
| |
| 62. The Story of English, Programs 1-9 | |
![]() | list price: $99.95
our price: $99.95 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 6302892058 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 923 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Description Reviews (6)
ps A very unique feature is that they go to the workplace to hear each variety of English speaker. The common man tells his story and you learn "how" he tells the story. The sub-titles are used to help us make sense of the dialect and "slanguage" as it exists. It is a living oral-biography of the language and the people. This is a loving tribute from start to finish. pps Don't listen to that mook from the not-so great white north.
| |
| 63. Hate Director: Mathieu Kassovitz | |
![]() | list price: $14.95
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: 6304331177 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 6677 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (34)
In my view, this is ground-breaking cinema that should not be ignored by anyone.
| |
| 64. The Duchess of Duke Street, Vol. 1 | |
![]() | list price: $59.92
our price: $59.92 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00004W5XX Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 2984 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (10)
Gemma Jones, as Louisa, is simply stunning in the role, ably supported by a raft of those fine English character actors whose faces you will recognize with delight, if their names escape you. Like "Upstairs, Downstairs," this series is the REAL DEAL; historically accurate, poignant, hilariously funny, sometimes tear-jerking, as we watch the ups and downs of Louisa's fortunes (and England's) from 1900 to the mid-'20's. The current five tapes cover the period roughly 1900-1910, from the beginning to the end of the Edwardian Age. Further episodes of the series, which went through the First World War and into the Jazz Age, will hopefully be released in due course. This is a definitely not-to-be-missed and you'll-see-it-over-and-over series for those who love the best in British history on video!
Nevertheless, she indeed rises to become a first-rate and much-sought-after cook and the proprietor of London's exclusive and very expensive Bentinck Hotel on Duke Street. Louisa owes much to Bertie, the Prince of Wales, with whom she has a brief affair. But she owes the bulk of her success to her own hard work and determination. The series spans some 30 years, throughout which we are privy to everything the hotel has to offer--from encounters involving aristocrats to the personal problems of the servants. Of course, it is Louisa's life that is at the forefront, and she must make some tough choices as she deals with crises of her own at both a professional and a personal level. A feisty and independent young woman, Louisa is more than capable of taking care of herself, and she's played to absolute perfection by Gemma Jones. So convincing is she as Louisa Trotter that it's impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. As a point of interest, the character was based on a real-life individual named Rosa Lewis, a mistress of the Prince of Wales who set up a London hotel called the Cavendish. She died in 1952 and was personally known to John Hawkesworth. Louisa is joined by a motley group at the hotel. The oldest servant, a butler named Mr. Merriman, came with the hotel when she bought it. He's a perennially wingeing old codger who one expects will keel over at any given moment. Then there's the new doorman, the mysterious Mr. Starr, with his trademark squeaky shoes and fox terrier Fred (upon whose supposedly unerring judgement Starr bases his opinion of potential guests!). Another fixture on the show is the Major (Richard Vernon of Sandbaggers), a decent and well-connected but destitute old war horse for whom the Bentinck has become home. Of course, one mustn't forget Louisa's right hand, the devoted Welsh servant, Mary; or Charlie Tyrrell, Lord Haslemere, a man with a permanent residence at the Bentinck and to whom Louisa owes much. In addition to the regulars, fans of British television will enjoy guest appearances by Robert Hardy (All Creatures), Anthony Andrews (Brideshead Revisited), and Joanna David, amongst others. The series was produced between 1978 and 1980, and the entire series is presented in two video boxed sets. The series was originally televised in episodes of roughly 50 minutes each. For some reason, when releasing the series on video the BBC decided to run three episodes together on each tape, thus creating one long episode of approximately 150 minutes per tape. The editing, however, is beautifully done--apart from a gentle shift in the storyline (ie. old characters gone and new ones arriving), it is impossible to tell where one episode ends and another begins. Overall, the quality of the videos is excellent. In conclusion, this is one of the best period dramas ever produced. Fans of British period dramas in general--of shows like Upstairs Downstairs, for example--are sure to enjoy it. But I'd go so far as to recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating, well-written, and consummately-acted series. This truly is quality entertainment at its very best!
