Description

Get ready to reload as L.A. homicide detective Rick Hunter (Fred Dryer) and his partner Dee Dee McCall (Stepfanie Kramer) return to toss out the rulebook and blow away every other cop show on TV! In this explosive second season, Hunter and McCall take on deadly heists, killer porn stars, gangland murders, international terrorists, street hookers, punk rockers, McCall’s rapist and more. Bruce Davison co-stars as Captain Wyler in the legendary Saturday night series that shot down all critics to become one of the hottest action hits in television history! HUNTER – THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON features all 23 episodes – including the shocking two-part "Rape & Revenge"– with such guest stars as Robert Englund, Jane Russell, Robert Davi, Stuart Whitman, Kay Lenz, Sheryl Lee Ralph, John Matuszak and Isaac Hayes. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS OF ALL TIME
THIS SHOW IN UP THERE WITH A TEAM AND HAPPY DAYS AS THE BEST SHOWS ON TV EVER I GOT THE FIRST SEASON THE FIRST DAY IT CAME OUTI OWN OVER 2000 DVDS AND BOX SETS AND HUNTER IN THE TOP 2 A TEAM BEING NUMBER ONE GET THIS SET RIGHT AWAY:) ITS AMAZING ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the fourth and reportedly final film of the Lethal Weapon series, director Richard Donner reunites with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, who reprise their roles as Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh for one last hurrah in a film that is decidedly better than the third and first chapters. This time the pair are pitted against Jet Li, who plays the leader of a Chinese organized crime unit. Li, a veteran of hundreds of Hong Kong action films, more than holds his own against the more established team of Gibson, Glover, Renee Russo, and Joe Pesci with his subtle yet strong portrayal of the quietly irrepressible Wah Sing Ku. As always with the Lethal series, the plot is incredibly simple to follow: someone steals something, someone gets killed, and Murtaugh is reluctantly thrown into the mix while Riggs dives into the case with gleeful aplomb. As with the previous movies, we watch for the sheer action and chemistry alone. The action sequences throughout the fourth installment are exquisite, from the opening scene involving a flamethrower, a burning building, and a half-naked Murtaugh strutting like a chicken (don't ask, just watch), to the climactic showdown that pays genuine tribute to Jet Li's masterful martial art skills. As for chemistry, the bond between these characters is so strong by now that you sometimes feel like you're watching a TV series in its sixth season, such is the warm familiarity between the audience and the personalities on the screen. The humor is more fluid than ever, aided immeasurably by the casting of comedian Chris Rock, who like Li does a great job of making his presence known in some memorable verbal tirades that would bring a smile out of the Farrelly brothers. But it's the verbal and emotional jousting between Glover and Gibson that makes this fourth episode especially appealing; both are in peak form with great physical and verbal timing. One can only hope that if this is indeed the last of the Lethal films, that it won't be the last time we see Glover and Gibson together on screen. --Jeremy Storey ... Read more

Reviews (188)

Two hours wasted
Although I loved the first Lethal Weapon, #4 seemed to me to be nothing but two hours of force fed politically correct bull-oney. Sure, there was a lot of shooting, crashing and exploding -- but for no reason other than to have shooting, crashing and exploding. The action and comedy, unfortunately, were smothered by the political indoctrination. I'll pass on Lethal Weapon 5.

It's beautiful!!!
This has got to be one of THE funniest action packed movies that I've ever seen. The one-liners are non-stop, it's action packed, and it keeps you on your toes. An excellent movie. This is the only Lethal Weapon movie I've ever seen, and by far the best!!!!!! Lethal Weapon at it's best!!!!

Lousy Weapon 4
When are the boys of the LAPD going to realize it's time to hang it up?? This movie was 2 hours of complete stupidity and I think I'm dumber for sticking it out through the credits.

Not only are the storylines getting cornier, the acting is far and away the worst of the entire series. Don't get me wrong - I think the Lethal Weapon series was very entertaining, but they've performed the cardinal sin of movie making by going one sequel too many.

Good action, a lot of laughter!
Lethal Weapon 4 is a cool movie. All four parts are good. Jet Li brings all the action. This movie has a lot of laughs. All of the stars acted well in this movie. Love it!!

They are getting too old for this
I thought the plot was flat and Chris Rock's role was totally redundant. He didnt seem funny in the movie at all (this movie wasnt very funny)! The only thing different from the previous episodes was Jet Li's actions, which is quite amazing. ... Read more

Description

A prequel to "Jane Eyre." An Englishman in nineteenth-century Jamaica falls into a tortured marriage with a native Creole. When the woman begins to go mad, her husband takes her back to his gothic estate in England, where he locks her in the attic. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

The Wide Sargasso Sea: A Rich and Thrilling Seachange
When "The Wide Sargasso Sea" was first released in New York, it had received excellent reviews, an R rating and very little attention. I just happened to see a small advertisement in the New York Times one day. It was the title alone that intrigued me. From the moment the film began with that sensual and evocative soundtrack, I sensed we were in for something truly different and original.

"The Wide Sargasso Sea" is a brilliant collaboration of a gifted director, John Duigan, a strong, well paced screenplay and actors who are sublimely suited to their roles. Set in 19th century Jamaica,the screenplay transforms a fairly literal story by Jean Rhys into a rich and thrilling drama, which is driven as much by the individual conflicts and misunderstandings as it is by the cultural. "The Wide Sargasso Sea" is one of the few films that successfully combines the erotic with the lyrical;that depicts the complexity of human passion without becoming either literal or pedestrian.

With its lush, exotic setting,it is easy to become enmeshed in the endlessly subtle and colorful aspects of this film from the psychological to the sociological, individual difference to social conventions. But the story of Antoinette and Edward is the story of the delicate and precarious balance between love and knowledge, intimacy and trust, choice and destiny. So that once seeing "The Wide Sargasso Sea", you will have to see it again.

Years later I bought the VHS and found that "The Wide Sargasso Sea" is one of those superb films that stands the test of time. If only, the producers had recorded the soundtrack with music by Stuart Copeland and some wonderfully original, electronic interpretations of classical string quartets. Why didn't they?

Pretty, but vapid.
Wide Sargasso Sea (John Duigan, 1993)

John Duigan, who aggressively makes indie films, got the most notoriety of his career out of his adaptation of Jean Rhys' prequel to Jane Eyre. It's a very pretty thing, to be sure, but really-how much can you expect of any film made after the mid-eighties that plays up the casting of Michael York?

Let's face it, the main reason to watch Wide Sargasso Sea is that Antioniette (Karina Lombard, whose biggest role since has been in Kull the Conqueror) and Amelie (Rowena King, most recently seen in Proof of Life), who are battling for the affections of Antoinette's husband Edward (Nathaniel Parker, whose days are occupied making the Inspector Lynley mysteries presently), spend a whole lot of their screen time unclothed. (One wishes the same could be said of Naomi Watts, who has a small part here, but one can't have everything.) The story itself is about as riveting as... well, let's put it this way. It's a prequel to Jane Eyre. They share a certain leisure of plot.

Once Michael York's scenery-chewing is out of the way (he plays Antoinette's father, and is only seen in the scenes where she's young), the film settles down into a nice, quiet lull for the rest of its length. The scenery is beautiful, the bodies are beautiful, it's like Winged Migration with nudity and an attempt at a storyline. ** ½

wide sargasso sea
this movie made me finally understand the whole story of Jane Eyre, I understand and look at the people much better ,and understand the women called insane,as drivin that way by lonliness,I look at the master of the house with different eyes. it opens many questions Jane eyre leaves open for thought.

about the movie wide sargasso sea......
What I can basically say is that the actress when young saw her house was burned down by the nigerians and her mother(if I am not wrong) turns mad. I am not going to elaborate the story(no longer interesting) furthur for customer to find out for themselves. There are three erotic scene inside which I can say is normal as there is no so called explict sexual scenes inside. The NC-17 is more or less for show. One scene is the toucbing of ass scene between the actor and actress, the other is just only the facial expression of the actress during the first scene and the last, of course, is the sex scene which some called it as explicit to get the NC-17 rating. The story of this DVD is good and the scenes are very normal like a bright blue sky. ***A recommended purchase for those interested in this genre of movie on DVD***

Gonna Make You Sweat
Few films get as steamy as this one and still manage to convey any kind of story; kudos to Nathaniel Parker and Karina Lombard, who flawlessly pull off a difficult period piece.

