Reviews (338)

Nothing Will Never Surpass The Goonies!
Like many before me, I grew up with The Goonies. I ran around my house as a young one, trying to act like Mouth, or doing the Truffle Shuffle to entertain friends (I lacked on the truffle, but I could do the shuffle).

The Goonies holds something that every kid should find magical, even though the only magic in the movie is the magic of friendship. Steven Spielberg wrote the story about a group of friends who are about to lose their houses so a country club can be built where they leave. They come upon a treasure map that supposedly has a legend behind it, and leads to a great treasure. Mikey and his colorful bunch of friends set up to go in search of the treasure not knowing the villianist trio, the Fratellis, are also out for the treasure. Along the way, chaos ensues, friendships go stronger, and they meet a creature who has nothing but love to share and Baby Ruths to eat.

The characters are all likable . . . are all lovable, and the actors who portray them made them all that they were. The Fratellis are even, in some ways, likable throughout the movie, but in the end, they get what they were asking for. The directing, of course, is awesome. None like it actually. And the sets are amazing. Especially the pirate ship set. That was too awesome, and enough to satisfy any adventure lover.

The DVD should satisfy any Goonies fan with the word of all the extras to be on it. And I'm ready to see the infamous deleted octopus scene. I hope it's on there. I believe I read somewhere that some of the cast had gotten together to do a commentary. Now there's wishful hoping that that did happen!

"SLOTH LOVE CHUNK!" And Josh loves this movie.

best movie!
When my sister and I were introduced to THE GOONIES about 10 years ago, by our dad, we fell in love with it. My sister and I have watched this movie literally 100 times, and no matter how many times we've seen it, we still continue to get captured into the excitement, adventure and fun the movie holds. For Christimas this year, we got the movie on DVD and its better then ever. Including the original movie, it has a commentary with the cast of the movie, a music video the cast did with Cyndi Lauper, outtakes, the orginial trailer and a look at the making of the goonies. Whenever our friends come over, we ask them, "Have you ever seen 'the goonies'?" And if they hadn't, we introduce them to our favorite movie.
When Mikey (Sean Astin) and his friends, the goonies, encounter a treasure map, they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. With characters like Mouth,(Corey Feldman), Data (Ke Huy Kuan), Chunk (Jeff Cohen) and Mikey's older brother, Brand (Josh Brolin), and the girl goonies, Andy(Kerri Green) and Stef(Martha Plimpton) the jokes are endless. As they out run the bad guys, dodge the booby traps, and find the treasure of One-eyed-Willy, its a thrill a minute adventure that will capture the hearts of young and old for generations to come.

Pinchers of peril!!! The Ultimate Goonie DVD experience!
Growing up in the 80's - The Goonies was one of the most incredible movies for me. It captures all of the childhood joy and want of adventure and excitement that a normal day just doesn't bring. This movie, while it is clearly an "80's" flick, does not appear dated in any way. It still has that spark that gave it life nearly 20 years ago.

That said, here's what you get with this DVD and here's why you should buy it today:

The movie itself is enough however...

The deleted scenes are a lot of fun. We finally get to see the ever-fabled "Octopus" scene. For years, I would scratch my head when Data said "The Octopus was really scary!" Huh? What Octopus? Well, he's in this DVD. You also realize why the scene was cut out. Let's just say the animatronics weren't all that great.

Those old music videos starring Cyndi Lauper and various classic WWF wrestlers are here too. Remember Rock "n" Wrestling? I found myself saying "oh yeah....I remember that!" Watch for a cameo of Susanna Hoffs from the Bangles in the video!

The DVD commentary is a lot of fun! While almost every new DVD has a commentary in place, it almost always bores one to tears with the director or a star just kind of droning their way through the movie. Often, the major stars don't even do the commentary (great example is Rocky - where the commentary features everyone but Stallone himself!) This commentary has all of the original Goonie stars plus Richard Donner. There's a lot of joking around and the stories they tell are funny and don't go off the subject. Note: Sean Astin disappears about halfway through the flick. Also, beware Corey Feldman who talk over everyone to further perpetuate that he is the biggest glory hog in show business.

Enough already. This is such a great movie and the special features are ones that you'll actually watch more than once! Buy the DVD already!

Goonies Never Say Die!
What can I say? This movie has it all! Action, Suspense, Romance, Sean Astin pre Samwise Gamgee. What more could you want?

Steven Spielberg brings a story about a misfit group of kids who set out to save their home. It all hinges on finding the treasure of One-Eyed Willie, a famous pirate who was rumored to have hid his treasure somewhere around where they live.

Throw in a mafia family who has recently broken out of jail, a treasure map, a Baby Ruth, and a wonderful dance called the Truffle Shuffle and you've got an instant classic!!

Also, look for the line about battling the octopus in the end, then think about the octopus battle. Something doesn't add up does it??

I like some types of Korn...............
but this movie was way too corny for my tastes. This movie managed to use every single cliché that ever existed. This ranges from the group of misfits going on an adventure to save their home from evil corporate rich people to mobsters with guns to a pirate treasure cave filled with booby traps to a fat kid who saves the day to a disfigured grotesque monster suddenly gaining human knowledge and capabilities and rebelling against it's owners to love between two 13 year olds. The reason that I gave this movie two stars is because there are worse films than this one and one scene was funny. Other than that, I do not recommend this film to anyone who likes hardy boys and other meaningless kids detective stories. ... Read more

Reviews (275)

One Super DVD
Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap the tallest building in a single bound. The world's greatest superhero has finally arrived on DVD with "Superman: The Movie" Special Edition. The film focuses on the young survivor of the doomed world of Krypton. After crash-landing on earth, the young alien is adopted by a caring farm couple and grows up with amazing superhuman abilities. Moving to Metropolis, he uses his incredible powers to protect the people and fight injustice. "Superman- the Movie" is probably the best superhero movie to date. The story is quite entertaining but does lose some strength during the second half though it still manages to preserve its entertainment value. The film contains some great performance by Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder and Marlon Brando as Jor-El. The cast also includes Jackie Cooper, Terence Stamp and Ned Beatty. From daring rescues to superhuman feats of strength, the film contains some impressive action sequence and terrific visual effects.

The DVD honors the Man of Steel like it should. The comic book film is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen format. The DVD contains a sharp video transfer and a fine 5.1 Dolby Digital sound with great surround effects. This amazing DVD features an audio commentary with director Richard Donner and consultant Tom Mankiewicz, additional footage including an extended sequence inside Lex Luther's underground gauntlet, behind-the-scenes documentaries, theatrical trailers, deleted scenes and DVD-ROM extras. With such a striking DVD presentation, "Superman" earns an "A".

Super features, super options, JUST PLAIN SUPER!
I enjoyed the Superman DVD. 25 years after this movie came out and seeing it so many times on TV with pan and scan, the newly remastered print blows everything out of the water. The music only option works for the title sequence and hearing the extra tracks on Side B adds to the genius that was John Williams soundtrack.

The audio is remastered and put on a surround sound system instead of the setup I have at home would shake your house to the core. The extra scenes were a good touch as well. Behind the scenes added the great touch of mystique that was Superman. Having Marc McClure host the BTS stuff added a bit of credibility.

Until Spider-Man last year and Batman in 1989, this was the film on which Superheroes were judged. The Hulk disappointed and Daredevil and X-2 were moderate hits.

Superman still stands the test of time, no matter what your views.

Spider-Man has kind of surpassed it...
Well now that we have seen the two Spider-Man movies, I tend to belive that they are now the standards by which other comic book films (both Marvel and DC) will have to live up to now. In a way, Superman is now kind of the odd film out. It works better as an origin story in how Clarke Kent becomes Superman and Chris Reeve's effective perfomance in the title role still works, In the comics, Lex Luthor has always been a one dimensional cartoon character, the only time that he was an effective villian was when Gene Hackman played him in this movie. The final scenes of Superman turning the Earth backward to save lois lane, are what they are. It might be a bit far fetched to put in a movie, but that does not stop audiences from enjoying it. and it doesn't stop me from watching it over and over again.

