Description

THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW - THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON, is a comedy about a North Carolina widower named Andy Taylor who divides his time between raising his son, Opie (Ron Howard) and being sheriff of the small and virtually crime-free town of Mayberry.With next to no crimes to solve, Andy spends time philosophizing and trying to calm down his cousin, Deputy Barney, played by Don Knotts. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

I don't want to make a big mulage, or anything
this is a wonderful collection!Great quality--- love the "lost snippets" that we never see due to television chopping these up so painfully!My ONLY complaint is about the previews on Disc 1 -- First of all, why would ANYONE who loves TAGS want to see previews to McGyver and Charmed???? puuuuleeeeeeeease!Secondly, if they MUST put previews, WHY can't we at least fast-forward them?I think it was pretty low for the company to make the previews unable to be forwarded through-- low!

The Andy Griffith Show - The Complete Second Season
For those that complain, about the 7 minutes of advertising - obviously you all don't have the kind of DVD player I have, because I had no problem hitting the fast forward button a few times to 4th speed and I'm there. I'm watching all the wonderful episodes, while everyone else is complaining. My suggestions get some cheese with your wine!
Besides if you all think you can do a better job, by all means do it and stop complaining!

GREAT TV!!!!
What A Wonderful Set!!! The Added Sponser Spots By The Cast Are Very Funny!!! Lots Of Great Guest Stars, & Terrific Episodes!!! Bill Bixby, Barbara Eden & Alan Hale!!! As For The Paramount Ads....WHO CARES!!!!!!! Ten Minutes Of Ads To Get A Season Full Of Warmth, Heart & Humor Seems Like A Small Price To Pay!!! Keep The Seasons Coming!!!!!!!!!

I'm not "forced" and I love the DVD!!!!
I agree with David.I had little problem advancing passed the commercials, so I was not "forced" to watch any of them.Of course, Paramount could have been nice and left the commercials off, but their main concern is making money, and lots of it.The inconvience of spinning through the commercials (which takes me approximately 10 seconds) is nothing when compared to the rest of the DVD's content!This is easily the best situation comedy of all time and has never stopped being aired in the nearly 45 years since it first ran on CBS.This DVD will be highlighted in my DVD collection, just as season one is.I especially like the added "original sponsor spots",many of which I don't remember ever seeing before.Does anyone know if these "spots" ran during the first season of the show?If so, I hope they tag them on to the season three set along with the season three spots.

Commercialism Destroys The Enjoyment of Mayberry
Paramount Studios (owned by Viacom) has taken their commercialism to an all time low.The Andy Griffith Show has been one of my favorite, most relaxing shows for many years.I purchased the complete 2nd season, anticipating laughs and relaxation.But, hold on.Paramount forces the viewer to sit through at least 10 MINUTES of advertisements on disc one - you cannot fast forward through it - you cannot switch to the top menu.The viewer must endure 10 miserable minutes, watching advertisements for other DVD's (which many of us have no interest in).This was not done on the complete first season.I'm seriously considering the return of this DVD set - I do not like to be exploited / forced to endure 10 unending minutes of commercial trash.I don't even watch regular TV - to avoid commercials.What a shame.What a shame that such a materialistic, moronic company owns the rights to The Andy Griffith Show.This has taught me to avoid ALL Paramount DVD's in the future.Burn me once, shame on you - there will not be a second time.

Comments / complaints can be sent to:



Paramount Studios
5555 Melrose Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90038

323.956.5000

...Tom ... Read more

Reviews (123)

Not Bad...and leave Vincent alone!
Ok, so the dialogue isnt the greatest, the acting is a little stiff, and sometimes you can see the strings holding up Vincent and his Texan counterpart, but this is one of those movies that shouldnt be taken seriously anyway! Speaking of Vincent, quit picking on him! I thought he was cool, a lot less annoying of a kid's immick than Jar-Jar! (if maybe a tinge too philosophical...) Even into the new millenium I think most of the FX and set designs hold up very nicely to today's movies (the black hole itself and the meteor are still stunning). This is really more of a kid's sci-fi movie, and truthfully it made me feel like one again watching it! Mix together Lost In Space (for storyline and characters) , 2001 (for visuals) , and Star Wars (set/costume design) and you get the Black Hole. Also worth watching to see Norman Bates and Ernest Borgnyne as astronauts! Dont take this movie too seriously and you'll love it...trust me! DVD version picture was nice and crisp, sound was as good it probably was in its day, but a la cheap-o Disney, don't expect any worthwhile extras (like all their other dvd's). I think this movie was more enjoyable and better than the Phantom Menace...honestly!