What makes this film work is the progression of events; madness as depicted by tangleweed, temperature, voodoo/black magic, lust, etc. makes for a tantalizing feature, but none of it would work if the acting wasn't up to par.

Having read "Jane Eyre" a long time ago, I always thought it would be a great idea to create a story based on Rochester's psychotic wife, and how she got that way.

Steamy, superb drama for those of you who like a little subversion in your lives... ... Read more

Amazon.com

He's the Wild Blue Yonder, and The Tick is back to show why this outlandishly funny TV series should never have been canceled! After proving his mettle in comic books and animated TV, creator Ben Edlund's blue-insect superhero made his auspicious debut on Fox (in November 2001), portrayed in live action (in a buff-muscled rubber suit) by Patrick Warburton, the popular Seinfeld guest star (as "Puddy"), who instantly perfected the role he was born to play. In his appreciative commentary track, co-executive producer (and Men in Black director) Barry Sonnenfeld calls the pilot episode "the best thing I've ever directed," and it's easy to agree: wide-angle lenses, stylized sets, hilarious dialogue, and a comedically gifted cast make the episode (and the entire series) a perfect summation of Sonnenfeld's wacky style. Edlund concurs, observing that The Tick is "something you get or you don't," and the impatient Fox executives obviously didn't get the show's expert blend of absurdity, stupidity, and good-natured irreverence. They axed the series after eight of these nine episodes aired, only proving that The Tick was too hip for their bean-counting mentalities.

In the title role, Warburton (with highly expressive antennae) hits all the right notes of dimwitted innocence and brute-force gallantry, aided immeasurably by his moth-costumed sidekick Arthur (David Burke), wannabe lothario Batmanuel (Nestor Carbonell), and buxom beauty Captain Liberty (Liz Vassey). Attentive to the more mundane aspects of superheroism, The Tick offers outrageous villains (like the nefarious "Destroyo") and eccentric allies (like Ron Perlman's hilarious "Fiery Blaze") while showing that even crimefighters have everyday problems and desires. Brilliantly conceived and executed, The Tick can now be enjoyed by an audience it never had a proper chance to cultivate. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (57)

You face....The Tick!
"The Tick" was another one of those great, edgy television shows that Fox simply didn't give a chance (along with "The Critic," "Greg The Bunny" and others). The casting was absolutely perfect...Warburton does an excellent job as the Wild Blue Yonder, and Nester Carbonell (of "Suddenly Susan" fame) was the perfect Batmanuel.

The DVD is, sadly, not perfect. The extras are pretty worthless, and I'm at a loss as to why it needed to be a 2-DVD set with three episodes on one disc and six on the other. They all easily could have fit on one disc and left the annoying "extras" out.

I cannot criticize the content, however; the show is just as hilarious as I remember it. The episodes "The Funeral," "Couples" and the wonderful pilot (with Christopher Lloyd in an uncredited role as Mr. Fishladder, Arthur's former boss) are the shining points of the series. And from the viewpoint of a hearing-impaired person, it's a joy to watch a DVD that is properly closed-captioned, with no spelling mistakes, few omissions and without the annoying all-caps some DVDs insist upon.

This show was funny, edgy and irreverant...completely different from anything else on TV at the time. In the words of the Tick himself: "When the world says jump, we say pass the salt!"

The Wild Blue Yonder
He has melted viewers' hearts, and from this day forth, he will spread his buttery justice over their DVD players' every nook and cranny. He is the Tick, the mysterious and insane crime fighter who will teach the forces of evil the Lesson... of Metcalfe. (Don't ask, it's a series in-joke)

Mild-mannered accountant Arthur (David Burke) quits his job in order to don a spandex moth suit and fight crime. When he's attacked by inept Communist agents, he's suddenly rescued by... the Tick (Patrick Warburton), a dimwitted innocent who lives in a world of his own. Reluctantly recruited by the Tick as a sidekick, Arthur accompanies his bizarre, superhuman friend through a strange array of crime-fighting scenarios

With the wannabe Latin lover Batmanuel (Nestor Carbonell) and patriotic amazon Captain Liberty (Liz Vassey), the Tick attacks the eccentric evil of the world: fire-spewing Apocalypse Cow, 112-year-old supervillain The Terror, formerly pudgy ballerina Destroyo, Arthur's relatives, and robots who are trying to kill Jimmy Carter. In the meantime, Our Heroes have to deal with dogs, mixed dating (superhero/ordinary person), porn shoots, Captain Liberty accidently killing the poorly-named celebrity-superhero Immortal (in the sack, no less!), the snobby League of Heroes, and the Tick's search for his true identity.

It doesn't get much goofier than "Tick," which spoofs the sort of comic book heroes like Superman and Batman. The villains are over-the-top (check out Destroyo's tanklike exoskeleton), the heroes are more often insane than not, and sidekicks form little clubs to complain about how their heroes treat them. The writing is full of tortured metaphors and strange scenarios (the scene where Captain Liberty and Batmanuel try to explain the Facts of Life to the Tick is priceless -- "blah blah blah").

He's the tiny diamond in a sea of rhinestones, a peach in a barrel of bad apples; Patrick Warburton is outrageously funny as he rolls off the corniest and dumbest dialogue imaginable ("A secret message... from my teeth!") without cracking the tiniest smile. Burke serves as the hapless brain Arthur; Carbonell is quite entertaining as the womanizing Batmanuel, who only fights crime once in the whole series. And Vassey is fantastic as a frustrated 21st-century Wonder Woman who sometimes seems to be the only really sane one there.

All too short and all too sweet, "The Tick" wasn't given the long life on television that it deserved. However, fans can now enjoy the nine hysterical episodes of madness, mayhem, Metcalfe, and steaming hot cups of justice. Long live the Big Blue Lug.

an amazing comic made into an amazing show
I was a fan of The Tick comic books ( all, what, 13 of them?) and they are amongst my most prized posessions. I was very nervous when I heard a live action show was being made of the The Tick. However, I absolutely loved the show and the DVD set. I've already watched them through three times. A great buy!

Terrific Tick
I never watched the series when it was on the air, or watched the cartoon, comic book...but I was always told they were funny and be something that I would enjoy. I have to admit that I thouroughly enjoyed this series. The episodes got better as the season went on. My favorites are "Arthur, Interrupted", "The Funeral", "The Big Leagues", & "The Tick vs. Justice", although they were all pretty good! Patrick Warburton did an incredible job as the Tick. Many actors who portray comic heroes fall flat but Patrick was utterly convincing as the Wild Blue Yonder. David Burke, Nestor Carbonell, & Liz Vassey were all hillarious in their portrayals. It is sad that this series did not continue, one could only imagine what heights of levity could have been wrought if only this brilliant show was not terminated!
I wished this DVD could have had more extras...I couldn't find the DVD rom link either, but maybe I'm looking in the wrong places...and deleted scenes or TV spots would have been nice!
It would be great if a MOVIE gets produced...I would definitely Watch it!

