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Inspired by "Gulliver's Travels," the fantasy-adventure Castle in theSky (1986) was Hayao Miyazaki's third feature, and helped to establishhis reputation as a visionary in both Japan and America. The orphan Sheetainherited a mysterious crystal that links her to the legendary sky-kingdom ofLaputa. With the help of resourceful Pazu and a rollicking band of skypirates, she makes her way to the ruins of the once-great civilization.Sheeta and Pazu must outwit the evil Muska, who plans to use Laputa's scienceto make himself ruler of the world. Castle echoes elements inMyazaki's earlier Nausicaä, and anticipates imagery in his laterfilms, from My Neighbor Totoro to Spirited Away.Disney's newEnglish dub, which features Anna Paquin (Sheeta), James Van Der Beek (Pazu),and Cloris Leachman (pirate matriarch Dola), is lively and close in tone tothe original Japanese, if a bit talkier. The excitingflying sequences, appealing characters, and fantastic vision of asteam-powered future Jules Verne might have imagined make Castle in theSky a must-have for fans of Japanese and Western animation. (Unrated:suitable for ages 10 and older: violence) --Charles Solomon ... Read more

Reviews (132)

Castle in the sky - Laputa
This is definetly the one of the best animation ever made. One of ealier classic that defined Miyazaki's crown as king of animation. It's so good that Disney had to copy designed, action scenes, and story from this movie. Guess what movie was that? Atlantis. Don't get me wrong. Atlantis is not a rip off of Laputa, because Disney can't even do a good job ripping people off. There is no way Disney can steal the spirit of Laputa, no one can. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Disney, this is not a political review, I am just disapointed seeing what Disney ls doing. Once you've seen the movie, you'll see what I mean.
The movie ages very well because it is still aa funny, and heart warming as I first saw it almost 10 years ago. It's got a beautiful story, great character design, beautiful Miyazaki style machinaries, amazine and funny action sequences, and definetly one of the best score ever written. Too bad that Disney bought the right of this movie so it can rip this movie and Nadia off to make the stupid Atlantis. It's heart brokening to see Disney don't respect a classic just because it is not from Dinsney. Heck, Disney haven't made a classic since Disney him self died. I hope all Miyazaki's movie gets what it deserve, and I hope Disney respect other's work when it decides to buy the right off them. I hope you guys gets to see this movie whenever it comes out. It's been in Disney's storrage room for how -ever long.

Fantastic High-Flying Adventure
The third feature film of acclaimed writer/director Hayao Miyazaki (Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away), Castle in the Sky showcases his talents for creating great adventures yarns with substance as well as style.

Set in an alternate 1920's earth, where airships rule the skies and entire continents can fly, Castle in the Sky is the story of two orphans who meet by chance. A young girl, Sheeta (Anna Paquin), floats literally from the sky after narrowly escaping capture from a band of pirates, wearing a mysterious glowing necklace. She is caught by Pazu (James Van Der Beek), a brave and resourceful young assistant engineer, who notices that the crystal she wears has fantastic magical properties. It is this crystal that several suspicious parties are trying desperately to get their hands on, including the Dola Pirate Gang, and the Army, led by the nefarious Colonel Muska (Mark Hammil). It soon becomes clear that the real prize in this race is the ancient, supposedly mythical, floating island of Laputa.

What follows is a grand chase towards the Caste in the Sky, with captures, narrow escapes, air battles, and more. Miyazaki's love of flight is more than apparent at the way the action soars, moving easily from land to air, and the pace of the movie, though the film runs over two hours, only lets up when and for as long as it needs to. Miyazaki showed in both The Castle of Cagliostro and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind that he has a talent for making rousing adventure movies, and, though Castle has some of the ecological messages found in Nausicaa (and later, in Princess Mononoke), they always take a backseat to the events that drive the movie.

The characters here are a varied, strange, and incredibly fun lot. The Dola Pirates are always entertaining when their banter flys, Mark Hammil has a blast as the scheming villian, and Pazu and Sheeta are two of the cutest leads you could ask for. They're also a refreshing taste from the "ordinary" in the anime genre. Sheeta is more than capable of handling herself, and Pazu is a cheerful idealist, a nice break from the surly teenage leads that overpopulate anime. In addition, their relationship is wonderfully done; it's the simplest, most pure form of love imaginable, that neither tries to be romantic or plutonic, but is just shown as it is. There is never a single kiss on screen, but the audience knows, through the body language and the words in their moments together that these two will be together one way or another for life.

And even though this is one of Miyazaki's earlier films, the animation is still fairly impressive. Of course, it looks a little dated next to the likes of Spirited Away, but it still looks and feels like a wonder. The character designs are Miyazaki's usual simplistic but expressionistic fare, and the vehicles that populate the world are imaginative and plausible, and the architecture has a surprising amount of variety.

The real treasure on this DVD release is the completely redone musical score on the English Language version of the film. Back in the mid-'80's, Studio Ghibli was not nearly the powerhouse it is today, and consequently, composer Joe Hisaishi was at times forced to put his rather sparse score on sythesizers and such. However, the new score contains everything from the original release, and a heck of a lot more, all done in beatiful orchestral renditions. And as for actual quality of music, the score for Castle in the Sky easily holds its own against Mononoke in terms of quality and power.

Of course, you have to watch the english dub of the movie to hear this, but having said that, it's not a bad job, arguably superior to Mononoke and Kiki's Delivery Service in terms of the actor's performances. Cloris Leachman is hilarious as Dola, Paquin does a fine job of Sheeta, and even Van Der Beek manages to be only marginally annoying. And really, how can you not like Mark Hammill?

Overall, Castle in the Sky is one of Miyazaki's best films, showcasing some of the most imagination, colorful characters, and dazzling adventure, it also carries some fairly powerful emotions. It also looks great, even after eighteen years, and is simply a great deal of fun to watch.

Castle in the Sky....
Is it just me, or do those very words, without even knowing what they refer to, contain a whimsical, imagination-inspiring power to them?

"Castle in the Sky" is by Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, who I've come to believe is one of the most masterful storytellers alive today, and maybe of all time. It begins with a young girl, Sheeta, drifting down from the sky into the arms of a young miner named Pazu. From there begins an incredible adventure as these two search for answers to the girl's origins while running from both air pirates as well as mysterious agents. I don't intend to reveal much of the plot here, but suffice it to say, this movie reignited the feelings I used to have as a child when watching such classics as "The Wizard of Oz" and the "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (which I also just recently purchased on DVD.

The movie was created several years ago, but was recently brought to America, with a wonderful redubbing into English, thanks to Disney Studios. If you're looking for visuals like the mind-blowing, computer simulations in recent Disney hits such as "Finding Nemo", this isn't it. However, if you're a fan of traditional cel animation, this film may be one of the best ever produced. Miyazaki's attention to detail, his ability to bring these two dimensional characters to life, is awe-inspiring.

For me, the greatest thing about this movie is that it's reminded me of the kind of fictional magic I hope to create myself one day, and makes me wonder if it's too late in my life for me to become an animator. The bad thing about seeing a movie like this, is that I know that I could never produce anything nearly as beautiful.

Fortunately for me, if I ever get the opportunity, I'm just stubborn, determined, and delusional enough to give it a shot anyway.

Wonderfully strange story with fascinating images
This is a wonderful movie. The story is enchanting, with fantastic flying machines and cities in the air. The land and air are full of strange and mysterious people who range from the kind and good to the power hungry evil types. What is especially nice about the characterizations in this film is that only a few are wholly good or wholly evil, most are a mix and are trying to work out their place in the plot of the story.

The story opens with an action sequence without any explanation about what is happening. This causes us to focus our attention and to try and figure out what is going on and what all these strange people and machines are. In some ways it seems like a 1930s serial, in others futuristic, and in others ancient myth without connection to the world in which we live.

