Reviews (22)

FUN!
The Secret Weapon is one my all time favorite Rathbone and Bruce films. It's wonderful to have it on DVD! The Universal Holmes series continues to be a great source of fun and I've always enjoyed seeing Holmes and Watson transplanted into the 1940's and dealing with W.W.II intrigue and Nazi spies. The Secret Weapon adds the nefarious Moriarty to the mix! I won't argue that the Universal Holmes movies had the most logical elements, but they always highly entertained me. The Secret Weapon is no exception. I found this one to be a blast. Great stuff!

News Flash! Colorized print is from 20th Century Fox!
Most of the reviews shown underneath this colorized-b/w combo disc of "Secret Weapon" seem to be discussing discs issued by other companies. I am (normally) a total believer that discs from "no name" issuers are to be avoided like the plague, as the print quality will almost always be inferior; one of the best lessons I ever learned about buying DVD's was that if it isn't issued by a major studio (Paramont, Fox, Universal, etc.), and that if that info isn't clearly listed on the outer packaging, then it isn't worth buying. Over the years, I've learned that there are a few exceptions; Artisan normally puts out nice prints, and one of the old "villians" of VHS, GoodTimes, seems to have changed it's spots and has issued some very nice prints (some of the "Airport" films); but in general, the "major studio or don't buy it" rule still applies.
This issue was inexpensive, so I decided to take a chance. I can't recall the name of the issuer that's shown on the outside of the case, but once it starts to play, the 20th Century Fox logo makes it very clear that this is at least a co-effort, and why they don't show Fox's name on the cover is beyond me. The picture quality/sound is really very good (as I say, many or all of the reviews shown under this particular issuance were apparently written for other companies' editions of this same title)...so, bottom line is: the colorzied option is fun, not garish or saturated, and the print is very clear. Also offers the film in b/w for you purists, and that's just another reason to get these versions.

Reread "His Last Bow"--Homes went up against the Kasier!
First of all, this is not quite a Sherlock Holmes film.It has Holmes, but no deerstalker cap. no calabash pipe, and no magnifying glass.It does have Holmes keep observations, and it is loosely based (14% of the film at least) is based on the canonical story "The Dancing Men." Furthermore, it is not set in Victorian England, but during the Blitz of WWII.If you can get past all of this, it is quite an enjoyable film.

It is essentially a B spy film.Since it does not focus on Bond's gadgets, or any heroessuper alien powers, you actually get a story that has a Bourn Identity fell to it.This is what saves the film--you see normal people with keen minds solving a riddle and trying to get the targeting equipment.

As a Sherlock film, it falls flat on it's face.It is a vague, pale ditto-copy of "The Dancing Men," and is barley a Holmes filmAs a spy film, it is fairly good, and is a good family film.The only objectionable material is there is a torture scene, which, by 1940's standard, is a bit graphic--about 10 years old and over.However,Kids see this type of thing all the time while playing HALO.

Most other reviews have blasted this film, primarily for the continuity jump from 1890's to 1940's.I would remind these people that Holmes is a timeless charter, as the Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century cartoon shows.

Moreover, the Nazi blitz was a real thing. Think of the scene where Holmes and Dr. Tobel were walking to 221-B Baker street, and cross over the rubble and bombed-out buildings. The Brits needed this film for the moral. That is why they had that corny speech at the end of the film. This was not a bleached-teethed marketing monkey or airhead exec, but a soul-surge of a people on the brink of a very real and present disaster.

For the die-hard Sherlockinas, I would also ask them to reread "His Last Bow":He was at odds with the Kaiser.Having him fight Hitler is by no means a stretch of the imagination.

This is a good Saturday afternoon or rainy day film.

A weak plot does a great disservice to Professor Moriarty
As a Holmesian traditionalist truly spoiled by the unsurpassed performances of Jeremy Brett as the great detective, I find it difficult to fully embrace the old 1940s Sherlock Holmes films starring Basil Rathbone.If for no other reason, it's just odd to see Holmes, Watson, and Lestrade transported to the World War II era.Obviously, this film is not a product of any of the writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (although it is extremely loosely based on his story The Dancing Men), a fact made manifest to even the most casual of observers by the overall weaknesses of this plot.While Holmes displays some of the remarkable talents of observation he is famous for, he can't hold a mental candle to Doyle's Holmes, and his archenemy, Professor Moriarty, displays none of the mental acumen that made him Holmes' intellectual equal in the stories of the canon.

There is a propaganda element to Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon, as the plot pits Holmes in a race against time to keep a military secret from falling into the hands of the Germans.Holmes' final speech, I might add, surely did an effective job of rallying British audiences amidst the dark days of 1942.A Swiss scientist has invented a new bombsight capable of greatly increasing the accuracy of bombs, and Holmes is sent to Switzerland to safeguard Doctor Franz Tobel and conduct him and his innovative bombsight to London - before he and his discovery fall into the hands of the Gestapo.Once safely ensconced in the British capitol, though, Tobel refuses to part with his secret, insisting that he alone oversee the production of his nifty bombsight.Naturally, he soon disappears - courtesy of Professor Moriarty.The only solid clue Holmes has to work with is a piece of paper bearing the faintest of imprints of a coded message the scientist left behind (here's where your dancing men come in).Normally, a renewal of the struggle between Holmes and Moriarty lifts a Holmesian story to great heights, but neither great man really impressed me - especially Moriarty, who came across as a sad amateur rather than the greatest criminal mastermind in England.Furthermore, no matter what you might think of Professor Moriarty, I for one do not believe he would betray his own country.

Rathbone makes for an interesting and, by and large, successful portrayer of the great detective (even though it looks as if he and Shemp Howard shared the same barber).Dr. Watson (played by Nigel Bruce) is almost buffoon-like at times and barely manages to shine even in the presence of Inspector Lestrade (Dennis Hoey).Personally, I was not very impressed by Lionel Atwill's portrayal of Professor Moriarty, but the weakness of his character here would naturally preclude any actor from excelling in the role.

This is still an interesting film with some enjoyable moments, and the atmosphere is, at times, noticeably Sherlockian, but Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon is very much in the pastiche vein and, as such, delivers only the palest of incarnations of the great detective - although I must admit the World War II propaganda aspect of the film makes it a little more interesting than it would otherwise be.

