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If anything defined the 20th century as the age of anxiety, it's the cold war with its ultimate no-win nuclear endgame. While conflicts in Korea and Vietnam dragged on, providing the traditional images of modern warfare, some of the conflict's most dangerous battles were invisible--tactical, intellectual, and fought primarily in the minds and war rooms of U.S. and Soviet leaders: Kennedy, Krushchev, Castro, Kissinger, Gorbachev, and Reagan. This 8-volume, 24-episode series, narrated by Kenneth Branagh, is a comprehensive history that examines the key events of the arc of the Soviet Union, from its birth to its fall, and provides a thorough analysis of what was going on behind closed doors. Informed by the stories of 500 eyewitnesses--from citizens and soldiers to historians and statesmen--and strengthened by painstaking reconstruction of archival historical film footage, CNN's Cold War is a heroic undertaking and a sweeping chronicle of the world's most fragile decades. --Susan Benson ... Read more

Reviews (10)

CNN's The Cold War is simply brilliant
Never before have I seen such a comprehensive, absorbing and fascinating look into this era of history. From the early days after World War II, to the final collapse of the Soviet Union, The Cold War details not just the political aspects of the "communist threat", but the social and economic aspects, too. Whether you are a history buff looking for new sources, or just some one who wants to learn about this exciting time, you will completely enjoy The Cold War.

It Is More Than a History of the Cold War.
It is a history of an important period of human experience. The series is well made. Many important events are shown from different view points. If we can all learn from this important period of time, we may be able to minimize loss of lives due to military conflicts and political confrontations.

It is absolutely riveting, reassuring and terrifying.
Although I saw it happen on television and observed many of the changes while in the Soviet Union, the fall of the communist block still astonishes me. Without question, it is the greatest single change in human history that occurred without vast bloodshed. As late as the mid 1980's no one could have conceived of a scenario where the iron curtain would be penetrated with almost no loss of life.
That amazement was revisited as I watched this series of tapes and relived events such as the Hungarian uprising in 1956, the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, the Warsaw pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, the crushing of the Polish Solidarity movement in the early 1980's and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1980. The constant tension and mutual fear of annihilation just seemed to be a permanent fact of existence. That is all gone and although it is of necessity rather brief, these tapes tell the essence of how it happened.
Simply put, you cannot begin to argue that you understand the twentieth century without knowing the details of the cold war between the two giant ideological rivals. No one in the United States or Russia should be allowed to graduate from high school without first watching this tape. It is absolutely riveting, reassuring and terrifying at the same time.

Enriching and updating!
I did not hesitate when purchasing this title and everyone around me did enjoy watching all the 8 tapes continuously. I really would recommend to get this title while it is still available! The recent history of the world has been decided by the two super powers and the decisive role was played by the USA and if anyone still doubts it, he/she should watch this fabulously made movie. ....

Best of Cold War description I ever saw so far
I have experienced 15 years of life in east side of the Iron Curtain. Just want to say I really love this picture as I have found it objective enough, disclosing many interesting and important points in West-East diplomacy which were really hard to understand for me so far. Wish all the people watch it as we all could learn more of many mistakes have been done. None is holly - the comunists are unhuman by principal but the americans did many stupid thinks also. This movie shows you a lot of hidden, shadow politics of the era of Cold War. Enjoy it. ... Read more

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Advanced Tae-Bo enthusiasts will enjoy this set of two 60-minute workouts, both nonstop and intense. There are drills of one move at a fast pace over and over, with up to 40 repetitions. Occasionally, you slow down for half a minute to learn a combination, but then it's back to the fast repetitions. The combinations are never complex, but they're always intense, and Blanks gives technique tips so you can focus on doing the moves for maximum effectiveness and safety. Both workouts are tough and relentless, working the whole body, burning calories, building muscle endurance, and conditioning your heart and lungs. If you do advanced Tae-Bo regularly, this set will give you two new workouts at the high intensity you prefer. --Joan Price ... Read more

Reviews (49)

The Best of Tae Bo
These have to be the best Tae Bo videos yet. I am an aerobics instructor who teaches Kickboxing and I find these tapes to be quite challenging. They have also held my attention longer than some of the other Tae Bo tapes--I tend to get bored very quickly with exercise videos. I have been doing them faithfully for about a week now (I have cut back my teaching schedule because of conflicts with home schedule) and I will tell you--I see a difference in my abs and hips already. Especially the abs!! The Advanced tapes are definitely too much for a beginner--so if you are new to Tae Bo--do the Basic Tae Bo II tapes first. I have been combining this with the focus Abs & Glutes (which is very challenging also but VERY fast paced) and really like the results that I have gotten in such a short time. I highly recommend these tapes to Tae Bo lovers and advanced exercisers.

Tremendous workout
The Tae Bo II Get Ripped tapes are not for beginners. These are far and away the two hardest, most varied workouts I have ever done in my life. The first one in particular is almost unbelievable the first few times you do it, but the feeling of accomplishment once you master these puppies is well worth the pain. An hour of Tae Bo is SO much more effective than an hour of running, spinning or cycling. Your abs and glutes will get worked in ways you never realized were possible.

Two things to remember, though:

1. Tae Bo will not make you look "ripped" unless you are combining the program with weight training, which will give you muscles to ripple. Nothing is a complete exercise program without upper-body resistance work.

2. Don't do these things more than three times a week, and take a couple of days off to rest! Billy advises people about this in his book, and it's really worth repeating. This is too intense a workout to do on a daily basis. You'll end up hurting yourself by not giving your legs, abs and rear enough time to rest and regenerate. Just like with working your arms with weights, you CAN'T work your abs every single day. And believe me: Tae Bo II is the most intense ab work you're likely to find. I put it on par with the best Pilates instruction, as long as you do it correctly.

No Pain, No Gain
I was appalled at some of the "reviews" I saw, like the one saying this workout is horrible and "leaves you tired." NO KIDDING! That's what exercise is supposed to do! And someone else wrote something like "no one really gets ripped with these tapes, and it's all a marketing ploy." What this person doesn't realize is that NO amount of exercise will do you good if you're not following a balanced diet and if you're not putting your all into what you're doing. The reason there's a 95% diet failure rate in America is precisely because of attitudes like this; you have to work hard if you want to be rewarded, and you've got to make the OVERALL effort, and that means doing both aerobic and anaerobic exercise on a consistent basis and combining it with smart eating.

With that being said, Tae-Bo II: Get Ripped! is a very rewarding experience if you do the moves correctly. Billy is always an inspiration and keeps you on your feet the whole time. Trust me, during vigorous workouts like this, it's easy to give up long before the tape is over, but you owe it to yourself to do as much as you can without hurting yourself. I've been doing various Tae-Bo workouts for several months now and I haven't gotten bored with the routine because it WORKS, and I'd rather get bored with something that works for me then get excited with something that really doesn't give me the results I want. I found Tape 1 to have more strength training (particularly a lot of kicks to strengthen thighs), while Tape 2 had more cardio with great routines geared toward abs and glutes.