| |
| 65. Buena Vista Social Club Director: Wim Wenders | |
![]() | list price: $9.98
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: B0000203Y5 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 4730 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com essential video Reviews (113)
In 1998, the well-known american guitarist Ry Cooder decides to go to Cuba and to record his new CD with cuban musicians. After a few days in the island, he discovers that a certain number of the musicians who made the Cuban sound of the 1930's and the 1940's are still alive. Hypnotized by these legends like Ibrahim Ferrer and Compay Segundo, he produces the record THE BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB with these old guys and organizes two concerts with them, one in Amsterdam and the other at the Carnegie Hall, in New-York. These concerts, along with the studio sessions in La Havana, are the spine of the movie. Interviews with the members of this one-and-only record group in their homes, visits of the heart of La Havana are also going to capture your heart. I'm not a specialist of central america music but I was profoundly moved by these old timers who are certainly the fathers of a great part of what we are listening today. One can also feel the respect of Wim Wenders before these men and women who have preferred to stay, poor and forgotten, in their beloved island, rather than to seek fortune in the U.S.A. Oh yes ! I forgot. The music and the songs are wonderful. Extras are great, so is the quality of the images and the sound. Attention DVD Empire : it's a widescreen format (1:66). Overall, the DVD deserves the perfect 5. A DVD for your library.
The documentary style and the scenes of streetlife in Havana are also very colorful and entertaining, However I must agree with some of the other reviewers that there is something off about Ry Cooder. I respect him for bringing this wonderful music and these artists the recognition they deserve but his attititude on film does seem strange and his guitar playing does not fit with some of the tunes. At one point he is performing with Rueben Gonzalez , the great Cuban pianist, and he sounds so out of place. In fact Gonzalez looks up from the keyboard with a look on his face that seemed to me to be saying."what are you doing?" I guess Cooder might have made the choice to let the music of Cuba speak for itself and just be content to film it but he chose instead to feature himself too frequently for my taste. | |
| 66. Living Planet | |
![]() | list price: $159.99
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0783585225 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 11388 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (3)
This title covers just about every life form known to man, from the highest peaks of the Himalayas to the deepest troughs in the Atlantic ocean. The magnitude of what is presented is astounding, but still not overwhelming. Combined with the lively and interesting commentary by renowned ecologist Sir David Attenborough, this is one of those videos that will keep you spellbound for its entire length, after which you will be sorry that is has ended. Then al the more reason to watch it again . . . The video starts with the beginning of life on earth, and how the continents were formed. Then it shows how previously barren, lifeless areas on earth (like Mount St Helens and Krakatau) are slowly being re-colonised by plant and animal life, just like it was done millions of years ago. The video then proceeds to explore the different kinds of life forms on earth, and their relevance to their world. This title is certainly not the cheapest around, but it certainly is worth every cent that you spend on it. What's more, is that it manages to be interesting to both young (pre-school) viewers, as well as those a little older in life. Buy this video and enjoy it - you won't regret it!
| |
| 67. Das Boot - The Director's Cut (Widescreen Edition) Director: Wolfgang Petersen | |
![]() | list price: $19.96
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0800132343 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 4523 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com essential video Reviews (239)
'Das Boot' captures the dissilusionment that grows like the mold within the submarine, the horror of the submarine moniker 'floating coffins', and the human spirit that prevails. If this movie does not touch you, if this movie does not move you, if this movie does not inspire you, then you must be cold- dead.
We watch like bystanders as a German crew steers a U-Boat into the war. The movie is almost entirely indoors (inside a U-Boat, i.e.) which lends it an extremely cramped feel. Filmed in steadycam, the picture moves straight across the claustrophobic hall of the submarine. There is barely enough place for one man to stand and this feeling is expertly conveyed to film thanks to Jost Vacano's excellent cinematography. As you may imagine with any movie of this general cadre, the theme actually couches a strong anti-war message. Our protagonist Capitain may have been under the reign of Hitler, but he didn't really look up to him. Barbs at almost everything related to the Fuerer abound. The strongest message is delivered in the film's denouement when the crew of our U-Boat faces the biggest dilemma: to save the drowning enemy men because they are human beings, or to let them shrivel and die because they are enemies. Poignant! Caveats: (1) A lot of the miniseries look blatantly filmed in a studio, nearly like like the opening sequence of Gilligan's Island. As much as I admire the realism, these cheesy effects do bring down the movie. (2) If you don't mind subtitles, then watch the movie in its original Deutsche with English subtitles. The English dubbing is horrendous. (3) Like all documentaries, there isn't much place for character development. Most of the characters are basically one-note and have little to no personality. None of this undermines the sheer power of the movie's message, and the claustrophobia conveyed on film. I wonder if the flick is as legendary as it is toted to be, but it's a must-have gem in any true war-movies collection.
