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| 1. It's a Wonderful Life Director: Frank Capra | |
 | list price: $19.98
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00005QCVY Catlog: DVD Sales Rank: 2150 Average Customer Review: 
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (223)
The screenplay of It's a Wonderful Life originated with a Christmas card short story called "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern. It revolves around the life of George Bailey, an ordinary man who falls in love, gets married, has a family, and unselfishly works hard to support his family and local community. Deep down George has the itch to escape the chains of the small town atmosphere of Bedford Falls and the family business. He longs to travel the world in search of adventure, and has visions of constructing grand buildings. His dreams however are anchored by reality: He feels morally bound to honor his commitments to his family and the family business "Bailey Building and Loan". The first three quarters of the movie slowly builds up atmosphere, as we come to understand George Bailey's character and outlook on life. It is only towards the very end that the moment of crisis comes: On the eve of Christmas, precisely as a bank inspector is on the scene, a huge sum of money is lost by the bank, and George's entire business is threatened. At this point the lengthy build-up bears rich fruits: as viewers we are now in a position to understand the incredible and painful frustration George feels. We share the hurt and disillusionment of this broken man as he snaps at his family and loved ones, and tears well up as his uncomprehending children pray desperately for their father. It is the slow build up that enables us to share his and their emotions of grief, sorrow, pain and frustration. When George is at the end of his road, he selfishly considers suicide. At this point heaven answers the prayers of his family by sending a guardian angel second class (AS2) named Clarence to help George renew his perspective on life. When George in his depressed state is convinced that the world would have been better off without him, the angel offers him "a chance to see what the world would be like without you." His magical heavenly touch transforms the world to the place it would have been without George Bailey's touch, so that George can discover that "each man's life touches so many other lives." The religious aspect is not convincing: Bailey receives divine aid even though he professes himself not to be a religious man, whereas the Bible portrays heavenly help as a gift for believers. The notion of a guardian angel as presented in the movie is especially weak, particularly because of the way it often functions for comic relief in a rather trite and disrespectful manner. Spiritual matters hardly receive the serious treatment they deserve. In the end, religion (represented by the guardian angel) functions more as a backdrop and literary device to examine a serious perspective on life. It's a flimsy and unconvincing backdrop, but the matters that the guardian angel as a literary device serves to reflect on are serious indeed. By being given the opportunity to imagine he had not existed, George Bailey is confronted with the value of life, even a hard and difficult life, and learns that every person can make a difference. As George reflects on all his blessings, and the impact he has been able to have on people's lives, he comes to the conviction "I want to live again." Clarence reinforces George's desire to live: "You see, George, you really had a wonderful life. Don't you think it's a mistake to throw it away?" Life is valuable particularly when it is used in selflessness (represented by Bailey) and not in selfishness (represented by Potter). When serving others instead of mammon, life is tremendously valuable, even though it may be hard. Though religion is outwardly present in the form of the guardian angel, this affirmation of the value of human life has been stripped of any religious notions. And yet this self-reflection is itself a very religious one. It is too bad that the movie succumbs to the need to have a feel-good ending where George overcomes his troubles, because it results in a overly sentimental feel-good Christmas without the Christ-child. In that sense the movie falls short by not being sufficiently religious. The reality is that the lives of most viewers do not receive the magical solution that George receives, and that their troubles are ongoing - and only the gospel gives life a wonderful significance in the midst of ongoing troubles. By providing an overly sweet ending, the theme of "do good to others" is unchained from the gospel, and an opportunity was lost to convey a message even more profound. But even so, the message conveyed is still profound and enduring: Life is wonderful, particularly when it is lived in selflessness for others. We might not all touch as many lives as George does, but we can all have a tremendous impact in the lives of others. Unlike so many contemporary movies, It's a Wonderful Life does not promote materialism, greed or immorality, but shows the joys and rewards of a simple and self-less life with family and friends. The concept is brilliant, and we are left to reflect for ourselves what the lives of our family and friends would be like without our touch. Not only does this movie provide enduring and powerful themes affirming the value of marriage, family and self-less human life, but it does so with warm humor and touching romance. Most importantly there is powerful emotion and lasting quality that has the capacity to renew your perspective on your own life. What more could you ask for? Few movies are worth watching more than once, but this is certainly one of them! You only live once, but watching this movie once or more might just improve that life you only have the opportunity to live once.