My Guiltiest Of Pleasures
People would kill me if they read what I'm writing about "The Black Hole". However that's the way I feel about it. This movie was a flop at the box office and most critics weren't so gentle with it. But I really enjoyed this campy sci-fi flick from the Walt Disney Studios for many reasons:
1. I was overwhelmed by the teaser trailer (too bad it's not included on this DVD) where the green grid is moving all over the screen, ending with the Black Hole logo swifting and twisting in black. Awesome!!
2. The black and yellow logo in some of the posters, the one shown on the DVD case.
3. The U.S.S. Cygnus. WOW!!! What a beautiful ship.
4. The robots. Maximillian truly looks menacing. And V.I.N.CENT and Old B.O.B.; the cutest robots since "Star Wars"'s R2-D2.
5. The cast of outstanding performers: Maximilian Schell, Anthony Perkins, Robert Forster, Joseph Bottoms, Yvette Mimieux, Ernest Borgnine, and Roddy McDowell as the voice of V.I.N.CENT.
6. John Barry's majestic score.
7. The final scene, inside the black hole. Those images. Those visual effects. John Barry's music.

This movie might have had some flaws at describing a space version of "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea", but this is my most cherished guilty pleasure of all time.

A forgotten, gothic sci fi epic from the 1970s
OK let's get the bad things about the Black Hole out of the way first of all. Some of the dialogue is unbelievably naff. It has an overtly judgemental morality which runs throughout the film from start to finish. Very occasionally the SFX slip, and you see wires holding up robots etc. Some of the scenes are cloying, particularly involving the antics of the overly cute, heroic robots... Also the makers would have done better to remember what effect the vacuum of Space would have on people NOT wearing spacesuits...

Put all that aside though and you are left with a minor sci fi masterpiece. Atmospherically the film is an outright winner - it is just so gothic, from its' sets, robots, and cowled and hooded undead crew. It also boasts one of the very best musical scores by John Barry. Visually it is stunning, Space has seldom looked this good. The blue/black background of space with its' dense clusters of stars looks as good as it did on the day that it was released. Unlike Star Wars and its' visibly dated mattes, this film has more than withstood the test of time.
The film's visual pinnacle though is the giant space ship Cygnus.
A cross between Brighton Pier and The Eiffel Tower, this gothic behemoth is like no other. The scene where its' lights are switched on suddenly and unexpectedly, is one of awe and beauty.
The exploration of the ship, culminating in the arrival in the control tower is stunning. Ditto the firing up of the ship's Frankenstein Lab like reactors and huge engines for its' final journey to the Black Hole. Even in its' death throes, this huge vessel retains a sad dignity.
Acting honours go to Maximilian Schell as an intergalactic Captain Nemo. Ernest Borgnine, Anthony Perkins, Yvette Mimeux, and Robert Forster all provide very able support though.
The blood red robot Maximilian (I wonder how that name was arrived at...) is an inspired creation, and has a temperament to match its' colour scheme...

The dvd is great, picture and sound are both superb. Playing the film in 5.1 Dolby Digital on your home cinema is something else, especially when your memory of the film in the cinema is in mono. All sound channels are free of distortion and nicely separated. Both Surround channels in particular are superb.
Get this dvd if you can (it is due to be re released anyway) and add one of sci fi's most underrated films to your collection.

Worst Sci-Fi film ever!
How can anyone claim this film has any redeeming value? There are so many problems with it that it would be impossible to enumerate in less than a 1,000 words!

The ending is utterly unbelievable and contains Christian symbolism evoking the Dark Ages! Ewwwwww! I'm scared!!

Disney is about to release this film themselves in August, 2004. Two things: it should definitely be an anamorphic transfer in order to attain much better picture quality than this release and it should have the symbols of "hell" etc. edited out!

all right, let's get this straight:
Okay, people, let us please understand something. The Black Hole started production before Star Wars was released. It was not a Star Wars rip off or something that was rushed out to capitalize on the Lucas craze. It's a completely different film. It has lots of problems, obviously, but you know what? It's *still* better than the Star Wars films. I'll let you figure out why. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Fun from start to finish
Freaky Friday is a hilarious film. It is filled with funny, quotable dialogue. The script is great, and what makes it all come together are the performances by it's stars. Jodie Foster is very good and entertaining as Annabel. Barbara Harris as Mrs. Andrews is so wonderful she steals the show. Her transformation into her teenage daughter trying to be a wife and mother is a blast. Barbara Harris has a wacky, rebelliousness that comes though in her performance. It's perfect. Her scenes with Boris (Annabel's teenage crush who lives across the street) and her son Ben, are especially funny.

The young Sparky Marcus as little Ben Andrews is adorable. His scene of confiding in his "mother" about his true feelings for sister Annabel is very touching. Marc McClure as Boris Harris (who makes a cameo appearance in 2003's Freaky Friday as Boris making a delivery) is great in his role as the allergy-prone object of Annabel's affections. Another standout character is Mrs. Schmauss the cleaning lady. Her interactions with "Mrs. Andrews" are side splitting.