While this isn't as beautiful as "Spirited Away" or even "Princess Mononoke", it is still head and shoulders above nearly everything you see passing as an animated movie nowadays (with a couple of exceptions). My kids encouraged me to get this DVD and they enjoyed it immensely. I expected to like it, but enjoyed it more than I expected.

Miyazaki has a unique imagination and has a powerful ability to use his wonderful images to tell the story in delightful and beautiful ways that go beyond conventional live action movies - no matter the special effects budget - or even most animation. Watching his stories is a special experience that I am grateful to him for sharing with me.

please watch the original version with English subtitle !!!!
I'm a Japanese and have watched this film so many time over the last 18 years and remember all its details, since
this is my favorite film of Hayao Miyazakis'.
I have now a French DVD together with synclonization and subltitle in English and Japanese original voice.
I'm shocked and furious about English voiceover version because the BGM music is changed from original Japanese version and I found it the absolute disaster.
So far when I watced it in French I found no alterlation of BGM.
I don't have the same DVD which is sold in USA and haven't checked it but I guess this English version in French DVD comes from DVD in USA.
SO please be careful, please watch this film in Japanese with English subltitle.
I cannot believe why Miyazaki's prodction allowed the music to be
changed. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

A Loving Homage to Comic Books of My Youth
One of life's questions yet to be answered is "Who is better, Batman or Superman?" Well, the response sought for is not revealed in this well-made and tremendously entertaining film.

The story involves the uneasy first meeting between the two superheroes and a shared interest in one Lois Lane. Thus, the pair forms a strained alliance when forced to combat the team composed of their respective nemeses Lex Luthor and The Joker. Such a real-life quality adds realism to the highly fictional world of comic book endeavors.

Hey, superheroes have problems, too!

As far as the actors providing the exemplary voice work, each is superb in their roles. Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy give just the right balance for their animated counterparts' dual personalities. Clancy Brown's deep resonance has an aristocratic and arrogant air about it that makes him the perfect Lex Luthor. Dana Delaney as the very independent Lois Lane is quite good. Arleen Sorkin shines in her role as Harley Quinn, Joker's sidekick who is as "far off the deep end" as is The Clown Prince of Crime.

But it is Mark Hamill who really rises to the occasion in a truly over-the-top performance as the Joker. Forget Nicholson or even TV's Caesar Romero! Hamill is the Joker. His utterances and nuances in every line delivered are brilliant.

I can remember Tim Curry winning an Emmy several years ago for his work on the animated Peter Pan series.

Hamill has done no less. His mantle deserves some tangible reward.

Maybe, it will be our appreciation for his masterful performance in this film that will be recognition enough.

No Love Lost at First Meeting
Worthwhile use of the "World's Finest" title for this first animated meeting between the Bat and the Big Blue Cheese. (For many years, the comic titled "World's Finest"'s lead story every month was a Batman/Superman team-up, in an era when hero's team-ups were not common)

Batman and Superman's first meeting, herein portrayed, is rather nice, especially because they really just don't like each other a heck of a lot. Especially because Lois Lane falls hard for Bruce Wayne.

Their mutual discovery of secret identities plays nicely on the two characters' strong points, with Superman using his superpowers and Batman demonstrating why he's the world's greatest detective.

Harley Quinn's running feud with Luthor's female bodyguard/chauffeur, Mercy, is one of the high points.

The Joker's "Dance of Death" over the fallen Superman, adding shocks from his super-charged handbuzzer to Big Blue's suffering in his kryptonite death trap is rather chilling; in this and a few elements of violence this production (originally aired in prime-time, and then as three episodes of the television series) goes a bit beyond what the afternoon TV series can usually portray, and the Mark Hamill-voiced Joker is truly scary. The Joker's raving laughter as he (apparently) goes to his death as a result of one of his own traps gone wrong is both chilling and in character. (Harley Quinn, on the other hand, is just a *bit* too broadly portrayed.)

(There is, by the way a comicbook/"graphic novel" adaptation of this material -- now sadly out of print. While it doesn't bring much new, it's a good counterpoint to this film, as it gives alternate, slightly more "adult" views on some things -- if you have one, you really need the other.)

One question -- does Lois Lane have a trust fund or something? Otherwise, how does she afford that Simply Incredible apartment on a mere reporter's salary?

Also -- a couple of scenes, notably the lab where the robots are kept and where Superman fights them, and Superman straining to (just barely) prevent a huge aircraft from crashing into buildings strongly suggest deliberate homages to the old Fleischer Bros "Superman" cartoons, specifically to "Metal Monsters" and "Japoteurs".

Superman is the better hero....
I think over the years, Superman has become the better hero. he's the one who has a life outside of the cape. He's a good man with a big heart and you know you can trust him when he appears on the scene. I can not say that about the current take on Batman, after the over-rated Frank Miller got his hands on him. The one who appears in this movie, is basically a lunatic running around in a Bat costume, has nothing to do with the Bob Caine Batman that was created in 1939. Not at all. They have done tons of Batman live action/animation movies, and only one was ever any good. He is now the most over-rated comic book hero.

Nick's Review
I have been a huge Batman animated adventure fan for as long as I can remember. When the Superman series came out, it was just as fantastic. When you put the two greatest heros together, you get perfect. The greatest hero this universe has ever known, teamed up with the worlds greatest detective, you know its gonna be an awesome adventure. It is. Nick.

Bats And Blue...
The Joker has gotten a hold of 20 lbs. of kryptonite! He abducts Lex Luthor in Metropolis and offers to kill Superman for one billion dollars. Bruce Wayne is also in Metropolis for a business meeting with Luthor. Luthor has secretly made a deal with the Pentagon to use planetary exploration robots for military purposes. This ticks Bruce off, who nixes the whole thing. Meanwhile, Joker kidnaps Lois Lane, using her as bait for Big Blue, who flies to her rescue in an anti-kryptonite suit (Batman warned him of the Joker's scheme). Joker weakens Supes with the kryptonite, after destroying his protective suit with hydrochloric acid. Enter a gaggle of Luthor's giant killer robots sent to terminate both Bats and Blue! Can the Caped Crusader and the Man Of Steel overcome this metallic army of doom? Can they defeat the combined forces of The Joker, Harley Quinn, Lex Luthor and Mercy? Can they put aside their own personal differences as well as their rivalry over Lois Lane? I'm not tellin'! Tons of action! Great wisecracks! Romance! My son and I loved every second! Highly recommended... ... Read more

Reviews (105)

Ralph Bakshi's Wizards
While it is certainly not for young children, older teens and adults will get a real kick out of "Wizards". Set in a post-apocalyptic world wrought by radiation due to a nuclear holocaust, most humans have died, and the population consists mainly of elves, fairies, dwarves, and then the mutants. The world is in danger from the threat of technology, brought upon by the evil wizard, Blackwolf. It is up to his brother, the comical, yet good hearted wizard, Avatar, to stop him. Joining Avatar in his quest are Weehawk, chief of a tribe of warrior elves, Elenor, fairy princess of the land of Montagar, and Peace, a former assassin of Blackwolf's (formerly known as Necron 99) who changes his ways and fights against the threat of technology. The WWII references abound, and there are many more adult-oriented references throughout. It dares to go where cartoons usually do not, making allusions to sex, prostitution, religion, and there's even a rather racist Vietnam reference if you can catch it. However, I still highly recommend "Wizards", because in all it's brashness, it deserves to be seen. What the animation lacks in quality, it more than makes up for in imagination. It's quite funny, and it also delivers some unexpected twists. I personally really like the way it was done. The music really seems to fit the overall style of it, and the wonderful character designs and voice acting really pulls it all together. I definetely recommend it to anyone searching for something creative and different, and I'm sure any fan of cult classics will definetely want to check it out. However, I stress the importance of having an open mind. I think those who are more open to controversial subject matter will be able to better enjoy it, with all it's dark humor and it's alternative-type feel. I think it is something that everyone should see at least once. It deserves more credit than it has been given, and I think that it will really make people stop and think about our world, and about themselves.