Indeed, a classic film. And a masterpiece. I wish real life was like Bedford Falls. HIGHLY recommended.
While Capra created many masterpieces, this is probably his greatest. It's easy to see why. Rather than focusing on just one aspect of life, this film (like Citizen Kane) captures a person's whole life, with all it's ups and downs. Basically the story is a simple tale of David and Goliath relationship between the small businessman and the evil monopoly, and the internal struggle in a man between what he wants to do, and what he feels that he has to do. Perhaps there is a bit of George Bailey in all of us. He's a perfectly normal person with perfectly normal dreams. He wants to see the world, build things, become important. But over and over again, in order to help (and in some cases save) others he is forced repeatedly to give up his dreams in order to do what he knows is right. Along the way he builds relationships with all sorts of people in the town where he is forced to spend his entire life. But was what he gave up really an unfair trade? Or did he actually attain a treasure far greater than he could ever imagine? The emotional climax of the film at it's end (where everything comes full circle and we finally understand how George Bailey got to the point he was at in the film's beginning) has got to be one of the greatest performances in any film ever, and Jimmy Stewart's moment of moments (perhaps only rivaled by his breakdown at the end of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). I recall the first time I saw this movie, and the huge emotional reaction I had at seeing a man who has done nothing but sacrifice all his life kicked when he's down (if you remember what happens immediately after he prays for help you'll know what I mean). Ultimately, this movie changed my life. It taught me about the importance of friends, self-sacrifice, and living your life doing what you know it right. But even more than that, this movie is an absolute tour-de-force, and stands out in my mind as one of the greatest films ever made. ... Read more | |
| 2. It's a Wonderful Life | |
 | list price: $19.98
our price: $14.99 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B00062J00S Catlog: DVD Sales Rank: 93 Average Customer Review:
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (223)
The screenplay of It's a Wonderful Life originated with a Christmas card short story called "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern. It revolves around the life of George Bailey, an ordinary man who falls in love, gets married, has a family, and unselfishly works hard to support his family and local community. Deep down George has the itch to escape the chains of the small town atmosphere of Bedford Falls and the family business. He longs to travel the world in search of adventure, and has visions of constructing grand buildings. His dreams however are anchored by reality: He feels morally bound to honor his commitments to his family and the family business "Bailey Building and Loan". The first three quarters of the movie slowly builds up atmosphere, as we come to understand George Bailey's character and outlook on life. It is only towards the very end that the moment of crisis comes: On the eve of Christmas, precisely as a bank inspector is on the scene, a huge sum of money is lost by the bank, and George's entire business is threatened. At this point the lengthy build-up bears rich fruits: as viewers we are now in a position to understand the incredible and painful frustration George feels. We share the hurt and disillusionment of this broken man as he snaps at his family and loved ones, and tears well up as his uncomprehending children pray desperately for their father. It is the slow build up that enables us to share his and their emotions of grief, sorrow, pain and frustration. When George is at the end of his road, he selfishly considers suicide. At this point heaven answers the prayers of his family by sending a guardian angel second class (AS2) named Clarence to help George renew his perspective on life. When George in his depressed state is convinced that the world would have been better off without him, the angel offers him "a chance to see what the world would be like without you." His magical heavenly touch transforms the world to the place it would have been without George Bailey's touch, so that George can discover that "each man's life touches so many other lives." The religious aspect is not convincing: Bailey receives divine aid even though he professes himself not to be a religious man, whereas the Bible portrays heavenly help as a gift for believers. The notion of a guardian angel as presented in the movie is especially weak, particularly because of the way it often functions for comic relief in a rather trite and disrespectful manner. Spiritual matters hardly receive the serious treatment they deserve. In the end, religion (represented by the guardian angel) functions more as a backdrop and literary device to examine a serious perspective on life. It's a flimsy and unconvincing backdrop, but the matters that the guardian angel as a literary device serves to reflect on are serious indeed. By being given the opportunity to imagine he had not existed, George Bailey is confronted with the value of life, even a hard and difficult life, and learns that every person can make a difference. As George reflects on all his blessings, and