"We meet again, Professor Moriarty..."
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SECRET WEAPON is one of the Basil Rathbone "Sherlock Holmes" films that I watched many, many times while a youngster and adored completely.Thanks to this DVD featuring a newly restored print, I'm watching the film in much better condition today that has probably been seen in decades.And I'm overjoyed that the film is as delightful to the adult-me as it was to the mini-me.

"Thousands are finding strength in Guinness!" proclaims the side of a double-decker bus in a stock footage establishing shot.This is the second film which pits Sherlock Holmes directly against the Germans during World War II.Holmes had previously fought for the Allies in THE VOICE OF TERROR, and would do so again in SHERLOCK HOLMES IN WASHINGTON.After these three films, Universal would keep Holmes and Watson in their contemporary setting, but would limit them to more conventional crime-fighting.For my money, this is the best of the three.The plot is a variation on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Adventure of the Dancing Men", and the code-breaking storyline is quite apt for a WWII-era escapade.

The storyline concerns a new invention which we're told could single-handedly turn the tide of the war -- a new bomb sight, the creation of Doctor Tobel, a brilliant Swiss scientist, who has decided to hand over his device to the British Government.And just as the Allies were fighting the Axis Powers, Holmes finds himself struggling against his greatest enemy, Professor Moriarty.Moriarty is, of course, working for Germany, for no immediately obvious reason other than the fact that they're the film's dual bad guys.

I love the interaction between Holmes and Watson.Yes, it's a huge exaggeration of the characters as originally written, but I can't fault its entertainment value.Right from the very beginning, they're bouncing fun lines off each other (almost entirely at Watson's expense).Holmes patiently explaining the plot to Watson, or neglecting to explain his disguise until Watson's makes a fool of himself to Scotland Yard, or the pair of them independently complaining about the other's untidiness.Utterly ticklish material and performed superbly by the actors.

And, of course, there's the great intangible that this film possesses in spades -- atmosphere.It's rare to see a Sherlock Holmes adaptation without a good menacing sense of atmosphere (it almost seems inherent in the format), but when you put that together with that certain mood of a good thriller which films of the 1940s seemed to produce effortlessly and you really have something.

Yes, there's something very iconic about seeing London's most famous address, "221B Baker Street", standing amid bomb wreckage, smashed buildings and piles of heavy sandbags.The humorous sequences I mentioned earlier are perfectly balanced with some strong noir-like set pieces: the smuggling of Dr. Tobel out of Zurich under the nose of the Gestapo, Holmes' disguised jaunt through Soho, the tracking of Moriarty to his lair.The dialog is delightfully smooth as well.You can see Basil Rathbone and Lionel Atwill (Prof. Moriarty) drinking in their lines like wine of the finest vintage, practically purring their "my dear Holmes" and "my dear Professor" to each other.

There are no DVD extras to speak of, although the digitally restored picture and sound go a long way towards making up for that.I did watch a few of the scenes with the closed captioning on and was shocked by how poor the transcription was.A lot of phrases seemed to be dropped from the captioning completely, which is unfortunately not unusual, but seemed particularly bad in this case.Numerous mistakes ("conceded" instead of "conceited", "We don't need your confounded submarine" rather than "We'll meet your...", etc) were very obvious, in many cases completely altering the meaning of sentences.It wrecks one of the films cleverest lines:"[It] was so simple that it fooled us.I was looking for something ingenious; this is ingenuous" is rendered as "[It] was so simple that it fooled us.I was looking for something ingenious; this is ingenious." Yes, I realize it's only one transposed letter, but it's sort of an important one.

I'm very glad this film still holds up for me, as it's always a huge disappointment when you revisit something you enjoyed as a child only to discover that you had absolutely no taste or discretion when you were eight.I'll be slowly working my way through the rest of the Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce films now that they're all released on DVD, taking in both movies that I've seen before and ones that I'm ignorant of.I can only hope that the ones I'm not experiencing for the first time are as fun for the adult as they were for the child. ... Read more

Description

Every passion has its price. For Anna Dunlap (Academy Award(R)-winner Diane Keaton), a recent divorcee and mother of a young daughter, Molly, the price may be devastating. Discovering true passion for the first time in her life after meeting artist Leo Cutter (Liam Neeson, STAR WARS, EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE), Anna's life couldn't be more perfect. But shocking charges against the young woman place her newfound lifestyle under scrutiny, shattering her sizzling relationship and forcing her to prove that she is a good mother. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

So Powerful, So Wonderful
I was warned before watching this movie that it would not be one of those 'sit in front of the television with a bowl of popcorn' movies. For half of the movie, I just sat there, my eyes glued to the screen, watching Diane Keaton in a simply wonderful and dramatic role.

Anna Dunlap (Keaton) is a newly divorced woman with an adorable six year old daughter. They have a wonderful relationship, and it is very evident when you sit down and watch them together. Enter Liam Neeson. He starts out as a person with whom you would not want to get to know, but after a few minutes, he reveals that he's just in a bad mood and he is actually quite nice. When he first meets Molly (the very adorable Asia Vieira), she is very shy towards him, but she learns to like him and you can see that there is a bond between them. When something happens (I don't want to say what), and Molly's father wants full-time custody of her, the movie becomes a full-blown drama. It is, I admit, hard to watch some of the courtroom scenes, but they are so powerful and they draw you into the story. In a way, I saw the end result coming, but not exactly like it did. It definitely showed finality in the family.

Keaton's performace, like I said above, was incredibly powerful and she does a wonderful job portraying Molly's mother. The main reason I bought this movie was because of Diane Keaton, since she is my favorite actress and this movie shows her in her best dramatic role, in my opinion. If only it had received higher reviews when it came out. But I go by what looks good to me, and to me, this looked good, mainly because of the cast and the story.

