Reviews (39)

Arnie leads the way of the best cult-movie of all time...
Step aside "Rocky Horror", "Hercules in New York" is now at the head of the pack. This early Schwarzenegger film about a god living in the Big Apple is nothing short of spectacular, combining hilarious acting with cheezy special effects. Arnie plays the title role in his first ever flick, which was not well received by critics. When Hercules is cast from Olympus, he begins to lead a new life in New York City. Mishaps and feats of strength ensue, as Hercules attempts to asert himself as a god. By saving a man as small as Hercules is big from a gang of thugs, Hercules gains a money-hungry friend who gives the audience as many laughs as Schwarzenegger. Complete with a dubbed over voice and shady acting skills, Arnold makes this film one for the ages. END

hilarious arnie in his funniest movie
Who would have thought that before all those great action movies and "I'll be back"'s, Arnold S. had already appeared in a cult classic?? I recently watched this movie and have enjoyed it very much, never knowing how cheesy and campy a movie can be?

First, THE reason this movie is brought back on DVD is not for its qualities. It's just to see Arnie in his first movie where he pulls off a really great BAD performance. Both versions of the movie are great (on TV, i saw the dubbed version which was funny to see a great Austrian guy with the voice of an English professor with no knowledge of putting intonation in his voice), but i prefer the one with Arnie's almost ridiculous accent. The story itself is also bad-to-the-bone : Hercules is bored on Olympus and wants to go on a vacation in New York, but Zeus doesn't like this as it would confuse the humans. Hercules, however, pursues and gets dropped in the sea where a boat picks him up and brings him to New York. When he arrives, his vacation begins...

The whole movie is worthwhile just because of the cheesy acting of our Arnie. With the role of Hercules played by an unknown actor, the movie would have gone into obscurity from the moment it hit the theaters, but Arnie stays the main reason to watch this. Highlight is the fight against a grizzly bear who fights as a human and also lays for death on the ground as a human (his arms spread!!!)

Searchig a serious film about Greek mythology?? Keep away. Looking for a "so bad it becomes good" movie, you are in heaven with this little cult gem.

A classic gem because it is genuine
This is a riot! That movie is not made with exquisite quality but the story full of fun and in its simplicity is hilarious and good. It does not pretend to be brilliant or a block buster as it never did. It is only a comedy/spoof like movie with a dash of naivity in its making. take it for what it is: a movie that embodies muscle and the human form with a touch of a laugh nothing more. A must to see for not only Arnold's fan but for anyboy liking greek mythology and the human physique at its best and just remember it with a smile.

5 stars: A classic good bad movie: Hail to the Chief
Here is Terminator's Arnold Schwarzenegger's first movie done in 1969, when he was Mr. Universe (one of five times) and about 22 (he was born in 30 July 1947), and released in early 1970. The movie is so bad it is good. Savor Arnold flexing his muscles and pecs, the bad acting, or overacting, on par with that of a porn film (Ernest Graves as Zeus and Michael Lipton as Pluto are by far the best), the horrible yet at times very funny dialog, the frenetic zither music, the cheesy special effects (as bent, silver-painted rebars representing thunder bolts), scenes of 1969 New York City, especially Central Park, and incongruities such as biblical Samson and New York City traffic noise vying with the Greek mythological figures. Extras include trailers for the original 1970 release and the 1982 re-release that coincided with Arnold's Conan the Barbarian (1982). The preferred viewing is in the original English dialogue with Arnold's thick accent, but do sample the release with Arnold dubbed by a robotic actor. Yet another option is dialog in German (Arnold seems dubbed), French, or Spanish, with or without English, French, or Spanish subtitles. It's a barrel of fun and mandatory viewing for Californians. Hail to our new Gov.

Governor Arnold at His Worst
I realize that there has been an increase of interest in Arnold movies ever since he became Governor of California, however if you want to see an Arnold movie go see "Kindergarden Cop" or "Twins" (which even both of those movies aren't that good). It's no wonder this movie never did well at the box office. The storyline and the acting was extremely bad and very cheezy. It should be considered a spoof, rather than an actual movie. I would not see this movie, but if you must see it, do yourself a favor and rent it first. ... Read more