"A secret message from my teeth!"
Ben Edlund's oft-licensed, off-beat creation was never in finer form than Patrick Warburton's jut-jawed portrayal of The Wild Blue Yonder himself. Matching the goofy heights reached by the excellent cartoon in a measly nine half-hour episodes, there's no telling what Sonnenfeld and company could have done with this series. Unfortunately, it looks like there never will be any telling, as the show was unceremoniously canned before the last episode even aired. Still, there's mirth aplenty in this strangely sparse 2-DVD set; Christopher Lloyd guest stars in an episode, as do Ron Perlman (Hellboy) and John de Lancie (Star Trek: TNG's Q). Warburton's Tick seems right at home alongside David Burke's Arthur, as well as new Edlund creations Batmanuel and Captain Liberty (ably acted by the hilariously oversexed Nestor Carbonell and the ever-serious Liz Vassey, respectively). Commentary tracks with Barry Sonnenfeld (who produced the series and directed the first episode) and Ben Edlund (who wrote the comic book back when it was an underground sensation) are available for nearly every episode, and a few poorly-selected trailers are on the second disc. Buy it for the show, chum. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

The second most-watched miniseries (after Roots) of all time, The Thorn Birds was originally broadcast in 1983 and captivated viewers with its story of a lifelong conflict between the spirit and the flesh. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Colleen McCullough, the production starsRichard Chamberlain as a Catholic priest named Ralph de Bricassart, whoselife in Australia between 1920 and 1962 is one long torment as he pines for his lover, Meggie Carson (Rachel Ward), while seeking advancement in hisclergyman career. The passion and the guilt make for compelling drama, but a stellar cast of supporting players adds muscle to the proceedings: BarbaraStanwyck (who won an Emmy for her work as Meggie's tough grandmother), Jean Simmons, Richard Kiley, Christopher Plummer, Bryan Brown, and MareWinningham. Chamberlain, who was something of the king of the miniseriesform at the time, is very good in the lead, as is the often-underrated Ward. Their affair is indeed irresistible to watch, which proves to be true, too, of the story's thick weave of church politics, forbidden desire, socialchange over decades, and family secrets. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (38)

The Thorn Birds: For You Teens and Twenty-Somethings Too!
Are you a college kid or under the age of thirty, like me? If so, let me tell you a little about how this wonderful miniseries has gotten me hooked! I was only one when it came out on ABC over Holy Week 1983. I had some free time over this Summer of 2003, and watched this miniseries in its entirety. At first, before the experience, I did not know what to think. Afterward, I was hooked and bought the whole VHS box set to add to my unique movie collection.

When I came back to school, (a Catholic school mind you) and brought my tapes back, all my friends watched and now everyone of them is in line to get the DVD this Tuesday (Feb 3rd, 2004), including me. I want it for the special interviews with the cast. Like Bryan Brown and Rachel Ward, who are married for 20 years and have three kids. They met on the set and fell in love. Since both of their acting careers are not what they used to be, it will be awesome to see their viewpoints on the show almost twenty-one years after the fact.

Passion, sex, drama and suspense. You'll find it all here. Watch the passion build until the third part where Meggie's and Father Ralph's relationship is consummated. Watch the tragedy and the ectasy they go through. Trust me Gen Y'ers, this will top any Dawson's Creek, 90210, or the O.C. that you've ever seen. Our parents made this the second-rated all time miniseries ever. Find out the reason why.

Heck,..., how can you go wrong?

Tugs at the heart
I just received my Thorn Birds DVD and am so thrilled to be able to watch it on DVD - 487 minutes of viewing in extraordinary color and excellent sound quality! There are 2 discs, with 2 sides to each disc. With all the scenes listed it is so easy to zip back to a particularly favorite scene to watch again.
I always loved this mini-series. The musical score is amazing. The actors are excellent, each one perfectly chosen for their role. The child Sydney Penney who plays the young Meggie does a wonderful job. And of course there are no words to describe the amazing performance by Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward, let alone the other lead actors and actresses. This series definitely tugs at your heart strings because there is no way a happy ending will occur. There are so many emotions involved as the characters play out their parts. Anger, sadness, happiness, and even the lustful, selfish desire Mary Carson had for Father Ralph - all combine to make this mini-series that spans a 60 year time line one of the best yet. No wonder it was the winner of 6 Emmy Awards in 1982-83.

Twenty years have passed since I last saw the Thorn Birds on TV, and there were so many things in the series I had forgotten or just did not notice at the time. But now, thankfully, they are all there for me to see once again. My grown children, who were too young at the time, are anxious to watch this DVD as well.
Anybody who ever saw this mini-series waited in breathless anticipation for the romantic love union of Father Ralph and Meggie, and had their heart strings tugged and torn when the two of them had to separate once again. There was so much drama as Dane decided to become a priest, and how Father Ralph did not know Dane was his son. The beautifully haunting melody of the dulcimer in the musical score as yet another family member was carried to be buried at Drogheda caused many tears.
This is just an incredible DVD - one that should be on everybody's collection list. I am thankful to Amazon.com for making it available to me. I will enjoy it for years to come.

HE CREPT INTO MY HEART AND NESTLED IN MY SOUL!
The Thorn Birds is the BEST story ever told, and the BEST movie ever made. It's excellence has ensured its endurance. Excellent music, writing, settings, actors, and production/direction, frame this passionate story of love unattainable, forbidden, forever. Richard Chamberlain gave the performance of his life, developing the role of Father Ralph de Bricassart, a character who creeps into your heart, and nestles in your soul! The outstanding cast was perfection personified, but make no mistake, it was Chamberlain whose outstanding performance solidified the success of this epic and catapulted it into the number one spot of "best films of all time". Being the veteran professional, his best scenes were with fellow veterans, Barbara Stanwick and Christopher Plummer, great actors, chiseling each other performances, like iron sharpening iron. Christopher Plummer was never given his rightful due for the magic he brought to the screen as Ralph's mentor and spiritual advisor. Sydney Penny, was another skilled actress, who was overlooked when the accolades were passed out. She was amazing as the young Meggie, and brought wonderful chemistry to the set, as the soul mate to this lonely and troubled priest. Her love and devotion was deeply needed by a man who gave so much to others, and needed love and validation himself. As she grew up, Ralph realized she was his other half, the completion of himself as a man, but his vows to God, kept him from finding wholeness, and he lived out his life deeply troubled. I sensed this was a difficult project for Richard Chamberlain, who himself, is a soul searching man. I observed a great heaviness in his soul as he developed and created the most complex, but deeply loved character in film history. I got the feeling this role took him to places he had never been before. In turn, he took his audience to places we have never been before, and I am still not sure I want to come back.

Beautiful but Tragic Love Story.....
For all those "romantics" out there this is definitely one film not to miss!!!!! I was transfixed to the screen from start to finish..... it is something I will watch again and again....but only from time to time as it is about 12 hours long. (By the way, excuse the cliches). I saw this as a teenager only once and I have to say the beauty of this film for me hasnt changed at all and it must be a good 15 years!

What is the film about? In short, it is a love story between a woman and a priest spanning over four or five decades. She is denied his love because he chooses God, but for both of them it is an on going battle as he does love her too. As the story unfolds you will see if he stays faithful to the cloth or if she stays loyal to him.....even two decades is a long time to stay committed to anything! Watch it....and you will find out what happens...

The story is passionate and charismatic with a well chosen cast that will linger in your thoughts well after you have watched it. Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward are exemplary in their performances but I have to say some of the supporting actors like Barbara Stanwyck, Jean Simmons and Richard Kiley are truly outstanding!

I give this a 5 Star rating and would recommend it to everyone!

