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Befitting a filmmaker of Akira Kurosawa's masterly stature, this sumptuous limited-edition DVD set pays tribute to Kurosawa's cinematic legacy and Japanese heritage. Like Japanese architecture, the packaging is simple yet elegant, with Ran--Kurosawa's epic reworking of King Lear in feudal Japan--at the center of attention. Kurosawa's 1985 masterpiece was remastered for this set, a clear improvement over the notoriously disappointing Fox Lorber DVD. The transfer is now vividly colorful and crisply detailed, presented in anamorphic widescreen with optional yellow subtitles that are easier to read (though the earlier release probably wasn't as bad as the "old" image used in the restoration demo). The 5.1-channel sound option allows deeper immersion into Kurosawa's painstakingly crafted soundtrack, and film historian Stephen Price's superlative, feature-length commentary track provides engaging and scholarly perspective on Kurosawa's development of theme through composition, camera placement, editing, and highly stylized direction of actors. Another comparatively sparse commentary track by Japanese cultural expert Peter Grilli is worthwhile for its insider's view of Kurosawa's personality and methods. Ran--a tragic, awe-inspiring study of human folly--remains timelessly magnificent, marking the first step in Kurosawa's gradual move from the confines of conventional narrative.

The gatefold packaging includes four glossy, postcard-quality reproductions ofKurosawa's personal storyboard paintings for Ran and Madadayo, as well as a beautiful miniature fold-out shoji screen paying tribute to Ran. (A commemorative Ran miniposter is also included.) While the DVDs of Kurosawa and Madadayo don't differ from their previous releases, their inclusion is fitting: Kurosawa (coproduced by Grilli) serves as a comprehensive study of the director's life and films, and Madadayo--Kurosawa's last and perhaps most personal film--is an evocative expression of the moral themes and unconventional storytelling that emerged in the final years of Kurosawa's legendary career. In honoring the sensei's lifetime of peerless creativity, this boxed set is guaranteed to please. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Wonderful set of Kurosawa movies
I purchased this box set as a way to dip my toes more deeply into the ocean that is Kurosawa's work. I own and love the Criterion "Seven Samurai" DVD, and so awaited this set with anticipation. It didn't disappoint! I think I'd seen "Ran," but it had been long enough that seeing it again it was like a new movie. The "Ran" DVD is stunning in all its restored splendor, and the story is emotionally gripping. Full of symbolism and compelling performances, I recommend this set for just this movie alone, but in addition, "Madadayo" and "Kurosawa" are both included. Neither is in anamorphic, but they are worthy additions to the set in any case. I'd never seen "Madadayo" and I'm happy to report it's a wonderful movie. It's a character study with a depth and personal warmth that radiates from the movie in waves. The performances are so natural and unassuming, you forget it's a fictional movie, and not a video journal of a real person. "Kurosawa" is an in-depth documentary on the man and his works. It's great stuff!
Last, the only downside to the package is the packaging itself. The DVD's are not held on their spindles well at all. One of mine had fallen off ("Ran") but thankfully had not taken any damage. I wish they'd taken more care with that. The included booklet, screen, and postcards are a nice touch, but I'd have been happy with just the DVD's, frankly, and in a much simpler case. Still, overall I recommend this to film fans and especially Kurosawa fans.

Not just hype, this is a terrific set!
Many people have been complaining prior to the release of this set that it looks like a clever way to take money from Kurosawa fans. This isn't the case folks. Yes, it's expensive, I don't deny that. In my view, however, it's worth it. Ran is one of Kurosawa's greatest achievements. Of his entire body of work, I think only Seven Samurai, Ikiru, Rashomon, and Throne of Blood are superior. Ran is terrific cinema, and this 16:9 transfer with yellow subtitles is far better than the previous DVD release which did the picture no justice, and had very atrocious looking subs. The 5.1 channel sound is excellent, my uncle's cinema room was vibrating with every slam of the great gates in the film. The commentaries are great, with Prince's being the better of the two. In short, the Ran DVD is splendid, and vastly superior to the Fox Lorber edition. Madadayo, also included in the set, is not one of Kurosawa's best, but it's still worth owning as it's his last film, and by no means is it as bad as Rhapsody in August or, heaven forbid, Sanshiro Sugata II. It's a quiet little film about an old man who isn't quite ready to leave the world. A bit too sentimental perhaps, but some scenes are rather touching. Definately worth having. The Kurosawa documentary is underrated and overrated at the same time. It has excellent interviews I think, but the narration gets incredibly annoying. However, that may be because I've read Kurosawa's autobiography, and therefore excerpts being read from it seem useless to me. In other words, those who haven't read his book may find the narration incredibly informative. I've only seen one better documentary on Kurosawa overall anyway, so I recommend it. The box is great looking, with the number of your edition on the front along with a logo that says: KUROSAWA. The shoji screen with art from Ran is excellent looking and would make a terrific display. Ditto the mini-Ran 15th Anniversary poster (which I personally prefer to leave untouched, rolled with a seal). There is also an informative little booklet about the filmmaker, well, informative for newcomers to Kurosawa, and an authentication certificate, along with four postcard size Kurosawa storyboards for the two films in this set. Overall, I think this set is a great buy for die hard Kurosawa fans and even casual fans. It's a great way to celebrate his later works.

A great look...
...into a fabulous piece of cinema. This collection really assembles the best of all the tools for understanding Japanese cinema in general, and Akira Kurasawa in particular, good, comprehensible subs, expert commentary, and other extras. RAN is my second favorite Kurasawa film, and the presentation here really enriched my viewing of the film. I read Prince's book, THE WARRIOR'S CAMERA, but his commentary really opened up new windows into the film and its brilliant director.

Granted, greater care could have been taken to protect the discs. Mine did arrive a little worse for the wear.

Great movies, lousy presentation.
My review here is more about the presentation of the set, and not the movies themselves. The movies are great and the documentary is also good. One of the main problems is that the packaging is terrible. The discs fit loosely in the packaging and as a result moved around a great deal in shipping. In the first set I received the documentary disc was covered in scratches and glue and was completely unplayable (the glue was from the poorly made cardboard case). The Ran disc was also scratched badly. Amazon was good about getting another set out but even in that one the documentary disc was scratched, although it plays for the most part. The "extra" items are cheaply made and not worth the money either. Also, I must agree with another reviewer that complained about the RAN transfer. This is not much of an improvement over the Fox Lorber transfer, and there is a lot of noise at the edges of the "letterboxing". If you already own a copy of Ran or Madadayo don't bother with this set. If you must own a newer transfer of Ran this one is coming out as a single DVD in 2003. This set is just not worth the money, unless you just have to have that cheesy cardboard "miniature shoji screen" or the "mini" Ran poster.

I wanted this set - but not if the DVDs are floating around
What a shame that like the recent E.T. debacle, bad packaging is ruining customer enjoyment of what should have been a great title. Many of us would not have minded paying the extra to get an early copy of the new remastering of "Ran." (That disc is set to be released on its own next year). But hearing the sad stories of how discs were broken out of their spindles and damaged in shipping from so many folks, changed my mind. It is the same problem I've seen on many CD's, DVDs and DVD Audio discs. ... Read more

Description

Honored at film festivals the world over and revered by tromites and tromettes worldwide, Terror Firmer is an unforgettable look into the set of one of Troma’s movies of the future! Featuring director Lloyd Kaufman in the role of blind director Larry Benjamin, Terror Firmer tells the story of a low budget film crew trying to make The Toxic Avenger Part IV, only to find themselves stalked by a sexually confused killer!A satirical schock-comic tro-masterpiece, Terror Firmer stands as the tro-magnum opus of blood, breasts, gore, satirical laughs that will stick with you forever! And that’s not even including the extra features!A second disc features the feature length making-of documentary, "Farts of Darkness," which is must-see viewing for anyone interested in making their own damn movie!With over two hours of extra features, Terror Firmer delivers the troma-riffic goods! ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Sick and twisted baaaaby!!
If your looking at buying this movie then you really don't need to read this review. You know exactly who Troma are and exactly what they do. Troma delight in making the sickest, most twisted, perverted flicks that can be put on film.