the impact he has been able to have on people's lives, he comes to the conviction "I want to live again." Clarence reinforces George's desire to live: "You see, George, you really had a wonderful life. Don't you think it's a mistake to throw it away?" Life is valuable particularly when it is used in selflessness (represented by Bailey) and not in selfishness (represented by Potter). When serving others instead of mammon, life is tremendously valuable, even though it may be hard. Though religion is outwardly present in the form of the guardian angel, this affirmation of the value of human life has been stripped of any religious notions. And yet this self-reflection is itself a very religious one. It is too bad that the movie succumbs to the need to have a feel-good ending where George overcomes his troubles, because it results in a overly sentimental feel-good Christmas without the Christ-child. In that sense the movie falls short by not being sufficiently religious. The reality is that the lives of most viewers do not receive the magical solution that George receives, and that their troubles are ongoing - and only the gospel gives life a wonderful significance in the midst of ongoing troubles. By providing an overly sweet ending, the theme of "do good to others" is unchained from the gospel, and an opportunity was lost to convey a message even more profound. But even so, the message conveyed is still profound and enduring: Life is wonderful, particularly when it is lived in selflessness for others. We might not all touch as many lives as George does, but we can all have a tremendous impact in the lives of others. Unlike so many contemporary movies, It's a Wonderful Life does not promote materialism, greed or immorality, but shows the joys and rewards of a simple and self-less life with family and friends. The concept is brilliant, and we are left to reflect for ourselves what the lives of our family and friends would be like without our touch. Not only does this movie provide enduring and powerful themes affirming the value of marriage, family and self-less human life, but it does so with warm humor and touching romance. Most importantly there is powerful emotion and lasting quality that has the capacity to renew your perspective on your own life. What more could you ask for? Few movies are worth watching more than once, but this is certainly one of them! You only live once, but watching this movie once or more might just improve that life you only have the opportunity to live once.
Indeed, a classic film. And a masterpiece. I wish real life was like Bedford Falls. HIGHLY recommended.
While Capra created many masterpieces, this is probably his greatest. It's easy to see why. Rather than focusing on just one aspect of life, this film (like Citizen Kane) captures a person's whole life, with all it's ups and downs. Basically the story is a simple tale of David and Goliath relationship between the small businessman and the evil monopoly, and the internal struggle in a man between what he wants to do, and what he feels that he has to do. Perhaps there is a bit of George Bailey in all of us. He's a perfectly normal person with perfectly normal dreams. He wants to see the world, build things, become important. But over and over again, in order to help (and in some cases save) others he is forced repeatedly to give up his dreams in order to do what he knows is right. Along the way he builds relationships with all sorts of people in the town where he is forced to spend his entire life. But was what he gave up really an unfair trade? Or did he actually attain a treasure far greater than he could ever imagine? The emotional climax of the film at it's end (where everything comes full circle and we finally understand how George Bailey got to the point he was at in the film's beginning) has got to be one of the greatest performances in any film ever, and Jimmy Stewart's moment of moments (perhaps only rivaled by his breakdown at the end of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). I recall the first time I saw this movie, and the huge emotional reaction I had at seeing a man who has done nothing but sacrifice all his life kicked when he's down (if you remember what happens immediately after he prays for help you'll know what I mean). Ultimately, this movie changed my life. It taught me about the importance of friends, self-sacrifice, and living your life doing what you know it right. But even more than that, this movie is an absolute tour-de-force, and stands out in my mind as one of the greatest films ever made. ... Read more | |
| 3. Flat Top Director: Lesley Selander | |
 | list price: $14.98
our price: $13.48 (price subject to change: see help) Asin: B0000EYUE8 Catlog: DVD Sales Rank: 8232 Average Customer Review: 
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (1)
