Reviews (114)

I can dig it!
I am 21 years old. My mother raised me with the monkees music and tv shows. I did not see this movie until 2 years ago. I was impressed. And so should everyone else be that called them a "fake" band and so on. The talent is remarkable, as well as the direction and the writing. This film involves all of the angst and emotion of their personal lives as well as the sign of the times. They were trying to find love and peace in a world ridden with war. At the time they were so passionate about their beliefs, as well as with trying to strip off the stereotypes that people put on them by thinking that they weren't original or by comparing them to the Beatles (with whom they were friends with and hung out with on a regular basis). Everyone will have a different opinion after watching this movie. My opinion is that it is thoroughly enjoyable and an absolute shame to never see. There are so many different scenes and wonderful actors and great music! I think I am going to watch it again right now. Oh, and remember:Nobody ever lends money to a man with a sense of humor.

The Ultimate Acid Trip
Bob Rafaelson and Jack Nicholson were at a party with the monkees while all of them were stoned and asked them questions about their fame, their desires, and their fantasies and the result was Head, a psychodelic, plotless mindtrip which flows like a good Monty Python Episode.

Those tuning in to see the rapid-fire improv-filled laughtrack which was the TV series are in for a shock as this has none of their ultrasticom comedy, but hey! Hey! it's still the monkees....everything is just a bit more abstract and surreal :) And let's not forget the music! Wow! The monkees have never sounded so good, writing nearly all of their material. Mickey shines on Psychodelic "Porpoise Song" (while we see him jump off a bridge into a mermaid-filled sea) and the sweet ballad "aas We go Along. Mike Nesmith really rocks on "Circle Sky" and Peter Tork gives us more songwriting weirdness with his rapid fire "Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again?"

This is a good movie to sit back with your friends and watch entranced at its path. Lots of fun cameos by the likes of Teri Garr, Frank Zappa, and of course Victor Mature and his hair!

Groovy!

cult classic
All I have to say is if your a true monkees fan your wasting your time I'ts terrible. How ever if your a huge fan of Rocky Horror Picture Show, Shock Treatment,J-Men Forever and any movie that director
Ed Wood did "except" Orgy Of The Dead (thats just asking for punishment.)than this movie is awsome.
I don't under stand why Peter Tork is the star of the movie ,he's on the least compared to the other guyes.

Head is a trip!
What is so unique about HEAD is that it's dreamlike in a way that few movies are. A uniquely crafted film inspired by the underground films of the 50s & 60s. Few movies manage to be entertaining solely on the strength of editing, but here a series of dreamsequences are seemlessly strung together in a fun and innovative way. The most revolutionary part has to be the way the beginning and end sequences were connected by the events between them yet are the same scene with only slight variations. Huh? As the Monkees put it, "when you see the end in sight the beginning may arrive". How they do it is masterful. If you try to make sense of this movie, you'll be missing the point. The best thing to do is just mellow out before you watch it and allow HEAD to mess with your head a little. It will if you give it a chance and that makes for a truly rewarding viewing experience. Outside of the Monkees trying to escape their manufactured image, nothing really makes sense in this strange little movie. However, criticising HEAD for it makes about as much sense as critising your dreams for being equally strange and nonsensical. Where comedy is concerned, HEAD is not funny in a humorous way but rather in a peculiar way, similar to the way dreams have you saying, "what was that all about?" later on. If this had been a hit, it could have taken popular filmmaking in a whole new direction.

The Definitive Anti-Masterpiece
When this film was made the career of the Monkees was already in decline as their show had been cancelled and their music was no longer charting ('Porpoise Song' from the "Head" soundtrack got up to number 62 on Billboard). The group was tired of their squeaky clean image as the 'Pre-Fab Four', and they just wanted out. This film was conceived in an effort to reach out to more adult audiences, and to hasten their departure from the scenes as the prototype MTV 'boy band'.

The film itself is a quirky, stream of consciousness movie that treads the line between anti-war statement film to over the top comedy in scenes where, for instance, they have to frolic on the scalp of Victor Mature (in a sequence known as 'dandruff') and are subsequently sucked into a giant vacuum cleaner by Victor Mature's hairdresser. There is no plot as such, but there is some redeeming social commentary such as when Frank Zappa tells Davy that he needs to work on his music more (but compliments his dancing, done with Toni Basil). At the end of the scene Frank Zappa's cow offers her opinion of the Monkees, in a scene that must be my favorite of the movie.

Some of the music is great, with the Nesmith tune 'Circle Sky' getting top mention. It's a great song, filmed live in a scene designed to show how the boys had been devoured by their public image. Other musical numbers are a bit lacking, particularly 'Daddy's Song' and 'As We Go Along.'

Highlights in the film are in the cameos. Not only do Toni Basil and Frank Zappa put in appearances, so do boxer Sonny Liston (who fights Davy), Terry Garr (who pleads to have poison sucked from her finger), Annette Funicello (who pleads tearfully with Davy in a love interest scene), and Jack Nicholson and Dennis Hopper in a cantina scene. Most peculiar of all credits are for writers and producers, namely longtime Monkees collaborator Bob Rafelson, and Jack Nicholson, who later collaborated on "Five Easy Pieces" and "The Postman Always Rings Twice", among other projects.

There are also extras consisting of theatrical trailers, including one in Portuguese, and television ads for the film. The film was essentially not promoted, certainly didn't connect with the typical Monkee demographic, and was a disaster at the box office. This didn't trouble the band, as it gave them a clear path out, with Peter quitting very shortly after the movie was released. This is as unlike the Monkees TV show as can be imagined, and I recommend it for anyone looking for a trippy sixties flashback stranger than most any other. I was fortunate enough to see this in a theater, and have loved it ever since. I recommend the film to people who know about the Monkees or just think they do. I guarantee that it will shatter your preconceived notions of the band. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sometimes it's hard to tell if The Mask (or Jim Carrey's in-your-face mugging in general) is actually funny, or just bizarre and grotesque. And sometimes it just doesn't matter. Carrey plays a shy, Jerry Lewis-like nerd who discovers an ancient mask that magically transforms him into a green-faced, zoot-suited Tex Avery cartoon character with no inhibitions. As Roger Ebert said of Carrey in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, the actor performs "as if he's being clocked on an Energy-O-Meter, and paid by the calorie expended." If that's your kind of humor, you'll love The Mask; if not, you may need a valium or two to sit through this one. Digital video disc extras include two deleted scenes and a commentary track from director Charles Russell. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (4)

If I Had Known This Was Coming Out I Would Have Waited!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is my favorite television show but I didn't start watching Angel until this year. Just a few months ago I watched the reruns of season 1 to 4 on TNT and some episodse of season 5 on the WB. Angel is now one of my favorite television shows and seasons 1 to 3 are my favorite seasons and when I finished watching the reruns on TNT I bought the First Season on DVD but since I bought it this box set of seasons 1 to 3 was released and I wish it had been available before I bought the first season individually. If you haven't started buying Angel on DVD yet I highly recommend buying this season 1 to 3 pack instead of buying them individually! BTW: I can't believe that the WB gave this show the axe! Why would they cancel one of the two best shows in their lineup? Now they only have one good show left!

Season 2, wide or full?
Great show at a great price.
One question though. Does anyone, who has bought this set recently or not, know if the second season of Angel is in Widescreen or Full screen?

The reason I ask is because on Amazon and other sites, its listed as being in Widescreen, yet on back of every season 2 box at every retailer I've been to, its listed as Full Screen.
I have a feeling that if I buy this set, season 2 will come in full screen and if the widescreen version is available somewhere else, I'd rather have that version.