Terror Firmer is Troma's swansong (though im sure another will rear its ugly mutant head sometime) and easily sits beside "classics" such as, Tromeo and Juliet, Surf Nazis must Die, Cannibal:The Musical and Toxic Avenger. Definately one of thier best. Its gross, its disgusting, its hilarious and I love it!!

This is an excellent 2 disc set that is an easy buy for any fan of gonzo/horror/sexploitation/weirdo movies. ...

TERROR FIRMER: The One Troma Fans Have Been Waiting For!
TERROR FIRMER is one of Troma's newest films to be released and now it's making it's debut on DVD. I can't wait to get it. I haven't seen the movie but I know the straight plot of it: A low-budget independant film crew find themselves being stalked by a maniac killer. There's plenty of nudity, sex, Troma-tic violence, and bad cheesy acting in general...only from Troma, of course! Well, since I'm a big fan of most Troma movies, I'm giving this one 5 stars before I even watch it. Any Troma fan with a DVD player should just pick this one up!

Wheres my damn poster?!?!
Decent flick, but where the hell is the mini poster advertised on the front of the movie?

ioncetookatexantoawedding
this movie is bad even for troma. its not gross or shocking or funny. it's very long, i think about 9 hours. i wasn't offended or entertained, just bored and i got diarhea. troma fans are overwight. i bought this movie and i can't get rid of it. i can't sell it to stoners, give it away to homeless people, or trade it for a banana at lunch. it didn't even come with the free poster promised on the case. also it breaks your dvd players

Terror Firmer
A film writhing in dark humour, gore and a wonderful storyline, Terror Firmer is a must for anyone who loves Troma and anyone who doesn't. The film is one of the best black movies I have ever seen, and I recommend it to you, because it is fantastic and a classic. ... Read more

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The Buster Keaton Collection presents three of the first films (one, The Cameraman, a near masterpiece) Keaton made for MGM beginning in 1928, an arrangement that gradually ushered the great comic actor and director into the sound era but ultimately deprived him of creative control. The Cameraman, considered by many to be Keaton's last important silent work, is an unusual story about a tintype portrait photographer (Keaton) who becomes a newsreel cameraman in order to win the heart of a secretary (Marceline Day). After flubbing an assignment by double-exposing some action footage, the hapless hero tries to prove himself in several memorable sequences of Keatonesque knockabout comedy (including a Chinatown street battle). There are also a couple of grace notes, such as a scene set in Yankee Stadium in which a solo Keaton exquisitely mimes the moves and attitudes of a pitcher. But The Cameraman's strange, almost subconscious power is in its variation on an old Keaton refrain: The hero's conflict over different kinds of authenticity, represented here on either side of a motion picture lens--the difference between capturing something real and living it.

The Cameraman shows obvious and unfortunate signs of MGM's insistence that Keaton, long accustomed to improvising scenes, conform to prepared shooting scripts. But it is less stifling than the second feature (Keaton's last silent movie) in this set, the 1929 Spite Marriage, a slight farce about a pants-presser (Keaton) who borrows his customers' fine threads to attend the theatre every night. There he worships an actress (Dorothy Sebastian) so furious with her caddish lover and co-star (Edward Earle) that she asks Keaton to marry her. The predictable results are unworthy of a Keaton film, but he does shine in several hilarious sequences, such as a disastrous turn as a bit player in his soon-to-be-wife's stage dramas. Finally, 1930's Free and Easy, Keaton's talkie debut, is a garish MGM valentine to itself, trotting out celebrity actors and directors (Lionel Barrymore, Cecil B. DeMille, Fred Niblo) in a wooden story set on a movie lot. But while Keaton struggles with dialogue and a script that frequently sidelines him, he has many good moments causing havoc on film sets. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Description

Four young friends perform a heroic act and are changed forever by the uncanny powers they gain in return. Years later, on a hunting trip in the Maine woods, they are overtaken by a blizzard, a vicious storm in which something much more ominous moves. Challenged to stop a deadly alien force, they confront an unparalleled horror, with the fate of the world in the balance. ... Read more

Reviews (261)

It's not terrible, but it's not that good either
Considering the roasting that Dreamcatcher received upon it's release, I went into this film with very low expectations, and while the film isn't as bad as it is reputed to be, it is far from being the best Stephen King adaptation. The story revolves around four life long friends (Thomas Jane, Jason Lee, Damian Lewis, Timothy Olyphant) who share a special gift that was handed down to them by a seemingly mentally challenged friend (Donnie Wahlberg) whom they had saved as children. When the four go on their usual trip to a snowy cabin in Maine, they become enthralled in the middle of an alien invasion while the military makes a strike against them. Morgan Freeman and Tom Sizemore also star as military officials; Freeman's character has a few ulterior motives, while Sizemore is just looking to do the right thing. Director/co-screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and co-screenwriter William Goldman, as good as they are, had a tough time adapting King's epic novel into a 136 minute film, and while their screenplay misses quite a bit, I think all together they did a decent job. The special effects are nicely done, and there are some surprisingly good blood and gore effects to be had for horror afficiandos. Despite it's advantages (the great cast, director, effects, etc.), Dreamcatcher misses quite a bit thanks to quite a number of plot holes, loose ends, and a terrible ending that is nothing like King's book (the alternate ending included on the DVD is much better). Despite all that, Dreamcatcher is best enjoyed with low expectations, and it is a solid B-horror movie with A-level features.

Scary and well made, but...
BORING!!! This movie had a wonderful concept, and managed to scare audiences every scene, but there wasn't any action or scares in the first hour. For this Stephen King novel's adaptation, they had to have the best actors, best stuntpeople and the best writers. It's very thrilling and scary, but, I'm saying as a piece of educated advice: Don't Waste your time.

**1/2 out of 4

Awesome
This is a good movie i dont care what anyone says. this is my favorite movie ever. I DUDDITS!

Really pretty good
I just saw this movie last night, and I don't get why there are so many negative reviews up here. I thought it was well-filmed and well-acted, with the possible exception of whoever played Henry. I kept thinking he sounded like the doctor guy from the spoof "Airplane." ("Not war, water! Mr. Gray wants water! And don't call me Shirley!") Beav (Jason Lee, I think) was hilarious, though, despite his weird toothpick obsession. Morgan Freeman wasn't bad, I guess. He reminded me of an inept Hannibal Lecter with eyebrow toupees.
The movie/plot/character development was all interesting and true to the book. It really wasn't scary, more action/adventure, but I didn't mind and most viewers probably won't. I figure the reason most people watch or read horror anyway is because they like seeing people who are worse off than themselves, and this flick had that in spades. (Giant intestinal parasite, anyone? No? How about some evil Space Truffles or whatever the fungus thing was called?) Its high point was the relationships between the characters, something King has always been really good at portraying.
Anyway, this movie was fun and good for a Friday night. I'd recommend it. Enjoy!

What were they thinking?
I won't be the first to write on the schizophrenic mess this film is, but having squirmed my way through this film I need to 'exorcise' the ill feeling it gave me.
I've had a firm belief that, beyond "Carrie['76]", "Salem's Lot ['79]" and "the Shining ['80]", all other Stephen King film vehicles are basically the same - churned out with the same flimsy mysticism that chokes his already portentious prose. "Dreamcatcher" is the culmination of so many illogical, half-baked 'Stephen King-isms' that you have to wonder, does Stephen King need to get out more? The latter day adaptations of his films (and that horrid "Kingdom" debacle on TV) only confirm that his stories are better left where they came from- a preprogrammed computer which only requires slight name / location changes and... voila! A new bestseller.
Yuck. ... Read more

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Chosen by fans, the five Power Rangers episodes on this disc are a cross-section of major events from the long-running series. (Dear to the hearts of PR faithful is remembering the succession of actors and characters who have donned Ranger costumes at different times. This anthology helps.) "White Light Parts 1 & 2," from season two, finds Lord Zedd unleashing the very strange Scarlet Sentinel, and the Rangers in nervous anticipation of their new leader, the unidentified White Ranger. "Countdown to Destruction Parts 1 & 2" would probably impress Roger Corman with its budget-conscious but slick mix of stock footage, computer effects, and rapid cutting in the story of the Rangers' near-defeat battling an invasion of Earth. Another nostalgic favorite, "Wild Force: Forever Red," involves an exciting reunion of past and present Red Rangers. Wild, crazy, engrossing stuff, though special features would have been nice. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (20)

The ultimate episode collection... not quite
It was about high time that Disney had finally released Power Ranger episodes on DVD, rather than just the direct-to-VHS approach that it did when it had first bought the franchise (including the entire Saban video library) in August 2001. I was so excited when I heard that a DVD was coming out that had eight different episodes on it, and I decided to get a copy when it came out.

