Reviews (4)

Learning experience
About the series itself.. There is so much more to it than just some entertaining TV. It has a value for life. Everyones life..
The message it carries is huge..

Thank you for making this series!

THIS Collection its a MUST HAVE
Very interesting series, maybe the first series with a lesbian subtext in the modern US television history. Mark the first steps of the begining of a new-way-thinking world that opens today.

Just plain entertaining
For everything that's been written, please don't forget that the Xena series is plain good fun! A little campy, sometimes over the top, but always entertaining.

Now when will they all reunite for the feature-length movie???

10 Yrs Ago The Phenomenon Began...Six Glorious Seasons
Xena Warrior Princess first aired in 1995. It would enjoy a successful 6 seasons concluding in early 2001. The entire 6 seasons is soon to be available on a special DVD package starting March 8. Australian actress (and yes she did her own stunts) Lucy Lawless starred as the larger than life, heroic and complex character of Xena. It began when Xena met Hercules who changed her way of life. Formerly, Xena had been a brutal, ruthless terrorist seeking revenge on the men who had raided her village. Hercules enlightened her and converted her into the side of good. Xena sets off to right the wrongs of the world and to protect the weak, heroically saving the Ancient World from all forms of evil. Sidekick Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor) is a bubbly, poetic and sensitive romantic whom Xena takes on as her protege. Trainig with Xena, Gabrielle undergoes a great change from shy poetess to confident and powerful warrior. Xena herself goes through much change, increasingly becoming more and more of the noble hero/martyr. The show may be unsuitable for very young children say kids under 8. There is definate adult material- battle scenes, violence, war, physical fighting and even some nudity. I would have to say that it's rated PG-13 or even R. It's best viewed by very mature kids or by teens 13-18. It was never excessively violent and at heart, it was human drama and quite spiritual. Essentially, it was the life-changing adventures of Xena and Gabrielle, who roam the world- Egypt, China, India, ancient Sweden, in search of truth and redemption. Along the way, Xena fully embraces her feminine side and lighter side, becomes a mother, loses a son, deals with heroic and even divine figures (Greek gods Ares, a diabolical god Dahok and the Hindi god Krishna) and becomes the stuff of legend as she passes on to the world of spiritual purity.

My favorite episodes (warning..some spoilers)..are: Xena saves Joseph and Mary the parents of baby Jesus from evil King Herod, Xena safeguards the Ark of the Covenant with the help of the Prince of Thieves (played by Bruce Campbell, king of B movies), Xena becomes a mother and loses him, Gabrielle gets "impregnated" a la Rosemary's Baby with an evil demon child she calls Hope and later has to deal with destroying her despite fighting her maternal instincts, the Bitter Suite a very well written musical in which Xena and Gabrielle are fighting against each other due to the death of their two kids and later reconcile, the more lighter musical Lyre Lyre in which a song contest is held, Xena goes to China and is trained by a wise female spiritual guide, Xena and Gabrielle in India where they meet Krishna and the spiritual healer Eli, Xena and Gabrielle in ancient Norway/Sweden where they encounter figures of the Norse saga "Ring of the Nibelung", among them the Rhinemaidens and Valkyries, the "Paradise Lost" theme episode in which Xena and the archangel Michael battle demons in Hell, and the very moving finale episode which I will not give away. LOL...

