Reviews (5)

Great season, transfer and extras still lacking
Law and Order's third season is the beginning of the golden years of the show, six or seven seasons in which this became one of the best crime shows ever.Part of it is the plots, but a larger part is the addition of Jerry Orbach to add both character and humor to a narrowly written role.The show itself is 5 stars, but I knock off a star for yet another season in which the transfers and extras leave something to be desired.Still, very much worth buying.

What makes this season golden?Nostalgia for the early 1990s helps, with big hair, Times Square full of strip clubs, crime labs using old IBM 386 computers, colored shirts and narrow ties, and a general feeling that a far more gritty New York made a better backdrop for a crime show than today's sanitized version.

Some of it is the writing and source material.Episodes include the standard ripped-from-the-headlines stories - Tailhook (Conduct Unbecoming), sweatshop workers (Wedded Bliss), doctors assaulting patients (Helpless, Promises to Keep), drug smuggling rings (Consultation), hackers (Virus) - but one reason the first few seasons are more robust is that they had just started to scratch the surface of historical crimes, like a restaging of the Malcolm X murder (Conspiracy) and a medical device company scandal (The Corporate Veil).This means that while the bang-bang plot advancement really comes into its own this season after a couple of years of slower episodes, the writers don't have to resort to cheap plot tricks to keep things interesting.Routine false leads and judges throwing out evidence every episode can wait for the formulaic later years.I also particularly like several of the non-Hollywood endings, like Prince of Darkness ("What happened to the little girl?" "She was picked up at school by her uncle.""She doesn't have an uncle.")

But a larger part is the acting.With the mid-season addition of Orbach - who plays first-year Briscoe a bit more troubled and edgy than in later years - the Law side of the series finally has two actors that don't think that playing an NYPD detective is beneath their talent.Briscoe's trademark wisecrack helps ("They brought the hookers in?I thought they were on the room service menu"), but there's a chemistry between Orbach and Noth that makes the makes plots come to life.In addition, several of the regular guest stars (Tovah Feldshuh and Lorraine Toussant as memorable defense attorneys, Leslie Hendrix's first appearances as the irascible medical examiner) add life to the show in their brief roles.Finally, one fun part of watching the early years are the stars who have gone on to bigger careers: Claire Danes, Edie Falco, Sam Rockwell, Gloria Foster (the oracle from the Matrix), Desperate Housewife Felicity Huffman, Alias' Ron Rifkin, ER's Paul McCrane and Julianna Margulies.

As I have for the first two season sets, I take a star off for transfers and extras that aren't up to the quality of the show. I have mixed opinions about cheaply producing double sided DVDs in three slim cases without any written material, but at least it takes less space on my shelf.Transfer quality is in fact better than the first two seasons, but it's clear remastering was cursory as there is still periodic flecking.After no extras in the first two seasons, at least this set includes some.However, they're still disappointing especially after the long delay in putting this out.The 8 deleted scenes don't add much, although we finally see one of Briscoe's brassy middle aged girlfriends (for the only time in the series!)A five minute interview with and six minute tribute to Orbach by fellow stars doesn't even include the master of ceremonies of his celebration, Sam Waterston; they would have been better served just putting a copy of that on the DVD instead of getting Trial By Jury actors on the profound effect his 4 episodes with them had on their careers.What the series really needs is interviews with writers and actors on the various episodes.At least they don't include an ad as they did in the first year.

However, this is very much worth picking up for Law and Order fans.I just wish if Universal is going to price something at a premium that viewers can watch for free on basic cable, they'd at least add premium content.Maybe next season.

Great as Usual
Terrific show as usual. They also improved in my opinion on the dvd case which now has three individual slim cases for each disc. Enough can't be said about this show, but, I'm partial to it being a Criminal Justice major...but the show is good as always..I just hope they speed up the release of the next seasons.