Bakshi's masterpiece finally on DVD!!!!
This 1977 Ralph Bakshi made animated sci-fi fantasy is set in the post-apocalyptic future where mutants, monsters, fairies, elves, dwarves, and magical creatures roam. An evil wizard named "Blackwolf" plans on taking over the world with his mutant army using old Nazi propaganda films while a kind and powerful wizard named "Avatar" with a hot fairy chick named " Ellinor" and a brave elf named "Weehawk" including a robot named "Peace" join forces together to go to a place called "Scorch" then stop Blackwolf, the war and prevent the end of the world.

A unique, kadeldoscopic and entertaining animated fantasy from the director of "Fritz The Cat", " Animated Lord of the Rings" and "American Pop". The animation is quite good, it does have Mark Hamil's voice debut before he was in "Star Wars" of the same year this movie was released, a superhot fairy chick guaranteed to make guys smile and it's a good fun flick for the whole family even though it's rated PG due to some graphic animated violence, battle scenes, some language and some mild nudity.

The DVD is excellent, the extras include TV Spot, Trailers, a documentary on how Ralph Bakshi created this movie, still gallery and a audio commentary by Ralph Bakshi. So if you love fun fantasy, sci-fi and animated flicks then pick this up for your animation DVD collection.

Also recommended: " Terminator 2: Judgment Day", " Fist of the North Star" ( Anime version), " Braveheart", " Gladiator", " Mad Max", " The Last Unicorn", " The Secret of NIMH", " Rock & Rule", " The Dark Crystal", " The Princess Bride", " Star Wars", " Gettysburg", " Starship Troopers", " Total Recall", " Heavy Metal", " The Fifth Element", " Mulan", "Antz".

classic you will either hate or love
This is one of those rare movies that doesn't try to hide its flaws, and actually benefits from them giving the entire movie a campy feel to it. The accents are mixed up, the animation crude and often using recycled sequences, the movement is jerky, scenes are often using war footage that was animated over, and the jokes are often crude and dark natured. But the film in a whole works.

Though it is a bit preachy in its ways, this movie makes you interested in the characters. It also brings up some intersting and satirical ideas.

the world was destroyed in war, humans are few and most have mutated and live in badlands. Elves, faeries and dwarves, have returned and taken over the good lands, but nothing seems different. The factions are divided and uncooperative with each other. When the badlands mutants gets a powerful leader, they ignore it until it is too late. When the push is made for the mutants to take over the goodlands the enemy seemingly has too much up his sleeve.

The cartoon has a definite seventies feel to it. The humor is dark, twisted, and often times has a distinct feel of juxtoposition. It is a fantasy futuristic world that has the attitude and feeling of New York. There are fairy hookers, dirty streets with bums lying around, and bitter old men with brooklyn accents. The evil army has a strong Nazi theme to it, as well as their secret weapons.

It is also very violent, showing elves and fairies being killed by the hundreds, pow's being executed, and prisoners being forced to entertain soldiers any way they want.

This is a very warped movie that shouldn't work, but does. A classic from the 70's that had enough of a cult following to bring it to dvd today. watch it for the spectacle and you will either love it or hate it.

A Lost Masterpiece!
I remember seeing this film as young kid though I really wasn't supposed too. I saw it with the film LIGHT YEARS another film that I hope will come to dvd in the very near future. This film is basically about a centuries old battle between two brothers. One on the side of magic, the other on the side of Technology. It's basic good versus evil with a bit of social commentary in between. The animation may not be what people are used to now, but it serves it's purpose. I personally like the rendition of the elves. They look more like elves from say ELF QUEST and not the overly tall elves of D&D fame. Pretty good film. Check it out for nostalgia if anything else.

Finally a beautiful Bakshi release on DVD
Ralph Bakshi has his admirers and his detractors, as any good filmmaker should. Wizards is an important film for many reasons, but mostly, in my opinion, because it really began the experimentation of melding of rotoscope, traditional animation and live action. Bakshi masterfully mixes the three techniques in ways never before done, and seldom since. His powerful use of Nazi propaganda films melds perfectly with high contrast rotoscoping of Eisenstein's Alexander Nevski to give birth to a new and disturbing world. His use of traditional animation techniques then colors the fairy lands in another light and we see the contrast between these two worlds brought together in a terrifying realization. The melding of various methods of filmmaking might be too much for some who have become accustomed to Disney animation, Saturday morning cartoons and anime, but it gives us a rare glimpse into what might have been in an artform which never fully developed into its own right.

Finally, we have DVD which treats master filmmaker, Ralph Bakshi, with the respect he deserves. After the atrociously inadequate release of Bakshi's Lord of the Rings Part One a few years ago, with it's incredible lack of special features and horrific overdub in the middle of the closing score (though thankfully finally released in widescreen format), I couldn't be happier with the treatment Fox has given to this film. The transfer is gorgeous and the colors are far more vivid than I have ever seen before - an element that is critical to the film.

The real treat, however, is the feature length commentary by Mr. Bakshi as well as the "documentary" on him and his work. I would have liked to have him chat a bit more about Lord of the Rings since we were robbed of a commentary in that DVD release, but he does give a bit of insight into the film, which was welcome.

All in all, a fantastic DVD release of a groundbreaking film. Bravo Fox and Mr. Bakshi! I hope Fire and Ice, Hey Good Lookin', Coonskin and someday a re-release of Lord of the Rings, will receive a similar treatment.

David ... Read more

Description

The greatest villain of all comes out of the past to threaten Batman, Bruce Wayne and all of Gotham City in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, the first feature-length Batman Beyond movie. The sleeker, deadlier and seemingly immortal Clown Prince of Crime is back with his own unique brand of havoc and mayhem. While trying to uncover the Joker's secrets, the new Batman, Terry McGinnis, discovers the greatest mystery in the life of the original Caped Crusader: What happened the night he fought the Joker for the last time. When Bruce Wayne is almost killed in one of the Joker's latest attacks, Batman vows to avenge his mentor and put the Joker to rest forever. Get ready for heart-stomping action, awesome adventure and amazing revelations in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker. ... Read more

Reviews (182)

Best BATMAN movie since Keaton and Nicholson!!
This movie and DVD were terrific. I was really impressed with the depth of the storyline and the kicker about the Joker's Return. A word of advice. DO NOT...repeat...DO NOT read the Character Bios in the Special Features section prior to watching the movie! They give away the movie's big secret! I made this mistake. The movie was still fantastic, but would have been better if I had not already scanned the Bios. I won't give anything away, but part of what makes this such a great movie is that some loose ends from the original Batman animated series' are cleared up. With the state of the live-action Batman movies, you can't go wrong with this series and this DVD!

Not Flawless, But Still Excellent
Nothing will ever replace the animated series of the early 90s for me, but this film carries many merits. There is a lot of dispute about as to whether the edits should have been made or not. On one hand, I don't feel it was such a bad thing to tone things down that were not crucial to the story. But I do feel they should have kept the scene where the Joker rams a knife into Batman's leg. (This would explain why the true Batman has to use a cane.) All of that aside, the movie is excellent. The action is well done, and the suspense rarely drops. I can not remember stopping the V.C.R. once when I watched this. The new Batman is fighting a gang. We later learn that their boss is someone who is at least claiming to be the one and only Joker. The (Joker's?) first scene is drawn very well. Right away we learn that whoever he is, he DOES NOT tolerate insubordination. Also, despite his role as the older man behind the scenes, he DOES get directly involved in the action. The original Batman says that there is no way this new terror could be the Joker seeing that he knows the Joker is dead. Yet all of the lab work in the Bat Cave says that it IS in fact the Joker. (Excellent suspense!) We are thrown a mislead here and there as to the (Joker's?) true identity, but they are gradually eliminated. (Excellent!) The flashback scene is one of the most terriffying things I have ever viewed. (Only the animated Batman episode where Batman fought the puppet Scarface, the episode "Be A Clown" where Batman and the Joker have their most dramatic confrontation, and the 1979 version of "Dracula" with Frank Langella and Laurence Olivier have frightened me more.) Besides the terror of the flashback, it was a charming bonus to see the original Batman as well as Harley Quinn in action again. The flashback tells us that despite the explosion of the misleads, the new terror simply CAN'T be the Joker. But soon afterwards the terror unfolds and we learn that the Joker truly has returned! The only thing that stops me from giving this 5 stars is that I feel despite his age, the original Batman should have been capable of putting his cape back on for this one final fight. (After all, in the 60s episodes, Alfred occasionally put on Batman's outfit in an emergency. In the early 90s episodes, Alfred, despite his age accompanied Batman in many of the missions.) I think it is almost tragic that animated movies seem to carry more story line, suspense, terror, and quality than so called adult movies. It is almost as if the people making these movies realize that since children are watching it, they can't shower it with sex and profanity. So they have to make it intelligent! Even if like me Bruce Wayne will always be Batman to you, you will not want to miss this.

