Description

The Magic of Flight (39 min.) takes you on a technological thrill ride faster, higher, and wilder than modern science or even your imagination! Relive the historical first flight of the Wright Brothers in 1903, then soar with the world-famous Blue Angels ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Completely amazing!
I bought this when it was first released for my son, who was almost 2 at the time. He loved it then, and he still loves it now! We watch it at least twice a week, and since he loves the Blue Angels so much, I also ordered the 50th Anniversary video.
This dvd has more than just fighter jets (if that is what you are
looking for...better get Top Gun!), it has a good bit about the birth of aviation, too. The bonus materials are very interesting. Of course, we still see it on the big screen...in all of its
IMAX glory...whenever we are near Pensacola.

OK, OK, So it hasn't actually been released, but....
I saw this IMAX film the first time at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, FL. (You'll notice in the opening credits that they helped with the film)I was entranced by the stunning video images and the "feeling" about flying that the scenery and Tom Selleck's narrative created. The score for the film is not "TOPGUN-esque" but rather a warm and inspiring score that reminded me of EVEREST. (Another Spectacular MacGillivray Freeman effort). Needless to say I saw it another 3 times while I was in flight school. To make it easy on prospective buyers I would offer this: If you don't fly or aren't particularly interested in aviation, but have ever been curious as to what makes people want to do it, this film should shed some light. If you fly or are an aviation buff...well, this film really hits the bullseye. Difficult to put in words just how but watch the film and you know what I mean

Great ! but...
great film..great images..but..it was supposed to be widescreen. And unfortunately it's only 4/3 :-(
DTS is amazing.
globally good picture quality but several compression problem ( on dark scenes ).
watched on a 16/9 projector ( sharp xv-z 9000 ).

Clearly great for flight enthusiast
I bought this DVD cause i've found hard time to search this kind of DVD in my country. Well, i'm surely not dissapointed. I watch this DVD in my large projector TV and sure am really want to be those pilots. The picture are really crystal clear and the music is also great. The feature of the dvd about making this film will tell you how hard it is to made such a movies.

Best Blue Angels DVD ever made
It's Amazing, it was the first Blue Angels DVD that I got (now I have 10) and I still think that it's the best one.
You are going to love this one. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It looks like all that money NASA spent on the Hubble Space Telescopewas worth it after all--at least from an aesthetic standpoint.Stargaze: Hubble's View of the Universe captivates the viewer with stunningly high-definition color images of galaxies, nebulae, and heavenly bodies closer to home. Each shot pans and lingers over the richly colored pictures as unobtrusive narration in English, French, German, or Spanish explains the history of the Hubble mission, its targets, and what we've learned so far. The music by 2002 is harmless and quiet, though viewers pathologically averse to New Age will scramble for the audio control. Including screensavers and Web features, Stargaze will keep spaceheads happy and entranced for hours, and convert the unbelievers. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (22)

TV Screensaver - who needs it?
I guess I should have paid more attention to the negative reviews than the positives on this DVD. This movie is little more than a television screensaver with some over-text or audio.

First, the thing defaults to music and pictures. You have to figure out that you can select a running dialog about the Hubble. You can select closed captioning of the actual dialog or you can elect to have it simply place image titles on the bottom while the narration takes place. They call this "nomenclature" as if anyone can figure out what that means!

The dialog is dishwater dull. It doesn't correspond directly to the images so you find yourself listening/reading the text and not looking at the images.

The music is nice, but if I want new age music and a screensaver well... well, truth is, I never want new age music or a screensaver so I can't see the point in this. Maybe if you have a large screen TV and are having a party it might be cool to have it on in the background, but other than that, I see absolutely no point in a $22 screensaver!

I enjoy astronomy very much. I *love* deep space objects over planets. But this DVD has already lost my interest and I'm thinking I wish I'd never bought it or that Amazon would take it back after it has been opened. I feel like it is a waste of money. This is only the second time I've ever given such a negative review on Amazon. I wanted an educational DVD and this just doesn't cut it.