Law & Order: The Early Years, The Best Years!
Law & Order is my favorite series, possibly of all-time because there have always been great characters and a great cast with fantastic writing to drive it forward.The early seasons are the best, and the third year gives us a little more Paul Sorvino until about 1/3 of the way into the season.This is when the beloved Jerry Orbach joined the cast, and gave us 11 years of television memories.This season has my favorite line up with Orbach, Chris Noth, Dann Florek, Michael Moriarty, Richard Brooks, and Steven Hill.TNT has aired several third season episodes lately, and I can't wait to see these all sharp, clear, and cleaned up on DVD instead of the old muggy broadcast versions.The first and second seasons look fantastic on DVD, and horrible on television - get these sets!

Also, this set features never before seen deleted scenes which ought to be a special treat for every fan along with the Jerry Orbach featurettes.I have a lot of favorite episodes in this season, and I will cherish this set just as I have all my other law & Order DVD sets (I've probably watched the first two seasons dozens of times already).

-NJM

The best season of Law & Order
The third season of Law & Order found Detective Mike Logan (Chris Noth) assigned another new partner in the sardonic Lenny Briscoe (Jerry Orbach), who would become the face of the series for eleven more seasons.The interplay between Briscoe and Logan is one of many highlights of the third season of Law & Order, as characters became more developed (such as Dann Florek's Captain Cragen) and the cases and investigations take twisting turns when the viewer least expects it; something that many cop/crime dramas have imitated throughout the years.However, this would be the last season for original cast members Florek and Richard Brooks, as the revolving cast door of Law & Order began to spin more than ever before.All in all, it's nice to finally have these episodes on DVD, and series afficiondos should consider this landmark season a must own.

Its good there putting the older seasons on DVD
Law & Order's early seasons were really the best. In The third season you have Jerry Orbach coming into the show.All these episodes are great becuase i have seen many of them before.The Dvd is finally being released after a long wait after the 2nd season. The 15th season which is still on NBC on wedsnday is going to have a DVD release as i have heard.Also the New Law
& Order TrialBy Jury is going to be out on Dvd. Law & Order and all its other series are absolutly the best ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Mark, from an era forgotten
I do think something is lacking here. The sequel is not available. Uh, would you by Star Wars and forget about the Empire Stricke Back, I think not. To the distributors, get II on the street, it will sell especially to those of us that not only like it, but also belive a set should be complete. Get the DVD to the fans.

Having read all the reviews I agree this is a great movie and I think some modern so-called musicians should take a hard look. Eddie was all about the music and the way it was created and played (even in the sequel). He wrote it and performed it as a real musician should. It had nothing to do with the show and everything to do with the quality and message the music was relaying. It may only be a movie, but it realys music of its time. Modern singers (most at least)--not musicians-- have lost sight of the meaning of musical creativity. Now it is all about putting on the show. I may be out of touch, hey I have seen STYX 5 times since they regrouped--they still get large crowds and still make music. Bands like that don't take their clothes off, don't have dance numbers, don't kiss on stage, don't have plastic surgery to attract a crowd, and don't hide behind someone elses skill. Bands like that write, create, and perform their own music. They don't hire bands and writers, they are the bands, they are the writers/creators of their own music. Maybe that is why we still listening to the Beatles and Led Zeplin and for the most part forgotten about performers like Britney and Christina. Once the get older and the appearance/persona has gone so have they.

One of those nostaglic gems that captures the times
As the Cruisers walk into Tony Marts in Somers Point NJ and tell Tom Bereger to tell the manager, "The cruisers are here," I did a double take. From the age of 16, Tony Marts was my favorite hangout! (Yeah, the drinking age was 21, but I was a tall kid and no one asked for ID). So, you know I love this movie. I have probably watched this movie two dozen times and shown it to all of my friends and dates. To a person, they fell in love with in (and not surprisingly Eddie Lives the sequel, charming for its own music. Michael Pare captures the role and until one night that I watched the movie and then went out to see Beaver Brown (the real band) perform the same music, I was convinced he was singing and still don't get distracted by the lipsynching. Enjoy this wonderful movie, don't over analyze it and, well, if you spend your childhood on the South Jersey shore (Ocean City across from Somers Point) in the 1950s and 1960s as I did, it's real special.