Takes awhile to get into, but is great once you have.
When the television series Batman Beyond came out, I was very excited about watching it. I thought the episodes were cool, but being twelve at the time they first came out, I soon became bored and got into other things. A few weeks ago, during my spring break, I came across an episode of Batman Beyond on the WB. Since I was bored anyway, I watched it. I was hooked again.

A few months earlier, I had bought this movie for my brother and watched it. I thought it was cool, but the creepy Joker's death scene turned me off. After I got into Batman Beyond again, however, I watched it a couple of times and thought it was great.

For those of you out there that prefer the older Batman series over this one, I would like to state my opinion concerning them. I remember when I was younger watched The New Adventures of Batman and Robin, the live movies, and I think I saw a 70's episode where Batman's climbing a ladder with a plastic shark taped to his leg... Anyway, I can understand why dedicated fans of those shows may be slow to like Batman Beyond. Yes, the series are different, but in a way, I prefer Batman Beyond over the older series. Why? Because even though Bruce is usually the one sitting behind the computer doing the research, his crime-fighting dependance on Terry, the new Batman, shows almost a different side of him. Bruce isn't the one anymore telling the kids to sit at home and take care of business himself. Now he doesn't have much of a choice except to send the kids out to fight while helping as much as he can. So if you're a somewhat sentimental, action-loving, and comedy-enjoying kind of person that likes seeing father-son-like relationships developing in movies/tv series, then maybe Batman Beyond can eventually grow on you.

We've been cheated.
Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT buy this video...UNLESS it's guaranteed uncut AND unedited. What we have here is a truly inferior product, when compared to the scenes that were cut and edited OUT of the video...which makes no sense really. Mask of the Phantasm had death, blood, and even sex! Why couldn't this video keep what it had originally?

This is truly a shame. What was taken out was, while dark, a truly integral and provacative piece(s) of the story. Don't buy this, it's not how the story really happened. It's a dumbed down version of the flick that Warner Brothers commanded to be made, because they're still under the impression that kids are stupid, and cartoons are only watched by kids.

Quite insulting really.

Extreme Bat Fan
In reading the reviews written by people who have not seen the uncut version, I find that most say that the cuts don't matter. That is totally incorrect! While the edited version is still good, the edits do change the story and in some places make it confusing. If you haven't seen the unedited version, do not be foolish and say that it the edits don't matter. They do. Hopefully WB will release the unedited version in the future and then the reviewers can be treated to something very special. Notice how everyone who has seen the unedited version immediately says that it is better. Take a hint from them. But I would say for now, buy the DVD or VHS tape. You may never get a chance to see the unedited version and the edited version isn't that bad. Although it doesn't hold a candle to the original, it's all we have for now. ... Read more

Description

Get Ready for Close Encounters of the Scooby Kind! A cosmic case of UFOs, intergalactic intrigue and out-of-this-world romance launches Scooby, Shaggy and the Mystery, Inc. kids into their most unearthly adventure ever! Stranded in a remote desert town, the gang soon discovers the place is crawling with flying saucer buffs, secretive scientists... and less-than-friendly extraterrestrials! Then, after being chased by aliens and beamed aboard a UFO, something even weirder happens to Shaggy and Scooby-- they fall head-over-heels in love! As clues to the mystery of the alien invaders lead them from a top-secret government research base to a huge network of caves hidden under the town, our love-struck heroes join the rest of the gang in a race to crack a case that re-defines the term "far out!" ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Shag and Scoob Come Of Age
You wouldn't think anyone could come up with anything new for Scooby Doo, but amazingly, the movies released in the last few years have done just that, and been pretty good.

Scooby Doo and the Alien Invaders is brilliantly made to appeal to adults, in ways children won't catch. For instance, there's a very subtle visual indication at the beginning of the movie that Fred and Daphne are actually sleeping together, but it's so mild no kid could possibly realize it. Velma's closing line has a similar bit of business that will have adults laughing out loud, but no one under high-school age would even notice. There's a calculated cutaway from a scene where a character describes his supposed alien abduction, exactly when it is obvious (to an adult) he is discussing - er, a "delicate" personal probe.

Funniest of all, though, is Shaggy and Scooby simultaneously falling in love - with a cute '60s hippie chick, and her dog. Shaggy shaves his trademark scraz, combs his hair, and actually dresses up. He sings a wonderful love-fantasy song that expertly parodies Sonny and Cher's "I Got You, Babe," which will definitely have you laughing yourself off your chair if you've ever been a fan of either Scooby Doo characters or 1960's music. It's just very funny.

Following the lead of other recent Scooby movies, the gang find themselves up against not only the usual crooks in masks, but actual aliens as well, all in pretty clever style. And, just as former entries in this cartoon movie series have included vocals by recognized artists, Jennifer Love Hewitt gets into this one's act by singing the theme song. This one isn't quite as good as Scooby Doo and the Witch's Ghost, but it's well worth watching - especially for the adults, but kids will love it too.

30 Something on new Scooby-Doo
For those of you that grew up waiting Saturday mornings to watch Scooby-Doo in the late 60's early 70's, and are now buying Scooby-Doo DVD's for your children to enjoy, you will be disappointed. Buy the Original Mysteries first!!!!! The Alien Invaders has Jennifer Love Hewitt singing its theme song, has a love song in it with Shaggy singing it, the Mystery Machine is a mini-van. This Movie is Scooby-Doo gone 90's, if you can imagine that. I'm glad I bought it because my son really likes it, He is 4. So if he likes it and it keeps his attention, that adds an extra star. Oh, before I forget, I wish the Daphne and Velma characters were drawn more like the originals. Buy it and write a review. If you grew up watching the original I would like to see what you think of the new versions!!!

Good fun - not too scary for an 8 year old
I liked the movie and so did my 8 year old daughter. It was clever, funny, and kept even my interest all the way through. And my daughter never said "yuck" once during Shaggy's love fantasy, and that's a first! One of the things I most appreciated about the movie was that the scary scenes were interspersed with quieter periods that easily held my daughter's interest - it was nice to see a kid's film that wasn't one frenetic chase or blow-'em-up scene after another. Art well done and nice music, too. We recommend it!

Pretty cool, great story line, a little too predictable.....
My son loves anything with Scooby Doo on it, weather it be a knapsack or a toy, he loves it. This was a great movie and he enjoyed it tremendously, however, havign to sometimes watch it with him, I found this a little on the predictable side. A little annoying at times also. But, hey, it makes my son proud so I will keep it....

Not quite classic Scooby, but pretty good nonetheless...
If I HAD to pick out one of the newer Scooby flicks to buy, I'd have to pick Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders. I really don't like the trend in the new Scooby movies in which the monsters are "real". (i.e. Witch's Ghost, Zombie Island, etc.) Part of what made Scooby-Doo kiddie fare (in my opinion) was the fact that the monsters, ghosts, werewolves, were never "real" and could always be explained. This is MOSTLY the case in Invaders. This movie... well... I don't want to reveal the end because that would spoil the surprise... but it's a good combination of the new and the old.

Ahem.