Born on Krypton, raised by the Kents on Earth, Becomes Hero
The Man of Steel flys into the spectactular motion picture, Based The DC Comic and also appearing in Action Comics, Christopher Reeve stars as Clark Kent.Reporter in Metropolis,Illnois for the newspaper the Daily Planet,And trouble emerges Clark Kent flys to the rescue as Superman, a blue suited red caped powerful wonder. He takes on Lex Luthor played Gene Hackman and falls for Lois Lane played Margot Kidder and Marlon Brand as the Krytonian father of Superman Jor EL. This Film is a Great Superhero movie and great film all around, probably the most imaginative thing the Man of Steel has been in. Superman began as the comic, then a radio show, several 1950s B movies, TV show and in 1978 the true Superman ovie. Superman is imaginative in everthing because hes an imaginative character. A pop culture icon on screen and in everthing else. the Special Effects are incredible, This a Super high flying ride. You Want a good superhero movie before Batman and Spider-Man this is it. If it wasn't for this classic we would'nt have superhero movies like Spider-Man 1&2,Batman,Hulk and X-Men 1&2. Thank Hollywood for making a great superhero film that lauched other superhero films. A thrilling Film of one of the greatest heroes of the 20th century, The Man of Steel, SUPERMAN.

Release Superman into our 21st century!
Very bad film.
They released Spiderman into the 21st century, why not Superman?
I've always found him to be the most appealing comic book character. He is sure for an amazing performance.
RELEASE HIM INTO OUR CENTURY! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Good, old, HBO horror series
They really should bring this series back. To those of you who have been living under a rock for the last 16 years, this is basically a very good, revamped-gory version of the twilight zone. Some great short horror stories!
Side note: I still have the old Crypt keeper dolls (still in their boxes) in my closet. I bought them at Spencer's gifts ages ago, maybe someday they will be worth something.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who's the FEAREST of them all?"
Welcome to my review, horror freaks! So glad you could join me and read about the 6 eerie episodes of HBO's "Tales from the Crypt," the very ones that helped the series rise from its tomb back in 1989. It's been 9 long years since the show went off the air, and until now, I've been waiting for the Crypt Keeper's putrid puns and awful alliterations to be forever preserved on DVD format. And why not? The show lasted a full 7 seasons and featured many of the biggest actors and directors in Hollywood. Each tale carefully incorporates the grisly black humor William M. Gaines EC comic books, which were almost banned in the 1950's. Did I say 'almost?' Anyway, as other HBO programs like "Dream On," "Deadwood," and "Carnivale" were packaged and displayed on Best Buy shelves, I wondered if "Tales" would ever be among them. Well, the time has finally arrived, creeps! As stated by John Kassir himself, Warner Brothers wisely chose to create these discs so we ourselves can scare the next generation of kiddies to come. Even better is the fact that the second disc of this Season 1 set will contain a sickening array of never-before-seen extras. I don't want to give the surprises away, but I will briefly tell you the stories you are about to see. Enter, if you dare!
"Dig that Cat...He's Real Gone" stars Joe Pantoliano as Ulric, a homeless alcoholic who becomes a rich and famous sideshow performer after a mad doctor (Gustav Vintas) surgically implants a cat's gland into Ulric's brain. This procedure allows him to die and return to life nine times. Morbid hilarity ensues as a carnival barker (Robert Wuhl) presents Ulric the Undying to astounded audiences who watch him get electrocuted, hanged, drowned in a tank, and shot with an arrow (among other things).
In "The Man Who was Death," Bill Sadler (who eventually starred in the 1995 Tales from the Crypt film "Demon Knight") plays Niles Talbot, a state executioner who loses his job after spending 12 years pulling the switch. This resulted because the government unexpectantly repealed the death penalty. However, not wanting to abandon his favorite occupation, Niles drifts to the other side of the law by killing criminals who were acquitted by the courts.
The frightening and festive "And All Through the House" stars Mary Ellen Trainor as a devious housewife named Elizabeth, who brutally bludgeons her husband with a poker to collect on an insurance policy. Just when she is ready to eliminate the corpse, a homicidal maniac donning a Santa Claus costume (Larry Drake) terrorizes her with an axe. Even worse, Elizabeth can't call the police for fear of being convicted of first degree murder and losing custody of her daughter.
Vanity and greed play a central role in "Only Sin Deep," a tale about a street prostitute named Sylvia Vane (Lea Thompson). After killing a pimp and stealing his gold jewellry, she willingly sells her beauty to a strange pawnbroker (Britt Leach) in exchange for $10,000 cash. At first, Sylvia wins over the affections of a suave playboy millionaire. But immediately afterward, as a result of some black magic performed by the pawnbroker, she gets increasingly distraught as her face quickly ages. Desperate to buy back her looks, she shoots her rich lover dead, but is then forced to avoid prison by staying ugly for life.
Prepare for a honeymoon hell in "Lover Come Hack To Me." Here, a cunning bachelor named Charles (Stephen Shellen) marries a naive Peggy (Amanda Plummer) for her inheritance money. On a rainy night, after accidentally getting stuck in an abandoned mansion, the two go up to the bedroom and make perfect love for the very first time. Originally, Charles was going to kill Peggy and stage the crime to look like a burglary. But he soon discovers that her family history is cursed, and that much darker skeletons lie in the bride's closet.
Last but not least is one of my favorite episodes, "Collection Completed." M. Emmet Walsh plays Jonas, a grouchy tool salesman who finally gets to retire after 47 years on the job. His slightly odd wife Anita (Audra Lindley) has developed a fondness for pets...alot of pets. In fact, she keeps a zoo-full of cats, dogs, and birds in the house. On top of that, she talks to squirrels and runs an aquarium in the bathtub. Obviously, such an attachment to animals is enough to drive Jonas up the wall! Inevitably, he gets sick and tired of not having enough attention, and he gleefully takes up taxidermy as a hobby. But those poor animals weren't the only living creatures that ended up getting stuffed.

Tales from the Crypt
I have written HBO countless e-mails over the years begging for this dvd set. I never received one e-mail response from HBO. Oh, well. I really did not expect one.
This is one of the best horror shows, period. Some of the top horror/adventure writers and directors wrote and directed these episodes. I believe this series ran for seven seasons. This can be intense stuff, not for children because of the nudity, sex, graphic violence, superb gore effects, language, and more. Some of these stories are truly the stuff of nightmares. They will haunt you.
If you have never seen Tales from the Crypt you are in for a treat, if you are a fan of horror. Go to your local book store and pick-up a trade paperback of the old EC comics these stories are based upon to get a feel for the translation from comic book to television show. Wait until you meet the Cryptkeeper, who introduces each episode, for a meeting of the surreal and insane and just plain weird. And, you will see some big name stars come to fantastic demises. Just wait, you'll see.
Now, where are Tales from the Darkside and Friday the 13th the series. These are two more violent horror series from the pre-politically correct present day.

