Reviews (7)

Thank you, Anthony!
Anthony - thanks so much for answering my question - you're the greatest! I added you to my favorite reviewers list :)

Great, Spooky Fun
"Saturday Night live - Halloween" was the first "SNL" dvd I bought not devoted to a cast member. While not as good as those retrospectives, this dvd captures the best "Halloween" - style moments on the show.

Most of the skecthes here are just random "Halloween" sketches. "Gay Dracula" features a hilarious turn by John Travolta as the famed bloodsucking count. Kvein Nealon and Jeneane Garrofolo play road - weary travelers who think the count is gay. "Vampire Dating" is the worst sketch here. James Woods turns in accurate Dracula, but I just didn't get the plot of the sketch. "Consumer Probe" is the oldest sketch here, a satiical take on the many complaints of dangerous costumes.

On this dvd, it's fun to see recurring sketches like "Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker", "Wayne's World", "The Richmeister", "Daily Affirmation With Stuart Smalley" and "Spartan Cheerleaders" put into a Halloween context, as it allows them to expand the realm of the ordinary, non - holiday sketch. Also, Adam Sandler's hilarious costume ideas ("Crazy Pickle Arm") ar here, as is Ana Gasteyrer's hilarious impersonation of Martha Stewart.

This is a hilarious dvd recommended to anybody who enjoys "Saturday Night Live". Also pick up the 8 - pack dvd set.

Can anyone answer a question?
Does this DVD contain the Adam Sandler "Crazy Pickle Arm Man" skit?

Howl - larious
Hosted by Wayne and Garth, "Saturday Night Livve - Halloween" is a great collection of old and new sketches hosted by Wayne and Garth, spanning from to the early days to the mid - 1990s'. Among the best sketches are "The Richmeister", "Sandler's Costume Suggestions", and "Return Of The Coneheads". There are some sketches I suggest you skip, but I won't name the, because you might actually enjoy them.

SNL, so funny it's spooky
It's lacking a few great skits, the Landshark opening was nice but one of the JAWS spoofs could have been added. It's definitley worth it but lets hope we see a season by season deal soon! Stuart Smalley, James Woods Dracula, Scream spoof with the
CheerSquad, Wayne & Garth's Halloween Costumes and Landshark are the highlights. But, come on, lets see NBC's SATURDAY NIGHT (live) Complete 1st Season on DVD soon! With Lorne Micheals & former Cast, Writers and Hosts interviews and behind the scenes stuff, maybe 5 discs? 4 for the show, one for extra's. It sounds good to me. "Oh well, good night and have a pleasant tomorrow"
Check out:
SNL-Christmas
SNL-25 Years Of Laughs
Nothing But Trouble-Chevy Chase
Caddyshack-Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield ... Read more

Reviews (6)

TWO GREAT ACTORS CAN MAKE INTERESTING A CONVENTIONAL MOVIE.
"Mr. And Mrs. Bridge" stars Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, playing a 1940 marriage. This is a conventional drama with excellent performances, the characters are nothing out of this world, they are a bunch of characters very similar to real life people, the story is not very original, it's just a bunch of rich people living a conventional life, but these two great actors carried on their shoulders the weight of an otherwise uninteresting movie, making "Mr. And Mrs. Bridge" an enjoyable movie.

Basically this is the story of the struggle between two generations, the iron hand discipline of a stiff father and the "rebellion" of his daughter and son who want to escape from the monotony of the life of their parents. And trapped in the middle is Mrs. Bridge, who even though she mostly obeys her husband, once in a while she likes to try new things to inject happiness to her life.

"Mr. And Mrs. Bridge" is an entertaining movie thanks to the performances of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.

Oh my God it's my Aunt Marjorie!
Anyone who is originally from the Midwest has a Mrs. Bridge in the family, maybe not as affluent, but just as dippy and helpless. Mrs. Bridge knows enough to resent vaguely her helplessness and the fact that Mr. Bridge makes all of her decisions for her. The viewer is sympathetic with her plight and starts to feel that Mr. Bridge is indeed being mean & unfair to her...but then Mrs. Bridge goes and does something that underscores her inability to cope for herself.

There were more scenes than I can count that just made me cringe, because I recognized my dippy Aunt Marjorie, again & again, in Mrs. Bridge. The spirit of Mrs. Bridge remains alive and well, even today.

This was a great character study of the two Bridges. The other members of the family, and some of the friends of the Bridges, are a bit fuzzier in their definition, but that is not all that important. This is a very engrossing movie in many respects.

2 thumbs up
If you are looking for violence, lots of sex and fast cars, wrong movie! But if you are looking for a thought provoking, tender, poignant and often funny story, you've hit the jackpot. I am running out of adjectives for my two favorite actors (Newman and Woodward ought to be declared America's royalty) They shine here. Much deserved Oscar nomination for Woodward and should have been one for Newman, who never ceases to amaze. Blythe Danner is a plus as well. I thouroughly enjoyed it.

A movie with memorable moments
This is one of those films with a lot of those "Memorable Moments" that you will remember years after viewing it. The scene where Mr. Bridge refuses to let a dangerous storm spoil his dinner. The hotel bedroom scene where Mr. and Mrs. Bridge find themselves sleeping akwardly in front of a mirror. The scene where Mr. Bridge takes Mrs. Bridge to a cabaret in France filled with scantily clad women doing the Can-Can and the priceless look that Mrs. Bridge has on her face.

It's about two traditional people thrust into a new world filled with free thinkers and sexual awakenings and the honest, but humerous reactions as they try to deal with it all. Everytime I watch this film I'm suprised at what I didn't catch before, and even the scenes I remember always seem to catch me off guard.

The humor comes from the humanity within the two main characters, and it's often more funny than the best comedies you will ever watch.

Highly recommended!