The title song, "I'd Like To Be You For A Day", is really beautiful and compliments the sentiment in the film. Freaky Friday is a feel good film with a message that is obvious, but also has a subtle message throughout that reminds us not to take life too seriously. It seems to say "Enjoy the people you love, appreciate their individuality and struggles, and most of all, allow yourself to have fun on this crazy journey."

Original 1977 FREAKY FRIDAY Is The Best!
For a guy who likes Ingmar Bergman and other indy, artsy films, I guess it seems weird that I bought the DVD of the original FREAKY FRIDAY the minute it hit amazon. But, this film was made in the good old days of Disney, before they lost focus of their business and started behaving like most other monster corporations. This story has had at least 3 lives: the 2003 version (enjoyable), the 90's TV version (I never saw that one), and the one at hand. The original 1977 release gives us the unique pleasure of seeing two wonderful performers, Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster, going through their paces in this mother-daughter-switch tale. Barbara Harris is one of the great performers who never quite made the level of fame she deserved. Whether in her Broadway turns in ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER and THE APPLE TREE, to several good films, she had an amazing ability to be vulnerable in one moment and seamlessly turn into a glamourous, gutsy bombshell in the next. And her voice! This film and, perhaps, Hitchcock's FAMILY PLOT are nice samplings of her skill. Add in the very young Jodie Foster and you can't lose. (The DVD has a nice on-screen commentary by Foster, which proves how spontaneously articulate she is. Too bad they didn't get Harris to discuss her part.) As an added benefit, the screenplay is by source book author, Mary Rodgers (Richard Rodgers' daughter and author-composer in her own right). For those who like THE GILMORE GIRLS, which is a tremendous and enjoyable example of an almost-impossibly-idealistic relationship between a mother and her daughter, this film will be a nice reality check. Here the mother and daughter can't relate to each other at all until they go through the fiery baptism of spending a day in each other's body. Ultimately, this film provides us with 90-plus minutes of enjoyment and humor in the hands of the very talented cast.

Extremly Funny!!!!!!!!
I like this one MUCH better than the remake! Although the remake was still good. It is MUCH closer to the book. It was also more funny and I thought that Jodie Foster did an excellent job as Annabel! MUCH better than Lindsey Lohan. I also thought that Barbara Harris did a great job as Ellen. The Remake is not close to the book at all. After you see the orginal one, you'll probaly think that the remake isn't as good!

The best nothing beats a classic!
I grew up with this movie. I think I saw it for the first time on the wonderful world of Disney. Either that or Mom got it for me at the library & even she likes it.
Jodi foster is both brilliant & lovable! She's believable and as the child her issues where at least believable & somebody I could sypathise with. As an adult in a childs body well hillarious! By the way Ben or Ape Face really showed talent. What happened to that kid? He was cute & delivered a preformance of giant perportion that added dynamic to both mother and daughter. Plus that ball game scene & his love & envy of his big sister. The kid had a real talent for delivering dialog, yet also proved though he first apears a little geek that he had a real little boys spirit.
The jokes where clean & in good taste. Yet timeless & funny. Nothing beats a great chase scene & that car chase was both exciting and funny.
I seached long & hard for a copy of the vhs but it'd been vaulted. just when I bought it used My VCR broke & I got a DVD player for my birthday. A week later the DVD came out. Purchase of that DVD is one of the first things I'll do with my next paycheck. It will be money well spent on a classic disney movie I could watch again & again.

Thank you, Disney
At last, Disney DVD presents a fine, widescreen print of one of its '70's classics with an accompanying twenty-minute recollection by Jodie Foster of her formative years on the Disney lot. Although this DVD of the original "Freaky Friday" is not a special edition, it is exactly the kind of product we Disney fans and DVD purists have been begging for. Hopefully, good sales will lead to new widescreen releases of previously botched fullscreen DVDs of "Follow Me, Boys," "Son of Flubber," "The Gnome Mobile" and "Blackbeard's Ghost," among others.

One of the first of the popular body-switching genre, 1977's "Freaky Friday" is a fast-paced, perceptive comedy about a typical mother-and-daughter relationship and how the two react when they literally switch personalities for a day, with Foster's Annabel trapped in her mother's body, and Barbara Harris' Ellen going to junior high as Annabel. The complications are obvious but nonetheless funny and engaging, with Harris proving herself a skilled physical comedienne while skateboarding, playing baseball, and suffering through numerous pratfalls and humiliations. My only problem with Harris' performance is she seems to be playing Annabel too young--perhaps as a nine-year-old instead of a bright thirteen-year-old, so she's never entirely believable in the role. (Jamie Lee Curtis, on the other hand, nails the teenager-in-a-grownup-body role in the remake.) Foster, on the other hand, is just about perfect in her characterization of daughter/mother Annabel. Even in 1977 it was easy to see this phenomenal young talent was destined for great things as an actress. Indeed, "Freaky Friday" was part of an incredible string of top-notch performances Foster gave from 1973-1977 ("Tom Sawyer," "Echoes of a Summer," "Bugsy Malone," "Taxi Driver," "The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane" and "Candleshoe") that turned her into one of the finest (if not THE finest) child actresses of all time.