The show was very successful and drew millions of fans. Xena Conventions are still held even to the day. It has been 10 yrs now since the premiere of the series. In the 90's, it was easy to point out Xena and Gabrielle as lesbians. The 90's was a time of being proud individuals and openly gay or lesbian, and it is true that many lesbians did enjoy the show, but I never felt that the show contained lesbian themes or even subtext. Xena and Gabrielle were simply very close, intimate friends, even soulmates, but it was clear that their characters were written to be heterosexual. Both Xena and Gabrielle were engaged/married to other men at one time in the show- Gabrielle to her hometown boyfriend Perticus and Xena was involved with the following men- an ex warlord, a black warrior named Marcus and even at one point the war god Ares. Was it so hard to believe that two beautiful women were really close friends ? Does anyone know what true friendship is ? Xena and Gabrielle would have given their own lives for each other. There was also the mentor/apprentice, or student/teacher relationship between them. Even at the end of the show, Xena who passes on the mantle of hero status to Gabrielle. This is a good show for both men and women who openly embrace strong female heroes. This show is especailly appropriate for the new 21st century. Xena and Gabrielle never hated all men, they hated the evil some men could do. They had allies in men and women and not all the women on the show were "good". Who can forget the nightmarishly evil and sinister Callisto (played by Hudson Leick). Other people on the show were Ted Raimi as the funny and clumsy Joxur The Mighty, Bruce Campbell as the Prince of Thieves.

... Read more

Amazon.com

One hopes that at the annual HBO characters Christmas party, Larry Sanders, Carrie Bradshaw, and Tony Soprano make a point to raise a toast to Martin Tupper, the hapless hero of Dream On.This groundbreaking 1990 sitcom from future Friends creators David Crane and Marta Kaufman ushered in a bold new era of original cable programming not bound by broadcast network content restrictions. Hence, the profanity and nudity (you didn't see that on Knott's Landing!), which distinguished the series and helped put HBO on the pop culture map. Brian Benben stars as Martin, a New York book editor still reeling from the breakup of his marriage. The show's gimmick is that baby boomer Martin, a member of the first television generation, flashes on vintage TV clips that express his innermost feelings and desires. When his wife, Judith (Wendie Malick), visits Martin in "The First Episode," he fantasizes reconciliation, but she wants him to sign the divorce papers so she can remarry. The scene is punctuated by clips (from an old Twilight Zone episode, perhaps?) in which boxer Lee Marvin is pummeled in the ring and knocked out. But the clips and the language and the sex would get old fast if we didn't like the characters. Benben has the Everyman charm of a young George Segal, and he wears his anxiety to hilarious effect. He is devoted to his young teenage son, and still loves Judith, who is marrying a paragon, never seen, but described at one point as a "Ghandi for our times." His dating relationships spectacularly crash and burn (cue clip of disabled aircraft). In one episode, he comes undone when he discovers his new lover was a porn star. At the office, he is at the mercy of his caustic secretary (Denny Dillon). Dream On is of more than prurient interest. This was one of those lightning-in-a-bottle series blessed with a fresh vision, a seamless ensemble, and smart writing. To finally have it on DVD is a Dream come true. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Why did it take so long to release this series?!!
Just buy this - buy it now. Somewhen in the early 90s this series appeared. Completely funny & totally original, this series of pure pure entertainment was the highlight of mine and a million friends week. I have crawled the internet and have never ever found a video, download or anything... until now, I live in anticipation of seeing this great series again.

The show was genius - Martin Tupper's (Brian Benben)thoughts were shown via clips of old b/w B movies. The supporting cast is excellent and they always had cameos from big stars like David Bowie.

How or why this series was forgotten until now is a mystery. Its a masterpiece, far superior to the dross that's around today.

It's About Time!!!
I'm very pleased to see that "Dream On" is finally making it to DVD! I used to love this show when I watched it first-run on HBO years ago. Brian Benben was PERFECT as the hapless Martin Tupper, divorced from his wife Judith and trying to raise his teenage son Jeremy while re-entering the dating scene in the 1990's. The show contained many clips of old black & white TV shows and movies where appropriate in the story, and they were hilarious! One of my favorite such moments was in the episode where Jeremy went to a makeout party and told both Martin and Judith he would be staying with the OTHER parent. They found out they had been duped when Judith phoned Martin and found out he had a woman with him. She chastised him for doing so because Jeremy was there, but Martin was quick to defend himself and inform Judith that Jeremy was with HER. She said, "No, he's..." and slowly a look of realization comes to both of their faces. Then, it immediately cuts to a B&W shot of two small boys saying to each other "We fell for it! Boy are we dumb!" Hilarious!