Thorn Birds is not like the book.....
it pretty much follows the book faithfully in circumstances but not much in character. Ralph, in the series, is long suffering but in the book he came across as smarmier. And instead of Justine being distant and flippant, she acted more like a spoiled brat. The heart of the book didn't really translate with the mini-series. Ick! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Grumpy Old Men series were awesome
Jack Lemmon & Walter Matthau were awesome to watch over & over. Just wish they would have made more movies like the Grumpy Old Men series & the Odd Couple I & II. These movies you can watch over & over again. They still make you laugh over & over & over. It even means more now that both of them have past away. The world has lost 2 wonderful actors. I would highly recommend these to anyone who likes comedies & needs to laugh-very funny. Out to Sea was another good movie. These movies should be a part of your movie collection. You never get tired of watching these movies. They are a part of my collection & are worth it.
It is good to laugh after a long day. I would give it 10 stars if it was possible.

Make it a movie night & pop some popcorn-kick back, relax & get ready for a fun night.

Great films - expensive customs
Amazon was the only place I found those films. Amazon sent the films to Sweden with a decleration upon package total cost 37$. I had to pay about 10$ extra for customs fees (customs even charged postal fees!!!). I shall never more order films from the US. (Unless I can find a ways to go round customs). Amazon was great and quick delivery - Swedish customs fees for private import SUCKS.

Love these movies.
First of all, these are two of my favorite movies. Second, I've not purchased or seen these DvDs, but I have seen the movies and they're great! WATCH THEM!

c ya

bye

I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!
I gave these movies 5 stars because you just want to keep watching them over and over again. My favorite out of the two is Grumpier Old Men. That movie is very funny. Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau do a great job in this movie. They both have a funny side but also some very sad parts. These two movies have the combinations to make them my favorite moveies.

Training films
Do you think grumpy is natural? Think again. Learn from the experts, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. They really make an odd couple " Odd Couple II, The - Neil Simon's (1998) ASIN: 6305127700." The box set is perfect for long nights when you just got to keep going after the first film. This will look good on your video storage wall. And you only pay for shipping once. ... Read more

Reviews (145)

how spy films should be done!!!!
We've seen James Bond, the Man from Uncle but Mission Impossible is the only spy film that shows how to create a real world of espionage and action.
Based on the successful 1960's series, it starts off with the impossible missions force(a group of specially qualified agents) doing a simple job of catching a traitor,who is stealing secret files of every undercover agents real identity. The team is wiped out except for Tom Cruise who becomes the number one suspect for their deaths. Using all his skills he has to prove his innocence, find the real culprit and keep one step ahead of the authorities.
The set pieces are truely dazzling, the finale on the Channel Train tunnel is absoloutly stunning and the possibly one of THE best action sequences in cinematic history.
The story never slows down for a second and although at first viewing a little confusing its still gripping stuff.
The supporting cast is fantastic from Jon Voight to Vanessa Redgrave it's very hard to criticise a film so well-thought out.
The best action-orientated espionage film since You Only Live Twice. Shame De Palma would'nt stay for the sequel.
The DVD extras are few but who cares when you've got a film this good!!!!!!

Ethan Hunt is right up there with James Bond!
"Mission Impossible" is probably one of the best spy films I've seen in a long time! Different from James Bond 007 movies, "Mission Impossible" has a clever plot, lots of twists and turns, edge-of-your seat suspense, some parts where there is witty humor, and action which would satisfy any movie lover!

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is sent on a mission with other IMF agents Jim Phelps (John Voight), his wife Claire Phelps (Emmanuelle Beart), Sarah Davies (Kristin Scott Thomas), Jack Harmen (Emilio Estevez), and Hannah Williams (Ingeborga Dapkunaite). It's a fairly simple job in Prague, their mission is to keep surveillance on the top-secret NOC list. But everything goes wrong as the list in stolen and one by one, all of the agents are killed, leaving only Ethan alive. He then learns that the list that was stolen was actually fake, and that the whole thing was a set-up to capture a 'mole'. And since Ethan was the only one left alive, he is now the prime suspect for being the traitor. Now disavowed with a man-hunt going on for him, Ethan must find out who the real culprit is and to do that, he plans on stealing the real NOC list to bait him! With help from Claire who had not really been killed and two other disavowed agents Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and Franz Krieger (Jean Reno), they now have a 'mission impossible', to catch the traitor!

This is certainly a 5 star movie since it has what I think all the ingredients that are needed in a good action movie: acting, plot, action, suspense, and a bit of humor. And "Mission Impossible" has it all! But probably the two ingredients which were the most well used was the superbly written plot and the action.

The plot was pretty original, not the usual 'an evil man/group planning to take over the world' plot, but one where agents all over the world would be in danger if the NOC list isn't kept safe. Also there was plenty of mystery, surprises, and twists and turns, making the watcher actually having to think during the movie. You would actually have to watch "Mission Impossible" a few times to get the whole story.

As for the action, probably the highlights of the film are most probably the beginning where the agents are keeping surveillance on the NOC list, the breaking into the CIA computer vault, and the helicopter/train scene. My personal favorite is the breaking into the safe in the CIA safe, it was a really exciting part!

There was a sequel made after this movie, "Mission Impossible 2". Returning in the movie are of course Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt and Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell. Though it was very exciting and more action packed, the plot was very, very simple compared to the first movie and also it had a different director, John Woo, direct. All in all, an OK movie which I recommend to watch. And of course, all James Bond movies are must-sees.

Mission Declassified
Adapting a popular television series for the big screen is never an easy undertaking. Not only do you have to compete with audience expectations, but, the filmmakers also have to make it their own as well. Considering all of the rumored backstage problems, that were said to have happened while Mission Impossible was being made, it's amazing that the movie got made at all.

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is the leader of a crack squad of intelligence operatives. When a dangerous mission in Prague goes inexplicably wrong, Hunt finds himself out in the cold. A mole has infiltrated the CIA, and suspicions are that it's Hunt. His only chance to clear his name, is to find and expose who the realmole is, and turn the tables on that person. With potential enemies all around him, it's hard to know whom he can trust. The plan takes Hunt through a series of close calls as he tries to stay one step ahead of his foes.

Anyone who has followed the career of director Brian De Palma will recognize many of his familiar trademarks. The cast is top notch. Ving Rhames as Luther, Henry Czerny as the smarmy Kittridge, Emmanuelle Béart as Claire, are just great support for Cruise. Sadly though, save for Jim Phelps (John Voight), none of the chacacters from the television series are in the film. The only other connective elemements of the show are the "Good Morning Jim...mission briefings and Lalo Schifrin's classic theme song, updated by coposer Danny Elfman. As a fan of the seies, I wish more of a direct homage were paid to what came before. The script, credited to Robert (Chinatown) Towne and David (Panic Room) Koepp, has plenty to keep the viewer guessing. But the major twist is pretty easy to spot and that's disappointing. One final problem--we don't really see The IMF work as a team all that much-- everyone's kind of scattered for too much of the film.

"Friction" between Cruise and De Palma may explain why a special edition DVD hasn't been released yet. Whatever the case may be...Mission Impossible is good enough to deserve an upgrade. As it stands now, the only extra on the current release, is the theatrical trailer. You can watch the film in either the widescreen or fullscreen formats.

de palma: cruise
Brian De Palma's (Carrie; Scarface; The Untouchables) 1996 action film starring Tom Cruise and Jon Voight is a pretty good action film. Well, once you suspend all belief. But that is what this movie is about. Putting real life on hold and believing in the impossible, the fantastic. Cruise, an excellent dramatic actor, does a great job crossing over into an action star--even with the bad haircut. Lots of cool gadgets and interesting scenarios and that great Mission: Impossible theme. And it is great to see the intimidating Ving Rhames casted as a computer genius/geek. Inspired casting.

Mission: Impossible (1996)
Director: Brian De Palma
Cast: Tom Cruise, Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Beart, Emilio Estevez, Vanessa Redgrave, Harry Czerny, Ving Rhames, Jean Reno.
Running Time: 110 minutes.
Rated PG-13 for violence and some language.