Simply a must-see
Being a tremendous fan of Diane Keaton's work, I rented this movie (I'm still... that this movie isn't sold anywhere), and it immediately rated as one of my top-ten favorite Keaton videos. It honestly is an enigma that this movie didn't get enough praise it deserves. Most of the scenes are incredibly sweet, warm, and intimate. That's what makes this movie so great. When Keaton's character, Anna, meets Liam Neeson's character, Leo, there's a unmistakable bond forming. I especially love the scene when Anna goes to Leo's apartment and Leo and Anna becomes one, dancing in front of Leo's sculpture, making shadows on the wall from the light shining on them from behind. This is an esoteric concept of first love. I really thought it was so sweet when Anna confessed to Leo that she thought she wasn't very good at sex, and he gently assures her that they can fix that. There's no judgment in that scene;it's obvious that Leo really loves Anna, and their love is vivid. Another favorite scene is when Anna and her daughter, Molly, are in the bathtub with Leo reading to them. This is truly intimate, and I just love the fact that they were so open-minded about being naked in front of Molly. There's just so much tenderness and love. It was, to me, beautiful. And yet another favorite scene is when Molly has a bad dream and goes into Anna's room while she and Leo are making love, and they comfort her until she falls asleep.There's another display of intimacy, about caring and love. The three of them together was absolutely wonderful. That is why I found it incredibly appalling that Anna's ex-husband, Brian, goes to court for something that happened between Molly and Leo that had absoluely no intention of happening. (I won't ruin the ending for you). But I found the ending truly sad and final. A soon-to-be family are wrenched apart by an innocent mistake. I felt bad, because I knew they could have had a wonderful life together. I also felt bad for Anna and Leo. I could really see their love shown for each other. They were so comfortable together; their feelings for each other were vivid and beautiful. This is a movie of non-judgment and unconditional love, and that's what makes it so special. I honestly don't understand why this movie was considered a failure. Keaton is at her best in this movie, and Neeson is simply wonderful. I consider myself as an efficient movie critic, and I know which movies are bad or good. This movie is a MUST-SEE!!! I acclaim Keaton especially for her wonderful work in this movie. 'The Good Mother' is proof that Keaton is one of the world's most rare and special actresses. If you're not suffering from brain deterioration, immediately rent this movie! You won't regret it.

tenderness
I saw this movie 2 years ago on TV and I was deeply moved by it. I'm looking everywhere to find this movie on video but I haven't found it yet. I also read the book, before I saw the film and I think it's the first time that I like more the film than the book of a same story. I must confess that since this film I became a fan of Liam Neeson. It's a film that sensitive people must see. The scene before the mirror has remained with me all along.

The Good Mother - A GREAT FILM ! Don't miss this one!
Am I glad I bought this video while it was available! I rented it on the strength of the unparalleled Diane Keaton's participation, and found it one of the most moving films I've experienced. It's surprising this movie hasn't received meaningful press, at time of issue or since. Keaton is at her usual gorgeous, inspired best as Anna, a suppressed free-spirit. A divorced anywoman, she is the unquestionably devoted, responsible mother to 6-year old Molly, played to completely natural, adorable perfection by young Asia Vieira. Molly is equally crazy about her mom - their bond is deep and true. Welcome Liam Neeson (I fell in love instantly) as Leo, a charming Irish sculptor, as the first real and passionate love relationship in Anna's life; the two become serious quickly, and life is wonderful. Anna's ex-husband Brian, having moved on in his own life with another woman, reacts the only way he knows how to a controversial "mistake" Leo makes while caring for Molly one day while Anna is at work. Brian sues for custody, and the situation evolves dramatically from there (don't want to give it away).

This is a heart-wrenching, unforgettable story which unleashes a wide range of powerful emotions thanks to totally believable performances by the entire cast under Leonard Nimoy's superb direction: Ralph Bellamy as Anna's grandfather, Teresa Wright as her grandmother, Katey Sagal as friend Ursula, and Jason Robards as her attorney. Leo's mistake and the ensuing results evoke thought-provoking debate. Highly recommended!

interesting and moving
this movie was very interesting. the end is kinda sad and you don't expect it, but still is very good. i'd recommend this movie to everyone! ... Read more

Description

A once-promising runner who was unfairly banned from amateur competition twenty years ago sets out to recapture his lost glory and begins to train for one of the toughest races in America, the Cielo Sea. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

SENSE OF '60s IDEALISM
The premise is that of a talented long-distance runner having spoiled his career by naming too many bigwigs in the hierarchy of amateur athletics as having been "on the take". The runner's dad, an old marxist, didn't see the point of pursuing an athletic career, as opposed to struggling in the political arena, despite his son's carrying off his athletic commitment with a great sense of justice and fair-play.

So, the son comes home and competes in a race he isn't supposed to be in & the old man, over time, gains a broader appreciation of human endeavor, as long as it's done with class & honesty.

Maybe a somewhat predictable story, but Dern carries off the loner-hero-runner who would not close his eyes to corruption with great style (kind of Serpico meets Jim Ryun). I always thought Dern was great in roles that express baby-boomer social concern.

Also, Pam Grier is Dern's girlfriend (that's gotta help, eh?).

Rob Nilsson of San Fran directed this & also the excellent "Northern Lights".

Men okay, women not so great
When I saw "On the Edge" during its first run in the Bay Area, I could give it five stars for its depiction of a man trying for a comeback after the sport he loved failed him.I couldn't give it much for its depiction of the relationship Wes had with Cora. She seemed incidental and plus, we never see her with Wes and his father or with Wes' extended family.He's more active and demonstrative with his ex-coach and his father.The fact that Cora is played by the incomparable Pam Grier makes it all the more amazing.I see him have very eye-opening sex with her but I don't see him unwind, confide, open himself with her other than when they are entwined, and then there is little here to mine. Such unwinding could give viewers a better, internal understanding about Wes and give me a reason why Cora was so integral to his life and why he returned to her.She only gives of herself when he has been disappointed or wounded; in short, she's a kind of mother figure.No wonder she leaves him just before his great "Cielo Sea" (the Dipsea) race.That she loves him in her own way is obvious, but why?

Yes, I am black and no, I have no problem with interracing in film. I'm just disappointed that I don't see more than I could wish.

80s [slumm]
Basically this is a typical... 80's movie... the kind you would find late night on USA or something.The characters are tired, simple and boring and the music makes you feel like you are playing Atari.The movie is also incredibly unmotivating, especially if you are a competative, serious runner. Don't buy it, in fact don't rent it.