THE EPISODES

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: White Light - Parts 1 & 2 ~ This 2-part episode is one of the better episodes of season two of MMPR. Lord Zedd sends down the Scarlet Sentinel, and the Power Rangers need more help to defeat the monster. Zordon and Alpha create a sixth Ranger - the White Ranger - to help defeat the Scarlet Sentinel. Entertaining, but it's not one of the best episodes.

Power Rangers In Space: Countdown to Destruction - Parts 1 & 2 ~ This 2-part episode has been begging for a DVD release ever since it first premiered in 1998. The Space Rangers face massive armies as Astronema attacks the Earth, and the Rangers are nearly defeated. This episode is the pre-9/11 cut, so that the footage that was cut out is put back in.

Power Rangers Lost Galaxy: To the Tenth Power ~ Trakeena discovers the five Psycho Ranger data cards and decides to reanimate them to attack the Galaxy Rangers. Then Andros arrives with the Space Rangers to help defeat them. One of the best episodes, although inclusion of 'The Power of Pink' and/or 'Protect the Quasar Saber' would've helped those who hadn't seen 'Lost Galaxy' before.

Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue: Trakeena's Revenge - Parts 1 & 2 ~ Trakeena comes back and plans to use stolen energy to take her revenge on the Rangers. Leo comes back with the Galaxy Rangers to help the Lightspeed Rangers defeat Trakeena, leading to predictable results. This episode doesn't deserve the DVD treatment, as 'Lightspeed' wasn't one of the better shows out there, and this episode is no exception.

Power Rangers Wild Force: Forever Red ~ Five remaining Machine Empire generals have discovered Serpenterra buried on the surface of the moon. Cole must reunite with the rest of the Red Rangers (including Tommy and Jason) to help defeat the generals and save the Earth. Quick-paced episode has some annoying plot holes, unconvincing CGI effects, and an unsatisfying ending. A 2-part episode would've fared a lot better, but the episode is still good. Jason Narvy and Paul Schrier briefly reprise their roles as Bulk and Skull, and 3 PR alums voice three of the generals (Archie Kao, Catherine Sutherland, Walter St. Jones).

OVERALL QUALITY:

All the episodes are presented in their original 1.33:1 full-screen ratio. The picture quality for the episodes is excellent for the most part, save for some grain and specks in 'White Light' and 'Countdown to Destruction'. The audio quality is nearly perfect. Aside it from being a Dolby Digital 2.0 mix, the background sounds, music and dialogue come out quite nicely for a 2.0 mix.

Aside from an English subtitle option and ads for the CD and the first two PRWF tapes, the extras here are nonexistent. And what's worst, the episodes don't have chapter stops in them, so that you can't access a particular scene, go to the second part of the episode (like in 'White Light'), skip the opening credits, or go to the ending credits - in order to do that, you have to fast forward through the episode. You have 2 ways you can watch the episodes - either you can watch all the episodes together in a movie-like format (here the episodes are chapters), or you can view them each separately.

The DVD is the bare minimum: the episodes and nothing else. Also, Disney has failed to make even an animated menu for the DVD... the menu is basically the DVD cover. Aside from a neat collector's edition mini poster included with the DVD, there's no extras to peruse through on the DVD itself. And about 2 more episodes could've been added, such as 'The Power of Pink' and/or 'Protect the Quasar Saber' (considering the 158 minute running time), or a 2-disc set would be better.

Overall, the audio and picture quality of all the episodes are good, and the mini-poster is a nice one, but I really would've appreciated some effort in the extras department. If you love any or all of these episodes (and have a DVD player), this DVD is a must. Just don't expect anything more.

This is only the beginning....I hope
I was soo glad when I heard that this DVD was coming out. I am hoping that there have been enough sales, so we can all convince Disney to re-release all of the episodes, not just the new ones. For those of you who were fans from the beginning, like me, this DVD is the one to buy.

Better than you might expect...
I pretty much bought this DVD on a whim. I didn't really expect to enjoy it all that much since I had only ever really gotten into the original "Mighty Morphin" version of the series. However, with the exception of the "Lightspeed Rescue" episode "Trakeena's Revenge Parts 1 & 2", this DVD was, if not excellent, then certainly way above average from what most non-fans, casual viewers may expect.
Certainly, of the selections on the DVD the standout has to be "Countdown to Destruction Parts 1 & 2" from "Power Rangers in Space". These episodes, spliced together into one, as they are presented on this disk, make for an extremely surprisingly enjoyable low-budget (I'd say semi-reminiscent of Roger Corman's work) sci-fi, alien invasion film. Above that, though, the story has a great deal of emotional weight to it, with the sacrifice Zordon makes, along with the interactions between Andros and Astronema, among many other examples that I could mention (but won't for the sake of those who have yet to see it). I will admit that I found myself weeping a little from it by the end.
I also really enjoyed the installments of "Lost Galaxy", and "Wild Force", specifically "To The Tenth Power" and "Forever Red" respectively.
Sadly, though, I feel they dropped the ball as to the best of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers". If it had been me, I would have put the "Space", "Lost Galaxy", "Lightspeed Rescue", and "Wild Force" episodes on the other side of the disk, and filled side 1 with the five part "Green With Evil" saga, which introduced Tommy as the Green Ranger.
Overall, though, this is a very surprisingly good DVD, that I recommend you give at least one viewing to.

Making a change
This is really a good DVD. The only thing I would perfer is that they used the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers episode "Return of the Green Ranger Parts 1, 2 and 3" instead of White Light. I would have gotten it purchased if it had that episode.

Power Rangers....an amazing show!
Power Rangers is an amazing show, and has affected many people in very positive ways. Now that many of the original power ranger viewers are entering young adulthood, and taking their love for the power rangers with them, I'm sure this show will only grow bigger in popularity. Their are many good episode choices in this DVD including 'countdown to destruction' and definitly 'Forever Red'. While the dvd is low on extras it is still a pretty good DVD. I highly recommend it! (I obviously love the show.) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jack Finney's classic science fiction novel has been the basis of three big-screen adaptations, beginning with the 1956 chiller Invasion of the Body Snatchers and most recently as 1994's underrated Body Snatchers. This acclaimed 1978 version from director Philip Kaufman (The Right Stuff) is every bit as creepy as the '56 original, and it fits perfectly into the cycle of paranoid thrillers that thrived in American movies of the 1970s. Kaufman stylishly directs from an intelligent screenplay by W.D. Richter, while Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams lead a distinguished cast (including Jeff Goldblum, Leonard Nimoy, and Veronica Cartwright) and must fight for survival as the population of San Francisco is systematically cloned by alien "pods" from a distant, dying planet. The atmosphere of dread and paranoia grows increasingly intense as the complexity of the alien invasion is gradually revealed, until nobody can be trusted to be who they appear. Finely tuned performances enhance the film's eerie atmosphere, highlighted by moments that will lurk in your memory long after the movie's over. MGM's DVD release includes a full-length audio commentary by Kaufman, a "pod culture" retrospective, Body Snatchers trivia, production notes, and the original theatrical trailer. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (47)