The negative reviewers need a clue
The DVD is fine for exactly what it is. The music is a matter of taste (just like, amazingly enough, all other music ever created) which I happened to quite enjoy. It is also apparent that several reviewers cannot be bothered to admit that they neither understand the word 'Nomenclature' nor do they grasp the concept of a dictionary. Finally (if you'll pardon the negativism, but it is necessary to refute several blatantly wrong reviews) it's obvious that they don't understand DVD defualts (hint, ALL movies default to the base audio/video track and you have to go manually change your options).

The DVD is a straight slideshow of many of the best Hubble images set to music. The format, narration, and options are exactly what I expected after reading the exterior of the DVD. The narration wanders in and out of the slides (it wanders out either to introduce new concepts or to expound on something that could use it) but overall is quite good.

What this DVD is NOT is a movie or in-depth educational tool. It is meant strictly as background entertainment or as a kibitzer's toy. It fills this niche extremely well and is an excellent introduction to space science for the uninitiated. Approach it the same way you do any functional art and you won't be dissapointed.

Great DVD!
This DVD is great! I expected less, but it was exactly what I was looking for! Just a bunch of great pictures and great music to go with them. The feature where you can turn on/off the audio narration and the subtitles is great! This way you can either learn a little about the pictures, or just relax. I liked it so much that I instantly bought Part 2! Good stuff!

read below
With high expectations after watching various Discovery Channel shows, I rented this DVD to get the feel of traveling through space. Disappointed, I was when I began viewing this DVD. These are photographs that Hubble has taken that some took a camera to. The perspective is tight, so one does not understand what they are looking at nor is there any narrative. One picture after another, the camera panning the surface with a classical soundtrack. I have seen some of these pictures on www.space.com Unless you are a Cosmologist, you will most likely not find this appealing.

Somewhat disappointing
I expected the photos to be sharper and was hoping to hear more about what was being viewed. The DVD is strangely designed (for example, the default soundtrack mode is music only and it's not immediately obvious there is a narrated track). ... Read more

Amazon.com

To know the origin of "Snoochie-Boochies," you must spend AnEvening with Kevin Smith. The Jersey-bred auteur of low-budget comedyproves equally adept as an uncensored raconteur, regaling five collegeaudiences--his most devoted demographic--in this two-disc compilation of livelyQ&A. Sporting his trademark slacker garb, Smith occasionally bites the loyal,sometimes moronic hands that feed him (as a result, audience participation isdrop-dead hilarious), but he's arguably the most publicly and personally honestfilmmaker to survive the insanity of Hollywood. His best stories lift the veilof show-biz decorum, describing absurd meetings with studio executives over hisill-fated screenplay Superman Lives; razzing the artsy pretensions ofdirector Tim Burton; or exposing Prince (who hired him to direct anever-completed documentary) as a self-absorbed Jesus freak. These attacks aren'tbaseless; Smith's too smartly good-natured to provoke without purpose, and withan onstage visit by Jason Mewes ("Jay" to Smith's "Silent Bob"), this ribald,sharply assembled Evening compares favorably to Richard Pryor with itsoutrageous blend of comedy and candor. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (50)

A Film OF Kevin Smith, not BY him - but just as entertaining
As soon as I popped An Evening With Kevin Smith into my DVD player, I felt right at home. Kevin appears on the menu screen immediately and starts acting (silently) about how long you're taking to choose something. So, before even starting the movie, I saw a character just like Silent Bob on the screen, and felt like this was familiar ground.
But then Kevin starts speaking. And speaking. And speaking. The movie, is essentially pieced together footage from a college tour Smith did, where he basically hosts a Q and A session. And, while it can't truly be considered stand up comedy, it's funnier than most comdeians will ever be.
So, the movie is about three hours of Smith answering fans questions, and topics switch from Jason Mewes' (Jay in the five Jersey flicks) sex life, to Kevin's involvement with a new Superman script, to his first sexual encounter with his wife, to Prince, (yes, the musician.) And I can gurantee that if you are in the least bit interested in Kevin's films, you'll be laughing so hard the three hours will blow by faster than you could possibly imagine.
Luckily, there's more to do once you've finished the movie. While the two-disc set isn't loaded with extra features, it does feature a number of hidden easter eggs, mostly of footage cut from the final film, and they're equally as entertaining as the rest of the movie.
So, once you've gotten over the initial shock of hearing "Silent Bob" speak at length, you should have a great deal of fun with this movie, and I believe it warrants at the nvery least a rental, if not a purchase.

