Description

Believe it or not, he's walking on air! William Katt is back as reluctant flying crime fighter Ralph Hinkley, who would know exactly how to use the red superpower suit given to him by aliens if he hadn't lost its instruction manual. In this season, Ralph pitches in the World Series, prevents World War III, suffers amnesia, joins the circus, battles bad bikers, voodoo vengeance, a fast-food mascot and much more, all with the help of his attorney girlfriend Pam Davidson (Connie Selleca) and FBI agent Bill Maxwell (Robert Culp). Who could it be? Believe it or not, he's THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO!

This collection features all 22 Second Season episodes with such guest stars as Markie Post, Joe Mantegna, Barbara Hale, Keenan Wynn, Dixie Carter, Don Drysdale and more, plus all-new Extras that include revealing and fun career-retrospective interviews with creator Stephen J. Cannell and music composer Mike Post. ... Read more

Description

It’s the third and final season for reluctant superhero Ralph Hinkley (William Katt), his lawyer girlfriend Pam Davidson (Connie Sellecca) and by-the-book FBI agent Bill Maxwell (Robert Culp), but the high-flying fun is far from over! In this season, Ralph is reunited with the ‘green guys’ from space, stumbles into danger at his high school reunion, fumbles his way to his and Pam’s wedding, and tangles with doomed rockers, ruthless ranchers, strange gamers, killer magicians, the KGB, Central American revolutionaries, a genetic Nazi monster and more. Believe it or not, he’s still walking on air as THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO! This collection includes all 13 third season episodes of the action-comedy hit created by Stephen J. Cannell (THE COMMISH, 21 JUMP STREET, HUNTER) and features such guests stars as David Paymer, Bob Saget, Rick Dees, Tawny Little, June Lockhart, André The Giant and more. ... Read more

Reviews (211)

Unique blend of horror and sentiment.
There's one thing I specifically like about certain horror films, and that is those that contain the horror elements, yet have a story that allows you to feel a great deal of emotion for a main or secondary character, depending on the focus of the plot. When Stephen King wrote his first novel, Carrie, it was shocking as well as emotionally heart-stopping. Brian de Palma's film, following soon after, is groundbreaking and intense, and captures the horror of the character's actions as well as the horror of her secluded and alienated school and home life.

Carrie White has never been popular in school, and the verbal and physical abuse has apparently gotten worse with each year. One day, she gets her first period in the showers of the girls locker room, and frantically running to everyone for help, she is bombarded by shouts of banter and flying tampons. After it is learned that she was never told by anyone about this process of life, we soon learn the reason why: her mother is a Bible-thumping embodiment of a true maniac, who believes that every action committed by man is a sin in the eyes of God. Her treatment of her daughter is extremely harsh, but only until Carrie learns that she possesses a special gift, the ability to move objects with her mind. Meanwhile, Sue Snell, one of the girls involved in the malicious locker room incident, feels guilt over her actions and asks her boyfriend Tommy to take Carrie to the prom. Carrie accepts, and attends the event despite her mother's warnings of doom and sin. But something much worse will happen, something more terrifying than Mrs. White could ever imagine.

"Carrie" is one of the most well-known horror films of all time, and has set the standard for many later films of the genre. The entire premise for the movie is quite original, and the execution of the material is even more powerful and emotional than the novel itself. What makes it so emotional is the fact that there is a human story that happens everyday around the world. Carrie is constantly bantered and teased about every aspect of her life: her home, her mother, her apparel, and her demeanor, and it is done in such a manner that you cannot help but feel a great deal of sorrow for her when she commits the ultimate act in the finale of the film.

De Palma's camera angles and cinematography add an immense amount to the overall effect. Many of his shots usually center on someone in the foreground, while Carrie is somewhere within the near background, making her appear minute and small among everyone else. His use of the two-window effect for the prom sequence helps us to see more of the destruction and the reactions people have to events going on around them. One more notable sequence is opening scene, in the girls locker room, where we see the rest of the girls having fun and making merry while Carrie is alone and singled out in the shower stall. Throughout the movie, De Palma does a spectacular job in making Carrie seem insignificant when put with a group of people.

Sissy Spacek was brought to the project to play the title character, and does a top-notch job. She is the perfect "ugly-duckling" type for the role, and she is able to play out all of the emotion and terror that Carrie experiences throughout the novel. Amy Irving is does a credible job as Sue Snell, and her performance makes us believe that Sue really does feel sorry for what she has done to Carrie. The rest of the ensemble makes the movie believable, and never is there a moment where you will question the authenticity of a performance.

Certain to remain a hallmark of moviemaking, "Carrie" will shock, scare, and incite emotion for years to come. It is a movie that operates on many different levels, each beginning at separate times of the film, yet converging in the end to sweep us up in horror and sorrow.