As good as tops the '56 version
This was an unusual picture indeed. It also came out at an unusual time. Too much loaded with science fiction to be horror and too suspenseful and downright scary to belong to the sci-fi genre, 'Invasion...' strikes the viewer as being a fresh idea even today, notwithstanding the fact that it's really a beefed-up remake of an original. Sutherland fits the role of the prime protagonist public health inspector like a glove while Nimoy does the same for his part as the agent of evil. The story opens up a little slowly but that adds to the effect. When it becomes apparent what the pods do and, more importantly, the gross-out fates of the unfortunate 'originals' (the humans whom the extragalactic spores duplicate), enough of the movie has passed for the viewer to appreciate the sheer enormity of the depicted crisis. Where Siegel's '78 version has the edge on the original lies in the fact that there are more chills and a feel wholly alien to the first version, a flavour doubtlessly borrowed from the jarring, siege mentality that can be found in earlier films like 'Night of the Living Dead'. This is a very powerful film which appears to have been swept under the carpet of the popular psyche thanks largely to its reputation as a 'B' picture and also to its small standing when put beside the likes of the mainstream of sci-fi flicks being made at the time (as if you need me to mention titles here). Even so, 'I.o.t.B.S.' mark 2 is helped along by some clever devices indeed. Aside from the nauseatingly organic vividness of the SFX, the nature of the movie's antagonists lends immensely to the horror. The question of 'who is a duplicate and who's left who is still himself?' comes to burn in the mind of the viewer before even half the film has played out. It's a thinking man's picture, this and it's that which amplifies the fear factor to levels almost too excruciating to bear. After all, it is a large idea that the film is driving at and it was good to see that encased in a large picture laid out on a good budget. Great performances all round (especially from Veronica Cartwright in her last pre 'Alien' picture'), wonderful SFX and a good long run at just under two hours easily give this version the drop on the 1956 original. A nice bleak ending hammers the last nail through the palm and leaves the viewer crucifed on an apocalyptic note. Definitely a much-overlooked classic that's too full of working components to be constrained to a cult following. This one needs to be more than a rental only.

Bashful's DVD Summary #021
Best:

1) The production values are higher and the acting (with the possible exception of Kevin McCarthy) is better than the 1956 original.
2) We get more information, this time, as to where the aliens came from and how they function.
3) The beginning realization scenes are fairly suspenseful and the later chase scenes are pretty exciting.
4) The alien's growth stages and high-pitched voices are scary.
5) There's a trivia booklet in the case and a commentary track on the disk.

Worst:

1) The movie is SO quiet much of the time (no soundtrack) that it might put you to sleep if you aren't really engrossed.
2) The first half of the story is slow as the suspense builds up almost too gradually.
3) Donald Sutherland's afro hairstyle was just plain bad (ha).
4) Leonard Nimoy's leisure suits were even worse (double ha).

Recommendation:

This one is every bit a classic as the original and it will appeal much more to younger people. It's also a must-have for any serious sci-fi/horror movie collector.

Don't go to sleep
One of the creepiest movies I've ever seen. Instead of the humanoid-appearing aliens so typical in most sci-fi films THIS movie goes in the other direction by portraying the aliens as seemingly harmless plants, which adds a rather terrifying irony to the proceedings. What these plants do once near a sleeping person (or animal) has to be seen to be appreciated because the special effects here are unsettlingly real.

All of the actors do a splendid job in portraying their characters, from the quirky and nuerotic Jeff Goldblum to the intuitive and resilient Veronica Cartwright. The stolid but slightly off-beat Donald Sutherland, to the emotionally suspicious Brooke Adams. All are terrific here!

Another thing that makes this movie so suspenseful is the masterful use of paranoia, which starts on a low simmer, building gradually, till by the movie's end everything is turned up to a heart-pounding, raging boil. All along the way you're virtually on the edge of your seat.

So the next time you're out walking and find a rather strange looking plant growing amongst the shrubbery, think twice before bringing it in your home.

But why worry, it's only a plant - right???

4 1/2
Most remakes are a joke but this one was pretty good! I gave it minus half because it's not the original but captures the eerieness of the story very well. The cast here is good and the creepy atmosphere is updated and good. If a completist as I am get this along with the original.

Excellent remake of creepy classic!
Philip Kaufman shows off his directorial skill in this effective, stylish remake of the suspense classic set in contemporary (albeit 1978) San Francisco.

Sutherland, Goldblum and Cartwright deliver excellent performances as the last hold-outs against an alien invasion. Just enough action and special effects to compliment the well paced mounting suspense.

DVD offers commentary track which also proves interesting. The only glitch for me is how non-aliens can get away with blending in with the aliens, if they don't/can't speak the special alien "language." ... Read more

Reviews (28)

I DARE YOU NOT TO CRY YOUR EYES OUT
Brian's Song is one of the saddest movies ever made, based on the too-true story of the black/white friendship between Gale Sayer and Brian Piccolo. James Caan does a credible, if self-absorbed job as Brian -- his sickly scenes definitely do not hold up as well as you might remember, and though this movie definitely looks and sounds dated, it still packs a powerful emotional punch, in the same way that Terms of Endearment does. Beware: you are headed for very rough waters. And that Michel Legrand theme song, a classic for the ages, turns the nozzle to full-tilt. That final still image remains firmly etched in my mind, and the special relationship engendered here carries a special weight as one of the first of its kind ever seen in a film.

EXTRAORDINARY...
I was fifteen years old when "Brian's Song" premiered as a "Movie of the Week" on ABC-TV. I had no interest in sports then (I still don't), and had no intentions of watching this movie, but my dad persuaded me. "Just watch the first few minutes," he said. He knew that this was NOT a sports movie. He had read Gale Sayers' book "I Am Third" (upon which this movie is partially based), and knew that this was a movie about PEOPLE, not about football. The fact that the two lead characters are football players is almost incidental. This is a movie about friendship, love and courage. Needless to say, I watched it from start to finish, and have watched it many times since. Although its roots as a TV movie are obvious (the production values are nothing more than ordinary), "Brian's Song" is one of the most extraordinary films ever made, a particularly remarkable achievement when you consider its length of only 74 minutes. James Caan and Billy Dee Williams, both virtual unknowns at the time, play Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers with a sense of realism, and with respect for their real-life counterparts. Jack Warden is excellent (as always) as coach George Halas, and Shelley Fabares and Judy Pace turn in fine performances as Joy Piccolo and Linda Sayers. David Huddleston and Bernie Casey make the most of their small parts, and even real-life Chicago Bears provide some fine moments, particularly the "hazing" sequence. The sincere performances, along with William Blinn's beautifully-written teleplay, keep the action from becoming mawkish or sappy, Buzz Kulik's direction brought out the best in his actors, and Michel Legrand's score comments on the emotions in the film with exactly the right tone. (Legrand's penchant for marking musical cues to sudden movement onscreen is notable, and the gorgeous theme is one of the most emotionally charged pieces of music ever written.) The film ends on a freeze-frame of James Caan's face over narration by Jack Warden of William Blinn's words, and when that musical theme pulls out all the stops after Warden's narration ends, well...even the Chicago Bears themselves would be dissolved in tears. It's one of my all-time favorite movies, and I would recommend it without reservation to anyone, sports fan or not. Thanks, Dad.

The DVD version includes an exclusive short featurette, "Gale Sayers: First and Goal" in which present-day Gale Sayers discusses the movie and his career. It's interesting, but nothing special. Also included in audio commentary by Williams and Caan. Caan is a cutup and does most of the talking, and little of any real substance is said, but it IS quite entertaining, and definitely worth another viewing.

But then, "Brian's Song" is ALWAYS worth another viewing...

One of the most emotional and best stories of all time
I'm a huge sports fan. I want to be a sports writer and it's stuff that Brian's Song that makes me want to do it even more.

Brian's Song is based on the true story of Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers. Both were rookies when they joined the Chicago Bears. Brian Piccolo(Caan) was the funny loudmouth that everybody loved. He wans't the most gifted athlete in the world and his determination made him the player that he was. Gale Sayers(Williams) was the quiet one. He was the easily the most talented player on the team maybe in the league. The two are paired as roomates and the friendship starts.

The two are opposites and don't get along that well at first. Opposites attract and they especially do with these two. They quickly feed off each other though and become the best of friends. They fuel each other and are inspeperable. They become the first white and black roomates in the NFL. They ignore the whole idea of race and are like brothers.

When Sayers tears his ACL the next year Brain gets the chance to step up and show his talent. He however feels for his friend and is determined to get Gale back into his form as the best RB in the league. There bond becomes even stronger during this time as does the friendship of there families.