Newman and Woodward Equally Wonderful
I don't know why so many people always give short shrift to Paul Newman when he appears with his wife, Joanne Woodward, in a film. They are both stunning actors at the peak of their acting powers in this movie. There really is no need to compare and contrast perfection itself. Merchant-Ivory is wonderful at handling the upper classes, whether they be British or American, in London, or, in this case, Kansas City, in the 1930s and 1940s. What stands out most vividly to me is that Mr. Bridges' heart condition is really not treatable back then. We are so used to heart surgery now, that life lived with a heart condition back in the 1930s and 1940s is forgotten as being an entirely different situation. The movie is about this couple and their extended family and the crises they weather. This, however, is basically what every Merchant-Ivory film is about and this one covers every nuance within the Bridges' family's structure and behavior. I really love the beautiful body of film work by Merchant-Ivory and I'm really glad that some of it is American, set in our heartland, with the cream of our acting crop. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Very Historically Accurate and Well Done English Film!
For students of medieval history, this English version of Robin Hood is a VERY accurate re-telling of the classic Sir Robert Hode, 4th Earl of Huntington (a real person) legend. Reminiscent of the swashbuckling classics made in the thirties and forties, this film transports you back to 12th century England, when the mighty Normans ruled with an iron hand. Sir Robert Hode (Patrick Bergen) is a Saxon nobleman who insults the sinister knight Sir Miles Falcanet (Jurgen Prochnow) and is branded an outlaw. Clever and quick witted, he changes his name to Robin Hood and a legend is born. Robin becomes an outlaw hero, celebrated across the land for his dashing heroism. He ambushes the tax collectors of the greedy Baron Roger Daguerre (memorably played by Jeroen Krabbe), and gives the money to the poor. Then with his true love, Maid Marian (Uma Thurman) about to be married to Falcanet, Robin and his band of loyal men embark on their boldest adventure yet, to storm the Baron's castle and rescue Marian from a fate worse than death. Well written and adapted for the screen, expertly cast, (too many memorable performances to mention here) and superbly directed by English director John Irvin, this relatively low budget production has never received the accolades it deserves. This movie is a thrilling medieval adventure filled with action, romance and humor. If you saw the disappointing "Hollywood formula" American version with Kevin Costner, but prefered the original with Errol Flynn, and missed this one, give it a try! It is an opportunity to be transported back to another place and time, to see an accurate glimpse of medieval history come alive on film. A must see film for all history buffs... Excellent!!!

The best version of "Robin Hood"
Some people enjoy the Kevin Costner-Alan Rickman version of the Robin Hood legend, with its treehouses, American stars (faking horrendous Brit accents), Sean Connery cameo and even a wicked-witch-in-the-cellar. I am not one of those people.

This Bergin-Irving "unknown" version was released a few months before the Costner version. Sadly, it aired only on television for fear of competing with the star-filled, "event" film. And yet, this smaller film is vastly superior to the big-budget Costner "epic" on every single level.

This is a somewhat different version of the legend than what you saw with Costner and Disney. The political background to this tale matters: the uneasiness between the two peoples of England. It involves the Saxons, who had held power for centuries, and the more recent arrival and comeuppance of the French-based Normans. Basically, the Normans are now taking power in England and they're not being too nice to the displaced Saxons.

Early in the film we meet two noblemen who are friends: Baron Daguerre (played superbly by Jeroen Krabbe of "The Fugitive") as the Norman lord of the local province and Sir Robert Hode, a Saxon landowner. Soon, however, Daguerre's aide-de-camp, the brutal knight Sir Miles Falconey (Jurgen Prochnow in another great performance) gets into a tiff with Hode. Hode openly rebels against his former friend (Daguerre) and what follows is a neat retelling of the Robin Hood legend - replete with cross-dressing Uma Thurman as Maid Marian.

This film is beautifully scripted and wonderfully shot. The costumes, acting, and sets feel gritty and authentic. In other words, this is not a Hollywood production. It is simply a great film that nobody saw. I am ecstatic that is coming to DVD.

Far above Costners
This film is one of the best RH films done it certainly is far superior to the joke that Costner did!
I do have a correction that is pretty important, there is no Sherriff of Nottingham or Guy of Gisborne in this version. The Director chose to use the conflict of Norman Vs Saxon as the stronger plot drive and instead had two noble Normans playing the heavys. While it was a surprise to me the first time I watched the film I understood the choice. It makes it much easier for veiwers to see what was the actual conflict of Robin Hood, and not have too many people thinking of Alan Rickman or Basil Rathbone's potrayals of the heavys from the two more well known versions of RH.
Worth seeing, far more historically acurate than either of the other films and Uma's Marion could go head to head with Oliva's and totaly wipeout MEM from Prince of Thieves, or as I call it Robin Hood: Dances With Arrows.

Great action packed movie!
Man oh man this movie is just so great beyond movie borders. A must see!

Sweet!
This is a great movie in all the areas it could be. It is kind of a love story between Robin and Marian and a war between Robin and the merry men against the Normans. This is a great movie and isn't just a little bit boring. A masterpiece! ... Read more

Reviews (54)

A nearly flawless experience
This is a masterful movie by director Juzo Itami. It is a story of the truck-drivin' cowboy Goro who strolls into town, sets things right and rides off into the sunset. Rather than kill the bad guys however, he helps a widow become sucessful running her late husbands ramen shop. Itami lends a mosiaic quality to the movie with many character sketches about food's pervasive influence on human behaviour. Tsutomu Yamazaki who plays Goro, and Nobuko Miyamoto who plays Tampopo, both from Itami's "A Taxing Woman", give wonderful performaces. The DVD contains a complete filmography that is a great window into Itami's other works. The DVD is letterbox and looks good. The sound is 3-channel, Japanese only with English subtitles selectable. The timing on the subtitles is at times sloppy, which is too bad since it is a subtitle-only release. I would have liked very much to see directors commentary but language may have restricted this. The DVD gets 4 stars for minor subtitle issues, and lack of more deluxe treatment, but I give the story, and my review, 5 stars. This is really a must have, in a decent package for a foreign film.

Dandelions, Cowboys and the perfect Ramen
"Tampopo" is one of those rare films that just...works. Every piece of it is perfect, combining to form a more flavorful whole, like a well-made dish of ramen noodles. Itami was inspired for this film, and it is easily one of the best Japanese films ever made.

Japanese culture is filled with a love of food. Japanese travel brochures are filled, not with pretty sights and adventures, but with photos of local delicacies and dishes. Food questing is a popular hobby, with each person knowing a local favorite shop, or a master chef. Restaurants also tend to specialize, often serving only one dish such as ramen or udon noodles. "Tampopo" perfectly captured this national obsession, creating a story that is undeniable Japanese. Goro and Tampopo's search for the perfect broth, the most delicious way to cut meat and such is an honest and charming portrayal.

There is plenty going on in this film, with the sexual subplot of the gangster and his lover exchanging food and sex, or the young executive fluent in French cuisine. Each vignette forwards the tone. Along with this is the marriage of the samurai and the cowboy in the character of Goro, and the delicate strength of Tampopo herself.

You really can't go wrong with this film.

You will be hungry for real ramen!
It can be very difficult to describe this movie and what the premise or plot is. Oh, there is the central plot, make no mistake, but the entirity of the film is a flurry of sub-stories and vignettes that act like ingredients to the ever-present ramen (Japanese noodle soup) otherwise known as this brilliant gem out of Japan. The bottom line, the final product is a fancifal tale based around food and how our lives are encompassed by it, how we struggle with it, and most importantly how integral it is to human beings on the whole.

