Reviews (38)

Wonderful, But Still Missing...Something
This is a wonderful, even classic, adaptation of Franz Werfel's haunting, heartbreaking story of the Lourdes apparitions. The cinematography is excellent, the characters are handled with respect and realistic flair, and Jennifer Jones seems to be channeling Bernadette Soubirous in convincing fashion. The film's flaws? Sentimentalism in some cases bogs it down, especially when the angelic choirs start to sing lauds as the 'vision' makes its appearance. Corny to the extreme, if you ask me. The initial moment of the apparition was a stark and frightening one for Bernadette, according to the gathered records of the incident(s), not an experience accompanied by cheery seraphic warblings. This scene should have been filmed in a stark manner, to capture the surprise, abruptness, initial terror, and realism of the experience. Secondly, the actual Virgin Mary figure (played by a somewhat plumpish Linda Darnell) is also a bit garish: she resembles any of the cheesy, cheap, grotesque plaster "Mary" lawn ornaments that are the hallmark of Catholic kitsch.This stereotypical Mary is an unfortunate cop-out. The film makes no attempt to capture the haunting dignity and true historical nature of Bernadette's visitor, whom the seeress herself described in early testimony as "ou petito damizelo"--a "little pixie-girl," no more than 13 or 14 years of age and certainly not maternal in any way whatsoever. What the film DOES successfully capture is the impact of the many miraculous, mysterious events that descended upon a real town, among real people. It also captures a glimpse of the special, undeniable love shared between Bernadette and the enigmatic being who revealed herself only (and perhaps with a wistful sense of irony) as 'the Immaculate Conception.' A fine, fine film and worth owning for anyone of pure heart.

INSPIRING FILM - DISMAL TRANSFER
"The Song of Bernadette" is a film that by all accounts should distill into a religious pot boiler. And yet there is something haunting, awe inspiring and yes, even stirring about this tale of a child, Bernadette Soubirous (Jennifer Jones) who, after witnessing visions of the Virgin Mary, begins to have miracles performed in the small French town of Lourdes. Jones is angelic, tenderly conveying the warmth, innocence and poignancy of someone truly touched by the hand of God. Anne Revere is cast as Bernadette's non-believer mother. Vincent Price turns in a wicked performance as the town magistrate who, weary that Bernadette's claims will insight religious fervor, threatens the child with imprisonment unless she ceases with her visions. Charles Bickford and Gladys Cooper give outstanding performances as the skeptical priest and nun who come to believe that Bernadette is divinely inspired. Truly, this is a film that requires a whole box of Kleenex to get through. It is haunting, stirring and overall life affirming.

However, the transfer from Fox is poor, even though it improves upon previous VHS and Laserdisc versions. Though the B&W picture exhibits sharpness and better balancing of the gray scale the image is digitally harsh and suffers from an excessive amount of film grain. Aliasing and shimmering of fine details is evident throughout. Pixelization is another down fall. The audio has been cleaned up and is well presented.
Extras include a Jennifer Jones Biography, an audio commentary, a Movietones trailer, some Fox promotional stuff for other movies in their classic series, a restoration film to video comparison that proves that at least some work was done on the transfer before sending it out to DVD and this film's original theatrical trailer.

The Song of Bernadette
This movie had a deep and profound impact on me when I first watched it on television as a young teen. It is beautifully done a real tribute to film making. The acting is outstanding and I fully believed and empathized with young Bernadette as portrayed by Jennifer Jones. I was a protestant at the time I first watched the movie. The effect it had on me sent me on a journey that eventually lead me to Medjugorje and then to becomimg Catholic. I strongly would recommend this film to everyone. It is beautiful, moving, very touching, a profound experience for all who have an open heart.

Excellent
Written by a Jewish man, The Song of Bernadette, is wonderfully brought to the big screen. Typical of old black and white "Hollywood". Very well acted, full bodied characters. A great family movie.

Universal Thematic Appeal
The Song of Bernadette begins with the classic quote, "For those who believe in God, no explanation is necesary. For those who don't, no explanation is possible."

That having been said, one need not be religious to enjoy this film. What makes the movie so enjoyable is that it contains man's universal struggle with religion and his sense of meaning. Vincent Price does an excellent job of portraying the fatalistic expert, while Church officials are accurately protrayed as questioners - but not outright denyers - of the possibility of miraculous events.

Jennifer Jones is fantastic, and accurately portrays the reported humble nature of St. Bernadette.

Definitely one to see at least once. ... Read more

Reviews (1789)

Video Excellentus!
In 2001, two fall blockbusters involving witchcraft and wizards reached the theatres. Unfortunately, I don't have a wand with which to say "Review autoscriptus!" or some snowy owls on one-day delivery standby so I have to do this with my fingers (sigh) and create words of wonder on the movie I liked better.

While I haven't read J.K. Rowling's books, it must have been chock full of detail I don't know of the movie:book accuracy ratio, but for director Chris Columbus to fit it in two and-a-half hours, it must have been a book spectacularis.

Witches and wizards were persecuted throughout the ages, regarded as threats more than freaks as Harry's aunt did her sister, and more often than not, burned at the stake. With Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the song remains the same, only this time, his uncle, aunt, and obnoxious cousin treat him contemptuously, as if he's an unwanted burden. Who knows how his life would have been without the flurry of invitations to Hogwarts School courtesy of one-day owl delivery? Fortunately, giant Rubeas Hagrid comes crashing to the rescue. The real adventure begins from there.

Daniel Radcliffe gives a performance competentus and credibilis as the totally likeable title character. Of the troika of main characters, he's the most human. However, Emma Watson as the resourceful and well-read Hermione Granger steals the show wands aloft. Despite being snooty and knowing who she is, she proves herself to be a cut above others in classes (see her frantically waving on Professor Snape to call on her, and her proficient wand handling). She does have feelings, though, as she angrily stomps past through Weasley, who fed up with her conceit, was verbally cutting her down a peg to Harry, finishing with "No wonder she doesn't have any friends." If Hermione's character leads more children to flip pages instead of flipping bad guys on their PS2's or X-Box's, so much the better. Rupert Grint, as Ron Weasley, makes a good foil for both his counterparts, being a fellow explorer and Christmas holiday companion with Harry or someone for Hermione to impart knowledge.

The other performer to whom this show belongs to is veteran actor Robbie Coltrane as the friendly giant gameskeeper Rubeas Hagrid. After Krull, Nuns On The Run, two James Bond movies, and From Hell among others, he has finally become a recognizable face on American shores. American audiences should have warmed up to this talented performer earlier, and that's something I should've said.

As for other veteran actors, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, and Zoe Wanamaker do wonders as the professors of Hogwarts, but Alan Rickman turns in a solid performance as the sinister Professor Snape, who doesn't seem to like Harry all that much.

People, (or should that be muggles?) this is one movie specialus. The special effects, while spectacular, do not detract from the character development or dialogue, like certain films I'm not going to name. They merely support the magic whether it's the entrance to the square or the action scenes, such as the Quidditch match.

Well, review terminatus, and see you at the theatres for the Chamber of Secrets

I didn't want it to end!
Though by no means the only example of the subject, Joanne Rowling's imaginative book about an eleven year old boy discovering his new-found talent for magic, reintroduced the age-old genre of the fairy story to modern children. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" benefits enormously from modern CGI effects to bring to life a film which will entertain everyone. The basic story concerns an orphaned boy living with his appalling cousins who are determined that he should not find out that he was actually born a wizard. Through outside help from the magical community, he finds himself enrolled at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the fun starts.

Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane and Alan Rickman help to back up the principal child stars and give this film some real presence. Daniel Radcliffe is rather flat as Harry Potter and Emma Watson, as the precocious Hermione Granger, is excessively theatrical and both are shaded by Rupert Grint who is excellent in the role of their cynical friend, Ron Weazley. No doubt all the child actors will improve with time, given that they stay with the series. At the moment they are still finding their feet.

There are plenty of special effects to amaze and amuse and I can't imagine how such a film could have been made without them. The cinematography by John Seale, ACS, is excellent and the whole film has a very pleasing look. The two-disc DVD set has many extras, some of which seem to require an intimate knowledge of magic to access.