As fiction, this is third rate. Sterling Hayden made his usual fairly flat performance, which suited the part of a Navy fighter squadron commander. His permanent scowl--or perhaps sneer--suited the role of the tough, battle-hardened flying ace trying to whip a new, untested squadron into an effective fighting force with tough love and good tactics. Richard Carlson, as his executive officer, was effective as the second-in-command who was too buddy buddy with the pilots, and thus often lost sight of the real mission: to kill Japs and win the war. The plot is as old as fiction, and the movie is obviously low budget. A great deal of the splendid photography came from the excellent World War II documentary film, "The Fighting Lady" (not to be confused with the Van Johnson fiction movie, "Men of the Fighting Lady"), which was filmed during actual combat on the Aircraft Carrier Enterprise--the original "Big E"--whose combat record was very impressive. The shots of carrier deck action, landings, wing camera shots of enemies being shot down and ground installations being bombarded and strafed were beautiful and dramatic, and recorded actual combat with real people being killed. The movie would certainly rate five stars, were it simply based on the photography of the action. But... But, the problems that made it a source of derision, for me at least, were the ludicrous consequences of trying to patch together a film composed of file footage from other sources. For example, a squadron is landing F4U Corsairs aboard the flattop, (reputedly the U.S.S. Princeton, although much of the footage was actually of the U.S.S. Enterprise, which I recognized) when one member of the very same squadron made a rough landing in an AD; an Korean War era aircraft which was not even in service during the 1944 period to which the movie reputedly referred. Or, the squadron commander was flying along in his F4U, while clearly visible though the mock-up cockpit was his squadron--flying stock footage of F6F Grumman "Hellcats." Or when the squadron, which is referred to as the "Rosebuds" (the Navy used designations like VF-13, rather than names), is attacking a ground target in Corsairs, an excellent fighter with inverted gull wings, when suddenly, for no discernible reason, one or more of them are transformed by editing and splicing in the excellent documentary footage into an SB2C Curtis "Helldiver" dive bomber. Or when they are supposedly taking off in the pre-dawn darkness, the unmistakable flaps of an SBD Douglas "Dauntless" dive bomber are shown belching exhaust on takeoff. Other faults abound: Navy pilots bunking in tiers of bunks in a large room, rather than two or three man staterooms, or ready rooms always shown bathed in red light, even when night flying was not the next action (red light was used to protect night vision.)
The movie was ruined for me, so far as the story was concerned, by such faux pas. It is almost as bad as the stock Pearl Harbor attack photos which replay over and over, in which the supposed Japanese attackers are shown flying the revered SBD Dauntlesses. Whoever made the first sequence of that footage should be shot for that particular mis-characterization of a famous old airplane. But the movie is worth the price for the photography alone. Forget the story, or laugh derisively along with me. Joe Pierre, USN (Ret) ... Read more | |
| 4. It's a Wonderful Life Director: Frank Capra | |
 | list price: $19.98
(price subject to change: see help) Asin: 6305064490 Catlog: DVD Sales Rank: 17088 Average Customer Review:
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
Reviews (223)
The screenplay of It's a Wonderful Life originated with a Christmas card short story called "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern. It revolves around the life of George Bailey, an ordinary man who falls in love, gets married, has a family, and unselfishly works hard to support his family and local community. Deep down George has the itch to escape the chains of the small town atmosphere of Bedford Falls and the family business. He longs to travel the world in search of adventure, and has visions of constructing grand buildings. His dreams however are anchored by reality: He feels morally bound to honor his commitments to his family and the family business "Bailey Building and Loan". The first three quarters of the movie slowly builds up atmosphere, as we come to understand George Bailey's character and outlook on life. It is only towards the very end that the moment of crisis comes: On the eve of Christmas, precisely as a bank inspector is on the scene, a huge sum of money is lost by the bank, and George's entire business is threatened. At this point the lengthy build-up bears rich fruits: as viewers we are now in a position to understand the incredible and painful frustration George feels. We share the hurt and disillusionment of this broken man as he snaps at his family and loved ones, and tears well up as his uncomprehending children pray desperately for their father. It is the slow build up that enables us to share his and their emotions of grief, sorrow, pain and frustration. When George is at the end of his road, he selfishly considers suicide. At this point heaven answers the prayers of his family by sending a guardian angel second class (AS2) named Clarence to help George renew his perspective on life. When George in his depressed state is convinced that the world would have been better off without him, the angel offers him "a chance to see what the world would be like without you." His magical heavenly touch transforms the world to the place it would have been without George Bailey's touch, so that George can discover that "each man's life touches so many other lives." The religious aspect is not convincing: Bailey receives divine aid even though he professes himself not to be a religious man, whereas the Bible portrays heavenly help as a gift for believers. The notion of a guardian angel as presented in the movie is especially