An Evening Well-Spent
This peek into the View Askewniverse and mind of Kevin Smith is one wild ride. If you find Smith's movies funny, you'll find yourself with side pains during this. Sure, there are few bonus features on the 2-disc set, but that's because all the bonus features were already included in the program itself. Whatever happened to the Superman script Kevin was working on? What's up with Magnolia Fan? Does Kevin think he's going to go to Hell for writing Dogma? Is Jason Mewes gay? All these questions and more (much more) are answered in this candid look at Q&A sessions from several different colleges with the master himself. Any Kevin Smith fan will thrill to the hilarious back stories shared about the creation of the five movies that have reshaped modern cinema. Also, be sure to watch the fun Kevin has with people who leave the Main Menu on for a prolonged period of time. It's nearly four hours of the best look into an artist's mind since Stephen King wrote "On Writing." Kevin, if you see this, thanks for the fun and for five of the best movies I've ever seen. Oh, and I need some money....you know what you can get for $5!

The Greatest dvd entertainer of all time.
For people who tell it like it is. Kevin Smith is one of the greatest speakers of our time. There is no P.C. babble restrictions here. An Evening with Kevin Smith is a fantastic stand-up, door opener that allows people to get a taste of Kevin as he tells some stories and answers questions to the history of his movies, family, friends, likes and dislikes. A must see, non-bubblegum ride into the View Askew world.

He was not fit to write Superman....
I have read the draft of the Superman script that he wrote and oh, he was so wrong to do it. He treated Superman like some horney teenager, even Tim Burton who later passed on the project and can be strange as well, even he said "No, I am not doing this." All Smith does is insult people who do not agree with him. He has no class, he has no room for patience for other people's viewpoints, and he's just a sleeze. As for me, I'm going to watch a Tim Burton movie now.

Funy Funny Funny
I liked this spotlight on Kevin Smith. There are some things that I didn't like about it. Lets start with the positive first ....... This is a very open and far spread interview (from his fans)with Kevin Smith which made a very funny and personal film. This also had some very witty views on his films (coming from Kevin and the fans that ask the questions). Everything that would be expected from Kevin and everything that wouldn't be expected. The story telling was simply great. I could not stop laughing !!!!!!!
The negative is the editing job on this was horrid. It drove me nuts!!!! They skipped from college to college with no segways.The audio and camera work was even kind of shotty in places but not enough to kill the mood. I think that Sony/Columbia could have found a better team to put this together. It seemed that J.M. Kenny was way over his head with this project or just didn't know what what to do as far as directing. The last thing is that they left the ending of the first DVD open. What happened after being asked to leave the stage? They never go back to that on the second DVD.

It is worth the money but you may want to watch a few of his films first to understand what is being talked about(in some places). It is truely a must have for a View Askew fan. ... Read more

Description

Has the universe always existed? How did it become a place that could harbor life? Are we alone, or are there alien worlds waiting to be discovered? NOVA presents some startling new answers in Origins, a groundbreaking four-part NOVA miniseries. New clues from the frontiers of science are presented by dynamic astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. As the host of Origins, Tyson leads viewers on a cosmic journey to the beginning of time and to the depths of space, in search of the first stirrings of life and its traces on other worlds. The series' first hour, Origins: Earth is Born, gives viewers a spectacular glimpse of the tumultuous first billion years of Earth — a time of continuous catastrophe. Episode two, Origins: How Life Began, zeroes in on the mystery of exactly how it happened. Join the hunt for hardy microbes that flourish in the most unlikely places: inside rocks in a mine shaft two miles down, inside a cave dripping with acid as strong as a car battery's, and in noxious gas bubbles erupting from the Pacific Ocean’s floor. The survival of these tough microorganisms suggests they may be related to the planet's first primitive life forms. Hour three starts with a bang — the Big Bang in which everything began. Origins: Back to the Beginning explores how the colossal, mind-boggling forces of the early universe made it possible for habitable worlds to emerge. In episode four, Origins: Where are the Aliens?, Tyson explores such provocative questions as: Would "E.T.s" resemble "us" or the creatures of science fiction? And are there planets on which life can flourish rare or common in our universe?Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the NOVA Web site; scene selections; closed captions;and described video for the visually impaired. (Final features TBD) On two discs (disc size TBD).Region coding: All regions.Audio: Dolby stereo.Screen format: Letterboxed. ... Read more