On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and I wait with baited breath for the sequels. It is not a five star film; I did not expect it to be, but it certainly rates considerable merit. I have yet to figure out why WB chose to release it as anything other than "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone", since that is both the title of the original book and the title of the film in any other market than the US. Apart from a few little blemishes, an excellent movie. Kids will give it five stars; parents will enjoy it, too. Thoroughly recommended.

"A rather BIG surprise"
When Harry Potter came to the big screen, I did NOT go to see it. I was of firm standing that it was kidd stuff. Then, a few weeks ago, the people on abc2 news had it on as a "movie event". I figured since it was free, why not watch it? Needless to say, I was realllyyy surprised. I sat, spellbound through ALL commercial breaks, so I would'ent miss any of the story. I've never read a single book in the series, so I can say with out them, this movie still can stand on it's own. P.S. John Williams' score is amazeing!!!! P.S.S. Still, I will say that "The Lord of the Rings" are much better movies, and if you LIKE Harry Potter, You'll LOVE them.

The Best Movie of 2001
Harry Potter is a great movie that the whole family can sit down and enjoy. And the Harry Potter series has a big future. This is the first one in the series that introduced the school of withcraft and wizardry that Harry Potter would be going to. It's called Hogwartz. It introduces many characters such as Harry himself, Ron Weasley who becomes Harry's friend, Hermione Granger who also becomes Harry's friend, Draco Malfoy who is Harry's enemy, Albus Dumbledore who is the headmaster of Hogwartz and many more. Get your kids, get this movie and watch it. Trust me your going to love it. It's great fun really. Then when your done this one go to the store and get Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and then see Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in theatres.
10/10
Rated PG for Some Scary Moments and Mild Language.

helloo! its the best!
harry potter is the BEST series in the world and kj rowling is sooo talented!!! there's a reason why harry potter's so popular! get THEM ALL ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Still waiting............
As of today, May 2, 2004, Disney's masterpiece, the original "That Darn Cat" has yet to be released on DVD.
I dont know what Disney is waiting for, but if enough of us request the DVD, it will be made available alot quicker. All you have to do is sign up to pre-order the DVD on Amazon.com when it becomes available.
You will get an email when the DVD finally comes out.
The movie is about a Beautiful Siamese Cat, named D.C. (Darn Cat).
D.C. and his owner, the cute Disney legend Hayley Mills find themselves up to their necks in crime, and chaos.
A woman has been kidnapped, and only D.C. and Hayley can help he police find her!
Dean Jones, another Disney legend, plays the special agent in charge of the kidnapped woman's case, and he is wonderful.
"That Darn Cat" is the epitome of a Disney Clasic film: A cute, charasmatic Animal as the star, plus some familiar faces in the supporting roles, mixed with the Disney comedy, action and overall fun that we have grown to love.
The late great Roddy McDowall, of "Planet of the Apes" fame, plays a great part in this movie as well.
They made a remake of "That Darn Cat' in 1997, and while it was good, it is not nearly as good as the original.
This original 1965 version of 'That Darn Cat" is the one with the Disney Magic that we all have grown used to.
This movie is full of comedy, action, suspense, intrigue, and most important, pure Disney fun.
You will definitely enjoy this movie, if you havent seen it yet. If you have seen it on video, then you know what I mean.
Hopefully, soon, Disney will release this movie on DVD, and when they do, trust me when I say that it will be a favorite of yours and your family for years and years to come.
So, come on Disney.....we are waiting. Please release "That Darn Cat" on DVD soon, so that a whole new generation can experience its wonder.

Gorgeous!!!
Absolutely fabulous! This movie can make you laugh 1000 times over! It's delicious. The actor's play is a masterpiece, something that is very rare in our days.The intrigue is perfectly balanced, and the storyscript is the work of a genius!If you want to laugh like you do when you were a child, this is your moment! ... Read more

Reviews (414)

not your average disney
not something you would expect from disney. broken family, depressed child, social services. i believe that disney has done a wonderous job, not being so beautiful world with this.

Not too pleased with this one.
Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" was directed by Chris Sanders & Dean DeBlois. It is about a little Hawaiian girl named Lilo and her sister, Nani, and how a destructive alien named Stitch brings them together. That's enough summary. You want plot, read the other reviews.

There are good things in this movie. Some parts are purely delightful. Stitch and Lilo can both be cute at times, and it was nice to hear some traditional Elvis. Cobra Bubbles, the social worker, is a funny guy. And some of the parts are funny, too. That's about it.

I'm an animation major, so I realize that I'm very critical when it comes to Disney. But truthfully, I was SHOCKED when I found out that people actually like this movie. For one thing, it's badly written. It needs a decent script. It's boring. The plot is choppy. Everything is twisted (not gracefully) to be about families, and worst of all, the characters are incredibly cruel to each other (for laughs, I felt) and never really turn around until the last two minutes. I thought these were flaws that were so blatant everyone would notice them. The little movie critic that lives in my head was screaming bloody murder.

Just a few things to warn parents about--Lilo is a brat, Nani is abusive, and Stitch just is there to tear things down. I'm surprised that this movie wasn't rated PG-13...I believe it was going to be, but then they took out the part with Pudgy (Lilo's pet fish) getting pecked to death by seagulls. Yeah, and you thought this was a kids' movie. One of the most disturbing parts is when Stitch & Lilo shove a little girl off her tricycle and take off with it, leaving the little girl sobbing in the dirt. If you think that's funny, you have some serious mental problems.

There's a lot of screaming, it's not very funny, and to me, very unconvincing. The moral this one left me with was, hey, it's okay to treat others like ....because Ohana means family. I won't buy that. I'd strongly suggest parents read some proffessional reviews on this movie, there's a reason this movie hasn't made much money in comparison to the Disneys of the past. "Hunchback" and even "Pocahantas" grossed over $100 million more than this one. I hope that says something. Methinks parents HAVE been doing their jobs and reading the reviews on this one. (In gentle reprimand to someone below who called parents "stupid").

As for me- if I ever work for the Disney animation studio, I'll do everything in my power to make clever, sweet, funny movies like "Aladdin" and "Monster's Inc." and keep painfully hideous movies like "Lilo & Stitch" from ever gracing the storyboards of Burbank. What the HECK were they thinking?

I laughed my head off
Lord, this is the funniest Disney movie in years. And one of the most inventive. A problem in most Disney movies in recent years (well, actually, always) has been taking plots from other sources. None of the Disney animated films have been in any sense original. Contrast this with Japan's great animator Hayao Miyazaki, whose movies are almost always based upon original sources. I don't think it is an accident that the best Disney movie in a long time is based on a completely original story.

Speaking of Miyazaki, Daveigh Chase, who provides the voice for Lilo, also did the voice for Chihiro in the English language dubbing for SPIRITED AWAY. Unbelievably, she dubbed the voice for major characters in the two best-animated films of the year. I have to be honest here: I was really scared that LILO AND STITCH was going to win the. It didn't. It is very, very good, but SPIRITED AWAY is not merely the best-animated film in the past couple of decades, but quite possibly the best ever. I knew that if the voters only watched both LILO AND STITCH and SPIRITED AWAY, then the latter would easily win the Oscar. Luckily, enough did, and it won a well-deserved Oscar. But LILO AND STITCH was a very strong second, and in many years would have won.

The film is the story of the accidentally pairing of two misfits. Lilo is a Hawaiian girl who is being raised by her sister Nani, and Stitch is a genetic creation of an "evil genius" mad doctor, a powerful warrior creature. Lilo has lost her family, and Stitch, or "Experiment 626," as he is otherwise known, has never had one. The movie essentially tells the story of how each helps the other find what she and he both need most.

Hopefully, this is the beginning of a new practice: instead of creating an endless number of variations of old, traditional, and familiar stories, Disney will turn their resources to original, new, and inventive stories.

Good Fun
* One of the expectations of a Disney animated film is
that it will have a top-rank / few-expenses-spared production,
with perfectionistic artwork and such features as soundtracks
by star musicians -- coupled to a not-always-inspired script.