As a stand-alone cartoon, I probably would have rated it 4 stars. As a Scooby cartoon, I had to drop it down to 3. (Well, maybe 3 and a half...) Unnecessary changes to the Mystery Machine and the gang's wardrobe made it a bit distracting. And I'm probably being too picky on the next bit, but surely they could have found some people to do a little better version of the classic Scooby characters voices - at least in the case of Scooby and Shaggy. (Where's Matthew Lillard when you need him?)

If you think you can get past slightly different voices (well, actually, Fred's the same), a few wardrobe changes, and a mini-vanned version of the Mystery Machine, you may enjoy this movie immensely. It has just enough classic Scooby to be appealing, has a pretty cool "beefed-up" version of the original Scooby theme, good development of the actual mystery, and a genuinely surprising twist at the end. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Although the live-action Batman franchise faltered artistically after Tim Burton gave up control, the slack wastaken up by the Saturday morning cartoon show, whose creators are responsible for this feature film. Though a cartoon, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is less cartoonish than the popular '60s TV show (which spawned its own movie, Batman: The Movie). Mask of the Phantasm combines the noir of the original comic book, the violence and dark humor of the Dark Knight comic book revision, and Burton's two movies.

In Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, everyone's favorite schizophrenic billionaire crime fighter is investigating the murders of several prominent gangsters. Meanwhile, his ex-fiancée and her father are back in town. Through flashbacks, these two death-obsessed kids are shown falling in love (she lost her mother; he lost both parents--of course, they meet in a graveyard), until she leaves quickly and mysteriously. Along the way, there's a short course in the origins of the Batman costume and the origins of the Joker (voice of Star Wars' Mark Hamill!), a big fight with the smoke-enshrouded Phantasm character, who is suspected of killing the gangsters, and an even bigger fight with the Joker at the abandoned Gotham World's Fair grounds. Altogether, a good ride. --Andy Spletzer ... Read more

Reviews (127)

A great show, but a moderate movie.
I can still remember my surprise when I first saw the pilot episode of Batman: The Animated Series: "My God. . .where has this cartoon been?" I also remember the cartoon's film noir opening striking me as original and grabbing my attention even in its beginning few seconds. I think maybe not since Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends had a cartoon hooked a nation as hypnotically as this one did. The stories, the characters, the issues - who would have believed such a familiar character could recapture an audience that might have thought him mundane and a little too familiar by that point. But Batman managed to pull it off. Then there was the movie. Mask of the Phantasm. Amazing? Not really. Arguably impressive as it was, it did unfortunately lack the punch that certain episodes such as "Almost Got 'Im" and "Heart Of Ice" contained. I believe what disappointed most fans of this film was the focus on a love story rather than a movie of what we'd truly come to expect from Batman - action. I myself am a fan of the series. As for the movie, I know that while it's just one of those titles you "must have" in your collection, it isn't what someone who hasn't seen it would expect. Definitely a great movie for kids but fans will want to stick to the show.

The Best
this is batman the way he should. It is simply the best of all the baman films! I only wish that WB would release it on DVD.

My Favorite Movie of All Time
When I was younger, I used to brush off Batman: The Animated Series as stupid, and for little kids. Now at the age of seventeen, I see that I was gravely mistaken. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm would have to be my favorite movie of all time. How can I even begin to count all the things I love about it? It's gripping, exciting, witty, funny, sad... Needless to say, it's head over heals over any other Batman movie I've ever seen before. Unlike the live-action movies, it's not about appealing to the audience with predictable James Bond action sequences and famous actors. This movie truely does justice to the comic and to Bob Kane. Each character is portrayed perfectly, with wonderful animation and amazing voice acting. I absolutely love the dark deco art style as well. And the plot is one of the best I've seen. It really keeps you interested. I'd recommend this movie to anyone, Batman fan or not! Definately try this one out!

Very Good
I thought this movie was very well made, much better than the live-action movies in my opinion. If you like Batman or the animated series, you will love this. However, one remark about the person who said this was the first PG animated movie released theatrically. Sorry, though only one pops into my mind, THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE (though only one video release has kept its theatrical rating of PG) was rated PG. I do not know if it was the first or not, but that is what it was rated. Robotech the Movie did as well, but I think it was like only released in one theater =) No others stand out in my mind immediately though. Anyway, off the subject there, Batman: MOTP, go buy, watch, enjoy.

FLAWLESS PERFORMANCES.....AWE-INSPIRING ELEMENTS
This movie was one of the finest in the saga. If you enjoy suspense and drama, this is a must-see. The story of how Bruce met Andrea Beaumont and became Batman was very well thoughtout. I anticipate the writers will produce a sequel to this snappy ensamble. This film gives you an insight into Bruce Wayne as a lover and as a citizen. Unfortunately, I am not permitted to give away any of the movie, but there were two parts in this movie that had me thinking and, at one point, weeping. This movie is a classic in the making; you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Description

Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Fred reunite to solve the most frightfully funny mystery of their careers. The scream team's headed to a haunted bayou island to investigate the ghost of Moonscar the Pirate. But it turns out the swashbuckler's spirit isn't the only creepy character on the island. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Great actions, but the story...
For Guyver fans like me (I've read the original Japanese comics that the movie was based on), you will probably be satisfied with this film. I mean, the costumes were good (good enough considering it was filmed in 1991, anyway), and the special effects, stunts and actions were great. But if you were looking for a strong storyline, then I suggest you turn to the animated series, which is a replica of the comic books. In my opinion I think the producers paid too much attention in special effects.

As for the acting... well, I almost thought the movie was trying to teach you speak proper English (maybe that was the producers' original intention to ensure its marketability in Japan?). Even the slangs and bad languages used were pronounced ever so clearly, word for word...

And why is Mark Hamil shown on the cover of the video with the Guyver costume, anyway? He's not the Guyver in the movie if I remember correctly...

Having said all this, DON'T miss out "Guyver 2: The Dark Hero". That's how a movie should, in my opinion, really be.

Good enough to see for yourself
I liked this movie because it is one of a kind (knowing that there is a Guyver 2) and it has set a standard for other movies that might be similar to it. If you liked this movie then you should see the second Guyver movie, it is better.

So much potential
Attempting to cash in on the recent success of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the studio imported Japanese manga hero Guyver with high hopes of big draws. The film succeeds on certain points and fails on others.

The first problem is the script. The script went after the parent's wallets and attempted to appeal to kids, yet had probably a bit much graphic violence for parent's tastes.

The music was also an issue. Honestly it sounds like a really bored guy on a Casio. The lightness of the music took away from many scenes.

Jimmy Walker as a Zoanoid? Why the hell did he have to rap? Seemed like he had fun, though.

Some of the Zoanoids looked a bit cheesy too. The lizard bird chick for example resembled a furby.

Mark Hamill must not have known how cheesy the film was going to turn out cause he actually put a lot into it. As much as he could, anyway.

Of course it was mostly based around effects and it didn't disappoint there. The Guyver suit looked great. Though the costumes looked like costumes they were better than many I've seen. Plus there was a robot of some sort of dragon reindeer.

The Gore helped though it made the film seem bipolar. Had they altered the script to be more adult and match the darkness displayed in the directing and tweaked the music so it wasn't so slap-sticky this movie would be perfect. However due to it being simply fun to watch it deserves a 4/5.

Mostly garbage but a few good scenes here and there
But who on Earth is trying to sell this for $35?
I have not seen the Anime version, but I guess it can't be any worse than this.