Based on the popular 1960's television series, this Brian De Palma ("Carrie", "Scarface") production possesses all of the qualities of a fun, top-of-the-line action flick--only to see it slightly crumble due to a storyline that is extremely tough to follow. Tom Cruise stars as the slick covert agent Ethan Hunt, who has been assigned with a crack team of American undercover agents to set up operations in Prague to catch a double agent (Jon Voight) in the act.

There are many scenes that are very exciting, especially the chase scene on the train finale; however, De Palma does not expand on a script that assumes the audience knows all of the technological and spy jargon, leaving us loving the action but lost in the wind. Cruise is only fairly adequate as Hunt, not given the chance to expand his character. Excellent special effects, a riveting, catchy musical score, and some fine supporting roles from Voight, Emmanuelle Beart, and Ving Rhames. A good action movie, but nothing more. Luckily director John Woo stepped in as director the second film, creating a rough-and tough, out of this world sequel that surpasses the original. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Frank Sinatra's 1968 film The Detective was a serious attempt at a social statement sandwiched between the chairman's two lighthearted detective films Tony Rome and Lady in Cement.Directed by Gordon Douglas (who also directed the Tony Rome films), the plot centers around Detective Joe Leland (Sinatra) and his investigation of the murder of a prominent businessman's gay son.The film was notable at the time for openly depicting the gay community; however, it still falls back on the same tired stereotypes.Rounding out the cast is Lee Remick as Sinatra's nympho-wife, Robert Duvall as a violent homophobic cop, and Jack "the Klugster" Klugman as Sinatra's only honest ally on the force.Off screen, the film was notable for causing the irreparable rift between Sinatra and then-bride Mia Farrow, when she opted to star in Rosemary's Baby instead of this film.Obviously a wise choice, but The Detective is still a solid effort, with a great Jerry Goldsmith score and solid performances from all involved.Interestingly, this film could be considered the unofficial prequel to Die Hard.Both films were based on the same series of detective novels by Roderick Thorpe. --Kristian St. Clair ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A BIT DATED BUT STILL DECENT CRIME DRAMA
Sinatra really was an underrated actor and I'm guessing a lot of younger people today may not even know about his acting career.Sinatra starred in a number of crime dramas in the 1960's notably Tony Rome and Lady in Cement.The Detective is one of his lesser known films but by no means a bad film.He plays a New York Detective named Joe LeLand who is investigating the murder of a gay man and fighting a political battle as well with the pressures to solve the case.Lee Remick plays his estranged wife and a bit of a sex addict.

The supporting cast really helps out a movie that has a plot that's a bit all over the place.Besides Remick we get Tony Musanta, who was so gripping as the thug in "The incident", Jack Klugman, and Robert Duvall.With it's homophobic, and sex and drugs undertones The Detective was probably fairly edgy for 1968 but in present day it all comes off a bit forced and a bit cheesy.Sinatra manages to rise above it all and based on that I give the film three stars.

SINATRA'S BEST 1960's DRAMA
Stark and brutal for its' time, THE DETECTIVE, was Frank Sinatra's best drama of the 1960's(THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE belongs to Laurence Harvey and Angela Lansbury). This is a story of tortured people keenly told focucusing on wwo main plots: a homosexual murder and the connected subplot involving an urban housing scandal. Both are well woven into a gritty storyline that is stronger that the written work of Roderick Thorp. The most effective visuals: ugly police tactics that lead to the execution of a wrongfully convicted petty criminal, convincingly played by Tony Musante, in one of his first screen roles and the stench of 1960's NYPD corruption.Sinatra is outstanding in the lead role, showing a realm of extreme emotions: dogged, rigged, self righteous, guilt ridden, defeated.Credible support comes from William Windom, Jack Klugman , Robert Duvall as a racist, homophobic cop and Ralph Meeker as a snivler, to whom Sinatra gives a beat down. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

One Of The Best Westerns Of The 50's!
Warlock is one of those movies that got lost in the shuffle in the years following its release. Subsequent classics like The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Magnificent Seven, The Man With No Name trilogy, The Wild Bunch, etc, all diverted attention away from this 1959 Western masterpiece. Expertly directed by Edward Dmytryk and starring Richard Widmark, Henry Fonda (in one of his best Western roles), Anthony Quinn (in arguably HIS best Western role), DeForest Kelley, and Dorothy Malone, this is a movie that - upon further review - truly does hold up very well against even the best Westerns of all time.

Fonda plays a Sheriff/Marshall (gun) for hire who is brought in to "clean up" the town of Warlock. He does so with the proviso that he can do it his way, with no interference from the town council. They agree, but he warns them that at first they will love him and what he does, but later on they will come to hate both him and his methods. His prediction comes true, but the way the story plays out belies the usual Western cliche's. The script is expertly written, with characters that ring true, and a rather grown up storyline.

Warlock, in a way, combines the classic Western styles of the 40's, 50's, and 60's, and even hints at some of the elements that would be seen in modern (1980's to present) Westerns. Hopefully the DVD transfer is up to the standards of this movie (this review is being written over a month before the DVD release). This is a movie that belongs in the collection of every Western fan.

elated to find this one
AFTER YEARS OF SEARCHING FOR THIS ONE BY DIFFERENT AVENEWS, i WAS ELATED TO FIND IT HERE ON AMAZON.COM.
I ALSO BELIEVE IT IS A HIGHLY UNDERRATED FILM THAT HAS BEEN LOST IN THE ARCHIVES FAR TOO LONG.
I ALSO FOUND ANOTHER GREAT FONDA MOVIE THAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR, FOR YEARS, AND THAT IS,( SOMETIMES A GREAT NOTION, WITH PAUL NEWMAN ) ANOTHER ONE BURIED IN THE ARCHIVES FAR TOO LONG WAITING TO BE RE'DISCOVERED.

Near brilliant, undiscovered western
The 1959 film "Warlock" is one of those great surprises for movie fans. It's a classic western, undiscovered, awaiting the lucky viewer who happens to stumble across it. After viewing this dark, almost gothic oater, most viewers will ask themselves, "Why haven't I heard of this film?!"

I'm not sure as to why "Warlock" has been relatively ignored over the years, though I think the film is derivative of other films. I think the generic Hollywood backlots where "Warlock" was undoubtedly filmed certainly detract from its overall allure. But simply put, "Warlock" fell through the cracks, and it's a film deserving of reexamination.

Part "High Noon," part "Shane," part "The Searchers," "Warlock" tells the tale of a town victimized by crime. They hire a gunfighter in the form of Henry Fonda, who arrives with a crippled sidekick (Anthony Quinn) in tow. Fonda's character becomes a semi-celebrity, granted carte blanche as he calmly strolls the streets adorned in shining pistols and dark suits. The cantankerous Quinn, lugging around a shotgun, watches Fonda's back while sipping champagne and taking care of the finances.

But the town (named Warlock) is anything but a simple job. A former love of Quinn's (Dorothy Malone) is a resident, and he wants her back. Richard Widmark also resides here, and he's none too happy about the hiring of the gunfighters, sensing the community should stand up for itself. A young woman (Dolores Michaels) also catches Fonda's eye, and for the first time he begins to wonder about settling down. All of these emotional dramas play out, having tragic circumstances.

Director Edward Dmytryk, one of the more underrated filmmakers from this period, has done an excellent job in weaving these multiple storylines together. He also displays an excellent visual flair, most notably during a gunfight between Fonda and Frank Gorshin about midway through the film. I could argue that the scene is one of the great cinematic gunfights in history. Superbly choregraphed, Fonda screams the name "Billy, Billy......!" before drawing his gun and reluctantly killing the man. It is a brilliant, unforgettable moment, precursing many of the operatic gunfights from Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns 10 years later.