Disney animated movies are marketed at kids, of course, and
that generally means a little moralizing sentimentality and
some political correctness. I don't criticise this as such,
since the parents would go on the warpath if Disney did
any different, but one hopes there is something more to the
story.

By these standards, LILO & STITCH gets the expected top
production grade, and what I would say is a better-than-expected
grade for the script. It involves an alien mad scientist
named Jumba who creates a midget monstrosity, Experiment 6-2-6,
a nasty little creature with a lightning brain, disproportionate
strength, and a genetic predisposition to be as big a nuisance
and pain as possible.

Jumba is arrested and his creation seized, but Experiment
6-2-6 escapes and flies to Earth, landing in Hawaii, with
Jumba in pursuit. In an attempt to camouflage himself,
6-2-6 pretends he's a dog -- a real strange-looking dog --
and is adopted by Lilo (LEE-low, not LIE-low), a little
Hawaiian girl who is a pain to her sister and guardian
Nina. Lilo names him "Stitch" and many adventures follow.
Think of "ET with an attitude" and you kind of understand.

OK, the script is sentimental, and for all those worrisome
parents out there I can assure you that this movie HAS A
MORAL MESSAGE EMPHASIZING GOOD FAMILY VALUES as a central
theme. (I grew up on Three Stooges, Looney Tunes, and Rocky
& Bullwinkle when nobody worried about such things, but that
was then.) Fortunately, it also has some very good
laughs (Lilo's photography hobby comes to mind for one
example) and can be off-the-wall and imaginative about it
in places. Of course it's all silliness, but this is an
animated feature about little girls and alien midget monsters,
not WAR & PEACE.

The production values are very pretty, the artwork style
has its original features, and the soundtrack work, if not
star quality like some Disney animateds, is good.
Lilo is an Elvis fan and the Elvis tunes seem to work very
well in the script, even though I'm not a fan of the King
myself. ("Elvis or Beatles?" "Beatles.")

This may not be "must-see-video" but it is recommended.
One of the signs of an entertaining flic is that it can
keep me attentive up to the closing credits, and the little
"family album" at the end, implying a whole set of stories
that I was sad I missed, was one of the nicest touches in
the whole thing.

The Best Animated Disney Film in Years
I am very fussy about which Disney films I watch. So far I have purchased "Tarzan" and "Dinosaur" on DVD and though I enjoyed them I won't say they won my heart over.

"Lilo and Stitch" however had me laughing and crying in the same breath. Set in Hawaii this is a very different kind of Disney film. I loved it from the very first moment when Lilo tried to explain to her dancing teacher why she had to feed a friendly dolphin peanut butter sandwiches rather than tuna to the moment Stitch realises he wants a family of his own to belong to, this gem of a film managed to get under my skin like no other Disney animation.

The plot is quite simple; a genetically created monster escapes a prison ship and heads for earth. All he has on his mind is destruction and mayhem but fate has something else in store for him and he finds himself pretending to be a dog in order to evade the bounty hunters sent to find him. His new "owner" is a lonely but strong minded little girl called Lilo who is still grieving over the loss of her parents in a car accident. She calls her new "dog" Stitch and gives him unconditional love, something this monster has never known before. Suddenly Stitch's desire for destruction takes a back seat as he tries to help the one person in the whole universe who is not afraid of him.

There are great scenes like Stitch finding a frog in the middle of road but it is him who gets run over by a truck and not the frog but as he is indestructible all that happens is that he gets knocked out. We see the frog later on in the same road, and Stitch saves it, something he would have never done if he had not met Lilo. It is a touching scene, not syrupy, just nice and thoughtfully done. Another scene that is side splittingly funny is when Stitch steals a child's tricycle, jumps on it, grabs Lilo and tries to find his way off the Island only to be told by Lilo that "isn't it great, there are no cities on the Island?" Stitch faints when he hears this; he has been genetically programmed to destroy cities! All of this mayhem and chaos ultimately leads to Stitch having to make a decision. Does he abandon Lilo and try to escape or does he take on the powers that be that want to destroy him and try and keep his new family together?

Stitch's attempt to save Lilo when she is in danger is hilarious but at the same time quite emotional, surprising for an animated film, especially a Disney one.

The music is great and I'm a fan of Elvis all over again, the songs are really appropriate but let me assure you this is not a musical cartoon, rather it is a cartoon with a selection of songs that blend into the story and plot quite nicely.

The characters are believable, even the ex-CIA Welfare Officer who despite his gruff exterior has a heart of gold, to the obnoxious little girls who tease Lilo for daring to be different.

This is cracking good film for all ages, and I will be very surprised if most people don't like something about it, even if it is just the music score! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The eighth season of The X-Files will always be remembered as the year of brave decisions. David Duchovny's increasing dissatisfaction with the role meant he'd only appear in a few episodes. The solution? Enter Agent John Doggett (Robert Patrick) who basically stole the show within his first two minutes of screen time (and watch out for several Terminator 2 in-jokes too!). Scully (Gillian Anderson) switched roles to being the believer alongside Doggett's skeptic in a year that was more reliant on the background story arc than ever before. Her pregnancy remained at the foreground, while a more prominent Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) joined in a hunt for the abducted Mulder that drew upon the black oil, cloning, and bounty-hunting aspects of the convoluted alien conspiracy story. A distinct lack of guest stars or writers indicated maturity beyond the need for ratings stunts: dedicated fans were pleased to see sinister Krycek, the reliable Lone Gunmen, and the return of the show's very first abductee. The real strengths of the season came from new characters, including alternative female role model Special Agent Monica Reyes (Annabeth Gish), and some terrific standalone episodes. Investigations covered a man going backward in time, deaths aboard an oil rig, a contagion in the Boston subway tunnels, and creatures resembling bats and slugs. Agent Leyla Harrison (named after an X-Files fan who died of cancer) got to ask all the petty questions regular viewers want to know themselves. With season 9 promised to be the last, this year was a remarkable achievement so late in a show's life. --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Reviews (92)

Solid eighth season has nice twists and turns 4 stars
Season Eight of "The X-Files" offered a chance for a fresh start and a resolution for some of the threads from various story arcs left unresolved over previous seasons. Creator Chris Carter had been distracted during Season Seven with writing and producing "The X-Files" movie and, as a result, the quality of the show slipped a bit. Still, the series managed to continue to be at the vanguard for television programs. A lot of risks were taken during season 8. It would have been easy to conclude the series after Duchovny left the show. Instead, Carter and his crew used the opportunity to create a number of fresh characters and new story arcs that touched on familar themes.

John Dogget (Robert Patrick from "T2") stepped in to work on "The X-Files" and assist Scully. Dogget's no nonsense down-to-earth approach reminded me of Scully early on in the series. His background as a beat cop and Marine made him the perfect skeptic as Scully's character became a believer. Moncia Reyes (Annabeth Gish) surfaces as a new partner for Dogget and the "Mulder" of the two of them although, again, she combined elements of Scully's character as well. Assistant Director Brad Follmer (Cary Elwes from "The Princess Bride" and "Kiss the Girls")made a perfect foil for Dogget, Reyes, Scully and Skinner. Dogget also acted as the perfect foil for Mulder. Initially, they didn't get along at all and continued to butt heads over the various explanations that Mulder puts forth for some of the unusual situations.

About a third through the season Mulder vanishes--going into hiding as the super soldiers and others are out to kill him. That leaves Scully virtually on her own except for her new partners. Season Eight had many outstanding episodes and, although it wasn't up to the standard of seasons two through six, eight and nine had a number of strong stand-alone episodes. Among the stand out episodes are "Redrum" about a man who may have murdered his wife who is forced to relive his last days on Earth going backward in time from the moment he's killed until the actual incident. We also get "Medusa" where Dogget and must travel the subway system to find out who or what is literally dissolving passengers. The dank, dark subways provide considerable tension in the mode of "Alien". The resolution was a bit of a surprise as well. Scully also gives birth to her baby towards the end of the season. She's being hunted by a group of unstoppable alien/human hybrids. Meanwhile, Dogget and Mulder must try and protect Scully and find out who's behind the attempts to kill Scully's unborn child.