Have fun!

Excellent workout
I started doing Tae-Bo when the tapes first came out and I've been doing kickboxing for years-- this is definately the most intense workout I've done so far. I've ordered so many other tapes only to find that they moved way too slow and were completely useless. You do have to know your own limits with these tapes though because the tempo can be very fast at times. The music isn't the best, but this is an excellent workout and the time goes by so fast. Larry Lam's XKO is also an excellent workout, but not quite as challenging as this one.

Tae Bo with ADD
I do not like these workouts. I have the original Tae bo workouts, and find them much easier to follow along to. In Tae Bo II Blanks moves so quickly and doesn't spend enough time on each move. It is like watching a person with ADD do a workout. There are also so many people as back up people that it's hard to follow. Too many faces cause much more confusion. If you're new to Tae Bo I highly recommend the originals. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Detail on Russian Culture!
Rarely is there a movie which a Russian historian can watch without identifying cultural and historical errors. However, Brother Jon King of Gonzaga College High School, one of the foremost authorities on Russian history, feels that this film displays a genuine historical account and a detailed view of the Russian Culture.

The writers and producers of this film obviously did their homework. Throughout the film, small statements and manerisms from the characters help to make the story more Russian.

I would have given the film five stars, except for one difficulty. The detailed attention to Russian culture can come accross as bazarre to someone who isn't familiar with the background of that time period. That is the reason why this movie was not substantialy profitable for NBC.

One notable success, however, was the producer's ability to take a primarily Russian, German, and English cast and create a movie that is well interpretted by Americans. The actors did a supurb job on accents. All the German and Russian actors were clear and characterizable as Russian.

Above all, the attention to costume, and especially political divisions in Russia, made this movie enjoyable. If you have an interest in Russian Culture and History, you must watch this film. If you are looking for a well done film that is different from the average film, give it a try. ... Read more

Reviews (50)

All but One of Bruce Lee's Greatest
What can I say. I love this box set. It features information on Bruce Lee including a disc that contains the biography of his life. It has Fists of Fury, Chinese Connection (which has the best nunchaku scenes in my opinion), Return of the Dragon, and Game of Death (which really only the ending has Bruce Lee in original footage. If you look close you'll notice alot of other scenes are taken from other movies when Bruce Lee is actually Bruce Lee).

Considering it lacks Enter the Dragon which was probably Bruce Lee's best movie. And that none of the movies have extra features or the original chinese audio tracks, I stil give this box set a 4! I think it is an excellent buy!

A definite must buy for any Bruce Lee fan.
This is the most complete Bruce Lee DVD set you can ever own. This collection plus Enter the Dragon will make your Bruce Lee DVD collection complete. You will have all of his films. Collection contains remastered movies, cleaned up and sharp looking. Other DVD releases by lesser companies offer horrible image quality but not Columbia. Enter the Dragon is owned by Warner Brothers, otherwise it would have been included in this DVD kit. On the down side, the DVD collection offers just the movies and nothing else. There's no bonus materials on any of the DVDs. I guess you can consider the documentary DVD a bonus. There's five DVDs in total and in my opinion worth every penny. Summary: IMAGE QUALITY (A+) Bruce Lee's films have never looked better or so new, SOUND (B) mono only, . It would have been nice if they had redubbed all the movies for this release in Dolby Digital 5.1.

5 Stars for Bruce Lee 0 for this DVD set!!
I have to strongly agree with the previous review...and in fact because these are sooo scratch filled, poorly dubbed , missing footage junk...I investigated and found that in the UK they have a great set with original language and subtitles , made from original film without edits and poor saturation and other contrast anomolies that mar this crappy set. The only problem is you need a PAL converter to play the UK sets....BUT ....I found on eBay the 30th anniversary collection from Korea and just received it....at about twice this price...but oh my the package is amazing... a beautiful book....bound like a wedding album...and the movies? The transfers are STUNNING....plus they have bonus interviews , trailers etc....
After watching the Korean edition ....I put this set back in and it really made me sick...really poor quality....and for an Icon like Bruce Lee? If he were alive he would kick the butts of the profiteers at the company issueing this garbage!

The Dragon is Back!
This DVD collection is a must-have for your home. It's well done and hard core!

ALWAYS stay with ORIGINAL
Why American production make HK movies look so cheap? First of all, they cut off so much scene, second of all ruin it by making look acting so dumb by English Dubb. For ANY of HK movies, ALWAYS stick with ORIGINAL LICENSED HK RELEASE. Be careful with cheap imports, boots though. THREE STARS for BRUCE. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Au Resevoir!!! Darling, add this DVD to your collection
If you are not familiar with E.F. Benson's series of Mapp & Lucia books, you are in for a real treat. This series brings to the screen the wonderful personalities and eccentricities of the cast of characters who inhabit the village of Tilling On The Sea. Competing for the reigning title are Miss Mapp and Miss Lucia. I have read the novels and can say that the rendering for the screen is perfect. The flavor and fun of the books are fully preserved. This is a must have for fans of British social comedy.

I had both series one and two on VHS, and was thrilled to find that series one was released on DVD, as I am moving away from tape media. Now, my only question is, when will series two be released on DVD.

faithful adaptation of Benson's beloved Lucia
These two discs contain five episodes of a faithful 1984 British television adaptation of one of EF Benson's comic novels. The book is set in a seaside village during the 1920s, where social butterfly Mapp is loathe to part with her hold over Tilling's residents when proto-diva Lucia comes to town. The tortured machinations of the two women is very funny and, as usual, the sets and costumes are lovely.

The dvd set is ultra-minimal! Not even cast and crew info. Nothing.

Delightfully Delicious!
Set in 1930 in the English Cotswolds, this 1984 production (which is presented on two boxed sets with five 50-minute episodes per set) is a slightly quirky British drawing-room comedy revolving around two domineering women, both used to being "top dog" in their respective communities, who end up residing in the same small village of Tilling. Miss Elizabeth Mapp is the current resident, whose position at the centre of her small society is threatened by the flash, air-assuming newcomer, Mrs. Emily Lucas ("Lucia", as she prefers to be called).

Geraldine McEwan (Mulberry, Barchester Chronicles) is impeccably cast as the wealthy, elegant, widow Lucia, a woman with a strong personality and a flair for the dramatic. Her vocabulary is peppered with the Italian, a language in which she is only too happy to let others think she is fluent. She provides (at least initially) a little spice, excitement, and mystique for the villagers in humdrum Tilling. But she is also a woman who knows well how to get what she wants, and her grace, smiles, and impeccable manners belie a shrewd and cunning mind.