I hope that there are some special features present on this set, but even if there aren't it will still be worth owning. It's about time that this classic HBO Original Series gets the DVD treatment. Hats off to Universal! Now let's hope that another excellent but overlooked HBO Original, "Tales From the Crypt", gets the same treatment! Everyone please support this release so the rest of the seasons will be released as well! You will not be sorry! ... Read more

Reviews (65)

An Awsome Finale
This Director's cut of the contriversial series finale of Xena is amazingly emotional as well as action packed. Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor are at thier best as Xena and Gabrielle. A very poetic and symbolic ending to one of the greatest adventure stories ever. The Director's cut is so much better paced than the televised two part version. With audio commentary by Lucy and Renee as well as director Rob Tapert and a making of documentary make this a great addition to any Xena collection.

Buy only to see Renee's acting
I've watched the series since the beginning, have every episode on tape and the show will always remain one of my favorite series. However, FIN, even with the 30-minute extra footage is still bad, barely understandable, and full of holes. Why would anyone introduce ANOTHER storyline during a series finale is beyong reason. This story could have been told eariler during the season, and the final could have been focused on Gabrielle's attempt to bring her back (successfully or unsuccessfully). But to focus on Xena's past "crime" in Japa and her effort to redeem herself once again is silly.

Buy the DVD only to see the spectacular job that Renne O'Connor gives 110%. Gabrielle was totally believeable. Xena...that wasn't Xena. Maybe we can say it was all just a dream....

I thought the series finale was a fitting end to the series
I'm looking forward to seeing the directors cut since I did enjoy the series finale.I wish they had wrote season four and five with that intensity as they did for "When Fates Collide and Friend In Need I/II".I might have continued to watch the series but towards the middle of season four it seemed the writers had ran out of ideas and it seemed that every other episode the characters were breaking into song and dance or storylines made you scream at the television.....where's the plot?
This DVD Lucy,ROC and Tabert do a commentary during the showing of the finale,explaining what went where,why they did this instead of that.If you ever watched Mystery Theater it plays out the same way.You also have your other option of just watching without commentary.A few additional scenes that are added explain a little bit more.The behind the scenes is awesome and ROC actually climbed down that cliff to get to the urn!
Xena went out the same way she started on Hercules,as a Warrior!!!

Very sad but good!!
This story line is great and it ties into the Greece story line. Because Xena travels from Greece to her FINAL destination. It is the very last episode. The directors cut is better than the series final that was broadcasted on TV. I own both. It is sad to see her go. But it was time for the Xena series to end. I have been collecting a lot of Xena series. I have one more to go and I have them all. My honest opinion is that the last 2 series are some of the best written always keeping you on guard to what is to come next. Xena will always live on in the hearts of her fans.

Once again the day is saved...but gone forever...
I have never seen a better series berfore in my life. Although I have only seen it once, I feel as though I am connected. I am sure others would agree that if they have seen it once they would like to see it again and just capture the moments. When Xena died I felt a part of me go with her. I want to see her entire series all over again. I may not have brought a DVD or book yet but it seems i will soon. Gabrell and Xena belonged together forever but now Xena is gone. I watch Hercules every day now and hope that an episode with Xena will show. I LOVE YOU XENA!!! ... Read more

Description

Bacchus, the great God of Wine, had always been a kind and generous God, who reveled in love and happiness -- until something terribly evil happened that changed him.Now, Bacchus has spawned an army of fanged vixens -- the Bacchae -- who recruit young village girls and kill everybody else.

Join Xena, Gabrielle and Joxer to find out why Bacchus has gone mad. Together, you can stop him, and decide Xena's fate...before it's too late!

... Read more

Reviews (6)

Awesome DVD
I was highly impressed with this DVD. I wasn't expecting much from it, but I was blown away by the graphics and the outcomes of our choices. Although it isn't Lucy Lawless providing the voice of Xena, they picked a pretty good vocal double. The DVD is excellent, a must have for any Xena collector!