The picture quality is, generally, very good except for the darker sequences. Compressing four episodes onto one two layer disc means that some sacrifices had to be made and some short cuts had to be taken but it still looks better than most series (particularly "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and even some of the "Deep Space Nine" boxed sets). There's a number of very nice extras including deleted scenes (some of which can be viewed as part of the original episode if you select that option prior to watching the episode or viewed separately with optional commentary). I could have cared less about the international clips but they are amusing. The commentary tracks are particularly enlightening. With the price reduced for this set, it's well worth picking up now although I'd recommend Costco.com as they have the best price on the series.

S8 - One Of The Best Seasons
So David Duchovny was absent for most of season 8 of The X Files. Did that ruin the eighth year? NO!

The addition of Robert Patrick as Agent Doggett allowed a new, creative, and different light to shine on The X Files. Season 8 created scary, and original stories once again (something that season 7 lacked). The character of Doggett proved to be his own-- Agent Doggett did NOT come across as a Mulder replacement. Doggett and Scully developed their own bond and relationship, which was fresh and intriguing.
Robert Patrick gave season 8 a dynamic edge that The X Files was in need of.

Then there is the search for Mulder and the issue of Scully's pregnancy. The emotions put forth in these scenes are amazing. The love and compassion of the characters seems so true-- it does not seem forced or acted (a rare find in television these days!). As season 8 unfolds, you can't help but look back onto the previous 7 years with fondness and admiration as you see how everything ties together.

As an X Phile since season 1, season 8 did not dissapoint me in any way-- and I have always been a Mulder fan! Season 8 is a beautiful season, a season that by far ranks with the series' best.

Best Season Ever
Well what can I say about Season 8 of The X Files, this is definetly the best year of the nine.

The big talking point of this season was obviously David Duchovny's absence for half of the episodes and the full time inclusion of the wonderful Robert Patrick as Special Agent John Doggett, Scullys new partner.
As far as the show is concerned of the 21 episodes there wasn't a bad one to be found. With Patrick's inclusion the show had very much reverted back to its horror roots and delivered a collection of the greatest stand-alones ever. "Paitence", "Roadrunners", "Invocation", "Redrum", "Badlaa" and "Medusa" are all examples of The X Files at it's terrifing best. Two stand-out episodes this year were both Doggett centric episodes, proving what an incredible asset Robert Patrick was, in "Via Negativa" Doggett and Skinner team up to investigate a series of grusome and unexpained deaths and in "The Gift" Doggett comes across a case that Mulder hid from Scully and the FBI and which may shed light on the reasons for his dissapearance. This episode also marks the return of David Duchovny.

Season 8 was also the most mytholgy laden year of the nine, ranging from the search for Mulder in the incedible two-part season opener "Within/Without" to his return in "This Is Not Happening" (which happens to have the best cliffhanger ever) and "DeadAlive". Mulder's search for answers to his dissapearance in "Three Words", the unexplained death of Doggett's son in "Empedocles", the retun of the black oil in probably the most visually stunning episode ever-"Vienen" to the mysteries of Scullys pregnancy in "Per Manum" and finally her delivery in the brilliant and action packed two-part season finale "Essence/Existence". Amidst all the mytholgy episode towards the end of the season there was room for one fantastic stand-alone episode, "Alone". Written and Directed by Frank Spotnitz this is a must see for any fan.

I really can't begin to say enough about season 8, it was a show very much re-energised and re-focused to doing what The X Files dose best, the acting all round was incredible, Robert Patrick and Gillian Anderson(this was her finest year) were incredible and the two work wonderfully together, and even though I wasn't missing him it was great to see David Duchovny back as Mulder and the chemistry between he and Robert Patrick is something that has to be seen to be believed. One other thing that made this season all the better was the increased inclusion of surrounding characters. A.D. Skinner played brilliantly by Mitch Pileggi had his busiest year, Krycheck was back with a bang, Deputy Director Kersh was back, last seen in season 6, The Lone Gunmen showed up now and again to lend a helping hand to the new guy and finally the introduction of Special Agent Monica Reyes who would be seen alot more in season 9.
Anyway it really dosen't matter how much I write I could never do this season justice or the work of everybody involved so buy it and experience it for yourself, I garauntee you will not be dissapointed.

Agent Doggett was best thing to happen to X-Files for years
All those people slagging this show off because of Duchovny's absence - they're the ones who killed this show.
The X-Files died because of it's tedious ongoing Mulder story that became so tiresome and boring - the "dedicated fans" just couldn't and (as it turned out) wouldn't accept anything different when that particular story arc reached its' inevitable (and tedious) end.

Along comes Robert Patrick as Agent Doggett in season 8 and straight away he brings something fresh to the show. The series goes back to it's roots to being more about mystery like it's early Outer Limits-style days.
When X-Files focused on the Mulder alien story and the Mulder-Scully relationship all the time prior to season 8, that is when I stopped being a fan. I got sick of Duchovny's Mulder character as the alien story became so overblown - it just seemed that the show was just totally obsessed with the alien thing and no room for anything different.

People are also claiming/complaining that Doggett doesn't have much chemistry with Scully. Well, duh(!), they barely know each other! And does everyone have to have some sort of love-hate thing going on anyway? This is just proof that too many so-called fans of the show weren't really interested in the reason of the show's existence (ie. unexplained mysteries) and just got hooked on the whole Mulder-Scully relationship thing way too much. In my opinion, I think Doggett and Scully had a great professional relationship which was also realistic. I agree with those that say that the Mulder-Scully storyline was too convuluted - I hated it and wished they hadn't done it or at least kept it in the background. The popularity of David Duchovny and, especially, Gillian Anderson, was good for a while but it ended up turning the X-Files into some kind of weird soap opera with everyone hooked on the idea of "will they or won't they".

Chris Carter came up with some brilliant ideas for the final two X-Files seasons and its a great pity that the idea of Doggett & Reyes taking over from Mulder & Scully never really took off because the show had become great again when they entered the scene. The show became a lot darker and edgy again like its' earlier days. If it was up to me I'd bring the show back with Doggett & Reyes and scrap the whole Mulder & Scully thing once and for all.

Don't get me wrong - I loved Mulder & Scully through & through - but there's no denying that the emphasis on their relationship and the whole alien abduction thing was taken too far (and this is coming from an alien/ufo nut!)... And, anyway, before Doggett came along, Skinner was my favourite character.

Won't Go So Far...
Well, I'm just chiming in to this debate. Before the DVDs I had never even seen the X files. I saw the movie, but I found it strange and hard to follow. Of course, this turned me off to the series as a whole. Before my seven month deployment, I had never even seen an episode of the X-files.

A friend of mine purchased the series for me as a gift to watch on my long boat ride. And, happily, I am proud to say that I watched season one through six on pins and needles on my laptop in a small, little rack.

I was so intrigued by the alien abductions and the chemistry between Mulder and Scully. Even some of the more quirky and silly episodes were good because of the M/S combination. Yet, as the seasons moved foward I could see a definite interest with directors and producers to move the series foward while maintaining to the crux of the story originated by Cris Carter.

A story that couldn't move forward.

But, onto season eight.

Well...I just finished watching it, and well...I don't know. It was good...there were some episodes that were very good. Yet, the whole season was wooden and unfilling. Obviously, the chemistry between S/Dogget was lacking.

Seriously, I thought it would have been a better idea to bring in a more radical character to oppose Scully's logic truth. It just seemed that she made the switch from logic to paranormal very suddenly and without explanation. I mean...yeah she had something to explain...and you need to watch the season to understand...yet...there wasn't enough explanation.

Also, why couldn't they have made this a Scully season? Where she takes on the X files by herself to discovers the real truth? Yet, to they bring in this wooden guy, who I can never get over being the new terminator. And, to try and make the chemistry happen. Well, as I'm sure they (producers, etc) knew the chemistry never happened, and this season felt wrong.

Don't get me WRONG. There were so good episodes. But, the series fillers just weren't good. They should have paid David D. serious money to continue on. But, they went ahead with the the lackluster contribution.