No other submarine movie comes remotely close to depicting the claustrophobia and violence of undersea warfare as Das Boot. Before the movie, I had little sense of the suicidal missions that thousands of German seaman were subjected to even in the early years of WW2 - and for that matter, the equally ruthless way that speeding Allied convoys left the crews of sinking ships behind to freeze and drown in the North Atlantic. It was a particular act of courage and skill for the director to confine most of the action into a literal steel tube barely tall enough to stand in. Das Boot MUST be watched in the original German, much like Pat Buchannan's "Kulturkampf" speech as the 1996 Republican Convention. For weeks after the seeing the movie the first time, I kept hearing "Alla-a-a-r-m!" and the ka-BWANG of exploding depth charges. Jurgen Prochmow has been wasted in a number of movies (e.g. "Dune"), but he beats out Connery, Gable and the rest as the best Captain around, alternatively ruthless and caring for his men. This movie is so head and shoulders above subseqeunt films like U-571, any comparison would diminish the accolades this movie deserves.
| |
| 68. King of Hearts Director: Philippe de Broca | |
![]() | list price: $14.95
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: 6301972031 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 9231 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com Reviews (30)
Quelle Surprise! This DVD version has, without fanfare, at least two entirely new scenes in the film that I have never seen before (and I first saw this in 1977). The first is a lengthier "homily" by Monseigneur Marguerite (aka Bishop Daisy) in the church before Charles' coronation. But the real grabber is an added scene at the very end of the movie that offers a parting glance at the primary players and a final bittersweet twist. Where on earth did this footage come from, and why has it been missing from this film for so long? Does this DVD version offer a "better" ending than the familiar one? It's debateable. But it's certainly intriguing.
This film started the boomers reading subtitles and (hopefully) brought them out of their fears of foreign film. (Don't get the dubbed version, it lacks so much charm.) Its popularity had a great deal to do with the country's mass-consciousness about the Viet Nam war; but I hope it would have found the same audience without such a catalyst. One feels like dancing in a fountain and blowing bubbles on the back of a bus after seeing this great flick. Keep a kazoo handy; you'll want to have something to toot after the film is over and you are left to your organized sanity! Better yet, follow it up with the 1972 release of "The Ruling Class" and have yourself a truly insane evening of jocularity.
| |
| 69. The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers (Special Extended Edition) Director: Peter Jackson | |
![]() | list price: $24.99
our price: $21.24 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B0000A36J1 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 348 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com Reviews (1869)
Thematically, the story is truly grand and has raised film making--again--to the level of Mythological. Those familiar with Tolkien's literary epic--with rare exception--have been astounded by this director's monumental artistry in cinematically incarnating one of the greatest "stories" ever written.The cast(humans;creatures; monsters;)is brilliantly essayed.(Sean Astin deserves particular recognition as Frodo's "guardian" friend, SAMWISE). The complex plotting is clearly delineated;and ACTION(quest development;battles; epic romance interludes)ranges from apocalyptic to majestic. THE LORD of THE RINGS-THE TWO TOWERS magnificently continues what was begun in THE FELLOWSHIP of THE RING. Peter Jackson has created a unique work of film making that is both artistically wonderous and breath taking entertainment.It is a stupendous achievement.(10 Stars)
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, since is a continuing of a story, doesn't stop to introduce us to the quest or the characters from the first part, The Fellowship of the Ring. Beginning right where the first left off, Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) must continue their quest to Mount Doom and destroy the evil One Ring. Hunting them done is the rascal Gollum (Andy Serkis) but promises to lead them in to Mordor secretely. In Fangorn Forest, captured hobbits Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd) escape from the Orcs and are rescued by Treebeard (voiced by John Rhys-Davies), an ancient ent. Meanwhile, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) enter the country of Rohan. After the miraculous return of Gandalf (Ian McKellan), the four see King Theoden (Bernard Hill). But the king isn't doing too well. He's doing practically everything his servant Grima Wormtongue (Brad Dourif) is telling him. Wormtongue is in league with Saruman (Christopher Lee) and therefore is kicked out of Rohan. Aragorn, Gandalf and Theoden must discuss Rohan's plans to counter Saruman and Sauron. Saruman is preparing for war, as we've also seen in The Fellowship of the Ring. He has been crossing orcs with goblins, breeding the dreadful Uruk-Hai to launch against Men of Gondor and Rohan. Gondor has it's own problems holding off Sauron's evil army. It all comes down to Saruman against the country of Rohan: A war of 10,000 Uruk-Hai against hundreds of Rohan people. Can Men claim a victory against Barad-dur and Orthanc, the union of the Two Towers? The Two Towers, for me at least, had a quicker pace and sharper sense of movement than the more-episodic Fellowship of the Ring. Peter Jackson easily