Great Series Finds It's Footing In A TV/DVD Obsessed World
Yes, It has finally happened: Warner Bros./HBO Productions has announced that a 2-Disc, First Season set of "Tales from the Crypt" will be released on July 12th. The first season consisted of six episodes that fit quite nicely on this set's first disc. They are: "The Man Who Was Death", Dig That cat...He's Real Gone", "All Through The House", "Only Sin Deep", "Lover Come Hack To Me", and "Collection Completed". The second disc will hold bonus features that are rumored to include 2 Featurettes: One on "Tales From Comic Books To Television" and the other on "The First Season's History." Plus a new introduction by "The CryptKeeper"(John Kassir). Now this has not been confirmed, so it's pretty much a rumor but these are the possibilities. So far, there is no cover art or any other materials but stay tuned to tvshowsondvd.com for more news info which should be coming soon! Tales From The Crypt: Season One, July 12th! ... Read more

Reviews (132)

"Superman II: The Wrath of Zod!"
That would have made a better title when it came out into theaters in 1981(Giggle)! Anyway, the second Superman movie was definately a gem for anyone to watch! It is action packed as the Man of Steel (Christopher Reeve) takes on the 3 Kryptonian villains (wonderfully played by Terrence Stamp, Sarah Douglas, and Jack O'Halloran), and its romantic in terms of Superman becoming serious with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder)! Although it was sad that Richard Donner didn't get to direct the second movie, Richard Lester did a wonderful job filling his shoes! However, this was the first film which really began the down-fall of the series! It was clear that Richard Donner did set the tone for Superman which meant not to muck around with the legend! That being the case with the powers you see in this film! If you are a die-hard Superman fan, and know the character and his powers, you'll know what I mean when you watch it! Second, the romance of this film with Lois and Superman does reach it's peak, but then at the end of this film, the fans will be upset with the total outcome! The worst was yet to come with the next 2 films! Fortunately, this DVD is special to me because the magic is still there! Along with the "letterbox" widescreen version to the film which preserves this film and the other so well! Still, I know there were scenes cut-out of the original film that I wish could have been added onto this DVD! Maybe they will come out with the complete version someday soon! Still, a very good movie I recomend to anyone!

Superman II - Extended ONLY
This film gets 4 stars from me based on its extended version and not on the pathetic theatrical cut! A lot of footage was cut from this film but did make it onto various extended versions that were screened across the world. The theatrical cut of this film is a poor reflection on what director Richard Donner intended the world to see. After his sacking by the Salkinds, Richard Lester was dragged in to complete the film and refilm perfectly filmed scenes which Donner filmed in 1977. This decision cost everyone a great movie.

In 1984 fans finally got a well edited film when a lot of Donner's footage was re-inserted into TV broadcasts of the movie. The longest version having accumalated some 24 mins of additional footage. This version has only been screened in Europe and Australia and contains 7 mins more footage than the 1984 ABC telecast. Most notable extended scenes are of Lex and Eve exploring the exterior of the fortress. Miss T to Les, "...It is funny that there is no front door...". Also present is Superman's "Blast off!" line after Lex and the villains are taken away by the Arctic police. These crucial scenes were cut from the theatrical and ABC extended broadcasts.

In saying that still, the film will get 5 stars when I see all director Richard Donner's footage restored into the film.

Anyone thinking that the theatrical is a good film is much mistaken. Any of the extended TV broadcast are a MAJOR improvement over an average film!

A Richard Donner Cut is what I'm after
Not nearly as good as the first movie, this suffers from production problems as a result of Donner's sacking by the Salkinds.
It's plainly obvious which scenes were shot by Donner and which weren't. And sadly, they left out a hefty chunk of what Donner had filmed, giving Lester the top billing as director.
Another sad omission is John Williams rousing score, which has been poorly duplicated. Not nearly as uplifting and powerful as John William's efforts in one.
Although the primary focus is on Lois and Superman's relationship, it doesn't save this picture from stinking. Even Gene Hackman's wonderful performance(which was all directed by Donner, with the exception of scenes where Lester used a body double and an impersonator for Hackman's voice) can't salvage this.
So why do I give this three stars? Because it does have it's moments, though scattered, and I live in the hope that a Richard Donner cut, using primarily all his footage, which would bring back all the scenes with Marlon Brando, will eventually pop up and finally put to bed the question of what could have been.

We need a 21st Century Superman movie!
Very bad film.
They released Spiderman into the 21st century, why not Superman?
I've always found him to be the most appealing comic book character. He is sure for an amazing performance.
RELEASE HIM INTO OUR CENTURY!

BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL!!!
All you people complaining about what is and should have been (Donner not being able to complete the project) the end result is a movie that many people view as better! Leave my Superman II alone! ... Read more

Reviews (127)

Time warp in modern times
Based on Michael Crichton's novel of transposing modern day humans back into medieval times, it follows the book nicely. Personally I would much rather have seen a film of the trilogy written by Stephen Donaldson on the same hyposis and along similar times, one of which is titled A MAN RIDES THROUGH. Both usemirrors to achieve the time warp experience from medieval to this century.

This story takes place in 1971 where a diverse group of archaeology students, working under the auspices of ITC in New Mexico, are involved in excavating the ruins of Castlegard in France. Their professor has disappeared and, using a
wormhole in a wooded area, are transported back in time to rescue him. They have six hours in our concept of time and given markers to use for their return within that timeline.

Arriving on April 4, 1357, the day of a French attack on this particular castle, we see a lot of action. Only the modern men showed fear in combat. William Decker, stranded there 400 years in the past because of transcription errors, exemplified the savage cruelty which is second nature in a hostile environment. He showed this young group 'the price we pay' for discovery, that knowledge of history depends upon survival. One thing worse than dying here is living here, they were told.

This film uses a primitive set of castle grounds complete with thatched roof. The church at the base of a mountain on which a fortress stood contained a tomb of a couple holding hands in death. In the modern scene, the female student was intrigued with the dead man having only one ear. The mystery is revealed
during the fireworks of a fierce battle that evening.

One of their group was ready to change history over a woman; instead, he spends 25 years back in time to die in 1382. Andre Merick had his ear cut off and stayed behind with his love, Lady Clare.

You've just got to see the Greek fire used in this fight in the name of justice. They were told, "God is on your side." The night arrows turned the tide. A lot of fire was used.

Because of the timeline (6 hrs. down to a few minutes) for anyone to safely return, a battle was also going on in the lab as time runs out. You must see the entire episode to discover who indeed returns and who is lost. "Well done, my Lord."

Zero artistic effort here
What a lazy, sophomoric effort by Richard Donner. I read Timeline a few years ago and I recall enjoying it. It wasn't great literature, but it was fast and fun and I looked forward to the film version. I regret to report that I honestly can't think of one single redeeming feature in this sorry excuse of a film. A script that butchers the book, which is amazing in itself. Crichton practically writes his novels for the screen these days. Uninspired directing. In the past Donner has given us some fine work like Ladyhawk and Lethal Weapon. It was painfully obvious that the person who made this turd just did not care if it was good or not. The cast was barely adequate, with only Gerard Butler making any kind of impression. The action scenes were cable TV quality, as were the sets and costumes. How bad was this movie? Congo (another Crichton novel that was mugged by the filmakers), by comparison, was a good movie. Zero artistic effort here. Sub-zero, if there is such a thing.

Could have been better
Abraham doesnt sound like too intelligent of a reviewer so I will try and make sense of it.

The movie is entertaining, if LOOSELY based off the incredible book by Michael Crichton. (Abraham, i suggest you read the book before blathering off about something you know nothing about)

There are plot holes, bad acting, and less than stellar wardrobes. But if you have read the book, it is still entertaining to see the characters on screen and see the story in action.

in my bottom 5, occupying # 2.
Book? I don't know about any book, I'm talking about the movie. I can't believe someone even dared to share this crapp with us.

Filled with flaws, TERRIBLE acting, stupid plot (ergo stupid screenplay), cheap unbelievable custome design, cheesy, artless, mindless, insulting, etc. etc. etc.

I wish I'd watch it more recently so I could make a list for you of all the flaws, mistakes, nonsense presented in this rubbish. I can remember an example though:

When the archeologists are discovering that new "whatever" underground, the girls says: "Who would destroy such a beautiful piece of art?" (the stone). Then, when they are back in middle age, she is infront of the stone and she must break it so they can escape, then she remembers what she said and answers herself: "Oh, I did it". (...) What?! The writer might've as well al least watched Back To The Future to get some lessons on time-traveling rules. Nothing you change in the past can be seen in the present before you did it (before the time traveling), because if wouldn't have any sense. In less words, what if she decided NOT to travel in time? Would that stone be broken? Who would've done it? crapp, crapp, crapp.