So, my finale! There is some contribution to the X files that is worth seeing. Plus, this season sets you up with the conclusion to season seven and season nine. I haven't seen season nine yet. But, believe me, I will give you my thoughts when I see it. I decided not to add my overview to seven because generally the entire season was a true X files season. I just thought I would warn you about this season.

Shannon ... Read more

Description

A middle-aged philosophy teacher begins an affair with a young girl that drives him past the point of obsession when he realizes that he can not possess her. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A thought provoking film ...
The plotine is basically about a philosophy professor,an unsympathethic womaniser who has the desire to do something with his life. He meets a young woman, who was a model for a painter, who died while they were having sex, he doesn't get along well with her yet he has this physical connection to her. His obsession with her and her inability to respond to him make him resort to violence, he wants to break up with her and yet he cannot. Can a person love and despise another at the same time? This film explores that premise and utilises a lot of gratuitous sex and nudity ... Overall, it was a thought provoking film and I would only recommend it to any fan of French Cinema.

about this movie L ennui.....
A middle-aged philosophy teacher is having sex with a horde(whom later also have 'relationship' with another two men) where he could get give up the woman as he is too obsessed by her. This movie will be recommened to those whom like multiple sex scene and the rating I give to the scene are 4 star. The story of this movie is only a three star rating. The story end up with an accident where the philosophy teacher almost had himself killed.

Long and Boring
I guess people wants to see this movie for different reasons, I'll try to analyse this movie according to what I expect viewers are looking for and try to dissuade you from seeing it. There is nothing in this movie where you can't find in another with more bells and whistles and fun.

[1] If you're looking for hot arousing sex scenes, forget about it.

[2] If you're trying to explore / understand the psyche of middle aged men, forget about it too. All you'd see is this divorced Professor of Philosophy in his 40s/50s being obsessed about a girl half his age, ringing the girl at all times, tracing her phone numbers, and being confused why he likes the dull boring girl so much. Interesting, but you might wonder if you really need to spend 2 hours to examine the issues?

ABSOLUTE AWAKENING
I think you miss the whole point of this movie if you are expecting a typical Hollywood "brainwashing" movie. This movie is French. The whole point of the movie is precisely that the woman is not slim and gorgeous like a model (as Hollywood would make you want to believe all woman should be to be desirable to men). The fact that she is chubby makes the point precisely. She is not beautiful in his eyes, she is plain and chubby but he is crazy about her, why? because he cannot posses her. (Apart from physical pleasure there is nothing he can give her to make her interested in him.) And the farther away she is emotionally the more he wants her, and the more obsessed he gets with her. It has nothing to do with the outer physical beauty --she has managed to possess him in every way, without the "beauty" attributes that Hollywood movies would want to instill in the audiences. Her character has weaknesses as to the emotional and that is what drives him crazy about her. This movie is a great awakening into the deeper psyche of men.

L' Ennui - DVD
Martin a 40-something teacher has an affair with a girl half his age. There is plenty of sex and nudity (front & rear) in this move. I can't understand how a director could cast a plain, chubby young women in such a role. Any erotic value that this movie may have is taken away by how fat (chubby anyways) this girl is. This would have been a much better movie had the lead role been played by a younger and much more attractive (physically and sexually) girl. As you read the other reviews you need to determine for yourself if you want to waste your money on this one.

Gatekeeper Reviews movies only for their sexual, violence and nudity content. There is no child nudity in this movie. Please read other reviews if you're interests lie elsewhere. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"The book was better" has been the complaint of many a reader since theinvention of movies. Frank Darabont's second adaptation of a Stephen King prison drama (The Shawshank Redemption was the first) is a very faithful adaptation of King's serial novel. In the middle of the Depression, Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) runs death row at Cold Mountain Penitentiary. Into this dreary world walks a mammoth prisoner, John Coffey (Michael Duncan) who, very slowly, reveals a special gift that will change the men working and dying (in the electric chair, masterfully and grippingly staged) on the mile . As with King's book, Darabonttakes plenty of time to show us Edgecomb's world before delving into JohnCoffey's mystery. With Darabont's superior storytelling abilities, his touch for perfect casting, and a leisurely 188-minute running time, his movie brings to life nearly every character and scene from the novel. Darabont even improves the novel's two endings, creating a more emotionally satisfying experience. The running time may try patience, but those who want a story, as opposed to quick-fix entertainment, will be rewarded by this finely tailored tale. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (552)

Terrible movie, more Stephen King Schlock
This endless movie was a reminder of why I hate Stephen King stories, 3 hours of my life wasted on this drivel.

The Green Mile represents death row in a Louisiana prison of the 1930's, when a huge black man, sentenced to death, reveals remarkable powers of precognition and hands-on healing. However, this story is mired in implausible situations and a lack of believeability.

We have the gratuitious scenes of Tom Hanks peeing for comic or shock value, the frequent graphic executions of death row inmates, the mumbling cajun accent of Michael Jeter, the remarkable coincidence of Sam Rockwell also landing on death row even though no one seems to make the connection that he also worked for the family whose daughter John Coffy is accused of murdering.

Mr Jingles is a mouse used as a plot device to tug at your heart strings, although it becomes tiresome after a short while.

The character of Purcey is useless and adds nothing to the story.

John Coffey spends this entire movie sweating and blubbering his way through his sentence. Even his miraculous healing of a woman with a terminal brain tumor isn't enough for Tom Hanks to somehow intervene and get this miracle worker off death row, but instead, he reluctantly executes him in the climax of the movie.

Should we also believe that John Coffey, via touch alone, bestowed practical immortality upon Tom Hanks and Mr Jingles? Give me a break. By the end of the movie we learn that Mr Jingles is now about 65 years old, which has to be about 25 times a normal mouse life span; Tom Hanks will also live 25 lifetimes? Does no one at the nursing home question his age of 108? Give me another break. Obviously Stephen King is filling some gaping plot holes with quickie and implausible explanations.

All the actors do a very fine job, but.....

This movie is terrible, don't waste your time. Rent Shawshank Redemption instead!

Powerful Movie!
This movie is outstanding, and anyone who gives it less than 5 stars does not do it justice. Tom Hanks, never a disappointment, stars as Paul Edgecomb, a guard who is the main person involved with "The Green Mile," or death row. He brings compassion, integrity, and honesty to the role of a man who is in charge of the inmates sentenced to die. David Morse, an actor who I also happen to love, stars as his friend. The chemistry between these two actors is incredible, and I hope they will star in future movies together as well. Their relationship gives a depth to the entire movie. Barry Pepper, from Saving Private Ryan, is also wonderful, and he will continue to have a great acting career for many years. Duncan shines as John Coffey ("like the drink, only spelled differently"), and really gives the movie a full circle of competent and award-worthy performances. His passion and child-like innocence gives Coffey the true meaning of the word spirit. This is a wonderful movie that can be both sad and touching at the same time. This is the type of movie that once you see it, you will think differently about life and about human beings in general. This movie touches the heart, and does it in a way that few movies have ever done. I hope that everyone who watches this movie will feel as I do, and this is definitely something that everyone should make a point to see!

Touching story, beautiful acting.
The other fantastic prison movie. (The first one being The Shawshank Redemption). This one is a little more magical and very touching. Do not miss it!

Not Good.
'The Green Mile' was long, tedious, absurd, and boring. Only for die-hard Stephen King or Tom Hanks fans.