presents a film that will keep your attention for the full three hours. In many ways, The Two Towers is a much livlier film than it's predecessor. It takes a deeper look into it's character's own problems, dreams and future, covering many subjects: The war for Rohan, the war for Gondor, the war for the ents, and possibly the most important, the fate of the One Ring. If The Fellowship of the Ring was a beautiful-looking movie, The Two Towers easily surpasses it visually. With the use of a program called MASSIVE, Peter Jackson and company takes flawless computer animation and simplistically adds it to real-life to create a stunning world. The Battle of Helm's Deep is one of the most memorable scenes of all time, while it uses a fantastic blend of live-action and computer animation. I say it's already got the Best Visual Effects Oscar in the bag. Not just because of the CGI, but with the camera trickery to make the hobbits small and the great backdrops. I am appalled by the number of reviewers saying that this isn't faithful to Tolkien's book. Everyone should know that books and film are two different media, and should be treated as such. Many things in Tolkien's story would've gone horribly wrong on screen. As Peter Jackson said, if you were to film LOTR page by page, faithful to everything, what you would get is a mess. Many don't realize that what works in a book will NOT work on film. Be happy that you actually have a LOTR movie. Many filmmakers would not have been up to transferring Tolkien's story to the big screen. Jackson did make a few unnessesary changes, but he's a brave filmmaker to actually take on LOTR and still make something this good. Quit whining. It might need a bit more humanity, but I'd say the chemistry between characters is much more alive and vivid in The Two Towers than with The Fellowship of the Ring. The relationship shared by Gollum and Frodo, or more importantly, Gollum and Sam, works wonderfully. Aragorn trying to convince King Theoden to go to war and the characterization involving Gimli was exceptionally. The Return of the King will see a lot more of this. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers continues Tolkien's trilogy with very few missteps. It is on every count as good as the first, and in many ways, even better. It could possibly be the most sinister film ever, a banquet of monsters and beasts. It's doing so much better at the box-office than the first, and it easily surpasses it in spectacle. It's still unclear how it will do at the Oscars. Being a sequel, it might not get nominated for Best Picture. However, I'd say it has already sweeped the technical awards. It certainly deserves it.
| |
| 70. The Sopranos - The Complete Third Season | |
![]() | list price: $99.92
our price: $99.92 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B000067S1H Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 2768 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Description Reviews (85)
But, because the central components are so strong, there is plenty of room for play - in the way narratives are set up to encourage then defy expectations; in the interplay with canonical gangster texts, especially 'The Godfather'; in the consistently creative use of music - for mood and to emphasise character, yes, but also to create ironic distance, to add montages of 'commentary' over the stories, to connect apparently disparate scenes, to add a depth of texture. Because it is in texture that 'The Sopranos' has really developed - the recklessly confident film-making; the layered scripts; the rich dialogue; and the knowing acting combine to create programmes of truly, yes, operatic density. There are a number of new plot developments in this series - Meadow goes to Columbia University; the FBI (in a supremely funny handful of episodes) attempt to bug the Sopranos; the Russian mafia grow in menacing importance; Janice takes up with a Christian musician; Anthony Jr. becomes increasingly unmanagable at school and at play, but proves an unexpectedly skilful footballer; Ralph (Joe Pantoliano) replaces Richie Aprile as the major made-guy thorn in Tony's side; Carmela feels increasingly guilty about her mob-financed luxury; Tony begins an affair with a beautiful, smart, successful car saleswoman (Anabella Sciorra) who has even more mental problems than he. Most crucial for the series is the role of Jackie Aprile Jr., college-mitching son of Tony's former mob boss and best friend, who wants to see some of the criminal action, and starts dating Meadow as a spectacularly misjudged entree. The major weakness of the second series - the tokenistic continuation of the Dr. Melfi framing scenes long after they've outrun their dramtic usefulness - is corrected by both bringing the psychotherapist (dangerously) closer to Tony's life, and by having Carmela join in the sessions, to comic effect. There is a brooding, elegiac feel to the series, with Tony thinking not just about his mother, but his dead friends, Pussy's actions in the last series, and the future possibilities open to the younger generation. If nothing else, Series 3 boasts the best-ever episode of 'The Sopranos', directed by one Steve Buscemi, which begins farcically, with Paulie and Christopher accidentally killing an irate Russian, and bungling the disposal of his body in a snow-wasted forest; before turning into a nightmare, as they lose their bearings after the corpse runs off, and they are stranded in the middle of nowhere. Loosened from the secure ties and identity-affirmation of family and Family, the episode brilliantly encapsulates what's at stake in the series, as unforgettably as the immortal 'Seinfeld' episode when the quartet can't find their car in the shopping mall car park.