No opinions here, some movies are still about opinions (In my opinion it's good, in my opinion it's bad), this is plain bad and anyone who thinks the contrary has no idea what he's talking about, and if you son't believe me, check the general rating.

Wish it were longer, more details.......
My husband and I really enjoyed this film, it could have been longer, providing more details, like how they arrived at building the aparatus in the first place, why the first guy was killed, and by whom, Why Deckar was left behind, and felt compelled to kill the person that left him behind. Just develop it more, it has great potential for what might have been, but is still really enjoyable the way it is. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Inspired by the 1960s TV series that starred James Garner in the title role, this lightweight Western from 1994 proved to be a surprising box-office hit. Well, maybe not such a big surprise, since it's from the star and director of the Lethal Weapon movies, and operates with a similar combination of mainstream plotting and easygoing humor. Mel Gibson stars as card-playing gunslinger Brett Maverick, who meets up with wily gambler Annabelle Bransford (Jodie Foster) and a marshal named Zane Cooper (James Garner, trading his old role to Gibson) on his way to the World Series of poker in St. Louis. Maverick's trying to raise the $5,000 needed to join the high-stakes contest, but that's easier said than done due to a lot of unscrupulous competition and a twisting plot of tricks and deceptions. It's all played for laughs and action, so the movie never wears out its welcome, despite a running time that could've used a good trimming. It's also fun to see the rapport between Gibson and Garner, as if the present and former Mavericks were a kind of surrogate son and father, bonded by their mutual skill in charming and conning their way through tight spots. Director Richard Donner also pays tribute to old Westerns by casting veterans of the genre in cameo roles (including Bert Remsen, Dub Taylor, and Denver Pyle), and Gibson's Lethal Weapon costar Danny Glover pops in for a surprise appearance. None of this really adds up to much since the movie makes no pretense about taking itself seriously, but that's precisely why audiences found it so entertaining. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Almost A Delight
Like so many other movies based on popular TV shows, this one seems to fall a little short, somehow. The cast is fine, although Mel Gibson is a little more intense as Bret Maverick than James Garner was. Garner had a laid-back quality that suited the role well. Putting Garner in this movie was a nice touch, by the way, and he and Jodie Foster are delightful. Gibson is fine, too, just .. different. Of course, the slightly different feel doesn't matter much unless you remember the show, which isn't the case for many contemporary viewers. More to the point, perhaps, the TV Maverick was a western spoof. It was done tongue-in-cheek and relied on humor. The movie attempts the same feel, but the gags are rather ordinary and the plot, while it has some interesting twists in it, is slow to develop. Taken as a whole, "Maverick" comes across as a fun movie, but there isn't much in it to lift above the ordinary. It's too bad they haven't tried making another, though. After all, the first "Star Trek" movie wasn't great, either. I rate "Maverick" 3+ stars. There are funnier western comedies out there and, unless you're a fan, you might want to see this before buying it.

How The West Was Fun!!!
'Maverick' is by far the best western movie ever! Fast paced, action packed, suspenseful, and funny (very funny), Maverick keeps you on your toes and leaves you screaming for more!

Mel Gibson kicks butt (literally) as Bret Maverick, a handsome, slick and roguish card player trying to win enough money to enter the biggest card game of the year. While trying to win some dough, he meets the scheming thief, Annabelle Bransworth (played by Jodie Foster). I love Jodie Foster in this movie, I never knew she was such a comedian!

'Maverick' is a witty, charming, and hilarous western comedy. A must-see.

ALL ROUND ENTERTAINMENT
Mel Gibson's Maverick is somewhat goofy but charming, sly, and fairly humorous.

A number of excellent cameos provide some comic relief, especially Danny Glover near the beginning of the movie. The biggest surprise for me was Jodie Foster, who, in an impressively rare comedic role, thankfully discards her repetoire of facial tics for a much more natural performance here.

The plot is kept pretty simple until near the end -- and the end has a great twist, which I won't divulge. Suffice it to say that your time will be well spent.

Recommended rental for sure, but also consider buying this excellent DVD because this comedy does well with repeat viewing.

Another widescreen review
PICTURE QUALITY = 4-SOUND QUALITY = 5+The overall picture quality is pleasant and satisfying. Color is nice but pxilazation is very present in the begining of movie. Improves as movie goes on. This being a very senic movie I was not completly happy but still satisfied. Could've been a bit sharper and remastered from high definition but wasnt.The sound quality in Dolby was awesome. Not in Dolby Digital but on a system with Pro Logic II it souded great if not better than most non-digital dolby surround. All surround sounds are present and really stood out. The soundtrack is placed perfectly and surrounds the room. Very happpy with this DVD sound quality.THE MOVIE - *note spolier. The movie was excellent in all entertainment areas if your looking for a FUN Western movie. Comedy, action, stunts, scenery, and many great actors. Everything you would want in a "fun" western film in the old fashioned tradition. Light on violence and good enough for the whole family.*Spoiler - The best (and my favorite) thing about this movie is the fact that James Garner still plays as Maverick even though the audience doesn't know it. Watching it over and knowing that Mel Gibson is playing his role as "the son of Maverick" and James Garner is still the orginal character he played in the past makes this a great movie to watch over and over.My overall review is that it is worth buying and I'd give it 5 stars if the picture was just a touch better. Don't be fooled though, I have a large projection widescreen tv with a progressive component DVD player so I see almost any grain there is if any is present. Overall this DVD was satisfying enough to make me happy I bought it. On any other tv it will display a perfect picture. Sound quality is great on a home theatre sound system.This is a movie that should be made on a Superbit DVD.

Good film. Good Fun.
You don't need to know a thing about the old TV show to enjoy this comedic gem. There are several plot twists that will keep you interested from start to finish. Couple that with a great script and an excellent cast and you've got the winning formula from which this movie was built upon.

P.S: Watch closely for a hilarious Danny Glover cameo! ... Read more

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This lushly produced fantasy has gained a loyal following since its release in 1985, and it gave a welcomed boost to the careers of Matthew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Rutger Hauer. You have to ignore the overly aggressive music score (critic Pauline Kael aptly dubbed it "disco-medieval") and director Richard Donner's reckless allowance of anachronistic dialogue and uninspired storytelling, but there's a certain charm to the movie's combination of romance and heroism. Broderick plays a young thief who comes to the aid of tragic lovers Isabeau (Pfeiffer), who is cursed to become a hawk every day at sunrise and Navarre (Hauer) who turns into a wolf at sunset. The curse was cast by an evil sorcerer-bishop (John Wood), and as Broderick eludes the bishop's henchmen, Navarre struggles to conquer the villain, lift the curse, and be reunited with his love in human form. The tragedy of this lovers' dilemma keeps the movie going, and Broderick is well cast as a young, medieval variation of Woody Allen. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (135)

A Medieval Legend comes to Life
A young thief named Philippe (Matthew Broderick) escapes being hanged and is embroiled in a supernatural tale of love and betrayal. He is rescued from the evil bishop's guards by Navarre (Rutger Hauer) who travels with his trusty steed and his graceful hawk. At night Navarre disappears, leaving Phillipe who meets a beautiful woman (Michelle Pfieffer) and her dangerous wolf. As the bishop's guards close in on them, Navarre and his hawk are wounded. It is then that Philippe meets a drunken monk (Leo McKern) and discovers the horrifying tale that joins the man and woman together. The scenery in this movie is magnificent and the lighting, which was a terrible problem in video versions of this film, has greatly improved making the night scenes enjoyable. Matthew Broderick provides wonderful comic relief. Rutger Hauer is handsome, strong, and plays Navarre perfectly. Michelle Pfieffer is beautiful and graceful. And Leo McKern is.. well Leo McKern, fantastic no matter what he does. A wonderful, magical story of love and friendship triumphing over evil.