The redemption subrreptitiously...
From all standpoits, this picture means a complex and deep sociological approach about the human behavior.
A prison represents the background ; the vehicle for developing a fine story filled with many narrative devices and secondary readings.
Lets start with the character of Percy. Obviously Percy represents the nazi spirit ; a characteristic smell in that age.But notice than much more than a political movement the nazism works out here as a living style. Watch the way he acts ; her cut hair and his manners ; he seems to be a hard beat man and behind of this invisible wall ; you feel a man with serious emotional and affective lacks. The proofs are very clear ; he is a man without a bit of humanity a beast would be a term appropiate if not that issue may offend the animal species.The punishment for him it's excellent ; he will live in his memory over and over the horror: the Shakespeare's memory . The sin hurts much more in the memory than in the flesh.
We have in the prison characters who trascend his personal values through the green mile . The silent agreement : "All what it happens in the green mile , it keeps in the green mile" will be a statement that won't be too long after the redemption caused for Coffey. The mouse gag is a very ingenious clue. A prisioner will experiment a twist of fate with this pet.
The main character John Coffey is framed to die in the electric chair ; acussed by a murder . Slowly the curtains will reveal the awful truth and you as viewer will be reflected in the moral jury who observes the execution.
Notice by moments the film reminds us to a great picture of the same age (1935) , casually titled "Fury" of Fritz Lang . In many ways it doesn't sound speculation to state the rendezvous for that shocking film. The extrordinary picture Top Hat in which we watch to Fred Astaire dancing with Ginger Rogers is a touch of genius device that let introduce us and links the last will of Coffey ; Heaven ; I'm in heaven. And you can not avoid thinking in Cinema Pardiso ending.
The script was a hit. Frank Dubont made a very well done work with the camera , art direction , photography, cast and enlightment.
When the film concludes you remain in your chair thinking the multiple lines around the story . The sense of revenge , vested as justice ; the ugliness who lives in the soul of that people will watch the last minutes of Coffey beats in your face, your solu and your heart.
The smart ending is filled with sweetness ; it's very clever and it works out as relief for the viewer , who may forget the real intention of the film . You may assume the most comfortable position and consider the film as a beautiful redemption story : good choice for you , but the bitter message goes far beyond ; the racism ; the intolerance and the pain for the narrator who should live thinking about his silent shame , and to make nothing for avoid it.
To know and not to do is still not knowing said once the japanese writer Mishima.
This film and the wisperer's horse were the finest achievements in 1998 ; good signals that reveal the awakening of new proposals and ideas for the american cinema.
A winner movie! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This 1970 concert documentary captures Elvis Presley midway through afateful transition, seeking to reclaim his musical primacy after a decade ofself-imposed exile from concert stages. Sidelined by his big-screen career,eclipsed by rock's mid-'60s transformations, the King had begun his return twoyears earlier with the relatively lean attack of his fabled network televisionappearance, '68 Comeback Special. Now the Memphis legend was poised toreposition his performing profile by pursuing the top rungs of headliner statusin Las Vegas, a career choice that seems even more ephemeral in hindsight thanit already did at the time.

Elvis: That's the Way It Is follows the show's genesis from rehearsal tostage, with the performance footage that provides its inevitable climax shotover six nights. The rehearsal footage, expanded for this special edition,offers further proof that Presley's band was simply superb: stripped of theorchestrations and lush choral arrangements that would be grafted onto the stageshow, the sextet sounds both tough and nimble. In performance, we're treated toa mostly riveting glimpse of Presley in top vocal form, poised at the brink ofbombast. This is Elvis before the onset of portentous Richard Strauss overtures,karate kicks, and tossed scarves, kicking off the show with the classic "That'sAll Right." If he risks undercutting the punch of his early songs with self-deprecating clowning, he attacks two Ray Charles classics with gusto. Thespecial edition also boasts digitally remastered visuals, crisply remixed Dolbyaudio, alternate versions that replace the original performances of severaltracks (including the extended vamp of "Suspicious Minds"), a theatricaltrailer, and a new documentary on the restoration of the film. --SamSutherland ... Read more

Reviews (114)

A Dinner Date With Elvis In Vegas
ELVIS: THAT'S THE WAY IT IS is a great documentary about Elvis' classic stage show in Vegas. Actually, there are several parts to it. The first half is devoted to the practice sessions. In July of 1970 we see Elvis at the MGM studios in Culver City with his band (James Burton- Lead guitar; John Wilkerson- rhythm guitar; Ronnie Tutt- drums; Glenn Hardin- Piano; Charlie Hodge- acoustic guitar/vocals, water & scarves) going through various numbers. Elvis had just completed a marathon recording session in Nashville, and we hear Elvis & band honing these tunes for the stage show. Elvis is apparently having a lot of fun, joking around with his friends and musicians. He had an amazing personality & presence that really comes through here. By August 1970, Elvis moved into his residency: the International Hotel (now known as the Hilton). After a few weeks of further rehearsals (he is now joined by backup singers The Sweet Inspirations, Imperials, Millie Kirkham), the Elvis Summer Festival starts. The second half of the film is the stage show, recorded August 10,11 & 12 1970. Elvis sings these songs: THAT'S ALL RIGHT, I'VE LOST YOU, PATCH IT UP, LOVE ME TENDER, SWEET CAROLINE, I JUST CAN'T HELP BELIEVIN, TIGER MAN, POLK SALAD ANNIE, ONE NIGHT, HEARTBREAK HOTEL, YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVIN FEELIN, BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER, SUSPICIOUS MINDS, CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE. It is obvious that Elvis was still passionate about the music. He was in good shape, and still young in appearance. I love those classic white jumpsuits. A few more notes: The opening credits sequence of the original movie was filmed at the Phoenix Coliseum on September 9, 1970. I hope that more footage of this can be found, there does seem to be a bit more excitement going on there than the formal confines of the International Hotel. Check out ELVIS: THE LOST PERFORMANCES for additional footage from this movie, and ELVIS ON TOUR (1972).

The updated 30th anniversary edition contains a lot of alternate footage, which is welcomed, but the new presentation does NOT replace the original 1970 That's The Way It is, which remains the ultimate Seventies Elvis documentary.

Elvis - TTWIS Special Edition Beyond Description!
I first watched the new edit of Elvis - That's The Way It Is On Turner Classic Movies. I also ordered the video from Amazon and had it rush delievered. This movie is so exciting and fresh that it's beyond description. Elvis never sounded better or looked better, and this movie takes advantage of previously unused footage and milks the Elvis experience for everything it's worth (and that's a heck of a lot). Long gone are the previously included interviews and odd fan moments. This movie is pure Elvis. The movie starts with rehearsals and works its way through a Vegas performance. The first 30 minutes are rehearsals and Elvis backstage, providing a glimpse of Elvis rarely seen. Elvis is seen goofing around, and he is seen instructing his band and backup singers in the fashion of a true master. The last hour of the show is an Elvis Vegas performance from start to finish (spliced together from 6 different shows). The Vegas shows culminates in a performance of Suspcious Minds that is alone worth the price of admission. This is a must have. The price is low. The sound and picture quality is excellent, and the editing and production value is first rate. This video is Elvis - the way it really was. Be aware that the TCM tv presentation was in wide screen. The video is available in wide screen and full screen / normal. If you like wide screen be sure to order the correct version of the video package. But either version you get - you will play it over and over and over. It's beyond comprehension! It's so fresh and alive you'll almost forget it wasn't recently filmed. The fade outs and the camera angles are excellent. Hats off to Turner and Warner Brothers for this delightful video!

Turner Travesty
This is a Turner Entertainmnet/AOL/Time/Warner film. It is NOT the MGM film. Turner has destroyed my memory of the original film. There's lots missing, nothing has been added except a (for the most part) horrible sounding soundtrack. A travesty. Stick with the old MGM VHS.