Here's to the Devil with false modesty...;)
Released in 1976, "Carrie" is a disturbing horror film that's generously fueled by psychological tension and religious iconography. Unlike the decade's other two occult works, "The Exorcist" and "The Omen," this is not a tale about the Devil's chicanery. Although it overlaps ominous images of Christ with the raging feminine hormones of teenagers, the film actually decrys the tragic reality of school bullying; as an underrated form of child abuse, this so-called "rite of passage" involves a youth culture so cruel and thoughtless that it drives its victims to suicide or murder.
Actress Sissy Spacek portrays Carrie White, a shy and lonely misfit who is constantly harrassed by her classmates. After another strenuous game of vollyball, she begins to mensturate in the girls' shower. Terrified at seeing the blood running down her fingers, Carrie hysterically cries to the other students for help. But instead, all of the girls corner her in the locker room, jeering and tossing tampons at her. From that moment on, viewers are introduced to the appalling ignorance of the high school staff; not only do the teachers refuse to take Carrie's word seriously, but even Principal Morton (Stefan Gierasch) can't seem to remember her first and last name. The only official to pity her is gym teacher Miss Collins (Betty Buckley), who realizes that she was never taught how to deal with PMS. Fiercely determined to protect Carrie's well-being, Miss Collins punishes the class with a week's worth of brutal, boot camp athletics; anyone who refused to attend detention was excluded from the senior prom.
Meanwhile, behind closed doors, Carrie is tortured and chastised by her Mother (Piper Laurie), a straitlaced Christian fanatic who corrupts every passage in the Bible, blatantly accusing her daughter of being sinful. After hearing about her first period, Margaret White assumes that Carrie is inflicted with the curse of blood, and that she's tempted by the Antichrist's lust. Forcing her to pray for strength, Margaret drags her helpless daughter into a tiny closet, where a gaunt effigy of Jesus stares into a dark void of nothingness. It seems that all hope is lost for this little girl, but that mood eventually changes. Through library research, Carrie discovers she possesses telekinetic powers; whenever she gets angry or afraid, she can flip an ashtray off a desk, shatter a mirror, or make doors open and close unaided. Eventually, this is the weapon she uses to fight back against her Mother's assault.
Seeking revenge, one of Carrie's most hateful bullies, a spoiled and nasty girl named Chris (Nancy Allen), cajoles her drunk boyfriend Billy (John Travolta) to play a sadistic prank on her. On prom night, after Carrie and poet Tommy Ross (William Katt) are crowned King and Queen, Chris dumps a bucket of pig's blood on her head. Drenched and degraded, she is surrounded by a kaleidoscope of laughing spectators. In an act of murderous rage, Carrie unleashes her telekinetic anger upon the crowd. With her cold and blank stare, she showers water from a firehose, electrocutes the microphone, and engulfs the entire school in flames. In perhaps the most shocking split-screen sequence in history, this unforgettable night of terror is shot through multiple perspectives, while glowing a grisly, hellish red.
If you are seeking a horror classic for your DVD collection, I strongly recommend this film, as well as "The Exorcist," "Evil Dead," and "Nightmare on Elm Street."

Classical
Carrie White is a bit strange. She is friendless, her mother is obsessed with worshipping god, and sin, everybody at school harrases her, and to top it all off, she gets asked to the prom by the "hottest" guy in school, which also happens to be the guy Carrie has "special feelings" for.

Now, when you mix all those things together, do you come to the conclusion that Carrie might be under a lot of pressure? Well sure you do, cause she is. And to her horror, when she and Billy or whoever it is, i forget his name, starts to dance to the school song, a huge bucket of pigs blood is poured on her.

Blood, guts, gore...not really, but during the last half hour or so, the violence is pretty strong, not too graphic, but there are some graphic scenes of violence. When a girl gets crushed by a basketball hoop thingy, and when Carries mom gets killed by knifes being stabbed in her. I am sure there are some other ones, but those are the most graphic that i Can remeber right now.

Not too sexual, but there are definatly some sexual scenes, after all, this IS stephen king we are talking about, read this book and that will be enough dose of sexuality for you for one day, guarenteed.

Chilling ever time I see it
This movie is a very rare type of teen horror moive. It perfectly balences our fears and teen angst with phenominal acting at the same time. I think the reason why Carrie is still so fresh even today is because we all have a little bit of Carrie in all of us. All of us at one point in our lives have been teased, beaten up, or felt like you didn't belong at some point in our lives. We all know exactly how Carrie feels when all the girls laugh at her at the prom, or the excitment she felt when the most popular guy in schol askes her to the prom. We have all experienced these feeling throught out our teen years. Pino Donaggio did a superb job with the sountrack. Its so simple yet so effective. The music playing just before the blood is dumped still gets me everytime. It sounds almost like a clock ticking. Almost as if itsticking away the time that the kids have left to live. Even though I know whats gonna happen that scene never fails to scare me to death. This movie is a must see. Even todays teens will love this movie.

Steven King at his best
Probably the best translation of a Steven King novel into a movie. You can't miss this one. ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Pippin
Bob Fosse's masterpiece Pippin is the tony award-winning Broadway musical starring the incomparable Ben Vereen. The show was written by Stephen Schwartz, the Academy-award winning composer of Godspell and The Prince of Egypt. Also stars William Katt as Pippin, Benjamin Rayson, Martha Raye, and Chita Rivera as Pippin's relatives. The video has amazing dancing and singing, as well as some hysterical comedic moments. Anyone who enjoys the theatre will love this video.

Video to remember Ben Vereen on Broadway
In 1973, I was able to see the almost orginal cast(missing Irene Ryan, our dear Granny, who passed away while production was on Broadway.) Ben Vereen was unbelievable as was John Rubenstein. Now, we can't go back to 1973 and we can't all fit in a live theatre. This video records a live performace, so that we can remember how Ben Vereen was in the show, with all his energy, wit and power of dance. Having seen other videoed shows, however, the values are not as good on this one. It serves as a record of what was. Perhaps, Pippin will live on Broadway again. Otherwise, here is a taste, from Canada, of what the show was like, with Bill Katt as Pippin and Ben Vereen as the Leading Player. All the songs are here, including the smashing finale, but some of the more intimate moments (a severed head in conversation) is missing. This is a Bob Fosse show, so the dancing is definately Fosse. The sound is good, though upstage sounds are not as good as could have been recorded. If you're looking for a sense of what Pippin was, this is it!