The introduction of Ralphie Cifaretto to the show (played outstandingly by Joe Pantoliano), the hilarious and well acted Pine Barrens episode, the great chemistry and high drama between Tony Soprano & Gloria Trullo (Anabella Sciorra), and Jason Cerbone as Jackie Aprile (nice plot line involving him and besides he's great eye candy), the return of Janice, Carmella's scene in the male psychiatrist's office when she briefly confronts the reality of her life. It's just fantastic and like the entire show so far, it's a must see. Although some were disappointed with Season 5 and truthfully it could have been better, the Sopranos continues to be complex and quality TV. It's more than just a mob show, for sure.
There are some major plot developments this season. Starting off slowly, the first episode chronicles the synchronized, often comical efforts of the FBI, which is trying to get an electronic surveillance bug in place in the Soprano's household. The season then heats up considerably from thereon. Livia Soprano, Tony's wicked mother and a canker in her children's lives, dies, bringing daughter Janice back from where she had fled, after she had bumped off her manic boyfriend, Richie Aprile, last season. Janice returns with a narcoleptic, musician boyfriend who is the antithesis of Richie. As always, Janice likes to stir up trouble, and her mother Livia's wake and funeral services are fertile country for her new machinations and self-importance. When she tries to stir up trouble with Livia's one legged, Russian caregiver, which leaves the caregiver searching for her missing prosthetic leg, however, Janice soon discovers that she has gone too far, and her chickens come home to roost with a vengeance. Meadow, the Soprano's daughter and eldest child, a college student at Ivy League Columbia University, gets a new boyfriend, Noah Tannenbaum. He is handsome, intelligent, and articulate, and Tony hates him on the spot for reasons the viewer will quickly discern, as Tony pulls no punches with Noah. This will create a certain amount of tension between father and daughter, and an estrangement ensues. When Noah breaks her heart, Jackie Aprile, Jr. is waiting in the wings with her parent's blessing, and Meadow goes from the frying pan into the fire. Anthony Soprano, Jr., the Sopranos' other angst ridden teenager and youngest child, who has turned out to be an unexpected gridiron wonder, is also sowing his wild oats, getting himself in deep trouble at school, much to his parents' anger and dismay. When Anthony, Jr. continues in this vein, there is a big surprise in store for him, causing him to undergo a major life change. He is not, however, the only Soprano family member to do so. Tony finds himself head over heels with Gloria, another of Dr. Melfi's patients. A Mercedes car salesperson, Gloria, the new light of Tony's life, is gorgeous, passionate, and a totally loose cannon. She will cause quite a bit of conflict for Tony as their affair heats up, as Gloria likes to fight fire with fire. Gloria has to watch out that she, herself, does not get burned. Carmela, Tony's long suffering and patient wife, being only human, finds her thoughts increasingly absorbed by Tony's henchman, Furio, the sexy, pony tailed Italian. The problem is that Furio, too, is experiencing deep feelings for Tony's wife, a situation that can only become increasingly dangerous for all concerned. How Furio and Carmela handle their feelings and resolve this potentially dangerous development is of great interest. Dr. Melfi herself undergoes great personal angst this season, following her violent rape at the hands of a stranger. A very conflicted Dr. Melfi finds herself on the edge of taking a path from which there can be no return. This season also finds Dr. Melfi doing husband/wife tag team counseling with both Tony and Carmela, a venture that provides some comic relief and gives rise to potential conflict of interest. Meanwhile, Jackie Aprile, Jr., Tony's godson and Meadow's new main squeeze, the deceptively soft spoken and good looking son of the late mob boss, Jackie Aprile, Tony's best friend, is up to no good. Lying through his teeth about everything to everyone, he is misguided by his seriously unstable step-father, mob made man Ralph Cifaretto, who is busy plying both sides of the coin. It seems that Ralph, dissatisfied with the role to which he has been relegated within the family, is doing Tony dirty, going against his wishes at every turn, and the situation with Jackie, Jr. is no exception, a situation that will culminate in heartbreak for all concerned. Back at the ranch, Tony's other henchmen seem to have their own troubles. Corrado "Uncle Junior" Soprano, the nominal boss of the family, who is kept in check by his nephew Tony, is busy battling cancer and a federal prosecution. Young Christopher Moltisanti, Tony's nephew, gets his long desired promotion, and is told to report to Paulie "Walnuts" Gaultieri. Christopher soon finds out that with Paulie "Walnuts" business is business. Meanwhile, Christopher gets involved in a sideline that bodes ill for him and his fiancee. When Tony sends a resentful Paulie "Walnuts", accompanied by Christopher, on a mission that should have been that of another, Christopher sees an unexpected side of Paulie. When the mission, involving a member of the Russian mob, goes bad at the hands of an angry Paulie, Christopher discovers that Paulie may not be as stand up a guy as Christopher thought. While this is a terrific episode, very funny in a macabre sort of way, it also cleverly sets up Paulie in a new light for future developments. This particular episode, one of my favorites, is a feather in the cap of actor Stephen Buscemi, who directed it. These are just some of the highlights of the third season. There is so much more! The writing continues to be intelligent, and the story lines are as well thought out and engrossing as ever. The performances are uniformly stellar. The late, great actress, Nancy Marchand, whose portrayal of the venomous Livia Soprano was a feather in her cap, left a legacy of memories, having died after creating such a memorable character. She will sorely be missed. This third season's attempt to bridge her death and use existing footage and computer effects to create a dialogue between Livia and Tony, however, was misguided, as its effect is a tad ghoulish, as well as disturbing. Nonetheless, I absolutely love this series!
