Description

Yasujiro Ozu's Tokyo Story (Tokyo Monogatari) follows an aging couple, Tomi and Sukichi, on their journey from their rural village to visit their two married children in bustling, post-war Tokyo. Their reception, however, is disappointing: too busy to entertain them, their children send them off to a health spa. After Tomi falls ill, she and Sukichi return home, while the children, grief-stricken, hasten to be with her. From a simple tale unfolds one of the greatest of all Japanese films. Starring Ozu regulars Chishu Ryu and Setsuko Hara, the film reprises one of the director's favorite themes—that of generational conflict—in a way that is quintessentially Japanese and yet so universal in its appeal that it continues to resonate as one of cinema’s greatest masterpieces. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A Quiet masterpiece
This film was held back from international distribution for many years because it was thought to be too "Japanese". It's hard to imagine why.
The story is immediately engrossing and keeps you rivetted from start to finish. It's not Seven Samurai or Yojimbo, but a simple tale of an elderly couple travelling to Tokyo to see their children. What results is disappointment and resentment masked by plastic smiles , false pleasantries and rigid formality. The parents are disappointed in the children, and the children resent the parents. There are no intense moments of melodrama or intriguing plot twists to entertain the viewer. Worlds of pain and suffering are revealed through a few words here or there, or through subtle body language.

The film is beautifully photographed with a minimal amount of camera movement (if there is any at all), and is well preserved by Criterion. It may not be the best restoration ever, but it's superior to the infamous Ran transfers, and hardly noticeable when the film carries you away.

The entire cast is wonderful, varying from polite inoffensive formality of the elderly couple, the businesslike, obligatory courtesy of the children, and carefree lack of pretentiousness of the grandchildren. The characters are so realistic that you may be reminded of friends or family. Standing out are Chishu Ryu as the father and Setsuko Hara as the widow of Ryu's deceased son. Hara spends most of her film time bearing the most artificial and forced smiles, almost annoyingly, until the end with her scene with Ryu in which years of concealed heartbreak finally come to the surface. It is simple to the point of understatement, and quite memorable.

Ozu, one of the most neglected artists in the West, shows himself here to be one of the great directors of all time in this universal tale of deception and honesty. I'm not going to throw away Kurosawa, but I will let him set on the back-burner for a while so i can explore the new and soon to be released works of this Quiet Master of cinema.

So Real, You Can't Forget
Yasujiro Ozu had directed films from late 1920's to 1962. But he hit his stride with "Tokyo Story." Ozu movies are about the lower or middle classes, their interior lives in a very crowded and small country. This film has been ranked by various film organizations as one of the best ten movies ever made. It is a snapshot of the aspiring middle class of Japan in 1953. The war is fading and the post-war miracle is in the making. The young Japanese are striving and materialistic, but it should be said, they live in a very small world indeed. Their houses, even the house of the doctor-son is tiny and everyone sits on the floor, there are no chairs. The elderly parents representing the old Japan visit their two sons and daughter in a rebuilding, industrialized Tokyo. The parents are not welcomed warmly, but are shuttled off to a resort. Only the daughter-in-law welcomes them. Her husband had been killed in the war and she honors his memory by honoring her in-laws. Then the mother dies and the kids go to the funeral and then get back to work. All the scenes of family life take place in tiny interiors where there are for example, close up shots of two kimonoed women talking intimately with much politeness. The exterior shots contrast an industrial world of smokestacks with the beauty of the Japanese mountains and seacoast. The camera angles are very precise. The actors are unbelievably good. If you are looking for plot, you won't find much here, but you will find a studied slice of life. This movie is long and in black and white. It does not move quickly and you must stay with it to take in something different.

A graceful, subtle, powerful film from Ozu
I have only recently begun exploring some of the works of the eminent Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu, and while I was able to appreciate the greatness of FLOATING WEEDS, it is his TOKYO STORY that I will remember more. Plotwise, Ozu offers more a scenario than an actual story: two elderly parents go to Tokyo to visit their children, who do not necessarily welcome them warmly. From that simple scenario, though, Ozu creates scenes that say so little and yet say so much about familial relations. That is the power of his minimalist style: a lot is left unsaid among the characters, but many things are implied, and of course it is left to the viewer to pick up on the implications and perhaps reflect on them. (The parents' children, for example, all feel exasperation at what they see as their burden when their parents arrive, but only Noriko, the widow of one of their dead sons, is truly nice to them. Obviously that says something about the others...)

Watching TOKYO STORY, I felt like I was in the presence of a wise old man who I felt could teach me, in his own silent way, a lot of things about life, especially when I eventually grow up (I am only eighteen myself) and perhaps run into these same situations that Ozu illustrates in this film. Perhaps people might react differently to this film---older people might identify with the situations, while younger ones might react in a more objective but fascinated manner. Either way, I don't think anyone who chances upon this wonderful film will not be moved in some way. What you see with every shot and every image in TOKYO STORY is life---plain and simple. It's so realistic it's haunting.

Are you kind to your parents?
Like many of Ozu's films, "Tokyo Story" ("Tokyo Monogatari") examines a very simple stage in life, one that I hope most of us will be lucky enough to encounter at some time or another. In this case, it is how we treat our parents once we no longer need them for survival. Are they a bother? Do we resent their old-fashioned ways and slower pace? Are we perhaps a bit too eager to shuffle them to the sidelines?

The story seems so simple, an elderly couple leaves the country to visit their children who have moved away to Tokyo. Country folk meet city folk, age meets youth, life meets death. There are no big blow-ups, no crisis points reached or contrived dramas, just life flowing along as it does. In Ozu's gentle hands, the entire story is told between the lines, with perhaps not a single sentence of direct dialog spoken in the film. Under the calm surface is an ocean of depth, emotions flowing with an unstoppable power, yet never able to breach the veneer of etiquette and politeness.

Ozu's usual cast in at their best. Chishu Ryu plays the father perfectly, flawed and kind, strict in his youth yet lenient in his old age, he is a father-figure more than a father to his impatient children. Chieko Higashiyama plays the kind and appreciative mother, much the same character as in "Early Summer." As always, Setsuko Hara, Japan's "Eternal Virgin," brings light and love into an otherwise dismal story playing Noriko, the widowed Daughter-in-law of Ryu and Higashiyama's son. Setsuko is ironically the only one of their children to appreciate the aged parents, even though she is not a blood-child.

"Tokyo Story" forced me to examine my own treatment of my parents, and consider how I will be treated when it is my time to visit my children. Will they dread my coming? Am I kind to my parents? That is the kind of power this film has.

Of course, the Criterion Collection presentation is wonderful, with one of the best transfers of "Tokyo Story" I have seen. It is far from flawless, but vastly superior to my old VHS copy. The extra documentaries are delightful, and offer some insight into Ozu that in turn offers insight into his wonderful films.

Great Disc, Brilliant Audio Commentary
David Desser's illuminating audio commentary opens the film up in new ways, allowing the viewer to understand Ozu's deceptively simple style with greater depth and appreciation. Demonstrating Ozu's mastery with imagery and in scene after scene, Dessler describes how Ozu builds subtle dimensions of emotional and thematic subtext using camera placement, movement and editing of shots. What may seems rather ordinary at first sudddenly becomes breathtaking and you'll marvel at Ozu's sheer economy of storytelling. Truly, Tokyo Story is a thing of beauty and this disc will show you why. One of Criterion's finest disc sets, and that's saying alot. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Also a big Takeshi fan, but...
...I wish I had as many positive things to say about the film. I really wanted to like it. I'd heard nothing but good things about director Oshima and his films, especially In the Realm of the Senses. I was also drawn to this as a Takeshi Kitano fan. In the end, however, I couldn't get past the poor acting of the Kano and Tashiro characters. Fortunately, the film has a few talented actors and comedians that make up for it. There are also a few entertaining moments like when Takeshi tries to encourage Kano to switch to the straight path. Also, the swordplay throughout the film is very well done. Recommended with some reservations.