Tampopo also is an homage film to a few genres depending on the scene. For example, Goro (an obvious samurai reference) drives into town on a truck... with cow horns on the top! He wears the cowboy hat constantly and those themes are as thick as the noodles he's seeking out. There is also a tribute to Chaplin/Keaton and the silent comedies with one of the vagabonds in his efforts to make a rice omelette. There are a few mob movie shots as well, including the semi-narrator or guide of the man in the white suit. Beyond celebrating these genres, though, as well as film itself, this really is a story about food.

Tampopo is a widowed soup cook who can't really make soup. Ramen, one of the staple Japanese foods, is as varied and unique in stores throughout the town as there are chicken soup recipes in the US. She can't seem to make a good bowl, though, and Goro feeling bad for her, decides to stay on and help her out with the help of his sidekick Gun. Along the way, they pick up a colorful band of characters each with his own addition to the recipe and technique that helps Tampopo understand the importance of finding that perfect bowl of Ramen.

Light-hearted, more than a bit hilarious, and full of twists and turns, Tampopo is definitely one of the best movies to come out of Japan. Aside from comedy or possibly drama, one would be hard-pressed to try to define this movie as the movie more defines itself and others like it. A life story for sure, definitely a good laugh, and a little eye-opening at times, too. Not for children, though, as there is some nudity and minor violence. Film buffs should already own this movie and anyone else who has a love of film or a desire for one of the most fun movies ever made, pick this one up. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy!

Warning
This DVD is in my garbage. I bought it for a young person who is learning Japanese. There is some good stuff, humor, cooking, but the cruelty is such that I could not give it to her. The worst is the live, struggling small turtle being sliced straight down, all along the body, just behind the head in front of the shell. There are also some unpleasant sex scenes, including a man stimulating a young woman by placing a container of live fish to wiggle against her bare abdomen. What a disappointment!

Still Tastes Great
I watched this one with a group of friends last night... it's been about 15 years since my first viewing and 8 since the last one. It's still brilliant, quirky and as enjoyable as ever.

A very John Wayne like truck driver plays noodle guru to a single mom struggling to be a master noodle chef. A whole host of characters are brought in to assist and some very unlikely types prove to have esoteric food knowledge. This is a quest for enlightenment in guise of perfect ramen.

The main story is broken by 2 and 3 minute glimpses into amusing (and at times bizarre) but totally unrelated stories revolving around food (with the food-sex connection illustrated vividly).

One of my favourite films. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Exellent show for teens, good messages, and morals
this show is as close to reality as possible in Jr. High. Hilary is a great role model for young girls, and msot girls went thru or are going thru what Lizzie does in these shows. And of course girls will love this, but so will boys becaue Duff is SO CUTE and Lalaine is SMOKIN' HOT, I mean she sizzles in the screen, magandang Pinay!!! So buy thsi dvd it is great and full of life's lessons and great family values.

Lizzie McGuire sends a bad message to young people...
This show is just plain-out pathetic! Not only does it teach girls to be stuck up little b**ches, but it also sends a bad message to every young individual overall. The show mostly tells us that you should try and be better than everyone else and act snobby and stupid. (When really you should be ORIGINAL and be YOU! Not some other little punk!) And now, after many of those viewers (who are probably around 8-12 years old) watch this dribble, it will only send them the wrong idea and our next generation will be a COMPLETE major pain in the arse! Believe me, I'm 18 years old and can easily tell from this stuff. I'm SO glad they stopped the show a long time ago before it warped more young minds. Sorry, Hilary.

Wack, except for Haylie's cameo
This DVD is kinda wack because the episodes are lame and pathetic, I guess the Erik Estrada one is funny in a way, but still wack. I should give it 0 stars, but I give it one star because of Haylie Duff's cameo in "Xtreme Xmas" she has like a couple lines in it. Haylie rules!

Lizzie McGuire: Star Struck
This DVD features the episodes:

01. Here Comes Aaron Carter - when Aaron Carter does a video shoot for "I Want Candy" and Lizzie and the gang sneak in

02. Lizzie in the Middle - where Frankie Muniz comes to town and hangs with Lizzie

03. Xtreme Xmas - where Steven Tyler helps make Lizzie's Christmas parade float by singing "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town"

04. Grand Ole Grandma - where Doris Roberts plays Gordo's grandma and stays with Gordo while his parents are away

05. El Oro De Montezuma - where Lizzie and the gang go on a spanish game show ... Read more

Description

Three pig brothers leave home to build their own houses, only to be confronted by a wolf who is hungry for pork. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Faerie Tale Theatre: The Three Little Pigs
Hilarious episode from the Faerie Tale Theatre series with an all-star cast. Billy Crystal as well as his on-screen brother actors are excellent as the three pigs, and Jeff Goldblum is show-stealing as the Big Bad Wolf. Valerie Perrine is a knock-out and makes a surprisingly sexy pig in this faerie tale. A great comedic hit for the entire family to enjoy!

I love this series!
My brother, sisters and I grew up watching the Faerie Tale Theatre collection, and loving them all. By the way, they're not just for kids! My mother loved them so much she went out of her way to find them for my little niece to enjoy. I highly recommend them to anyone with (or even without) children to view them!

cute and appealing
Billy Crystal, Valerie Perrine, Doris Roberts and Jeff Goldblum star in the new telling of the tale from FAERIE TALE THEATRE.

One of the more light-hearted entries in the series, its a delightfully comic piece, played out by master comedians Crystal and Roberts, with the beautiful Perrine cutting a mean figure as a porker indeed.

The series was a huge success, boasting a huge multi award-winning cast (Tonys, Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, Golden Globes, etc), and creator/producer Shelly Duvall has earned laurels for one of the finest family series in years.

Best of the Fairie Tale Theatres
I must have rented this video 40-50 times for my then pre-school age son and daughter. We all had the lines memorized. Billy Crystal is terrific as one of the pigs (Peter, Paul and Larry) and Jeff Goldblum is a howl as the wolf. The whole cast is great. This is truly a film that everyone in the family will love. The best.

As Unforgettable as Nat
This was a household staple rented over and over from our local video store, played over and over for all ages whenever our guests seemed willing. There was never ever anything but laughter and appreciation; I'm still trying to find the Samuel Barber music played just so. Please let me know if you know where I can get a copy... there are future grandchildren and grandnieces/nephews in my life whose lives will be incomplete without it. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Prettty good mix of old and new
I'm a pretty big SNL fan. I don't get to watch as much as I'd like to anymore, but it's the most consistent funny show on tv. The SNL Christmas special is a great DVD.

It does have some notable skits. I love the skit with Alec Baldwin and the NPR ladies. It's so funny because all of them play being so serious so well. I laugh so hard every time I see this skit.