This movie was mostly terrible.
But they were a few good scenes.
But who on earth is selling this mess for $35!? You have got to be kidding me. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In Saving Private Ryan, Steven Spielberg depicts the D-day landings with a realism lauded by veterans. The Big Red One depicts the D-day landings, too, and it was made by a veteran. Writer-director Samuel Fuller, who served in the First Infantry Division from North Africa to Czechoslovakia (including the Normandy landings), made a career out of swift, punchy B movies, such as Pickup on South Street and The Naked Kiss. The Big Red One became Fuller's nod to A-movie filmmaking, yet it has the solid, matter-of-fact perspective of the ground-level infantryman. The episodic action ranges all over the European theater, as a tough squad of American GIs (including Mark Hamill and Robert Carradine) follow their hard-bitten sergeant (Lee Marvin, at his best) and try to stay alive. Filmed mostly in Israel, the film delivers on the requisite war-movie conventions and tough-guy humor but also introduces notes of poetry. Fuller's D-day doesn't match the pyrotechnics of Spielberg's version, but it creates power from the simple image of a dead soldier's watch, ticking away in blood-soaked surf. A fine and memorable picture, The Big Red One might have been even greater had it been released in Fuller's full-length cut--someday perhaps a restoration will allow the director's vision to be seen for the first time. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Big acting by Marvin; Red Normandy beaches; One good ending
Sarge (Lee Marvin), first saw combat near the end of WWI. Now, years later, in North Africa in WWII he is a grizzled, war weary, seen it all veteran. Nevertheless, he's still resolute in his duty and a proud wearer of the Red #1 arm patch insignia of the US 1st Infantry Division. He is leader, father, mother, coach and whatever else he needs to be to get his rifle squad through the war. The four principal characters of interest are Griff (Mark Hamill), an expert riflemen but one who can't shoot the enemy if he sees his eyes; he calls it murder, Sarge says otherwise. There is Zab (Robert Carradine) who's main purpose is narrator, his musings provide background and setting; the other two are Johnson and Vinci. We follow this group throughout the movie and the war from North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, Belgium and finally to a concentration camp in Czechoslovakia for a series of emotionally powerful concluding scenes.

There is no glorification of war here; indeed the message is very clear - the only glory in war is surviving. The movie is very creative in introducing characters whose sole purpose, with their demise, is to underline this message. The short careers of both Lemchek and Kaiser are cases in point. The battle scenes are weak and unrealistic but that's not the emphasis. The action scenes that are memorable are the ones with a subtle message; the camera focusing in on the dead soldiers wristwatch in the surf of Normandy, the water turning red with the passing of time; the scene at the asylum in France and the concentration camp scene where Griff overcomes his compunction about shooting while seeing the whites of his enemies eyes.

It's a well crafted movie, with some strong acting from Lee Marvin and Mark Hamill and a movie which delivers it's message in a well thought out and strong ending.

Awe Inspiring Title, Segmented Movie
In World War Two the US 1st Infantry Division earned its colors in constant battle from North Africa, Sicily and Northern Europe. Because of its distictive shoulder patch the division became known as The Big Red One. Samuel Fuller's motion picture of the same name does not quite hit the mark with respect to conveying the battle scars endured by the division. Fuller focuses on a squad of soldiers, led by Lee Marvin (The Dirty Dozen), in a story told by one of the squad members, Robert Carradine (Revenge of the Nerds). The picture has potential. Indeed there is information to suggest that there is a longer uncut version of the movie mouldering away someplace. The film currently available on VHS and DVD -- the same version that was projected in movie theaters -- seems more like a television movie than major motion picture. Granted, the special effects were good for their day, but you do not have to look too far to see the obvious shortcomings. For the most part the dialogue is contrived and somewhat phony. Lee Marvin, a magnificent actor, was too old to play the part of a junior noncommissioned officer. In two of the beach invasion landing scenes (North Africa and Normandy) and despite a downward camera angle there is a total absence of ships to be seen anywhere on the water except for one token landing craft lingering in the distance. The greatest shortcoming of the film is that it is composed of a series of disjointed vignettes sewn together into one story. The most powerful part of the movie are the last minutes of the film when the squad liberates a concentration camp in Czechoslovakia. This scene alone could have been flushed out and served as the backdrop for a whole movie; or possibly been a vehicle for flashbacks of the what the squad had endured leading up to the end of the war. Filmed primarily in Israel THE BIG RED ONE reflects what appears to be a reflective personal journey designed to entertain the storyteller alone. With the exception of this film's stars, I found this movie very similar to A MIDNIGHT CLEAR. If you are a fan of war movies then this movie will probably find its way into your collection.

Worst war film ever?
This film is a disgrace, the combat is unrealistic and i'm sure the tanks in it are all the same for americans and germans alike. The narration is very annoying and quite pointless. I know the film is trying to put across an important message but it could have done it better; better actors for a start, Lee Marvin is not exactly my favourite. Overall leave this film alone, if you want to see a good war film watch Patton, A Bridge too Far or The Longest Day.

OVERALL SCORE: (B+)
This is one of the more stunning and profound cinematic portraits of the Second World War. It is an unflinching window into the surrealistic exploits of warriors in combat. This is by far a more worthwhile movie then many later attempts, that fail to emotionally grip you, instead relying on computer effects for drama.

OVERALL SCORE: (B+)

PLOT: (B), ACTING: (B-), DIALOGUE: (B-), SETTING: (C), ACTION/COMBAT: (B), ANTAGONISTS: (B), ROMANCE: (n/a), AGE LEVEL: (PG)

Other great war movies; The Longest Day (1962), We Were Soldiers (2002), Gallipoli (1981), Attack Force Z (1982), Cross of Iron (1976), A Bridge Too Far (1977), or The Dirty Dozen (1967).

The "Definitive" Bad Review
This is one of those movies that you either love or hate. I'm guessing the lovers like the interesting combat action and episodic nature of the movie, which keeps up a fast pace and allows for multiple locations and perspectives on the war.

Unfortunately, this movie is ruined by the Voice Narrator - none other than future star of "Revenge of the Nerds." Whether it's the actor chosen or bad direction, it is easily the most annoying voice over in "A-movie" history. Particularly since we have all seen this done much more effectively in war movies released since this picture was made in 1980. I have no doubt that these movies owe a debt to the Big Red One, with the directors saying, "Stop, you sound like the nerd in the Big Red One. Try it again."

My "favorite" scene: The squad delivers a baby during D-Day (you can't make this crap up folks-oh wait, I guess they did). Dialogue of soldier delivering baby: "Lady, I'm a hell of a lot more scared than you are...just take it easy." (uh, Hello, this film was robbed of an Oscar for screenwriting)

My "favorite" voice over narration line:
"We got a bunch of medals...not for delivering the kid, but for killing Krauts."

My all time "favorite" dialogue:
Soldier: "What's the French word for PUSH?"
Marvin Lee: "Pussay" (Which he repeats multiple times as we see the pregnant woman writhing in labor, her legs spread over Lee Marvin's shoulders...."pussay, pussay, pussay...he shouts" (now that's some serious double entendre, folks)

My "favorite" cowboy moment as the soldier's creep through enemy lines. Lee Marvin: "It's a bushwack." (not related to the labor scene folks)

My "favorite" movie message, from this actual dialogue at an insane assylum the GIs comes across in France:

Marvin: "Killing insane people is not good for public relations."
Soldier: "But killing sane people is?"
Marvin: "That's Right."

Wow, that's powerful stuff.

In summary, the acting is sophomoric (gotta love the off-screen screams when someone gets it - no, it's not your little brother playing in the other room--it's the movie), the writing and dialogue is stilted and corny and the tone/direction awkwardly switches from whimsical to melodramatic and back again.