Thanx for any information anyone can provide me.
-nw

DVD much? Stake 3 Vamps With One Set...
As long as they keep the prices cheaper than buying the sets individually, this is a fine way for fans of the show or newcomers to catch up on it. Having 3 DVD sets at once ensures, 18 discs of Joss Whedon's great spin off from Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Darker, and a bit more liberal when it comes to the whole demon thing, the show succeeds and stands on it's own. There are 66 episodes to watch...better be on vacation or sabatical!

For those new to either Buffy or Angel, I suugest the seasons of Buffy as well. Watch the first 3 seasons of Buffy, then alternate Buffy Season 4 episode, Angel Season 1 episode, Buffy 4, Angel 1...as the shows at times do intertwine if you really want to be complete.
Bottom line...great DVD's. The Angel sets have commentary on numerous episodes, and all the extras that the Buffy sets have been known for. Good stuff this.

"Numfar, do the dance of Joy!"
(...)To be honest, Season One is fuzzy in my mind so I can't legitimately review it - heck, I'm buying so I'll remember it all - but Two and Three alone have me sold.(Also, from this point forth, there be spoilers; I try to avoid revealing major plot points though.)

Season Two ushers in one of, in my opinion, the greatest exposition-conventions employed in Angel, by way of none other than the dreaded Karaoke Bar. Watching Angel sing "Mandy" is like watching a trainwreck: it's the most painful thing in the world yet you cannot tear your eyes away while rolling on the ground laughing. Ahhh, beautiful. Also great (but this time, really) are the unexpected and wonderful vocals of both Lindsay and Darla, which among other things convinces me that everyone actor involved in the Buffyverse is multi-talented, and we're lucky to have had 'em for as long as we did.

But I digress. One of my personal favorites of the season is episode 2, which sees Angel in the 50s. I've always loved the various scenes of Angel's past, and this particular one is delivered wonderfully by Boreanaz. Interesting themes of the time are raised, and there are moments both chilling and heartbreaking, particularly toward the end of the flashback.

This season also sees the return of Angel's vampire kin, which is at first intriging, then at time poignant yet hopeful, and then again tragic as we see Angel reveal a side that had until now been left untapped. Yet the darkness does not swallow the season whole, as the later episodes reinject priceless comedic moments, including Lindsay's "evil hand issues" (heh) and Joss Whedon's lovely little dance. Yes, he dances.

Season Three arguably is just as dark - and honestly I can't think of how to review without completely revealing plot points, so I won't. >P Suffice to say the writers of Angel are sadistic - the one thing that I've come to expect from this show is that everytime things start going well you know something terrible is about to happen. And so it does.

In any case, if you're a fan and you haven't purchased the first 3 seasons yet, this is a great bundle at a great price. If you snag this, as they say in Pylea, it is time for Numfar to "do the dance of Joy!" ... Read more

Description

C’est vrai!
David Suchet is the definitive Poirot.
Hercule Poirot is the detective, and no actor has defined the brilliant little Belgian’s onscreen persona like DAVID SUCHET, the Poirot. Millions of fans made Suchet’s Poirot the most-watched detective in the history of the PBS Mystery! series and a hit all over again on A&E. Armed only with his razor-sharp wit, Poirot unravels the intricate plots concocted by Dame Agatha Christie, the mother of the modern mystery story. Ablaze with the elegance of its 1930s setting, the series also stars Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings, Philip Jackson as Chief Inspector Japp and Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon.

THE THEFT OF THE ROYAL RUBY — International relations are at stake as Poirot hunts for a stolen Egyptian royal jewel. THE AFFAIR AT THE VICTORY BALL — When two revelers at a lavish costume ball are murdered, small but telling clues lead Poirot to the killer. THE MYSTERY OF HUNTER’S LODGE — Poirot must find a murderer among the members of a quarrelsome hunting party. DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE biographies of Agatha Christie and David Suchet, cast filmographies and Agatha Christie materials. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

It's great!
Every once in a while, an actor comes along who not only plays the role of Sherlock Holmes, but actually redefines the role. Well, this has now happened with Agatha Christie's detective, Hercule Poirot! In 1989, veteran actor David Suchet (b.1946) was tapped to play Poirot, and the rest, as they say, is history.

This marvelous DVD contains three(!) of the hour-long episodes of the Adventures of Hercule Poirot:

The Theft of the Royal Ruby - Season 3, episode 8 (February 24, 1991) - When a priceless jewel is stolen from a foolish Egyptian prince, the government turns for help to Poirot.

The Affair at the Victory Ball - Season 3, episode 3 (January 20, 1991) - When a man is murdered in a crowded costume party, and no one saw who did it, Poirot begins to exercise his little gray cells.

The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge - Season 3, episode 10 (March 10, 1991) - Poirot's visit to a millionaire's hunting party turns tragic when he gets a near fatal cold. But, when the host is found brutally murdered, Poirot realizes that only he can bring the perpetrator to justice.

This is a great DVD, one that I highly recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery, or just loves excellent drama. It's great!

MYSTERY MAGNIFIQUE!
It's no mystery why this is the most-watched detective show in the history of the PBS "Mystery!" series --- Christie penned a brilliant Belgian [detective]who solves crimes only using his "little grey cells" and the aid of his affable associate Captain Hastings. And not one hair out of place on his perfectly coifed hairy lip! No mystery why fans shouldn't host sleuthing
fetes: Acorn is releasing the entire canon! Mystery magnifique!

Poirot continues to be wonderful!
The Theft of the Royal Ruby - While it's interesting to see Poirot on his own, I still missed Hastings and Miss Lemon. But what turned my away from this one is the mystery. It's just not that interesting and revolves too much around coincidence. - 3 stars

The Affair At Victory Ball - This episode combines a great atmosphere, intriguing characters, and chilling murder, with many great plot devices inclucing the six coustumed-characters and the final radio broadcast. While at first I thought this awkward, in the end I love it cause it just captures how much Poirot loves to show off, and I love the comment made about the broadcast at the end. GREAT TELEVISION! - 5 stars

The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge - Some repetitive plot devices, but still solid and Poirot's "One can Leave!?" comment has becomoe a staple in the quotes I say way too much. - 4 stars

Box Set Overall score (Not an Average) - 4 stars

wonderful mysteries with an added bonus
The Poirot series in general stands as a wonderful example of how good the much-maligned medium of television can be. Obviously the attention to period details is wonderful, but that in istelf is not nearly the greatest of the program-makers' achievements. Rather the quality of the writing and acting is what deserves the most notice, and this sixth set from the folks at Acorn Media is no exception. All of the mysteries here are highly enjoyable.

As a fan of radio, "The Affair at the Victory Ball," with its broadcast-focused climax is great fun and "The Mystery of the Hunter's Lodge" is classic Poirot. My personal favorite in this set, though, is "The Theft of the Royal Ruby," because it's one of the uncommon cases where we get to see Poirot without his familiar sidekicks. David Suchet is always marvelous as Poirot, but here he makes the fullest use of the full spotlight.

And, if three great Poirot mysteries wasn't enough to make me happy, Acorn Media has included an excellent little guide-book to the show with this set called "The Poirot Casebook." Not only did it give cast and credits for the many episodes of the series, it included quotes, trivia and an introduction written by David Suchet. I don't know if this is a limited time offer, but if you're a fan of Poirot, this book is a must-have item.

Suffers only in comparison with the earlier sets
At last, the final set in this series of video mysteries. I say "this" series, because the friendly people at Acorn Media assure me that other entries are to follow in the not too distant future. Please see my reviews of sets 1-3 for general comments about these offerings.

"The Theft of the Royal Ruby" starts with both Miss Lemon and Hastings away (probably a holiday for Pauline Moran and Hugh Fraser) and Poirot all ready to spend Christmas alone with a box of chocolates. He is urged by a high official to retrieve a priceless ruby that a young and arrogant Egyptian prince has foolishly lent to an adventuress who vanished with it. The way in which it is retrieved halfway through the episode is stretching things a bit too far; and Poirot's plot to trip up the thieves is even more far fetched. A lot of fun, but not a really successful episode.