Another master piece of Oshima trivializing death and sex
Gohatto is the law, or the code. In this magnificent piece from the master of cinema Oshima Nagisa, Gohatto means something like a marshal law. With or without knowledge of the Shinsengumi, the movie offers plenty to viewers who like plots based upon samurai stories. However, instead of the fighting scenes on the battle fields like most of the stereotypical samurai movies, this one is ever so contriving about the human within the samurai with their physical and spiritual projections towards life, death and sex. Kano was portrayed as an utterly handsome youth recruited as a new member of the militia, who was inevitably attracted by a number of other militia members. Whirled within all these conflicting feelings among the wooers, Kano appeared to be composed and cold, with a sole goal towards the "right to kill". Tashiro, the rumored only lover of Kano, was suspected of killing another samurai, Yuzawa, who courted Kano as well and assaulted sergeant Yamazaki. Commando Kondo ordered him to be executed by the hands of Kano with captain Hijikata and lieutenant Soji watching afar. The movie ends with a surreal setting of the wilderness, with drizzling rains and smoky air where Soji and Hijikata exchanged their premise about love among men. Kano was finally able to execute Tashiro and retreated, likely with Soji. With his narration, Hijikata objected the evil behind Kano's beauty which was not only to woo the men in the militia, but also to lead the wish to violate the samurai codes. Stymied a beautifully blossomed cheery tree in one swift swing of his sword, Hijikata's mind was made to crush the beauty so as to preserve the sacred code of samurai.

A natural or unnatural yearning?
The year 1865 was a time of transition for Japan. The Tokugawa Shogunate would collapse in two years time and the Meiji Restoration, where the emperor would be restored to his full glory was a year after that. Yet political struggles and fighting between those loyal to the shogun and those loyal to the emperor marked that interim period.

The black-robed Shinsengumi are a pro-shogunate, pro-isolationist police force, a kind of elite squad fighting against pro-imperialist forces in Kyoto. They are led by Commander Kondo Isami and Captain Hijikata Toshizo.

The story revolves around Sozaburo Kano, one of two new recruits whose fighting skills impress the two leaders. Kano seems very able even in his first assignment, the execution of someone who broke the Shinsengumi code of borrowing money, dispatching the offender in the traditional way. Yet his effeminate looks and his hair, still in a long pony-tail as opposed to the short-cut adult style, arouse desires in certain officers in the police force, such as his fellow recruit Hyozo Tashiro and threatens the stability of the Shinsengumi. While Kano denies that he is someone's lover, he seems to enjoy the attention he gets from the others. Hijikata seems to think Kano and Toshiro were lovers. He has a dojo bout against Kano, who stands up well, and against Tashiro, who is "one notch lower than Kano." Yet when Kano and Tashiro fight, the former does not fight as well. This inconsistency leads the captain to that conclusion in answer to rumours asking who Kano has taken up with.

One repeated line has the motif of "Does he lean that way" or "I didn't know he leant that way" in regards to officers suspected of desiring Kano. There was indeed a homosexual subculture flourishing in Kyoto during the Tokugawa period and it wasn't forbidden. In the Shinsengumi, though, it's akin to love of youthful male beauty in Roman times.

One thing that might confuse people is the repeated mention of the Ikedaya Jiken (Incident). That was a fight that took place at the Ikedaya, an inn in Kyoto, in July 1864. Commander Kondo and some men attacked and killed eight anti-shogunate activists, arresting twenty. The two samurai who taunt Kano while he is having a bout with Commander Inoue were suspected of being anti-shogunate activists itching for revenge. And Satsuma and Aizu refers to domains held under sway of more moderate anti-shogunate forces who sought reconciliation with the shogunate.

Beat Takeshi (Takeshi Kitano under his acting name) is his usual understated but occasionally potent self, and he does well as Hijikata, even if real Hijikata died in his mid-thirties. His observation that jealousy among men is a dangerous thing underscores what happens when Kano comes into their midst. Historical accuracy is also questionable in the characterization of Commander Kondo, who like Hijikata was in his thirties when he was later captured and executed in 1868 by imperial forces.

The period detail is well captured, down to the dress and even the palanquins, as is the militaristic dojo atmosphere of the Shinsengumi. An interesting study of the attractions to youthful beauty and the jealousies it can lead to.

Shocking Swordplay
Feudal Japan--Leaders of the Shinsengumi militia, an indpendent "bad cop" faction on the government's side, watch as their two newest recruits face off in a Kendo match--a wooden sword battle during a time when swordmasters received the highest regard, the samurai period. Bearded Tashiro faces off against Sozaburo Kano, who everyone can see is easily the better swordsman. But to the surprise of many, except a few insightful higher-ups, Kano loses. Beat Takeshi's Hijikata character (one of many real Japanese personalities--the Shinsengumi stories alone could entertain you for hours) and Isami Kondo immediately understand, what is going on. The viewer doesn't, but soon will. A thoughtful, judgemental look at Sozaburo, with his boyish face and demeanor, long, smooth hair, and feminine almond-shaped eyes--got it yet?--reveals all. He lost because he may be "involved" with Tashiro, who may not be the only one with "leanings" toward Sozaburo.

It's an interesting revelation to those of us only familiar with the tough samurais of Kurosawa films or the Zatoichi blind swordsman-type TV series; that these men of the sword were also men of a different type of sword. The practice isn't uncommon in history. Gladiators (yes, those during Russell Crowe's Maximus character's time) were also prone to have homosexual leanings, as did many senators. But director Nagisa Oshima does a masterful job of the consequences of a workplace relationship in the context of samurai Japan, and a homosexual relationship at that.

Not to say that the practice is widely accepted. Hijikata even orders a sergeant to take Sozaburo to a brothel to see if he can be turned around; Sozaburo misinterprets the sergeant's friendliness. Internal strife develops as other samurais join the chase for Sozaburo; rumor gives birth to tension that ends in murders, a difficult thing to have in an organization involved in a war. This is particularly of concern to Hijikata, who serves as the narrative voice in many parts of the movie, although Sozaburo remains the protagonist.

Oshima has a flair for creating then sustaining moods, be it soft, dark and suspenseful, or symbolically poignant. The swordfights are excellent, as they should be, being that this is a samurai film. Blood and gore levels are kept a reasonably tame level for this sort of film. This film would be best viewed with some sort of knowledge of the time period; perhaps get some simple reading done, or even watch a few episodes of the Rurouni Kenshin anime series, which deals heavily with the Shinsengumi, Ishin Shishi and the Meiji restoration of this time (search for "Samurai X" then watch the Trust and Betrayal movies).

This is a four-star film that gets three for revealing an aspect of the samurai that many hardcore fans may not be comfortable with. It may taint your ideal of the samurai, but Oshima allows us to accept this slowly, through a beautifully--both in image and in flow--worked film. Highly recommended for viewing, and possibly recommended for your own library.