May Not Be What You Think
This is a pretty kewl DVD for what it is. I bought it knowing that there was a 3-D adventure on there, and it's good for what it is. However, I also thought that the actual episode "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" was also on it. The Actual episode is *NOT* on there as well. It is just the 3-D adventure. The animation of it is adequte and very reminiscent of the Xena game for Playstation if you've seen that. The computer animation isn't as good as the new Johnny Quest series on Cartoon Network . The voices are not the same as the episode (i.e. Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer, Bacchus, Orpheus) - they are not voiced by Lucy Lawless, Renee O'Connor, and Ted Raimi. However, the actors try to do as best as they can to at least imitate the spirit of the characters, though Gabrielle is sometimes played a little too young and melodramatic, but that's also some of the writing. Zeus and Hera narrating the story are hilarious. Hera is very reminiscent of Xena's disguise of "Ezra" in the 3rd season episode, "Vanishing Act." Nothing like Meg Foster as Hera in "God Fearing Child," but very funny in a Fran Drescher sort of way. Also, you can not fast forward this or skip to chapters or anything. If you want to try another choice, you have to start all the way at the beginning. Still, it's nice to see scenes that could have been in the episode and some great lines, like Bacchus referring to Joxer as the "stupid funny man," or all the times Xena and Gabrielle get to tell Joxer to shut up. Joxer fans, don't fear, he has some good lines of his own. The possibility of different endings is nice, and it definitely will require multiple viewings before you can experience all of the different choices. Also, ignore the picture of Xena and Callisto on the cover. Callisto is not in this - at least, I haven't found her in it. However, for a big Xena fan like me, it's pretty kewl to have, especially to impress fellow Xena fan friends.

Interative DVD
This an DVD is interactive 3D adventure. It does not star Lucy Lawless, it is a 3D animated adventure. However, it is still a MUST HAVE for Xena fans. Use your remote control of your DVD player to make choices as decide what Xena will do next. You decide what happens next, which weapon to use, and more. It is very cool. If you don't like making choices, just watch the movie and it will still play out. I believe it was adapted from one of the shows and several "multipaths" were added.

Also, another title coming out soon is Superman, Menace of Metallo. If you like this one, check it out too.

Very cool way to use your DVD player...

OH COOL! It's an INteractive GAME DVD!
Hi all! This is my second review, agreeing that I made a boo boo below. At first, I thought this was only the episode. As it turns out, it's the episode PLUS an added twist. You get to decide the fate of the story by selecting what moves our dynamic warrior women will do. Xena (Lucy Lawless) Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor). All right! A Xena game for a great price. Hope they do more like this. Yiyiyiya!

Xena - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - IS A DVD GAME -
Just to clarify, this DVD is a multi-path interactive adventure. Bacchus, the great God of Wine, had always been a kind and benevolent God who reveled in love and happiness--until something terribly evil happened that changed him. Bacchus has spawned an army of fanged vixens, the Bacchae. They are attacking and recruiting young village girls, and killing everybody else. You join Xena, Gabrielle and Joxer to find out why Bacchus has gone mad. Together you can stop him, before it's too late. Only you can decide Xena's possible fate. ... Read more

Amazon.com

High emotion and plenty of butt-kicking saturate this finale of one of the best action series of all time. Hardcore nutball Xena fans have doubtless already seen this episode and will want to revisit it, but casual viewers may want to get up to speed with the Xenaverse before watching (or else they'll miss out on a few seasons' worth of emotional resonance). In their final adventure, Xena (Lucy Lawless) and Gabrielle (Renée O'Connor) travel to the Land of the Rising Sun to clear up a bit of Xena's dark past and defeat both personal and tangible demons. Their quest, packed with action sequences, of course focuses on Xena and Gabrielle's evolving relationship. Producer and series co-creator Rob Tapert directs, giving the show some eye-popping moments and a quick homage to his Evil Dead movies. The weighty finality of the show means that it's missing some of the series' trademark sense of humor, but some fun still sneaks in around the edges. Lawless and O'Connor give excellent performances, and Joseph LoDuca's music, as it should, sends us off. Whether or not you agree with the way the series ends, you'll want to own this one. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (65)

An Awsome Finale
This Director's cut of the contriversial series finale of Xena is amazingly emotional as well as action packed. Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor are at thier best as Xena and Gabrielle. A very poetic and symbolic ending to one of the greatest adventure stories ever. The Director's cut is so much better paced than the televised two part version. With audio commentary by Lucy and Renee as well as director Rob Tapert and a making of documentary make this a great addition to any Xena collection.