A Really Great Movie!
I'm guessing that this was a B-Movie which grew into a cult film, and I'm glad that it did!

This movie really manages to pull you into a fantasy- where Eddie Wilson was 15 years ahead of his time...and nobody can find the missing tapes, of what WOULD have been his next album- had he lived.

A news woman interviews the remaining members of Eddie's old band, to try and shine some light on the mis-understood stories, the blurred memories and complex ideas.

To enjoy this film, you have to ignore the REAL history of rock n'roll and pretend that THIS is how it went. It was well paced, the acting was good and the music fits!

As for DVD extras...you don't get very much, but that doesn't ruin this classic movie, now does it?

ROCK ON, EDDIE!!!!!

Disagree with Amazon Review!
This film is a fantasy!! Pretend! And.. wonderful! Have seen it countless times and it always manages to evoke so many positive feelings, it's impossible to list. The "Editor's Review" says the story is impossible to accept- I disagree!! It's fun and I love it..again and again! No problem here!

Also have to put in my vote to those who are holding up the release of Eddie and the Cruiser's 2...what's in the way of this release? Work it out!!

Eddie and the Crusiers II Eddie Lives
I totally agree VHS is old school DVD is the new way to go.I have the original Eddie and the Crusiers on DVD and would love to have Eddie Lives on DVD. If the original can be on DVD why not Eddie II...Bring it out on DVD ... Read more

Reviews (21)

LOOKING FOR AN ECHO
IF YOUR AS YOUNG AS I AM,(62) THIS MOVIE AND THE SONGS STILL LIVE IN YOUR HEART AND WILL FOREVER. ALMOST EVERY SONG AND PIECE OF MUSIC TOLD OF OUR FEELINGS FOR AND OF THE LOVE OF OUR LIVES. LOOKING FOR AN ECHO IS OUR TIMES IN THE FIFTIES AND SIXTIES. GREAT GREAT MOVIE. I'LL BUY IT ON DVD BUT I WOULD RATHER HAVE IT ON VHS.

Whadda Good Movie!
I am a self-proclaimed doo-wop junkie, that finally saw a movie to do this music proud! I recently had the pleasure of seeing Kenny Vance and the Plantotones perform, which moved me to purchase the CD and the DVD! A fine cast, and heart-felt story combines with the music to make "Echo" a movie you can watch more than once. This is a real "sleeper", that needs to wake up more viewers!

Not often, a reel feel-good movie!
One wonders if the cast & crew of this wonderful flick thought they would/could succeed with: no guns, no blood, no explosions, no murders...beheadings, stabbings, etc.

If you love music, and have heard some fifties music, the kind that you just have to involuntarily sway and bob to....then this is your movie. It's wonderful, with a storyline and characters completely full bodied. And the music! Armand Assante playing against his usual form. And Diane Venora, a character so charasmatic, Assante isn't the only one that falls for her. We do, assisted by the best music score in a film since the Commitments! I love this movie! Makes me smile...."FEEL GOOD!".

Look No Further!
This is absolutely the best movie wrapped around fifties & sixties music that I have ever seen. The music of Kenny Vance is superbly woven throughout a very heartwarming story that makes you want to cry and cheer at the same time. This is the music WCBS-FM SHOULD still be playing! The locations in Brooklyn and Howard Beach are just great and add to the overall flavor of the movie. Don't hestitate, just buy it!

An average film
I love the oldies and Doo Wop and bought this movie based on the reviews here. I was very disappointed. This movie was average in every way. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When The Lords of Flatbush was released in 1974, SylvesterStallone was still an unknown actor polishing his screenplay for Rocky, and Henry Winkler was approaching TV superstardom as "Fonzie" in the first season of Happy Days. In this modest, low-budget feature, they play second and third fiddle (respectively) to Perry King, whose respectable career, ironically, would never reach such stratospheric heights. As for their costar and diminutive fourth "Lord of Flatbush," Paul Mace appeared in only one more movie after this (Stallone's Paradise Alley), and was killed in a 1983 traffic accident at the age of 33. Such is the randomnature of fame and fate.