Elvis That's The Way It Is DVD
This Music dvd of the king is fantastic. In the beginning there are some studio takes, and the group from elvis with james burton, john wilkinson, ronny tutt and others are practice for the concert he give in 1970 known as that's the way it is. The concert is flawless, Elvis sings so very good here you should almost forget that it is live recorded. One thing you can say about elvis if you hear this dvd. He was really THE KING

THE GREATEST PERFORMER IN HISTORY
What can I really say about this documentary ?.Just buy it and see for yourself. Absolute magic from start to finish !!!!!!!.Ive never seen such an incredible performance by a singer before.BUY IT NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (48)

A DAWN OF A NEW DAY
Doris! The perky big band singer of whom Oscar Levant once quipped "I knew Doris Day before she was a virgin." I thought back to my visit to Carmel, California, a few years ago, where I dropped by the golf course to glimpse her house ...briefly visible from hole three. (Listen real carefully and you can hear her dogs barking.) I thought back to my beloved Great Dane, she with the baby blue eyes --- was named in honor of Doris, though Dory (for short) was actually named by the breeder from whom I purchased the 186-pound beauty.
And I thought back to the first (and only time) I had chatted with Doris Day. It was the January 28, 1986 --- the day the Challenger had exploded, killing her seven crew members (including Sharon Christa McAuliffe, America's first teacher in space), 73 seconds after launch.
I called Doris at her Carmel, California, home, and was in tears.
"Can you believe what happened," she asked her voice muffled and mournful. "I am so shocked. Those poor men and women. Their families ... the children ..." The tears flowed freely for several minutes. She cried. I cried. We both cried. This, I thought between tears, is going to be some challenge.
After a few minutes, she sniffled one last time. And so we began to chat about her life and loves and long career --- Doris was starting a new talk show, and Rock Hudson --- then so deadly sick with the AIDS virus --- was the first guest), her films, her music and of course, her animals. She told me how she cooked her own dog food, steaming rice and boiling chopped beef, then skimming off the fat, before blending in freshly cooked vegetables and a hint of spice. At the end of the conversation, I was salivating and ready to drop to all fours and beg for a taste.
As luck would have it, I am not the only one thinking about Doris Day these days. Paramount Home Video has just released Teacher's Pet, the 1958 comedy in which Clark Gable stars as a hard-nosed newspaperman who's smitten with journalism teacher DD. Not a great film --- gee, did Gable really so badly? --- though the title song is super, as is Mamie van Doren, as Gable's galpal who sings "The Girl Who Invented Rock and Roll." A better flick is Day's last one: With Six You Get Eggroll, also from Paramount Home Video,the 1968 blended family comedy, with Day solidly supported by Pat Carroll, as well as Alice Ghostley, George Carlin, Barbara Hershey, Jamie Farr and the once-hot rock group, The Grass Roots.
Warner Home Video has just released the box set, Doris Day Collection, a slipcased collectible featuring six new-to-DVD titles: Young Man With a Horn (1950), Lullaby of Broadway (1951), Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1962), The Glass Bottom Boat (1966) and newly restored versions of Love Me Or Leave Me (1955) and Billy Rose's Jumbo (1962)--- both of which feature new Dolby Digital soundtracks making Doris seem as fresh as, well, a new Day; along with Calamity Jane (1953) and The Pajama Game (1957), both of which have been repackaged for this collection. All the discs are packed with bonus features, including vintage shorts (including two starring Ruth Etting, whom Day portrays in Love Me or Leave Me), featurettes, cartoons and trailers.
But the best is saved for last. On June 28, MPI Media Group unveils the long-awaited The Doris Day Show: Season 1, the heart-warming comedy series that ran on CBS from 1968-1973. This was Day's TV series debut, and she proved that her big-screen likeability transferred, quite well thank you, to the small screen ... even if some of closer-ups seem a bit too gauzy for our tastes. Day played Doris Martin, a widowed mother who leaves the city to raise her two young sons on the Mill Valley, California farm of her father Buck, played by Dukes of Hazzard icon Denver Pyle. The four-disc box set includes all 28 original episodes from the show's first season, as well as never-before-seen bonus material.The bonuses offer additional insight into Day's warm, off-screen persona: there are TV promos and messages to network affiliates, as well as her two appearances as the "mystery guest" on What's My Line --- the first spot, from 1954, marked Day's TV debut, and her attempts to disguise her voice through a series of hi-pitched squeaks is a sheer delight.

One of Hollywood's all time best movies EVER!
Fun, fun, fun! A laugh a minute. Just good clean fun that will have the whole family in stitches. Some of my most favorite stars are in this movie. "The Glass Bottom Boat" and "Move Over Darling" are my two all time favorites.

An Under-rated Classic Comedy
This is perhaps Doris Day's finest comedy... yup, even funnier and more fun than "Pillow Talk". it has Doris looking her all-time most beautiful, yet performing some truly funny lines and slapstick. Rod Taylor is perfect has the handsome beau and the antics get belly laughs from me every time. The film also is marvelous for those too young to remember the early 60s in styles, and in flavor. Highly recommended!

ONE OF DORIS'S BEST FILMS
My mom was a huge Doris Day fan and when we were kids we always watched her films on TV.This was always my favorite.I remember going to Silver Springs Florida as a kid and wanting to ride in the glass bottom boats just because of this wonderful screwball comedy.Doris is Jennifer Nelson, by day a tour guide at NASA and on the weekends, swimming in a mermaid Costume below the glass bottom boat of her skipper father played by Arthur Godfrey.She's being wooed by NASA Research Scientist Bruce Templeton.But Jenniger is suspected of being a spy setting in motion events that make this a supreme, 1960's screwball comedy complete with Dom Deluise as a goofball spy, Paul Lynde as a security guard who dresses in drag (who knew!) to keep an eye on Jennifer, and George Tobias and Alice pearce as the Fenimores as they virtually repeat their performances as from the TV show "Bewitched" where they starred as the Neighbors the Kravitz's for so many years.

Also included in the cast is Walton's vet Ellen Corby and Laugh-Ins Dick Martin.This is just a pure fun, zany and simple comedy from a great Era of Americana.Day, now in her early 40's waan't quite the young sweetheart of the 1950's but her talent for comedy and her timing had really grown and she had great chemistry with Taylor.

"You wanna meet later and pick out the furniture?"
Great Doris Day/Rod Taylor slapstick laced with a little romance and some naughty humor. Everybody thinks tour guide/eternal night school student DD is a spy: Paul Lynde dresses in drag to infiltrate the ladies room, Edward Andrews and Dick Martin hope to get secrets by romancing her(they end up--innocently--in bed together). Rod Taylor is the perfect suitor for Doris: strong and grounded, you can believe it when Day looks at him with bated breath! Arthur Godfrey is wonderful as Day's skipper father, and Elisabeth Fraser is a lot of fun as his girlfriend. The DVD shorts are a must-see. Great fun! ... Read more

Reviews (108)

Classic timepiece movie...
This is a classic movie that is as much social commentary as car chase. I remember watching this on a Saturday matinee on my local television station (long before the advent of cable television) and was mesmerized.

I recently purchased the VHS version and it was just as sweet twenty years later.

The premise isn't much: the main character, former member of society now riding on the fringe, has to get a car to San Francisco in 15 hours. Load up on amphetamines and off we go. The 'plot' is merely a vehicle for the ride.

The car chase scenes are great and realistic (none of the special effects laden hocus pocus you see today) and the cinematography of the West is beautiful. The characters, from the DJ who plays mystical guide to the helpers the driver meets in the desert, show life on the fringe. I'm sure on some level this is a mystical, metaphorical journey of sorts but to me it is simply fun to watch.

The soundtrack is absolutely great. It is kind of the O Brother Where Art Thou of the 70s -- the one that missed the radar. It isn't music you hear on the radio and it certainly isn't mainstream in any fashion but it sure is good.

I give this five stars quite simply because of the cinematography, the cast of characters and the music. Well worth the visit. They just don't make films like this anymore.

Vanishing Point on DVD.. Please !!!
Someday this cult classic will make it to DVD, and my freinds if enjoy fast paced car chase action movies this is a must for your collection. Not only is it a great movie, but the soundtrack of songs from such artists as Delany & Bonnie, Mountain, and Kim Carnes (years before she did "Bette Davis Eyes") would be a great soundtrack if it ever was put together (Problem is back in 1970, movie soundtracks were rare, only musicals had them).

The movie is basically about a driver name Kowalski who's trying to deliver a Dodge Challenger from Denver to San Francisco in less than 24 hours. It's filled with flashbacks and events that take place thoughout Kowalski's life all while he's speeding though the desert in the Challenger.

Cops, Hippies, Bikers, Gospel Faith Groups, Kowalski meets them all during his journey.

Read the other reviews to get more detail about the movie, but trust me, the music and cinematography are outstanding and you"ll really enjoy this movie.