The tide changes though when Brian starts not to play well. It's a new season and the two are enjoying finally playing with each other as one of the best backfields in the league. Brians play starts to diminsh though and he's sent to the doctor. What the doctor finds is that Brian has cancer and is terminal. It's now up to Gale to help his friend through this most difficult time of his life.

This movie isn't about football. It's about the bond of love and friendship that these two men have for each other. James Caan and Billy Dee Williams play these roles to perfection. Both weren't known all that well at this time in 1971. Caan hadn't delivered his legendary performance as Sonny Corleone and Wiliams hadn't played Lando yet. The two give dramatic performances though that are sure to make anybody cry.

This is one of the greatest tear jerkers of all time. I've never wathced it were a member of the audience isn't sobbing at the end of it. I've cried numerous times while watching this movie.

You can tell it's a tv made movie. It doesn't take away from the quality though and this movie cleaned the Emmy's out in 1971 and in my opinion is the greatest made for TV movie EVER!

I love this movie. It's not about sports but is about life. You won't find a better tale of love and friendship anywhere. Everybody should see this movie at one time or another. It's a cinematic masterpiece. Buy this movie you won't regret that descion.

The Best Ever
I just need to say I am looking at this movie as I am writing this for about the 100th time, still with tears running down my face. I have loved this movie every since it came out when I was 10 years old. With the lost of my father the year before the movie really touched me and made my mother never want to look at it again. Then growing up with old timeer stopping me to tell me I looked so much like the real Gale Sayers made me love the movie even more. Now with what is running through my blood and not knowing what will happen to me all I can think of now is my best friend of 25 years and him standing by my side. As you can see this move has really been a part of my life almost all my life.

A Classic
A true classic and tear jerker. It includes one of the best title songs of all time. ... Read more

Reviews (42)

The penultimate crime caper film
Back in the days when Stanley Kubrick was still a relative unknown, he made this gem of a film which has since earned a reputation for being one of the best crime caper films ever made. The film is tightly structured and well-paced with an eye on increasing the tension until the very end. A wonderful movie, and those who have seen "Reservoir Dogs" will immediately recognize the influence "The Killing" had on the latter film. The plot-line is simple - a band of crooks, each with his own motivation, conceive of a plan to rob a racetrack. The plan works fine...until something goes wrong. Kubrick filmed this classic with a minimal budget, but his genius is evidently on-screen in how he arranges the furniture and lighting and actors to get the most out of his limited funds and to augment the clastrophobic sense of suspense. Truly a great film.

I purchased the DVD of this film, and it looks quite good. The picture quality is pristine (unlike in the DVD version of Kubrick's later films, alas). I had no problems with the sound, either, though it is monophonic. There aren't any real extras on this DVD except for a trailer, but the presentation is somewhat cool and adds to the tension of the film. So, I will recommend this DVD of "The Killing" to fans of Kubrick and good crime films.

Kubrick Does Noir
An ex-con engineers a race track heist in "The Killing," a taut and suspenseful film noir from director Stanley Kubrick. Johnny Clay (Sterling Hayden) is fresh out of Alcatraz after five years, and immediately goes to work on a job he figures to be worth upwards of two million dollars. He puts together a gang who are not real criminals, just "Some guys with problems and a little larceny in them." Marvin (Jay C. Flippen) is good for some front money Johnny needs; George (Elisha Cook Jr.) is a cashier at the track, and Mike (Joe Sawyer) is a bartender there; Randy (Ted de Corsia) is a cop with loan shark payment problems. Clay's got it all figured out, a precision plan that can't go wrong as long as everyone does his part and keeps quiet about it, before and after. But George has a wife, Sherry (Marie Windsor), who wants nice things, and he can't resist the temptation to let her know it's all going to get better real soon. Trouble is, Sherry has a boyfriend, Val (Vince Edwards), who has more than a little larceny in him, as well. As it is with all "perfect" plans, there are, after all, imperfections. The presentation of this film is not one of them, however; Kubrick keeps the tension high throughout, working with a tight narrative and an out of sequence chronology through which he dispenses bits of information, building the suspense, until it all fits together in the end like pieces of a giant puzzle (Much the same as Tarantino would do with "Pulp Fiction" many years later). The stoic delivery, coupled with the stark black and white photography of the film, creates an almost surreal, fatalistic ambience that works so well with this material; especially at the end, for it underscores the climax and heightens the drama of the final moment, all of which makes for a truly unforgettable scene. The supporting cast includes Coleen Gray (Fay), Kola Awariani (Maurice), Joe Turkel (Tiny), and Timothy Carey, who makes his detached and indifferent hit man, Nikki Arane, one of the most memorable characters in the film. It must be noted, however, that Elisha Cook Jr. gives what may have been his best performance ever, here. His scene, after it all goes bad for him and he stumbles into his apartment, bullet holes in his face and wide-eyed with acceptance, to confront Sherry, is so cool and underplayed that it becomes one of the lasting impressions of the movie. Kubrick wrote the screenplay (with some help from Jim Thompson with the dialogue), adapted from the novel "Clean Break" by Lionel White. "The Killing" is one of Kubrick's earliest and best films; and it's not just for Kubrick fans or for those who love the "noir" genre. This is an excellent piece of work that will definitely be appreciated by anyone who likes good movies.

Tightly plotted, hamstrung by dialogue.
The Killing (Stanley Kubrick, 1956)

For many years, I have been fond of saying that the only Kubrick film I could stomach was Lolita. While The Killing isn't up to those standards (and certainly doesn't rate a spot in IMDB's Top 250, where it sits as I write this), it's certainly a film with rewatchability potential.

Johnny Clay (The Godfather's Sterling Hayden) has just gotten out after a five-year stint in prison, and needs cash. He concocts a scheme to knock over a racetrack to the tune of $2 million, give or take a few rubles. Putting together a core team of five guys, and with two on the periphery, they plan and execute the crime. That, of course, is when things start getting interesting.

This is good, solid film noir, for the most part. Where it fails to make the cut are in the narration (and Kubrick's bouncing back and forth in time like a pinball, which necessitates it) and the dialogue, written by cult favorite Jim Thompson (The Grifters, The Killer Inside Me, etc). The dialogue has about as much meat to it as one finds in a typical Spillane novel; it's fun, but "timeless" is not a word I'd use to describe it by a longshot. That being the case, it's hard for the actors involved to really get their heads around most parts; they do the best they can with what they have, and in some cases, that's enough to make the characters come alive. Elisha Cook, Jr., is especially good, despite having some of the most ineffectual dialogue ever written for a straight mystery film.

The strongest part of the film, on the other hand, is the ending, a shaggy-dog-story style beauty that would later appear in a different form in Ocean's Eleven (the original, good version, not that overblown Soderbergh piece of trash). It is inevitable, and beautiful.

Worth watching, but don't expect greatness. ***

Kubrick's First Masterpiece
This is the third feature film directed by Kubrick and the one which probably established his eminence, subsequently enhanced by Paths of Glory (1957), Spartacus (1960), Dr. Strangelove (1964), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), A Clockwork Orange (1971), and Full Metal Jacket (1987). The title refers to the one last lucrative theft which Johnny Clay (Sterling Hayden) carefully plans so that he can retire from his life of crime and live happily ever after with Fay (Colleen Gray). Although Kubrick carefully tracks the preparations by Clay and his associates, he seems more interested in what (for lack of a better term) can be viewed as a self-fulfilling negative prophecy. That is to say, there seems to be little (if any) chance that the robbery of a race track will turn out well. In fact, it doesn't. Clay is a world-weary, semi-paranoid leader of losers. Henpecked by wife Sherry (Marie Windsor), George Peatty (Elisha Cook, Jr.) is a reluctant accomplice, obviously motivated to satisfy his financially insatiable spouse. He as well as Nikki (Tim Carey) and Tiny (Joe Turkel) are Keystone Bandits. The quality of acting throughout the cast is first-rate. Kubrick obtains from Hayden in this film and in Dr. Strangelove his two strongest performances. The final scene on the airport tarmac is unforgettable, a fitting and (for me) an inevitable conclusion. If pressed to use one word to describe this film, I would suggest "tidy." Also "compelling." Those who share my high regard for this film are urged to check out The Public Enemy (1931), You Only Live Once (1937), High Sierra (1941), and They Live by Night (1949).