Taboo is gratifying & pleasing
Have always like Japanese films, not all of course, but quite a few. In addition the culture, history & society of that land is of endless fascination. Must admit also to a liking for the traditional costumes (would be good fun to be a samurai warrior for a short time, but no head cutting please) & of course many of the men that well fill such costumes. To bring an end to the digression, will now talk about the film Taboo. It is a beautiful film. Magnificent settings, good dialogue, interesting story, well told. There are many scenes that will remember for a long time, one is when the older samurai takes our hero to the parlor to be introduced to the pleasures of the feminine sex. Kano takes the hand of the older samurai in such a sweet way, particularly considering how well that those same hands so easily cut off heads. Would I recommend Taboo, you bet you little bippy I would, don't miss it!!! ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Not Du Maurier and Not On Par With Hitchcock
When I first heard of this production on PBS's Masterpiece Theatre, I was thrilled with anticipation regarding how it would be played. Would it rival Hitchcock's masterpiece? Would it be marketed as a romantic escape?

Unfortunately, althought this version of Du Maurier's classic follows the book very closely and is over 2 hours longer than the original 1940s film, it just doesn't measure up to either Hitchcock or the book. Hitchcock downplays Du Maurier's portrayal of the strange relationship between men and women. Men are omnipotent---women, merely serve. Rebecca, too strong must go. Hitchcock plays up the Gothic touches with fog, music and a weakly played Max De Winter. The nameless heroine gathers strength as Rebecca is revealed to be intrinsically evil. But this is not Du Maurier's 'Rebecca'. In the book there is no win in the ending---the heroine simply remains a caretaker as she was in the beginning of the novel; her charge has changed from Mrs. Van Hopper to Maxim. The couple drifts like sad wanderers from place to place; as Du Maurier puts it, "There is no resurrection." In this adaptation and in Hitchcock, love seems to conquer all---an idea completely alien and misunderstood by most readers of Du Maurier.

First and foremost, the girl playing the narrator is not gauche or dependent enough--she has too much spunk and sparkle lurking behind the lank hair and the school girl dresses. Fontaine was ever so much more desperate to please as I think Du Maurier's heroine was meant to be. Du Maurier doesn't even give her a name. Dame Diana Rigg is an equally austere Mrs Danvers, but her portrayal is much too sad, not malicious enough and definitely suggests a [physical] attraction to her former mistress which seems mournful rather than simply obsessive like DuMaurier's character in the novel or Dame Anderson's character in Hitchcock's film. Charles Dance is not as taut nerved as Olivier, but he passes as an okay Max DeWinter with perhaps a third of Olivier's charm. Still, he comes off as weak as does Olivier in Hitchcock's version---neither fully portraying the strong silent brooding character of Maxim in the book. Lastly, giving Rebecca a voice and a body, is a mistake. Du Maurier's book is so compelling simply because we don't know anything about Rebecca and hence can envision whatever femme fatale we choose--the real Rebecca is a ghost; she remains a mystery to the very end--we don't know if she is really malevolent---we only have Maxim's word--or excuse for his own violent actions. We don't even understand her motives fully even after the production moves to the final scene at Manderley.

Nevertheless, if you simply love everything 'Rebecca', you will at least like this version, but, I guarantee it will provoke you to find a copy of the Hitchcock version at your local rental store or better yet a worn copy of the book at your library!

Certainly awesome
I watched this movie only after I read the book by Daphe Du Maurier several times at different ages. I am glad to say that it was very close to what I had imagined while I read the book. I certainly feel 3 hours are required for doing justice to the book. Though, it would have been much better had they spent more time showing how Maxim de Winter and the narrator fall in love in Monte Carlo. I feel that was too hurried and several details were left out. The last part where Max de Winter tries to save Danvers from the burning Manderley ought to have been avoided as it wasn't part of the story and only added melodrama.

The cast for this second version with Charles Dance, Emilia Fox and Diana Rigg couldn't have been better. The perfect English looking Charles Dance is the only one who could portray the reserved, austre and noble Max de Winter. I feel the difference in age between Max De Winter and the narrator was very accurately portrayed in the film. An older, more mature looking man was very vital for this role. Though the book says that Maxim was about twice the age of the young narrator, around 40, I always imagined Maxim to look older than that with all the fear and suffering he had undergone. Olivier certainly was not cut for this role in Hitchcock's version. I think Emilia Fox was also great with her lost, shy look.

I feel this version is probably the closest it can get to the book and the characters. The cast chosen was the best by far.

great !
A film highly recommended for Diana Rigg friends and fans. I like most. Terrific and great play Dame Diana !!

Love this movie but I too wish Hollywood would do a version
I liked this version of the movie much better than the original 1940's version; and it certainly does justice to the book. But I would love it if Hollywood did a version with Ralph Fiennes as Maxim, Jillian Anderson as Mrs. DeWinter (because she has those big doe eyes), Maggie Smith as Mrs. Danvers, and shown as the ghost of Rebecca, Madoline Stowe. The Rebecca in the current version is not mean and brooding enough.

I wish...
if only holleywood would undertake a newer modern version of this film. I've read the novel, and I like that this movie shows us a bit about rebecca. When reading the book I pictured Hugh Jackman as a wonderful Maximilian and Julie Benz as the ghostlike Rebecca with flashbacks to this mystery woman. I know it sounds strange, but I really feel they should remake this film. Maybe get Tim Burton to do it or something? :)
It was overall dissapointing. I hope they shall redo this someday. My friends agree with me on the casting though if it should ever be made. ... Read more

Reviews (53)

ASTOUNDING EROTICA.....
This is an amazing film to watch. Not only is it beautifully filmed but the atmosphere is quite vivid in its' depiction of a Japanese servant girl who becomes mistress of the master of the house and sexually obsessed with their relationship. She leads him deeper into the sexual realm until it becomes the focus of both their lives. Their relationship becomes so intense that it can only lead to destruction. Film is extremely sexually graphic and to be honest, I wasn't even aware that I was watching "pornography" because the acting and story were so mesmerizing. By then, I didn't care because it wasn't offensive---just honest. The two leads are wonderful actors and they made me forget I was watching a supposedly one-time controversial film. The film is supposedly based on a true incident. The ending is shocking and depressing but that's allegedly what happened. I consider this film a classic and a must see for foreign film buffs. It's one of the most beautiful erotic love stories ever made and one of the most disturbing.

An actors film, based on a true story.
Based on a true story, Nagisa Oshima's 1976 film about possession, sexual obsession and love, is still fresh in its portrayal of a woman named Matsuda who struggles to posses her husband Fuji, wholly and completely.
In what must be one of the most shocking movies to come out of Japan in decades,
Nagisa's skillful use of location builds a claustrophobic atmosphere of intimacy, with very little light, cramped space and no fresh air (minor character comments about the smell that builds in the room the couple are in). Though at times seemingly pretentious, my feeling is that this may be due to the translation.
From beginning to end the controversial and explicit nature of the film will either turn you on, or off or leave you in jaw-dropping awe. Its still amazing what the two main actors do for this film, and the levels they go to, to bring these two characters to life. Still fresh and worth a good unbiased viewing every other year.

Serious Minded Erotica......
Nagisa Oshima has achieved what few other directors have managed in dealing with the very touchy subject of sex, in this instance, with sexual obsession. If you plan to watch this movie for a cheap sexual thrill, you will be most disappointed. Oshima has drawn from a real incident reported in a 1936 Japanese newspaper. The film centers around the love between two people expressed physically, graphically, into realms of the senses where few dare to tread. And with good reason. This is a very intense film as it progresses from the attraction of two people through increasing experimentation in an effort not only to express their passion but to try to find the outer most limits of passion itself. Oshima must have had something metaphorical in mind but the journey as chronicled in the film also has retained the feel of the specifics. It's quirkey and eccentric. The backdrop of the story is as interesting as the story itself. It is an amazing spectacle to observe, giving the viewer a perspective on Japanese life not usually rendered but often alluded to in some historical accounts. One wonders what this experience must have been like for the actors. Oshima has managed what I have always believed should be done in order to treat the subject of sex fully and without shrinking from its' less savory aspects. This is serious minded erotica and quite unlike anything else on screen. The only other film I can recall that compares at all is "Taxi Zum Klo" which was autobiographical and starred a number of actual people playing themselves.Obviously a different catagory in that regard from what is going on here, but both films draw much of their power from explicitly sexual scenes without compromising the integrity of the story being told. This is a film experience that should not be missed.