"The Affair at the Victory Ball" involves Commedia dell' Arte costumes; and somehow the Detective's explaining the solution over the radio simply does not work. The business of cocaine abuse among the upper classes, though, always has its effect; and by a coincidence, Acorn Media released this set at the same time as the Peter Wimsey "Murder Must Advertise," which also deals with drugs in the England of that period.

"The Mystery of the Hunter's Lodge" uses the by now familiar device of the attractive woman disguised as a homely one, but it is the most satisfactory of the three. Although the relationships between the characters at the lodge are revealed sporadically during a hunt in which the dialogue is difficult to follow, this episode comes closer to film noire than does any other in the series and that makes it unusual.

Although I feel bad being so negative in this review, I realize that we have the 16th to 18th dramatizations of Christie's short Poirot mysteries and that most of the better ones have already been used. Still the production values and the acting are superior to the relentless realism of what now passes for "crime" television series and I must give it the top rating. If it suffers in comparison, it is only in comparison with the earlier offerings in this same series! ... Read more

Reviews (92)

All in all, pretty lousy
Only the most die-hard Tim Roth fans will want to sit through this whole movie. Too bad the last two segments (I think they're the last two, anyway) are the only ones even remotely worth watching; that means you have to sit through the first two to get to them. Thank God for fast-forward!
The one with Madonna in it is about witches, and the only thing you can say about it is that it makes witches look like the most boring possible subject matter in the universe. Plus it stars Madonna. 'Nuff said.
Then there's one about a wife and her husband, with one of them tied to a chair or something. This one was so bad, I can't even remember anything else about it. And I only watched it three days ago! What does that tell you?
Thankfully, just when you're begging for someone to shut it off, along comes the third segment, a hilarious little film about two naughty children and the bellhop (Roth, who appears in each segment) who is bribed to keep an eye on them. When the source of the mysterious odor in the room is discovered, Roth's reaction almost justifies the whole movie's existence. I was still laughing hours later.
The last segment, by spoiled Hollywood wonderchild Quentin Tarantino, is okay. It has his trademark crackling dialogue (of course), and Q.T. has some fun with his own image. But too bad the entire segment itself is just one long, sick, unfunny joke.
Making this movie was not a very good idea, and the results were predictably foul. Even the always-enjoyable Roth seems out of place and you kind of feel sorry for him. But at least the "Misbehavers" segment, all by itself, redeems the experience. Almost.

Definitely not for everyone
If you are a hardcore Tarrantino fan, you'll probably like this. If you are a reserved, serious person, you probably won't. Pretty simple huh? Maybe not...

I'll break it down room by room. The first room is sort of just to give us the happy "Ted scored" feeling. Sometimes I'd really rather fast forward through this, as the script is sort of silly in this room. But overall, I've seen a lot worse, and remember, we're not taking this film seriously right?

The second room is the mistaken identity room that really shows off Tim Roth's ability to act. I have read other reviews that say he is horrible in this. I disagree completely. You can see every emotion the character feels pass across his face, which makes it very humorous. Jennifer Beals does a good job in this section, but like a lot of dialogue in Tarrantino films, you get the strict, rigid scripted feeling. In other words, the actors spit out this long line of gibberish that noone would really say in real life. People have to take the time to come up with these types of speeches.

The third room is probably the best, if not a little bit disturbing. I think everyone did a good job in this section, especially Tim Roth when he was aggravated by the children.

The fourth room seems to be plagued by bad acting. In my opinion, only Willis and Roth do a good job. Tarrantino is frightfully bad in his dialogue, and that scripted feeling comes back stronger than ever. Meanwhile, you'd be hard pressed to believe that anyone besides Willis is drunk. I think it was a bad case of overacting on the part of the others. Overall, its still worth watching, and the movie is great if for no other reason than Tim Roth (who is terrific in everything he is in -- See The Muskateer, as his acting is the only thing making the movie worthwhile).

Pulp Fiction(downtoned) + Kill Bill(downtoned)=Four Rooms
i love this movie i thought it was quite enjoyable.Tim Roth cracks me up when i watched this(his performance reminded me a lot of charlie chaplin) especially when he just walks and talks its quite strange but it was a great movie that i think any tarintino viewer would enjoy.

Not bad, and stop blaming Madonna!
With 4 directors and a cast of over 20 actors {all talented}, this movie was bound to flop. Antonio Banderez makes a great appearance and Madonna and Quentin Terentino {and} Bruce Willis were good too. The script seems confusing, the directors all have completely different views and styles, so it's confusing. But it is still funny, the bellhopper was excellent, really funny guy. Madonna, who was only in the first fifteen minutes, was blamed for the badness of the movie, stop hating just because she's one of the only people in this movie who don't cuss up a storm and stay fresh and to the point! And as for Quentin, it was a nice cameo, but you're a lot better behind the camera...

rather keep your good money
The more this Tarantino guy attempts to be sophisticated, the worse he fails. This inexplicably overrated, clumsy effort is even worse than Pulp Fiction. Packed with violence and poor taste, it sticks out like a sore thumb for its total lack of talent, humour, ideas. The film equivalent of a crapburger with 200 chili peppers (expired, too), it lets the amazingly childish ego of its director transpire from its every pore. And I don't tolerate such yobbo in my private living room. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Bette As Janis
Those of us of a certain age well remember the ultra-talented and ultimately doomed 60s icon, Janis Joplin.

In this thinly disguised Joplin biography, Bette Midler outdoes herself as an out-of-control, incredibly talented, self-destructive singer who turns to the bottle, sex, and anything else she can to hide from her intense inner pain. It sounds like a cliche, and by now it is, but that was Janis--and Bette does her one better. Her angst shines through with great poignancy, even when she is belting out hit after hit, responding to her audience as though she is making love.

Hard living, hard boozing, and bent on destroying herself, the singer has us riveted to her story. Her tearful phone call to the father who never approved of her is one of the high points of the film: Bette pulls out the stops.

Alan Bates is divine as always as the singer's manager, but this film belongs to Bette. If you are not aware of Midler's incredibly wide-ranged talent, this is the perfect movie. It can make you a lifelong fan.

Leaving off one star due to the directores missteps
Pure, powerful, raw, intense and unforgettable. This movie really is all those. Bette Midler took a role that legally had to change it's main characterization and managed to give that years best (yes, even over Sally Field) performance. She is thee reason to watch and though the time period should have been more defined it still gives a sense of how music was changing to the corporate [stuff] we now have before us.

After many years, still powerful...
This film brings back memories, and I'm glad the DVD finally came out, though there are no extras. Bette, in her film debut, was brilliant and deserved every award she got. Often compared to Janis Joplin, I think the screenplay of Bill Kerby & Bo Goldman gave Midler a bit more personality and personal angst. Midler handled it all like a seasoned pro. A truly excellent performance. Her concert scenes were good, too. Frederic Forrest was nominated for an Oscar, and he was quite fine (he was also in "Norma Rae" with Sally Field, who won the Oscar over Midler in '79). But it was Alan Bates as the oily, manipulative agent (baby-sitter?) who truly deserved recognition. The Oscars also recognized the film for its Sound and brilliant Editing. Sorely missing from the nominations were the Adapted Score and the wonderful title Song, written by Amanda McBroom. This is a powerful and entertaining film, with fine acting and great direction by Mark Rydell, loaded with humor, pathos and sadness, and all brought to life by the remarkable Bette Midler.It's worth watching again. Also, watch for David Keith (her personal bodyguard/masseur, later on), who later made such a strong impression in "An Officer and a Gentleman".