Mapp (Fawlty Towers' Prunella Scales) is a somewhat dowdy, unwealthy spinster, not to mention an insufferable busybody. So it is no wonder she is less than thrilled that Lucia, having decided to leave her home in Riseholme for pastures new, has set her sights on Mapp's terrain. But Mapp, though lacking Lucia's elegance, wealth, and marital status, is not willing to relinquish her position without a fight. Watching the episodes (which are serial in nature) is a bit like watching a game of chess between unequals. In essence, each woman, with an abundance of outward grace and politeness, seeks to establish (or reassert) her position by bringing the other down a peg or two. Lucia is clearly cleverer and at times seems to toy with Mapp as a cat does with a mouse. But Mapp is nothing if not determined and we wonder is she will, after all, succeed in toppling the grand Lucia.

As for a few of the other characters: Lucia is joined by her devoted friend Georgie (Yes (Prime) Minister's Nigel Hawthorne), a rather effeminate, toupee-sporting chap who enjoys painting and petit point. She is also adored by Quaint Irene, a trouser-wearing, cigar-smoking, eccentric local artist who doesn't hesitate to speak her mind and thoroughly enjoys watching the sparring match between Mapp and Lucia. There's also the gruff, masculine, and perennially intoxicated Major Benjy, whose habit of summoning servants with a bellowing "quay-hi" does not endear him to them. Mapp's closest friend is a dowdy and rather timid woman named Diva, to whom Mapp is less than kind at times.

In conclusion, albeit a tad quirky at times (like the time the two rivals get swept out to sea on the kitchen table!), I would recommend this series to anyone looking for a delightful, relaxing, and gently humorous drawing-room comedy. It is dialogue-based (as opposed to physical) comedy. In other words, if you're looking for pratfalls, action, hard laughs, or a fast-paced, in-your-face comedy, then you'd best look elsewhere. The pace here is leisurely, the dialogue is deliciously witty and intelligent, and the humour wonderfully subtle, with often as much conveyed through body language--be it the raising of an eyebrow, the sharp intake of breath, or the tensing of a muscle--as through words itself.

One of the best British comedies ever
I'm a fan of the E.F. Benson books that form the basis for this series. The highlight of my trip to England a few years ago was visiting the charming town of Rye (called Tilling in the Lucia books), where Benson lived and this series was filmed. But I must say that I like the TV production, thanks to the inspired comic performances, even more than the books.

In particular, Geraldine McEwan (also in Barchester Chronicles) is exquisite. Her little comic mannerisms are absolutely hilarious, and she makes the character endearing in a way that I never thought possible. Again, "inspired" is the only appropriate word.

The same with the much-missed Nigel Hawthorne's Georgie. Absolutely perfect casting. And Prunella Scales (of Fawlty Towers fame) bites into her less-sympathetic role of Mapp and does not let go until she wrings every last laugh from it. As is particularly true for British series, the supporting cast is also excellent at bringing their own eccentric characters to life in just a few brushstrokes.

I was very much looking forward to the Mapp and Lucia DVD, because I had not seen this series since it was televised in the mid-1980s. I'm happy to say that the DVD quality is excellent, and my opinion of the series has only elevated through time. Many British comedies have come and gone in the years since Mapp and Lucia, but it remains the most delightful, in my book.

As other reviewers have mentioned, the series is also highly addictive, so we Mapp and Lucia fans -- you'll be one too after you see this -- are eagerly awaiting the release of the second part of the series on DVD. Please, Acorn Media/Granada (who released this DVD), make haste!

A delightful step into a small English world
E.F. Benson's _Lucia_ novels are brought to life in a beautifully photographed series which features the talents of some terrific actors. Scales, McEwan, and Hawthorne are outstanding in portraying the petty bickering that propels small town society. The costumes of the time period (especially those worn by Lucia) are magnificent; the breezy humor and devilish plotting will delight the viewer. ... Read more

Description

The extraordinary life story of Cecil Rhodes is told across the vast panorama of Africa, from his days as an impoverished young prospector to his rule of half a continent. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

As we now know it was, whether we like that or not.
So much has been written against white Rhodesia, it's history especially, that I was all the more curious about this series. I remember initially avoiding it when it played on our local PBS station. But I finally sat down and watched this series through in one sitting wondering at times the reasons for making this program. Cecil Rhodes as portrayed in the films came across unsympathetic; possessive, suspicious, power driven are a few of the adjectives I could attribute to this portrayal by actor Martin Shaw. But I was riveted at the same time. You see, this Rhodes was also charismatic, visionary, even messianic. And very determined to grasp and mold another country regardless of the costs even to himself. This film does show racial prejudice with all it's "warts" towards all non-English living in Rhodesia including the Dutch/Boers. It also captures the beauty of that part of Africa as all these people must have lived it. Vast and unspoiled places are so hard to envision in the 21st century. One does not have to like a film's subject to feel it is well done and this film is very well done. Rather than disliking this man, I came away from this film wanting to know much more about Cecil Rhodes. Perhaps that is the success of any historical portrayal. It leaves one intrigued, unsatisfied, and intent. I recommend it to anyone willing to examine the birth of a nation and the human costs it extracts. Rhodes himself died relatively young of a heart ailment; a condition about which he knew and knew further that had he chosen to live a quieter life in the English countryside he might have lived much longer. ... Read more

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Covering the entire 20th century in one video series is an ambitious project, but one that Peter Jennings and ABC News are up to. In The Century: America's Time, a 12-part documentary on six videotapes that is a companion to the book of the same name, Jennings guides us through a century of technology and advancement like no other. As he says in his introduction to episode 1, "Seeds of Change," "Unlike previous centuries where leadership was defined by royalty and other rulers, the 20th century more than any other was shaped by the will and actions of the common man." The series is a sweeping presentation of the United States of the 1900s and tries to encompass a mind-boggling amount of history. And while at moments the videos may leave you longing for more, Jennings does an excellent job of creating smooth segues between disparate pieces.

The first episode, for instance, begins with the influx of immigrants at the turn of the century and touches on Jim Crow laws, moving pictures, planes, Henry Ford, the sinking of the USS Maine, child labor, suffragettes, the Panama Canal, imperialism, and more, right up to the beginning of World War I. The archival footage is stunning and interviews with historians, veterans, journalists, POWs, politicians, authors, celebrities, and common people help bring the past to life again. Mickey Spillane discusses the speakeasies of the 1920s; Dennis Hopper talks about Easy Rider in the '60s; Tom Wolfe reads from The Bonfire of the Vanities for the episode on the '80s. Eudora Welty, E.L. Doctorow, Martin Scorsese, John Updike, Pat Buchanan, Oliver Stone, Stephen E. Ambrose, among many others, lend their voices to this documentary. Yet, despite the great names, at times the pictures and people are allowed to speak for themselves, without intrusive narration--the stark images of the Challenger explosion or the sad words of a political activist mourning the death of his partner to AIDS are more powerful because of it. This chronological tale (with the exception of the last episode, "Then and Now," which is arranged thematically) is an insightful and poignant reminder of all the marvels--and tragedies--of America in the 20th century. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A fascinating documentary of a fascinating century
I love history. It fascinates me, but especially American history, especially the 20th century. This school year, I have taken a unique, new course at my school, titled: 20th Century World. As a teaching tool, my teacher has shown the movie for each decade whenever we've started that decade as our next unit. Even the kids who usually sleep through class sit and watched it with great interest. It makes you feel like you're there. For example, yesterday we watched the video for the 80s. Through the segment about AIDS and gays, my entire class was sitting there saying, "Ohmygosh, I never knew it was that bad." or "That is so sad." Through every decade, The Century: America's Time has offered a personal touch to every event, instead of making it boring. Every event mentioned on this documentary has affected our life today, and this documentary actually makes you think about how it has.