Description

In the irresistible tradition of Dynasty and Dallas comes this story of a glamorous family living in a gorgeous mansion in an idyllic town called Lake Success. Beneath the town's peaceful façade are backstabbing power struggles, family betrayal, forbidden sexual trysts, shady business deals and long-buried secrets. Family patriarch (Brian Keith) gets the last laugh in his will when he leaves the family business to his long-lost daughter, Suzy Atkins (Liz Vassey, The Tick, ER). Suzy's ambitious stepsister, Decker, and her amoral brother, Rowan, will stop at nothing to get the company back. Complicating matters, Suzy's mother (Valerie Perrine) suddenly returns to Lake Success with an agenda of her own after abandoning her family many years ago. Meanwhile, Rowan's sex-hungry mistress and her provocative little sister will stop at nothing to get their share of the Atkins money! Can pure-hearted Suzy outsmart-or even survive-a family who are experts in deception#and maybe find love while she's at it? A truly addictive pleasure with many surprising twists and turns, The Secrets of Lake Success will have you hooked! Sizzling cast includes Ryan Philippe (Cruel Intentions), Samantha Eggar (The Brood), Ray Wise (Twin Peaks), John Bradley (Independence Day), George Del Hoyo (Days of Our Lives) ... Read more

Description

Joanna Scott (Linda Hamilton) whose husband has just left her for a younger woman, is a prominent New York journalist assigned to do a story on a secretive and successful Paris madam. Though not interested at first writing the 'sexposé', she realizes that a month in Paris might do her good.Soon after meeting the sophisticated and successful Madame Simone (Jacqueline Bisset), Joanna finds herself the one being interviewed. It doesn't take long for this worldly madam to size up Joanna and strip away her cold veneer. What is revealed is an insecure woman who needs to feel desirable again.Like a modern day Pygmalion who educates and refines beautiful women, Madame Simone offers her expertise in helping Joanna rediscover her sexuality and sense of self. Drama. Not Rated. 91 Minutes. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Slow Service
This seller was very slow at sending the DVDs. I ordered two. The first one was sent 17 days after I ordered it. It took so long, I finally sent an e-mail asking where it was. I had to send another e-mail asking where the second item was, because I ordered two DVD's of the same movie and only received one. When I finally received the movies, they were in great shape.

A Funny, Beautiful, Charming, Film About Love and Life
For every woman in search of herself and for the men in search of what women are looking for... take heed of this movie. Linda Hamilton is curious, funny, sweet and poignant. Jacqueline Bisset is elegant, refined, sensual and sexy. The most I've ever enjoyed both of them.

This is one of those rare films whose title may mislead its audience. It is not about pagan sex, but rather a delightful comedy with a lesson in life for women, and for the men secure enough to listen and learn to their needs.

Watch this film to better yourself and to learn to appreciate the woman you love (if you are a man), or if you are a woman, watch this film to blossom into anything you want to be. Either way, be ready to enjoy this film as it will make you laugh and make you see life in a different light.

This film should belong in everyone's DVD collection to remember to live life to the fullest and reassure one's self while learning the meaning of true love.

And yes, I too am a heterosexual man whom enjoyed this film very much.

Lifetime Television is something.
I was surfing around for something to watch and I saw this and loved it. It was a very good story that caught my eye that I enjoyed and I had to get the DVD. I have wished someone could have reawakened my life of sorrow when I was going to my doctor and had to be at the hospital and lost my enjoyment of life for a number of years. I would advise you to get a good story like this in your movie collection in DVD, you will love it. By the way this is no sex or lesbian film like a number of you think. There is just a stong scence of self put back in someones life. By the way I am a man and even a man can enjoy a beautifull story like this. Get it in DVD.

Great pairing of Jaqueline Bisset & Linda Hamilton!
Very cool to watch a movie where Linda Hamilton turns from a "plain Jane" into a woman who is sensual, sexual, and beautiful. Jacqueline Bisset is enjoyable(and sexier than ever) to watch as the "Madame" who transforms her, and makes her realize that she can be sexy too.

Don't let the garter belt scare you!
This story is for women of any age and any marital status. Some women profess it stiffles all that women have worked for in the "coming of age" but I say this will empower you. How? It reminds us all that we must love ourselves before others can love us. The garter belts,etal, are just to get us thinking. It's true--the clothes don't matter nor does our weight or anything else. It all comes down to how you feel about you. If you exude the confidence, the rest will come to you. I know, because it worked for me and I feel fabulous! ... Read more

Description

The clearest and most understandable Shakespeare productions ever made. Staged as seen in the 16th Century, featuring award-winning performers. A tale of murder, greed and untimely death. Starring Jeremy Brett, Piper Laurie, Simon MacCorkingdale and Barry Primus. 150 minutes. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

APPALLING DVD despite great actors
I love Jeremy Brett and Piper Laurie. Their combined talents offer what few enjoyable moments there are to be found in this Macbeth, but they unfortunately can't salvage this atrocious production. Seeing it is enough to turn someone off Shakespeare. (Should that happen, Al Pacino's delightful LOOKING FOR RICHARD is the perfect antidote to restore passion for the Bard). But I digress. I want to issue a warning to all who might assume the DVD version of this Macbeth would be superior to the VHS. In this instance, tape was simply transferred unto disk with no remastering or enhancements, and there are no extra features. The visual and audio quality is appalling. I regret buying this DVD when I already owned the VHS (..like I said, I love Jeremy Brett...) The only advantage is being able to skip the boring parts to get to the monologues. But that isn't saying much.