Interesting movie...
I have to say that this movie is most certainly not one for everyone. That's quite obvious from it's NC-17 rating, and the fact that it was banned for quite some time.

But aside from that.... It's an interesting movie about obsession and sex. The characters don't really get too deep, and you don't necessarily feel much sympathy for them, but that's part of the point of the film. You're supposed to feel the obsession, and the fact that the two lovers really only ever have sex on their minds, that it's taken over their lives.

It's graphic, violent even, with tons of sex... But if you know what you're getting into and can look beyond just the simple act of sex, you might find it a worthwhile movie.

Not worth the time or money
After reading some of the other reviews I was expecting a film that would leave me thinking about something of significance in life, even if was an extreme reaction to sexual obsession. I also, often forlornly, hope for a cathartic experience whenever I watch drama.

Unfortunately, this film provided neither. I was left thinking that there was something left on the cutting room floor that would explain the actions of the main characters. There was little in the film that would help me understand how the two 'lovers' could end up in their final situation. It was northing more than a voyeuristic following of a couples' series of sexual experiences that were neither erotic nor enlightening of motivations.

Then there were those unexplained forays by the female lead that had nothing to do with the main theme of the movie. The only reason for them seemed to be "comic relief" to the sex. The problem is that they were not funny and did not inform the audience about the main character.

Over all, the only reason to watch this film would be to see what really bad movies are like. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Final series makes it to DVD
The final season of the original Avengers finally comes to DVD & VHS in region one. "The Forget me knot," the debut episode of Ms. Tara King played by Linda Thorson, was released back in 1998, but only now is the entire series seeing the light of day - and it's been well worth the wait.

There are many of course who do not rate these last adventures featuring the debonair John Steed as Britain's top government agent as highly as what had gone before, and it's easy to see why. Steed's pairing originally with Mrs Gale (Honor Blackman) and later Mrs Peel (Diana Rigg) had been an excellent match for his skills. With Mrs Peel leaving the show, the producers, Brian Clemens and Albert Fennell followed suit and John Bryce was brought back to the programme, following his stint producing the early Mrs Gale episodes.

The first thing Bryce did was to cast his girlfriend, twenty one year old Canadian Linda Thorson as Steed's new assistant, Miss Tara King. In order to complete the delivery of episodes to the US market, production was fairly rushed, and what came out of it was deemed substandard. Bryce was sacked and Fennell and Clemens brought back to rescue the production. Clemens was particularly unhappy about Linda Thorson's role, but it was too late in the day to do anything about it. They set about filming the initial block of 8 episodes (extended to 9), rehashing two of the abandoned Bryce episodes, and bringing back Mrs Peel for the one-off story "The forget me knot" to introduce the new character of Tara (although this "debut" was actually filmed third). Once these episodes were ready, they set about producing the final batch of 24.

There is a very significant shift in the character of Tara King between these two production blocks as Thorson began to gain confidence in the part. Also added as a regular into the later stories is Steed & Tara's boss, "Mother," played by Patrick Newell. Thorson's inexperience and the naivety of the character are often cited as the reason the show was cancelled after these episodes were transmitted. Personally, I think the inclusion of the very annoying "Mother" to be a far more valid reason. But it's all a matter of taste.

The stories are included on the discs in the order they were first transmitted in the UK. I would strongly recommend viewing them in PRODUCTION ORDER (easy to track on any Avengers website). There are several reasons for this. It's easier to warm to Miss King as you follow her character development. It also makes more sense to understand her constant hair changes and costume. She started as a blonde, moved to a be-wigged brunette, and only in the latter 24 episodes did we see Thorson's own hair. We can also see how the actress started in "slimmed down mode" (on the orders of the TV station) but regained her lost weight as the series moved along. The character also started out as a complete "spy" trainee, but by the second production block, had become one of the most experienced agents in Mother's department. I also enjoyed seeing the rehashed sets from episode to episode too. All these nuances are lost by following the stories strictly in disc order, and indeed the characterisation of the leads is actually confusing if you simply watch the shows in disc order.

As for the discs themselves, sadly A&E have once again neglected to include any extras at all. All there is are a few still photos, although it has to be said that the menus are at least very well done. The picture quality is certainly very sharp, but there are definitely flaws due to sparkle and dirt. Sadly, "You'll catch your death" has been transferred incorrectly, and the picture strobes and jumps throughout. Clearly no-one at A&E was paying much attention to the remastering process.

Clemens believes this batch of episodes to be the best of the entire run of The Avengers. He has stated that everything came together right in terms of production and scripts. I can't say I agree entirely. They are certainly as enjoyable as anything else, but the total fantasy nature of the stories and the weakness of Tara and Mother characters combine to take the edge away when compared to the earlier Peel episodes. Regardless, it's all camp and wacky fun and I still highly recommend this collection to any fan of the series as there is plenty here to enjoy.

THE BEST DVD YET!!!
I JUST GOT THIS DVD TODAY AND I HAVE TO SAY I THINK IT IS THE BEST YET. THE STORIES ARE AS FOLLOWS

WISH YOU WERE HERE.. TARA BECOMES TRAPPED IN A HOTEL SHE CAN NEVER LEAVE....

STAY TUNED...STEED FINDS HIMSELF LIVING THE SAME DAY OVER AND OVER AGAIN ONE PROBLEM NO ONE ELSE DOES.

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER-STEED AND TARA CHASE A TALKING BREIFCAST TO CATCH A SPY...MOTHER!!!

FOG...STEED AND TARA CHASE THE GASLIGHT GHOUL TARA FINDS HIM IN HER APARTMENT.

HOMICIDE AND OLD LACE..MOTHER TELLS A THRILLING ADVENTURE TO HIS ELDERLY AUNTS INVOLVING STEED AND TARA.

LOVE ALL...STEED AND TARA FIND ROMANCE MAY NOT BE DEAD AFTER ALL BUT THE MEN WHO FALL FOR THIS LADY CLEANER SURE ARE.

GETAWAY...TWO OF STEEDS FREIND ARE KILLED BY AN INVISIBLE MAN AND STEED IS NEXT.

ALL IN ALL THE STORIES HERE ARE VERY GOOD BUY THIS NOW I PROMISE YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. ONE MORE LITTLE THING THE BOX I GOT WAS RED NOT THAT GARISH YELLOW ON THE PICTURE ABOVE. ... Read more

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John Thaw brought one of Britain's best-loved TV detectives to life in this telefilm that started the long-running Inspector Morseseries, based on the novels by Colin Dexter. The brilliant, somewhat elitist police inspector who loves crosswords, classical music, and more than the occasional pint of ale clumsily romances a woman (Gemma Jones) from his choir. When he finds her hanged in her apartment on the eve of their big recital, he suspects murder and muscles his way in on the investigation. All the assigned investigators are convinced it's suicide except for the eager Sergeant Lewis (Kevin Whately), and Morse and Lewis reluctantly team up to sort out a mystery tangled in blackmail, adultery, peeping neighbors (former Doctor Who Patrick Troughton), and mistaken identities.