Still, it's not bad Sunday afternoon viewing if you like war action and enjoy making fun of old movies - the best thing to do, though, is watch it with a remote control and hit mute every time the annoying/cloying narrator speaks. For added interest, print off a script of the movie and read the narration at the appropriate points, since on rare occassions the narrator does say something interesting. ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Balto II An Enjoyable Wolf Quest
What with the popularity of their numerous direct-to-video sequels to The Land Before Time and An American Tail, it's not surprising that Universal's latest video offering is a sequel to their 1995 Balto. The original is based on the true story of a dog who, facing unbelievable dangers, brought medicine to those of Nome, Alaska when many children were suffering a life-threatening sickness. This one finds Balto father to some adorable pups, all of whom are adopted by a human eight weeks after birth - except Aleu, who looks more like a wolf then her half-wolf father. When a hunter mistakes her for one, Balto reveals the truth about her mixed heritage, and she runs - with Dad hot on her trail, thanks to a mysterious raven from a reoccurring nightmare. The result is an enjoyable Wolf Quest, which surprisingly doesn't do harm to the original. While the animation here isn't top-notch - more Cartoon Network-ish -- that's to be expected from a direct-to-video sequel. Indeed, the film's main fault is being a musical - featuring a singing rat - something the first movie never was designed to be. The songs are good, and fit well, but longtime fans of the original might be a bit disappointed. On a nicer note, the villains from within the wolf pack pleasantly resemble Steele and his gang of bully dogs from the first movie, and the bear sequence would have been just as brilliant as the one in the original if not for the cheesy "inner knowing" ending to the scene. By far not as good as the first, but a wonderful movie nonetheless, and one I'll definitely watch again. Movie: ***** (5/5).

The DVD, however, isn't as great as the movie itself. Obviously designed for the littlest children, the game is VERY easy and extremely boring. It involves walking Balto across the ice to save Aleu, and deals with his paw prints rather then movie trivia. There's a DVD-ROM preview of a CD-ROM game, which doesn't look too interesting; the trailer is here along with trailers for the original "Balto," "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: The 20th Anniversary," and the latest movies in the "Land Before Time" and "Beethoven" video franchises. DVD extras: ** (2/5), and that's being generous for the "E.T." trailer.

Technically this DVD is great, with perfect picture and good sound. The French and Spanish language tracks provide a good opportunity to help learn a forigen language, as they always do on DVDs. The movie is presented in 1:33:1 full frame, which is the original aspect ratio; don't complain about the lack of widescreen here. Since Universal produced this directly for video, it was originally filmed to fit TV screens, not reformatted from a widescreen version. The original BALTO was produced in widescreen but presented in full frame on the DVD (why??), however that is not the case here. Technicals: ***** (5/5.)

All in all, this movie is an enjoyable Wolf Quest you'll want to be sure to add to your collection -- but don't expect much other then a great movie from the DVD edition.

Review Text Copyright ©Jake Lipson, 2002.

Better than the first Balto movie!
My children and I all enjoyed the first Balto (even though it's not entirely "accurate" but then again most movies that are based on a true story aren't!) but Balto II- Wolf Quest was much much better! We just gave it to my preschool age daughter and she is totally fascinated by it.

The Native American singing/flutes/music throughout it is beautiful with only a couple of musical parts feeling a little awkward. One part I did especially appreciate was that when Balto and Jenna sent their pups to live with new humans, they didn't make it look like a horribly gross injustice that was heartwrenching and agonizing. Babies being separated from their mommies is always hard for children to understand but they did that part very well.

This is not made for adults so keep that in mind but it IS wonderful for children and adults who like cartoons, getting down on a childs level and aren't too stuffy about watching shows made for them. =)

You'll probably recognize quite a few of the voices but not be able to *place* them. Read the credits for a walk down memory lane! =) (probably for those over 30)

why
Ok. First lemme say Im 17 I just didnt wanna fill out all that crap. :P Also firstly i'd like to say I LOVED the first one,
but this one...why? WAYY too much humanism and naturism and as a Christian, I was completely offended.

But yes...no.

Yuck
If you liked the first movie (or even if you didn't) then you'll hate this one. The script, plot, and music are all terrible. About the only thing you'll enjoy is Disney's classic animation.

It looks like the storywriters were trying to write the "New Age Gospel" for kids and decided to use Balto and his daughter as the missionaries. If you're gonna do that at least give it a decent plot. Example: That little mouse that sings a song -- and a poorly-written song at that. It's entirely new-age-ish and doesn't really help the plot along at all.

Where the first movie was based on a true story, this one doesn't contain one scrap of truth. While that's okay for a film, it sure is a disappointment to those of us expecting a true extension to the story.

If your local library has a copy, maybe that's worth looking it, but don't waste your money. Buy the first movie instead.

and the winner for worst movie of 1998 is...
wow this movie sucked! along with thumbelina and pebble and the penguin its just so freakin retarded. i think they should make a 3rd balto: balto 3: dog gone retarded----wait wasnt that the first and 2nd one too?? here are some words to describe it: suck suck suck suck suck suck suck...had enough? wake up, get a life, and agree with me that this movie sucks the big one! ... Read more

Description

Based on a classic tale known the world over, JOSEPH: KING OF DREAMS is a stirring story of family and forgiveness.An inspiring musical adventure, JOSEPH: KING OF DREAMS retells the fascinating story of a boy whose extraordinary gift of seeing the future in his dreams sparks a deep division in his family.The jealousy of his brothers sends Joseph to faraway Egypt, where he is suddenly thrown into a world of high adventure, hidden intrigue and blossoming romance.In this new land, the Pharaoh enlists Joseph to interpret his royal dreams and save Egypt from disaster.Joseph is rewarded with honor and status, and as he rises to power, Joseph finds love and happiness.But when a sudden twist of fate reunites Joseph with his brothers, Joseph must face decisions of forgiveness.

... Read more

Reviews (49)

A delight
I usually don't buy direct-to-video sequels -- usually, they are inferior to the original product and only tarnish my enjoyment. However, "King of Dreams" is not a sequel, rather than a companion piece.

Delving once again into ancient history, this story tells of a "miracle child," the favorite son of old Jacob and his wife Rachel (the Biblical polygamy is delicately ignored, though hinted at in that Joseph is a half-brother). While Joseph's ten brothers toil in the fields, he is taught to read and write and is given a magnificently woven coat. When he has dreams that "mean something," his brothers' resentment starts to grow. He ends up enslaved in Egypt, where despite his talents and intelligence he falls further and further. But newfound humility and a special gift from God will bring him back up.

This movie has a beautiful piece of symbolism - the little fruit tree that Joseph carelessly steps on as he cries out to God, "Why?" Everyone in their lives is faced with a crisis in which it is asked why God is doing this to them. The single leaf that remains living on the shattered tree shows how his faith still exists, and that faith grows as he saves the tree and nurtures it to health. God is spoken of less, as Joseph is not convincing anyone of anything, but his presence is highly felt in the writing.

From a secular point of view, this is also a good cautionary tale. At the beginning, Joseph bounds past his brothers, singing, "I am special, I am smart! I am a miracle child!" and being coddled by his parents. Allowing himself to be arrogant is part of his downfall. Later on, he uses his gift and his intelligence to benefit everyone, and thus is rewarded.

The secondary characters are, like Ramses of PoE, multi-dimensional even if you are supposed to dislike them. As Joseph enjoys his special status, one can sympathize with his jealous brothers -- but the same spoiled boy will take your sympathy when his brothers taunt him and cruelly sell him. Potiphar is well-drawn -- a man who betrays his own honor and clearly suffers inwardly because of it, and his niece is an instantly sympathetic character is her urgings to forgive.

Though this film is acceptable for small kids, there are a few moments that will disturb them, such as when Potiphar's wife makes a (it's not obvious to the very young) pass at Joseph, and when he is dragged off while his brothers accept silver as payment for him.

The songs aren't quite as good as PoE, but the animation in its lesser glory is excellent. When Joseph is led into Egypt, one can definitely sympathize with his slack-jawed awe. Lesser details, such as Potiphar's servant's thoughts on Joseph's hygiene, are also present and very enjoyable. The dream sequences strike a good balance of otherworldliness and realism.

Okay, so this isn't quite up to the standards of "Prince of Egypt." There's a lesser budget, but it's a more personal, family story.

TO BETRAY AND AVENGE
The heartbreak of family divided and the power of family united.

According to DreamWorks' Jeffrey Katzenberg, much of the creative team that was involved in "THE PRINCE OF EGYPT" was gathered to work on "JOSEPH: KING OF DREAMS." Although the resulting, richly colored animation, often bathed in desert light, is not quite the eye-popping caliber of the former, it is certainly satisfying.