Description

An Inside Look at the Lives of the Heirs to The World’s Greatest Family Fortunes

Jamie Johnson, 20-year-old heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical empire, turns in a remarkable documentary about the lives of the children of the wealthiest families in the world. This 2003 Sundance Film Festival Selection and Emmy-nominated documentary shows Johnson turning the camera on himself and 10 of his friends.Born Rich candidly reveals the great privileges and the excess baggage that go along with their high net worth. For the first time ever in a feature documentary, hear Trumps, Bloombergs and Vanderbilts discuss the one subject everybody knows is taboo—money, and lots of it.

Includes:
Georgianna Bloomberg, media heiress
Stephanie Ercklentz, finance heiress
Cody Franchetti, textile heir
Christina Floyd, professional sports heiress
Juliet Hartford, A&P Supermarket heiress
Josiah Hornblower, Vanderbilt/Whitney heir
S.I. Newhouse IV, media heir
Ivanka Trump, real estate heiress
Luke Weill, gaming industry heir
Carlo von Zeitschel, European royalty

DVD Extras:
-Commentary by director Jamie Johnson, producer Dirk Wittenborn and textile heir Cody Franchetti
-Deleted scenes ... Read more

Description

Underscoring how slavery impacted the growth of this country's Southern and Northern states; the series examines issues still relevant today.The variety of cultures from which the slaves originated provided the budding states with a multitude of skills that had a dramatic effect on the diverse communities.From joining the British in the Revolutionary War, to fleeing to Canada, to joining rebel communities in the U.S. the slaves sought freedom in many ways, ultimately having a far-reaching effect on the new hemisphere they were forced to inhabit.

Acclaimed actor Morgan Freeman narrates the series, which features a score by Michael Whalen. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

PBS - By the Public - For the Public
When you pay the high price for a PBS production, you are helping PBS to pay for their cause. You are not being ripped off. This is a worthy reason why the cost is higher per minute of programming than other productions. The reviewer below apparently does not take this into account. Today DVD's cost $1 each or less in cost for the actual manufacturing of the disc. When a DVD is made and sold, the retail price pays for many things such as actors, production, and profit. If you look into how PBS spends their money, you will clearly note, it is not a profit making venture. This is an excellent series, worthy of the price. Yes, you can get a good deal here, lower than the retail price, from a Marketplace seller... or get yourself an even better deal (at a higher price) direct from the PBS web site, by supporting their cause... and the many more public productions to come. PBS... Possible Through Support From Viewers LIKE YOU.

Great Program - Terribly Overpriced!
When i watched this program on PBS, I knew I would get it immediately.I am a tutor to young men in the Washington DC area and I saw in this program, a way to emphasize economics and the importance of finance in this country.

Unfortunately, the video costs $80.00!!!!!!!!!!This has four discs with only 60 minutes of programming on each one.That's a total of 240 minutes!No special features or bonus material at all!So you pay $80 for only the series.

Now to give you something to compare this to, I also purchased "Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson."This program cost less than $20.00 and was on two discs; each having 110 minutes of material.This series also had several special features and bonuses.