With his snooty temperament and lone-wolf lifestyle, the white-haired,Oxford educated bachelor is a wonderful mismatch with the younger Lewis, a married man with a family and a rather less classical background. There's a quiet undercurrent of affection and respect that builds with each continuing Inspector Morse mystery, as well as an air of melancholia and loneliness beautifully developed in the script by future Oscar®-winning writer-director Anthony Minghella (The English Patient). Morse's initial theories may be washouts (a series hallmark), but his relentless sleuthing, eye for clues, and mind for puzzles dredges up the answer in the end, even as he loses the girl.

The DVD also features the 50-minute documentary The Mystery of Morse, a kind of character study built around a tour of Morse series shooting locations. It features interviews with the stars, the producer, the composer, and author Colin Dexter. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very good title to own, great story
If you've ever watched an Inspector Morse story this, the first one, is as good as any of them. For those who haven't seen Morse on PBS or A&E this is a good start because the story has all that a police story needs and does it well. It is English which will turn just a few people off but do try it, so much better than most of the stuff on television.

A Different Kettle of Fish...
THE DEAD OF JERICO was the first Inspector Morse tale broadcast in the U.S. on 'Mystery Theatre', the series developed by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (PBS). For those with an intellectual bent, this series was "heady" stuff. Morse is the hard drinking, Wagnerian loving, Jaguar driving, crossword-puzzle working, police officer created by the Oxford writer and acrostics maestro Sir Colin Dexter. Played by the wonderful actor John Thaw, Morse is known only by his last name. His first--Endeavor, for the famous Nelson ship--remains a secret to most. Morse code buried in the theme music by Phelong Barrington spells out M-O-R-S-E.

In THE DEAD OF JERICO, Morse acquires his trusty sidekick, the loveable Lewis played by Kevin Whately, whom, by way of introduction he informs, "I'm a different kettle of fish." An intellectual loner, Morse has a less than sucessful way with women, and in THE DEAD OF JERICO his bad luck is evident. His love interest a woman named Anne, played by Gemma Jones (the mother in SENSE AND SENSIBILITY and THE WINSLOW BOY, which she also co-produced). Anne is a piano teacher and member of the the Oxford Community Choir along with Morse.

Anne lives in a newly refurbished town house in Jerico, a gentrified neighborhood in the city of Oxford. After choir practice, Morse walks her home, and occasionally they have a drink in the local pub or she makes him a cup of tea at her place. One day, Anne fails to appear for a scheduled choir performance. When Morse goes to check on her after the concert, he discovers the police have found her dead. Who killed her and why? Or, did she die by her own hand? At the beginning, Morse is viewed as an intruder by the officer assigned to the case due to his involvement with the deceased, but soon Morse is placed in charge of the investigation.

This is not a run-of-the-mill mystery. THE DEAD OF JERICO is a wonderful adaptation of one of Colin Dexter's fine books. Anthony Minghella directed this tale, and then went on to direct THE ENGLISH PATIENT, for which he won an Oscar. Kevin Whately (Sergeant Lewis) also had a role in THE ENGLISH PATIENT--as one of the two sappers who defused bombs left by the Nazis.

The DVD version of THE DEAD OF JERICO is outstanding. The cinematograpy is excellent, the color is clear and bright. The film is filled with footage showing the City of Oxford and the University, and if you're an Anglophile you will love this film for these shots alone. Inspector Morse's red Jaguar never looked better--in between repair jobs. I love the Morse series and recommend this DVD for your collection. You will watch it more than once. ... Read more

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Filmmakers often remark that it's just so hard to make a bad picture that few would take on the challenge if they weren't so naive. Steve Martin's Bobby Bowfinger is cut from that pattern, one of those sweet, indomitable operators of Hollywood who seem to be descended directly from Ed Wood (of Plan 9 from Outer Space infamy). To resurrect his ramshackle existence, Bowfinger opts to film his accountant's sci-fi spectacular, Chubby Rain, about aliens invading in raindrops. The snag is he needs to attach action megastar Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy), an actor so paranoid he counts the K's in scripts to uncover possible Ku Klux Klan influences.When his effort fails, Bowfinger hits on an ingenious scheme to film Ramsey without his knowledge, throwing his actors at the hapless star whenever he appears in public. Only Kit begins to believe he's being hounded by aliens for real, and runs hysterically to his guru (Terence Stamp) at a Scientology-clone group called MindHead, where people walk around in fine suits wearing white pyramids on their heads. Deprived of his star, yet not to be undone, Bowfinger hires a look-alike, Jiff (also Eddie Murphy), to fill in. The tone of the picture is sometimes flat, rather than deadpan, but that's nitpicking. The farce is quick and engrossing, and populated with terrific performances, especially by Eddie Murphy, whose dual role as Kit and Jiff showcases his character-building gift, and by Martin, whose Bowfinger, part con man and part would-be visionary, manages to capture your sympathies. Heather Graham's would-be actress cheerfully sleeps her way to the top like she knows she's supposed to, and Christine Baranski plays her shopworn method actor with myopic self-absorption.--Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (121)

High fives all around!
Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy score a winner in this comedy hit about Bobby Bowfinger, Tinseltown's directorial dud, who must obtain the appearance of uber-neurotic action star Kit Ramsey in his super duper low budget film "Chubby Rain," (a story about aliens coming down to earth in raindrops) in order for the movie to be shown. Trouble is, Ramsey wants nothing to do with Bowfinger or his film!

However, Bobby Bowfinger is not deterred by this refusal one iota and ultimately he embarks on an outrageous and farcical attempt to deceive Kit Ramsey into unwittingly delivering the performance of his career!

Aided and abetted by a unknowing but hilarious supporting cast including an Iranian accountant-turned-scriptwriter, an over the hill prima donna, a bedhopping starlet, and a crew of illegal immigrants, Kit Ramsey is confronted and confounded by a confusing ensemble of characters who scream at him about alien love, terrorise him in a dark parking lot, and pursue him through the streets of Hollywood! So while Bowfinger is gaining the footage he needs, poor Kit Ramsey becomes convinced that he is losing his mind!

A marvellous satrical parody of an industry that takes itself far too seriously, "Bowfinger" is one film that will receive two thums up from audiences worldwide!

A classic comedy
This film was a great comedy in its own right. It teams up Eddie Murphy & Steve Martin for the first time, and I'm sure not for the last. Martin plays his typical likeable part, this time as a B-film maker, and Murphy as Hollywood's hottest action heroes, and also his not so successful brother. Murphy is brilliant in both of his roles and steals the show, playing his best part since The Nutty Professor. The film is worth watching for the simple insane looks Murphy gives as his core character of Kit Ramsy, who believe that aliens are actually following him. To add to the film, Martins character decides to make a film (which Kit Ramsy does not know about), where aliens are in fact following Murphy. A very, very funny film, only American Pie made me laugh harder in 1999. The DVD has plenty of worthwhile extras, including commentary by director Frank Oz, and deleted scenes. As well has being a great film, a truly great DVD.

Bowfinger. Its so funny !
Steve Martin are funny again. With Eddie Murphy too, this one is a real treat. Even the dog in the movie, is an exellent "method actor". The story of Bowfinger, a struggling director, which hope for sucsess is something which we can identified with. And Frank Oz commentary track on the DVD is a mini filmschool in itself. Weel worth the money. Should been a classic !!!.

Very Enjoyable
Martin and Murphy are great in Bowfinger. Heather Graham holds her own. Martin plays Bowfinger as a desperately untalented but somewhat charismatic b movie director. Murphy plays two characters. The neurotic Kit and the hopelessly cheerful and naive Jiff. This movie is not the stuff of genius because it tries way too hard to be funny but it is fun and diverting. Several very funny scenes keep things zipping along. Considering Murphy's tremendous talent, its surprising how few really good non-children's comedies he's made. This is one of them.