Kinda bored but still not bad in the end
Could anybody as a runner been suspended for 20 years? Suspension usually means there is a time limit or period for such penalty or punishment, and it usually means a short term. Yet in this movie the guy after 20 years was still suspended from running. How could it be? That no big deal misconduct is the bad scenario of this movie only served as a tough element for this tough 44 years old middle aged guy to deal with, making the movie itself possible. That misconduct should not and would not sentence him a lifetime ban from running but exaggerated too much. With a lot of totally unnecessary love-making scenes just served as another cheat purpose to keep the viewers not falling sleeping during watching, just another [thing] stuffed into this slow going movie. But all in all, the ending is quite good, showing this guy not only got an iron will, but also a big heart of sharing, for the triumph and satisfaction of such achievement with other front runners.

Great road runner movie
Although not quite in the league with Chariots of Fire, I think this is perhaps the best of the "running movies" that followed.
Bruce Dern plays "Wes Holman", a 44 year old former elite 10K track athlete who was driven from the sport by unfair circumstances.Wes attempts a comeback training for a somewhat unique race, a 14.2 mile mountain trail "handicap" race in which runners are started at different times dependent upon their age or sex.It is said that a real race in Marin County, "The Dipsea" served as a model for the movie.

The movie chronicles the Wes' year of training, while also dealing with issues with his father and the athletic governing body, and has re-kindles a relationship with an old flame, played by Pam Grier.The best part of the movie is simply watching the training and finally the race.Some of the stuff with the race is kind of "corny", so to speak, but I think most runners would enjoy the movie just to watch the running. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Finally, a Phil. movie about USA that is taken seriously
To my great surprise, this is actually one of the few Philippine based films I've seen where Americans aren't stereotyped as ridiculous-looking cowboys with broad-brimmed hats and cheesy western accents. Many Filipino movies unfortunately include American characters and poke fun at them, in a pathetically inaccurate and deeply misleading way. But this film didn't, and so I took it seriously. Based on the background of the plot regarding American soldiers stationed in Subic Naval Base, this is a fairly accurate portrayal of the characters and the real people whom they were loosely based on.

Nevertheless, the story and plot are entirely fictional. There's definitely some romantic drama involved in this movie, particularly concerning an interracial affair between an American soldier and a Filipina. On the other hand, there's also some action and a strange twist of events as one of the US soldiers turn psycho and try to blow everything up. So in terms of plot summary, I wouldn't call this movie as ingenuous. The story is rather predictable. So it is largely because of this that I gave the review 3 stars.

However, I do admire how Filipino filmmakers have done a wonderful collaboration to produce this piece which I may say could generate some serious pride in Philippine filmmaking. The cinematography rivals that of the big-budget US films, and I know from a fact that much effort was made to produce a truly porfessional and epic scale movie like this one. So this DVD would be okay to have in your collection, if you are interested in learning more about the Philippines and its foreign policy towards the US. It's not a historical documentary, but it's a good watch. Plus, where else could you see a movie with beautiful Filipino actors and actresses as well as acclaimed actors from the US put together?

Remembering the P.I.
As a former Navy Vet who spent more than 6 years in the philippines this movie brought back a lot of memories. I left just a couple years before the base closure. While this movie was not 100% accurate some of it was right on. Especially the blackmail attempt, and the semi-accidental killing of the filipino. While I was station-dito there were more than several instances of Filipine Marine or locals and Navy or marine sentries shooting each other and worse. The women were very enticing its true many of my friends including myself brought home Filipina brides (16 years and counting). I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and will definately buy it on DVD. BTW if you are reading this and remember me for P.I... drop me an email. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Is cutting off picture information "Family friendly"?
Oh, Disney! Disney! Why do you stab me in the heart so often?
This company seems to think that avoiding black little bars at the top and bottom of 4:3 television screens makes families happy and content. Why not consider us grownups instead, who are very saddened indeed to watch movies like this with the sides cut off?
Besides, what child or teenager today would tolerate viewing this movie anyhow, cropped or in letterbox format? This is definitely a film for people BORN in the fifties and sixties. Yes, it's overlong! Yes, it's corny a lot of the time! Yes, it's often dull and even boring! And yes, I still enjoy it for all its faults! But I would be ten times happier if Disney had given me this film on DVD in the correct aspect ratio of 1.78:1 - with anamorphic enhancement, of course! WHEN WILL THEY LEARN?

DVD vs VHS
I have been familiar with this film since I worked for Disney in 16mm film distribution in the 1970s. I started at Disney after just coming back from Europe, so the French settings were nice to revisit.

I am very familiar with the various negatives of this film. I agree with several reviewers that a DVD should contain the best possible picture and sound element. It should also present the film in its original, projected aspect ratio, which for BON VOYAGE was 1:85.1 (Academy 'flat') which gives the film a slight, rectangular image. However, full frame, 4 by 3 transfers of 1:85x1 pictures are not necessarily all that bad. You loose a little picture on the sides, but not really that much. Some work could have been done on color correcting, although the DVD's 'look' exactly matches the projected film.

I also agree that a few 'extras' would have been nice, even just the theatrical trailer. Walt Disney filmed 'everything' to do with his studio's product, so there must be a good amount of 'extras' for BON VOYAGE in the Disney film vaults. Why aren't they included?

Anyway, it's still nice to have this some-what overlong film back on the market. I grabbed a copy at BestBuy as soon as I spotted it. I have always felt that it was about 20 minutes too long, and that it incorporated two scenes (Fred McMurray and the French prostitute in Paris, and the attempted extortion of son Elliot on the Riviera) that should not have been in the script. The film might have done better with its intended audience. Tommy Kirk's performance as Elliot, however, is a treasure; he was a very polished actor, and gave wonderful comic relief it wasn't 'mugging' but was built solely out of his character.

Look for one mistake the original director made, and it's in the original negative, although it shouldn't have been included. When McMurray punches the Casanova in the casino at the film's end, immediately go frame by frame for a few seconds and you can see the sound stage floor, complete with ladders for the cameras, and even some of the crew in the background.

Some of the scenes bettween McMurray and James Callan (father to young suitor) still resonate even in today's society. And McMurray lost in the Paris sewers is still very funny.

THey ruined BOn VOyage!
I would like to quote a previous reviewer

"No wonder the company is about to be taken over and broken up -- DVD was introduced to be an alternative to video, to offer more than video: better picture, more extras, and most importantly, more picture. Letterboxing. Widescreen. The complete image. So what does Disney do? They take some of their most beloved live-action films such as this one, and dump it on DVD in full-frame editions. What is the point of that? Who isn't used to widescreen DVDs yet? Why should I waste my money replacing my old Disney videos with the same crappy full screen image as before? Disney just doesn't get it, and their sales show it. Quote From Viewer From New York"

I just watched it for the first time I bought it when it came out but didn't watch until today. In fact I am watching the DVD as I right htis review. I agree with you completely. The best part about it were the menus.