Wonderful Fantasy Film
In medieval times, a young thief named The Mouse (Matthew Broderick) escapes from the dungeons from Aquila, led by a menacing Bishop (John Wood). He is saved by a mysterious knight named Navarre (Rutger Hauer), who roams around with a hawk. By night, however, she is a charming beauty (Michelle Pfeiffer) and he is a wolf. The two are in love, but are cursed by the Bishop. So, with the help of a former priest (Leo McKern), The Mouse is determined to help them break the curse and destroy the evil Bishop.

I really love this film. It's one of my top favorite fantasy films of all time. It's also a childhood favorite; they used to show it on the ol' family channel right after Neverending Story. Nostalgia aside, this is a wonderfully made film. You have a traditional medieval story about starcrossed lovers, epic battles, beautiful locales, and humor along the way. I especially liked The Mouse's misconceptions about God and towards the end of the film, he finally has an idea of what's going on. The acting is quite good, especially considering the main three stars were up-and-coming; Broderick just got off of doing WarGames and Ferris Fueller before taking the role. Hard to believe that Rutger Hauer wasn't the original choice for Navarre (it was reported that Kurt Russell was originally selected to play the part) because he makes the role all his own. It's also nice to see him play a hero role, too; for a long time I thought of him as the psychotic replicant from Blade Runner. Of course, Pfeiffer is excellent as she is beautiful, too.

Richard Donner, best known for helming the Lethal Weapon series, directed and co-produced. His wife, Lauren Shuler, produced the film. His directing style here is actually different from most of his films, allowing the beauty of the old landscapes and the fight scenes to be portrayed properly. The screenplay is top-notch, which is no surprise since one of the writers wrote Enemy Mine and the other contributed to the Superman series.

Probably the only quarrel I have with it is the music score by Andrew Powell (one of the members of the Alan Parsons Project). I actually liked the score, especially with its jaunting theme, but one critic described it as "disco-medieval." I can't agree more. It screams the 80s so well that a contemporary score set to a medieval picture seems very inappropriate. Still, a good score despite what people say.

Overall, I highly recommend this fantasy film to anyone that likes the genre. In fact, I recommend it even if you're not because it's such a beautiful film that must be seen. A must-see.

Great movie
I loved the movie, but the Disco Fever music had to go. Otherwise its a great story.

Needs to be releasd with some bonus features.
Just saw this movie the other day and loved it. Warners should re-release as a two disk set with new interviews with Richard Donner and the cast. I would like to hear how they made the movie and what they think of it, all these years later.

In Need Of A Road Map
Here we have the type of story line that most Fantasy enthusiasts with pastel posters of unicorns on their walls reliably swallow like Ecstacy. Albeit much more Fairy Tale than Fantasy (for those followers who discern the difference), "Ladyhawke" is a film thematically purloined from the hey-day of Dungeons & Dragons, alongside such escapist fare as "Dragonslayer" and "Excalibur" and various other 80's-era movies permutating swords, sorcery, dungeons, and dragons into a costumed mystical hootenanny. Only this time the sorcery takes center stage as the story's main plot device, ranking as the Romantic angle which is supposed to entice viewers to care about two "cursed" characters (Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfieffer) wronged by a jealous, tyrannical priest/bishop (John Wood). But don't worry, kids -- there's still ample swords and dungeon stewed into the mix.

Those elements in place, what could have been an interesting and entertaining fairy-tale-adapted-to-big-screen premise takes so many wrong turns it's hard to know where to begin documenting them all. Not that I won't try: the first place to start is with the bottom-shelf performance of the eternally-youthful and highly overated Matthew Brodderick, who slips in and out of the most dreadful excuse for a British accent this side of Kevin Costner. Considering the characters are supposedly all French, one wonders why Brodderick didn't simply go the route of his American co-stars Hauer and Pfieffer, who eschew any pretense towards linguistic affectations and just settle for native U.S. of A. Perhaps he was attempting to measure up to the British cast members who constitute the majority of the film's antagonists, most noteably his former "Wargames" co-star Wood, here doing his darnedest to add Lead Nasty to his resume. But perhaps all actors involved would be a bit more convincing if they weren't provided with dialogue that's as stiff as David Duchovny with lockjaw. (As if I haven't already offended the disassociated Fantasy set, now I'm sure to have the X-Geeks on my case.)

However, as multiple other reviewers have pointed out, perhaps the film's gravest error is the use of Alan Parsons as "soundtrack consultant" -- whatever that means. As best I can tell by the music in the film, it apparently means providing a soundtrack as anachronistically out-of-place as the more recent "A Knight's Tale" -- except in this case, it's arguably worse in that, where "Knight's Tale" made no pretentions towards augmenting the story with an appropriately Medieval music style, "Ladyhawke" commits the sin of appearing to nod a head to traditional symphonic soundtracks while undermining it by utilizing heavily-orchestrated schmaltz-rock in Parsons' signature '70's AOR FM radio style. Without the visuals I'd be hard-pressed to tell whether I was hearing a movie soundtrack or tuning in to a Meco revival. Either way, it's cornball that comes close to out-cornballing the worst Mannheim Steamroller; pseudo-rock that aims to be "sophisticated" but is actually more suited to background diversion while picking out wallpaper samples. In any case, it's laughably ill-conceived for a Medieval Romance.

Still, if you can stomach the gaudy soundtrack, the stilted dialogue and Brodderick's feigned attempt at British theatre, there's enough authentic scenery, settings and costuming to keep one absorbed towards the fairy tale plot resolution. The fact that it's Fantasy-by-the-numbers and features every appropriate cliche (ie., The Dastardly Man of the Cloth, the Thief with the Heart of Gold, The Penitent Religious Hermit, etc) won't deter those with a predilection towards anything remotely smacking of their basement role-playing sessions of yore.

Richard Donner has delivered some very fine films over the course of his career, but the amount of slack I'm willing to cut him for this forgettable cheese-fest is directly proportional to the amount of stylistic input he had in forging the final "Ladyhake" project. For his sake, I'm hoping it wasn't too much. ... Read more

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If Sylvester Stallone plays the world's number one assassin in this thriller, that must make Antonio Banderas, well, number two. The two are competing to hit the same target for a $20-million payoff, and their challenge takes them from explosion to explosion on a cat-and-mouse chase from Seattle to Mexico. Julianne Moore plays the cagey cat fancier and computer hacker who possesses a stolen computer disc that makes her a prime target for bad guys, and Robert Rath (Stallone) is only too happy to come to her defense. Director Richard Donner handles action sequences with adequate flair and has a good time blowing things up. Banderas has fun with the nonsensical plot, and Moore is enjoyable in one of her big-budget mainstream roles. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (126)

"Dear God, Give me Strength.."
The Omen is a great movie, but what I want to talk about is the commentary part of the disc; Even if you're not the type who usually cares to listen to commentaries, this one is worth it. Director Richard Donner and Stuart Baird, the editor sit down for a leisurely chat about the making of the film. The commentary adds a lot, and makes you appreciate the film even more. One thing that particularly comes through is how much of a role the casting played in the film, and how the COMMITMENT of the cast mattered so much. In the hands of lesser talents, The Omen could have come off as so much camp, but director Donner chose people who could play it straight and who would feel, not so much that they're in a "horror" picture, but more of a psychological suspense thriller. And it worked. From the leads, (Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, Billie Whitelaw, David Warner) all the way down to the bit players (Leo McKern) the actors are totally credible and interwoven into the story. Donner and Baird lavish praise even on certain actors who had only one or two lines! They're pretty funny, making light-hearted fun of the arguments Thorn has with Mrs. Blaylock, but even in their joking you realize that Peck/Thorn is at the center of the film and its his relationships with other characters (Remick, Whitelaw, Warner, and little Harvey Stephens) that drives this film as opposed to blood and gore.
That's what's at the heart of the film; the timeless story of a man battling seemingly insurmountable odds. Donner and Baird praise their own work too, as well as the cinematography and Jerry Goldsmith's Oscar-winning score. And they never stop reminding us that the whole shebang cost $2.25M, a low budget even by 70's standards.
The ending is pretty comedic too; Donner jokes about telling Harvey/Damien not to smile at the end of the film ("Don't you smile Harvey!"), but in fact, both Donner and the audience know that it's Harvey's innocent smile while holding the hand of the President of the United States, that puts the perfect capper on the film. That smile alone was worth [money amount]