It was ok.
I'm not going to say that this is the best version of Macbeth that I have ever seen. I'm just saying that it was ok. In my opinion, whoever made this production should have cast someone who actually did Shakespeare. I don't even know if Jeremy Brett and Piper Laurie have ever done Shakespeare. The set is gorgeous. Something tells me that you had to be brave to stand on the ramp above the stage. Macduff Jr. is so adorable. I was saddened when the Murderers killed him offstage. I was so sad when I heard him crying offstage at the end of the scene. The biggest highlight of the video (I rented it from the library) was the Witches. I liked the Witches even more when I found out that one of the actresses playing the Witches also played Bianca in this series' production of Othello. She's better at being evil than good. What especially charmed me about the witches was their costumes. I was expecting old chambermaid costumes or rags. I was also expecting old women, not sexy women. Then, there were the three demons, or apparitios as they are credited. They were freaky. I was especially charmed because the witches and the apparations appear more than once. Watch for them. They're pretty prominent. Other than that, just rent the DVD for the Witches, Macduff Jr. and the set. There is too much overacting from the leading players. They almost killed this DVD. Everyone else is good except for Malcolm. They obviously hired this guy because his chest is sexy.

This is horrible
I teach this play in High School and was looking for an alternative to the Welles and Polanski versions to help my students understand the play. This is not it. This one is horrible. Badly acted and directed and very difficult to follow. If anyone is looking for a video version of this play that is easy to understand and useful for teachers, there is a pretty new version of the play on DVD available on this site directed by J. Bretton Truett and E.J. Kerwin ( B0000639O1 ) that is outstanding for educators. They perform most of the play and include a great deal of video analysis as well. The performances are very good and they use a modern setting which is very effective. There is also a wonderful feature that lets you get right to the text from the video and back again.

Tragic Production of a Great Tragedy
Unfortunately, I have to agree with just about everyone else who has reviewed here this film production of "Macbeth." I found the video in my local library and was eagerly anticipating another fine performance by two of my favorite actors: Brett and Piper Laurie, especially Brett. I've seen and thoroughly enjoyed every one of the BBC Sherlock Holmes productions numerous times, and just recently was impressed with Brett's interpretation of Bassanio in the '73 TV production of "The Merchant of Venice." So, imagine my great disappointment when I was amazed by how awful this "Macbeth" really is. I would prefer to not fault the actors, but can only think that the director and producer were responsible. Not to mention the costumer and the "set" designer. I would strongly advise anyone who loves Shakespeare, Brett or Laurie, or all of the above, to avoid a most unpleasant experience.

Pass by this one and don't look back
With so many good versions of Macbeth out there with such great actors as Orson Welles and Judi Dench, why waste your time and ruin your mind by watching this. This film was but a waste of money. I would reccomend not watching it and instead watching one of the other, good, versions of Macbeth. ... Read more

Description

Emmy-winner Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) and Emmy-nominee Meredith Baxter (Family Ties) star in this powerful family drama as Wanda and Sarah, estranged sisters at odds over what to do with a pecan grove they’ve inherited in the wake of their mother’s death. Wanda wants to keep the land in the family. Sarah, hiding a devastating secret, wants desperately to sell. They are startled to discover an elderly woman, Lilly Cooper (Emmy-nominee Della Reece, Touched by an Angel) living on the property, and claiming it as her own. Against her mother’s wishes, Sarah’s rebellious teenage daughter, Gina (Anna Chlumsky, My Girl), befriends the delusional Lilly, who mistakes Gina for a figure from her past. Gina is touched by Lilly’s heartbreaking life story, and becomes determined to find her long-lost son. ... Read more