Video Survey of U.S. History, 20th Century
This video, The Century, America's Time, hosted by ABC
's Peter Jennings, served me well as a U.S. History high school teacher. The reason I liked it so much was because it brought to life in short, 10 minute summaries, key events of the twentieth century. Hosted by Peter Jennings, it had a much more contemporary feel to it than similar historical summaries. The narration was snappier and held the attention of my students better than let's say a PBS or other History channel type visual documentary. It supplement's any Twentieth Century U.S. History course because it capture's the emotional context that a text-book cannot reveal. I found my students had a much better grasp of the times when I supplemented the text with these visual snapshots of key events during the century. Because key events are broken down into 10-20 minute segments, it lends itself to the attention span of classroom students and instruction very well. Most documentaries go on for 45 minutes straight on one topic. This was extremely well done. If I had only 1 video series to pick from to capture the flavor of the twentieth century, this is the one I would buy!

great series. but...
it's not available on dvd? In a few years, if I want to show my kids this documentary, I'm going to have to pull out a machine that is almost obsolete.

Great educational stuff
We play the entire seventies tape for our 5th and 6th year secondary school students, and we and the students are really enthousiastic.
We had to buy a recorder that can play the American type videos, but it was really worth it.

Completely enthralling view of history
History can be an incredible story, and in this documentary it is told with gusto, excitement, and great poignancy. Using clever and creative editing, a captivating musical score, excellent archival footage, and Peter Jennings' masterful narration, The Century: America's Time is captivating from start to finish. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Excellent for Sr Programs and Learning in Retirement SGs
The Art of the Western World video series is excellent up to 1945. We are using it for the second time for USF (University of South Florida) Senior Programs for students in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Picture and sound fit well together, and provide a lot of "Aha" experiences for people who have visited the sites, or seen the sculptures or paintings in art museums. The videos, shown in about 26 minute segments provide a super basis for discussions, and for subsequent visits to art museums.

art of the western world
I have viewed three comprehensive art history video series preparing to send six weeks in Europe. This was the best.
The selected material is representive,the research well done.the filming and background music pleasing. I have seen many of the included works in museums and look forward to seeing them with my newly acquired acumen.The modern art section is a little pc and the woman who intimates that western art is built on the exploitation of the female nude is off-the-wall. The section on Florence was my favorite because of its beauty and importance as the epicenter of western culture. No, this is not a boring series except for those who favor Michelob over Michelangelo.

A good solid effort
I found these videos pretty good and not in the least boring. Michael Wood and the production team have done a solid effort in presenting such a vast topic in the time allowed. The areas covered are well presented, intelligently commented upon and comprehensive. Well worth seeing a few times.

This is a good series.
We watched this video series during the last two terms in my Art History class. Yes, alot of people appeared to be asleep, but if they are anything like the students at my school, that wasn't the fault of the video. I thought they were very interesting and filled in alot of the gaps in my art history knowledge. I liked how they had mini-slide shows of works with some music playing in the background. It was especially nice in our lecture hall with the surround sound system.

Idiotically Boring
We watched this video for my Humanities class. I do have to say these videos are extremely boring. From my observation over a third of the class was sleeping. If you feel like showing these videos, make sure you are fully awake. ... Read more

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This boxed set contains six episodes of The Simpsons: "There's No Disgrace Like Home" (the Simpsons shock each other at a shrink's office);"Life on the Fast Lane" (Marge takes bowling lessons from--and nearly is seduced by--Albert Brooks as a French bowling pro); "Bart the General" (Bart plays Patton in his effort to beat bully Nelson Muntz); "Moaning Lisa" (Lisa's jazz hero, Bleeding Gums Murphy, is introduced); "The Crepes of Wrath" (Bart is a foreign-exchange student and winds up as a slave in France); and "Krusty Gets Busted" (Sideshow Bob frames Krusty the Clown for robbery in order to take over his show). --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (14)

OK, OK, OK, LIKE CHAUCER
The Simpsons will be seen in a hundred - a thousand - years, as emblematic of the best of American television of the twentieth century. Matt Groening's creation supercedes all animation rivals, utilizing the form to express the surreal truths of family life, of dysfunctional reality, of the American Dream. The Simpsons is often associated with the Flintstones, the counter-Disney hit animation series of the revolutionary Sixties, but in fact it has much more in common with the vision of The Honeymooners of the Fifties, or the anarchic moods of the Kraft Theater or The Twilight Zone - all of which it remorselessly parodies. If it has a weakness, it is the obviousness of its homages and references. Compositionally it steals weekly from Hitch, from Scorcese, from Tarantino, from John Doe. But that in itself is a wry commentary on the vomitory excesses of our pop-drenched society. In short, The Simpsons is TRUE. It seems, well, chronically uroscopic ... but its depictions of suburban prejudice, lethargy and threat are cautionary markers for our times. Groening deserves more credit than the corporate-Emmys allow (The Simpsons has won many): his observation of the dark side of our bloated Somatized culture is nothing short of Nobel class. I recommend this three-episode volume as a sampler of the whole. This dates from the early (early Nineties) era. As it developed, the series became more graceful and precise. In this set is mocks us: by 1999 it skewers us. Thank you, Matt Groening, Dan Castellaneta (Homer, among many roles - and a genius), Nancy Cartwright (Bart), Yeardley Smith (the wondrous oracle Lisa), Julie Kavner, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer et al. And also (can we forget him?) in loving memory of the greatly gifted Phil Hartman (Troy McClure). Oh, and those many, many, many dedicated animators ...

Welcome to the wacky world of the Simpsons!
This is the very beginning of Matt Groening's masterful creation of the unique yellow-skinned family and their craziest adventures in the surburban fantasyland full of many different characters who come and go, each with his or her own colorful personality and background. Once a rather anonymous tabolid cartoonist, Matt Groening had accelerated rather rapidly to superstardom over ten years with his famous cartoon family and now he is producing a snappy new science fiction series called "Futurama", which would be looking up with a bright future as well! So - long live the Simpsons and the Futurama!

boaf rap
boaf boaf stallion boaf please don't shine that light in my eyes boaf slaughter boff cakes and sausage boaf taco and bru haha.
Jashua come say hello to your mother.

The Best of the Simpsons: Boxed Set 1
Yes, if you are a died-in-the-wool Simpsons fan like I am, then you definitely need this product. Not only do I recommend it because it's hilarious, but it comes with lots of interested facts on the Simpsons inside of the box. But, just because I'm totally crazed about the Simpsons, I'd say something like that, but anyway, if you are a die-hard Simpsons fan, you must get this set now!