The cast is better than the CD
That's right! I said it! John Rubinstein's voice is not strong enough to play Pippin. He sounds like Henry Gibson singing...anyone? Henry Gibson? "Laugh-In"? He was the voice of Wilbur in "Charlotte's Web?" No one? Okay, moving on...William Katt however not only sings "Corner of the Sky" he relishes it. He savors every note, and that's the way it must be sung. You wouldn't sing "Do You Hear the People Sing" unless you can handle it and you shouldn't sing "Corner" without some serious chops....or props...or snaps, or whatever the hell else it is that means "talent, abilities." I also think that Ben Vereen does better live than in the studio. That's right, I think Ben Vereen gave a better performance than Ben Vereen! Not even Ben Vereen could've matched Ben Vereen as a...no, this is silly. Look, the CD's fine, but the movie's better. The arrangements, the performances, and the fact that they cut my least favorite song "I Guess I'll Miss the Man."

Despite the quality a MUST have
I have been reading the many good and bad reviews and thought I should add something. I am an expert on Bob Fosse and his work. This particular production was pulled together by Kathryn Doby (Bobby's assistant for years). It was rather hasty in putting together as it was meant for a television broadcast. In the process of setting the time format for television many cuts were made to the original script, which unfortunetly are now not available. What is important about this version is it allows the closest view of Bobby's original work that we may ever have. Bob worked on this show while at great odds of the composer (Schwartz), to the point of having him barred from rehersals. It is amazing the show ever made it to where it got. The fact that we can still see the original art that was the choreography of Bobby, is the ONLY reason that this video should be in your collection. He won the Tony award for his work on this show (he also won the oscar for Cabaret and the Emmy for Liza with a Z this same year, the ONLY director to EVER do that) Enjoy!

Good record of 1981 made for television performance...
I had never seen Pippin before, so I don't have a stage comparison. Most of the complaints are about the video quality and the sound. First, this was filmed as a television production, not for screen or home video. Some of the reviewers have forgot that fact when complaining about the video and sound. VHS was just beginning to take off and very few cinemas had multi-channel sound. I have a VHS tape of a concert film made at that time, "The Last Waltz" and the sound from those live performances aren't too good either. If they ever release the video TV special "Liza with a Z", it will probably be of this quality too. But, it's the performances that are worth watching. Just seeing Ben Vereen's dancing in "Glory" makes this DVD worthwhile. ... Read more

Description

No matter what rolls in on the tides of time, California surfing buddies Matt, Jack, and Leroy know they'll stick together. And, they know they'll be ready when a rare 20-foot swell hits the coast at last. ... Read more

Reviews (43)

SURF MOVIE OF THE CENTURY!
This movie is regarded as a surf classic and rightly so. Slickly produced, consisting of a series of vignettes over 13 years it gives a non-surfing person a revealing insight into the surf culture. The still-thorny issue of the Vietnam War is dealt with and the transition from the swinging sixties into the seventies is handled very well (a technique John Milius perfected in his 1983 classic Uncommon Valor which incidentally pre-dated the much hyped Rambo First Blood II by nearly two years). The climax of the film is the surf footage at the end depicting the legendary day of a lifetime, Big Wednesday. The only negative is the thought that the two stars, Jan Michael Vincent and Gary Busey threw away their lives after this movie due to drug addiction (Busey almost died from an overdose in 1994). Another negative is that some of the surfing terminology in the book didn't make it to the film. In the book, the car is referred to as "The Makeshift" - it isn't in the film. Still, if you cast these things out of your mind for 100 minutes you will experience something truly special. You won't be disappointed.

Early acting at its best...
This film is phenomenal in that it brings not only William Katt, Gary Busey and Jan Michael Vincent together but also introduces many new faces to 80's film and television such as Robert England (aka Freddie Krueger) and Steve Kanaly (aka Dallas). The film, although originally thought of as a surfing movie is far from that. It is a film totally encompassing the late 60's and early 70's around the vietnam era and the pressures of the strained relationships of three friends. A film worth seeing for anyone who grew up during that time.

Yes
If you're interested in surfing at all, you need this one.

Surfing Movie
This one is not just a documentary about surfing. It is actually a good life/friendship movie... And let's not forget about the waves! I enjoy watching this movie.

Cover misleading - needs better cover
BIG WEDNESDAY is, as many have stated, so much more than just a surfie movie. It explores the friendship of three friends over a 10 year period who just happen to all have a surfing passion. A film overlooked by many, yet has a great story to tell with excellent performances by Katt, Busey and Vicent. The surfing aspect is a small part of the overall storyline.

I think the marketing people should have released this DVD title with a different cover as it is misleading and cheapens the movie to a great degree. It is so much more deserving than that. ... Read more

Description

From Director Dirk Schafer, whose "Man of the Year" pulled women's magazine centerfolds out of the closet, comes this sultry hyper-kinetic drama set in the sex-and-pecs, musicand steroid world of the circuit party scene-where drugs flow and inhibitions fall on the sweaty dance floor. Johnis a closeted small-town cop who moves to L.A., where he is quickly seduced into a new lifestyle. As John falls deeper and deeper into a spiral of drugs and carousing, his one chance for redemption lies in the arms of his newboyfriend. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

So True -- From a Circuit Boy
The reviews for the movie, state that its terrible and projects the wrong image for the gay community. The truth is the circuit community is a LARGE part of the gay community, at least the gay male community. The images shown in Circuit as by and large truthful and unvarnished. Thousands upon Thousands of gay boys flock the parties all over the country. And while Circuit may show an extreme version of the events, they are nevertheless valid and accurate. I have literally seen people drop dead next to me from overdose of GHB and the other boys look and then keep dancing. The extensive 'partying' that surrounds those events is sad but its a fact that can not be overlooked not matter how much we might wish it to be otherwise.