I liked the Martha Stewart topless christmas. She is such an easy target to make fun of and they do it great in this skit. Martha Stewart is annoying because of the way she talks and the way she presents herself. They spoof it so well in topless christmas. It's one of the better skits on the dvd.

All the skits with old SNL members are great. Dan Akroyd is one of the funniest guys to live and his skits as the toliet paper saleman and the toymaker are great.

Are two favorite SNL drunks Farley and Belushi both have some good stuff there fans should like.

Adam Sandler does the Hannakuh song. It's not the best version of the song, but it is the original and what a funny song it is.

I love this DVD. It's one of the better best of's they've made and I'm glad it's part of my collection.

SNL XMAS PAST AND PRESENT. a little more past please!
A good look at the best xmas skits from SNL, except they forgot
Hannakuh Harry & Gumby's X-Mas Special. It was great though to see Chevy Chase (as President Ford) open the collection, with other appearences by the BEST & ORIGINAL Not Ready For Prime Time Players Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtain, Garrett Morris, Gilda Radner and Second Season replacement Bill Murray.
Why Wont Lorne Micheals release SNL Season by season? It would be great to catch ALL the great performances, like the 1st season,PLEASE! Hail Chevy Chase!
Also Recommend:
UNDER THE RAINBOW-Chevy Chase
CADDYSHACK-Chevy Chase, Bill Murray
N.L. CHRISTMAS VACATION-Chevy Chase
SNL-Halloween
SNL-25 Years Of Laughs

Funny, but no Hanukah Harry!
This video was pretty funny. It had mostly newer stuff. I would have liked to have seen stuff from the earlier years. Also, a sticker on the package advertises that the Hanukah Harry skit with Jon Lovitz is on the video, but mysteriously it is nowhere to be found! I am certain there is more material they could have put on this 65 minute video.

Not worth purchasing
I'm a big fan of SNL, but most of the skits on this video weren't that funny. Adam Sandler singing the Hanukkah Song, and Chris Farley as Santa were the only two skits that made me laugh. I bought this as a gift for my father-in-law and I wish I hadn't! Maybe next year I'll buy him the Best of Chris Farley.

WELL BALANCED MIX
THIS 65 MINUTE TAPE IS A WELL BALANCED MIX OF OLD SCHOOL AND RECENT SNL CHRISTMAS SKETCHES. ADD THIS TO THE SNL HALLOWEEN VIDEO AND YOU'RE SET FOR LAUGHS OVER THE HOLIDAYS. I SERIOUSLY HOPE THAT THEY ARE HARD AT WORK ON VOLUME 2. THEY'VE CERTAINLY GOT PLENTY OF MATERIAL. I PRAY THE NEXT TAPE INCLUDES THE SANTA THE TERMINATOR SKIT (DECEMBER '84). EVERYONE I DESCRIBE IT TO THINKS I'M MAKING IT UP. ... Read more

Description

Accused of stealing, Zatoichi is pursued by friend and foe alike. In this installment of The Blind Swordsman series, Ichi must prove his innocence, expose the real culprits, retrieve the
gold and reconcile his accusers’ anger. And if the odds were not stacked high enough, Ichi is hounded and challenged by a maniacal, bullwhip yielding Ronin who finds Ichi’s status as a low ranking blind masseur and master swordsman as an affront to his class and profession. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

My Favorite Zatoichi Flick
When I was younger I used to hunt down grainy copies of the Zatoichi series which were poorly subtitled and poorly transferred on VHS. I was very pleased to see this quality cinema transferred to DVD and given the respect it deserves. The Zatoichi Series, though it declined at the beginning of the seventies, remains some of the greatest drama/action in cinema history; at least according to my opinion. The seventies saw a drastic change in Japanese culture, and the movie industry became more sexual and trashy. The 1960's saw the greatest in cinematography, plot, and character development- far surpassing anything Hollywood was doing during that time. This Zatoichi episode is a classic which pits Ichi against some fierce bandits, and a mission to clear his name with a village of farmers. The chambara here is excellent, and the ethics of Ichi are highly pronounced. I look forward to more DVD transfers of the Zatoichi series.

Can't miss with a hard drinking highly skilled swordsman
As always, this movie gives you all you want in the zatoichi vein, the emmotional women, the amazing swordsmanship, and the numerous opportunities for Zatoichi to display the character that lasted him thru so many movies. Mixed up in the search for a lost chest of gold, thieves, and crooked goverment officials, Zatoichi saves the day in his unsual manner. Not quite as good as the first ones but still worth the price ... Read more

Description

Merchant Ivory Productions, The Criterion Collection, and Home Vision Entertainment are proud to present The Merchant Ivory Collection

This entertaining story from a delicious early novel by Henry James takes place in a New England Arcadia that stands for everything beautiful, pure and good. Into this Eden come a sophisticated European brother and sister who turn up unexpectedly on the doorstep of their staid American cousins, the Wentworths. The fortune-hunting Eugenia (Lee Remick) and her high-spirited brother Felix (Tim Woodward) turn this Puritan world upside down. The film concludes with three betrothals, like a Mozart opera. But Eugenia has been too clever, and must return to Europe as empty-handed as she came. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

ALL TALK...NO ACTION...ENTERTAINING NONETHELESS...
This beautiful adaptation of the Henry James novel of the same name is an early Ivory/Merchant film. It is beautifully shot with shimmering pastoral scenes that bring to mind some wonderful impressionist paintings. The story is likewise somewhat impressionistic and centered around two brother and sister expatriates, Eugenia and Felix Young, who come from Europe to visit their wealthy American half cousins, the Wentworths, in the very bucolic, very Yankee, suburban environs of Boston in the late nineteenth century.

The Wentworths are a rather strait-laced, prim and proper, wealthy family, whose head is the dour and mistrustful old Mr. Wentworth (Wesley Addy). The family welcomes their European cousins with some trepidation and reservation, as they seem positively bohemian to them. The one exception is Gertrude Wentworth (Lisa Eichhorn) who gravitates towards her newly found, sophisticated relatives. As a flower turns to the sun, Gertrude turns to her cousins to brighten her otherwise dull and narrow world. She is not disappointed.

Eugenia (Lee Remick) proclaims to be the Baroness Munster, an unhappily married woman on the brink of divorce. Her charming brother, Felix (Tim Woodward), is a rather artistic fellow with no foreseeable prospects. Together they take the Wentworths by storm and turn their previously well ordered, somewhat provincial world, upside down. This is a slow moving film that allows the story to unfold at its own, unhurried pace.

As Eugenia and Felix leisurely weave themselves into the fabric of the Wentworths' lives, changes ensue. During their stay, a romance develops between Felix and Gertrude. Her rebuffed suitor, Mr. Brand (Norman Snow), ends up finding solace in the arms of Charlotte, Gertrude's more eminently suited sister. Eugenia, however, who has set about to snare the Wentworths' attractive and wealthy neighbor, Robert Acton (Robin Ellis), is in for a very rude awakening.