Great movie...so-so DVD
First of all, this is a fantastic movie with a great searing performance by Bette Midler and electrifying musical numbers. However, I am disappointed with the lack of features. It didn't keep me from buying the DVD, as I did not own this movie previously. The only features are a theatrical trailer, some trailers for other movies and DVD issues, as well as a commentary by director Mark Rydell. A movie like this definitely deserves a Special Edition, single-disc or double-disc. However, I bought it in Best Buy for $9.99, so for $10, it's a good DVD, but in the future, I'd love to see a special edition.

Another pro to the DVD, besides a commentary and a low price, is the picture and sound quality. Much better than what I saw on television, although it could probably stand to be restored to even better quality. Maybe on the Special Edition DVD, if there ever is one, it will be fully restored.

All in all, if you don't own this movie, like I didn't before I bought this, then buy it, even though it's pretty bare bones. If you own the movie on VHS, I'd hold out for a Special Edition, unless you absolutely have to own it on DVD, then go for it!

The Rose - close corollary to a Carly Simon Saga
For any of the 'young'uns' out there in Lurker Land, this 'old' 'dude' wagers that not only will s/he *not* recall, s/he would not give a 'hoot' re: the close correlation between any of Miss Carly Simon's (btw, we're touching on the Simon and Schuster Publishing House, 'case you _care_) well-articulated, heart-on-her-sleeve heartwrenching songs, Miss Joplin, and every single Decent -and- tormented Lady -and- Gentlemen since Woman was fashioned to be Man's companion (boo! hiss! evolution SMELLS).

Translation: The Rose, like Ms. Simon's many pouring outs of her heart into her music, is no less than The Story of A Good Woman in Lonely Agony ... not that her scuz of a 'manager' ... or even her 'fans' ... could *really* give a 'holler' .....

How can I emote this strongly, you may be wondering / not welcoming ... well, chiefly 'coz, 23 YEARS after viewing Bette Midler in THE ROSE in our Student Auditorium at College, in my own world, I've yet to find confirmed in the fickle, hypocritical, abusive, neglectful, tormenting, uncaring, unfeeling JERKS that are my felllow "men" (-and- women !) more so gracious, loving, kind hearted, mature, and principled "ladies and gentlemen" than, ruefully, the aforementioned, assorted, fruits and nuts.

And no, I am not happy about it. And yes, I think I and those who suffer this CRUEL world in the way Bette so superbly depicted dear Janis as having had to, only can speak of the hurt, the pain, the loneliness and the terrible torment foisted on us. You Go, Rose !! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Although it's best viewed on a big theatrical screen to take full advantage of Robert Richardson's breathtaking widescreen cinematography, it seems likely that most people will see this classy romance in the comfort of their own homes. Adapted from the bestseller by Nicholas Evans and directed by Robert Redford, the film did respectable business at the box-office, but it was too sprawling and too soapy to be a bona fide hit. Redford stars as the title character, a Montana rancher named Tom Booker, who possesses the specialized talent of healing traumatized horses through careful and affectionate rehabilitation. He gets his most challenging case when he's sought out by a fast-lane New York magazine editor (Kristin Scott Thomas, in a role modeled after former New Yorker editor Tina Brown) whose daughter (Scarlett Johansson) was injured and traumatized by an accident that nearly killed her favorite horse. When mother, daughter, and horse arrive at Booker's ranch, the big-city editor falls in love with the serene rancher and faces the painful decision of whether to stay in Montana or return to her husband (Sam Neill) in New York. Some may find this to be much ado about nothing, and comparisons toThe Bridges of Madison County are inevitable, but Redford's directorial approach offers the kind of graceful stature, tenderness, and intelligence required to elevate the simple story. The film takes all the time it needs to let its characters heal and make their important decisions, and that alone makes it a refreshing alternative to the frantic pace of most big-studio productions. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (167)

unwind in the Montana mountains
This is a unique movie from the millions of others out there. The plot starts with Grace(Scarlett Johansson) and her best friend meeting to go horse back riding and with Grace's mom Annie (Kristin Scott Thomas) working hard in her magazine office. When the girls are riding a tramatic and tragic accident happens causing the death of Grace's best friend and severe injuries to both Grace and her horse Pilgrim. Grace's right leg is severely hurt so they must amputate it. With her daughter becoming more distant from the family and Pilgrim becoming more afraid of humans, Annie is desperate to find relief or an answer somewhere. She reads an article about a horse whisperer named Tom Booker (Robert Redford) who heals horses. Anxious to give it a try, Annie, Grace, and Pilgrim travel from their home in New York to a cattle ranch in Montana and begin Pilgrim's healing process while Grace's father stays behind. What no one expected was the love situation that would come about when Tom and Annie met. Combined with a teriffic plot and the beautiful Montana scenery, this is definitely a movie not to be missed.

A beautiful, spiritual story of hope and despair...
"The Horse Whisperer" is unlike any other movie that I've seen. The story opens as a young girl, Grace, experiences a terrible accident while riding her horse, Pilgrim, on an icy road. Driven mad by shock and pain, Pilgrim is almost to the point of death. Grace is also in critical condition, for she has badly injured her right leg in the accident, and it must be amputated. Grace's mother Annie (Kristin Scott Thomas) reads about a man named Tom Booker (Robert Redford) who is known as a "horse whisperer," able to communicate and see into the troubled souls of these animals. A few days later, Annie, along with her hesitant daughter and Pilgrim in tow, sets out for Montana. There, at Mr. Booker's ranch, do you witness the amazing changes that occur as Tom begins to heal Pilgrim's spirit (along with Grace's). Soon after, Annie and Tom fall in love. The rest of the story unfolds in a symphonic display of love, hope, and miraculous recoveries. The film's ending is not your typical movie closing, but it is very good nonetheless. The beautiful Montana landscape adds to this special aura, and the characters are brilliant (both human and equine). I highly recommend this excellent movie to absolutely anyone. You'll fall in love with "The Horse Whisperer."

The Horse Whisperer
Okay, okay lets all agree on one thing here: the book is always better. that said, lets move on. "The horse whisperer" was a beautiful movie. It opens up with a young girl, Grace MacLaen. She lives in New York with her parents and her horse Pilgrim. One early morning her and a friend go out for a snow-filled trail ride. But where there is snow, there is ice and Grace's friend, Judith, slips (actually her horse, Gulliver, does)and they come crashing down into a fatal and life changing accident. After grace recovers enough to walk again, her mother realizes that something has changed within the young girl and forces her and pilgrim to take time out and seek help in montana. The "horse whisperer" tom booker (redford) sees that the threesome needs him in the worst way possible. Going against his belife in helping the horses, not the people, he sets out to help them. And so begins his long and demanding "healing" process. Pilgrim reaches a breakthrough and an old frienships is born again with the girl he once loved and trusted. But Grace's mother isnt ready to leave montana quite yet for she has fallen in love with the magical cowboy. All in all it was an excellent movie. but as i have said before the book is always better. watch the movie first and then "feel" (not see) what really happens when you read the book!

Read the book....
First off, I'm an avid reader. I read this book shortly before I heard about the movie coming out and I loved it. I couldn't put it down & cried through the last chapter. Now, to clarify...I'm not one of those weepy women who cries over hallmark comercials & other such drivel. It takes a lot to make me shed a tear. That said, I got so into the book that I couldn't help feel the pain the characters were going through.

When the movie came out, I went to the theatre to watch it...excited about seeing it all come to life before me. I know better than this b/c rarely are movies as good as the books, but still I hoped for the best. It was beautiful. I'll give it that...but it was slow. I felt every mile of the drive from NY to Montana. Besides being bored through most of the movie, I got more & more angry as I realized just how little respect was paid to the book with the screenplay. The characters weren't the ones that I had fallen in love with...or in the same respect hated. They were just kinda emotionless, middle of the road representations of the characters that Nicholas Evans created. Then...somewhere along the line, I'm guessing the screenplay writer decided that the book that they had bought the rights to wasn't good enough so they took the liberty to omit the last 4th of the book & reinvent their own Hollywoodized ending. As a reader and a Nicholas Evans fan, I couldn't help but feel that they butchered his work.