Good, but maybe not the best
If you're a true blue (or yellow) SIMPSONS fan (like me) then you'll have to get this set just to be complete. However I think the show was funnier after they got the dog and Homer got stupider and less angry. If you feel the same way you might want to consider volumes 2, 3, and 4. Still and all this ain't a bad deal. I like "There's No Disgrace Like Home" (Homer: "When will I learn? The answers to life's problems aren't at the bottom of a bottle . . . They're on T.V.!") ... Read more

Amazon.com

This three-volume set of six Simpsons episodes is more treat than trick, but a decidedly mixed bag. Anyone expecting a collection of just the "Treehouse of Horror" episodes will be disappointed. Volume 1, containing "Treehouse of Horror III" and "Treehouse of Horror V," delivers "the terror and foul horror" we've come to expect from these eagerly awaited annual Halloween broadcasts. "III" pays homage to the "Talky Tina" episode of The Twilight Zone (an evil Krusty doll tries to kill Homer), King Kong (Marge is the beauty who attracts giant beast Homer), and Night of the Living Dead (Bart unwittingly unleashes a reign of zombie terror). "V" is even more frightfully funny. No TV and no beer make Homer go crazy in "The Shinning" ("You mean 'The Shining,'" Bart corrects. "Shh, you want to get sued?" he is reprimanded). In a nod to Ray Bradbury, Homer is sucked into a time vortex and "alters the future in ways you can't even imagine" (Ned Flanders as "the unquestioned lord and master of the world"?). Last on the menu is "Nightmare Cafeteria," in which Principal Skinner and Lunchlady Doris cook up an unsavory solution to the school's overcrowding problem. Volume 2 strays from Halloween for two classic Sideshow Bob episodes, "Black Widower" and "Cape Feare." Kelsey Grammer is in fine voice as Sideshow Bob, whose evil plans are foiled by Bart. To be charitable, the episodes on volume 3, "Bart Sells His Soul" and "Lisa the Skeptic," would be more appropriate for a collection of The Simpsons' religious-themed shows. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A must have for Simpsons fans
This is a hilariously entertaining set of videos that center around the Halloween specials, such as "The Shinning." This is where Homer turns crazy when he discovers that television and beer are unavailable at the creepy hotel. Other classic episodes are included, which are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.

Simpsons Go Hollywood
The Simpsons Go Hollywood is the newest video collection composed of classic Simpsons episodes in a wave of recent releases, in honor of the Simpsons 10th anniversary. Included in this boxed set are such memorable episodes as Marge Vs. the Monorail, A Streetcar Named Marge, both halves of Who Shot Mr. Burns?, Bart Gets Famous, and Krusty Gets Kancelled. This video collection is a must have for any Simpsons fan!

the best show ever
the simpsons by far beat every TV show out there

Halloween?
This was a wonderful video set for Simpsons fans, but if your buying it for the halloween episodes don't. There are only two actual halloween episodes in this six episode set. The other episodes are good though as well. I only wished that they would have put all halloween episodes in the set.

WHOO-HOO!!!!!!!!!!
This boxset is absolutely brilliant! It contains 6 of the best scary-ish episodes from the simpsons,and contains one of my all time faves,Treehouse Of Horror 2! With the exception of Bart Sells His Soul(4/5) these all et 5/5 and you coouldnt get a much better boxset if you tried! FAB! There's no 'Doh' about it! ... Read more

Reviews (43)

A better set than Volume 2
This set is better than the last one, and as someone who owns the previous sets I'm very much anticipating this one. From Russia With Love, although not my personal favorite, is a classic OO7. Octopussy is pretty good itself. Diamonds are Forever is another great one. You Only Live Twice is rather underrated in my opinion. The Living Daylights is also underrated since Timothy Dalton was unlike most Bond's before him, but he still packed a punch when it counted (especially in the action scenes). A View To A Kill, some call it the worst but I don't agree with that, because it's got a great opening sequence. This set can't be as good as the first, not much can since it had three of my favorites For Your Eyes Only, Thunderball, and Goldfinger. But every Bond collection is worth getting, the extra features on each are outstanding, even for a Bond film I really never cared for known as Man With The Golden Gun has a great feature about the stunts of the films. The commentaries are usually informative and they are always filled with the insight of the pressure of making a Bond film. The trailers are usually fun to watch because, like a lot of older films, people really didn't know how to make trailers back in the day and they are fun to watch how much the give away and how everyone claims to be the best Bond ever. Each Bond have a descent promotional feature and some of good documentaries on the history of OO7. So I highly recommend these sets for all fans.

The collection completed
Finally, the last six James Bond movies have been re-released (or will be re-released rather) on VHS and enhanced DVD. This set includes The Living Daylights, Diamonds Are Forever, You Only Live Twice, From Russia With Love, Octopussy, and A View to a Kill. Unfortunately, this set is perhaps the weakest one of the three gift sets. While From Russia With Love is generally regarded as a Bond classic, the other five titles are hit-or-miss (either you'll love it or you'll hate it). The Living Daylights is a great spy story, but some fans hate Dalton's Bond. Similarly, Connery is a fan favorite but YOLT and Diamonds are lackluster to some in terms of his acting ability and plotline. If you're a genuine Bond fan, by all means grab this set, each of these films is worth viewing at least once (and the DVD's throw in great extras, I'm told). Casual fans wanting a guaranteed thrill should just get From Russia with love.

James Bond Collection Vol. 3, VHS
Not a bad collection of Bond material, however, this is a mix of various Bond movies with a variety of leading Bond actors. I recommend looking into the 1996 Collections that have the videos in chronological order and primarily by actor. JAMES BOND 007 Collector's Set, Vol. 1 includes all six Broccoli-produced Sean Connery Bond films, to include a 1995 documentary video. JAMES BOND 007 Collector's Set, Vol 2 includes all seven Roger Moore films and Timothy Dalton's first film. Although these sets are out-of-print, they are still available as used and collector's sets through Amazon.com's Marketplace. If you're like most fans, you'd prefer to have the movies that include your own favorite "leading-Bond-man"!

Great Collection, but buy the new set
The studio has just re-released this James Bond set three so don't buy it from the scalpers here wanting two to three hundred plus dollars. Amazon will be selling the new re-release Set three as of November 17th. My advice to you is you can buy all three new re-released sets for what the scalpers here want for just this one older set three. The set itself is great. Some of the best James Bond movies are in this set. The picture and sound quality are great and they include many extra features. You can get the new sets for under ninety dollars.