If you look at it from a per minute basis, you have:

Slavery and the making of America: $.33 per minute of material
(no bonus material)
Unforgivable Blackness:$.09 per minute of material
(bonus material)

So ask yourself why Slavery and the Making of America is so expensive?I bought it anyway because it's important for my mentees to see this, but if you don't NEED it, I would not suggest buying this DVD until the price comes down.Just record it next time it comes on. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Russia Land of the Tsars
This is one of the best things out of the history channel in my opinion. Russia Land of the Tsars tells the epic story of Russia for its early days when it was controled by the Vikings and the Mongols. To when it became one of the great empires of world history. The DVD specializes in telling the stories of some of the great leaders of Russia including Peter the Great, Ivan the Terrible and many others. The filming is very good with excellent settings and costume and the entire DVD is interesting.

Great idea, average (but still pretty good) result
I watched the entire series on TV this week and was really quite impressed. Besides loving history in general I have an odd niche interest in the Tsars of Russia (yeah for spelling it not czar!). I especially like the earlier stuff, entirely bored by the time of Nicholas II and the whole end thing. Just a note, Alexander II is actually my favorite because of a book called The Crown and the Crucible by Michael Phillips & Judith Pella--a favorite hold-over from teen years.

Like I said in the title, I loved the idea behind this series. I realize the trend these days to do "bottom-up" history aka social history of the common man. I like that okay but I am very interested also in the leaders, movers and shakers. Some of the tsars are such larger than life characters who had a lot to do with the direction that the huge Russian empire took in their respective reigns. You can't do history then without mentioning them. Thank you History Channel!

My only problems include some cut corners in beginning title graphics, re-enactment footage run a *few* too many times (at least when watching the whole thing in a row) and a tad too much of a sensationalistic feel to some of the narration.

I do not usually buy dvds of TV series so I can't really say whether this is a good buy or not. I can say though that the producers/filmmakers of this series did a real good job and kept me hooked for 4 hours without too much trouble at all.

Great script -- terrible film
I loved the history presented in this movie. However, I became very tired of the repeated scenes (like the blood flowing on the stone floor or the horse running on the beach of the rivers) over and over again. It became laughable at times. The creators decided to save money by using the same footage repeatedly -- even if hundreds of years had passed. Heck, couldn't they have at least presented a different angle?
If you going to make a movie -- do it right.

A fantastic introduction to Russian history
I found this series to be captivating. It was well produced and entertaining and would be an excellent teaching tool for the high school classroom. I learned some new information on the evolution of Russia's history, and I am inspired to learn more. I am on Amazon today to buy a book on Catherine the Great. I think some of the reviewers below must have seen another series. Their discriptions are so strange and inaccurate.

Please oh please turn down the music!
That, sadly, is what stood out in my mind the most as far as quality goes. The "background" music plays very loudly, and the narrator, at times, speaks rather softly in comparison. There are no subtitles to help you along, so I often had to put up with blaring (and oddly techno) music in order to hear the narration.

The makers obviously love their historical reenactments, which is all well and good, most of the time. However, they do tend to reuse items repeatedly, and not always in the right places. A painting of Ivan the Terrible holding his son's body is also used to represent Peter the Great torturing his victims. A painting of a mother holding a baby is said to show the births of both Ivan the Terrible, and Peter the Great's first son. And so on, in several more instances. Well, which is it?

While the documentaries had nothing new to say to me (because I've done extensive reading on the Romanov dynasty), it is a good introduction to Russian history. The A&E Biographies of Ivan, Peter, and Rasputin were also well done. Let's say, 3.5 stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Originally broadcast in 1984, The Living Planet followed five years after David Attenborough's first wildlife blockbuster series, Life on Earth. This was an equally ambitious 12-part documentary that spanned the globe with portraits of each of the major geographical regions that offer a home to life. Attenborough demonstrates how even in the most hostile of environments, from the volcanic "Furnaces of the Earth" to "The Frozen World" of mountains and tundra, the Arctic and Antarctic, live maintains a foothold. He takes us to "The Northern Forests," the "Jungle," "Seas of Grass," and "The Baking Deserts" and, ever the genial host, details how, in all its endless diversity, life is ingeniously suited to its surroundings.