Rounding out the cast is a fine group of veteran actors: John Astin as Bill Andrews, Annabel's confused father; Patsy Kelly as the family's grumpy and unlikeable housekeeper; Dick Van Patten as Bill's boss; and Ruth Buzzi, in a funny cameo as a field hockey coach (her strategy: "Get Annabel Andrews and get her good!") Gary Nelson's direction is crisp, and the script by novelist Mary Rodgers perceptive for the time, although she was forced to change the plot somewhat to include that tired Disney '70's staple: a protracted slapstick car chase involving Ellen/Annabel outracing several police cars without facing any consequences whatsoever. Like most Disney films of the era, the production values are stellar and the film is colorful and reminiscent of a live-action cartoon. Even the opening cartoon-credit sequence is engaging.

Yes, there are some creepy sexual subtexts here (which Foster amusingly comments on in the documentary) involving Bill and neighbor-teen Boris (Marc McClure) both coming onto Ellen/Annabel, but they will go right over younger kids' heads and older kids will be as amused by it as their parents. Regardless, this is perfect family entertainment and will make a fine double-feature with the 2003 remake, which is equally good with its own merits. (I prefer Jamie Lee Curtis over Harris, and Foster over Lohan and think the remake is more successful in dealing with the sexual subtexts; i.e., the makers wisely scuttle the father's role and make Curtis a widow with a fiance played by Mark Harmon, which was the smartest of many changes made in the plot.)

So, once again, thank you, Disney, for a fine DVD of one of your best '70's films. Please, please, please follow this one up with more widescreen releases. ... Read more

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Despite the critical drubbing and box-office failure of King Solomon's Mines (1985), Cannon Films released this sequel two years later, again featuring Richard Chamberlain as adventurer Allan Quatermain and a pre-Basic Instinct Sharon Stone; the result is marginally better than its predecessor, and may please "bad film" fans. This time around, Quatermain is seeking his brother (Martin Rabbett), who has disappeared while on an expedition to locate a legendary white tribe in Africa. Quatermain's search leads him to the title city, which is controlled by evil Henry Silva (overacting with relish). Director Gary Nelson and returning writer Gene Quintano achieve a few more half-hearted laughs here than in its predecessor, and the cast, which includes James Earl Jones and Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson, do their best with the material, but this can't hold a candle to the 1937 and 1950 film versions of King Solomon's Mines. --Paul Gaita ... Read more

Reviews (11)

a nearly pointless sequel
despite what a lot of people may think about the 1985 version of "king solomon's mines" starring richard chamberlain and sharon stone, i thought it was a very good, and entertaining movie. definitely one deserving of a sequel.

but folks, let's face it, this is certainly no "indiana jones and the temple of doom". "Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold" (and i apologize for listing it as "allan QUARTERMAIN and the lost city of gold" in my review of "king solomon's mines")is an almost pointless sequel that does not do justice to its predecessor. yes, it does have its good moments but they are few and far between. the musical score is once again incredible, but not enough to carry the weight of the entire film.

if you are ever able to find a copy of this film, do not purchase it. i wouldn't even suggest renting it. you might sit through it once, though, if it comes on HBO, cinemax, or showtime, but those would be the only channels i would recommend watching it on. any other network would have to stretch the already ridiculous hour and forty minute film out to an absurd two and a half hours. certainly too much time to spend watching a piece of cinematic rubbish like this.

More comic book fun
If you don't like humorous action adventures or comic oriented films then you will most likely hate this film. If you can have fun watching a "fun" film then this is an addition to you. It is more of the same from the original "King Solomon's Mines" with Sharon and Richard. Its a fun film in the vein of Indiana Jones and the bond films. It unfortunately was always deemed an Indiana knock off when it is based on novels written in the 1800s. The films are fun from days long lost and gone forever! No sex, pg violence and fun.....

my sides really hurt now
I rented this one with it's prequel King Solomon's Mines, but I watched them from the floor since they had me rolling with laughter! WOW!!

very funny
This DVD is worth picking up for the first half which is a riot! The entire journey to the Lost City is the best part and incredibly amusing and it's just one crazy thing after another! Very very funny!