Description

A grandfather (Richard Crenna) has his hands full when his Los Angeles-based angry teenage grandson is, against the boy's wishes, sent to stay with him on his Colorado Ranch. The boy's insistence on being defiant leads to his desecration of the American flag, to the public humiliation of his grandfather - which prompts the patriarch to grant the boy his wish - to be returned to Los Angeles. The catch is they will travel together from Colorado to L.A. -- on horseback like old-time cowboys! The result is a bittersweet journey in life lessons set against a beautiful, rustic backdrop of country. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Film with Down-Home Values!
Teen actor, Chris Olivero, and Hollywood legend, Richard Crenna, deliver outstanding and believable performances in this coming of age movie about a bratty, California kid, Mike Lewis (Olivero), who is shipped off to visit his grandfather, Ben Maxwell (Crenna), in Colorado. While there, the argumentative and often smart-aleck Lewis, stirs up enough trouble for the town and his kindhearted grandfather. After several confrontations, the disrespectful grandson decides he wants to return to his spoiled lifestyle in Los Angeles. His grandfather agrees, but decides the two will travel to California by way of horseback. A disgruntled Lewis, tries his hardest to come up with every excuse to avoid the trek to the Pacific coast, but finds himself on the losing end of the battle. Shortly after their journey begins, they meet up with a group of Ben Maxwell's longtime friends, who together, take Maxwell's grandson on the journey of a lifetime by exposing him to down-to-earth western values and hard-working morals. After many trials along the trail, lessons are learned and Lewis and his grandfather discover something about each other they never expected. The film is laced with thought-provoking topics, incredible chemistry, outstanding performances, and certainly the greater values in life that founded our nation. Just short of Oscar caliber for Crenna, this film is highly recommended for all! A great film with good, clean humor, and patriotic family values! ... Read more

Description

In this adaptation of the Ronald Ribman play, 11th century England is a bloodied land, embattled and beset by hordes of invading Danes and disputatious nobles. The vacillating King Ethelred is drained of the decisive initiative he needs to save his throne and reputation. With exquisite lighting and liberal use of close shots, this production conveys the claustrophobic miasma of fear and violence of a period when lives were undoubtedly nasty, brutish, and short. Features an exceptional cast, including Emmy-nominated James Broderick (Alice's Restaurant), 3-time Emmy and 2-time Golden Globe winner Richard Kiley (The Thorn Birds), and Jessie Royce Landis (To Catch a Thief, North by Northwest). Also starring Larry Gates. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Brilliant portrayal of medieval politics...
Here's another fine installment from the Broadway Theatre Archive. As usual, there are no extras on the disc, but in this case, the feature more than makes up for it.

"The Ceremony of Innocence," originally a play by Ronald Ribman, is presented here in a 1972 recording. There are a few liberties taken to adjust to the medium of television (such as red-tinted snippets edited in for effect), but nothing that takes away from the incredible drama protrayed by the cast and production crew.

Richard Kiley plays King Ethelred of England, circa the 11th Century. Ethelred is a surprisingly progressive king. He wants to bring education, law, medicine, and science to his kingdom. He even commissions a famous explorer who has plans to sail the great "Western Ocean" (the Atlantic) in search of distant lands. Ethelred knows that only peace can bring prosperity to England, but no one else seems to agree with his point of view. Even his most trusted advisor quails at the idea of giving up war for peace.

Surrounded by enemies and bitter, scheming advisors, the king's plan to make peace with the fearsome King of Denmark (appearing briefly, played by Ernest Graves), is constantly imperiled. Ultimately confining himself to a monastery seeking some kind of solace, Ethelred is haunted by the visions of violence and bloodshed that surrounds him, his family, and his kingdom. Meanwhile, the enraged Danish king is about to attack, while Ethelred's frustrated advisors demand action. Ethelred is obviously paying the price for being born centuries before his time, as one by one his dreams are sabotaged by the overwhelming and painful tide of events he is forced to face.

The photography is first class for videotape, the medium used to record the play. The lighting is excellent, as are the rough, spartan sets. Even some location footage, used where appropriate, raises the quality of the play far above a standard presentation.

Excellent drama for historical study, and to introduce younger students to this period in English history. There are a sprinkling of curse words in the play, and some minor television bloodshed, but nothing too objectionable for today's teen viewers to see.

When all is said and done, you'll be keeping this disc. ... Read more

Description

The tragedy of a king so blinded by ambition and paranoia that he senselessly murders those in his path--eventually leading to his own demise. Macbeth encounters three prophesying witches on his journey home from battle. Macbeth's ambitions are kindled by the witches' prediction that he will someday be king. In an effort to hasten the prophecy, he and Lady Macbeth plot the murders of those in the way. Under the strain of the heinous crimes, Lady Macbeth dies, and Macbeth edges toward insanity. Macduff organizes a force to overthrow Macbeth. In the tragic climax, the two duel, Macbeth is killed, and King Duncan's eldest son, Malcolm, becomes king. Featuring Jeremy Brett as Macbeth and Piper Laurie as Lady Macbeth. ... Read more