| |
| 71. Cats - The Musical (Commemorative Edition) Director: David Mallet | |
![]() | list price: $9.98
our price: $9.98 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00004XMTH Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 363 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (436)
"Macavity , Macavity theres not one like Macavity there never was a cat of such deceitfullness and suavity he always has an alabi or one or two to spare at what ever time the dead took place Macavity wasnt there" These are only two of the great songs in the show! it is really really good; great songs, funny, good acting, good dancin!
I'm no great Andrew Lloyd Webber fan, but that's not really the point. I don't think that you need to be to recognise when something is well done. And whilst it may help? to have seen the stage show before, it's clearly not essential to enjoy the DVD. Sometimes it can be the opposite, as people may feel a film version does not live up to their expectations/memories of the live show. If you are considering buying this then please do, and for goodness sake, do not worry AT ALL about this being unsuitable for children. Some previous reviews commenting on it's unsuitablity for children are way off the mark. I can only imagine they live in households where table cloths are required to reach to the floor, lest young ladies in the house are offended by the sight of the table legs! Unreal...
| |
| 72. The Civil War - A Film by Ken Burns (Boxed Set) | |
![]() | list price: $99.88
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: 6301996135 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 8314 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com essential video Reviews (144)
To hit on a couple of criticisms in other reviews, slavery as a cause of the Civil War is an argument bordering on the level of a holy war, itself. Recent magazine articles and essays have done a good job of discussing it. The result is that both Burns' view and the "Burns' is wrong, it was all about states rights" views are both simplistic. Burns' documentary does a good job of capturing the Southern view of slavery and abolition but he does over state the view of the north as abolitionist. While there were Southern abolitionists and Southern soldiers who didn't care one way or another, Burns shows quite well that without slavery there would have been no war. (The statement that the South only fought for "states rights" was actually championed in the 1880s. If states rights were the only reason for fighting the war, why did the Confederate Constitution prevent any Confederate state from passing a law against slavery, even if that state wanted to abolish it?) To the point of Grant being the first Lt. General since Washington, Burns is both right and wrong. Winfield Scott was made Lt. General, but it was a brevet (something a little more than honorary) rank. It was a brevet specifically so that Washington would be the only man to have officially held that rank. This changed when Grant was given the rank.
But, the DVD packaging is just horrible. The literally paper thin disk container fell apart on the second day that I had it. I have a fairly large DVD collection with many, many box set collections and this is by far the cheapest presentation I have ever encountered. Now, had this been a budget box set designed to be low cost so as to make itself available to the greatest number of people possible, I would accept this. But as you must know, this set is actually quite expensive compared to most box sets. Therefore, the ridiculously flimsy packaging is inexcusable. This series deserves better. I STRONGLY urge you to wait until a higher quality presentation is put on offer. ... Read more | |
| 73. I Don't Want to Talk About It Director: MarĂa Luisa Bemberg | |
![]() | list price: $19.95
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: 6303407269 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 7877 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (4)
| |
| 74. The Hidden Fortress Director: Akira Kurosawa | |
![]() | list price: $29.95
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: 6302969697 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 10548 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
|
Amazon.com essential video Reviews (63)
It's an entertaining, engrossing adventure, with Toshiro Mifune's stoic general butting heads against the peasants (and the princess) at every turn. Fujiawara and Chiaki pretty much steal every scene they're in, with their bickering and squabbling and amazing amount of greediness shining through at every opportunity. The black and white cinematography is gorgeous, there's ample doses of humour, a standout fight scene - what else could you ask for? Sure, it doesn't have the majesty of Seven Samurai, the depth of Throne Of Blood or the black humour of Yojimbo, but The Hidden Fortress is nonetheless another example of why Kurosawa remains one of the greatest directors in history.