This film should be taken for what it is a non-judgmental honest portrait of the circuit party lifestyle. Its not for everyone but its factual and true to life. Its part of our culture and we should not be afraid or ashamed of it.

Eye opening look at circuit life
CIRCUIT is an interesting movie that paints a picture about many facets of certain gay lifestyles. I say that because it is not a representation of EVERY gay life. This movie focuses on the 'circuit boys' and the people in their lives. The movie centers around many circuit parties, but it's more than just parties. The movie is rich with exploration into each character.

The movie starts with a man who is a cop in a midwestern town where he grew up in, who leaves his cop life behind and moves to West Hollywood and opens up his repressed past and accepts it. He experiences the circuit life, and everything involved. The drug use, the heavy interest in physical appearance and beauty. He falls from grace and deals with the consequences of his drug use and overall lifestyle change.

However he is not the only character we get to know. There's a lot of different characters you get to know through this movie, and you truly get a sense of who they are and why they do what they are doing. The movie deals with a lot of ideas about the fear of getting older and not being the hot young thing anymore. I thought it was brilliant, the filmmaker making a movie within a movie really worked well and emphasized the point of the movie all that much more.

An entertaining movie that will open your eyes. Thankfully, it is not representative of the whole gay population, just a fragment of it.

Five Star Rating is for photography and verisimilitude
Maybe this movie isn't a true portrayal of the scene all over the place, but it documents well, a real part of gay life that came about in the 70's and lasted until who knows when.

It isn't like the flames and heat of the 70's and 80's, because there was a more primal sense of discovery, and the "forbidden fruit" aspect of life then was a perk to us Circuit boys that isn't as available now. We weren't following a pattern, but making one.

I think this movie will become a piece that stays in the Gay Canon and one which will be as lasting as VALLEY OF THE DOLLS was/is.

I particularly liked the empty, lovely, and bad hustler. He was so totally close to the hustlers of the French Quarter I knew years ago. Only, he had more energy, and was cleaner, and more sophistocated--but, just an innerly empty. That emptiness is a reality that he really portrays.

Like flashing photography? Like dancing kissing gay men? You like to know what a White Party or Red Party is about?

It is a hard world for a true muscled, lovely, slightly aging hunk, and this will make you laugh and cry.

The tragedy portrayed, was valid. I think the sad side is we all know a bunch of guys who died along the way.

Older gay men will like this, especially couples who lived the days of wild abandon.

Kids, Don't Let This Happen To You
CIRCUIT is essentially an ABC Afterschool Special for gay men which seems to say that if you party with all the dopey pretty boys, you'll end up wasted, too. Former Playgirl hunk Derik Shafer directs this piece of disco drivel featuring shoddy lighting, not-too-good sound and wooden performances by the actors. Recommended only if you like seeing loads of hunky flesh.

Valley of the Dopes
This film does exactly what it intends to do for the like-minded viewer, pisses off those that disagree, and updates Valley of the Dolls for those of us that love the obvious morality tales about self-destruction, beauty, and life in the fast line. That being said - Valley of the Dolls is still popular for a reason. This is a little more heavy-handed, longer and poorly made. Pluses are that it is more fleshy, better music (well almost - no Dionne W.), and boys, boys. boys. Worth a spin to decide which camp you're in. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A movie about conjoined (or "Siamese") twins and a prostitute soundslike a bad joke or a sleazy porn flick, but Twin Falls Idaho is actually an eerie, atmospheric story about love and mutual dependence. Penny (Michele Hicks) gets called to a dingy hotel room where she discovers Blake and Francis Falls (twin brothers Mark and Michael Polish). When they go into the bathroom to get her a glass of water, she flees--but forgets her purse. When she returns, Blake and Francis don't get angry; they accept her fear and horror with sad resignation. Their vulnerability draws Penny into their lives, as she learns that the illness of one twinthreatens the lives of both. Twin Falls Idaho moves slowly, but the pace never drags. The lush cinematography is drenched in color; the makeup, costumes, and set design feel not quite contemporary and combine to give the movie a dislocated, otherworldly look. The movie was written by the Polish brothers and directed by Michael; though it's their first film, it feels confident and has a sweet, melancholy humor. The performances of the entire cast--including supporting appearances by Patrick Bauchau, Lesley Ann Warren, and Garrett Morris--are consistent and strong. Though clearly influenced by David Lynch (Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks), Twin Falls Idaho slowly becomes a unique and affecting creation. The delicate image of the twin brothers quietly whispering in each other's ears will linger in your memory long after the movie ends. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Amazon.com

Rose McGowan vamps it up mercilessly as the "Satan in heels," a teenage-bitch queen whose birthday prank gone terminally wrong leaves her best friend dead, choked to death on a jawbreaker the size of a fist. Rebecca Gayheart, with her sparkling eyes and a smile that could melt an iceberg, is the good girl at heart who becomes a social pariah when she drops out of the group, trading her plunging necklines for librarian-lite sweaters and long skirts. Jawbreaker wants nothing less than to be the Heathers of its generation, but only intermittently hits the mark, such as when McGowan turns a mousy nobody into the next big thing, a slutty tease whose craving for attention soon challenges McGowan's supremacy. "She's evil," someone finally realizes, "and she's only in high school!" That's unfortunately the best Darren Stein's film gets. For all its catty talk and surface glamour, it's a flat, broadly directed satire that never lives up to its evocative title. Features an appearance by teen rock punks the Donnas as the prom band. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (131)

this movie rocks !!!!!
Jawbreaker is a must see movie. it's totally cool. Rose McGowan potrays her character perfectly, and i love the clothes she wears in the movie. Rose does a wonderful job playing an evil popluar girl, who is mean to an innocent, geeky girl. it reminds me of the pepole at my school. I think it was funny. Rose, keep up the great work ! you are my idol !