Buy only to see Renee's acting
I've watched the series since the beginning, have every episode on tape and the show will always remain one of my favorite series. However, FIN, even with the 30-minute extra footage is still bad, barely understandable, and full of holes. Why would anyone introduce ANOTHER storyline during a series finale is beyong reason. This story could have been told eariler during the season, and the final could have been focused on Gabrielle's attempt to bring her back (successfully or unsuccessfully). But to focus on Xena's past "crime" in Japa and her effort to redeem herself once again is silly.

Buy the DVD only to see the spectacular job that Renne O'Connor gives 110%. Gabrielle was totally believeable. Xena...that wasn't Xena. Maybe we can say it was all just a dream....

I thought the series finale was a fitting end to the series
I'm looking forward to seeing the directors cut since I did enjoy the series finale.I wish they had wrote season four and five with that intensity as they did for "When Fates Collide and Friend In Need I/II".I might have continued to watch the series but towards the middle of season four it seemed the writers had ran out of ideas and it seemed that every other episode the characters were breaking into song and dance or storylines made you scream at the television.....where's the plot?
This DVD Lucy,ROC and Tabert do a commentary during the showing of the finale,explaining what went where,why they did this instead of that.If you ever watched Mystery Theater it plays out the same way.You also have your other option of just watching without commentary.A few additional scenes that are added explain a little bit more.The behind the scenes is awesome and ROC actually climbed down that cliff to get to the urn!
Xena went out the same way she started on Hercules,as a Warrior!!!

Very sad but good!!
This story line is great and it ties into the Greece story line. Because Xena travels from Greece to her FINAL destination. It is the very last episode. The directors cut is better than the series final that was broadcasted on TV. I own both. It is sad to see her go. But it was time for the Xena series to end. I have been collecting a lot of Xena series. I have one more to go and I have them all. My honest opinion is that the last 2 series are some of the best written always keeping you on guard to what is to come next. Xena will always live on in the hearts of her fans.

Once again the day is saved...but gone forever...
I have never seen a better series berfore in my life. Although I have only seen it once, I feel as though I am connected. I am sure others would agree that if they have seen it once they would like to see it again and just capture the moments. When Xena died I felt a part of me go with her. I want to see her entire series all over again. I may not have brought a DVD or book yet but it seems i will soon. Gabrell and Xena belonged together forever but now Xena is gone. I watch Hercules every day now and hope that an episode with Xena will show. I LOVE YOU XENA!!! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Another Great Interactive DVD
This dvd is similar to the "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" DVD that is an interactive adventure DVD, and is made by the same company. It's lots of fun, and worth the money. If you want the episodes, you should buy the season video sets.

Not an EPISODE!!!
I bought this thinking it would finally be an episode on dvd for Americans to buy. Wrong. It is just a animated game. (...)

Another Multipath adventure...
This is the second Xena Multipath adventure, FYI...It's not an actual episode. The description doesn't state that above but it really should. It is based on the episode of the same name and is an computer-animated adventure where at certain points along the course of the story, you decide the actions of a particlular character, resulting in one of several endings. However, most of it is not participatory - you're actually watching the computer-animated adventure most of the time, and it dies move along a bit slowly. This does *not* feature voices from the original Xena cast, which is most unfortunate - I did not like the voice for Gabby's character, and as a fan, I think you may find that these Multipaths leave a bit more to be desired. Try getting a used copy for [$$$] USD or so. Also, they are floating around the internet for a free play...you can also save the file on your computer for play anytime you wish. This DVD can be utilized in any DVD player.

can someone please tell me what the helicon this is ?
and whether as a xena fan I should buy it?