LAUGH YOUR [...]OFF!
KING SOLOMON'S MINES AND ALAN QUATERMAIN ARE JUST TOO MUCH FUN TO WATCH BACK TO BACK!! THANK GOD THEY ARE ON DVD! I'M IN B-MOVIE HEAVEN! BLESS YOU CHAMBERLAIN! SHARON STONE IS "GREAT" IN IT TOO! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Unexpected pleasure
This is a well done made-for-tv movie from the early 80's. The movie is faithful to the source material, namely a book of the same name. Th story is a true tale of a man who was the king of a county in rural Georgia in the latee 1940's. The trial aspect of the film raises the question of whether a man can be tried for capital murder without a body. True, this is not bizarre in today's world but it was 50 years ago.

The performances of both Andy Griffith and Johnny Cash are fun to watch. Andy Griffith plays against form as the amoral and ruthless John Wallace. No Andy Taylor and Opie here. Johnny Cash puts in a fine performance as Sheriff Lamar Potts, the hero of the story. Look for Earl Hindman, Wilson of "Home Improvement", to step out from behind the fence.

Murder in Coweta County
This is an excellent movie. Both Andy Griffin and Johnny Cash are excellent actors in this movie. I think this is one of the best I have seen Andy act in with the exception of the Andy Griffin Shows. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Barney Is Back
This is a great Set of 8 of the best Andy Griffith Show featuring the unforgettable Barney Fife.

The only down fall is that they don't include the origional theme song.

At Least it Has Barney
Call me a crybaby, but I couldn't get over the fact that the music is not the original music. I had to fast forward each intro due to the horrible tune. Yuck! At least the shows feature Barney.

One thing to look out for is that many if these DVDs have the same episodes, just recycled into different packaging. I found this out after I bought "The Best of the Andy Griffith Show" and "The Best of Barney" in an Amazon package deal. Those 16 episodes are the same as the 16 on "The Best of the Andy Griffith Show 16 Episodes". Oh well. (The later DVD set is much better.)

Horrible DVD
Please do not waste your time buying this DVD! Half of the feature would not work, the episode would skip and the theme song is some cheap knock-off. I was very disappointed with the whole DVD. I wish someone would come out with the Andy show in seasons like any other respectable show. Please give this show some dignity and respect.

The Almost Best of Barney
This DVD has a few bonus features but once you do it once it gets boring I hope this review was helpful to you. NNOOOOOTTTT

The best televison show ever made!!!!!!!!
This DVD is one of the best quality Andy Griffith collection out there. I have seen a few other DVDs that the picture and sound quality is so poor its hard to enjoy. The quality here is great considering how old AG Show is. Plus if your a Barney Fife fan like me, you'll enjoy every one of the episodes. This DVD takes you back to the simple life in Mayberry NC, and is one the whole family will watch over and over again. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

oh, tootsie don't cry
This is a great find. it has five episodes, The loaded goat, the great filling station robbery, Andy Discovers America, Aunt Bee's Medicine Man, and The Darlings are coming. Five great episodes, a couple do not have the origional music, but show from begining to end. I know some of the others cut out the intro and outro, these are fully intact. Higly Recomended!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Andy and Barney at their funniest!
From the fall of 1960 when the Andy Griffith Show premiered to spring 1965 when Don Knotts left the series,Mayberry sheriff Andy Taylor(Griffith) and deputy Barney Fife(Knotts) were in constant partnership when at the police station in Mayberry. This package contains the first humorous police work on screen,big or small. Later there would be humorous police work on "Barney Miller" and the "Police Academy" movies. Giving Griffith and Knotts moral support are Ronny Howard as Andy's son Opie and the late Frances Bavier as Andy's aunt Bee. Howard later would star as Richie Cunningham on "Happy Days" and become one of Hollywood's best-loved movie directors. Griffith would star on "Matlock" and Knotts would join the "Three's Company" cast as landlord Ralph Furley. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Wait...DO NOT buy this DVD
Dismal picture quality (it looks like it was literally recorded off the air by somebody using a consumer DVD recorder). WAIT until somebody decides to release quality sets. I am sure the original masters exist; they are valuable enough that at some point the whole series will be released. MONEY and greed talk. In the meantime, just tape or DVD record your OWN episodes off TV for free...you'll get better quality.

Antenna quality- Can anyone do any better????? PLEASE
This particular DVD set is NOT of very good quality. But being a true TAGS fan, I'll take what I can get. I still LOVE watching the hilarious comedy while overlooking the poor picture and sound. It's true what they say "You get what you pay for", this set's quality matches the price. For now, this is about the best you can get, if you are willing to overlook the quality. Just pretend it's 1963. It's about the same quality sound and picture as back then, if you had good antenna reception.
But can anyone do any better? PLEASE
Some years ago a company put out the Andy Griffith Show on VHS, four episodes per tape. (Great Quality)
It's time for them to do the same on DVD. PLEASE?
I speak for all TRUE TAGS Fans, when I say, We WILL buy it.