If I could ... 666 stars!
Following THE EXORCIST, the devil seemed to be everywhere. Especially in children! THE OMEN has no ties to that production, but makes the perfect sequel! Where Linda Blair was just temporarily a vessel for a demon, here we have a small boy who may or may not be the son of the devil himself! THE OMEN originally relied on the mystery of whether or not this child was evil, or was it all irrational fears of parents who begin to realize their child is not quite the little angel they were hoping for. Richard Donner directs, and Jerry Goldsmith scored - making an unbeatable team to deliver a creepy mystery helmed by Gregory Peck and Lee Remick. Billie Whitelaw played Damien, and he captures innocent evil perfectly. It's a thinking person's horror movie! More goosebumps than outright screams, but perfectly crafted. The DVD features a stunning transfer, and an entertaining commentary by Donner and Stuart Baird. Documentaries round out the disc with pieces discussing Biblical references and a curse that seemed to surround the production with supernatural misfortunes. Also Jerry Goldsmith discusses one of his most effective scores! They don't make them like this anymore, and it's a shame. HALLOWEEN released 3 years later took the devil out of vogue and replaced him with knife wielding maniacs. But lately FINAL DESTINATION seems to have revived OMEN-style deaths where accidents take on a malevolent quality. But here is where it all began!

My Dad Can Beat Up Your Dad!
Kathy Thorn (Lee Remick) really wanted a child. Unfortunately, she lost her baby during the delivery. Not to worry! She's unconscious and knows nothing of the stillbirth. Her husband Robert (Gregory Peck) has just been offered another child by a priest. Robert accepts the infant boy, never telling his wife that he's not hers. Big mistake! They name the kid Damien. Little Damien starts growing up, and weird things begin happening! His nanny hangs herself on his 5th birthday. A new, creepy nanny named Mrs. Baylock moves in, seemingly from out of nowhere. A strange priest starts following Robert, talking about crazy prophetic stuff. Damien goes berzerk at a church. The baboons at the zoo go berzerk after catching a mere glimpse of Damien. A rotweiler (aka: devil doggy) is brought in by Mrs. Baylock to guard Damien. Ah yes, typical family life! Meanwhile, Robert meets a photographer (David Warner) who has some odd pictures to show him. The two join forces to get to the bottom of Damien's true identity. This leads to unexplained deaths and bizarre coincidences. Just who is Damien's real daddy? Will anyone survive Damien's teen years?? A definite classic of evil dread...

Bone-Tingling Suspense Thriller
When Kathy Thorn (Lee Remick) delivers a stillborn, her husband Robert (Gregory Peck) is at a loss for words. How can he tell her that she lost the child she has been waiting for? A sinister man wearing the guise of a consoling priest explains to him that he doesn't have to. Kathy "need never know" that Robert switched the "stillborn" child with another born from an otherworldly mother who, coincidentally, died during childbirth that same night, at that same hour.

Robert Thorn is proclaimed ambassador to Great Britain, and the Thorn family packs up and moves. Damien begins to grow up, and experiences a seemingly normal childhood. Forget the minor oddity that he has never been sick a day in his life. However, on Damien's fifth birthday, life as the Thorn's know it begins to go terribly awry. It begins with the strange arrival of a "watchdog" at the home of the Thorn's during the birthday party. Soon after, Damien's nanny commits suicide (proclaiming "it's all for you Damien"), making room for a new nanny (Billie Whitelaw) to enter the picture. This new nanny is somewhat suspicious in that she arrived out of nowhere, as the Thorn's hadn't yet tried to replace the previous nanny. However, Kathy and Robert are a trusting couple and allow the nanny to come into theirs, and Damien's, lives. Nothing seems too out of place until Robert is confronted with a strange warning from a priest and even further warnings from a photographer. The priest quickly dies, leaving Robert and this photographer (David Warner) to investigate Damien's origins further.

They just don't make them like they used to. Nowadays, horror films are chock full of in-your-face gore, action and effects. What I love about this film is the subtlety. Eerie music, wind effects, and bone-chilling suspense help to make this the great film that it is. In addition, the fact that there are no ghosts, goblins, ghouls, or undead roaming about adds to the film's realism. Sure, you can argue semantics about whether or not the "hounds of hell" and the evil nanny were really similar to "goblins and ghouls," them being servants of Satan, but my point is that a child, a strange woman and a dog are far more believable than, say, godzilla, the blob, or aliens from outer space.

This is truly a classic horror film that should be seen, if not enjoyed, by all. The acting is great (especially compared to several films of the era), the score incredibly creepy, and the plot subtly intense. Gregory Peck and Lee Remick both deliver stellar performances and do a great job of showing the raw emotion involved with having life as one knows it turned upside down. If you can appreciate good horror films without the expensive make-up and special effects, then give this one a try. You won't be disappointed! The extras on the DVD are pretty cool as well!

Excorcist-Schmexcorcist
1976's "The Omen" has always been my favorite horor film of all time. I found it more frightening than "Halloween", "Friday The Thirteenth" or even "The Excocist", simply because it does not frighten you with blood and gore (despite bloodshed every now and then). It is meant to frighten you with the plot, which, while fictional, seems disturbingly realistic.

"The Omen" stars Gregory Peck and Lee Remick as Robert and Kathy Thorn, wealthy political figures who have everything they want... except a child. When Kathy unknowingly gives birth to a stillborn baby, Robert quickly adopts another child in place of the real child, which Kathy apparently never finds out about. Young Damien seems like the perfect child, but strange mortalities soon arise when Damien turns five. First, his nanny hangs herself at his 5th birthday. Next, a priest who tries to watn Peck about his son's birth mother is impaled by a lightning rod. These strange deaths attract the attention of a photographer, ably played by the grossly underrated David Warner. Together, Warner and Peck go looking for Damien's real mother. A new nanny, played with fervor by Billie Whitelaw, comes along, knowing who Damien really is. Remick's character soon suffers a miscarriage, and she and the photographer both meet an untimely end. Peck receives seven daggers from an aging archeologist named Bugenhagen. Peck then realizes his son's true identity, building up to a terrifying closing sequence.

Overall, "The Omen" is a horror masterpiece. The acting is superb, Richard Donner directs exceellently and Jerry Goldsmith's score is breathtakingly scary (I'm still haunted by the music played in the opening credits). Extras include a making - of documentary and trailers. ... Read more

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In the fourth and reportedly final film of the Lethal Weapon series, director Richard Donner reunites with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, who reprise their roles as Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh for one last hurrah in a film that is decidedly better than the third and first chapters. This time the pair are pitted against Jet Li, who plays the leader of a Chinese organized crime unit. Li, a veteran of hundreds of Hong Kong action films, more than holds his own against the more established team of Gibson, Glover, Renee Russo, and Joe Pesci with his subtle yet strong portrayal of the quietly irrepressible Wah Sing Ku. As always with the Lethal series, the plot is incredibly simple to follow: someone steals something, someone gets killed, and Murtaugh is reluctantly thrown into the mix while Riggs dives into the case with gleeful aplomb. As with the previous movies, we watch for the sheer action and chemistry alone. The action sequences throughout the fourth installment are exquisite, from the opening scene involving a flamethrower, a burning building, and a half-naked Murtaugh strutting like a chicken (don't ask, just watch), to the climactic showdown that pays genuine tribute to Jet Li's masterful martial art skills. As for chemistry, the bond between these characters is so strong by now that you sometimes feel like you're watching a TV series in its sixth season, such is the warm familiarity between the audience and the personalities on the screen. The humor is more fluid than ever, aided immeasurably by the casting of comedian Chris Rock, who like Li does a great job of making his presence known in some memorable verbal tirades that would bring a smile out of the Farrelly brothers. But it's the verbal and emotional jousting between Glover and Gibson that makes this fourth episode especially appealing; both are in peak form with great physical and verbal timing. One can only hope that if this is indeed the last of the Lethal films, that it won't be the last time we see Glover and Gibson together on screen. --Jeremy Storey ... Read more

Reviews (188)

Two hours wasted
Although I loved the first Lethal Weapon, #4 seemed to me to be nothing but two hours of force fed politically correct bull-oney. Sure, there was a lot of shooting, crashing and exploding -- but for no reason other than to have shooting, crashing and exploding. The action and comedy, unfortunately, were smothered by the political indoctrination. I'll pass on Lethal Weapon 5.