BUT, if you like long, slow, movies and have never read & don't intend to read the book...go right ahead and see this movie. You just might like it. Scarlett Johanssen is good and the scenery is beautiful.

Great Movie!
This is a great movie. It depicts real people in real life situations. Acting of Redford is marvelous!

Cinematography is breathtaking :)

Thumbs Up!! ... Read more

Reviews (116)

Makes me happy every time!
This is an all time favorite of mine and absolutely guaranteed to lift my spirits each time I watch it.

Michael Douglas plays somewhat against his usual type as a likeable, widowed, well-meaning single father who is also the President of the United States, Andrew Shepherd. He becomes romantically interested in an environmental lobbyist, Sidney Ellen Wade (Annette Benning) which turns out to cause a lot of problems for both of them.

These two high-powered actors manage to humanize their characters into ordinary, likable people who are just trying to fall in love despite unbelievable opulence of surroundings, ugly political maneuvering and living inside a media fishbowl of publicity. Along the way, there are plenty of funny, heartwarming moments including a couple of very funny telephone calls. (Imagine what YOU would do if you suddenly received a call from someone who claimed to be the President of the United States)

David Paymer, Michael J. Fox and Martin Sheen are excellent in their supporting roles as advisors to the President and Shawna Waldron is wonderful as the 1st daughter.

If you love humorous dialog, beautiful, nearly fairy-tale settings and happy endings, be sure to see this movie. You won't be disappointed.

A fireball of fun from the start
Who would think that widower Andrew Sheppard's (Michael Douglas)decision to date Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening) would cause such a scandal? Normally that wouldn't make every news reporter jump. Except when Andrew Sheppard happens to be the President of the United States and Sydney Ellen Wade is a liberal lobbyist. And did I mention that it is an election year?

As President Sheppard's character ratings falling from personal best 68% to the low 40's, his interests become torn between the crime bill (his top priority) and Sydney's-passing Energy Bill 455. And it is up to the White House staff members A.J. MacInnerey (Martin Sheen), Lewis Rothschild (Michael J. Fox), Leon Kodak (David Paymer), Robin McCall(Anna Deavere Smith) to help him maintain focus against his rival, Bob Rumson (Richard Dreyfuss)

Filled with humor and unforgettable moments, you will not be able to watch The American President just once. The word 'charming' does not do enough justice to this wonderful piece of work.

Just Average...
I found this film to be just average. The story is nice, but a little unbelievable and very predictable. These films are usually my type, but for some reason, this one didn't do anything for me.

ALL GLORY TO THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY!!!!!
TAKE THAT YOU BABY EATING REPUBLICANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SAME GOES TO YOU THIRD PARTY MEMBERS, ESPECIALLY YOU NUTTY, COMMUNIST LIBERATARIANS AND 'INDEPENDENT' VOTERS, MOST OF WHOM MOST LIKELY EAT BABIES AS WELL!!!!!!!! HURRAY FOR ENVIRONMENTALISM!!!!!!!!! HURRAY FOR HUGE GOVERNMENT!!!!!!!!! HURRAY FOR HIGH TAXES!!!!!!! HURRAY FOR THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT!!!!!!

I love the President!
I absolutely loved "The American President"! I thought all characters and the plot was great, as well as being written with humour and intelligence! Great acting, and wow is Michael Douglass a good president, not to mention a hunk! I'd certainly vote for him! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Vacation paved the way for the John Hughes movie dynasty of the 1980s.Written by Hughes (who would go on to write, direct, and/or produce The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Uncle Buck, Home Alone, and so on) and directed by Harold Ramis (Caddyshack, Groundhog Day, Stuart Saves His Family), the first Vacation movie introduces us to the all-American Griswold family: father Clark (Chevy Chase), mother Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), son Rusty (future Hughes staple Anthony Michael Hall), and daughter Audrey (Dana Barron).They all pile into the car for a cross-country road trip to Walley World, stopping along the way to view the world's biggest ball of twine. John Candy, Imogene Coca, and Randy Quaid (as yokel Cousin Eddie) pop up along the way.The movie was a big hit, and was followed by several sequels--National Lampoon's European Vacation, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation--but this one is still probably the freshest and funniest of the bunch.--Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (114)

The movie is great but the DVD falls short
I love the National Lampoon's Vacation movie with Chevy Chase and the movie is wonderful and we all know that. My problem here is this 20th anniversary DVD Warner Bros put out First O.K the movie looks great the picture is wonderful and everything that's not the problem it is the real lack of special features that makes me rather dissapointed the best special feature the the commentary it is pretty entertaining there is alot of information that is useful but Harold Ramis who as you hear recorded his away from everyone else probably has the most useful information the others like Chevy Chase Dana Barron Anthony Michael Hall who is basically mute through out the whole darn thing and Randy Quaid and Matty Simmons once in a while come out with some good tidbits but they joke around too much. They talk about that alternate ending when they go to Roy Wally's Mansion instead make him and some people sing and dance for there dime's worth of entertainment and that is how the movie originally ended with no trip ever to Wally World with the Roller Coasters and such and no John Candy in the original ending and they tested the ending with a test audience and they laughed through out the whole film but got Strangly Quiet and never laughed again and just walked out sad. Guess What that alternate ending never made it on the DVD! You think after 20 years with so many loyal fans of this film they would release that ending for at least for interest just to see rare footage of this film. They just drive you nuts here on this DVD all of the special features except the Commentary which is cool everything else stinks. Where is the FEATURETTE? Where is the Making of...? Maybe some outtakes would have made this a bit more cooler and most of all for crying out loud release the alternate ending! What does Warner Bros got to lose! You also get on this DVD this family truckster gallery thing I don't know what else to call it you get this map of that ugly station wagon from the film and you pick highlighted things off of this picture of this wagon and just kind of guess what there going to talk about and it's not that great. I laugh because on that gallery they talk about 10 minutes in different galleries to Christie Brinkley? about her big scene and what she did on her SUMMER VACATION! Also talks to Dana Barron about "Why the heck she was missing from the other films"? also talks to the stunt guy who jumped that ugly station wagon in the desert and there some other stuff like the Theatrical Trailer OOH! and basically that's the movie your best here is the film itself and the commentary other than that it could have been a HECK of alot better maybe they redo the DVD and add better things because what is up with those bits of Chevy Chase Randy Quaid and Matty Simmons sitting with Atari sticks on the couch they act like they had to much to drink they don't make any sense.

The Holiday Road...
It's hard to imagine now, but there was a time when Chevy Chase was cool and funny. In "National Lampoon's Vacation," Chase stars as Clark Griswold, a man determined to drive his family cross-country to see Wally World, "America's Number One Family Theme Park." In the opening scene, Griswold gets stuck with a monstrous (and monstrously ugly) automobile-like contraption dubbed the "Family Truckster."

Unfortunately for him, that's the highpoint of his trip down the holiday road.

Everything that can go wrong does so as the Griswold clan weathers hubcap theft, a sportscar-driving temptress, two deaths and an endless variety of indignities heaped upon Clark himself as the result of his obsessive need to be the perfect husband and father. Chase's wild-eyed expressions as he approaches the brink of insanity are hilarious.

Harold Ramis directs a script by John Hughes (who would later team-up with costar Anthony Michael Hall for a few 80s teen comedies). Beverly D'Angelo tags along as Griswold's long-suffering wife. In-laws and outlaws sharing in the misfortune include Imogene Coca (as cranky Aunt Edna),a hilarious Randy Quaid (they had to bring him back for the last two sequels), a briefly seen Brian Doyle-Murray and swimsuit superstar Christie Brinkley.