Lee Remick, a vastly underrated actress, is delightful as the beautiful and predatory Eugenia. Tim Woodward is boyishly charming as Felix, the cousin who sweeps Gertrude off her feet. Robin Ellis is excellent as the thoughtful Robert Acton, the man who stands on the brink of a major life changing decision. Wesley Addy is very good as the suspicious Wentworth patriarch. Lisa Eichhorn's portrayal of Gertrude, however, is flat, as if she were performing in the throes of a zen like trance. Yet, it does not detract unduly from the overall quality of the film.

This is a film that those who love period pieces will enjoy. If you are not a period piece lover, however, deduct one star from my review and proceed at your own risk.

Excellent James Period Piece
Maybe this should be 5-star,but the general dullness of the characters does not make for exciting viewing, with the possible exeption of Lee Remick. You have to admit it's like witnessing autumn Massachusetts in the pre-Civil War era. Or at least that's what I think based on the terrific costumes (even though James was later). Yes, like Masterpiece Theatre only better. All talk, almost no action, but very vivid and thoughtful! Dry mating games and interbreeding among very rich Yankees.

new england in the fall
This is an early and lesser Merchant/Ivory period piece featuring a visit of Europeans Lee Remick and Tim Woodward to their Bostonian cousins, however the staging is so stiff director James Ivory may have well used mannequins. The soundtrack is very busy, what with the rustling of dresses and singing birds but also features the lovely Richard Robbins score which livens things up a smidgen. Miraculously a little of Henry James' humour survives when delivered by Woodward and the disapproving Bostonian father played by Wesley Addy. Together they have a very funny chat about having a portrait painted. Woodward has the misfortune to fall in love with Lisa Eichhorn, possibly the dullest of all the family, and she scores an unintentional laugh when she tells him how "dreary" he must find her. The ageless Lee Remick has a few moments of fun. I particularly liked her panic in the first meeting. Remick isn't believable as a predator - she's rather too light - though she is amusing when bored, but the only thing vaguely European about her is her odd hairdos. One might have a moral objection to the idea of marrying one's cousin, though perhaps this inbreeding shouldn't be judged by contemporary standards. Of note is James' using "pleased to" instead of "would you please" in requests.

Remick does James - Nicely
Lee Remick must be one of the most underrated stars of her generation. In 1979's Merchant-Ivory film, 'The Europeans' she gives a subtle and moving portrayal of a money-seeking baroness, Eugenie, who seeks out old cousins in deepest New England, Mass. The film is a pictorial chamber piece, standing nicely alongside the more recent adaptation of early James, 'The Wings of a Dove'. Its supporting performances are wonderful characterisations. If you don't like the look of tonight's Masterpiece Theatre, watch 'The Europeans'. END ... Read more

Description

This lighthearted romp through Royal India presents a world of Maharajas, palaces, imperiled art objects, and the foreign collectors who will stop at nothing to possess them. Peggy Ashcroft and Larry Pine star as two rapacious art collectors who come to the decaying Art Deco palace of a young Maharaja (Victor Banerjee) to examine a legendary collection of Indian miniature paintings. While vying with each other to get the pictures away from the royal couple—nicknamed Georgie and Bonnie as children by their Scottish governess—they must also divine the true motives of the Indian curator of the collection (Saeed Jaffrey), who—in league with the Maharaja's beautiful sister (Aparna Sen)—may be working against them. Amidst the backdrop of lavish tourist entertainments, Christmas parties, fireworks, and even an English ghost, a desperate game of palace intrigue will
determine the ultimate resting place of the priceless paintings.
... Read more

Description

Gary, a young hustler, finds a kindred spirit in Valentino, a bisexual adult film star to whom Gary is instantly attracted. Standing in their way is Valentino's dedicated girlfriend. They put aside their differences when Valentino is diagnosed with AIDS, creating a makeshift family to mutually love and support him to the tragic end. Stars: Salma Hayek (Frida, Dogma, Once Upon a Time in Mexico), Vincent D’Onofrio (The Cell, Men in Black), Ethan Hawke (Reality Bites, Before Sunrise), Thomas Jayne (Magnolia, Bookie Nights). ... Read more

Reviews (30)

A mesmerizing and brilliant film!
I had been reading mixed reviews on this film so I was pleasantly surprised after I watched it. This is now one of my favorite movies of all time! The characters and story drew me in so deeply that I re-watched it a couple of days later. The story of the charismatic, dying Valentino and his two lovers really moved me. These were people who loved each other in their own way. Even though Gary and Mary Carmen fought all the time, their love for Valentino was enough to keep them together. I found the story to be touching, the dialogue interesting and the actors perfect in their roles.

This is a film that is more understandable if you have known a lot of people who live alternative lifestyles. I've been friends with people in relationships like this and its a very complicated situation. I also enjoyed the strange characters like Kid Joey, the drag queen obsessed with Patsy Cline and Gary. He was so desperate and sad and I wish his character would have been in the movie longer. All these people were different and bizarre yet they all seemed to care about each other. Not to mention there is a really hot kiss between two gorgeous men! The ending was moving to me in that it gave you a sense of optimism for their future. It doesn't necessarily have a happy ending but its a real ending with heart.

Obviously this is a movie that is not for everyone but for those with an open mind, you can become absorbed in this story. This is a rare and beautiful film that will make you stop and think long after its over. I would give it more than five stars if I could!

The one that got away
It's a travesty that this film is not available on DVD. Travesty.

This is the kind of movie that is not what it seems. From the cover jacket, you expect it to be about the harshness of city living, full of darkness and anger and seedy characters, but it's not. It's about three people and a world that most of us (thankfully) haven't experienced in our lives. The three lead characters are: Valentino, a bisexual ex-porn star dying of HIV; Gary* (not his real name), a gay hustler who falls hard for Valentino; and Mary Carmen, Valentino's spitfire girlfriend who is jealous of her lover's relationship with Gary but who has no choice but to share him. The world they inhabit is the underbelly of NYC, but director Dan Ireland never looks down on the characters, nor does he put them on a pedestal. It's a fine balance, but one that is achieved. The result is that it is impossible to watch this film and not feel the affection that Ireland has for the characters and their world, and that transfers to the viewer. It's reminiscent of Boogie Nights, another film set in the world of porn,drugs and hustlers, and a film that also makes you care for its characters and the alternative family they create.