...and then there was one - Early Kubrick Classic
This Classic Kubrick Crime Drama is one of the top Hollywood Film Noire entries. The usual "toughs" planning the big heist, the one to retire on. Since Classic Hollywood never allowed the bad guys to win, everyone can predict that all will not be well once the end credits roll.

All of the elements are here: Little guys who never got an even break, a Delilah-like wife of a simpleton, who won't settle for small-time life, a happily married older guy with a wife in need of expensive medical care, a guy just released from prison, who doesn't ever want to go back, and the rest of the usual suspects. Several scenes are quite moving; several times character's are shown saying their goodbyes to loved ones, as though they don't expect to ever see them again, when they are only supposed to "go to work". Watch for another scene in the final third of the film involving a horse-shoe. It makes a powerful statement of conventions in 1950s America.

Very few films have a truly memorable "last line". This is one of them! Of course, I won't give it away, as it requires an elaborate set-up, but you'll agree that it's one of the best last lines ever! As for "The Killing" as a nostalgic Crime Drama and exemplary film noire, I confidently give it 5 stars!***** ... Read more

Reviews (4)

You can not watch just one
*** Support Your local Sheriff ***

60 for who and 40 for who?

Down through time it is easy to get the "support your local" films mixed up. This is the first. This is an educational film teaching you everything from sharing to proper gun pointing etiquette. Everyone has his or her favorite part in this movie. It contains sight gages and puns and jokes (some take time to think about.)

I will not go into detail incase you have not seen this as it is fun to watch the story unfold. However it is several overlapping stories tied together by Jason McCullough (James Garner) who has spent four years on his way to Australia and stops for a little gold prospecting. He needs a job to buy food while prospecting, as the position of sheriff is available.

O.K. I can not help it. He is handed the badge with a dent from a bullet in it.

James Garner: This must have saved his life.

Harry Morgan: It would have, if it weren't for all those other bullets.

This movie may not have all the DVD goodies you look for but it is DVD so it will last as long as the technology.

*** Support Your Local Gunfighter ***

"Have you seen Elmer?"

Latigo Smith (James Garner) barely escapes marital bliss with Goldie, to find himself in a situation with out money but a golden opportunity. The town he as escaped to (Purgatory) has rival mining companies digging for the motherload. Latigo teams up with Jug May (Jack Elam) who poses as Swifty Morgan, hired gun. Latigo is his agent and handles all the money.

The fun in this movie is the interaction of the characters much more than the story. One thing that struck me as funny is the scene where Col. Ames is stretching over in his stiff boots to see if Taylor Barton (Harry Morgan) is hiding under his sister's bead. Another is when Jug sees Latigo asking a woman for money, he says that he was brought up not to ask women for money. Latigo suggest that is because a woman raised him.

Who will get the load and who will get the shaft? Will the real Swifty show up? What about Goldie?

Support Your Local James Garner Fan!!!!
James Garner turns in a great performance in this pair of western spoofs, although not related to his popular Maverick role both films are similar in their comic style and Garner is just as crafty as his Bret Maverick character. In Support Your Local Sheriff, Garner is a slick drifter who accepts the job of sheriff in a small Colorado town and uses his wits and quick draw to clean up the town and win the heart of a beautiful yet clumsy lady. In Support Your Local Gunfighter, Garner is a kept man with a bad habit of losing money to the roulette wheel. He then uses another drifter to pretend to be a famous gunfighter in a scheme to make some quick money. Yet when the real gunfighter shows up it is up to Garner to save the day. The two films are quite similar and are companion films with many of the same actors and a similar plot involving a sly stranger who is able to win over the town and a lovely lady with his charm and ability to out think his opponent. I bought this combo pack for a great price; both films are very funny and are classic western spoofs along the lines of Blazing Saddles only G Rated. A great buy for any fan of James Garner or Westerns in general. Just make sure you get both films in this neat combo and save a few bucks while your at it.

Two great films. But.
These two films are as good as it gets when it comes to comedy westerns. The only problem is the colors on Support Your Local Sheriff are somewhat faded and too red. The print is clear without any scratches or other defects. It's just that the colors haven't aged well. I watched it on several sources so it isn't just the color being off on a particular TV. I still found it quite watchable. It was at most a minor annoyance.

Funny and non-violent Western
James Garner, with his dry and well timed humor, and inventive ways of outsmarting the bad guys turns a gun-toting Western into a fun filled frolic, suitable for family viewing. A don't miss! ... Read more

Description

Songs: Black or White, Heal The World (Super Bowl version), Remeber the Time, Will You Be There, In the Closet, Gone Too Soon, Jam, Heal the World, Give In to Me, Who Is It, Dangerous. 112 minutes. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

The best, baby!!!
As we all know, Michael Jackson is the KING OF POP! This number-one film was in the Guiness book of World Records as the highest selling music video on '94!! Containing never-before-seen footage, behind the scenes action, unreleased videos, and all are full-length. This price is also a bargain. Pick it up even if you're not a die-hard. It is so worth it!! Dangerous is one of MJ's greatest albums with some record-breaking fantastic music videos! "The Short Films" contains: The Teaser (you have to see it!!), the controversial full lentgh Black or White (complete with The Simpsons ending and the face morphing and dance sequence), The Superbowl Heal The World performance (excellent), Remember The Time (starring Iman, Eddie Murphy, and Magic Johnson), also has behind the scenes (great dancing!!), Will You Be There, In The Closet (with Naiomi Campbell- the best MJ video ever!!)(with behind the scenes action also,) Gone too Soon, (A tragic remembrance of AIDS victim Ryan White), Jam (a awesome video with Michael Jordan, Kris Kross, and Heavy D.), Heal The World (donate to the foundation! It's a worthy cause!!), Give In To Me (featuring Slash from Guns n' Roses), Who Is It (such a great beat!!) and last but not least, concert footage to the Dangerous Tour. This movie is something. You have got to see it. The album is legendary, the beats are ear-piercing and jammin'!! All of these perfect music videos have such a story to tell. Michael Jackson is the KING OF POP!!!!

A Dangerous DVD
Michael has so much talent. Good album and good VHS. I just descovered this page on amazon and I hope that a DVD version will be avaliable. I am writing the first review so hopefully I can get a certificate so I can get it as soon as possible. The DVD should contain the same stuff that the VHS one contains (maybe the publishers may put in more features) The video (and assumingly the DVD as well) contains all but 3 songs from the DANGEROUS album (I Can't Let Her Get Away, She Drives Me Wild, & Keep The Faith).

The Video and most likely the DVD contains the full videos of:

-Black or White (controversy, plus making of)

-Remember The Time (behind scenes)

-Jam (behind scenes Michael Jordan comentary)

-In The Closet (an awesome MJ song and video, plus behind scenes)

-Heal the World (two times, super bowl performance and the video)

-Will You Be There (the complete and non-Free Willy version)

-Gone Too Soon (about that kid with AIDS that everyone forgot about)

-Dangerous (played while showing us snip shots from ihs concert world tour)

-Why You Wanna Trip On Me (played durring the credits)

-Give Into Me (Michael knows good rock with Slash)

-Who Is It (done by the director of FIGHT CLUB, excellent beat)

-(Bonus stuff) of 2 awards and a pretty deep speech from Michael and a little Michael singing with Michael "I'll Be There"

Lets hope this wish of having avaliable this long awaited DVD comes true and we may get it. Michael still has fans in the USA, so let them have their DVD!