Unoriginal And For The Most Part Bland
This movie reminds me of the film that came out around ten years age called Heathers, only Jawbreaker isn't as good. This movie is quite prosaic and unoriginal. There's nothing new or surprising. The acting is fine, and the plot is okay, but that doesn't always add up to make a great film. Not recommended. Forgettable and predictable. Watch Heathers instead.

Funny,Hip,Cool
This was a funny movie,but the bitchiest girl and we all know who that was,is a total snob!I thought this was a great and cool movie.My cousin and her friends told me I could'nt see this with them but I did and I did not see what the big deal was,Only some parts were gross!

Pam Grier......What were you thinking?!?
The only justifiable and redeemable quality of this movie that is worth mentioning is that Pam Grier has a supporting role in it. Although her character was written as 2 dimentional and left no room for any depth or development, she did give an almost "oscar-worthy" performance when she slammed the jawbreaker on the table while trying to intimidate one of the girls. You go Pam! I watched in discomfort as Pam (who so brilliantly played "Jackie" in "Jackie Brown") tried to no avail to bring her lame character to life. I only saw the boredom in her eyes. The entire time i viewed this piece, i wanted to take over for the director and do this film some justice. There were so many opportunities to make this movie work but it seems as though the filmmakers had a creative blockage holding them back. A jawbreaker maybe?

Heathers Wannabe? Maybe.
This movie was great...in a sick, twisted sort of way. Almost surreal. The acting wasn't bad at all, and Rose MCgowan portrayed the ultimate teen bitch! She's beautiful and pure EVIL! I love it! My high school was nothing like this, of course, but I could imagine some being like that. Jawbreaker is a must see if you like that dark type comedy. ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Hey, that cheese in intentional!
If you're looking for something truly scary, look elsewhere. Same if you're looking for something visually stunning, laden with brilliant acting, or intelligently funny. The humor and the horror in this flick are both stupid - but that's the whole point. Here's some math: take a Jason (Friday the 13th) movie, add a Naked Gun movie, divide the humor by 1.5, the horror by 2, and the budget by 3, and you've got House. It's hilarious, unpredictable, bizarre beyond belief, maybe a little bit scary at times, and weirdest of all in a movie like this, the main character is actually pretty believable! The film takes any 'rules' for haunted houses and throws them out the window: an unkillable monster that looks like the main character's wife for a few minutes comes in from outside, some really weird looking thing emerges from a closet and tries to grab people, and the bathroom mirror is a portal to somewhere that both is and isn't a beach in the Vietnam War. If you have an open mind and can laugh at the bizarre and unpredictable, I highly recommend this movie.

Ding Dong!
Perhaps one of the quintessential 1980s horror films, House makes its explosion onto the DVD format in this (relatively unadvertised) Anchor Bay Special/Limited Edition disc. The digital gurus at Anchor Bay's studios have given us another finely restored film, and the first 20,000 DVDs produced are actual limited editions with a bonus DVD that contains a restored House II: The Second Story. Fans, be speedy: these two-disc sets aren't going to last long, and this is House II's ONLY anticipated Region 1 release on DVD, ever. Once it's gone, it's gone.

But, is the 2 disc set even worth getting? House tells the story of Vietnam vet and writer Roger Cobb (William Katt) who, looking for solitude and a break from his ex-wife (Kay Lenz), decides to move into his aunt's old house after she commits suicide. Coincidentally, this is the same house where Cobb's son disappeared a couple of years ago - apparently one of the deciding factors in the divorce, and Cobb's current writing slump. After he checks in, all manner of strange things happen, from Vietnam flashbacks to ghostly goings-on.

As a horror film, House certainly holds its own against more serious slasher-fare. Like Sam Raimi's Evil Dead, House doesn't take itself as seriously as other movies in the genre, and the result is an oftentimes humorous piece of work (unintentionally or not). The horror elements are strong: you are never completely sure if the house is actually causing the events, or if the main character is slowly going insane. Unfortunately, the story is so disjointed that the main creep value is lost when baddies are revealed too early, and the final sequence turns into an action movie instead of a horror film. While farces aren't intended to be subtle, the subtle, layered effect created in the first 20 minutes is utterly ruined as soon as we see the monster, and from there on out everything either becomes more stereotypical 80s horror fare, or the comic version of the same. This problem doesn't render House unwatchable, but it certainly detracts, as if the director couldn't quite make up his mind about what way he wanted the movie to go.

The DVD, on the other hand, is fantastic. The sound, while in mono, is clear and crisp, and the video transfer is remarkable (although anything less from Anchor Bay would be a crime). The commentary track is loads of fun, and a 12-minute featurette on The Making of House provides a little historical context and amusement, too. Luckily, Anchor Bay didn't spare the bonus House II disc any of their normal bells and whistles, and again the sound (mono as well) is great along with the near-flawless video. The bonus disc also contains a full-length commentary which isn't nearly as entertaining as the other, but hey, neither is the movie. Fans of House (and House II, if anyone is willing to admit to it) will definitely want to get the Limited Edition as soon as possible, because House II is going to be gone for good once it sells out. Otherwise, if you liked House, and know what to expect from Anchor Bay, you know what to do - and at this price, it's hard not to.

Two Stories in one
This was a great movie in that it told you to beware that everything is not as it seems. Roger Cobb went to the house to write a book and wound up conquering his inner demons and freeing his son. The Bonus is that even though the details on this dvd don't actually say it you get two movies for the price of one. House 2 the Second story is included as well. So watch and enjoy they don't make good horror movies anymore not like this one.