It's beautiful!!!
This has got to be one of THE funniest action packed movies that I've ever seen. The one-liners are non-stop, it's action packed, and it keeps you on your toes. An excellent movie. This is the only Lethal Weapon movie I've ever seen, and by far the best!!!!!! Lethal Weapon at it's best!!!!

Lousy Weapon 4
When are the boys of the LAPD going to realize it's time to hang it up?? This movie was 2 hours of complete stupidity and I think I'm dumber for sticking it out through the credits.

Not only are the storylines getting cornier, the acting is far and away the worst of the entire series. Don't get me wrong - I think the Lethal Weapon series was very entertaining, but they've performed the cardinal sin of movie making by going one sequel too many.

Good action, a lot of laughter!
Lethal Weapon 4 is a cool movie. All four parts are good. Jet Li brings all the action. This movie has a lot of laughs. All of the stars acted well in this movie. Love it!!

They are getting too old for this
I thought the plot was flat and Chris Rock's role was totally redundant. He didnt seem funny in the movie at all (this movie wasnt very funny)! The only thing different from the previous episodes was Jet Li's actions, which is quite amazing. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "Time Enough at Last" (Ep. 8, November 20, 1959) - A bookworm (Burgess Meredith) yearns for more time to read--then a nuclear holocaust leaves him alone in the world with lots of time, plenty to read, and one ironic twist! "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street" (Ep. 22, March 4, 1960) - Inexplicable events cause the residents of quiet Maple Street to erupt into rioting. The residents suspect an alien invasion has occurred. If so, where are the alien monsters? "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" (Ep. 123, October 11, 1963) - A salesman (William Shatner) recovering from a nervous breakdown spots a gremlin on the wing of his plane. When he attempts to alert the others, his nightmare truly begins! "The Odyssey of Flight 33" (Ep. 54, February 24, 1961) - Flight 33 picks up a peculiar tailwind and is blown off course. After apparently correcting the problem, the flight arrives at its destination--a billion years ahead of schedule! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

This is definitely the BEST volume in the DVD collection
No matter how many DVDs they put out with episodes of "The Twilight Zone," they cannot put out one with better episodes that Volume 2. "Time Enougth at Last" is THE quintessential Zone episode, adapted by Rod Serling from Lynn Venable's short story. Burgess Meredith, in what was surely his most recognizable role, plays Henry Bemis, a mild-mannered, myopic bank teller who only wants to read, but can never get away from this shrewish wife and demanding boss. But then Henry has the fortune of being in the bank vault reading a book when the world is destroyed by a nuclear war. Directed by John Brahm, no "Twilight Zone" episode ever backed a more unforgettable ending. "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street" finds neighbors turning on each other as unexplained events fuel their fear that human-looking aliens have infiltrated Maple Street (filed on MGM's "Andy Hardy" street). Claude Atkins and Jack Weston head a strong cast in this classic written by Rod Serling and directed by Ron Winston. "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" stars William Shatner as poor Bob Wilson, who has left a sanatorium only to take a plane flight where a gremlin keeps trying to sabotage the engine. Written by Richard Matheson, who wrote the original short story, "Nightmare" was directed by Richard Donner, who went on to be a film director of some note. "The Odyssey of Flight 33" is the only sub-classic episode on this disc. The story by Serling, directed by Justus Addiss, is of a plane that picks up a freak tail wind that sends it back in time. John Anderson as Captain Farver leads the excellent cast that makes this rather far-fetched idea utterly believable.

There's a man on the wing!
This is a superb compilation of some of the best Twilight Zone episodes ever made.

This DVD includes the following episodes: "Time Enough at Last", "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street", "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet", and "The Odyssey of Flight 33".

"Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" is my favorite episode. William Shatner is a passenger on an airplane who sees an alien on the plane's wing every time he looks out the window. However, he's the only one who sees the alien - every time he yells to the stewardess or other people, the alien disappears. Everytime he sees the alien, he yells "there's a man on the wing! " It is such a great episode - it made William Shatner the star he is today!

Also, be sure to look for Burgess Meredith in "Time Enough At Last" before he was known as "Mickey" from the Rocky movies.

My only complaint is that there are not more episodes on this disk. I don't understand why CBS didn't release the episodes on a season-by-season basis.

One of the Best Twilight Zone DVDs
This second volume of Collection One might be the best of the entire Collection. "Time Enough at Last" and "Oddyssey of Flight 33" features two excellent stories with amazing and unforgettable endings. Another classic is "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet," featuring William Shatner, who plays a man recovering from a nervous break down. His flight with his wife proves to be horrific. "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street" is a classic exploration into social psychology and mob mentality when a gang of residents on a quiet street are convinced that an alien invasion has occurred.

This second volume is well written with wonderful acting by Burgess Meredith and William Shatner. Highly recommended!

another great DVD
Vol 2 had even better episodes that Vol 1.

Time Enough At Last- Loved it! One of my favorite episodes actually. I felt very sorry for the guy. (*****)

Monsters are Due on Maple Street- Another great episode. Very surprising on who the monsters were. (****)

Terror at 20,000 feet- Uh, didn't care too much for this one. I got a little bored watching it actually. A lot of people seem to like this one though. (**)

The Odessy of Flight 33- another great and entertaining one. (***)

Your Next Stop is¿
Besides the TV Plays that you will buy this for, there are some DVD goodies (extras.):
Special "Inside the Twilight Zone" Section Written by Marc Scott Zicree
Biographical info on Rod Sterling
History of the Twilight Zone
Cast information
A season-by Season commentary
They claim to be digitally re-mastered yet there are still a few glitches and snow.
Episode 8 "Time Enough at Last" November 20, 1960

Henry Bemis (Burgess Meredith) has a healthy interest in reading; he is surrounded by people that underestimate its worth. He is conspired against by the bank president and even his wife. He works in a bank and spends his afternoons in the vault catching up on his reading. I will say no more as you and Mr. Bemis are about to enter the Twilight Zone.

Burgess Meredith will be found in several of the Twilight Zone episodes and again as the narrator of the 1983 Twilight Zone movie.

Episode 22 "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street" March 4, 1960

The typical neighbors, like Claude Atkins and Jack Weston, are out doing neighbor things like mowing their lawn. They stop to hear a weird sound and see a strange light. It is assumed to be a weird meteor. All of a sudden the power goes out and nothing works no phones, no cars, nothing. This is the last moment before the real monsters came out.

Episode 123 "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" October 11, 1963

Mr. Wilson (William Shatner) is a salesman that is recovering from a nervous breakdown he had in an airplane. He is on his way down in a propeller commuter plane. You know something is amiss with him as he realizes he is next to the emergency window, over the wing. Of course his psychiatrist, Dr. Martin, would not let him fly home unless he was well. In the middle of an electrical storm, he looks out the window and I will say no more as you are about to enter the darkest part of the Twilight Zone.