DISNEY DOESN'T GET IT!!!!!!
No wonder the company is about to be taken over and broken up -- DVD was introduced to be an alternative to video, to offer more than video: better picture, more extras, and most importantly, more picture. Letterboxing. Widescreen. The complete image. So what does Disney do? They take some of their most beloved live-action films such as this one, and dump it on DVD in full-frame editions. What is the point of that? Who isn't used to widescreen DVDs yet? Why should I waste my money replacing my old Disney videos with the same crappy full screen image as before? Disney just doesn't get it, and their sales show it.

BON VOYAGE!
I just ordered my dVD today from amazon.com

I have a VHS of it that I bought when it came out in 1986 but I was so anxious for this dVD to come out.

I wish that there were going to be special features on it but I bought it anyways.

Harry Willard(Fred MacMurray) and his wife Katie (Jane Wyman) go on a sea voyage to beautiful France with their 3 children. Amy (Deborah Walley) Elliot (Tommy Kirk) and Skipper(Kevin Corcoran). Amy is dead happy about the trip, Elliot couldn't care less, and Skipper is just happy anyplace. This movie starts out @ the Shipping Office in New York City. Where Amy runs into Playboy Nicholas O'Marra (Michael Callan) well they set sail on the classic ship S.S. Pacific ? I can't remember the exact name. And they have a lot of adventures on the boat. WHen they get to Paris they first go to the Eifel Tower. But Amy runs into Nick and that fumes Harry because He can't stand Nick. Well the movie rolls along and it has a lot of funny scenes. Like when Harry gets lost in the Sewer System of Paris. And when Harry meets the Lady with the mustache (ooh what a disgusting occurance). This movie ends when Harry punches the evil Rudolph for making advances to his wife in a Casino in the French Riviera. Watch for the grand theme song. Which is my favorite part of the movie.

I have been waiting for years for this movie to come out on DVD. ... Read more

Description

This volume includes: "A Nice Place to Visit" (Episode 28, April 15, 1960) - After being shot to death, Rocky Valentine (Larry Blyden) encounters the amiable white-haired Pip (Sebastian Cabot), who gives Rocky everything he wishes. Heaven! Right? "A Penny for Your Thoughts" (Episode 52, February 3, 1961) - The lucky flip of a coin seems to give a mild-mannered bank clerk (Dick York) the power to read minds. But he soon learns that you can't believe everything you read. "Little Girl Lost" (Episode 91, March 16, 1962) - A six-year-old girl who can be clearly heard, but not seen, has vanished into a fourth dimension and is trapped there while a hole between two worlds rapidly closes. "I Am the Night--Color Me Black" (Episode 146, March 27, 1964) - On the day an unpopular idealist is to be executed for killing a racist bully, Sheriff Charlie Koch (Michael Constantine) and other townsfolk are shocked to see that the skies are pitch black. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Two above average, two below average "Twilight Zone" shows
Two first-rate episodes are sandwiched in between a couple of sub-part efforts on Volume 29 of "The Twilight Zone" DVD series. "A Nice Place to Visit," written by Charles Beaumont, stars Larry Blyden as Rocky Valentine, a petty thief who is apparently shot to death by a cop but who wakes up to find himself just fine. Not only that, he has a guide named Pip (Sebastian Cabot), who supplies him with everything he wishes for; could this be Heaven? A one-joke episode you can see coming a mile away. Dick York plays bank clerk Hector B. Poole in "A Penny for Your Thoughts," written by George Clayton Johnson. When he pays for his morning paper the coin he flips lands on its edge; as a result, Hector can now read people's minds. Now, if he can only find a way to use this new power to do good. A whimsical little story that hits the right notes because of York's performance. Richard Matheson adapts his short story "Little Girl Lost," in which little Tina Miller (Tracy Stratford), rolls under her bed and disappears. It soon turns out she has fallen through a hole into another dimension. A chilling little episode that will remind you of a sequence in the film "Poltergeist." Finally, Rod Serling gets on his soapbox for "I am the Night--Color Me Black." Sheriff Charlie Koch (Michael Constantine) is presiding over the execution of a man named Jagger. But the night does not end this morning and it becomes clear that Jagger is innocent, the victim of a corrupt justice system. The darkness is caused by hate and in this episode Serling gets unbearably preachy. Fortunately the Johnson and Matheson episodes are around to balance this volume out.

A samples from seasons 1, 2, 3, and 5
* "A Nice Place To Visit" (Eps. 28, aired 4/15/60) - When Gangster Rocky Valentine (Larry Blyden) gets shot to death, he is welcomed to a world where he gets everything he wants and wins at everything. But, when he gets bored, he finds out he is just getting his just deserts. Three Stars.

* "A Penny For Your Thoughts" (Eps. 52, aired 2/3/61) - With a lucky flip of a coin, bank clerk Hector Poole (Dirk York) gains the ability to read people's minds. But, as he soon discovers, you can't believe everything that people think. This is a more comedic than serious Twilight Zone episode, and gets four stars.

* "Little Girl Lost" (Eps. 91, aired 3/16/62) - Late one night, the Miller's six year old daughter, Bettina, can be heard throughout the house, but can't be found anywhere. With the help of a physicist friend, they discover a hole from Bettina's room to possibly the fourth dimension. Will the Millers be able to save their daughter in time? Although it has a X Files feel and it was a basis for a later Simpson's episode, the effects limitations of that time really shows. Two stars.

* "I Am The Night - Color Me Black" (Eps. 146, aired 3/27/64) On the morning of the execution of an idealist who murdered a racist bully, the sky has turned pitch black around the town. Emotions run high as the time of execution approaches. This story, penned by Rod Serling, gets somewhat preachy at times, but is still good. Three stars.