The three leads did amazing work. Vincent D'Onofrio is mesmerizing as the center of the love triangle, a character so full of life even as he's dying that he can't be contained. This was a brave role for the respected character actor, and it deserves to be seen. Salma Hayek turns in another great performance, and one scene in particular, breaks your heart. Valentino is dancing in a club with Gary and Mary Carmen, and when he turns his back on Mary Carmen for a second to bump and grind with Gary, the slow-motion shot of the pain, longing and jealousy in Hayek's eyes will rip your heart out. And Thomas Jane has never been better. For anyone who's only seen his work in Deep Blue Sea and that raunchy Cameron Diaz "comedy", brace yourself for an actor whose potential hasn't been tapped in his subsequent projects.

This film has more than enough heart to spare, and that is what is truly so great about it. It defies expectations and cliches, yet it leaves you feeling renewed and hopeful. I only saw this film this past week, and I can't believe it escaped me before. Don't make the same mistake I did. See Velocity of Gary. It will haunt you, but in a good way.

D'Onofrio also produced the picture with Ireland, along with a previous collaboration called The Whole Wide World, and these two should continue their work together. They've created two wonderfully different films about passion and love and the human condition. And that's something that's sorely lacking in today's cinema.

SLIGHTLY ODD & THAT MAKES IT GREAT
It's not your run of the mill movie with tons of special effects and no story line. This movie has a story, and if you can get past the oddness of it a very touching one. Good performances, cheers to Vincent D-Onofrio. This man is not afraid of any movie role that comes his way, and if you watch this movie you'll see what I mean. He tackled this role all the way!

MÁS DE LO MISMO, PERO DISTINTO
Realmente, esta película trata un viejo tema: el triángulo amoroso. Pero lo hace con una altura, con una calidad y con esa novedad que sólo una buena lectura puede otorgarle a un tema ya gastado una nueva oportunidad. Recomendable. Para ver abrazado a tu pareja.

As bad as it gets.
This movie missed the theaters and went straight to video, and even this fate is too good for it. The acting is terrible, the characterizations are not credible, and the plot developments--the few that there are--- are dull. Selma Hayek plays an absurdly stereotypical "NYC foul-mouthed Latin Chick," the sort of role that used to be pushed on Rosie Perez.

This picture pretends to treat homo and hetero relationships evenhandedly, but the homo component is really a bit of "spice" put in to underscore how far out of the mainstream these characters are. The hetero relationship is the only one that is explored in any depth, and that depth is minimal. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Pre-Fab Four are back, and severely earnest television journalist S.J. Krammerhead (Eric Idle) is hot on their story once again in The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch. A welcome sequel to Monty Python star Idle's 1978 mockumentary The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash, Can't Buy Me Lunch looks back on the mythical Liverpool quartet's long and winding road. Meet anew the group's caustic leader Ron Nasty (Neil Innes), cute bassist Dirk McQuickley (Idle), quiet guitarist Stig O'Hara (Rikki Fataar), and lovable drummer Barry Womble (John Halsey) as they sprint from the Cavern Club through "A Hard Day's Rut," "Tragical History Tour" and beyond. Krammerhead combines new celebrity interviews (Conan O'Brien, Tom Hanks, Bonnie Raitt) with re-edited footage and outtakes from the first film, and while the result isn't as sharp or urgent as Idle's original parody, Can't Buy Me Lunch has many funny moments and good inside jokes for Beatles enthusiasts. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (23)

An exhumed & desecrated corpse
Perhaps if you are 80 years old, eating jello in a home somewhere, sitting in a soiled diaper, and the attendant wheels you in front of a TV and turns on this DVD, you'll enjoy it. For the rest of us, who remember the genius of the original, this rehash was painful rip on the soul, a reminder that all our heroes fade, the things we fondly recall from childhood are now rotten, and mediocrity is what awaits us all.

The only excuse Eric Idle has for making this would be a severe drug problem, like the kind where you do Robert Downey Jr/Less Than Zero jobs for James Spader to support your habit. If he doesn't have a problem like this, then someone should put Idle's head into an oil fryer at McDonald's and hold it under until he begs for forgiveness for foisting this excrement upon the world.

Awful garbage, a disgrace.

all you need is mousse.
okay, granted. "cash" was much better. but david bowie's hair was stunning. you have to at least admit that.

nice packaging..shame about the content!
as a huge beatles ,monty python,bonzo dog band fan,i was hugely dissapointed with the rutles sequel.i have the archaeology c.d and it would have been nice to see neil innes and the other guys on the dvd as they got together for the reunion.i know there is a video for "shangri-la" which should have been included.eric...shame on you!!!....everyone save your money and put it towards tickets for eric's spamalot on broadway ..i hear its wonderful!

Dreck!Dreck!Dreck!Dreck!Dreck!
Eric Idle takes the now-far-larger budget from Lorne Michaels and spends it all on travel, looking for ways to milk recycled shtick.

Absolutely no idea here is original;the interview bits are snoozers except for a precious few seconds each from Robin Williams and Catherine O'Hara putting on mock German accents.The sole mercy is that, except for clips from the first show, none of the original Pre-Fab Four are anywhere to be seen - interestingly enough, Idle himself doesn't appear on "The Rutles Archaeology" cd (coincidence?You tell me.)

That's $21.99 + tax I'll never see again (I didn't buy it at Amazon - serves me right.)I just hope the tax will be well spent.

Can't stomach it!!!!
Not as good as the original " ...Cash! "A summary / rehash of 'stuff' from the first offering.I shouldn't have purchased it!!I saw the 1st. one when it originally aired;loved it and therefore swallowed the hype. I hoped for more from the sequel!!!
... Read more

Description

3 Great Movies on 1 DVD.Star Power, Exciting Genre with Extras on each DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

SKIP IT!
I'm a Joe Pesci fan, so although I'm familiar with these cheesy "3 on 1" types of DVD compilations, I rented it from my local video store. Very weak movies you have here. They are B-movies or TV movies from the 70's and they look as low budget as you can get.
The first segment, "Honor Thy Father", was amateurish; although you expect cliches in a mob-themed movie, this one gave you all the bad cliches --badly submitted and badly portrayed by actors who seemed between guest appearances on "Kojak" or "Baretta".
The second, "Family Enforcer", was the best of this bad lot. Needless to say, this was due to the efforts of Joe Pesci.
The third and final movie, "Mob War", I gave up on after the first ten minutes. Rarely do I fail to see a movie all the way to its finish; however, after the first two I could see it was the same old story now getting worse by the minute. Off the DVD went, to be returned the very next day.

Two stars for Joe Pesci's presence.