The best, baby!!!
As we all know, Michael Jackson is the KING OF POP! This number-one film was in the Guiness book of World Records as the highest selling music video on '94!! Containing never-before-seen footage, behind the scenes action, unreleased videos, and all are full-length. This price is also a bargain. Pick it up even if you're not a die-hard. It is so worth it!! Dangerous is one of MJ's greatest albums with some record-breaking fantastic music videos! "The Short Films" contains: The Teaser (you have to see it!!), the controversial full lentgh Black or White (complete with The Simpsons ending and the face morphing and dance sequence), The Superbowl Heal The World performance (excellent), Remember The Time (starring Iman, Eddie Murphy, and Magic Johnson), also has behind the scenes (great dancing!!), Will You Be There, In The Closet (with Naiomi Campbell- the best MJ video ever!!)(with behind the scenes action also,) Gone too Soon, (A tragic remembrance of AIDS victim Ryan White), Jam (a awesome video with Michael Jordan, Kris Kross, and Heavy D.), Heal The World (donate to the foundation! It's a worthy cause!!), Give In To Me (featuring Slash from Guns n' Roses), Who Is It (such a great beat!!) and last but not least, concert footage to the Dangerous Tour. This movie is something. You have got to see it. The album is legendary, the beats are ear-piercing and jammin'!! All of these perfect music videos have such a story to tell. Michael Jackson is the KING OF POP!!!!

Awesome collection!
The audio counterpart of this package was on hit parade from its release in the fall of 1991 to early 1993. HEAL THE WORLD is very similar to WE ARE THE WORLD,recorded in 1985 by MJ and about 40 other American artists as USA FOR AFRICA. In fact MJ penned WATW with ex-Commodore Lionel Richie(Richie was another participant). WILL YOU BE THERE features clips from the 1993 Warner Bros. film FREE WILLY. That song was the film's theme. BLACK OR WHITE features MJ's actor pal MacCaulay Culkin. JAM is an ode to basketball players. REMEMBER THE TIME is awesome. Hollywood great Eddie Murphy plays a pharoah in a castle. All the other videos are 100% awesome!

Excellent
The Super Bowl performance is worth getting this DVD. This one is a keeper. Recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

An Absorbing Study of Anti-Semitism
"Gentleman's Agreement" tells the story of a Gentile writer (Gregory Peck) who poses as a Jew in order to get a good 'angle' on the issue of anti-semitism in Post WWII American society. His method proves almost too effective and causes problems for his young son, played by a very young Dean Stockwell, and in his relationship with a young woman (Dorothy McGuire), who finds out that she's not as liberal as she thought. Peck and McGuire are fine in their leading roles, but the film gains great depth from its outstanding supporting cast. This includes Anne Revere as Peck's no-nonsense mother, Albert Dekker as a tough, plain-speaking magazine boss, Celeste Holm as a fashion writer with a keen insight into human foibles, and Sam Jaffe in a memorable cameo as a distinguished scientist with a sharp sense of humor. The most compelling of the supporting performances, however, is that given by the great John Garfield. He plays Peck's life-long friend, who has just returned from war-time service in Europe. His role is actually not much more than a cameo, but his performance is the soul of the film. With painful clarity, he tutors his old friend in what it's like to be Jewish in a way that comes from his own lifetime of experience. He's not bitter or strident. On the contrary, he relates his advice and anecdotal evidence to Peck in a way that is heart-felt, insightful, and matter-of-fact. "Gentleman's Agreement" may not be the definitive treatment of this important social issue, but I think the film holds up very well after more than a half-century. The picture won Academy Awards for best director (Elia Kazan), best picture, and supporting actress Celeste Holm. It's not a perfect film, but its heart is definitely in the right place. This picture can be a rewarding experience for movie fans who appreciate fine acting and serious story-telling.

Stuffy Oscar Winner gets same transfer second time around!
In "Gentleman's Agreement" Gregory Peck stars as Philip Green/Greenberg, a reporter impersonating a Jew in order to gain first hand knowledge into anti-Semitism. At first, snubs seem quite subtle and harmless. But as the film progresses the seething underbelly of dissension against the Jewish faith begins to rear its ugly head. Dorothy McGuire costars as Kathy, his waspish girlfriend who struggles with her own built-in anti-Semitism. John Garfield offers a startling and poignant cameo as Dave Goldberg, while Celeste Holm turns in another fine performance as Anne Dettrey, the only cast member seemingly untouched by prejudice. The film also costars Anne Revere, as Philip's mother, and Dean Stockwell as his son. Despite excellent source material from the novel by Laura Z. Hobson, and the directorial reigns handed over to one of Hollywood's best, Eli Kazan, the resulting film is heavy-handed and tiresome in spots. The plot never quite surpasses its very theatrical staging and the performances, particularly McGuire's are stiff and uninspiring.

Fox already released this title as a movie only disc, without the making-of featurette. Now, as part of its Studio Series "Gentlemen's Agreement" continues to suffer from digital anomalies which plagued the original transfer. However, whereas the old transfer seemed to falter during the latter half with excessive film grain and shimmering of fine details, it is the first hour or so of this re-release that is riddled with edge effects, aliasing, pixelization and digital grit. As far as extras are concerned, this DVD offers little more than a brief back story featurette, audio commentary and theatrical trailer.

Superb DVD presentation of classic film
Kudos to Fox Home Entertainment for a very satisfying DVD presentation of "Gentleman's Agreement," the 1947 Best Picture Academy Award winner. The film itself is deserving of all of the accolades it received, both upon its initial release, and in all the years since.

I'm assuming that most of the people considering a purchase of the DVD have already seen the movie, so I'd like to focus here on the incisive commentary by Richard Schickel, long-time film critic for Time magazine. Stars June Havoc and Celeste Holm are also heard on the track, recorded separately, and while their remarks are interesting, this is Schickel's showcase, and he runs with it.

As it happened, I wound up listening to this commentary over the course of three nights. This kind of gradual exposure allowed me to really absorb Schickel's observations.

The critic is no sycophantic fan of "Gentleman's Agreement." While he admires its aims, and much of its execution (primarily the achievements of director Elia Kazan), he has some reservations about the script, and some of the acting.

He demonstrates a complete understanding of the conventions of 1940s studio filmmaking, but doesn't always accept the necessity that "Gentleman's Agreement" had to adhere to those norms. I didn't always agree with Schickel's criticisms of the film, but they certainly made me think, and I never found them off-putting.

Schickel wisely underscores the contribution of John Garfield, whose training in The Group Theater gave him a more realistic acting style than anyone else in the film. "Garfield seems to be acting in an entirely different movie," Schickel says, and it is not a criticism. The Garfield performance leads on a direct path to Marlon Brando's Stanley Kowalski in "A Streetcar Named Desire," also directed by Kazan, and Schickel makes this clear. It is at this point that he makes the single most fascinating statement in the entire commentary, which I won't spoil for you here. Suffice it to say that it's something that may strike you as intuitive, but put into this context, becomes something of a revelation.

I've seen Web-based reviews of this DVD that criticize Schickel for doing too much plot summary. I disagree; he doesn't merely give a blow-by-blow account of what's hapening. He mentions plot points, but goes on to offer an opinion about how well the moment is conveyed, or about what real-life parallels the film is touching upon, or something else that is valuable to the viewer.

DVD commentaries just don't get much better than this.

The other extras on the disc, among them an AMC backstory presentation and a selection of 1947 newsreels, are nice additions.

An interesting look at anti-semitism
Winning the best picture Oscar for 1947 comes the story of a journalist who poses as a jewish man for six months to find out how deep anti-semitism runs in New York City. When the film came out, it was considered controversial. I say more power to the film and was glad it was made. However, keep in mind the film is over 55 years old and while the issue of racism is valid even today in some parts of the country, it comes across as somewhat outdated. The saving grace is the script. It manages to inform without pontificating and really hits on a surprising amount of aspects. Example of a great exchange:
"Why, some of my best friends are jewish"
"And some of your best friends are methodist also. But you don't make a point of saying that, do you?"

The romance between the two leads is strained and the chemistry works better when thay are odds with each other. This is the first time I've seen a movie with Dorothy McGuire and while I'm sure she is good in other films, she comes acroos as wooden here. Particularly in contrast to Celeste Holm, who eats up the screen.

I also liked the back story behind the movie. There is an interesting AMC featurette included on the special edition. It very informative and the story of what happened to actor John Garfield is tragic. While this film does not resonate as a "classic" it is a very enjoyable, watchable film. Those collecting Oscar pics or who want a relativley tame film (by todays standards) about the aspects of racism could do worse.