Quinn also gives a memorable supporting performance as Fonda's sidekick. Tortured by his club foot handicap and angry at the world, Quinn is a live keg waiting to explode. He does the dirty work for Fonda, and exposes the hypocrisy of Fonda's dream to settle down and retire from a life of gunfighting. Quinn knows he and Fonda can never be a part of modern civilization. Essentially, they are walking death, perfectly symbolized by Fonda's dark suits - a black spot in the dusty streets, stark and apart.

As Fonda stands amid the ruins of a burned out saloon, he is alone, tall, lanky, a scythe-carrying spector. His past choices have fatefully isolated him from civilization. Like John Wayne's Ethan Edwards at the end of "The Searchers," he can never comfortably walk through the door of domestic civilization. He is destined a life of solitude, forced by fate to step aside and allow the modern world to take root. His job, for all intents and purposes, is finally done.

"Warlock" is a great, undiscovered western. It has brilliant performances, terrific dialogue and unforgettable imagery. It is an unheralded masterpiece.

Unjustly neglected Western
Warlock is a town in the West ,one that is experiencing an epidemic of lawlessness,deliberately fostered by a local rancher ,Alec McQuon (Tom Drake ).He allows his ranch hands free rein ,as a way of demonstrating his power and deterring challenges from others contemplating moving into the area.(The use of terror as a political tool helps give the movie a distinctly contemporary relevance ).One of his men Gannon (Richard Widmark )is conscience stricken and withdraws from the gang .
The town leaders -having seen the latest in a succession of Marshal's driven away -turn to a hired towm tamer ,the legendary Clay Blaisdell (Henry Fonda )to enforce the law and he is accompanied by Tom Morgan (Anthony Quinn ) a club footed saloon keeper and noted gunman in his own right .The relationship evokes comparison with that of Earp and Hollday ,and it is worth noting that Fonda had played a similar role in "My Darling Clementine" of which this movie is darker more tragic version
The townspeople have taken the step reluctantly and in a key scene ,Blaisdell -who is aware that he is in some respects an anachronism ,sets out the situation bluntly and with eloquence

"I come here as your salvation ,at a very high wage.I establish law and order,ride roughshod over offenders.At first ,you're pleased because there's a good deal less trouble.Then a strange thing happens -you begin to feel I'm too powerful and you begin to fear me.Not me but what I am.When that happens we shall have had full satisfaction from each other."
The prediction is spot on .The very success of Blaisdell insending McQuon packing the first time prompts the threat ofmassive reprisals and the town backs away from supporting him.
Gannon meanwhile has become the new deputy Marshall and seeks to impose the ruile of law in defiance of both Blaisdell -whom he likes and respects -and McQuon.
Both Blaisdell and Gannon have significant relationships with women -Blaisdell with a leading figure in the townJessie Marlowe (Dolores Michaels)and Gannon with Lily Dollar (Dorothy Malone )who hates Blaisdell who she feel nedlessly killed her fiance at the instigation of Morgan.
The various conflicts all move towards a resolution by violence-that between the McQuon gang and the law ,the conflict within Gannon whose younger brother is part of the McQuon outfit ,and most compellingly that within Morgan whose friendship with Blaisdell ,it is hinted rather than stated, may contain a semi -erotic element.
There is more than a hint of Greek tragedy about the movie -the atmosphere is brooding and tragic and the movie is more town focused than is usual within the genre ,making sparse use only of its Utah locations .It is an internal Western rather than one of the wide open spaces.
The climax will evoke memories of High Noon -the discarding of legend and with it a sense of personal identity and the riding away into an uncertain future is moving and apt.
Brillaint performance all round especially by Quinn as the tragic Morgan -a man destroyed by the power of his friendship.Fonda back in the genre after a long absence is brilliant and minor roles are well cast .Action scemes are well staged and for their day quite violent.

The neglect this fine movie has fallen into is unmerited--please give it a go even if the genre is not your normal thing.

Warlock
This is a timeless and universal tale of the power of true friendship.Anthony Quinn was not just proctecting his livelihood when he became sniper to take out the stagecoach passenger and made it look like a robbery soon after they moved to Warlock. He knew that would have presented problems for Henry Fonda.(I have not seen the movie in more than 15 years to remember the details but that still impresses me)He was willing to take care of that without bothering "Clay".
Clay fell in love and was ready to give up the 'life'and settle down in Warlock.This jolted Quinn's psyche because he truely loved Clay who was the only one that showed him respect and accepted him as a person rather than as a "cripple" . Clay loved what he was..a gunfighter for hire and Quinn was even happier as his very capable supporter. Together they ruled their own lives going wherever they wanted wherever they pleased.Life was good for them regardless. Now Clay wanted to give all that up in the name of love. Unfortunately it came out into the street when Clay told him it was over and he should leave, he did'nt need him in his life anymore.It humiliated him, but even so he was willing to let it go and let his friend be until he saw Dorothy Malone in the jeering crowd that was taunting him mercilessly. That was too much for him..the two great loves of his life turning on him like that.Like any red-blooded male in any universe, the testosterone jolt engulfed him " I'm faster than you Clay"....he turned and faced his friend as the jeers turned to cold silence.The dearest of friends were suddenlymortal enemies staring each other down."I was always faster'n you Clay"... there was no turning back, challenge made and accepted...they had to duel.
Quinn was much faster but deliberately aimed wide of Clay whose killer instincts remained true to nature as he drilled Quinn's chest with deadly accuracy.
"I won Clay..I won"....Quinn was smiling as he felt the bullet tear through his heart, taking his last breath.
Clay stood in shock, paralysed by what he had just done.When he was able to move he ran to his friend's crumpled body and took his head in his chest as a mother would her child...the tears shot from his eyes.He commanded the crowd to sing hymns in tribute to his dead friend.His life changed forever.He broke the engagement that was so dear to him and left Warlock and the woman he loved behind. ... Read more

Reviews (60)

Cocktail: More Than the Sum of its Parts
In most Tom Cruise movies, he is in earnest, with his Julia Roberts smile often carrying the day. It is to his early films that the viewer must turn to see him enjoying himself. In COCKTAIL, director Roger Donaldson shows a side to Cruise that seems to have disappeared shortly after the release of this movie. Cruise is a bartender who hooks up with fellow bartender Bryan Brown in what at first seems to be a buddy movie. The chemistry between the two is palpable with Brown as the sage guru of alcohol and Cruise as his quick study grasshopper. Had the movie limited itself to that level, the result almost certainly would have been more of interest with Cruise taking on the George role and Brown as Lenny from OF MICE AND MEN. Enter rich girl Elizabeth Shue as the romantic interest for Cruise. She tries mightily to generate sparks but she is overshadowed by the male bonding between Brown and Cruise.

What makes this movie sizzle is not the plot, in whose predictability one has seen dozens of times before, but in the dazzling melding of song and surprisingly competent acting by all concerned, especially by Bryan Brown, who shows one happy side to the world but does not permit anyone to see the darker layer underneath. In a film that is clearly designed to appeal more to a music hungry audience than to a critic who seeks traditional ways to judge a movie, COCKTAIL stands as a vastly entertaining movie that, if you delve beneath the color and noise of a throbbing musical score, you will also see a film that has a few enduring comments about the need of one man to find respect from his peers even if it means that this education comes at at high price.

So Awful that it's Amazing!
Every now and then a film comes along that has such poor acting, insane plot twists, and utterly absurd screenplay that you can't help but enjoy it....alot! "Cocktail" is just that film! With Tom Cruise as an arrogant, young, uber-bartender, the always amusing Bryan Brown as his English mentor, and Elizabeth Shue as the woman Cruise falls for, you've got quite a cast! Throw in some startling and bizarre apperances by Kelly Lynch, Gina Gershon, and that white guy from the Jeffersons and you get an interesting ensemble.
Watch it just once, and some of the amazing one-liners will stick in your head ("beer is for breakfast around here...drunk or begone," or just about any of Coughlin's Laws). The banter between Cruise and Brown is quite interesting, as is their highly coordinated bar stunts. Shue is fun to watch in every scene, though not as fun as she was when she was getting it from all those guys backdoor-style in "Leaving Las Vegas."
All in all, "Cocktail" will puzzle you, startle you, surprise you, and, like a good bartender, keep you coming back, round after round!