1 star is too much
I made the assumption that anything with Eddie Murphy is worth watching. Lets just say this movie proved me Wrong! Don't rent/buy/glimpse or wince at this trash of a film. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"All I know is, the Democrats elected a president, and the Republicans cheated 'em out of it!" No, this is not a Michael Moore documentary, but a 1968 Disney musical. The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band is probably the best musical comedy set against the 1888 presidential campaign between Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison. The family band, a bit like American prairie Von Trapps, settles in the Dakota territory. Problem is, Grandpappy Walter Brennan is a diehard Democrat, and Dakota is rife with Republicans, including the suitor (John Davidson at his dimpledest) to his granddaughter (Lesley Ann Warren). The score by the Sherman brothers is not their best, and the "family fare" approach almost killed Disney films during this era. Nice to see old hoofer Buddy Ebsen get to dance a bit, and trivia buffs should note that Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn are first linked here--he's one of the kids, she's a featured dancer. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Dakota, Dakota...Where there's Land for all!!!!!!
This is my favorite movie in the entire world!!! My mom rented it when I was a little girl, and I just adored it. However, as I grew older I was devastated when I was no longer able to find it out on video. I have been surfing the web for months trying to find a copy, but to no avail. You can imagine how ecstatic I was when I found out it was coming out on DVD!! I truly believe this is the best movie ever made. I mean, think about it, it's got your history, politics, family life, and what better love story than Leslie Ann Warren and John Davidson? Not to mentiont he completely adorable Kurt Russell, the energetic dancer and singer Buddy Ebsen, and of course the lovable grandfather Walter Brennan! I absolutely love this movie! Thank you Disney for finally releasing it! You have made my year!

Just a wonderful family movie
I spent years trying to find a reasonably priced video of this movie as a gift for my wife. She has loved this movie since she was a little girl. I finally found one and now its coming out on DVD, that is WONDERFUL news. My children loved this movie and even a cynic like myself found this entertaining and the history lesson is an added plus. My biggest joy was watching a young Buddy Ebsen dancing and singing..never get enough of Buddy Ebsen. A must for disney fans and for all families.

Best Real Disney EVER!!!!
Ok, it is possible that it's because I was introduced at a young age. Maybe that's why I absolutely love this movie! I haven't seen it in probably five or more years, and I can still remember each and every song ('Bout Time, The Campaign Songs, Family Band...) and can sing them without even having to hear bits of it. I could not wait for this movie to come back out of the vault. I would go to different websites just looking for a glimmer of hope. They all said the same thing: Not available at this time. And then, as if by miracle, Amazon.com posted that it was soon to be released. I have ordered it and it should be here any day. If you are a fan of anyone in the cast you are sure to love this movie and will want to add it to your video/dvd library. And I think the fact that they are a family band is very crucial to the plot. I mean, if not they never would have missed the Democratic Convention, Grandpa wouldn't have gotten mad at Republicans and...well. I won't give away anymore of the story. Watch it. You're sure to love it too.

Strange. . .
Am I the only one who noticed the fact that the family is a band is not remotely pivotal to the plot of this film?

LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!
I just found out that Disney released this classic onto DVD. For the past year i had been looking for on the internet, and luckily grabbed the last copy on Ebay. Now, as it has just arrived, I will have to go out and buy it on DVD. It's worth every penny!!! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

SEQUAL TO HAUNTED MASK
I LIKED #1 BETTER THAN THIS ONE.I THINK THE KID THAT PLAYED STEVE IN THE FIRST ONE WAS BETTER TOO.BUT IT`S A PRETTY GOOD EPISODE!

Actually 3 1/2 stars
A good movie, but the acting is c-o-r-n-y, as is the plotline. Please, would a guy be *THAT* desperate to scare everyone? Also who's scared of some croaking old man...unrealisitc in realism, but a good flick, low on scares. Quality seems to lack.

Pretty Good Movie
This is a very good movie, and it's about twice as scary as the first. There are some scary parts so I wouldn't recommend
it to kids younger than eight. But it's good, you can believe that.

A scary Halloween night
It was very scary! My favourite character was the girl who put the mask on. I was really excited to watch it. I would recommend this movie to kids ten and up! My favourite part was when she got the mask-it was really creepy,but cool!

New mask. Old nightmare.
After last years' terrifying Halloween, Carly Beth (Kathryn Long) buried her evil haunted mask in the graveyard. Now this year her friend Steve (John White) wants to find a mask just as scary, but Carly Beth refuses to tell him where she bought hers.

At the last minute though, Steve encounters a stranger wearing Carly Beth's old mask, a mysterious man who leads him to a boarded up novelty shop. Steve slips in through the back door and steals a creepy mask he finds in the basement. What he doesn't realise is that the mask he stole is just as evil as Carly Beth's old mask. The worst of it though, is that Carly Beth's old mask is alive - and it's using both Steve and the shopkeeper (Colin Fox) to get her back.

"The Haunted Mask II" is even better than the original! Like most episodes of the childrens TV-series "Goosebumps," the acting and the script is a little cheesy. You just have to understand it's a show for children. I remeber when "The Haunted Mask II" came out on video on September 5, 1997 - it was a big hit. The whole town was excited about it. Okay, overall, "The Haunted Mask II" is great video. It's worth every penny spent if you enjoyed the first in the series, "The Haunted Mask." BUY IT OR RENT IT TODAY! ... Read more

Amazon.com

According to one Avengers-appreciation Web site, three of theseven episodes contained in this two-volume set--"Too Many Christmas Trees," "A Surfeit of H20," and "Dial a Deadly Number"--rank among the 10 best episodes from the series' Mrs. Emma Peel era (a fourth, "The Hour That Never Was," is ranked in the top 20), making this the perfect chaser to The Avengers '65 Set 1,Vols. 1 and 2. "What nasty situation have you got in store for me this time?"Mrs. Peel asks in "The Man-Eater of Surrey Green," another of the vintage, black-and-white episodes from the series' breakthrough fourth season, which introduced Diana Rigg in her signature role. The answers make for diabolically clever entertainment in classic Avengers tradition: a "herbicial" plant from outer space (in "The Man-Eater"), matrimonial matchmaker assassins (in "The Murder Market"), a rainmaking vintner (in "H20"), and a brainwashing dentist (in "The Hour"). "Christmas Trees" alone is worth the price of the set. In this haunting episode for all seasons, Steed is plagued by deadly nightmares that have begun to come true. Outfitted at one point as Oliver Twist, Mrs. Peel proves herself to be the woman of our dreams. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (6)

One of the best of THE AVENGERS sets!
I am still kind of angry that A&E releases TV shows in episode groups instead of season sets, making all the sets way too expensive, even knowing they are all bare bones with no extras at all! (They recently got it right with the upcoming THE NEW AVENGERS: COMPLETE FIRST SEASON)

Well, this set is one of the best. Diana Rigg is not my favorite Avenger girl (Joanna Lumney as Purdey in THE NEW AVENGERS is) but she shows here why she became the most popular all around the world (Except for France, they like Tara King) and probally Steed's favorite.