Through breathtaking imagery we meet our fellow inhabitants, from penguins to polar bears, lions to scorpions, oaks to eagles, and journey on to "The Open Ocean" and the "New Worlds," which mankind itself is rapidly fashioning through ever more radical technological change. The series ends with an impassioned environmental plea that rings even more urgent now than in 1984. --Gary S. Dalkin ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Magnificent
If made with today's technology this series would rank as the best nature series ever produced. Despite its age-related flaws (Video Quality, Soundtrack, Chopping Block), this DVD series still rates the full 5 stars. It features a younger, spryer David Attenborough exploring a planet teeming with life. Attenborough is the ultimate ecology teacher - he guides the viewer through the various biomes of the earth, picking out a variety of amazing phenomena to show us, and he lets us soak in the beauty of each realm. Rather than focusing on birds or mammals, we learn about the whole spectrum of the natural world, from fish to fungi, insects to people. The information is always interesting, and presented in modest amounts - it never becomes a bore.

Buy this if you enjoyed these DVDs:
Life of Mammals
Blue Planet
Africa: The Serengeti
Alaska: Spirit of the Wild

Excellent, but get version 2 DVD
The program is EXCELLENT, and I've watched it many times on VHS. Unfortunately, the region 1 DVD has been edited and I was very disapointed to find that most of the sections had been shortened. From what I understand, the region 2 DVD is not edited. So if I had it to do over, I would buy the region 2 DVD from amazon.co.uk instead.

The Living Planet
I took college class that required to watch video, Living Planet. My very very disapointment with it. It says cc (closed captioning) which stands for deaf viewers. I watched those DVD and guess what? Those DVD(s) do not display any closed captioning. I am deaf. It angers me very much. I feel like being betrayed by its said feature on the box.

The content is great!!
The content of this DVD is GREAT. This is the complete review of all living places on earth. Unfortunatelly, the quality of picture is like VHS, not so clean as DVD should like. That's why I give 4 stars.

Boo Hiss Time/Warner
The Living Planet Series by David Attenborough is a milestone, a benchmark in the production of nature education. What he has done is a quantum leap beyond anything else in the "nature show" category. The depth, breadth and brilliance of this series is unparralled. Unfortunately, TimeWarner got their grubby hands on it. They decided that to reorder and edit the shows so that they fit with the graphics they have chosen for the packaging. I'm not kidding! It is like they put a mustache on the Mona Lisa. Boo Hiss TimeWarner. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

A&E does the BEST documentaries!
I watch this DVD at least 3 times a week. It's really three two-hour documentaries, but the first two comprise one series and the third is it's own short film.

The first disc shows you everything about the voyage of the fateful liner, from it's infancy to it's fateful sinking and the legacy left afterward.

The second disc shows a great documentary about Titanic's affect on pop culture. I bet you never knew that the Titanic was featured in a Nazi propoganda film! I consider myself to be quite the Titanic fanatic, and the second disc taught me things I honestly never knew!

I HIGHLY recommend this DVD set to anyone interested in learning about the world's most famous ocean liner, and the legacy it's left. After watching this, you won't even be able to remember who James Cameron is!

Survivor testimony brings this documentary to life
There is nothing like hearing the first-hand testimony of Titanic survivors. About six different survivors are interviewed in the course of this four-part special, a few were only infants at the sinking and are recalling what their parents had told them; but other survivors were from 7 to 12 to 16 when the ship sank, so their testimony is very detailed and absorbing.

The narration is wonderful; the attention to detail is amazing, and the juxtaposition of archival footage of the great ship, the retelling of the history behind the building of Titanic, recollections of the world reaction to the disaster, the survivor testimony, and footage of the ghostly remains at the bottom of the ocean, make TITANIC (A&E DOCUMENTARY) a haunting experience. This is the best documentary on Titanic that I have ever seen, and I was very pleased to see that it is available on video (I had first seen it on TV years ago, and I had thought about it over the years - lamenting that I might never see it again.)