Groundbreaking Look At Prejudice
Elia Kazan's 1947 film Gentleman's Agreement is the story of a journalist who is employed to write a series of articles on the scourge of anti-Semitism in America. The journalist, Phil Green, is played by Gregory Peck and in order to get his information first hand, he poses as Jew. He encounters all forms of prejudice and his blooming romance with the niece of his publisher takes a hit. Kathy (Dorothy McGuire) insists that she harbors no ant-Semitic feelings finds that through her association with Green, that such prejudices bubble underneath the surface. John Garfield gives a standout performance as Green's lifelong friend, Dave Goldman, who has experience prejudice his whole life and has learned to be philosophical about man's failings, but still is willing to fight against blind ignorance as noted in a gripping scene where he is denied a room in a swanky hotel by an unbearable snooty desk clerk who refuses to admit the reason he won't give Dave a room is that he is Jewish even though it is obviously apparent that is the reason why. Celeste Holm won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as a fashion writer and socialite who is attracted to Green and heavily pursues him. The film was ground-breaking at the time of its release as it was the first Hollywood movie to tackle anti-Semitism head-on. Prior to World War II, it was an unspoken rule that anti-Semitism could only be hinted at even if a film like The Life of Emile Zola was about it. But over the years, the film has lost a lot of its power and it isn't aided by the fact that many of the characters are stock profiles that exude a one-dimensional feel. Despite that fact, it still is an important film and one that can still teach a lesson as well as entertain. Mr. Kazan won the first of his two Best Directing Oscars and the film won Best Picture in 1947. ... Read more

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While hardly the first Western spoof to ride out of Hollywood, Support Your Local Sheriff is easily one of the best. James Garner plays the confident, cool-headed cowboy who strolls into a wild gold rush town on the way to Australia and takes the job as sheriff. Like a parody of My Darling Clementine by way of Rio Bravo, he arrests the hotheaded but hopelessly confused son (Bruce Dern) of a ruthless ranching magnate (Walter Brennan). Stuck with a half-built jail (where he keeps his prisoner penned up with pure psychology and a few spatters of red paint), a rummy sidekick (google-eyed Jack Elam in one of his first comic turns), and a disaster-prone tomboy (Joan Hackett), he takes on a succession of gunfighters with increasing exasperation. "Sure is a childish way for a grown man to make a living," he laments before chasing one gunman out of Dodge by pelting him with rocks. Directed with laconic ease by veteran Western director Burt Kennedy, it's a clever spoof of familiar conventions in a lighthearted vein, more understated and affectionate than Mel Brooks's outrageous farce Blazing Saddles. It inspired a slew of imitators, including a decade of silly Disney Westerns that sank the genre in slapstick shenanigans, and was followed in 1971 by Kennedy's pseudosequel Support Your Local Gunfighter, which reteamed Garner and Elam in a more mercenary story of con artists and gunslingers. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Taming the Wild West
James Garner stars as Jason McCullough in this hilarious Western spoof. This was the era of John Wayne westerns, and this movie came about at just about the right time to make fun of the western and what it had become, often scarcely more than a cookie-cutter production with a predictable plot, scowling gunfighters, and the same basic storyline. McCullough is a wandering frontiersman on his way to Australia, and happens upon a small mining town which has sprung up overnight and become too big for its laws. He decides to earn a little extra money before moving on, and takes a job as the sheriff of the town. Consequently he's forced to deal with the Danby bunch, a rancher family who's swindling and intimidating the mine owners. Between dealing with the Danbys (headed by the very funny Walter Brennan), trying to keep his prisoners in a jail with no bars, and fighting off the advances of the hapless mayor's daughter, McCullough has his hands full.

Garner is great in his role as the opportunistic, but effective, sheriff. Jack Elam co-stars as his deputy, and the antics of this pair are enough to keep anyone entertained throughout the movie. Anyone familiar with Westerns from this era will appreciate the humor of this parody on Hollywood's Wild West.

Support Your Local Sherrif
This is one of those old comedies that you can watch over and over again. My family has worn out a VHS copy, so I'm happy that a DVD release is coming up. This movie not only stars James Garner, but several other popular actors from the 60's & 70's. Walter Brennan, Harry Morgan, and Jack Elam to name a few. When Jason McColough, played by Garner, rides into town, he finds it right smack in the middle of a gold rush- and right smack in the middle of the problems that too much too soon can bring. There is fighting in the streets, gunmen shooting up the town, not to mention the revelry going on at Madam Orr's place. Needing work to finiance his gold prospecting Garner accepts the job of sherrif. The Mayor (Morgan) happens to have a pretty but accident prone daughter. Her misadventures while trying to attract the new sherrif's attention add great comedy to the plot. The sherrif's work is cut out for him when the Danby's led by pa Danby (Brennan) try to spring the youngest Danby from jail. He makes the town drunk (Played by Elam) his deputy and from there things just get funnier. When the dust settles everyone is alive and happy. Not the most complicated plot ever written, but light comedy is not supposed to be. Easy and fun to watch.

"JUST ON MY WAY TO AUSTRALIA"
IS THERE ANY THING FUNNIER THAN A STRAIGHT FACED MAN SPEWING OUT HUMOR? AND JAMES GARNER HAS A TREMENDOUS GIFT FOR BEING HILARIOUS
AND YET DOING IT IN A SEEMINGLY EFFORTLESS WAY.
BEFORE 'RAISING ARIZONA' OR 'OH BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?' THIS LITTLE PICTURE BROKE GROUND WITH DRY, OFF BEAT AND SOMETIMES CYNICAL COMEDY.

GARNER PLAYS THE ANTI HERO TO THE HILT. HE IS A SIMPLE MAN WHO IS BASICLY "JUST ON HIS WAY TO AUSTRALIA." HE FINDS HIMSELF IN A QUIRKY 'GOLD STRIKE' TOWN THAT IS DESPERATELY IN NEED OF A SHERIFF.
HIS QUALIFICATIONS "FIT THE JOB PERFECTLY" AND THE BASIC PLOT IS SET.
GARNER IS SUPERBLY SUPPORTED BY VETERAN CHARACTER ACTORS LIKE JACK ELAM, BRUCE DERN AND A HOST OF WELL KNOWN OTHERS.

THE WONDERFULLY WRITTEN DIALOGUE IS THE ABSOLUTE STAR OF THE SHOW WITH NUMEROUS MEMORABLE LINES THROUGHOUT THE PICTURE.
WHEN THE SPINELESS MAYOR SHOWS GARNER HIS HOME HE MENTIONS HIS 'DEAR DEPARTED WIFE' TO WHICH GARNER SAYS "YOUR WIFE DIED HUH?" AND THE MAYOR RESPONDS "NO....JUST DEPARTED."

THE SIDESPLITTING SCENES ARE REALLY TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION AS THERE ARE SO MANY STAND OUTS.

THIS MAY WELL BE THE BEST FAMILY COMEDIC WESTERN PIECE DONE TO DATE. RIVAL FILMS LIKE 'BLAZING SADDLES' WITH THEIR PROFANE ENUENDOS
PALE TERRIBLY IN COMPARISON TO THIS EFFORT.

THIS IS ONE YOU CAN WATCH REPEATEDLY AND LAUGH JUST AS LOUD EACH TIME.

My 2nd favorite Garner movie of all time
Boy this was hard, ranking my Favorite James Garner movies. It came down to the two Support your... movies. I had to go with the one that had the sidewinder, Susan Plesette and the X-Rifleman and Cub second baseman Swifty Morgan.

SYLSheriff came in second because he was just passin thru on his way to australia anyway.

The top of the genre
Still boyish at 41, Garner here brings a variation of his Bret Maverick character (then almost a decade in rerun-land) to the big screen and in the process spoofs almost every convention of the serious Western. As the unassuming, pragmatic, and mildly larcenous Jason McCullough, who's "basically...on my way to Australia" when he decides to pick up a little travelling money by taking on the job of taming the mining town of Calender, he proves to be rather more than he seems--and, in the process, shows once again why he was cast in so many comedies during his long career. Playing his part almost dead straight and supported by an excellent cast, he makes Jason seem like a hero even though that's the last thing Jason wants to be. In the process everyone sends up everything from "High Noon" to "Rio Bravo" and makes it all seem effortless and plausible. A movie that defines "comedy-Western" and one all audiences should enjoy. ... Read more