Don't be fooled!
Ok, I am one of the biggest fans of the Andy Griffith show. And I'm even more of a fan of Don Knotts. BUT, this DVD is worthless for one reason - its video quality is worse than broadcast television (I'm not kidding). I bought this at a local store that won't take returns on opened DVD's, so I lost out. What a waste of money. Don't buy it!

If you want a great Don Knotts movie on DVD, buy "The Shakiest Gun in the West". Its absolutely perfect in every way! (as far as Don Knotts movies go)

Don't even have to buy it to know
You only have to read two reviews to know what this is--a piece of garbage.

It is truly a shame that whoever owns these shows doesn't clean up THE ORIGINALS & release them as per-season box sets. Other shows of this era are being released--Why not this one?! Are they so mired in legal matters that it can't be done? I've often wondered.

Can you begin to imagine how many they could sell? You just know that at least a million customers would go out & buy all 5 of the B&W seasons. That's $125 (5 box sets) x 1,000,000 = 125-million bucks at least. 'Not enough return I suppose.

Best DVD available for this show!
I grew up just after the shows original run ended and watched this show frequently in syndication. It is a great show that blends comedy, drama and moral lessons. In recent years I have tried to tape the entire 8 year show off of tv and have found that usually several minutes of the show are cut out to make room for more commercials. This really ticks me off!! When a show like TAGS is already made to fit commercials in why do tv and cable stations feel the need to remove 3 to 5 minutes of the show to fit in additonal commericals?

Anyway, I've looked forward to TAGS on DVD and recently my wife purchased this 16 episode 2 DVD package for me. My version does not have the original theme song during the opening and ending credits but rather some poorly done replacement tune. This is a real downer as I, like everyone else, enjoy the original theme song. It helps set the mood for TAGS. However, the shows themselves are fine and the picture quality good. It also has the complete shows.

My version of this DVD has some retro commercials in between some of the episodes. It also has some old cartoons such as POPEYE between the episodes. I rather enjoy these old commercials and cartoons. It reminds me of my childhood when I would watch TAGS in the afternoon in syndication followed by the afternoon cartoons.

So while I eagerly await a boxed set of season by season episodes of TAGS along with the original theme this DVD will tide me over. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Molly and Lawless John
It's a good old "B" western with Sam Elliot as the bad guy.

Very good for all Sam Elliot fans and Good for all cowboy movie fans.

Bad Language
I like Sam Elliott movies very much. This one was BAD!!! A lot of Bad Language. Every couple of words. It should be rated R. I think instead of PG.

A WESTERN FROM THE GENRE'S TWILIGHT YEARS
Had this movie been made a dozen years earlier, it might have found an audience. By 1973, however, the Hollywood western was riding into the sunset and the studio hardly bothered even releasing this admittedly-minor production.

Vera Miles plays the shy, quiet wife of a blustery frontier lawman who clearly doesn't appreciate her. On impulse, she helps a handsome, sweet-talking young prisoner escape from her husband's jail. The bulk of the movie then follows this mismatched pair as they flee across a desert landscape.

The dialog between the runaway wife and the outlaw isn't sharp enough or observant enough to lift the proceedings above the ordinary, but the femininist tone of the script is a pleasant surprise and Vera Miles makes for an appealing heroine.

Sam Elliott, virtually unknown at the time, plays the escaping prisoner. His screen personae hadn't yet developed and so his character never quite comes into focus. At times the movie simply uses him for "beefcake" value and he has several scenes in which he gets to show off that gloriously-hairy chest.

While not a notable contribution to the genre, "Molly and Lawless John" at least brought no shame to the once-proud American western. ... Read more

Reviews (123)

Excellent Score, great SFX
Okay, so the acting is a little cheesy but the visuals are stunning and MY GOD does Disney need to release this soundtrack! The music is awesome.

I love sci-fi, but I don't love this film
Not to say I hate it either, but I've seen better sci-fi. I first saw this when I was eight years old, and even then, nineteen years ago, it didn't make much sense. Besides, since when are black holes BLUE!? Science is completely ignored, and the ending doesn't make much sense. Exactly where are the crew of the Palomino headed off to at the end of the film? Even though this black hole is blue, why does it suddenly turn red when the Cygnus is right near it? Great visual effects though, but movies such as "War of the Worlds" are a much better find.

One of the best Sci Fi movies made
I saw this movie when I was in 1st grade, and continusly rented it until the video store closed down which was when I was in 3rd grade. I bought a used VHS copy of it when I was in 10th grade.