The prints used for these DVD are in excellent condition for their age, with only an occasional speck or mark. ... Read more

Description

This volume includes: "The Whole Truth" (Episode 50, January 20, 1961) - A special Model A automobile propels used car dealer Harvey Hunnicut (Jack Carson) to tell only the truth. Consequently, he can't sell a single vehicle on his lot--until he comes up with an unusual marketing idea. "Mute" (Episode 107, January 31, 1963, 51 min.) - A 12-year-old girl (Ann Jillian) who loses her parents in a fire doesn't speak because she has grown up in a telepathic community. The couple (Frank Overton, Barbara Baxley) who takes her in and her teacher (Irene Dailey) are determined to help her adapt to their society, no matter the cost. "Queen of the Nile" (Episode 143, March 6, 1964) - A young, handsome columnist (Lee Philips) is startled to learn that famous movie star Pamela Morris (Ann Blyth) is just as lovely and young-looking as when she starred in the 1940 film "Queen of the Nile." Intrigued, he investigates--and soon learns a terrifying secret. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Richard Matheson's classic episode "Mute"
A classic episode from Richard Matheson stands out on Volume 28 of the DVD series of "The Twilight Zone." Used car salesman Harvey Hunnicut (Jack Carson), buys a haunted Model A that forces him to tell "The Whole Truth," written by Rod Serling. Of course, this means Harvey is never going to sell another car unless he comes up with some way of unloading this unique auto. This is one of the Zone episodes that was videotaped. Richard Matheson's classic episode "Mute" is one of the even rarer first-rate hour-long episodes, based on one of his short stories. Ann Jillian plays Ilse Nielsen, a 12-year-old girl who is raised in a telepathic community. When her parents are killed in a fire, Ilse is placed with a foster family who are appalled to find that she was never taught to speak, read or write. The element of horror in this tale is that Ilse's new community is going to make her conform, no matter what. Ann Blyth stars in "Queen of the Nile" as movie star Pamela Morris. In this script by Jerry Sohl, a young columnist named Jordan Herrick (Lee Philips), discovers that Pamela looks just as young and as beautiful as she did when she starred in the 1940 film "Queen of the Nile." Herrick uncovers her secret, which, of course, he does not live long to regret. The other two Zones are average episodes at best, but "Mute" is a real gem by a master storyteller.

Twilight zone fan right here
Very good video if your a fan of the series. I really enjoyed "Mute" it is one of the best epsidoes in my opinion. I dont want to give any plots away but this is a good video to get ... Read more

Description

The 50th Anniversary Edition of Kurt Neumann's science fiction classic. Four men and a girl blast into space on mankind's first expedition to the Moon. But due to a cataclysmic event in space, their ship is sent hurling out of control towards the planet Mars. Suspenseful terror as the crew fights for their life on a war-ravaged world with radiation-riddled nightmare creatures! The climax makes this one of the most powerful and unforgettable science fiction movies ever made. "Rocketship X-M" was deftly brought to the screen by famed writer/director Kurt Neumann. Long considered the definitive space exploration film of the 50's, a genuine classic with a power that has spanned the decades.Includes Trailer. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

WE'RE OFF COURSE
This film opens with a countdown and just keeps going after lift off. Short on science fact, but long on style and ideas, this is one of the better early "first into space" movies. It has a Jules Verne feel, a German work ethic pace, and keeps the surprises and the clique's coming - two of which were staples in these early type of movies: the sudden metor storm between the Earth and Moon and the "we're off course" stunt where the ship makes a U-Turn and heads for Mars or Venus (in this case it's Mars). But despite this, this is an entertaining film with a good cast and a surprise ending that is almost unheard of these days. ROCKETSHIP X-M is not for everybody, but if you are a collector and a sci-fi fan, than this is an excellent addition to any library.

Expedition: Moon
Yep this movie is as fun and forward looking as they say. What I found fascination from the beginning was the equipment. The short-wave radio barely reached to space. The gages were an altimeter and an air speed indicator (what air?) and I liked the airplane throttles for the rocket speed. A 1000-LB fuel tank need moving so Major William Corrigan says "I used to throw a 1000 LB steer over my shoulder every morning" Colonel Floyd Graham replies "Are you sure that wasn't a bull?"

The first manned rocket (looks like a V2 shape), is pointed at the moon. Through a series of mishaps and miscalculations, it ends up on Mars. Once on mars that looks like Red Rock Canyon, Mojave, California, USA and Death Valley, California, USA, the crew discover a secret that is vital for Earth to know.

Do they make it back? Find out:

Try this:

Click on "visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)"

Click on "video clip(s)"

the first episode ever.
Perhaps most irritating is the Lloyd Bridges line to the token female astronaut when she comments sarcastically about women simply staying home and raising babies: "Isn't that enough?" I think the most remarkable thing about this terrible film is its stereotypes. Yes, the film was made many years ago, and I don't mean to say that these were not present in great films of the era or fault the filmmakers for this, I'm simply saying that it's an interesting cultural nugget. The man from Texas is deeply offended when someone says that Texas looks like a mere speck from space (come on, I'm from Texas, but it would). The woman who chooses career - and a male-dominated scientific career at that - over home and family is portrayed as cold (and overly emotional when her correct calculations are discarded) until she finally realizes that she simply needs a man to hold her. Further, how silly is it that there is an intensely planned trip to the moon and then oops! We're on Mars instead. You "can pretty much sense the string" elevating the objects that are supposed to be floating when gravity starts to go on the fritz (see "Things which are Funny Floating"). However, a much more tolerable version of this film was indeed done by that guy and his two robots. It was the first episode (#201) in the cable era of Mystery Science Theater 3000, and well worth it if you can find a copy.

Were we watching the same movie?
I have a serious bone to pick with all of you who gave this film such high ratings. I ordered it on the strength of the glowing reviews I found on Amazon, so I think you guys owe me a refund. The acting occasionally rises to the level of so-so, but the plot and dialog are absolutely ridiculous. And the science! Lordy, lordy, where do I start? Spaceships that make 90 degree turns? The "darkness of space" ... what about that big, glowing thing at the center of the solar system? A minor error in astrogation, and two hours later you end up at Mars instead of the Moon?? (Was Sheila Jackson Lee the technical consultant?)
And -- I swear this is true -- when they did those 90-degree turns, they had all the actors pushing on the inside of the rocketship.