This is one of those classic American comedies you really need to have seen by now. It's worth owning inany format. Also watch for John Candy in a brief role near the end... and listen for Harold Ramis' distinct voice (he has one line).All that, and a nude D'Angelo, too; after all, this was the 80s.

The family vacation series of all time
This is one great movie the 1st from the Griswalds all 4 were funny they took a road trip to California.Blah Blah Blah
Yada Yada Yada this was a great movie to see funny Chedder.
Story 10 Acting 10 Directing 9 Action 10 Entertainment 10
Overall=49/50 wich is 98% a lot of laughs in this one

Buy if you like movies this is pretty insane for you.

4.5 stars - a comedy classic
INTRODUCTION:
National Lampoon's Vacation was the first film in the Vacation series of films. For many years, the film has been hailed as a comedy classic. And according to most viewers of this series, the first film is the best one of all. Are they right? And is this twentieth anniversary edition of the DVD a worthwhile buy if you already got the original DVD issue? Read on for my review.

BASIC PLOT:
The storyline of the film goes something like this. A middle-aged man working in the food preservation industry (Chevy Chase) wants to take his wife (Beverly D'Angelo) and children on a road trip to Walley World, one of the nation's biggest and best amusement parks. And he wants to do this in the new car he has ordered. But the vacation turns into a disaster almost instantly - the car company sends him the wrong car, and even once the vacation is in progress, one thing after another goes wrong - with each experience being even more devastating than the last.

FILM OPINIONS:

Anyone who calls this film a comedy classic is right. It's very rare that a film this funny comes along. The acting (Chevy Chase's in particular) is great, and the simplistic storyline prevents things from getting confusing. As has been previously stated, this film predated the Motion Picture Industry of America's PG-13 rating, so even though it's an R rating, it's really not much worse that a modern PG-13 is. If you haven't seen this movie yet, and you're a fan of comedies, what are you waiting for?

DVD:
The so-called "special edition" version of the DVD is a huge disappointment - this is why this set loses half a star. The commentary track is pretty bland, and the "new extras" are pretty much worthless. I recommend getting the original DVD release of the movie, as it is generally priced lower, and NO, you won't be missing anything if you get that version.

OVERALL:
Overall this film is a comedy masterpiece. Sure, the DVD could have been WAY better, but the movie itself more than makes up for this. Movies don't get a whole lot funnier than this one - so what are you waiting for? See it if you haven't yet!

Enjoyable, funny comedy
"Vacation" is an enjoyable, funny comedy that has spawned several sequels, but none have been as good as this one, the original. Chevy Chase is perfectly cast as "Clark Griswald," the determined father who leads his family from Illinios to see an amusement park in California. Along the way they encounter hilarious and sometimes truly bizarre situations. The remainder of the cast, with the exception of Christie Brinkley, are also excellent. I felt Brinkley's appearances in the movie were a distraction from the story, rather than adding to it. One cameo would have been okay, but not more than that.

Despite what you might think, "Vacation" is really not suited for little kids. The film is rated "R" because it has a fair amount of profanity, some of it quite strong, some nudity, and mature themes. ... Read more

Amazon.com

John le Carre's classic spy yarn gets a suitably brisk, unromanticized telling in this quintessential Cold War movie. A British agent (Richard Burton) sets up an elaborate cover story for being lured into defecting to the Communists, but he hardly needs to manufacture his disgust and cynicism over spying. The grim business of point-counterpoint espionage has rarely been depicted with less glamour; Burton's great climactic speech on the subject is the definitive take on sinking to the level of the enemy. Claire Bloom is an offbeat love interest, and a bearded Oskar Werner is an East German investigator on Burton's case (the pecking order in the Communist spy hierarchy is a source of black humor). Director Martin Ritt extends his unvarnished approach to the movie's stripped-down look, which means that Richard Burton is constantly in a harsh, unflattering light. He looks terrible, but it's in the service of a fine performance. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Scary black and white film....
The world John Lecarré describes is without mercy and forgiveness. The films based on his books are not nearly as terrifying, though they are frightening enough. THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD is an early adaptation of one of Lecarré's books by the same name, and in it he introduces albeit briefly, the character George Smiley.

The three main characters in this production Alex (Richard Burton), Nan (Claire Bloom) and Monque (Oskar Werner) were all very fine actors in the 1950s and 1960s. This film was one of the last Burton made (965) and in it he plays a "burnt-out" spy who has been the operations officer in Berlin for 15 years of the Cold War. Alex was recruited by British Intelligence shortly after WWII just as the East Bloc began to descend behind the "Iron Curtain" according to Western leaders like Churchill. The CIA was also spun from military intelligence during this period, and there is a brief interaction between Alex and a CIA officer at the beginning of the movie as Alex awaits a defecting East German spy at the infamous "Checkpoint Charlie".

SPY is shot in Black and White which enhances the spooky subject. Night time scenes with flashing lights and rainy London weather add to the atmosphere. I first saw this film in the theater, and I was so young I could not figure out what was going on. The plot is complex, but not as complex as that of later adaptations such as SOLDIER, SAILOR...,or SMILEY'S PEOPLE which were given ample air time for the unraveling. It is a frightening film, and some one my age might wonder why anyone would ever become a spy.

Cold-Blooded Fever
Inside a grim little room in the empty countryside somewhere east of the Berlin wall an East German agent is interrogating a defecting British spy. The defector is anxious and weary. He wants his money now. Prompting the Communist agent to say this : "You are a traitor, the lowest currency of the cold war. We buy you, we sell you, we lose you, we can even shoot you. Not a bird in the trees would stir if we did just that."

Except that Alec Leamas(Richard Burton) is not really a defector, he is only masquerading as one. On his last assignment for the British Secert Service, he is to pretend to be burnt out and jobless. Never faraway from a bottle he walks around the streets of London cynical and depressed, his "masterstroke" in this act is an ugly fight with a shopkeeper who refuses to give him credit. This ofcourse attracts the attention of the East German agants who view him as a potential defector because of his dire need for cash and his embitterment towards the British Agency for abandoning him. It is a credit to Burton's brilliant and painfully realistic performance that you are pretty sure his embitterment in not entirely an act. That he really is a drunk. That he wholeheartedly agrees with the German when he calls him "the lowest currency of the cold war", even if he is not a defector. To him, all spies, on both sides, are scum.

John Le Carre was an ex-British intelligence officer when he wrote the celebrated novel on which this film was based. It was called "the finest spy story ever written" by the writer of The Third Man, Graham Greene. And in a sense, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold starts where The Third Man left off. The lead character has already lost any faith he had in humanity. I suspect that the only reason Leamas hadn't really defected is because even money has lost its lure. Surprisingly the most sympathetic characters in the book(and the film) are the communist spy Fiedler(Oskar Werner) and naive communist librarian Liz Gold(renamed Nan Perry in the film and played by Claire Bloom), and both pay dearly for it. In the world of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold idealism is not merely misguided, it is pathetic. When Fiedler sincerely asks Leamus "How do you sleep at night without a philosophy?". Leamus's typically jaded answer is "I don't believe in God or Karl Marx. I don't believe in anything that rocks the world. I reserve the right to remain ignorant."

In adapting the novel, scripters Paul Dehn and Guy Trosper retained the icy restraint of the novel. Director Martin Ritt(who made the better known but inferior Norma Rae) shoots the film in a harsh black and white. Accompanied by a sad violin score, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold is finally a sentimental film about unsentimentality. Ridiculously Burton lost out on the Oscar infavour of Lee Marvin in the frankly ridiculous Cat Ballou. The film was nominated for just one other Oscar which was for Art-Direction. A shame. With its moral and asthetic complexity, this is as far away from Bond or Tom Clancy based thrillers as you can get. Possibly the greatest film in its genre, and in its own quiet way the equal of The Third Man. The final message being that people who are driven enough to enter the world of espionage are not(and can't afford to be) driven by ideals. In that world the only motive is expediency.

color?
Amazon lists this film as being in color. It was shot in b/w. It was colorized in the '80's. I hope this is NOT the colorized version.