Bond NO.3
The third collection of the James Bond series has some of the best of the films, and in contrast, some of the not-so-good films. Starting off with DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER with Sean Connery as Bond, this one is somewhat lacklustre in comparison to the early 007 films, but there's still some fun to be had with some cool car chases through Vegas and an ensamble of menacing villians. The second entry into the Bond franchise, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE is brilliant entertainment taken from Ian Flemming's best novel. Everything clicked in this one after the sometimes shaky DR NO (Due mostly to the increase in budget), from Connery's commanding performance, to some gripping action and the late, great Robert Shaw as a ruthless assasin. Gadgets, cool action and the entry of Q, played by Desmond LLewelyn. Masterfully constructed, FRWL is one of the greatest films ever made.
Following Roger Moore's long list of films, Timothy Dalton made his debut as the charming secret agent in THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS. While the action is impressive, the film falls short of having any meaty villians. But Dalton is much closer to the mark with the character of Bond in Flemming's books. His performance, restrained at times, is a more cold portrayal than Moore. OCTOPUSSY is one of Roger Moore's better films, but John Glen's ham-fisted direction leaves the film with little in the way of inventive action. Last but not least, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE. Connery is good, but not up to his usaul standards. This collection, while impressive, is perhaps best suited for hard-core fans rather than action buffs. ... Read more

Description

From Alan Ball, the Oscar(r) winning writer of "American Beauty", comes a series that digs where others fear to tread. When a bus kills Nathaniel Fisher, owner of the Fisher & Sons Funeral Home in Los Angeles, the tragedy casts a pall on the homecoming of his prodigal son Nate. Together with with mother Ruth, brother David and sister Claire, they must address the family business, and the many more personal matters that arise when your life is Six Feet Under. ... Read more

Reviews (127)

frantic fan
This has to be one of the best series ever made for television. It follows the everyday lives of a family run funeral home. It has a great cast. Micheal C. Hall is great as David Fisher. Peter Krause is also great as Nate Fisher, who has come home after the untimely death of the Fisher patriarch, Nathanial Fisher, Sr., only to find out that he has been left half of the business in his father's will. Rachel Griffiths shines as Brenda Chenowith, a far cry from the role she played in the movie "The Rookie" last summer. Claire Fisher is played by Lauren Ambrose. I had seen her in the movie "Psycho Beach Party" and this show solidifies her talent. The character I enjoy the most is the role of Ruth Fisher, the mother, brilliantly played by Frances Conroy. Her expressions alone leave me laughing hysterically one minute, touched and tearful the next. I have watched this show from it's beginning and was hooked. I suggest that anyone who hasn't seen this series buy this DVD along with the future seasons I'm sure will follow. You will not be disappointed!!

Best TV script ever.
Sorry my title mimics that of others, but that's what I've been saying about it for a long time.

Like the Sopranos, this is a series the hype for which I didn't give in to orginally. Then I saw some reviews by one of my favorite Washington Post critics that teased me. So I watched, probably close to half way through the first season. It hooked me instantly.

First, as others point out, the acting is incredible. My spouse and I are wondering each episode who's the best actor. In one of the DVD episodes tonight, I felt it was Frances Conroy (Ruth) who I usually do. I've always been in love with Lauren Ambrose (Claire). All right, I have many friends with daughters older than she. What I mean is, I envy the kid. She's got a great future with her acting talent (and her expressions which will break you up!) The others are all fabulous too. Jeremy Sisto (Billy Chenowith) really does convince you that he's absolutely nuts...a change from his portrayal of Jesus in a TV movie a few years ago! And I've never seen his sister Brenda (God help me, I can't think of the actress's name) slip into her New Zealand accent. Again, they all vie for best actor/actress each episode!

There is an uncannily good mix of humor and drama. That's why I say it beats anything else on the tube. If I thought of getting rid of HBO, it's this series...and maybe The Wire...that would keep me. For months in advance my wife and I talk about the coming season; we can't wait for it.

It's risque without being gross. The gay issue is intelligently handled. Oh, and I've always wondered if Peter C. Marshall (David) and Matthew St. Patrick (Keith) were straight in real life. Among the extra features of the DVD set is that you learn that they are.

Another feature of the DVD set is the discussion among all those responsible for the opening sequence and theme music. Then there's the discussion with cast members as to their favorite scenes. (My favorite is also Lauren Ambrose's, when she's lethargic about being in love. A gem!)

It's a fabulous series that can't be beat. Well, my inlaws wouldn't like it. And don't show it to any of your guests or relatives who are prudes. I got in trouble with some family members at the beginning of one in the second season. And some of the gay scenes while, again, not gross, are threatening to people not accustomed to gay scenes. But it covers oh so many subjects you don't normally see covered...too many to even mention here. The scripts are brilliant, the acting the best. And the added benefits of the DVD series are well worth the cost of the set, in addition to having those superb episodes to watch again and again. They'll never bore you, believe me.

Another gem from HBO ...
American Beauty and Twin Peaks rolled into one, this series offers black humor, twists and turns and more character development than the first three seasons of Sex and the City. I will not go into detail as many reviewers have already done so. Only one thing: What's with that price? I bought it in Europe with four different language soundtracks and subtitles for only EUR 39.99 ! I would suggest boycotting until the price gets lowered, but die-hard fans will buy it anyway. I must admit, it's still worth it :-)

HBO broke the mold, when they made Six Feet Under
Six Feet Under is one of HBO's outstanding programs, as well as others such as Sex and the City and The Sopranos. The Complete First Season features a 4 disc set of all First Season episodes including "Pilot", and special features including a 15 minute special on the making of the title sequence and a exclusive preview with interviews from the cast on seasons 1 and 2. Six Feet Under is brilliantly casted featuring: Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Rachel Griffiths, Lauren Ambrose and Richard Jenkins along with others.

The disc features the following episodes:
Disc 1:

Pilot
The Will
The Foot

Disc 2:
Familia
An Open Book
The Room
Brotherhood

Disc 3:
Crossroads
Life's Too Short
The New Person

Disc 4:
The Trip
A Private Life: Finale Part I
Knock, Knock: Finale Part II

Buy this! You'll be glad you did! HBO at its best!

Another diamond series on HBO
Six Feet Under is one of those shows that will suck you in and become highly addictive by the end of the first episode. The show revolves around the Fishers who operate a family owned funeral home. All of the characters stand out and develop greatly on this show. Sometimes you will watch this show and you will laugh up a storm other times you will watch it and the emotion makes you want to cry.

Six Feet Under is written by Alan Ball and he directed American Beauty. American Beauty is one of my favorite movies and there are a few similarities in between both. When I say similarities I mean that both American Beauty have a great sense of dark humor and great drama. I found both of Alan Ball's works to be one that make you sit back and reflect on life. After watching American Beauty you look around for the beauty of things on earth and in life. The same applies with Six Feet Under but questions are brought up like "Why do we have to die". I liked American Beauty and I felt right at home with Six Feet Under.

The characters in this show are relatable and even though they have a different way of making a living I still found them relatable. The main characters I would say are Nate, David, Ruth, Claire, & Nate Sr. Of course they are the Fisher family who own the funeral home. Another few huge character on this show are Brenda and her brother Billy. Of course there are other big characters but I can't name everyone.