The movie itself is noteworthy mostly for the pre-stardom appearances of Stallone and Winkler, and a strong costarring role for that most ubiquitous of '70s actresses, Susan Blakely. Despite its amateurish style, muddy sound quality, and rambling scenes that have casual appeal but minimal narrative momentum, the movie is blessed with laid-back authenticity, recognizing the value of awkward pauses and jumpy rhythms of conversation. The ensemble of self-named Lords--four leather-clad rebels in 1957 Brooklyn, moving reluctantly toward adulthood--is solidly cast, and even the most familiar scenes (like making out at a drive-in showing From Here to Eternity) ring with engaging truth. Codirector Martin Davidson later covered similar territory in Eddie and the Cruisers, and Barry Levinson transcended this shoestring affair with his 1980 classic Diner, but The Lords of Flatbush stands on its own as an earnest and lightly entertaining drama that boosted its costars to bigger and better things. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A glimpse of a typical leather-clad friends in the '50s.
I have recently seen "The Lords of Flatbush" on an older VHS copy which started out in widescreen until the opening credits were done. I wish I would have seen this widescreen DVD here. It probably looks spanking good. Stanley (Sylvester Stallone) is at a crossroads with his steady girl who feels they should get married. Bike-riding Chico is at odds with the new girl in town, Jane. Henry "The Fonz" Winkler makes his pre-"Happy Days" appearance in this film. He is the man! His voice sounds kind of funny at times. In one shot it looked like his dialogue wasn't matching his mouth movement. Was his voice dubbed? The soundtrack consists of songs written for the film that sound like typical '50s songs.
If you like films of this genre like I do, go for it, dude!

A Snooze
Just could not keep awake during this turkey. Sly Stallone and his buddies just mumble their way through this mess. I can't even call this a comming of age movie as none of these characters show any signs of maturity. Yes, Chico actually appears interested in one lady but there still seems to be no meaning in their relationship.

This is one BORING movie.

lords of flatbush
lords of flatbush this was a real good movie I'm 15 I saw this movie about 2-3 years ago I kept rewinding it rewinding it.Slvester Stallons first movie he acted good in the movie it had some good fight sceans.You have to see it it's a good movie.

Stallone is a Lord
"The Lords of Flatbush" stars a young Sylvester Stallone in his first big movie. The film takes place in the 1950's and centers around four friends. Each of them find a special lady in their lives and decide to make some commitments. The movie also features Henry Winkler who later went on to become 'Fonzie', duh! The film is almost powerful, but to watch it now, it seems dull at moments. Listen to the remarkable soundtrack to this movie and appreciate the too cool decade. Not! This is an earnest production that values friendship and Stallone's birth!

A fun film to watch!
This is the kind of film that is fun to watch alone or with friends. I enjoyed the music as well as watching young new actors make it big after this motion picture. I saw this film when it first came out and I enjoy watching it on video whenever I get the chance. To bad it's not on DVD yet. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

LOOKING FOR AN ECHO
IF YOUR AS YOUNG AS I AM,(62) THIS MOVIE AND THE SONGS STILL LIVE IN YOUR HEART AND WILL FOREVER. ALMOST EVERY SONG AND PIECE OF MUSIC TOLD OF OUR FEELINGS FOR AND OF THE LOVE OF OUR LIVES. LOOKING FOR AN ECHO IS OUR TIMES IN THE FIFTIES AND SIXTIES. GREAT GREAT MOVIE. I'LL BUY IT ON DVD BUT I WOULD RATHER HAVE IT ON VHS.