Maybe -- MAYBE -- this thing is worth watching from a historical standpoint, as some kind of turning point from schlock to serious sci fi movies, but that's all. My overall rating is: "Embarassing!" For everyone involved, from the writer to the actors. Where is that guy and his two robots when you need them???

If you want a pivotal sci fi film, with serious science and ground-breaking special effects, get Robert Heinlein's "Destination Moon." And then go on to classics like "Forbidden Planet" and "The Time Machine." But skip this dog biscuit.

Did much to inspire the space movie craze of the 1950s
Rocketship X-M was really one of the first good science fiction films of the 1950s, and its influence can be seen in the slew of space movies released throughout that decade. In some ways, it is the quintessential science fiction film of the era; it sends a crew of four men and one woman into space for the first time, and these characters actually get a chance to express their own personalities during the journey. While the science of the film misses the mark in a number of ways, the filmmakers did not rely on alien "monsters" to help the story along. The movie has a message, and its plausibility and rather unhappy conclusion bring that message home to viewers. The film also reflects to some degree the culture of the time in terms of gender, sporting a number of chauvinistic lines sure to rankle many modern viewers.

Our intrepid crew for this secret first manned spaceship launch consists of ship designer Dr. Exum (John Emery), navigator Floyd Graham (Lloyd Bridges), engineer Major William Corrigan (Noah "Rockford's Dad" Beery, Jr.), some less important guy played by Hugh O'Brian, and brilliant female chemist Dr. Lisa Van Horn (Osa Massen). When Floyd isn't navigating, he's putting the moves on the cold and aloof Lisa. Things go swimmingly at first (with the ship, not with Lloyd's advances), but then a problem with the fuel mixture (sure - blame the woman) causes the engines to die. When Dr. Van Horn defends her computations, she is treated to a few chauvinistic remarks about acting like a woman; the great and mighty men figure things out on their own, and before you know it everyone is knocked unconscious and the Rocketship X-M (which was supposed to land on the moon) finds itself flung out into deep space. As luck would have it, though, they wake up to find themselves within reach of Mars and take advantage of the opportunity to land there. This is a Lippert film, so you knew there would have to be many scenes of people climbing hills and mountains somewhere in it. Well, the crew members make a few discoveries about the state of past and current life on the red planet and try to make it back home to spread the word to the people of earth - it's your basic nuclear was is bad kind of advice. The ending is not a happy one by any means, but it does serve to further man's (or at least science fiction script writers') determination to explore outer space.

There's nothing fancy at all about this movie, yet it really does deliver the type of message a science fiction film should carry. Along with the science, weak as it turned out to be in places, and a "scientific moral" to the story, we actually get to see characterization come to life before our very eyes (especially in terms of Floyd and Lisa). I think this 1950 film deserves to be called a classic in its field, and it still has much to offer all fans of science fiction. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What happens when "a poor, raggedy-old private from the Confederates" and "a big important general from the North" spend the night at McCain's ranch, stop being polite, and start to get real? You get "The Sheridan Story," one of five vintage, black and white 1958-'59 episodes from this classic Western series' first and second seasons. Chuck Connors stars in his signature role as Lucas McCain, who settles down on a North Fork, New Mexico, ranch with his son Mark (Johnny Crawford). In these episodes, outlaws and hired guns keep McCain and his trusty Winchester busy, while Mark learns about manhood ("It's staying alive and in your right senses," McCain explains). A highlight of this collection is Vic Morrow doing his Brando bit as Johnny Cotton, who buys himself a lot of trouble when he robs McCain and steals his rifle in "The Angry Gun." Sam Peckinpah directed "The Money Gun," in which ornery cuss and McCain nemesis Oat Jackford stands up to a gunman hired to kill him. "The Mind Reader" boasts appearances by John Carradine, as a traveling showman, and Michael Landon, as a young man falsely accused of murder. But the best is saved for last. "Bloodlines," directed by Arthur Hiller, stars Buddy Hackett--yes, Buddy Hackett-- in a guest appearance as the brutal patriarch who comes gunning for McCain when one of his three psychopathic sons is killed in a bar shootout. For Rifleman fans, these episodes are of the highest caliber. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A little short on action...
The Rifleman Volume 2 contains five more episodes of the popular series, but the overall quality of the episodes is not as good as the Volume 1 collection. If not for the presence of a couple of really nasty villains, and some hilarious outtakes, you could probably pass on this disc. Here's a rundown of the episodes with my ratings from one to five.

The Angry Gun (5): Vic Morrow stars as an escaped outlaw, who has stolen both Lucas McCain's money, and his precious Winchester. Morrow is marvelous, exuding pure evil, and showing little feeling for either friend or foe. He is about to finish off the Rifleman with his own gun, when Lucas's just in the nick of time ingenuity saves the day.

The Sheridan Story (2): This one is aimed at the heart. A disabled Confederate veteran turns up at the McCain ranch. Later, General Sheridan, the man who wounded him also arrives at the McCain's. Both men confront their past deeds, reflect on the tragedy of war, and then even begin to try to heal old wounds. This one's short on action and long on words.

The Money Gun (2): Jackford is a man with a lot of enemies. One of them brings hired gun, Tom King (John Dehner) into town to kill Jackford. King and McCain are old acquaintances who don't like each other. Lucas and Micah must do what is necessary to keep the peace. Too much posturing, and not much tension in this one. The ending is weak. Not one of Peckinpah's better efforts.

The Mind Reader (2): A man is shot in the back on the streets of South Fork, and a young Michael Landon is held for the crime. Lucas tries to find out who really did the deed. John Carradine is a travelling mind reader who seems to know something about who committed the crime. Though the identity of the real killer is a surprise, the episode really doesn't deliver much of a punch.

Bloodlines (4): Three brothers take things a little too far in the town saloon, and one brother ends up dead when Lucas and Micah intervene. Funnyman Buddy Hackett guest stars as Daniel Malakie, the father of the boys. And Pa is in a mean and nasty mood. First it's a jailbreak and then cold-blooded murder, as the Malakie's go on a rampage of revenge. This one has plenty of action, with the scruffy Hackett even getting a much-needed bath.

Volume 2 has bonus features, the most notable is a four minute long clip of outtakes that gives you a real taste of what the set was probably like. Very funny, with music track, and lots and lots of profanity. The Rifleman set was probably one big "boys club", with too many guys cooped up together, for too long. So we get Chuck Connors joking about kissing other men, and swearing up a storm. Great fun, but definitely not for the kids.