Much more than a car chase movie
This movie held me spellbound the first time I saw it and is still capable of this after countless viewings. This is more than just a car chase movie, it actually has depth and a story to tell. The scenery of the great American West is also first rate and the soundtrack never fails to set the mood.

The story of the main character, an auto delivery driver named Kowalski unfolds as he takes delivery of a white '70 Dodge Challenger which is as he puts it `souped up to 160' and proceeds to drive it from Denver to San Francisco. His plan, however is to do this in 15 hours to win a bet. As Kowalski makes his journey his life is revealed to us through flashbacks and recollections which are usually triggered by what is currently happening to him in real time. Through these the viewer learns that despite his apparent lawless behavior, Kowalski is a man of good character.

It is this good character, sense of duty and strong moral code that led to Kowalski's fallout with the establishment. He had been a decorated war hero and was honorably discharged from the military. A few years later, he was a decorated policeman. However, when he saw his police partner behaving in an unsavory fashion, he reacted. His reward was to be dishonorably discharged from the police force. This ultimately led Kowalski down the path to where we are introduced to him.

One of the big things that drew me into this movie is that it doesn't hand you the explanations on a silver platter. Instead it allows you to think about it and draw your own conclusions long after you've seen it. Some reviewers on IMDB have already done a great job of touching on the philosophies of freedom and individualism prevalent in this movie, so I won't waste the time trying to top those. I'll add that I feel this is a type of an expressionist film. Kowalski is kind of an `Everyman' who is on a journey to find his place in the grand scheme of things. Along his path he encounters various characters that watch over him and help him along, but there are also those who wish to shut him down. Whether you think the conclusion of Kowalski's journey is successful or not is up to you.

Another big plus is the realism in the driving scenes, where the drivers are actually driving their machines and occasionally things happen like tires going flat or the car needs fuel. Most modern car chase sequences leave me wanting with all of the computer generated car moves and general lack of realism. I know they sometimes got it wrong back then too, doing things like obviously speeding the film up. In this one though, they got it right. The driving here brings us into that realm of manhandling 4000 lbs. of American Iron, in all the glory of big-block V8 roar, screaming smoking tires, and hands grappling with the steering wheel.

Another thing that's cool to me about this type of movie is the appearance of the car. At the beginning, the car is resplendent in gleaming chrome and white paint. As the story moves along, the car gradually gets a more dusty battered countenance. I won't spoil the end, but those who've seen it know.

The final things that tie this whole thing together are the soundtrack and scenery. They seem to go hand in hand, from the upbeat rock & roll as Kowalski starts out to the stirring guitar strains during the thoughtful moments. I also cannot say enough about the scenery, which really draws the viewer in. It ranges from the mountains of Colorado, across Utah and into the searing Nevada desert.

In closing, I'll say that this is one of my favorite movies. It won't be understood by everyone, but those of us who fantasize about getting in a classic car and blasting down an open two-lane highway devoid of SUV's, sport sedans and minivans will likely get it.

Still Incredible!
I own over 1000 DVDs. Most I haven't gotten around to watch. In three days I've watched this one 3 times. Maybe this explains why when I was a kid I sat through this like a zillion times in the theater. A perfect film....

A 70's Drive In Cult Classic
Fast action, terrific photography, great period atmosphere, colorful characters and a first-rate rock soundtrack add up to a true drive-in classic that retains its "cult classic" reputation even after more than 30 years.

This DVD includes BOTH the 97-minute U.S. print typically seen on cable and video AND the 105-minute U.K. version which includes a couple of flashbacks featuring Charlotte Rampling that for some reason were completely excised for U.S. release. The excised scenes add just a tad more insight into Kowalski's character; while not essential to the whole plot (such as it is), these scenes ARE interesting and definitely will be appreciated by hardcore fans of the film. Kudos to 20th Century Fox for making available both versions. Being a real fan of the era that this movie was shot in, it's a kick to hear director Richard C. Sarafian's commentary track. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Description

Between somewhere and nowhere in the untamed West is the small town of Refuge. There, neither the sheriff nor his deputy carry a sidearm. There's no jail either, because shooting, carousing and bad blood are not in the town's character. What peaceful folks live there? Wild Bill Hickok. Doc Holliday. Jesse James. Billy the Kid. All long dead. All mysteriously given a chance to undo their violent pasts in Purgatory. All put to a stern test when Blackjack and his ornery gang ride into town. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Intriguing idea
When a few outlaws (led by Eric Roberts and Peter Stormare) enter upon a mysterious town, they get more than they bargained for in Purgatory: an intriguing allegory made for cable channel TNT.All the legendary names of the Wild West, including Billy the Kid (Donnie Wahlberg), Wild Bill (Sam Shepard), and Doc Holiday (Randy Quaid); all of whom attempting to redeem their souls for the acts committed while they were alive.Naturally, a conflict ensues, with the townsfolk reluctantly resorting to the violent means they have been trying to erase.Purgatory packs enough action for western enthusiasts, even though it may come off as too preachy for some, and while it wears thin towards the end, it still manages to be solid entertainment with an intriguing idea.If you dig westerns with a twist on redemption, check out Purgatory.

The Title That Caught Our Eyes
As my wife and I are devout Catholics and checking what was
on TV one Saturday afternoon during our little one's nap, this
caught our eyes immediately!
We have seen this movie every time is has been on when we've had
the time to see it.I taped it and bugged two of our teenage
daughters to watch it.They begrudgingly accepted our invite,
and were slowly pulled in like we had been.They were pleasantly surprised at how much they enjoyed it!
For more proof of this being a worthwhile "movie shot" for you-
The reason I'm here right now at Amazon writing this review is
because I am shopping for Purgatory on DVD!!!
Although it is far from Catholic doctrine on purgatory, it is
a very well done, thoughtful piece of work.
It will make you think and at the same time it is definitely
entertaining you!

Riveting!
Im normally not into westerns, but this one changed my mind totally! The cast was great, cant wait to get it on DVD. This movie also has my favorite actor, Donnie Wahlberg (Billy the Kid) in it, I can say he played the part well...

Purgatory... only seen part of... just HAD to find it!
I was getting ready for checkout at my hotel and turned the TV on just for some noise. I almost didn't check out on time! I had missed the very beginning of this movie. I HAD to get to my gig, so I missed maybe the last 30% of the movie. The other guys in my band were rivetted to it as well, and they are not big Western fans. The movie is just GRIPPING!

I just ordered it from Amazon.com, and can't WAIT for it to get here so I can see it! I HIGHLY recommend it!

Goodness in the heart can ALWAYS prevail
I have always despised just about every western made except for less than a handful."Purgatory" and "The Quick And The Dead" are just about the only ones that I enjoy."Purgatory" has such a deep underlying meaning to me...it's very hard for me to put it into words.But I can say that this movie shows to its viewers that through one's own personal convictions, no matter how rough life's road may get...salvation and peace of mind can and will be one of the eternal rewards.Sam Shepherd does a GREAT JOB as Sheriff and even though I love Eric Roberts, I thought that he was a "real S.O.B.!!!!!".I mean...whatever happened to "love thy brother" especially your own blood?My own brother is a real ass and even though I don't like him 90% of the time...I STILL LOVE HIM.Watch this movie, you won't be disapointed. ... Read more

Reviews (426)

Stop Complaining
I REALLY hate these reviewers saying this is a bad dvd. For 20 bucks, you get enhanced visuals and sound, a commentary from the composer [Music is halfthe movie, after all!], AND the uncut edition you'd previously have to buy through Canada or bootleg! Rhino could've sold this at 30 bucks-like most dvd's-but they're LOSING money by selling it to the fans at vhs retail. If you think Lucas will give you a better deal, then don't buy this and wait another decade for the Star Wars trilogy! And yes, I consider this the best deal I've ever had on a dvd! It's perfect, exactly like I remembered it, but with the curse words I missed the first time around. It almost makes me feel like I'm watching Macross Plus; that's how good it looks and sounds. Transformers fans-like myself-MUST own it. DVD's like this are reasons I'm glad to own a dvd player. Now let's hope the He-man movie on dvd happens too. (And I mean the animated movie, not the horrible live action-flick with Dolph Lundgren.)