Not Great Mafia Movies
I picked up Great Mafia Movies plus GMM Volume Two, and Crime Lords, and was disappointed. I went in with low expectations (which in turn was too high). They are no Godfather. These movies will put you to sleep. Video quality is poor and in some instances the color fades to green, yellow, etc. I picked up each one for six dollars (new), and still feel cheated. Save your money for one quality movie.

these movies were OK
i thought that these were ok movies, if you are interesteted in mafia movies it is worth seeing or adding to your collection. Family Enforcer was the better of the three, it also had an apperearence by a young Joe Pesci. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Lizzie McGuire, played by Teen Choice award-winning Hilary Duff, is a winsome eighth grader with a unique sense of style and burning desire to be popular--a condition that resonates with pre-teens everywhere.This quartet of episodes from the television series (which inspired the feature film) finds Lizzie climbing to a new pinnacle of popularity.When Lizzie signs a modeling contract with Teen Attitude Magazine, she gains instant popularity at the expense of true friendship.In the second episode, desperation over an upcoming vote for "best dressed" tempts Lizzie to lie and outspend her budget in the quest for notoriety.Meanwhile, Lizzie's brother Matt becomes a prisoner of his own instant fame.Lizzie takes being a role model a bit too far in the third episode and almost winds up losing her uniqueness while Matt's Dad takes a beating trying to help Matt earn a wilderness badge.When Lizzie sets a new school record for the "Presidential Fitness Challenge" in the fourth episode, she quickly gains a reputation as a "dude"--a reputation that just might end her chances of ever getting a date.Matt, on the other hand, suddenly finds himself praised for a newfound academic prowess--too bad the praise really belongs to a mischievous monkey. (Ages 6 to 12) --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Cant Help It
Im in love with Hilary Duff. Only 16 years old and she is a superstar, how I wish I were her so much! Kind of depresses me...

Lizzie McGuire DVD's
even though i am a great fan of Lizzie McGuire and have been since the show came out in 2000, when i purchased volumes 1 and 2 of the series, i was annnoyed that it only came with four episodes on each dvd. each episode is only about 25 minutes long, so i was really suprised when disney chose to only put four episodes on each dvd, why not 6 or 8 episodes as it is worth it for the price that you are paying. overall this is a great show for all kids, and you can never get bored of rewatching these for episodes!

I love this show
I always loved the TV series Lizzie McGuire, my fiends all say I am a brunette version of Hialry Duff lol! This dvd is exellent, fans of the show or of Duff wil lenjoy this and Duff is a good roll model for a girl my age(I'm 14). This is a perfect DVD for any teen, boy or girl(I think all guys are in love with Hilaey Duff)!

Best Kids Show On Television these Days!
If you asked me what the best show on television for kids is, I would have no, and I mean absolutely no hesitation, in saying that it is the Lizzie McGuire show. It features a young girl having to deal with the issues of Middle School and how she manages through her struggles, by choosing to do what is right in the end. Sometimes, she temporarily masses up and ends up getting the consequences of her actions, and does what is right in the end.
Eight episodes were released on DVD on December 9th. They are bundled as "Fashionable Lizzie" and "Growing Up Lizzie." These DVDs make great Christmas presents and if you buy both of them, you might consider buying another Disney DVD title (such as the Lizzie McGuire Movie), because Disney will give you another DVD for free. This offer expires at the end of December though. Again, these are great DVDs.

Why only four episodes?
I was excited to hear Disney was going to release some of the best episodes of Lizzie McGuire on dvd, but I am upset about how they are going about it. The first thing that made me mad was the fact that there are only four episodes on each volume. In England, theres six. Also, The UK versions are in the order the episodes were filmed. In the UK, Disney will have eventually released the entire series on dvd. All 65 episodes. I hope Disney releases all the episodes on dvd in the U.S. And I expect more than just four episodes on volumes 3 and 4. ... Read more

Description

A prince who was turned into a frog by a witch's spell is ultimately saved by the kiss of a self-centered princess. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

my personal fairy tale theatre movie
If your looking for a fairy tale for kids that can make even you laugh this is the one. Robin Williams will lighten the mood every time.

Bad for Children
This film contains language and sexual content. Robin Williams uses profanity and parental discretion is advised. It is a funny telling of the story for adults but not younger viewers... Parents should watch the movie first to decide if it is appropiate for their children, and trust me, it isn't!!!!

Undoubtably one of the best Faerie Tale Theatre videos.
This episode of The Tale of the Frog Prince, starring the hilarious Robin Williams and wonderful Teri Garr, is not only a very well told classic children's tale, but a comedy. It has plenty of bits an adult would find entertaining, none being underhand or crude, while still amusing to a younger audience. I grew up watching this series; I loved it then, and I still love it now ... A very good movie to see, and a deal if you can buy it anywhere!

Hilarious, but for adults
This is a hilariously funny version of a children`s fairy tale. Both Robin Williams and Teri Garr do a superb job in their portrayals of the frog-prince and the princess, but you will, most likely, be surprised at how well Rene Aberjonois (Clayton, fron the t.v. series Benson) does comedy. The only caveat is that because of the language and some the situations I would not recommend this video for pre-teens, but anyone else will definitely be amused! ... Read more

Reviews (22)

"Clean" Eddie Murphy!
It is extremely rare to use the words "Eddie Murphy" and "clean" in the same sentence, which ring true in "Saturday Night Live-The Best Of Eddie Murphy". After watching Murphy convey such a unique and endearing comical warmth in which he brings to many of his SNL characters, especially in this video, it makes you wonder why Murphy resorts to using rather obscene language and risque adult themes prevalent in many of his stand-up comedy videos, such as "Eddie Murphy:Raw" and "Delirious", which are highly recommended for laughs, even though these are not satisfactory for young audiences to view. If Mr. Murphy cleaned up his act in the language department, he'd still be just as hilarious. On the other hand, if the adult themes and language were excluded entirely, the routines wouldn't be as interesting and much of their viewer appeal would be lost. No need to worry with "The Best Of Eddie Murphy-Saturday Night Live". It's "G" rating means that it's a video the whole family can watch together, although there is a slight possibility that the ethnicity present in certain skits may offend certain people, so it's best to watch this with an open mind and just laugh out loud! The only thing I dislike about this version is due to the fact there are two different skits, one that replaced the jazz skit where Murphy portrays a "Thelonius Monk"-type musician, sporting a clear plastic mask, which I found quite hilarious! Instead there's a drone skit with Eddie dressed up as Gumby, saying the oft-used phrase "I'm Gumby, Dammit!" Somebody please gag me with a spoon! Another skit featured here that wasn't in the original video was a different second skit of "Mister Robinson's Neighborhood" featuring Mr. T. Even though I don't remember the original second skit that was in the original video, I would say the Mr. T skit is/was as equally as funny. The most hilarious skit of the bunch here is definitely the "Jesse Jackson" skit. You'll have to check that one out for yourself! You rarely see any clean, wholesome and comical productions starring Eddie Murphy that are out there, which is why it is necessary to include "The Best Of Eddie Murphy-Saturday Night Live" in your comedy video library. Purchase this rare gem before it is taken out of print!