Does it contain any images, moving or otherwise of lucy lawless, for example ?

THIS IS A CARTOON NOT AN EPISODE
For all of us who are waiting for Xena dvds for region 1 (USA), this is not it.....it is merely some cartoon interactive video game. I am not reviewing it, because I am leaving it unopened, and returning it today....what a disappointment ... Read more

Reviews (24)

They don't make 'em like they used to
Although I'm a 25 year old Israeli woman, born after the Vietnam war was over, and halfway around the world, this series touched me in a way most dramas didn't. Perhaps it was Dana Delaney's excellent dramatic acting, or the music, or any of the wonderful features of the talented crew that made this beautiful series possible, but I get the feeling that although I like new drama series like ER or The West Wing, I feel that John Wells has learned well, but not enough. China Beach had a certain something that other drama series did not. I'm no expert, so I can't put my finger on it, but whatever it was, I haven't seen it since, and I suspect I'll never see it again.

DANA DELANEY IS CHINA BEACH ! ! ! ! ! !
This closest thing to a perfect show is my favorite series of all time. The actors were always excellent (w/the exception of Robert Picardo and Megan Gallagher....I don't know, but I just didn't like them very much). The show could not have been made w/out Dana Delaney. If it had it wouldn't be half as good. She is Colleen McMurphy...McMurphy is China Beach...Dana Delaney is the key. Her performance both comic and drmatic are so true to life. Her emotions of the war are so real it scares you into thinking that this is too real. She has such a wonderful gift. I hope we see more of her real soon.

WHY IS THIS SERIES NOT ON DVD?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? I find this a serieous omission. If anyone hears about it coming to DVD, please let me know by email! Thanks!

Have tried for years to find this on video
I, too, would buy every episode of this terrific series. I agree Dana Delaney was great, but, in my view, it was really an ensemble show. Marg Helgenberger as KC and Brian Wimmer as Boonie and Michael Boatman and Robert Picardo and Troy Evans and Concetta Tomei and absolutely everyone else were just terrific. Also, the production values were excellent. I remember sitting there watching and noticing how fabulous the lighting and cinematography were. I don't think any other television show has touched me as much as this one. Please, please bring this out on DVD!

Great Writing, Great Acting...Give Us This Series On DVD!!!
I was a slow starter on this series when it originally aired. ABC basically killed any chances of the series picking up steam in the ratings by allowing "China Beach" to be shifted from one time slot to another, making it harder to keep up with. What a shame, the story lines and rich characters were worthy of much better treatment than they received.

It wasn't until a couple of years after ABC pulled the plug that A&E aired the entire series several times. I was able to finally see all the episodes I missed and I was HOOKED!! I truly believe that "China Beach" represents some of the best writing and acting I have ever seen in a television program--a very worthy effort that was never truly appreciated by the network PTB.

This series received tons of critical acclaim and was nominated for and received several Emmys. To my knowledge, it was never released in a VHS format--but it begs to be considered for release on dvd. PLEASE give the fans of "China Beach" the chance to see this series in format worthy of the talent that it represents.

Excellent drama about Vietnam nurses, doctors, soldiers
This is the popular and much acclaimed "China Beach" TV series. Dana Delany has the role of her life playing Colleen McMurphy, a dedicated triage nurse in Vietnam. This is not a war action movie, but rather a drama about the lives of Vietnam soldiers and the nurses, Red Cross "Donut Dollies", and USO entertainers who are there for them. Dana Delaney is stunning in the role of McMurphy -- this alone would make this a classic. In addition, the deep respect and understanding shown for the Vietnam GI's sets this apart from most of the other Vietnam movies. This is a movie that people who weren't in Vietnam should watch to get a better appreciation for the men and women who served there. For those who were there, this movie is a token of respect and appreciation for your service. ... Read more