Whadda Good Movie!
I am a self-proclaimed doo-wop junkie, that finally saw a movie to do this music proud! I recently had the pleasure of seeing Kenny Vance and the Plantotones perform, which moved me to purchase the CD and the DVD! A fine cast, and heart-felt story combines with the music to make "Echo" a movie you can watch more than once. This is a real "sleeper", that needs to wake up more viewers!

Not often, a reel feel-good movie!
One wonders if the cast & crew of this wonderful flick thought they would/could succeed with: no guns, no blood, no explosions, no murders...beheadings, stabbings, etc.

If you love music, and have heard some fifties music, the kind that you just have to involuntarily sway and bob to....then this is your movie. It's wonderful, with a storyline and characters completely full bodied. And the music! Armand Assante playing against his usual form. And Diane Venora, a character so charasmatic, Assante isn't the only one that falls for her. We do, assisted by the best music score in a film since the Commitments! I love this movie! Makes me smile...."FEEL GOOD!".

Look No Further!
This is absolutely the best movie wrapped around fifties & sixties music that I have ever seen. The music of Kenny Vance is superbly woven throughout a very heartwarming story that makes you want to cry and cheer at the same time. This is the music WCBS-FM SHOULD still be playing! The locations in Brooklyn and Howard Beach are just great and add to the overall flavor of the movie. Don't hestitate, just buy it!

An average film
I love the oldies and Doo Wop and bought this movie based on the reviews here. I was very disappointed. This movie was average in every way. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Best ever? Tough call
My goodness, Bull Durham or Long Gone? Both have their moments...Bull Durham has better athletes that make the movie seem more realistic, but Long Gone isn't too shabby, except for a couple scenes where Dermot Mulroney can't quite pull it off. However, William Peterson does a great job, and the storyline is great. For true baseball movie fans that can spot poor baseball, this movie will not disappoint. I'm not ready to label it the best baseball movie of all time, but it is definitely in my top 3, and I am very discriminant. You cannot claim to be a TRUE baseball movie fan without watching this one.

Way Gone
I feel this is the best baseball movie I have ever watched and it is a shame that not too many folks have ever seen it. Stud Cantrell is one of my favorite characters and the setting is great. This film gets you itching to get back on the diamond even if you've never played before. Minor league ball is about growing into the game and cuting a youngsters teeth with the help of a seasoned coach/player. In that sense it has the same chacteristics as Bull Durham except it has a lot more feeling. Besides you can almost smell the dust in Weeks' uniform and the perfume that Madsen is wearing. Rent it if you can find it, but definately buy it before spring for someone who loves the game of baseball.

Second Best Baseball Movie Ever
The first, of course, was The Natural, for pure 'love of the game' beauty and drama. But, hot diggedy DAWG, this is the best good time baseball movie ever! You can tell it was crafted with love and reverence by BASEBALL guys. The characters are loud and larger than life, while the Florida panhandle of the 50's swelters away, in all it's heavy, backroads charm. Petersen as Studs Cantrell is tour de force performance, Virginia Madsen glows with all the longin' of a small town girl just lookin' for a way out, and the rest of the cast is just as fabulous. The baseball sequences are first rate, alive with all the intrigue of the good ol' boy bush leagues of the time. And what do you mean, they couldn't play after being in a bar all afternoon? A guy named Babe Ruth made a career of it! We've been watching a grainy old VHS we taped the night it first aired on HBO, and can't wait for a DVD to finally be available.

THIS MOVIE SUCKS!
This movie was the worst baseball movie i had ever seen. It had a very predictable plot line and not very good acting (except for william peterson). The ending is the most fake ever. There is no way two guys can play a baseball game after sitting in a bar for half a day!!!! So i would not recomend this movie at all. If you want a baseball movie similar to this, that is a lot better and more realistic, get Bull Durham.

William Petersen
I couldn't believe that this was the same man you see on CSI where he's so low-key-soft-spoken & mellow-- in this he's rowdy-nasty- loud & obnoxious-curses-swears & drinks Jack Daniels- but what an exciting character!! looks great in tight jeans- this movie, shows his versatality as an actor- love him--he's delicious!!! ... Read more