This is a vivid, thoughtful, sometimes insightful, retelling of the timeless, oft-told Biblical tale of a brother's betrayal and ironic revenge.

The story begins with a naive 17 year-old Hebrew boy who ends up a powerful and wise 34 year old lord of Egypt. The sweeping tale takes us from Canaan to Egypt at the surge of its growth as an empire that ruled the world. Yet it's the personal, intimate aspects that bring about the story's power and universality.

Ben Afflect creates an effective voice characterization that actually reflects the life-challenging experiences of Joseph. The ensemble cast featurs the voice talents of mark Hamill, Judith Light, Maureen McGovern and Dan Castellaneta among others.

Nizo Yamamoto, who was art director on the stunning "PRINCESS MONONOKE" served as background supervisor. He created a special technique to generate the gentle softness of some of the dusky desert vistas. "I use an airbrush and spray water over the painting and then use a huge brush to soften the whole thing," he says. Over 500 artists from an international talent pool worked on this unusual project that was tweaked with break-through computer animation. In fact, not a single frame of film was exposed -- the entire movie was finished digitally.

The score was composed and orchestrated by Dan Pelfrey. John Bucchino wrote the songs. In some ways, as in "THE PRINCE OF EGYPT," the songs slow down the story telling and in fact take us out of the compelling story as adapted from the Bible by Eugenia and Raymond Singer. The direction was shared by Rob LaDuca and Rob Ramirez.

The DVD includes bonus features for the entiure family and all age groups from Sing-Along Songs to Storyboard Commentary to an Interactive Trivia Game and more.(DreamWorks, 74 minutes, Not Rated)

Exceptional!!!!!!!!!!
I was not expecting this movie to be as good as Prince of Egypt, but like the first review that I read, I think it is as good if not better than Prince of Egypt. The picture is vibrant and wonderful, the story is as close to the true story as possible, and the songs are absolutely WONDERFUL. My children loves this movie. It is a great story about forgiveness, love, and faith. I was suprised to find that Ben Affleck was the voice for Joseph. Although he is not my favorite actor he does a WONDERFUL job as the voice of Joseph. Much better than Matt Damon as the voice in Dreamworks movie "Spirit". Buy this movie, you will not be disappointed and your family will love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish they had done more advertising for this movie and it had received more attention. It deserves it. I hope that Dreamworks does more films like this of the stories in the Bible!

This Film Builds Character
This is great movie for children to watch. This is one of the most beloved Bible stories. It teaches humility, forgiveness, the difference between rational and irrational thought, perseverance, nobility, determination and compassion. It could make adults cry and feel indignation, but if seen with a child's perspective one could grasps the deeper meaning of love.

Nice movie but defective DVD
The movie appears to be interesting. I'm writing "appears" as
I didn't get the chance to actually see all the movie as the
DVD was defective and stopped working on chapter 14th
(I tried two DVD readers).
I exchanged the DVD with a new one but I had the same
problem so I returned the second one too and asked for
the money I spent. My guess is that there is some
sort of issue when the DVD reader tries to switch
layer (it is a dual-layer DVD) but it is just a guess. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Who knew Luke Skywalker was such a geek? As the director-coproducer-star of Comic Book: The Movie, Star Wars veteran Mark Hamill embraces his inner nerd and pays affectionate tribute to those who are attracted (either casually or obsessively) to the fantastical realms of comic books. As "Don Swan," high school teacher, lifelong comic collector, and microbudget filmmaker, Hamill joins legions of fans at San Diego's epic-scale ComiCon International (the world's largest sci-fi/comic convention), on a mission to thwart a dubious Hollywood makeover of Captain Courage, his favorite "Golden Age" comic superhero. Hamill's experiment in "mockumentary" is unscripted, haphazard, not very funny, and a bit too "inside" for mass appeal, but its spontaneous spirit hides a worthy agenda that any fan can relate to: While exploring the lively atmosphere of ultimate fandom, Comic Book: The Movie investigates the schism between Hollywood and fandom that results, too often, in lackluster big-screen adventures for beloved comic-book characters. By recruiting a cast of prominent cartoon-voice talent (like himself), in addition to an all-star list of comic-artist cameos including Stan Lee, Matt Groening, and many others, Hamill has crafted a casual yet thoroughly researched portrait of one of America's most vibrant subcultures. The abundant bonus features are arguably better than the feature itself, most notably the extended interviews with Stan Lee, Hugh Hefner, Kevin Smith, and B-movie king Bruce Campbell, all of whom (like Hamill) have played influential roles in the fandom they celebrate. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Amazon.com

The original 1960 version of Village of the Damned is regarded as a classic of science-fiction and horror, and it remains one of the creepiest movies of its kind. Directed with occasional flair by John Carpenter, this 1995 remake trades subtlety for more explicit chills and violence, but the basic premise remains effectively eerie. In the tiny, idyllic town of Midwich, a strange mist causes the entire population to fall asleep, and when everyone awakes the town physician (Christopher Reeve) discovers that 10 women--including his wife and a local teenaged virgin--have mysteriously become pregnant. Their children are all born on the same day, with matching white hair and strange, glowing eyes, growing at an accelerated rate and raising Reeve's suspicion that they're not of Earthly origin. These demonic brats can control minds and wreak havoc with the power of their thoughts--so of course, they must be destroyed! Only Reeve knows how to get the job done, and his performance (the actor's last big-screen role before his paralyzing accident in 1995) grounds this otherwise superfluous remake with enough credibility to hold the viewer's attention. But for the real chills, definitely check out the original version--it's 20 minutes shorter but twice as spooky. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (40)

An Excellent Thriller Film!!
John Carpenter's "VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED" is an excellent thriller film about who prevails in the "survival of the fittest". One day, a seemingly peaceful California town receives an invisible force which knocks every citizen into a long sleep. The answer to what caused the blackout remains a mystery. Soon after, ten women in the town find themselves pregnant. Dr. Susan Verner offers an allowance, provided by the government, to the people who decide to have their babies for study. Simultaneously, nine children are born. The tenth is a miscarriage, which is taken into Verner's custody. They all have platinum-blonde hair, slender fingernails, and strange eyes. Soon after their birth, a random number of accidents and suicides occur. Dr. Alan Chaffee, who's wife died of suicide, teams up with Verner to uncover the truth about these powerful children. We witness many accounts of people becoming possessed by the evil children's glowing eyes, to drive themselves to death.

Though not as promising as the 1960 original, the film makers have done an excedingly well job in creating a good scare for audiences. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good, psychological thriller. - Joey Layou Jr.

Yay for the demon kids.
Village of the Damned is a remake of a 1960 version, which is based on a book, The Midwich Cuckoos. Village of the Damned is about a small town in which everybody passes out. Nobody can get in or out. When they wake up, 10 women are pregnant, one a virgin. Only 9 of the children are born; one is stillborn. These children have platinum white hair and cool emotionless personalities. It turns out they can control bodies and read minds.
People seem to have mixed feelings about this movie. Some say it ..., and others say it was great. Some feel halfway. So, of course, my opinion might be different than yours.
I'm one of the people who loved it.
Most of the acting was good, like Christopher Reeve, who did a good performance as the father of Mara, the leader of the children, who was played by Lindsey Haun. Lindsey did a great job as the emotionless, cruel child. Thomas Dekker was good as David, the one good child, teetering between emotionless and being normal. The special effects are good, but this wasn't too scary; though it did have freaky moments that made you jump. It was violent and kinda gory at times.

"Hast thou eyes of flesh?"
". . . Seeist thou as man sees?"

These questions are asked in the Book of Proverbs and in John Carpenter's Village of the Damned, a remake of director Wolf Rilla's 1960 version, both adapted from John Wyndham's novel The Midwich Cuckoos.

Village of the Damned is the story of the simultaneous births of telepathic children to every woman of child-bearing age in the coastal village of Midwich, California. Carpenter's version is more bloody than the ve