In the pilot episode the Nate Sr. dies in a horrible bus accident and he has to hand over the funeral home to his two sons Nate and David Fisher. Even though he his dead Nate Sr. watches over his family and communicates with his family. Alot of the scenes he appears in are hilarious. Oh ya did I mention he is dead! His sons both have good developing characters who are very different in their own ways. David Fisher is a cool character who is very businesslike and is also gay. He has a boyfriend named Keith is a cop. You will find there relationship evolve as the season goes on. The other brother Nate, has never worked a day in the funeral business because he left for Seattle to pursue his own life. Nate is a pretty cool character but his world is in a blender with the passing of his father and his relationship with his newly met girlfriend Brenda. His girlfrend Brenda in my opinion is the star of the show. She is full of crazy/cool energy and always has an appetite for sex. You never know what to expect with her character. The mother, Ruth Fisher is kinda of a control freak who seems very depressed, worn out, and saddened over the loss over her husband. She snaps very quickly and she is too a memorable character. Finally the Claire Fisher is another cool character. She is the youngest of the bunch and she is a teenager in high school. She is somewhat of a loner but she has alot of character and she is far from ordinary. She drives a freakin hearse to school!!! Enough about the characters I can't spill everything out or I will spoil the season for you.

I know what your thinking. Your like well ok thats great Adam but you know what, if I come home with this the wife will have my head on a platter. I will admit it is pricey but I think Six Feet Under is a great enough show to where the quality over shadows the price. It is on HBO so there is alot swearing, sex and other stuff you would never see on regular television. I think HBO produces great television shows. Just watch The Sopranos, Sex & The City, Oz or many of there other series. You know it is quality and they are great television. Well guess what Six Feet Under plays on that same field. I find it to be my 3rd favorite television show behind 24 and the Sopranos.

Well let me conclude by saying you will be satisfied with Season One of Six feet Under. I haven't seen the other seasons of this show but I will definetly be buying Season 2 when it is released in June. If you like quality acting, drama, and dark humor give this show a shot. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Winky Dink cartoons, popular in the 1950s, are now interactive. This set features a "magic screen": a piece of heavy clear vinyl that clings to 27-inch television screens--it can be cut to fit smaller screens, but those with larger sets won't get full screen coverage. Also included are special crayons, soft cleaning cloth, and the first volume of Winky Dink and You all enclosed in a plastic carrying case. Viewers simply trace an onscreen object and watch as it becomes a vital tool in defeating the dastardly Harem Scarem. Don't tell the kids, but viewer drawings don't actually determine the course of the action--they simply fill in blank portions of the animation. While artwork wipes easily away from conventional television screens, the advisability of encouraging children to write on televisions and other household furnishing is debatable. This compilation contains nine episodes featuring Winky Dink, his dog Woofer, and the villainous Harem Scarem. Whether Harem Scarem is corrupting the King, disturbing the music of the spheres, or stealing precious gems, the collaborative efforts of Winky Dink, Woofer, and young viewers ensures that good will prevail. (Ages 3 and older) --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Get fun for the young and young at heart!
I was a huge WINKY DINK AND YOU fan as a kid and was so excited to see that this simple, but simply wonderful interactive set was back for today's generation of kids! All you do is put a piece of plastic (provided in the kit) on the TV screen and following the cartoon character's instructions, you draw something, like a line, that becomes a bridge that magically becomes integrated into the cartoon! The crayons and magic wipe (also in the kit) enables kids do two interactive pieces easily in each cartoon, and there are 18 cartoons in each volume. It's perfect for kids ages four and up. Even a video-obsessed 14 year-old-friend of my daughter thought it was real "cool." The lunch box-type kit is easy to transport, making it great for anyone, including babysitters going to their jobs, to carry it! Anyone who remembers Winky Dink (and his catchy theme song) will be ecstatic that he's returned. Anyone who doesn't know Winky Dink and Woofer and Harum Scarum should! This is great!

Winky Dink Revisited
I was a fan of this show 1st time around (50+ years ago) and was happy to see this release on DVD. I bought it for my wife whose parents were too cheap to shell out the 50 cents for her at the time. She had to have the Winky experience...the bliss of drawing on the TV screen! The 60's version completely escaped me because teenagers didn't do Winky, so these episodes were completely new to me. What was missing was Jack Barry's (50's) cornball antics. I must say, I was disappointed that the second Bonus Episode was faulty: it played the soundtrack of Episode One over the out-of-sync Episode Two. Also Ed Wykhoff's commentary feature was non-functional on my DVD. Otherwise, it was a thrill!...

Who knew crayons on the TV screen could be so much fun?
The concept is simple: Two cartoon characters have adventures on TV, and you have to help them by drawing on the screen. This kit includes the plastic overlay to protect your screen, a cleaning cloth, 6 crayons, and a video with 9 adventures. Other videos are available.

Who would have guessed that such a simple concept would be so much fun? Our 4 year old loves it. We're looking forward to inviting over friends so she can play again with them.

A must-see for all ages
We bought this video with memories of Winky Dink from growing up in the fifties. Our four children, ages 5 through 14, are wild about it, and that's quite an accomplishment for all of them to enjoy the same thing. It's very easy to use and fun for all. For anyone who wants to go back in time to the early days of television and share this nostalgia with each other and with new generations, this video is a MUST!!! We are going to buy several copies to give as gifts and even to save for our grandchildren!!!!

New Winky Dink Lover
Though I am not of the winky dink gernrations (they were aired in the 50's and later in the 70's, I am only 16) my parents were, and stubmbled across this rare gem. Since reciving the kit, I have used it for babysitting, and have found not only do the kids love it and beg for more, but they keep on wanting me to come back, and each time watch Winky Dink again and again! Thank you Winky Dink!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent balanced account
I borrowed this video from a library and watched it with several Vietnamese from Hanoi who were studying overseas and had experienced the war in the North. They thought it gave a very balanced account of events even though it had been made by Americans. I later used the series when teaching Vietnamese History at Asmara University and at a South Korean university. I found it excellent.

Very well done. Good histoical content.
As stated above. Tops in category ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Thoroughly revolting...
While it is true many women have left the convent and religious life, very few I am sure begin their "new" lives seeking utter debauchery like this. Kristin Scott Thomas offers another pallid portrayal which adds little to this sappy melodrama, guising itself as a "woman's story". Save your money and order "Come To The Stable" or "The Song of Bernadette".

BREAKING OUT OF CELL WALLS
For sixteen years Sr. Gabriel lived a cloistered life in a convent. Her family consisted of an order of elderly nuns. A pesky young novice becomes infatuated with her but Sr. Gabriel knows that God will take care of such an annoyance. Life in the order is safe, comforting and routine.

God does have a way of breaking one out of his/her comfort zone. In this case Sr. Gabriel is forced to confront the outside world as she is summoned to help her pregnant sister-in-law. Her dutiful brother committed suicide and now left his sister with quite a mess to handle. Sr. Gabriel enters into the world of grief, squawking children, hideous dress and hairstyles, a hysterical sister-in-law and the family mill which is about to go under.