weak, particularly because of the way it often functions for comic relief in a rather trite and disrespectful manner. Spiritual matters hardly receive the serious treatment they deserve. In the end, religion (represented by the guardian angel) functions more as a backdrop and literary device to examine a serious perspective on life. It's a flimsy and unconvincing backdrop, but the matters that the guardian angel as a literary device serves to reflect on are serious indeed. By being given the opportunity to imagine he had not existed, George Bailey is confronted with the value of life, even a hard and difficult life, and learns that every person can make a difference. As George reflects on all his blessings, and the impact he has been able to have on people's lives, he comes to the conviction "I want to live again." Clarence reinforces George's desire to live: "You see, George, you really had a wonderful life. Don't you think it's a mistake to throw it away?" Life is valuable particularly when it is used in selflessness (represented by Bailey) and not in selfishness (represented by Potter). When serving others instead of mammon, life is tremendously valuable, even though it may be hard. Though religion is outwardly present in the form of the guardian angel, this affirmation of the value of human life has been stripped of any religious notions. And yet this self-reflection is itself a very religious one. It is too bad that the movie succumbs to the need to have a feel-good ending where George overcomes his troubles, because it results in a overly sentimental feel-good Christmas without the Christ-child. In that sense the movie falls short by not being sufficiently religious. The reality is that the lives of most viewers do not receive the magical solution that George receives, and that their troubles are ongoing - and only the gospel gives life a wonderful significance in the midst of ongoing troubles. By providing an overly sweet ending, the theme of "do good to others" is unchained from the gospel, and an opportunity was lost to convey a message even more profound. But even so, the message conveyed is still profound and enduring: Life is wonderful, particularly when it is lived in selflessness for others. We might not all touch as many lives as George does, but we can all have a tremendous impact in the lives of others. Unlike so many contemporary movies, It's a Wonderful Life does not promote materialism, greed or immorality, but shows the joys and rewards of a simple and self-less life with family and friends. The concept is brilliant, and we are left to reflect for ourselves what the lives of our family and friends would be like without our touch. Not only does this movie provide enduring and powerful themes affirming the value of marriage, family and self-less human life, but it does so with warm humor and touching romance. Most importantly there is powerful emotion and lasting quality that has the capacity to renew your perspective on your own life. What more could you ask for? Few movies are worth watching more than once, but this is certainly one of them! You only live once, but watching this movie once or more might just improve that life you only have the opportunity to live once.
Indeed, a classic film. And a masterpiece. I wish real life was like Bedford Falls. HIGHLY recommended.
While Capra created many masterpieces, this is probably his greatest. It's easy to see why. Rather than focusing on just one aspect of life, this film (like Citizen Kane) captures a person's whole life, with all it's ups and downs. Basically the story is a simple tale of David and Goliath relationship between the small businessman and the evil monopoly, and the internal struggle in a man between what he wants to do, and what he feels that he has to do. Perhaps there is a bit of George Bailey in all of us. He's a perfectly normal person with perfectly normal dreams. He wants to see the world, build things, become important. But over and over again, in order to help (and in some cases save) others he is forced repeatedly to give up his dreams in order to do what he knows is right. Along the way he builds relationships with all sorts of people in the town where he is forced to spend his entire life. But was what he gave up really an unfair trade? Or did he actually attain a treasure far greater than he could ever imagine? The emotional climax of the film at it's end (where everything comes full circle and we finally understand how George Bailey got to the point he was at in the film's beginning) has got to be one of the greatest performances in any film ever, and Jimmy Stewart's moment of moments (perhaps only rivaled by his breakdown at the end of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington). I recall the first time I saw this movie, and the huge emotional reaction I had at seeing a man who has done nothing but sacrifice all his life kicked when he's down (if you remember what happens immediately after he prays for help you'll know what I mean). Ultimately, this movie changed my life. It taught me about the importance of friends, self-sacrifice, and living your life doing what you know it right. But even more than that, this movie is an absolute tour-de-force, and stands out in my mind as one of the greatest films ever made. ... Read more | |
| 1-4 of 4 1 |
Black & White Isn't "Too" Bland, Non?....
It's a Wonderful Message!
WAKE UP! This is a lousy movie!