Grade: B-
The Hidden Fortress is NOT an epic that gives great insight into the code of the samurai or other such nonsense. It's a fun romp through the misadventures of several bungling "heroes": Two greedy, cowardly peasants, a knight very similar to the young Obi-Wan Kenobi, and a bitchy, aloof Princess Yuki of Akizuki (a name that sounds like something from Dr. Seuss). They are trying to smuggle the Akizuki treasury (gold bars hidden in firewood) and the princess to safety. But greed, lust and stupidity keep getting in the way. This movie is more of an old-style caper film than a samurai epic. The dumb, double-dealing characters are more from The Lavender Hill Mob than MacBeth. What makes the characters more interesting is that the two peasants don't hold a monopoly on greed and harebrained "cunning plans" that would make Baldric from The Black Adder proud, and the knight and the princess don't hold all the courage and nobility cards, either. In fact, the two peasants come up with a plan that literally saves their necks. The way the film is told from the point of view of the two lowliest characters was quite novel and an obvious influence on George Lucas when he made the first Star Wars. The Hidden Fortress is a great movie in its own right, though. To people with open minds without preconceived notions of what should and should not be in a Kurosawa film, The Hidden Fortress is a great movie.
| |
| 75. My So-Called Life (Box Set 1) | |
![]() | list price: $39.98
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: 1568124406 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 13092 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (14)
The reason is... This is one of the best shows network television has ever seen. It is well written, directed, and acted. It is so moving - you'll laugh, you'll cry (especially when you find out there are only about 18 episodes). I think many of the posts talking about how "real" the show is are not quite accurate. It is much like real life but seen in a more perceptive and poetic fashion than we see our own lives. The teens are are all very real - nary a 90210 personality among them. The adults are equally well-painted. The relationship between the lead character's parents is realistic and complicated and messy, but not in a contrived way. It shows their close moments, but also the times when mis-communication or temptation threatens them. You really feel for all the characters and become invested in the choices they make in life. When you don't agree, you understand. The show is just brilliant. Buy it now! ... Read more | |
| 76. Danton Director: Andrzej Wajda | |
![]() | list price: $29.95
our price: $29.95 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 0780021797 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 13103 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (10)
The pace of the film is relentless. Its thematic force "illuminates" what Arthur Koestler called, DARKNESS at NOON(re: Stalin's Purge of Communist heroes and revolutionaries in the 30's). Danton reveals himself to have been an heroic fool who imagined he might stir mobs to democratic parliamentary Republicanism after he had sicked them on the taste of Aristocratic blood. The icy, more ruthess,Robepierre knows what must be done(total blood bath of not only the Aristocracy and its Royalist sympathizers; but Counter Revolutionaries opposed to the "lawless" massacre NECESSITY dictates. Two outstanding actors in this fearsome drama are Patrice Chereau,as Camille Demoulins: idealist,revolutionary philospopher and propagandist(who believes his own "democratic" press even as Robespierre's thugs--under archetypal fascist,Fouquier Tinville (played by Roger Planchon)-- torch it, and warn the "citizen editor" of his impending arrest for treason. The most sinister character in this "Tale of One City" is essayed by Boguslaw Linda as fanatical, Angel of Death,St.Just. Reveling in political bloodlust, St.Just exalts in his role as merciless advocate of unrelentant,mass murder. Outcome of this anti-sacramental Confirmation in blood of the Age of Reason,and Republic of Liberte,Egalite & Fraternite; would be the Dictator, "The Son of the Enlightenment": Napoleon who...as Man of Destiny,in limitless ambition and will to power...would declare himself emperor and launch a generational war of world conquest...that does not end--for two decades--until 1815. Polish Director Wajda was said to fear such an outcome in the SOLIDARITY revolt against Communism. Having lived under Totalitarism, he was well aware of what occurs when "men of destiny" challenge criminals and(often) become what they behold. Poland was finally spared. DANTON, however,is an artistic triumph about ironic horrors and incalcuable violence of wars fought for political mastery without limits, or God's Law.
Gerard Depardieu is phenomenal. If you only remember him from "Green Card" forget that...that is not representational of how fantastic of an actor he is. I have seen other French films with him in it but I think this is his finest performance. If you like historical or costume dramas, you cannot go wrong with this one. Cheeers
The story of Danton takes place in what is known in French history as the Terror. Following the overthrow and execution of King Louis XVI, groups of revolutionaries formed various councils and committees, such as the infamous Committee for Public Safety in Paris. Although started with good intentions, the Committees soon became harsh instruments of brutal tyranny and social control. Their power soon reached the levels of dictators, and the their most powerful committee leader was Robespierre. A puritanical revolutionary, he believed any dissent was a direct threat to the revolution. As he became more power hungry, his old comrades began to turn against him. Robespierre used any means necessary to stamp out dissent, including the famous guillotine. However, powerful sources soon turned against him, such as Danton, the peoples favorite. Danton was the polar opposite of Robespierre, a wild and vivacious revolutionary who valued all the good in life. The two clashed numerous times, until, as the movie shows, Robespierre descends into madness, lashing out at anyone who questions him. This leads to disaster for Danton, and for the Republic. This movie delivers on all levels. The beauty and darkness of terror era France are portrayed vividly, with director Andrzej Wajda filling the screen with historic finery. The characters, especially Robespierre and Danton are exquisitely detailed, with actors Gerald Depardieu and Wojciech Pszoniak delivering powerful performances. The tension and drama builds, culminating in the wonderful courtroom scenes. The movie delivers a powerful message of human freedom and bravery in the face of official repression.