THE MURDER MARKET- An excellent dark but funny episode. The Hitchcockian direction is superb like the fantastic aquarium murder during the intro. Funny moments include Steed imitating a fish and Emma dancing around her coffin. However, there are a few cons: This was Diana's first episode, and the writers were trying to make her a Cathy Gale-type of character who argues with Steed. Don't get me wrong, I love the Cathy Gale episodes as well, but this isn't Emma! It's Cathy! The other con is the embarassing use of a male stunt to replace Diana Rigg during a fall. (4/5)

A SURFEIT OF H20- This episode's plot was taken to do the mediocre movie in 1998. It deals with A DIABOLICAL MASTERMIND who creates a weather-making machine! Quite overrated. The villain is too nice and his diabolocal plan is rather weak. There is also the annoying Noah-like character that screams through the entire episode. There are still some good moments, like the slippery fight at the end. Let's not forget the way victims die: It makes no sense! (3.5/5)

THE HOUR THAT NEVER WAS- This starts off as a Twilight Zone episode, with Steed and Emma inside a deserted airbase trying to figure out what is going on! It is soon explained, only at the end. This is a very fun episode. The first half, with nothing but dialogue between Rigg and McNee is very amusing. (4.5/5)

DIAL A DEADLY NUMBER- Before the pager was invented, there was the bleeper! Businessmen are dying from heart-attacks and Steed tries to crack the case. They all were carrying a pager-like device inside their pockets. What could it be? If you love the Cathy Gale episodes like me, you are going to love this one. Very dark episode with excellent funny moments like the wine-tasting contest. Only con: The plot is quite confusing after a while. (4.5/5)

THE MEN-EATER AT SURREY GREEN- This episode puzzles me. It is a very funny take at the many Sci-Fi and B-Horror flicks from the 50's. There are many hilarious moments here (Was that "moon vegetation" line intentional?) and the old lady always cracks me up. But there are some moments that are way too dark and sad for such an apisode such as the electrocution. Let's not forget the Laura sub-plot that is dropped out half-way through. If you excuse the horrible stuntwork during the climatic fight, (The stuntman from THE MURDER MARKET is back again!) you will have a fun time. But it is still a silly "bad" episode. (3/5)

TWO'S A CROWD- This is a quite good episode. The doopledanger issue is done quite well here. The actio sequence at the end featuring model bombers is excellent. (4/5)

BONUS: TOO MANY CHRISTMAS TREES- Simple: This is one of the best AVENGERS ever! You have a fair X-Files plot, good villains, excellent creepy Christmas atmosphere, some horror movie elements, silly dream sequences, hilarious dialogue, and the great relationship between Steed and Emma. The tag scene is not to be missed! (Did they kiss?) One thing however: What happened to the psychic villainess? Well, enjoy the show! (5/5)

New partner for Steed
These DVD's from A&E represent the best known and certainly the most popular era of the long running British TV fantasy-adventure series "The Avengers." Made between 1965 and 1966, all 26 episodes of the fourth season of the show are available here on eight discs in four sets, or two at a time.

When Honor Blackman (Mrs. Cathy Gale) left the series after season 3 to take up the lead role in the Bond movie "Goldfinger," the producers had already made the decision to start filming the series, moving it out of the TV studio and giving it a much glossier and dynamic feel. John Steed (Patrick MacNee), the debonair British government agent stayed on and his new partner was devised by the production team to be another tough, all-action girl with "Man Appeal." M-Appeal (geddit?) Elizabeth Shepherd was cast as Mrs. Emma Peel and two episodes were filmed before it was mutually agreed that she didn't meet the expectations of the production team. A quick replacement was sought and in stepped Diana Rigg. A TV legend was born.

The relationship between Steed and Mrs. Gale had always been haughty to say the least. With the introduction of the widowed (or seemingly) Mrs. Peel, the relationship between the two leads became much closer with a great deal of sexual tension. Mrs. Peel was as intelligent, quick thinking and emasculated as her predecessor, and initially at least shared her penchant for leather outfits, but she was also certainly softer and more readily prepared to act as Steed's partner in their adventures.

The stories were certainly becoming much more fantasy bound, and the use of diabolical masterminds and organizations with bizarre acronyms became the norm for the stories from this series on. The fantasy and sci-fi elements of the show were highlighted more than before and the fashions and design of the show took on a much more stylish and indeed 'stylized' look. The success of these elements was immediate, and huge ratings in the UK followed, plus overseas transmissions of the show followed for the first time. Such was their success indeed that another 26 episodes were soon commissioned, this time to be made in color.

The stories have supposedly been digitally re-mastered for these DVD releases, and indeed the picture quality is pretty impressive, but there is still sparkle and dirt on the prints that may detract from the quality for some viewers. The 26 episodes are presented in the same order of their original UK transmission. Unfortunately, as with all the A&E Avengers releases, there are no extras at all. Not even production notes. However, there are menus included, which are nicely done.

This for me is the very best season of the show, with great style and wit accompanying the excellent scripts, direction and production values. I'd certainly recommend this release to anyone.

MY FAVORITE AVENGERS SET OF ALL TIME!
This is the BEST of all the Avengers sets. Every one is a gem! Patrick Macnee as John Steed and Diana Rigg as Emma Peel are "Superly" Fabulous! This set includes: The Murder Market, A Surfeit of H20, The Hour That Never Was, Dial A Deadly Number, Man-eater of Surrey Green, Two's A Crowd, and EVEN FOR A BONUS, they give you: Too Many Many Christmas Trees! THIS IS THE BEST SET OF THE AVENGERS!

Triple Crown
John Steed certainly lived like a king in the hands of the regal Kathy Gale, Mrs. Emma Peel and Tara King. 'The Avengers" was a popular 1960's British fantasy-adventure series that focused on the exploits of a male-female duo in the service of the British government. The series underwent several changes of its female lead but its one constant male lead was John Steed always portrayed by the debonair Patrick Macnee (Originally the John Steed had two male partners but that format eventually changed). Kathy Gale portrayed by Honor Blackman became Steed's first female partner. However, when Honor Blackman departed the series and Diana Rigg entered as Mrs. Emma Peel, the show became an international sensation. Rigg brought sophistication, wit, charm and beauty, which hid her lethal and highly visual judo and karate abilities. Macnee and Rigg complemented each other beautifully with their carefree witty and charming exchange of dialogue. The show distinguished itself with bizarre and futuristic villains and fantastic plots. Popular at the height of the James Bond craze, the show was able to distinguish itself with its simply over-the-top visual style. Laurie Johnson's catchy and sophisticated main title theme matched the visuals of the show and still conjures up an image of the series when listened to today. When Diana Rigg left the series, Linda Thorson entered as John Steed's new partner Tara King. The series soon went off the air in the United States. It was a shame because the episodes with Tara King were quite good. The King episodes seemed to be a little more down to earth and contained some very good writing and intricate plotting. In any event series definitely left its mark amongst the finest. These DVD copies are gorgeous and they sound great in Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono.

Steed Look Again 2 more Volumes
John and Emma are back and are here to stay via DVD technology. Being on DVD, the aesthetics about the actual episodes are not in question here. More appropriately one may ask how they look. They look good, very good. If you relish a series like "The Avengers" or "Twilight Zone" you no doubt know about the content of what you are getting. You are more likely concerned about the quality of what you are getting. Like Emma might say to John, "Can I borrow your umbrella just one more time? Thank You Mother. ... Read more

Description

Funnyman Chevy Chase (NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION, CADDYSHACK) is Jack, a guy who's found the woman of his dreams (glamorous Farrah Fawcett). Too bad her stubborn 11-year-old son, Ben (Jonathan Taylor Thomas from TV's HOME IMPROVEMENT) thinks Jack is a geek! As a test, Ben coaxes Jack into joining the YMCA Indian Guides, led by a wacky suburban dad (George Wendt, Norm from TV's CHEERS). Chaos ensues as Jack struggles to prove to Ben that he's not totally uncool! From rain dancing to building a teepee, Jack will do anything to win Ben's approval -- and his mom's affection! ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Sweet little family movie to pass the evening
Man of the House is a sweet little film. It's great for children without being drudgery for their parents to sit through. Jonathan Taylor Thomas plays Ben, a child afraid of getting emotionally hurt again by the men his mother begins dating after his father leaves the two of them alone and heartbroken. Due to Ben's mistrust, he "tests" each of his mother's new potential suitors, and none of them can stand their ground until he comes up against Jack. From there, the rest of the story starts rolling. Man of the House is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for something lighthearted but still-entertaining for the evening. Although, I'm sure the kids would probably enjoy Tom & Huck and Wild America much better since they're both more action-oriented movies.