Funny, yes, but the VHS version from late 80s was better
This DVD has collected most of the best moments compiled on the VHS best-of Eddie Murphy version that came out circa the late 80s, but is missing a few moments that could have easily been fit in.

1) The Eddie Murphy "Ronald Reagan is my father" skit, which has Murphy pleading for his father to return, talking about how the last time he saw him was when he asked him to get some cereal, and he never came back.

2) Where Eddie Murphy interviews Ron Howard about his new movie, but Murphy can't get over that Ron Howard once played Opie on The Andy Griffiths Show, frustrating Howard.

3) Where Eddie Murphy and Stevie Wonder do a commercial for something called similar to Plantation Land, where people can go and pick cotton, being treated like slaves.

4) A talent show at a veterans post, with Tyrone and his Reggae Band, where Eddie Murphy plays the lead singer singing some hilarious lines I probably can't mention here, so I won't, but it would also ruin the humor. but let's just say the crowd is mad, and starts to leave. Murphy manages to both show the honesty in reggae music, and also make fun of reggae itself.

5) Popeil's Galactic Prophylactic, a superstrong condom that can last decades and be passed down generation to generation. ultra-hilarious.

So the DVD version is funny, but it's too bad they couldn't find room for these. rather disappointing. The DVD is still worth getting, but try finding a copy of the videotape.

Comedy At Its Best
After 5 years of classic comedy, "Saturday Night Live" entered a cold streak in 1980. Heavyhitters like John Belushi and Gilda Radner were replacd with Gail Matthius and Charles Rocket, and Jean Domanian (and later Dick Ebersol) replaced the show's guiding force, exceutive porducer Lorne Michaels. The results: bad reviews and the show's worst ratings. The show needed someone to revive the show's magic. Someone who could elicit guffaws in even the worst sketch. They found that in 19 - year old comedian Eddie Murphy.

Murphy's best moments in his 3 - year stint on the show are all on this 28 - sketch set. Whether you enjoy "Buckwheat", "Gumby", or "Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood", there'll never be a more comprehensive Eddie Murphy/"SNL" retrospectie. Also, a lot of less popular sketches are here. "Buckwheat Shot" and "Buckwheat Dead" (one of the few 2- part "SNL" skecthes) is among the show's greatest staircal news parodies. Eddie does the Little Rascal flawlessly, while Joe Piscopo does a dead - on Ted Koppell. (Piscopo is actually in most of the sketches, probably because he brough out the best in Murphy). Also, a variety pf his classxci impressions are here: Desmond Tutu, James Brown, Stevie Wonder (the real wonder pops up in the final sketch), Jesse Jackson and others. I wish they'd included his Michael Jackson impression, though. Another plus: Eddie's hilarious Little Richard Simmons, a sidesplitting amalgam of Little Richard and Richard Simmons that most likely inspired Dana Carvey's Carsenio. And the classic short film "White Like Me" is here. The makeup artists did a great job of making Eddie look white.

This dvd is also special because it's Eddie's cleanest material aside from "Shrek" and "Doctor Dolittle". Aside from a few curses, everything here is tame compared to his movies and standup routines. I suggest this dvd for all comedy fans. Also, get the other "SNL" dvs.

Total Ripoff
I agree that this was a total rip off. One would assume that a DVD version of a show would have all the same contents as the VHS version if not more. I was shocked to find out about the missing episodes. Unfortunately I didn't read the reviews before purchasing it so tough luck on my part.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone - get the VHS version if you can.

While we're on the topic of comedy shows. Does wnyone know if Roman Atkinson live will ever be out on dvd?

RIPPED OFF!
I gave this DVD 4 stars the first time it was released and 1 star the second time. I bought it the first time it was released. When I saw the different cover and the words "bonus editon", I assummed it contained the missing episodes fans were requesting that weren't on the first DVD. Wrong. There were too many great episodes missing: "Guy Talk" with Michael Jackson, "Ronald Reagon is My Father", "Cotton Land", "Tyrone & His Reggae Band" and more. Thank goodness I rented this one first, but I still feel cheated. What do fans have to do to get what they want? ... Read more

Reviews (39)

MERCHANT IVORY'S SUBLIME VISUAL BANQUET
Anthony Hopkins stars as Henry Wilcox, a member of England's ruling class who finds himself slipping into a romance with Margaret Schlegle (Emma Thompson) after his wife has passed away. However, before her death, Ruth Wilcox (Vanessa Redgrave) had stipulated that she wished to leave her family home "Howards End" to both Margaret and her sister, Helen (Helena Bonham-Carter). Of course the Wilcox family, being stuck up and spoiled, did not follow through with her wishes and this becomes the focal point of the plot. Along the way there is adultry, corruption, deception, original sins revisited and even murder - in short, everything one could expect from an impeccibly crafted story turned into a poignant and stirring film experience. Producers, James Ivory and Ismal Merchant have given us one of a handful of truly stirring dramatic/epics, filled with the sort of grand illusion and entertainment value that Hollywood used to provide en masse during the 1930's and 40's. This is definitely a worthwhile excursion.
Columbia has done a beautiful job on the transfer. There is absolutely nothing to complain about and I defy anyone to be disappointed with the quality of this mastering effort. My one regret, this disc comes with NO EXTRA FEATURES. Apart from this oversight, you must definitely take a road trip to Howards End.

A strangely fascinating love story between British classes.
I was prepared NOT to like this film, but it drew me in and won me over.If you are a fan of what I call, "People Movies", this is for you. The plot line is fascinating, in that you MUST pay attention to every detail to follow it. Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins are at their usual best as the couple from two different social classes in 19th century England. The central character is, though, the country cottage called, "Howard's End." You will either love this film or hate it. For me, it is in my top 20.Credit must be given to the score, which adds much to the film's ability to draw you in from the very beginning.

"A million square miles are almost the same as heaven."
I loved E.M. Forester's book, HOWARD'S END, so I knew I'd love this film as well. Period pieces are my favorites and English period pieces have a special "something" about them. Maybe it's the lush cinematography or the brilliant acting. I suppose it's really a combination of many things.

HOWARD'S END is set, for the most part, in London, and revolves around two families: the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes. The Schlegels and the Wilcoxes are separated by class; the Schlegels are a middle class family, comfortable, but definitely not "old money," while the Wilcoxes are far more "to the manor born." Society, at the time HOWARD'S END takes place, dictated that the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes definitely not mix. However, mix they do, with disastrous results.

In the Schlegel family are two sisters, Margaret (Emma Thompson), the older and plainer, and Helen (Helena Bonham-Carter), the younger and more beautiful. We know troub