Good Movie
I liked this movie, the second one is better by far. I remember watching House 2 as a kid. I loved being able to see it all over again. By the way, it states that House includes 2 discs, I ordered House and House 2. The second disc in the House 1 dvd is House 2. If your are looking to buy both, just buy this one. Both are included.

Great Example of a fun Horror.
I have always loved House 1 and 2. Fun and creepy at the same time. I finally bought both on DVD and the sound is amazing. The picture is so clear that it makes it even creepier. VHS did it no justice. Get the DVD! The acting is good and the timing is perfect. There are some funny moments that calms the creepiness a bit. Its not sexual or gory in any way. great for the whole family. Dont wait.....get it today! ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Hey, that cheese in intentional!
If you're looking for something truly scary, look elsewhere. Same if you're looking for something visually stunning, laden with brilliant acting, or intelligently funny. The humor and the horror in this flick are both stupid - but that's the whole point. Here's some math: take a Jason (Friday the 13th) movie, add a Naked Gun movie, divide the humor by 1.5, the horror by 2, and the budget by 3, and you've got House. It's hilarious, unpredictable, bizarre beyond belief, maybe a little bit scary at times, and weirdest of all in a movie like this, the main character is actually pretty believable! The film takes any 'rules' for haunted houses and throws them out the window: an unkillable monster that looks like the main character's wife for a few minutes comes in from outside, some really weird looking thing emerges from a closet and tries to grab people, and the bathroom mirror is a portal to somewhere that both is and isn't a beach in the Vietnam War. If you have an open mind and can laugh at the bizarre and unpredictable, I highly recommend this movie.

Ding Dong!
Perhaps one of the quintessential 1980s horror films, House makes its explosion onto the DVD format in this (relatively unadvertised) Anchor Bay Special/Limited Edition disc. The digital gurus at Anchor Bay's studios have given us another finely restored film, and the first 20,000 DVDs produced are actual limited editions with a bonus DVD that contains a restored House II: The Second Story. Fans, be speedy: these two-disc sets aren't going to last long, and this is House II's ONLY anticipated Region 1 release on DVD, ever. Once it's gone, it's gone.

But, is the 2 disc set even worth getting? House tells the story of Vietnam vet and writer Roger Cobb (William Katt) who, looking for solitude and a break from his ex-wife (Kay Lenz), decides to move into his aunt's old house after she commits suicide. Coincidentally, this is the same house where Cobb's son disappeared a couple of years ago - apparently one of the deciding factors in the divorce, and Cobb's current writing slump. After he checks in, all manner of strange things happen, from Vietnam flashbacks to ghostly goings-on.

As a horror film, House certainly holds its own against more serious slasher-fare. Like Sam Raimi's Evil Dead, House doesn't take itself as seriously as other movies in the genre, and the result is an oftentimes humorous piece of work (unintentionally or not). The horror elements are strong: you are never completely sure if the house is actually causing the events, or if the main character is slowly going insane. Unfortunately, the story is so disjointed that the main creep value is lost when baddies are revealed too early, and the final sequence turns into an action movie instead of a horror film. While farces aren't intended to be subtle, the subtle, layered effect created in the first 20 minutes is utterly ruined as soon as we see the monster, and from there on out everything either becomes more stereotypical 80s horror fare, or the comic version of the same. This problem doesn't render House unwatchable, but it certainly detracts, as if the director couldn't quite make up his mind about what way he wanted the movie to go.

The DVD, on the other hand, is fantastic. The sound, while in mono, is clear and crisp, and the video transfer is remarkable (although anything less from Anchor Bay would be a crime). The commentary track is loads of fun, and a 12-minute featurette on The Making of House provides a little historical context and amusement, too. Luckily, Anchor Bay didn't spare the bonus House II disc any of their normal bells and whistles, and again the sound (mono as well) is great along with the near-flawless video. The bonus disc also contains a full-length commentary which isn't nearly as entertaining as the other, but hey, neither is the movie. Fans of House (and House II, if anyone is willing to admit to it) will definitely want to get the Limited Edition as soon as possible, because House II is going to be gone for good once it sells out. Otherwise, if you liked House, and know what to expect from Anchor Bay, you know what to do - and at this price, it's hard not to.

Two Stories in one
This was a great movie in that it told you to beware that everything is not as it seems. Roger Cobb went to the house to write a book and wound up conquering his inner demons and freeing his son. The Bonus is that even though the details on this dvd don't actually say it you get two movies for the price of one. House 2 the Second story is included as well. So watch and enjoy they don't make good horror movies anymore not like this one.

Good Movie
I liked this movie, the second one is better by far. I remember watching House 2 as a kid. I loved being able to see it all over again. By the way, it states that House includes 2 discs, I ordered House and House 2. The second disc in the House 1 dvd is House 2. If your are looking to buy both, just buy this one. Both are included.

Great Example of a fun Horror.
I have always loved House 1 and 2. Fun and creepy at the same time. I finally bought both on DVD and the sound is amazing. The picture is so clear that it makes it even creepier. VHS did it no justice. Get the DVD! The acting is good and the timing is perfect. There are some funny moments that calms the creepiness a bit. Its not sexual or gory in any way. great for the whole family. Dont wait.....get it today! ... Read more

Description

Join a thrilling expedition deep in the forbidding jungle, where two modern scientists are on the trail of an amazing discovery! While studying rare fossils, they uncover a living, breathing legend, an enormous pair of Brontosauruses and a hatchling dinosaur alive in the heart of the rain forest! To protect this rare find, they must escape a world of unseen and certain danger. Through a tribe of mystical native warriors and into the grasp of an evil scientist, it's the ultimate battle to survive! Screen favorite Sean Young (NO WAY OUT) and William Katt (THE GREATEST AMERICAN HREO) igniite the screen in this entertaining adventure of gigantic proportions! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

GREAT MOVIE
THIS MOVIE IS ONE OF THE BEST ADVENTURE MOVIE I HAVE SEEN. MUCH BETTER THEN JURRASIC PARK OR THE LOST WORLD WHICH ARE JUST BORING TO WATCH. IT SHOULD HOWEVER HAVE A PG-13 RATING BECAUSE THERE IS VIOLENCE AND A STABBING. ITS A GOOD MOVIE FOR DINOSAUR BUFFS AND FOR ANYONE WHO LIKES A GOOD ADVENTURE MOVIE.