I've said before, this is mainly for the guys. Once again, almost no women are featured in these episodes. Only one actress even has any lines! Get this one only if you're a hardcore fan, otherwise wait for Volumes 3 and 4.

We hope for further volumes in this outstanding series!
MPI Home Video breaks new and welcome ground with the launching of a series of classic television programs in a DVD format for the home entertainment market. The Rifleman was one of the most popular of the westerns that dominated a early decade of American television and starred Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son, Mark McCain. In Volume 2 (0-7886-0323-X, [amt.], 145 minutes) we are treated to "The Angry Gun"; "The Sheridan Story"; "The Money Gun"; The Mind Reader"; and "Bloodlines". The DVD format allows viewer bonuses which include cast biographies, a Rifleman photo gallery; episode outakes, and English subtitles option for the hearing impaired. We can only hope for further volumes in this outstanding western series drawn from television's yesteryears! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Basil Rathbone. Nigel Bruce. Sherlock Holmes. Who can resist these mystery masters? Legendary Sherlock Holmes Movies packs three Arthur Conan Doyle adventures on one DVD. Dressed to Kill pits Holmes against a formidable female adversary as he tries to tease apart a puzzle involving music boxes and murder. The Woman in Green centers on a series of brutal murders in which each victim is missing a finger. Finally, Terror by Night is a good old-fashioned mystery about jewel theft and murder on an overnight train. Any one is perfect for curling up with a cup of tea on a stormy night. Basil Rathbone is still the definitive Sherlock Holmes, and Nigel Bruce, charming and deftly comic, is the perfect Watson. DVD goodies include cast biographies and Sherlock Holmes trivia. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Tremendous Nostalgic Value
Many people, especially those who grew up during the 1930s and 1940s, have fond memories of Basil Rathbone's famous Sherlock Holmes series. My own exposure to the popular series came in the 1970s, when I encountered them on the late-late show; "The Scarlet Claw" was a particular favorite. Unfortunately, few of these films have ever been released to the home market in either VHS or DVD, and those that have reflect their need for serious restoration. This is particularly true of the films seen here. Although not unbearably fuzzy, the pictures are far from being crisp and clean, and the sound is occasionally problematic.

DRESSED TO KILL finds Holmes investigating three mysterious music boxes--and events quickly turn to murder. Of the three films, this is the weakest: the story is very slow to start and it never really achieves a good pace; the sound quality is also very, very poor in spots. THE LADY IN GREEN concerns Holmes' investigation into several murders that seem to be the work of a serial killer, and although the film elements remain problematic this film is quite a bit more enjoyable than the first. The third and final film, TERROR BY NIGHT, is easily the best of the three in both story and elements, setting a cracking pace with its story of murder and a diamond theft onboard an Edinburg-bound train.

Film restoration issues aside, Rathbone's Holmes has held up extremely well over time. As interpreted here, Holmes is sometimes as much action hero as he is thinking machine, and Rathbone plays him with a snappy clip, dry humor, and enough intensity to suggest untold depths. He is well matched by Nigel Bruce, whose truly dunderheaded Dr. Watson nonetheless has considerable wit and charm. The stories and scripts are pure formula, of course, and the supporting casts and production values quite mild--but Rathbone and Bruce's performances and chemistry have more than enough charm to gloss over these inadequacies. Not every one will enjoy these films, for they have a naive quality that many may consider unsophistocated to the point of absurdity, but fans of the series would rather fight than switch. Just bear in mind the quality issues, don't expect too much, and you'll have a very good time.

Just as I Remembered Them
This DVD brings back these three movies exactly as I remember them. I was not yet born when these movies debuted on the silver screen, however...my memories of these movies is from when I was a child, watching them on late-night television with my grandmother. Since then, I have been a fan of Basil Rathbone and enjoy his rendition of the infamous resident of 221B Baker Street. These movies are original material (as opposed to, say, The Hound of Baskervilles which is adapted from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's writings) but still capture the epitome of Sherlock Holmes.

The quality of the reproduction certainly is not perfect. However, if you remember watching these movies on television as I do, then you will be familiar with the quality of the film. The sound is a little scratchy, and the picture is a little grainy, but the movies are viewable and very much enjoyable. If you remember these movies, you will not be disappointed by this DVD. If, however, you are looking for adaptations of original Conan Doyle material, you may wish to look to the Jeremy Brett renditions.

Dressed to Kill/Woman in Green/Terror by Night-set
I think some of the postings here have been less than truthful. This particular DVD is very grainy, the sound is often muddy and there are occasional jumps in scenes. I do not recommend this to a buyer wanting to add some Holmes films to his library. Surely there's a better offering out there...and if not, I would suggest waiting till someone offers a digitally remastered version of these very fine old films.

Gotta love those sleuths.
I adore every one of the old Holmes/Watson films with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. I thought they were perfect for the parts, and Nigel Bruce was just an endearing Watson. If you are into the Master, and don't take yourself too seriously, these are fun to watch. I only wish that there were more of them for us to enjoy. On the down side, do not expect great quality from these films because it isn't there. Sadly, these are falling apart, so there may not be any more of them in the future, unless someone makes an investment, and restores them. Even though they are only "acceptable" visually, these are wonderful slices of cinematic entertainment. Rathbone's arch, tongue in cheek Holmes, and Bruce's endearing, bumbling, and smug Watson are too good to pass up. I watched these as a child, and so for me, there are no other actors who could come close to these guys. Watching Watson bumble around, gives you an understanding of what an upper class twit is, and how they lost the empire!

Vintage Holmes Portrayals
Basil Rathbone's portrayal of Holmes, while less mercurial and intense than Jeremy Brett's, has stood up well over the years. Unfortunately, Nigel Bruce's characterization of Watson as a lovable dolt has not. Also, the production values are far below the earlier "Hound of the Baskervilles" and "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" not to mention those of the modern BBC productions. Nevertheless, I found these fun to watch.

My favorites in this set are "Dressed to Kill" and "The Woman in Green". Both are original stories that transpose the Holmes and Watson characters to the 20th century. In each, Holmes matches wits with a wily femme fatale, as in "A Scandal in Bohemia".

The DVD transfer is acceptable, but well below the quality one might hope for. ... Read more