The Spy who Came In from The Cold
This is probably one of Richard Burton's best performances and deserves more attention. It is the story of a Cold War spy sent out to pasture as a clerk in a book store/library. He turns to alcohol to escape the humm-drum existence. The "agency" has one more job for him to do and brings him out of retirement. Is he being set up or is there something deeper afoot. This is NOT the glitzy James Bond spy!! A cold, hard, look at the world of spies during the Cold War Era and the smarmy people in their world. Very thought provoking and a great performance by Burton.

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold
One of my all-time favorite Spy flicks! Burton is fabulous, as is Oskar Werner. The VHS quality is very good. I had hoped for a DVD version but I'm happy to own this. Video rental stores in my area simply do not have this in stock - so I had to buy it. ... Read more

Reviews (165)

About as good an adaptation as possible
Just to clarify matters for a couple of confused previous reviewers:-

1. 'Animal Farm' is NOT an animal book (I can't believe I'm having to explain this...); it's a book about socialism and fascism. 'Watership Down' is a book about rabbits. True, there are some references to the evils of fascism, but if you want to pick out a message, it's obviously the spoilation of the planet and the destruction of its wildlife by humankind. Yes, there are mystical overtones, but it's definitely NOT about religion.

2. I seriously hope the person who wrote 'if you want good drama watch a soap opera' was being ironic, but I have my doubts...

In short: this film is a pretty good effort at adapting an extremely difficult novel. Much has been lost, of course, but few of us would pay to see a three-hour animated film about rabbits. Martin Rosen and his team follow Richard Adams's lead in not shying away from showing us the violent side of the rabbits' lives. Children are likely to enjoy the film, but bear in mind it contains unpleasant moments. However, I think these are more likely to encourage sympathy, compassion and respect for the natural world than do any harm ( although many children and quite a few adults may shed tears before the end). Please make sure you read the book, too - it's superb. And look out for the animated version of Adams's 'The Plague Dogs'... although that really IS dark and distressing. I'm a big fan of Disney's work, but I'm still glad they didn't produce this adaptation ( as was originally intended) because I'm sure they would have softened the story's harsher elements. The animation isn't spectacular but it serves it's purpose, and the rabbits themselves are well done. All in all, it's difficult to see how anyone else could have made a better effort.

Consummate children's film
Anyone who claims that Watership Down-- the competent and thoughtful but uncertain adaptation of Richard Adam's geeky classic-- is not for small children has clearly forgotten his own childhood. In fact, childhood is probably the best time to see this movie-- its flaws will not be so apparent and its poetry and brutality will be at their most effective. It's exactly the sort of movie you love when you're seven, hope for years you'll get to see again, and rediscover in your late twenties with a mix of disappointment and elation. The film, eccentrically animated and rather well voiced, suffers from a lack of exposition and the nagging sense that something important has been left out of nearly every scene-- and I can't be alone in finding Zero Mostel's Kehaar obnoxious and overdone (kids will probably find him funny, and do imitations of him while jumping off the living-room couch)-- but the story is exciting and full of shadow, the violence is neither whitewashed nor excessive, and where Disney, for example, would have yielded to the temptation to tack on a happy ending, Watership Down takes its heroes seriously enough to allow them the consequences of mortality. It's not a perfect movie by any means, but it deserves to be seen, and your children probably deserve to see it.

An animated classic!
A group of Rabbits seek a new home in England to a special place called "Watership Down" but unfortunately there is some danger like dogs, cats and some enemy rabbits.

Splendid and brilliant animated British-Canadian drama based on Richard Adam's brilliant novel. The animation is quite good for it's time, there is some bloody violence enough though it's rated "PG" and the music score is just one of the best i've heard.

This is truly a must see animated flick! also listen for the voice of John Hurt.

Also recommended: " The Last Unicorn", " The Secret of NIMH", " Wizards", " Grave of the Fireflies", " The Flight of Dragons", and " The Hobbit".

Most wonderful animated tale on film
I am delighted with the September 2003 release on DVD of the beloved animated feature film Watership Down as a 25th Anniversary special edition. Owning a copy of this movie, which is to me uniquely special, indicated the central role DVD technology has assumed in preserving people's favourite movies for home viewing in a more lasting form than ever before. Only now have I begun to collect movies after many years of avoiding them owing to a concern over the utility, and durability of the decay-prone videotape system. This film, one of the very first I have purchased, has some extras added, the most useful of which is an extensive commentary from director Martin Rosen that covers most aspects of the film's generation and adaptation from Richard Adams's award-winning book. But the film itself is a true classic. I saw it at the cinema in early 1979 aged nine, soon after reading the book (which was a 9th birthday present for me).It made a very strong impression on me, and I found it a beautifully-realised tale that incorporated a mythic prologue that explained the basic workings of rabbit society, a dangerous quest, a very well-defined central cast of rabbit characters- the noble Hazel, the courageous Bigwig, the prophetic Fiver, and the oppressive General Woundwort. There is fear and danger in the rabbits' adventure but also heroism, ingenuity and loyalty, not to mention altruism when the kindly if cantankerous seabird Kehaar (voiced by Zero Mostel) is given shelter by the rabbits and later acts as a scout, helping them hatch a plan to stave off invasion by a ruthless tribe of neighbouring rabbits they come into conflict with. The English countryside is delightfully, and accurately portrayed, and the idea of animated animals enacting a tale that has at its heart the battle to survive in the face of human expansion and ecological destruction works well. The film cannot, in 88 minutes, give too much detail of the several alternative styles of societal organisation (described more fully in the book)that the rabbits encounter on their journey, but nothing crucial to the story is omitted. The other wonderful feature of Watership Down is the original song Bright Eyes, performed by Art Garfunkel. This hauntingly beautiful tune appears in an edited dream sequence in the middle of the film that represents Hazel's rescue after being dangerously hurt. It is my all-time favourite song.

This movie is most suited to older children (8-9+)and adults, and will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Excellent.
Unlike some novels that are converted into videos, they managed to make this one enjoyable. Just a small warning- despite the rabbit characters and bright art, this is definetely not a children's video. For example, during Holly's recount of what happened after he and some other rabbits left the warren, there is a very haunting scene that creeped even me out (for a little while, at least, ^-^;). Oh, and Art Garfunkel sings the song, Bright Eyes. Yay! ... Read more

Reviews (344)

...Let's go carve ourselves a witch.
Evil Dead 2, while technically a sequel, holds very little in common with "Evil Dead." Evil Dead was one of the scariest, creepiest, and grossest films I've ever seen. Evil Dead 2 is one of the funniest!

The gore in Evil Dead II is WAY over the top. (If you've seen Arthur's battle with the Black Knight in "Monty Python's Holy Grail"... THAT'S the sort of gore I'm talking about.) Campy lines are thrown around in here the like you've not heard since the Batman TV series.

The Premise: Ash (Ashley Williams for those who saw the first one) and his girlfriend drive up to a secluded cabin in the woods for a weekend of fun. They come across a tape recording of ancient incantations...that, when played, release an unseen evil that stalks them. When the cabin owner's daughter and team show up, the evil comes for them all!

If you don't try to take this movie seriously, you won't be dissapointed. One of the film's scenes was once rated in the top ten fight scenes of all time: Ash versus... his hand.

Now, for the DVD goodies!
First, the DVD and "booklet" come in a tin! I was impressed by the tin and the arwork on it, but the booklet is a bit of a let-down. The pictures in it are simply screen grabs (and not very good ones) from the movie.
THX and Widescreen add back what's been missing all these years. It's nice to see (clearer!) all of the bits we've been missing and the 5.1 audio tracks make those chase scenes sound like you're right there!
The featurette 'The Gore the Merrier' is fantastic and left me wanting more! It would be great to see more of the behind the scenes antics of this crew, as it's plain to see (hear in the commentary) that they had fun making the film.
And, the teaser for the video game "Evil Dead: Hail to the King" has me chomping at the bit! I can't wait to play a game as Ash! "You want a little??"