Kristen Scott Thomas gives a superb performance of a nun coming to grips with her faith and the various emotional and spiritual turbulance that she finds in both worlds. Sr. Gabriel finds out that one's cell can be stifling. Her other self, Anna, discovers a world that is cruel, painful, and frightening but at the same time filled with joys that she never experienced before. Body and Soul deals with a woman's need to make peace within herself and become a whole woman in the midst of the chaos surrounding her.

The great mystery is can this woman do it? Is she replacing one cell wall for another? This is an entertaining film that gives you great insight upon the temptations that plague all of us.

Something Different
I sat absolutely mesmerized through the first two tapes of this series. I thought it was one of the most intriguing "different" stories I had ever watched. Kristin Scott Thomas was wonderful in the lead role and the story line was fascinating. But sadly, I was disappointed with the third part. (Don't read on if you haven't seen it). I found it completely unbelievable that she would make her focus to get laid. Being a nun all those years, I could not accept that she would throw herself at a man who treated her like dirt. It was not in line with her character at all. Not believable. However, I still recommend this series. Its not typical in any way and therefore enjoyable.

Body and Soul - BBC 1993
Just received the video tapes of Body and Soul. This is a must see for Kristen Scott Thomas fans-new and old alike. Everyone in this production did their roles proud. Kristen Scott Thomas was absolutely radiant in her performance, and there is no denying why her "star" has risen. Not only can she act, and act superbly, but she has the capacity to take you in with her smile, the tilt of her head as well as her eyes. I had to view all 3 tapes in one sitting, as I just had to see what was going to happen next. She was convincing as the young nun yearning for more than the convent could offer, and yet ever so afraid of her feelings. Buy this series....you'll love it.

Wondrously memorable, KST's nuanced performance is a delight
In this extraordinary story of a woman's crossover from one world to another, Kristin Scott Thomas's performance is astonishing. The chemistry between Sister Gabriel (KST) and her sister-in-law (Amanda Redman) is very satisfying to behold. A stunning cast throughout... There are so many delightful moments in this mini-series that it is a must-see (and own) for KST fans. Soulful throughout... ... Read more

Description

All Creatures Great and Small Series Three brings a rich new trove of James Herriot tales to the screen. Set in the windswept dales of Yorkshire, England, the series perfectly captures the warm drawing room fires and freezing wintry barns of the English countryside of the thirties. While this remote area cannot remain untouched by the threat of impending war, there are still plenty of battles to be fought on the home front: on the farms, in the fields and hand-to-hand in the surgery.

INCLUDES 14 EPISODES: Plenty to Grouse About, Charity Begins at Home, Every Dog His Day, Hair of the Dog, If Wishes Were Horses, Pig in the Middle, Be Prepared, A Dying Breed, Brink of Disaster, Home and Away, Alarms and Excursions, Matters of Life and Death, Will to Live, Big Steps and Little 'Uns ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Real Life Comedy Part 3
The Production: The TV series "All Creatures Great & Small" started in Great Britain on January 1978 with no nonsense photography with the typical grain of that time period. This DVD box set is from the third season, which played in January through June 1979. Some photography scenes were taken direct off Yorkshire farms. There are very little special effects, the only ones I can think of is either drugged or fake animals to act out certain quick scenes. Were some of the animals trained to act like they were sick or dying? Sometimes certain operations were preformed with a human hand, checking the rear of certain animals for pregnancies or intestinal problems. At times when the actors themselves are seen performing inspections on the animals, their hands were either hidden behind the animals or the actors makes facial expressions with the lower parts of their bodies off the screen. In this series, in one scene the main Veterinarian uses his free hand to cover the area where the needle is "Supposedly" going into the neck of the animal. Very down to Earth & as real as possible with great effect.

The Actors: Christopher Timothy plays James Herriot, a Scottish newly qualified Veterinarian as co-owner with Veterinarian Surgeon Siegfried Farnon, played by Robert Hardy, in the Yorkshire farming community of Darrowby during the late 1930's right before World War Two. Veterinary student & Siegfried's younger brother Tristan, played by Peter Davison continues to miss things up, but this time with the ladies & cooking. The housekeeper is Mrs. Hall, played by Mary Hignett, who leaves in a few episodes to care for relatives. James wife & part time secretary for the entire business is Helen played by Carol Drinkwater, who takes a second job to cover the bills.

Commentary: The third season continues where the second season left off where several of the characters "Know" what the other characters will do or say, & sometimes repeat per word at the same time. This correctly & naturally reveals the growing bond between everyone in the household. Most episodes deal with the upcoming war & how it affects their relationships & the farming community at large. This ends the 1st section of the series with Siegfried & James going off to war leaving Tristan to hold the business, & Helen returns to her father's house. As with the first & second seasons, this box set comes with 4 DVD's: at three to four 50 to 55 minute programs per DVD with an added bonus of a few commentaries by the main actors & a 5 minute short review on the James Herriot museum.

There are now two other DVD box sets, the first & second seasons, & a single DVD of 2 specials short in the mid 1980's. "All Creatures Great & Small" did return to British TV in the late 1980's with 4 seasons, but these are only on VHS at this time. A good buy if you're into real life comedy.

All Creatures Series 3 perhaps the most relaxed of all
This series "All Creatures Great and Small" is special beyond a doubt. The Third season of episodes finds our friends concerned about the coming war and is contemplative about life changing soon among the dales. It is the most delightful of the 3 with wonderful flute music and genuinely funny plots that have Tristan taking over kitchen duties with his usual haplessness and we are also given another "dose" of Dr. Granville Bennett,a repeating character who constantly gets our heroes drunk. Another features a dog that is subject to "gas" straying into an afternoon tea party and stinks the place up while a stock character colonel is explaining the benefits of "curry powder" in the diet. Siegfried is distant at times and eventually reveals his feelings about the coming war to James. In the end, the obligations of duty summon them both while Tristan holds up the home vet practice (Finally passing his tests.)Things were never the same again after this season and for that and the reasons stated above I believe this to be the best. Well worth your time and investment. A sure tranquilizer for our hurried times.

Season 3 is here, when will season 4 and 5 come?
This is the best series for family and entertainment. We watch at least one a night. It is a comforting step back into a more simple time. A delight for all! Can't wait for season 4 and 5!

All And Any Creatures on DVD is Great
Finally volume III. I have not viewed yet, but this collection has audio commentary by Hardy, Drinkwater, Davison and a few select directors on episodes 6, 7 and 13. Plus, a 5 minute feature on the James Herriot museum in Thirsk, and the Who's Who in the cast. 722 minutes on four discs. I hope volume IV is on the way on DVD. .................................................

Five stars minimum
I've never quite been able to pick a single best episode of "All Creatures," my favorite TV series. However, there are certainly several contenders for that honor in Series Three, the final series before James Herriot (Christopher Timothy) goes off to war. The omnipresence of his impending departure makes this series kind of bittersweet, but fortunately the series came back in 1988 and ran through 1990 (with two Christmas specials and one full-length