So 80's it's cool!!!
This movie is great. I haven't seen it in like ten years but I can't wait to watch it again! I used to rent it every time I went to the video store, this and the Last Unicorn, and I just loved it! Sure, the Brontosaurus really never existed and more correctly is called the Apatasoarus b/c there was a dino race in the early 1900's and they found the complete body of an apatasaurus but no head, so they incorrectly put the head of a Brachiousaurus on the apatastaurus and called it a brontosaurus - but that's okay- it's still good!!! And to those who have negative feelings towards this movie that have already reviewed shouldn't place bad memories of their long lost childhood to fault this movie b/c it's really great!!!

Jurasick park this movie made it possible
I grew up watching this movie and just recently found it on dvd I was so excited. For the time this was incredible and any one who says jurassic park is the best dino movie ever is obesly to young to fully get this movie. at the time it was cutting edge I feel sorry for you. I have all the jurrasic park movies and I would watch this one 40 times more then those. This movie paved the way for those movies. I wish they would do a remake

THE GAME IS OVER
I don't know how anyone could not laugh at this movie. Right off the bat, the cover says it's "a cross between Raiders of the Lost Ark and E.T."...right, only in the dreams of the producers. Truth be told, the dinosaurs don't look THAT bad for the time, but Baby running near the end of the movie always puts me into fits of laughter. Same goes for any time a dinosaur gets shot. I can't believe this is on DVD, I was thrilled to learn that it has been digitally preserved forever. As far as I'm concerned even the DVD menu is hilarious, just look at the dinosaur's face - it has eyebrows.

No zeros allowed? Aw, shucks.
They showed "Baby" to us every year when I was in summer day camp (Packer Collegiate in Brooklyn for those in the know) and to this day I recall it as the worst movie I've ever seen. I think you would have to do a "Clockwork Orange" and mechanically maintain my alertness in order to make me watch this again: you would not, however, have to inject me with evil drugs in order to get me to collapse writhing upon mention of it. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Bear facts
This is a great family movie with excellent actors and a good, clean storyline. Breath taking scenery as well - I recommend it highly for both children and adults.

Gentle Ben is an Entertaining Movie
I found that Gentle Ben was an entertaining movie. I must say what I have read by another reviewer is not correct in the least.
This movie is in no way meant to go along with any book. It was an attempt to make a movie based on the 1950's TV Series Gentle Ben. If anyone saw & liked that series you will enjoy the movie.

Well.......
I've never seen this movie, but Reiley McClendon is in it so therefore I give it as many stars as possible.

Not what we expected
We ordered this movie after reading the book with our daughter, expecting the movie to follow the story at least a bit. We were very disappointed to see that the only things the book and movie had in common were 2 character names, and a bear (which was not even the same kind of bear.) We were expecting a movie about fishermen in Alaska, not a city kid stuck in the woods with his ranger uncle. The movie was okay, but if you are expecting a story anything similar to the book, don't waste your money. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The first film to actually bill itself as a "prequel," this Richard Lester effort certainly didn't measure up to the Robert Redford-Paul Newman original, but it's better than you'd think. That's because of Lester's terrific sense of slapstick and his ability to deflate legends. He gets Newman and Redford lookalikes Tom Berenger and William Katt and puts them through a series of screwups and miscues, as the two would-be outlaws find that breaking the law is no easy business. Writer Allan Burns's script isn't long on story, but it offers both plausible and entertaining explanations of how these two came to be partners. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Fun Western Prequel!
I am dating myself, but I remember seeing this film in the theatres. (Of course, I was 6. Yeah, that's right...six years old. OK, we'll go with that...)

I enjoyed it in my callow youth, and I find that now that I am a little more (ahem) mature, I still enjoy it. It's a cute little film with lots of future stars, a nice pace and altogether an entertaining movie.

But, as I have noted in other reviews of this film, it doesn't really have a plot. Just a series of adventures these two get into. But that's OK, just know what to expect. No plot, just fun little sketches as our heroes go from one predicament to the next.

Both stars (Tom Berenger doing Butch Cassidy, William Katt as Sundance Kid) do a fine job. If you are familiar with the movie that inspired this one ("Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford) you'll see some similarities in these stars. Katt (who later went on to be in "The Greatest American Hero" and "Perry Mason" in the '80s) has a certain look around the eyes and mouth that is Redford-esque (when the lighting is right). Berenger (Oscar nominated for "Platoon" a few years later) bears some resemblance to Newman at certain angles, and especially when he wears a particular funky hat that Newman also wore. Interesting and ingenious casting choices, in my opinion. (And as an aside, I am still amazed at how slender and trim Berenger was in this movie!)

Other future stars include Peter Weller ("Buckaroo Banzai" and "Robocop") as the guy who is doggedly determined to track our pair down. Jill Eikenberry ("L.A. Law") plays Butch's wife, Christopher Lloyd ("Back to the Future", "Taxi") plays a partner in crime, and so on.

An excellent score by Patrick Williams should not be overlooked. It is one of the more outstanding parts of this film. Beautiful scenery, a cute script and a likeable cast make this a worthwhile film to watch. Just don't expect too much of a plot.