Cocktails Galore!
Brian Flanagan(Tom Cruise) plans with his middle-aged buddy Doug(Bryan Brown) to open a cocktail bar Cocktails & Dreams. He studies bartending at a community college. The professor(Paul Benedict of TV's The Jeffersons) threatened to fail Brian after making a harsh comment. At his first bartending job,while fresh in college,Brian doesn't toss around the booze and glasses like novice bartenders do. As his skills improved,Brian had the patrons singing,"Addicted To Love",the late Robert Palmer's hit song. While on holiday in Jamaica with Doug and Doug's new bride(Kelly Lynch),Brian meets a pretty girl named Jordyne Mooney(Elisabeth Shue). Jordyne's girlfriend passed out on the beach after a champagne binge and a sunbath. Brian saved the girlfriend's life. Brian and Jordyne are romantically involved until Jordyne catches Brian with another woman,this one wealthy like Doug's new wife. Doug made a bet that Brian can't hook up with a wealthy woman. Brian accepted the bet since it was a dare. When Brian visits Jerry's Deli back in New York,where Jordyne works as a waitress,Jordyne drenches him with various entrees. Brian showed up at Jerry's to apologize to Jordyne for hurting her,but had no chance to do so. So Brian goes to Jordyne's penthouse apartment where he meets her father Richard(Laurence Luckinbill). Richard offers $10,000 to "get Brian out of Jordyne's life". Jordyne's is now pregnant with twins and Brian is the father. Brian tears up Richard's written check("This is how hung up on money I am."). Doug wound up drinking himself to death on a vessel. Brian returns to the Mooneys' apartment and proposes to Jordyne. At the newly opened Flanagan's,Brian and his new wife are toasted by Brian's uncle,who himself owns a tavern. Director Roger Donaldson subsequently directed 1990's CADILLAC MAN.

Molotov cocktail please!
God what a turkey! But it was the 80's afterall.

good gawd!
this 'movie' is the most excerable lesson in bad marketing, mass production over art and a super egotistical 'star' whose hang ups about his height have overwhelmed to the degree that everything he does, every choice he makes, further renders him as hollow.
this is TOM 'VERY DULL KEN DOLL' CRUISE at his worst.
this whole movie out to prove his studliness 'hey gals watch me shake this tom collins'.
ooooh baby.
rake up another million tommy boy,
but in years to come you'll be forgotten (unlike the far greater artist; johnny depp, who turned down this piece of junk, as he did top gun and days of thunder). ... Read more

Description

Ewan McGregor (MOULIN ROUGE) brings a dynamic screen presence to this riveting motion picture about how greed, excess, and high-stakes gambling brought down one of Britain's oldest and most successful financial institutions. When he is sent to Singapore by the 200-year-old Barings Bank, futures trader Nick Leeson (McGregor) dreams of making a killing in the stock market. But even though his firm believes Nick is the most successful trader they've ever employed, he secretly begins to steal vast amounts of their own money to cover his risky financial wagering. With debts to match his desperation for a way out -- Nick risks everything in a frantic bid to beat the system and win back the money! ... Read more

Reviews (35)

A titanic sink for Barings Bank!
Did British films ever get so good? Only Bond has made the British film industry more appealing than this film. Rogue Trader is a wonderful blend of true life chaos, ambition and status, with a romantic overture. It would be naive and foolish to say that the film is without fault, however they do not blemish the thrills of the story. This interpretation of the tale leaves the audience feeling sorry for Nick Leeson. The thought of sitting through a film about the does and don'ts of the stock market doesn't really appeal to me. I'm more into the thrills and spills of Star Wars. But I loved Rogue Trader and was deeply moved by the films emotional ending. This just goes to show that this a film that appeals to a wide variety of cinemagoers. Some might say that knowing how the story turns out spoils the climatic end, but it never mattered in Titanic. So, in my opinion, go, spread the word, Rogue Trader is brilliant as are the cast, especially the superb Ewan McGregor!

The Stock Market? Ho-humm......
I have to admit, when I popped this movie in the DVD player, I wasn't all that enthusiastic about seeing it. But if anyone can make the stock market and investing interesting, it ought to be Ewan McGregor, right? Wrong! Even an energetic actor like McGregor had trouble making a stock portfolio sound fascinating. Sadly, the boredom of watching his character sit at a desk and fret could have been overcome if there had been a real attempt at doing a character study of Nick Leeson and what really made him tick. There had to be more going on beneath the surface of this man than just an attempt to cover for one of his employee's mistakes. But you never really get a glimpse of who he is. On the level of simply getting a buzz from watching my favorite actor, McGregor, it was nice. But I just kept thinking--oh, if only the script had given you something to work with! Too bad.

How one man broke Bearings Bank
This film tells the true story of Nick Leeson, the floor trader on Simex exchange,Singapore, who singly handedly broke Barings Bank, in the mid '90's. Of how one mans ambition was overcome by pressures, and in turn, reckless gambling.

An incredible aspect of this case was how Leeson covered up for so long, and fooled so many, who it seemed, were so wrapped up in their own company rhetoric they simply wanted to believe in Leeson. The regional manager in Singapore had never even heard of the name of the brokerage house Leeson used to "invent" a trade to cover the missing and ever increasing deficit being incured in the "88888" account, a supposed customer account, but in reality, an back office error account.

The pace of the story is very well done here. My only gripe is, for a film with excellent supporting cast, why did they take so little care over the choice of the leading players? Ewan McGreggor is convincing as Leeson only when the sickly scenes with his wife are not on screen, the hoplessly miscast Lisa.

Some may find the numerous and fast financial terms not easy to follow. But a fascinating story, with great use of background music.

bogus
one of the worst movies ever this stuff must have been made up and total lack of common sense makes this movie an amatureish comedy

Go Gregor Go!!!
Ewan McGregor proves in this movie as Nick, he is a good actor...nicely done with some memorable moments....dont let this happen to you..if you work in the stock market....and note that an actor named Alexis Denisof plays in this movie...he goes on to play Wesley Wyndham Price in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel..for all you fans who didnt know he was in this movie..check it out..he has a nice role. ... Read more

Description

DEAD OF NIGHT A group of strangers is mysteriously gatheredat a country estate where each reveals a chilling tale of thesupernatural. First, a racer survives a brush with death only to receiveterrifying premonitions from beyond the grave. Then a teen's innocentgame of hide-and-seek leads to an encounter with the macabre. Next, ayoung couple purchases an antique mirror that unleashes a horrific powerfrom its past. In a lighter vein, two competitive golfers play forstakes that may haunt the winner forever. Finally, a renownedventriloquist descends into an abyss of madness and murder when hisdummy develops a mind of its own. But even after these frightening talesare told, does one final nightmare await them all? Britain's venerableEaling Studios brought together four brilliant directors -CharlesCrichton (THE LAVENDER HILL MOB), Basil Dearden (THE MIND BENDERS),Alberto Cavalcanti (NICHOLAS NICKLEBY) and Robert Hamer (KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS) to create this classic chiller that remains one of the mostinfluential horror films ever made. This is the uncut and complete UKversion of DEAD OF NIGHT, now newly restored from original archivalmaterials for the first time in decades.