This episode will be included in the 1983 movie with John Lithgow playing Mr. Wilson.

Episode 54 "The Odyssey of Flight 33" February 24, 1961

An international Jet flight, Global 33, is heading for Idawiled airport. On the way they get a sensation of great speed and go through some unknown barrier. Captain Farver (John Anderson) looses all external electronic guidance. He goes down for a closer look. I will not say anything more as you have now entered the Twilight Zone.

I wonder if we have a current remake, would Global 33 lose global positioning. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

A Child's Storytelling Perspective
First of all, this is a story told from a child's perspective. Please also be aware of the audience the story is being told to...Mike's (Tom Hanks) own children. For them to get the point of the story, Mike tells it in a way that children will understand..."How the story is told." The story does not make light of child abuse (as many reviewers have pointed out), it presents it in the way the two brothers dealt with it at the time and their support system (each other and Shane the dog). This is a wonderful story of how the two brothers deal with life's harsher side and how their family (each other and their mother) and their dog meant the world to them. It also presents the brothers' compassion and hope through adversity and physical and emotional pain. A story about how all of us at times, no matter what age, have to make tough decisions. This is tough subject matter to convey in a childrens' story, but this movie accomplishes it in an effective heartfelt way. It does it while preserving, not destroying, hope. Watch this movie with a child's eye and check your adult cynicism at the door. If you find yourself trying to analyze every scene, you're missing the point.

a different view on the ending
I have read many reviews on Radio Flyer, most concerned with the ambiguity of the ending. I saw the movie for the first time a few weeks ago. After watching it, I decided that it had, in fact, been a good movie. It was able to depict many aspects of child abuse, emotionally and physcially, along with the unstableness of the family. However, this alone does not even scratch the surface of the movie's depth. Like I said, after watching the movie, I had decided that it was good. However, if Mike's brother Bobby had flown off and never returned, then where did the turtle in the end come from? The same turtle that they boys had found when they were little, and the same turtle that Bobby took with him on his flight. After this perplexing detail was brought to my attention, I realized that Mike (tom hanks) at the beginning of the movie had said "History is all in the mind of the teller; truth is in the teller". The story recounted by Mike being told to his children was his version of what actually happened to him, and him alone, as a child. After considering this, other facts seemed to make sense. Why had only Bobby been abused? Why hadn't Bobby's flyer ever seem to fail? and for that matter, why hadn't Bobby ever come back? Because Bobby had never existed. In an attempt to escape his own childhood dilemas and tragedies, Mike created an outlet to disguard all his pain. The new idea of this ending made the movie so much better than I had originally perceived it. I'd definitely recommend it, even if it's just to get your own view on the ending :).

deserves one word - WOW
This movie just completely blows me away. It even made my mom tear up. Elijah Wood and Joseph Mazello do an amazing job, and especially at such a young age. And to think that Elijah grew up to do more amazing films like the Lord of the Rings trilogy. But this movie really is superb. Wonderful yet sad story, and by the end it makes you want to call up one of those hotlines for physically abused children and help out. If I could, I'd give it 10 stars.

PLEASE PUT RADIO FLYER ON DVD!!!!!!!
I've been waiting years for Radio Flyer to be released on DVD!!!!! i know many others who want this great story on DVD too... this is a CLASSIC and greatly deserves to be preserved in the newest form of portable video!!!!!

Great movie, don't want my kids to see it
Hey its PG 13. Well everyone else gave away the end. Call me a idiot. I believed he flew away in the wagon. Why (...) would Tom Hanks spend 2 hours at the airport waiting for his brother to show up. Or maybe he was about to go to therapy as the other viewers suggest. The movie is great ... Read more

Description

Episodes: "Night of the Meek" (Ep. 47, December 23, 1960) - Christmas in the Twilight Zone. Art Carney is a forlorn department store Santa who takes to drinking--only to find himself experiencing the nicest Christmas ever! "The Invaders" (Ep. 51, January 27, 1961) - A flying saucer lands in the attic of an isolated house inhabited by an impoverished woman--who soon becomes panic-stricken as tiny spacemen begin to stalk her! "Nothing in the Dark" (Ep. 81, January 5, 1962) - An old woman has fought with death a thousand times and has always won. But now she finds herself afraid to let a wounded policeman (Robert Redford) in her door for fear he is Mr. Death. Is he? ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Superb performances from great actors in "The Twilight Zone"
Volume 1 of "The Twilight Zone" presents a trio of classic episodes where the performances by the actors are as memorable as the stories with their infamous Twilight Zone twists. "The Invaders" is a tour de force performance by Agnes Moorhead in an episode written by Richard Matheson. Moorhead plays a woman living alone in a farmhouse who finds that a miniature flying saucer has landed on her roof. The woman has to fight against the strange tiny invaders with their advanced technology. But then remember, this is the Twilight Zone. "Night of the Meek," written by Rod Serling, finds poor Henry Corwin (Art Carney), a department store Santa who shows up drunk on Christmas Eve and is fired. Wandering the streets, he discovers a magic bag that can dispense any gift he asks for. Definitely a seasonal message from Serling and directed by Jack Smight, with John Fielder and Burt Mustin in the cast. "Nothing in the Dark," written by George Clayton Johnson, offers Gladys Cooper as Wanda Dunn as an old woman who has barricaded herself in her basement apartment for years, fearing that Mr. Death with kill her with a touch. Wanda knows that Death can take many disguises. But despite her fears, when Harold Beldon, a young policeman is shot outside her door, she drags him inside. Of course, the fact Beldon is played by Robert Redford might have something to do with her letting her guard down. This DVD includes "Inside The Twilight Zone", with information on Rod Serling, a history of the series, reviews of each episode, cast information and a season-by-season commentary. Not a bad first disc, but there is much better to come. However, you will not find a better trio of performances than you find here with Moorhead, Carney and Cooper.

Santa, Twist Endings and more are Just the Beginning
Indelible episodes, NOTHING IN THE DARK and THE INVADERS have to be two of the most viewed stories from "The Twilight Zone." Gladys Cooper and Robert Redford give very credible performances in this story of 'Mister Death' knocking at the door penned by George Clayton Johnson. THE INVADERS is a classic episode in the true sense of "The Twilight Zone." Richard Matheson wrote a memorable story and Agnes Moorehead gave one of the greatest visual acting jobs of all time. Alfred Hitchcock would probably call this episode an example of 'pure cinema.' NIGHT OF THE MEEK is a great Christmas holiday episode. Art Carney plays a drunken department store Santa who comes across a magical Santa's sack that generates gifts for those that are needy. Filmed directly to videotape and written with great warmth by Rod Serling this is one of the best and loved episodes. This is a good cross-section of shows from this series.

Awsome series!
Wow, I just watched these episodes and I was impressed. Very entertaining. I'll do a review for each episode.

Night of the Meek- This is a great Christmas episode, even though it was october when I saw it. (***)

The Invaders- When I first saw this, it really creeped me out. I was even screaming! There was a wonderful twist at the end. (***)

Nothing in the Dark- This is another one that gave me the creeps. Death comes walking up to your door. Probably the best one on the disk. (****)

The first and best of Science Fiction Television
First collection of shows from the 1959 to 1964 TV anthology by Rod Serling, which showcases both great acting and outstanding writing done by both Serling and frequent writer contributors like Richard Matheson and Charles Beaumont. Show put acting and writing ahead of any fancy special effect shots or cheap creature make-up work done (which is so commen on certain shows and films shown on a cable network today that shall remain nameless). Great first edition for anyone who likes the best of what television can offer.

Enter the 5th dimension....
Besides the TV Plays that you will buy this for, there are some DVD goodies (extras.):
Special "Inside the Twilight Zone" Section Written by Marc Scott Zicree
Biographical info on Rod Sterling
History of the Twilight Zone
Cast information
A season-by Season commentary

They claim to be digitally re-mastered yet