AT LONG LAST!! THE BLACK HOLE - IN WIDESCREEN
I got the liied edition vhs of this movie the first dayui was released and watched it as soon as I got home.

WOW!!!!!The transfer was crystal clear (As an earlyier reviewer said, too clear in some places(Visable matte lines where the matte connects the physical set, Robots wires visiable). The special effects never looked better and the sound is also very clear for a 70's movie.

To all those who say that this is a bad movie, you obviously were never kids. The Black Hole appeals to kids, but it alsoappeals to those who like not-overly-complicated Sci-fi. Yeah, the acting and dialoge arn't great, but that didn't stop you yups from liking Armageddon or Independence Day or Godzilla.

This is a great movie, with an ending really out-of-character for Disney. I recommend the immeadit purchase of this movie.

Cool flick despite Disney-cutsey pollution
This is one of the best science fiction movies ever. Too bad somebody got hold of the script and wrote in two cheesy robots, VINCENT and BOB. They are like floating tin cans with the generic over-sized "Disney Eyes" their animation people love to put on their characters. Well, the decision backfired. But the rest of the movie comes through, however. Just go to the kitchen and get a beer whenever the robots get the limelight. ... Read more

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Disney's foray into big-budget science fiction, close on theheels of Star Wars, had some of the most impressive special effects to gracetheater screens in the 1970s. Graced by handsome production design--mostnotably a glass and latticework interstellar craft that looks like a battleship crossed with a modern skyscraper--The Black Hole is in many waysthe most beautiful science fiction film of its era. Unfortunately, the graceful and gorgeous picture is jarred by dialogue that wouldn't pass muster in a comic book and a silly conclusion that plays like a murky,dime-store knockoff of 2001. Too bad, because the visualrealization of the film is a veritable haunted house of futuristic phenomena, from the cloaked zombie-like drones shuffling through corridors to the devilish, crimson robot Maximillian, the strong arm of the mad scientist playedby Maximilian Schell (a kind of wild man Captain Nemo with an even more ruthless temperament). Only the way-too-cute robot V.I.N.CENT (voicedby Roddy McDowall), a merchandising gimmick that looks like a Fisher-Price toy,mars the technological landscape.Robert Forster is the quietlyauthoritative captain of an exploration ship that stumbles across the seeminglyderelict ship, and Anthony Perkins, Yvette Mimieux, Ernest Borgnine, and Joseph Bottoms fill out his crew. This is one case of a triumph of artdirection and special effects over story--it's worth sitting through it to seethe magnificent scene of the fireball rolling through the ship's enormoushull alone. The rest is just atmospheric gravy. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (123)

Not Bad...and leave Vincent alone!
Ok, so the dialogue isnt the greatest, the acting is a little stiff, and sometimes you can see the strings holding up Vincent and his Texan counterpart, but this is one of those movies that shouldnt be taken seriously anyway! Speaking of Vincent, quit picking on him! I thought he was cool, a lot less annoying of a kid's immick than Jar-Jar! (if maybe a tinge too philosophical...) Even into the new millenium I think most of the FX and set designs hold up very nicely to today's movies (the black hole itself and the meteor are still stunning). This is really more of a kid's sci-fi movie, and truthfully it made me feel like one again watching it! Mix together Lost In Space (for storyline and characters) , 2001 (for visuals) , and Star Wars (set/costume design) and you get the Black Hole. Also worth watching to see Norman Bates and Ernest Borgnyne as astronauts! Dont take this movie too seriously and you'll love it...trust me! DVD version picture was nice and crisp, sound was as good it probably was in its day, but a la cheap-o Disney, don't expect any worthwhile extras (like all their other dvd's). I think this movie was more enjoyable and better than the Phantom Menace...honestly!

My Guiltiest Of Pleasures
People would kill me if they read what I'm writing about "The Black Hole". However that's the way I feel about it. This movie was a flop at the box office and most critics weren't so gentle with it. But I really enjoyed this campy sci-fi flick from the Walt Disney Studios for many reasons:
1. I was overwhelmed by the teaser trailer (too bad it's not included on this DVD) where the green grid is moving all over the screen, ending with the Black Hole logo swifting and twisting in black. Awesome!!
2. The black and yellow logo in some of the posters, the one shown on the DVD case.
3. The U.S.S. Cygnus. WOW!!! What a beautiful ship.
4. The robots. Maximillian truly looks menacing. And V.I.N.CENT and Old B.O.B.; the cutest robots since "Star Wars"'s R2-D2.
5. The cast of outstanding performers: Maximilian Schell, Anthony Perkins, Robert Forster, Joseph Bottoms, Yvette Mimieux, Ernest Borgnine, and Roddy McDowell as the voice of V.I.N.CENT.
6. John Barry's majestic score.
7. The final scene, inside the black hole. Those images. Those visual effects. John Barry's music.