THE QUEEN OF SPADES "Unusual And Macabre!" ~ Leonard Maltin's Movie &Video Guide A gambling craze is sweeping 19th century St. Petersburg,yet a dashing Russian army captain (Anton Walbrook of THE RED SHOES) istoo impoverished to participate. But when he learns that an agingcountess (an award-winning performance by Dame Edith Evans of TOM JONES)may hold the ultimate key to gaming riches, the desperate young officerwill stop at nothing to steal the sinister secret for himself. Whenfortunes are won and lost with the turn of a card, will one man wagerhis very soul on a final twist of fate? Yvonne Mitchell (DEMONS OF THEMIND) co-stars in this brilliant British chiller directed by ThoroldDickinson (GASLIGHT), featuring extraordinary cinematography by OttoHeller (PEEPING TOM, THE IPCRESS FILE) and based on the celebrated shortstory by Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. Includes AN 8-page Collector's Booklet. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

ACTUALLY TRULY SCARY
One of the all-time great scare anthologies, DEAD OF NIGHT (Anchor Bay) is a classic collection of freaky supernatural stories told by strangers at a remote estate. The topper is Sir Michael Redgrave as a renowned ventriloquist who tells his tale of madness and murder when his dummy exhibits a mind of his own. The uncut, restored UK version is coupled with the wonderfully macabre QUEEN OF SPADES.

THANK YOU, ANCHOR BAY, FOR THESE MASTERPIECES!
About ten years ago, I screened THE QUEEN OF SPADES at New York's Museum of Modern Art film library. I had heard that they had, in their collection, an old 16 mm print of this almost-lost treasure. I sat with a Russian stage/film director friend, as well as actress Rosemary Harris (late of Aunt May in SPIDERMAN); the three of us were transfixed as we discovered, and Rosie re-discovered (she had seen the premiere in England), this astonishing piece of film alchemy.

Anton Walbrook's talent, like Vivien Leigh's, was ineffable. His choices, as an actor, are so outlandish sometimes that you think he will never pull off the moment - then he stops right at the edge and leaves you gasping at the utter uniqueness and danger of his choice. Dame Edith Evans, in her film debut, playing a woman forty years her senior, is all remarkable, twisted, bitter, frightened restraint. (Rosie mentioned that Edith Evan's key moment of reaction, in the film, had so frightened the audience at the time that everyone screamed out loud. Not difficult to understand, even today...)

The lighting and camera direction are at once solid and ethereal; dreamy like Cocteau's LA BELLE ET LA BETE, and brutally unforgiving like Welles' CITIZEN KANE.

Much has been said about DEAD OF NIGHT and deservedly so. This genuinely is the grandfather of all psychological horror films. What seems so innocuous, almost gentle at first, develops into a disturbingly laden freight train barrelling straight towards you. There will be no way to escape. You will be knocked squarely off your tracks. Completely and utterly disorienting. Warning: do not watch this film alone at night. Don't even watch this film alone on a sunny day.

The picture and sound on each are very good and rich. The liner notes and artwork accompanying the DVD are of great interest, and are a wonderful starting-off point for the viewer.

Would that more DVD-producing companies were like Anchor Bay. Could they be poised to take over the position that Criterion, up until recently (with misleading claims of restoration and a chronicity of poor quality releases), enjoyed? One can only hope.

Must have
I won't say much about DEAD OF NIGHT, as any one who will be buying this set knows how extraordinary & ahead of it's time that film is. Needless to say, the Michael Redgrave segment is the best of a good bunch, with even the 'lighter' stories offering excellent viewing.
It's the QUEEN OF SPADES that proved the surprise to me - I had never seen this film, relagating it to 'second fiddle' after DEAD OF NIGHT, when it does in fact hold it's own remarkably well.
Slow moving, but to it's benefit, the story see's Anton Walbrook, a German engineer in the Russian army, envious of the wealth & title that are automatically bestowed upon his comrades. After learning that a Russian noblewoman posesses the secret of winning at cards, he manipulates her lady-in-waiting to gain access to this secret. things go slightly awray and although he gains the secret, the aged noblewoman dies of fright.
This part of the story takes up most of the film, with the 'haunting' of the engineer forming the final act.
Although lacking any actual 'horror', this film has a definate atmosphere of unease and of meddling with things that should be left alone. Superb performances again, with the key being the utter conviction of the cast.
A film like this could not be made today, which makes it all the more important that productions like this and DEAD OF NIGHT should be cherished by fans of what the term 'horror film' really means as opposed to what it was eventually twisted into in the '80's & '90's.

SUPERB DOUBLE BILL....
Fantastic pairing of two vintage British chillers and an immediate collector's item. Bravo Anchor Bay. 1.) 1946's "Dead Of Night" is an early anthology of supernatural tales told by a group of strangers at a country house to another stranger who has seen them all before----in a nightmare. Excellent cast, good exposition of stories that have been mimicked many times since but never this well. Best: the "Haunted Mirror" sequence and the final horror tale of Hugo the dummy with a brilliant performance by (Sir) Michael Redgrave as the tormented ventriloquist. This sequence features Elisabeth Welch, the singer later to be seen in the bizarre finale of Derek Jarman's equally bizarre "The Tempest". Good print, sometimes tinny sound but not that bad---it's really OK. Weakest sequence is the golfer's story that had been excised from previous prints. Still, it's interesting to see the adult aspects in this sequence not seen in American films of the time. And, in some of the other sequences, to hear "hell" used as a swear word so many times--- also taboo in 40's American films. 2.) 1949's "Queen of Spades"---a film I had never seen before. Based on Alexander Pushkin's famous story, it tells of a Russian military officer in the 1800's who becomes obsessed with learning the "secret" of winning at Faro, a popular card game sweeping Europe at the time. He obtains a mysterious book on the occult that tells of a famous Countess who learned the secret but sold her soul to the devil in the process. The story is true so he tracks her down to learn her "secret" and finds her an aged, embittered but wealthy recluse with a pretty ward she's devoutly protective of. He surreptitiously woos the girl to get to the Countess with tragic results. He accidently scares the old lady to death when she won't talk. But her ghost comes back...with an offer he can't refuse. The details of this film---both in story content and visuals---are mesmerizing. It's darkly Gothic and creepy. The period setting is beautifully realized on film. Anton Walbrook and (Dame) Edith Evans are wonderful as the soldier and the Countess as are the rest of the cast. Brilliantly directed by Thorold Dickinson, this is a must see. A rare and unusual film for purists. Don't miss out on this worthy double bill DVD. Both films are classics to be sure but "Queen of Spades" is really something special.

Beware THE QUEEN OF SPADES!
I first saw this film on a PBS series CINEMATIC EYE over 20 years ago and have never forgotten it nor had the chance to see it again. Until now. This marvelously macabre film is based on a short story by Alexander Pushkin which is the same one used by Tchaikovsky for his opera of the same name. It stars Anton Walbrook (THE RED SHOES) and Dame Edith Evans in what marked her film debut at the age of 61. The story of a man who is obssessed with the secret of winning at cards and the woman who posseses that secret is turned into a tour de force by producer Anatole De Grunwald and director Thorold Dickinson. The movie is full of baroque chiaroscuro lighting and bizarre camera angles and looks like a cross between the films of Val Lewton and Orson Welles with a little Fritz Lang thrown in for good measure. The acting by Walbrook, Evans, and a cast of British stalwarts ranges from flamboyant to quietly repressed and suits the material perfectly. If you appreciate the old style of moviemaking where what you don't see will thrill you and all the filmmaking elements are combined to produce a delirious whole then this is the movie for you. It's a cliche' but they just don't make movies like this anymore. Couple it with DEAD OF NIGHT which is one of the truly legendary films of psychological horror (and has plenty of reviews elsewhere) at one low price and you simply can't go wrong. Thanks to Anchor Bay for making this incredible package available. Both films have superb video transfers. The audio on DEAD OF NIGHT has never been ideal but this is the best it has ever sounded. And remember the next time you play cards, "BEWARE THE QUEEN OF SPADES"! ... Read more