Underrated, and underappreciated because of comparison
I love this film, just as much as the 69 Newman/Redford film. This prequel is often compared to its predecessor and is deemed worse because of itslack of a star cast. But these 'unknowns' as they were then, portrayed theyoung outlaws better than any other actors I can think of.

Berenger hasgot the charming, motormouth, egotistical Butch down to a tee and Katt'sbrooding Sundance is just as attractive as Redford's was.

The film hasalso been accused of having an empty plot, but this just may be because itdoesn't have a solid event to deal with and build up to like the first(i.e. their deaths!). But this pretty prequel deals with smaller, but noless entertaining incidents in their lives: their meeting and teeming up,being a hero, Sundance's patented "stop the bleeding" method,Butch's family, O.C. Hank's revenge and, of course, LeFors.

The EarlyDays also has more jokes, more banter and more action, perhaps making upfor the unknown cast? But it really is hilarious with loads of tiny littletouches that you will still laugh at every time you watch it.

It's a gem,and deserves to sit up there on the shelf next to the 1969 version.

Not good at all...
Tom Barrenger and William katt star as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid.Only watched the video once and it sat in my video cabinet collecting dust. Tom barrenger's role as Butch Cassidy was better then the Sundance Kidrole played by William Katt. Butch was the one that was trying to show himthe ropes of being a GOOD outlaw.. William Katt comes across as a stuffyknow it all. At one point in the film he KICKS a guy in the knee! OVERGROWNBABY!!! If you want to see a true western please check out the originalButch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid...This one is not watchable over time.Once was quite enough for me.

Not a Knock-Off, it stands on its own!
Mention this title and most folks roll their eyes, "Oh, just some lame knock-off of the Newman/Redford classic," but not so. This is a really fun and funny movie! It was made years after the Redford/Newmanmovie, so it wasn't just a rush to make a fast buck before the popularitywore off. The story is solid, the cinematography beautiful and it's filledwith little touches that put it a cut above most westerns.

Directed byRichard Lester, who brought us, among other things, A Hard Day's Night,Help and Superman II, but it also has an all-star cast BEFORE THEY WERESTARS! You can see Tom Berenger, William Katt, Jill Eikenberry, BrianDennehy, Christopher Lloyd and Peter Weller, all before they became famous.Well worth a look, a pleasant surprise for all those tired of beingdisappointed by overly hyped crap at the video store. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nevermore!!!
This movie is so off target. It wants to be a clever thriller/mystery but there are no thrills and the only mystery is when will this junk end. It was written by William Katt who's claim to fame is the 80's TV show greatest america hero. Unless you thought that was great emmy worthy TV you will not want to see this. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

THE SEVENTH FLOOR
It's always good to see beautiful Brooke Shields in action and in an excellent thriller too.
The DVD has a bare bones menu of the type I have seen with soft core films

For Steven Bauer fans only
This is the original Simitar DVD release of "Stranger By Night." The picture and sound quality is excellent, though there are no extra features, just the chapter index, which is nice.I don't have the new "collector's edition" on DVD, hopefully someone will review this and let us know if its worth getting.William Katt gives an excellent performance, but the picture belongs to Steven Bauer, who is always great to watch. Fans will be happy to know there's another steamy Bauer nude scene of his along with Jennifer Rubin.

Great Value! 1 Great Movie! All Bad Quality :-(
Stranger By Night - Awful Movie/Good KATT!STRANGER BY NIGHT is an illogical endeavor by all counts, yet it has a spectacular supporting performance by -- of all people -- actor William Katt (who was the title character in the TV series THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO). Playing a libidinous, extroverted detective, Katt gives his scenes some feral kick, and he actually gives the illusion that you're watching a real movie. (It's sort of the effect Mickey Rourke elicited in his brief role in 1981's monotonous BODY HEAT.) However, this movie should be titles "Movie of the week", and be airing weekly on TNT's Dinner and a Movie.

Seventh Floor - This film is very well acted (yes, even the notoriously bad Brooke Shields pulls off an almost flawless performance), well written, and has amazingly well done special effects. The whole movie is centered around Kate (brooke), who recently has become widowed, and is left with the pain of her loss, and the bills. She does own 1/3 of an advertising firm, where the other 2/3 pays her out and forces her to leave. She finds the love of her life, who rents an apartment in the building she was left stuck with. Well....everything turns upside down....THis movie is a must see.

**These 2 DVDs were produced when DVD technology first became available a few years back. The quality of the DVDs is bairly better than VHS tapes, however, if you are interested in seeing the Seventh Floor, you might as well pick up this set for 1.00 more than that film is on its own. ... Read more

Description

After running away from home, 12-year-old Nathan is wanted by the cops. After stealing the mob's loot, he's wanted by the crooks. With both sides of the law on his tail and a fortune in cash in his pockets, Nathan is doing everything but laying low. He's living it up - with a lavish hotel suite and a megabucks shopping spree.Soon, even this streetsmart kid knows that his game of hide-and-seek has become all too serious. So now he's teaming up with police to get these ruthless criminals before they can get him. From runaway to fugitive to hero, Nathan is having the adventure of a lifetime...in a movie that shows how outrageous things can get when crime fighting becomes child's play. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great 80's cheese
I watched this movie when it was first on tv and later taped off the tv. I loved the schmaltzy-ness of it and was overjoyed to find that I could buy a good copy. My younger brother used to watch it over and over too even years later. It is a funny, silly movie just right for when you want some fluff to watch. I recommend it!

A pathetic T&A TV movie that fails at every turn
This lame attempt to cash in on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit craze is neither a comedy nor a drama. It is not sexy enough to attract jiggle fans and it is not barbed enough satire to actually explore this "genre" of cultural exploitation. ... Read more