This movie might have had some flaws at describing a space version of "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea", but this is my most cherished guilty pleasure of all time.

A forgotten, gothic sci fi epic from the 1970s
OK let's get the bad things about the Black Hole out of the way first of all. Some of the dialogue is unbelievably naff. It has an overtly judgemental morality which runs throughout the film from start to finish. Very occasionally the SFX slip, and you see wires holding up robots etc. Some of the scenes are cloying, particularly involving the antics of the overly cute, heroic robots... Also the makers would have done better to remember what effect the vacuum of Space would have on people NOT wearing spacesuits...

Put all that aside though and you are left with a minor sci fi masterpiece. Atmospherically the film is an outright winner - it is just so gothic, from its' sets, robots, and cowled and hooded undead crew. It also boasts one of the very best musical scores by John Barry. Visually it is stunning, Space has seldom looked this good. The blue/black background of space with its' dense clusters of stars looks as good as it did on the day that it was released. Unlike Star Wars and its' visibly dated mattes, this film has more than withstood the test of time.
The film's visual pinnacle though is the giant space ship Cygnus.
A cross between Brighton Pier and The Eiffel Tower, this gothic behemoth is like no other. The scene where its' lights are switched on suddenly and unexpectedly, is one of awe and beauty.
The exploration of the ship, culminating in the arrival in the control tower is stunning. Ditto the firing up of the ship's Frankenstein Lab like reactors and huge engines for its' final journey to the Black Hole. Even in its' death throes, this huge vessel retains a sad dignity.
Acting honours go to Maximilian Schell as an intergalactic Captain Nemo. Ernest Borgnine, Anthony Perkins, Yvette Mimeux, and Robert Forster all provide very able support though.
The blood red robot Maximilian (I wonder how that name was arrived at...) is an inspired creation, and has a temperament to match its' colour scheme...

The dvd is great, picture and sound are both superb. Playing the film in 5.1 Dolby Digital on your home cinema is something else, especially when your memory of the film in the cinema is in mono. All sound channels are free of distortion and nicely separated. Both Surround channels in particular are superb.
Get this dvd if you can (it is due to be re released anyway) and add one of sci fi's most underrated films to your collection.

Worst Sci-Fi film ever!
How can anyone claim this film has any redeeming value? There are so many problems with it that it would be impossible to enumerate in less than a 1,000 words!

The ending is utterly unbelievable and contains Christian symbolism evoking the Dark Ages! Ewwwwww! I'm scared!!

Disney is about to release this film themselves in August, 2004. Two things: it should definitely be an anamorphic transfer in order to attain much better picture quality than this release and it should have the symbols of "hell" etc. edited out!

all right, let's get this straight:
Okay, people, let us please understand something. The Black Hole started production before Star Wars was released. It was not a Star Wars rip off or something that was rushed out to capitalize on the Lucas craze. It's a completely different film. It has lots of problems, obviously, but you know what? It's *still* better than the Star Wars films. I'll let you figure out why. ... Read more

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Barney's First Car; The Darlings are Coming; Dogs, Dogs, Dogs; The Great Filling Station Robbery ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I Laughed Out Loud
The four episodes on this DVD were great. Sitting alone in a hotel room watching this DVD on my computer I found myself laughing out loud. Really enjoyed it. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Molly and Lawless John
It's a good old "B" western with Sam Elliot as the bad guy.

Very good for all Sam Elliot fans and Good for all cowboy movie fans.

Bad Language
I like Sam Elliott movies very much. This one was BAD!!! A lot of Bad Language. Every couple of words. It should be rated R. I think instead of PG.

A WESTERN FROM THE GENRE'S TWILIGHT YEARS
Had this movie been made a dozen years earlier, it might have found an audience. By 1973, however, the Hollywood western was riding into the sunset and the studio hardly bothered even releasing this admittedly-minor production.

Vera Miles plays the shy, quiet wife of a blustery frontier lawman who clearly doesn't appreciate her. On impulse, she helps a handsome, sweet-talking young prisoner escape from her husband's jail. The bulk of the movie then follows this mismatched pair as they flee across a desert landscape.

The dialog between the runaway wife and the outlaw isn't sharp enough or observant enough to lift the proceedings above the ordinary, but the femininist tone of the script is a pleasant surprise and Vera Miles makes for an appealing heroine.

Sam Elliott, virtually unknown at the time, plays the escaping prisoner. His screen personae hadn't yet developed and so his character never quite comes into focus. At times the movie simply uses him for "beefcake" value and he has several scenes in which he gets to show off that gloriously-hairy chest.

While not a notable contribution to the genre, "Molly and Lawless John" at least brought no shame to the once-proud American western. ... Read more