If you're an Evil Dead fan, this Limited Edition MUST be in your collection. If you just like slapstick/comedy/horror, you can't lose with this one.

When it comes down to it, if legions of undead started roaming the Earth, I'd want Ash nearby! Not just for protection, but also for comic relief!

Demon Madness
Evil runs wild in the exciting comedy-horror favorite "Evil Dead: Dead by Dawn". In the deep woods, an unspeakable evil force has been unleashed and torments a traveler (Bruce Campbell) and those around him. Director Sam Raimi's horror spectacle is an amazing combination of creepy stylish horror and hilarious slapstick comedy. The movie contains some terrific camerawork, effective visuals effects and memorable gross-out scenes. Bruce Campbell's vivid performance as unlikely hero Ash is another good highlight of the film. The cult favorite is presented in both standard full screen and 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen formats. Its picture quality is reasonably sharp with good contrast. The 5.1 Dolby Digital sound is enjoyable with lively surround effects. This DVD contains audio commentaries with filmmaker Sam Raimi and cast member Bruce Campbell, an amusing behind-the-scenes featurette and original theatrical trailer. The animated menus are excellent. Overall, "Evil Dead II" scores a "B+".

Back To The Cabin...
Bruce Campbell returns as Ash, the sole survivor of the first EVIL DEAD demon fest. This time out, he must battle the evil spirit in himself! Sam Raimi pulls out all the bloody stops to unleash a tale of possession gone mad! Campbell's solo performance during the first part of the film is a total trip! He is chased, flattened, thrown, carried through the air, and indwelt by that accursed horror from the blood-inked pages of the Book Of The Dead! This movie is either hilariously scary, or Terrifyingly hysterical. A perfect follow up to it's more serious predecessor. Would make an excellent triple feature with DEAD ALIVE and RE-ANIMATOR. Highly recommended...

fun x2
The thrills have increased, and so have the chills. This is by far the scariest movie out of the triology. In a way, i dont fully understand it, because why would Bruce Campbell venture with his new girl friend all the way back up to the cabin where the original massacre happened? I mean its not like you would forget something like that so easily, i mean come on! But besides some incredibly stupid moves, this movie is still pretty good.

Much Better Than The First
Gorier, better, and over all a much better movie than the First. Bloody stabbings, chainsaw action, rotting corpses, removal of body parts, decapitations and lots of blood and green goo. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Bill Murray was heading toward a career peak on the back of comedies such as this one from 1981, the second film in his ongoing collaboration with director Ivan Reitman (the two went on to make Ghostbusters). Murray plays a chronic loser who joins the army and fails to find a fan for his ironic sensibilities in his by-the-book sergeant (Warren Oates). When push comes to shove, however, the smirking hero takes charge of his ragtag unit and turns them into fighting machines, albeit to the rhythm of hit songs by Manfred Mann and Sly Stone. The film is occasionally funny, but it mostly plays like any one of a dozen underachieving comedies featuring players from Saturday Night Live and SCTV. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (67)

Classic Bill Murray
If you like Bill- this movie in my opinion is a must own. This is Bill at his best!! I have the older version of this dvd- and this version has more "goods" do I would easily reccomend!!!!!
4 1/2 stars

Not exactly the special edition we were hoping for, but...
If you grew up during the 1980s, chances are you saw or heard of "Stripes." It's one of the pioneers of the bad taste genre -- a bunch of social misfits with bad attitudes take back the power. It started with post-Vietnam films such as "M*A*S*H" and extended into "Animal House" and, by 1981, "Stripes."

Now the film will be coming out on a Special Extended Edition next month (June 7th according to Amazon). The special features are:

-- Available subtitles: English, French
-- Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
-- Features 18 extra minutes, including 6 never-before-seen deleted scenes

-- Hour-long documentary

-- Interviews with Bill Murray and the cast

-- Mastered in high definition

It's worth noting that the interviews with Bill Murray and the cast are part of the documentary, which means the only special features for this disc are:

1. A new transfer
2. An hour-long documentary

For those of us who enjoy this film and have been waiting on the Special Edition for quite some time (it's been rumored for as far back as two years! I actually held off buying the previous disc because I was waiting for an SE), the features here might be rather disappointing.

I expected something like this:

DISC ONE

1. Commentary by Harold Ramis and Ivan Reitman
2. Commentary by Bill Murray (he hasn't spoken to Ramis since the filming of "Groundhog Day," so a commentary together is highly unlikely)
3. New anamorphic widescreen transfer
4. New DD5.1 Surround and DTS 5.1 Surround audio tracks.
5. Teaser trailer
6. Theatrical trailer
7. Talent files
8. Photo gallery

DISC TWO

1. An hour-long documentary
2. Separate reel of new interviews
3. Goofs/outtakes
4. Screen tests
5. John Candy retrospective documentary
6. Original "Making-of" featurette

That was more of what I was expecting from something two years in the making (and perhaps even longer!).

My main worries about this new DVD are:

1. The special features are dire
2. It looks like a typical double-dip rip-off
3. The new artwork is atrocious

I liked the old artwork better.

That said, I am happy at least that the film is coming out on a new DVD and I will purchase it. I'm not obsessed with this film by any means, and in fact I think it loses a lot of steam in the final act once they leave boot camp, and after that it turns into a pretty tiresome action-adventure movie with no laughs until the very end.

But the first 3/4 of "Stripes" is very funny stuff in the typical underdog-film-style. I was at least hoping for a commentary by Ramis or Reitman on the new DVD, but oh well.

what a hoot
i watched this on comcast in demand last night and man was it hilarious!!john candy rules and cover your little children's eyes 'cause there are naked ladies sometimes.

Stripes 5 Stars For DVD (1 Star for Regular TV Broadcasts!)
Just buy the DVD or tape or what have you or try to catch it on the premium cable stations. DO NOT watch STRIPES on COMEDY CENTRAL or TBS or TNT or other network broadcasts because it is always butchered beyond recognition.When shown on COMEDY CENTRAL, there's a commercial every ten minutes and the whole rhythm of the film suffers. Otherwise this is a classic Bill Murray vehicle that's funny from the beginning to the very end.The film features the late John Candy and the late Warren Oats (who is excellent as Sgt Hulka), Sean Young (before she went psycho), and Harold Ramis (Murray's co-star on GHOSTBUSTERS, director of GROUNDHOG DAY). NOTE: Classic Scene(s)- The "Graduation Drill Excercise" with Murray leading the platoon to synchronized perfection; Bill Murray and Harold Ramis leading the platoon to march to the lyrics of Manfred Mann's "DO WAH DIDDY DIDDY"; the "Urban Assault Vehicle"; and Harold Ramis (as Russel) teaching foreignors to speak English.

Classic that remembers funnier than it is while watching it
Stripes is one of those movies that I remember more affectionately than I feel towards it while watching it.I chuckle as I remember Sgt. Hulka, Ox, the fool Stillman, and so forth.There are so many little scenes, such as the beginning cab scene with the old woman wanting to get to the airport and giving the depressed Winger (Murray) a hard time.His defiant parking of the cab in the middle of a bridge, blocking two lanes, and throwing the keys into the river, retain some of the leftover anti-establishment feeling of the 60s & 70s that has become the seeming birthright of all teenagers since.

I love the scene where Winger is shooting baskets in his apartment and puts it through a window out into the street and asks people below for a "little help".They throw the ball back to him through the unbroken window.The scene where the young guys are all telling Hulka about what led them to the army is funny as is Winger's and Hulka's exchange about Hulka b