| |
| 77. Back to the Future - The Complete Trilogy | |
![]() | list price: $39.98
our price: $39.98 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00006AL1C Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 3951 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (313)
Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox have chemistry. You actually believe that these guys could be friends in real life. Crispin Glover also plays a classic nerd. Even when he's "hip" in the future, you still know that he's a madeover nerd. It just works for him. Thomas F. Wilson plays a good bully. He looks the part, and he plays the part. Great casting by all. I rank these movies in order of release. 1 is best, 2 is great, and 3 is good. If you don't already own this, I suggest you add it to your DVD collection. Others have said it, and I will too...you won't be disappointed!
Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd stars as the troublesome teen and madcap scientist who do their time-travelling in style, courtesy of a revamped DeLorean. Their adventures over the course of the three incredible movies take them from 1985, to 1955, back to 1985, on to 2015, 1985 again(!), 1955 again(!!) and the wild wild west of 1885 (!!!) before returning home to 1985 in time for tea and a couple of Huey Lewis tracks. It features quite possibly the only sequel ever in which a large chunk takes place within its own predecessor, and definitely the only trilogy to feature Christopher Lloyd leaping around the outside of a moving train rescuing a damsel in distress. Lea Thompson, the brilliant character actor Crispin Glover, Elisabeth Shue, Billy Zane and the marvelous Thomas F. Wilson are among the other members of a fine supporting cast. And is that really Flea from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers popping up as squeaking bad boy Douglas J. Needles? Yup, that's right , something for everyone! Go out, buy this collection, watch it repeatedly and, when you're not watching, keep the three discs in a glass display case which only very special friends are invited round to see. At this price, there are NO excuses. Do it now. Right now. Go. You'll thank me later, why are you still here?
The most controversial part of the video concerns the framing of the image for widescreen viewing. When Universal went back to the full-frame, open-matte negatives to do the DVDs, they made some changes, intentional or not, from the laser disc framing. Then they issued an official press release as follows: "Universal Studios Home Video is aware of a minor technical framing issue on the 'Back to the Future Trilogy' widescreen DVDs. The framing appears differently from the laserdisc releases for approximately two minutes during 'Back to the Future II' and four minutes during 'Back to the Future III.' The framing difference is unnoticeable to widescreen DVD viewers and does not detract from or interrupt the viewing experience. Consumers with further questions can call (888) 703-0010." The studio is probably right in saying that the differences are unnoticeable (whether they meant "widescreen" or "full screen" or whatever), because unless a viewer has a photographic memory of the theatrical versions or has the laser discs on hand for direct comparison, there is little to notice. It's doubtful that anyone but the most meticulous "Back to the Future" partisan need worry about any possible framing problems. ... Read more | |
| 78. North and South: Book 2 | |
![]() | list price: $99.98
our price: $99.98 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 6303536859 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 2193 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (28)
My next question is When are they going to make a movie from the 3rd book. Heaven and Hell?
I think it is a wonderful story to be enjoyed by all, keep in mind there are some passionate scenes, of course by today's standards that may be a stretch. ... Read more | |
| 79. Blade Runner - The Director's Cut Director: Ridley Scott | |
![]() | list price: $14.95
our price: $14.95 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: 6305363668 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 12412 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (746)
| |
| 80. The Sopranos - The Complete First Season | |
![]() | list price: $99.92
our price: $89.92 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00003CXOO Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 150 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (232)
And I was right. I still don't get HBO, but when I think of the past five years where I could have been watching this show on DVD instead of "Paradise Hotel" on FOX, I kick myself. I've only watched the first season and am looking forward to what comes next. "The Sopranos" is a meticulously crafted drama that's unlike anything else I've ever seen on television. Frankly, I was always just into comedy sitcoms because I didn't have the interest or patience for this type of TV. But, in "the Sopranos'" case, I'll make an exception. I'd only be cheating myself if I didn't. I might be five years late, but at least now I understand what the hype is all about. Highly recommended for other late bloomers.
| |
| 61-80 of 200 Back 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next 20 |