Jonathan VS. Chevy
Jonathan Taylor Thomas was great one of his best movies. With the sandy-blonde hair and funny but still cute bad attitude who wouldn't like this movie.
Chevy Chase was OK better then Farrah Fawcett but under Jonathan just a little still loved his performance. Chavy gets a 8 out of 10, Farrah gets a 5 out of 10, Jonathan gets a 9 out of 10.
They was all good actors and actress but Farrah and Chevy have made to many movies for an older group unlike Jonathan Taylor Thomas who was at that time still in kid movies.

It is about Jack Sturges (Chevy Chase) has found the woman (Farrah Fawcett) he wants to marry; unfortunately, her precocious, wisecracking son (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) doesn't seem to like him. So Ben (Thomas) tries everything to get Jack Sturges to hide the road but along the way they join the Indian Guides, a sort of bush league Iron John outfit. While participating in silly wilderness rituals, Ben and Jack of course develop mutual respect. And meet up with some of the craziest of people and Ben soon starts to learn Jack isn't going to give up so easy.

Along with George Wendt, Richard Portnow, David Shiner and John Disanti.

I think it is an amazing movie for kids and adults funny, smart, wild, and entertaining for all ages. I loved it and as a 15 year old you know it was a good movie how many 15 year olds do you know that would type all of this on just one movie?

loved it
I love Jonathan taylor thomas hes the best! its so funny

Man of the House and Travelin Tyke
I dont really like this movie. Kinda like a Home Improvement TV show for 2 hours. Boring and predictable, even for samll children.

Charming, likeable family film...dreadful DVD
Even though it's been lambasted by some critics, I think "Man of the House" is one of the finest live-action films Disney has released in the past decade. It's sure to bring a smile to your face, with its memorable characters and genuinely funny moments. Chevy Chase and George Wendt standout in hilarity, and Jonathan Taylor Thomas does great in the lead role.

But, alas, Disney must not want us to buy the films we like on DVD. That must be why they keep releasing them in modified form, rather than the WIDESCREEN aspect ratio that they were created for and exhibited in. So, it's a shame I've been waiting six years for this movie to come to DVD, because it's a garbage Pan & Scan job, just like "Honey I Shrunk the Kids." When will the Mouse House learn? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

At last -- Inspector Morse's first novel comes to video!
Inspector Morse is cerebral, almost an armchair decetcive in the Sherlock Holmes tradition. This video is based on the first Morse novel, but came about halfway through the series' run on ITV. John Thaw is notable in his performance because he almost underplays the role of Morse, and Kevin Whatley as Sergeant Lewis makes a good Watson, trying to understand Morse's thought process, and providing a lens through which us viewers of merely average intellect can comprehend how Morse's mind works. This will never appeal to a general audience, but it's very enjoyable to those at whom it's targeted. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Fair episode, poorly designed DVD
As others have pointed out, Sgt. Lewis does not appear in this, the penultimate Morse. Apparently, it was because of a contract dispute between the studio/producers and actor Kevin Whately. Despite his absence, and Morse being bound to a hospital bed for most of the program, it's a decent and entertaining episode.

My real complaint is with the quality of the DVD. As with others in this series, the makers of this disk have done a poor job packaging Morse. It's almost comical that this is the only disk in the series for which they've included a photo of Lewis, yet it's the only episode he's not in! I gave up on buying these Region 1 disks long ago. Instead, I bought the complete series from the UK (an elegant package of the whole set is available through Amazon.co.uk) and picked up a multi-regional DVD player on which to watch them. The series and the player together cost about the same as the series would cost if you bought all of the U.S. editions.

A few comments on this episode
As others have pointed out, no lewis in this particular episode. But that's ok really, if you like the rest of the series. If you are a fan of the series, you are aware that the 33 total episodes are either loosely based on or slightly related to Colin Dexter's handful of novels, and are not meant to replace or represent fundamentally his work in anyway. Besides, in the book Lewis is an unimportant character, so his absence is no gaping a hole. At the time Kevin Whatley was working on other television programs and films. John Thaw was as well (Kavannagh QC) but you really really really can't have Morse without Morse. So, disregarding the absence of Lewis and the plot changes, this is still a great episode. Not the best, but its still better than watching Murder She Wrote or Diagnosis Murder.

Morse the Time Traveler
As junior XXX pointed out in his/her review, this episode features no Sergeant Lewis. He's nowhere to be found for whatever reason. But even in the novel, the character of Lewis is less than integral to the plot.

While you (we) can only guess at the film adaptation's dumping of Lewis, I found this a most enjoyable episode of Inspector Morse, as we flashback to the year 1859, complete with haunting period music. It's an interesting combination of Morse and "period piece." It not only foreshadows "what's to come" in "The Remorseful Day", it virtually sets up the "last Morse."

Lastly, I have not read all of the Dexter novels, but of the few I have read, this film adaptation strays farthest from the original novel. It ain't just Sergeant Lewis missing. There are other fundamental plot and character changes. Once you get over the substantial changes, you may find, like me, that this is one of the more enjoyable episodes of Morse.

the weakest Morse of all....where Lewis?
instead of sergeant lewis helping an ill Morse solve a case that is 140 years old, there is a new copper name kershaw. i forgot the name of the actor who played kershaw yet i don't care because he is so bloody awful. once kershaw enters the picture, THE WENCH IS DEAD goes downhill. as always, john thaw is fine as morse. hey, sgt lewis is in the novel. he is mentioned once in the tv movie but nowhere to be seen. perhaps kevin whately (as lewis) was too busy making another popular UK tv series "Peak Practice" where he plays a doctor. thankfully whately and john thaw reunite for the final Morse film THE REMORSEFUL DAY. see it instead and forget THE WENCH IS DEAD.

Wierdly wonderfull.
A wonderfull piece of work.His last ? Do not panic, do not fret,he's just gone down "The Trout" for a quick half. In England,we've already seen the next concocksion of murder,dry hummour,pubs and the ever present American tourists !!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Time Capsule Morse
If there was any program that got the closest to reflecting correctly life in Britain during the 80s and 90s, it was Inspector Morse.

While "Masonic Mysteries" and "Last Seen Wearing" are probably the best of the mysteries, "Cherubim and Seraphim" is the one that captures the British 80s/90s Zeitgeist best. The direction of this program is as good as any well-done British thriller.

It was end of an era. Now you'll understand Peter Hitchens.

A Mystery Which Hits [Morse] Close to Home
"Cherubim & Seraphim", the second Inspector Morse episode to be directed by Danny Boyle (the other was "Masonic Mysteries"; an episode which literally hits Morse close to home!), who's the well-renowned director behind such feature-films as Trainspotting and The Beach, and features his trademark directorial style, deviates from the norm in terms of the way in which the plot unfolds: unlike other Morse episodes, instead of being a conventional - or not-so, in some cases - whodunit, all along the audience knows who the guilty party is, à la Columbo. The culprit in this case is the procurer of ecstas