What I found most moving about TITANIC (A&E DOCUMENTARY) is how those who work to preserve the history of Titanic become quite emotional when talking about the disaster: George Behe, Vice President of Titanic Historical Society, is actually moved to tears as he retells the last moments of the ship, which is exceptional since he appears to be little older than 40-years-old when this documentary was originally aired in 1994, and Dr. Robert Ballard (a man no older than 50) comments on how everyone in his crew wept when they found the wreckage at the bottom of the Atlantic. The other thing that came to light in this documentary is the class struggle that went on during the "Gilded Age": more first class men survived than third class children. We learn that the Titanic disaster set a precedent for social change, planted the seeds of a social conscience, and influenced changes in the shipping industry that still affect us to this day.

Excellent Presentation
Excellent presentation and goes into detail, much of which may be unknown to the viewer. One minor criticism: the participants let Stanley Lord of the Californian off much too easily.

Excellent Detailed Documentary
In the finest tradition of A & E, this film is a riveting, detailed documentary of R.M.S. Titanic. It reviews the complacency and overconfidence of the Gilded Age, describes the events which led to the building of the Titanic, and through the words of survivors and other eye witnesses, takes us through the sailing, the collision with the iceberg, the sinking, and the aftermath, both in the United States and in the United Kingdom.

The only weakness is that Stanley Lord of the Californian gets off too lightly. He and his officers at the very least were negligent for not awakening the wireless operator and trying to find out what was going with the "mystery ship" they all admit to knowing about.

Must Get This
This documentary made me cry. It's an incredible addition to the Titanic history but also a supreme achievement in the world of documentary filmmaking. I just ordered the VHS set and am on the edge of my seat waiting for my copy. ... Read more

Description

Experience the dazzling story of cinematography as seen through the lenses of the world's greatest filmmakers and captured in classic scenes from over 125 immortal movies. Discover Gordon Willis's secrets of lighting Marlon Brando in "The Godfather" and Greg Toland's contributions to "Citizen Kane." Hear William Fraker on filming "Rosemary's Baby," Vittorio Storaro on his use of color and light in "Apocalypse Now" and much, much more. From black and white to Technicolor, silent to "talkie," glittering Hollywood musical to film noir and art film to blockbuster, this critically acclaimed masterpiece presents movies in a new and unforgettable light! ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Eyes Wide Open
This is a great documentary.
Across the course of the film, you may have your eyes opened as if for the first time: it comprises clips and interviews about the history of cinematography, or indeed the whole look and language of film.
While many of the clips show well-known moments in film, their compilation in this way offers one fresh and striking visual after another. The revelation is the strength of early and rarely-seen films, and the assertion that had sound films been invented a decade later, the visual language of film would have developed and intensified still further. As it is, the images are just ravishing, and it's really rather moving to watch.
This is a warm and thought-provoking look at cinematography, and is highly recommended. The only reservation is the mono sound on the DVD, but it's a small sacrifice when the visuals hold pride of place.
Be prepared -- you'll want to revisit many classics after this!

A visual primer on the art of Cinematography
Every time I teach a film class this documentary is one of the first things I screen for my students. "Visions of Light" includes clips from 125 films to graphically demonstrate how the art form of cinematography has evolved. You will also come away with a new understanding of the work of specific cinematographers such as Gregg Toland ("Citizen Kane"), Conrad Hall ("In Cold Blood"), Vilmos Zsigmond ("The Deer Hunter"), and many more. You will even get a sense of the individual styles of these great artists as well as a better appreciation of how the people behind the camera have as much of an impact on a movie as the actors we see on the silver screen. But be warned: after watching "Visions of Light" you are not going to have a whole bunch of cinematic classics you will want to track down (I am still trying to find "Great Expectations"), you are going to want to rewatch some old favorites. This 1993 documentary was directed by Arnold Glassman, Todd McCarthy and Stuart Samuels.

Very inspiring but not instructional
I loved this DVD, it shows you history and theory but it's not instructional, it doesn't talk about light set-ups or specific techniques. If your looking for an instructional video as i was look elsewhere, I still enjoyed it though and I'd still buy it.

Study of lights and shadows is visually enlightening
"Director of photography. The person in charge of lighting a set and photographing a film. Also known as 'first cameraman,' 'lighting cameraman,' or 'cinematographer,' he is responsible for transforming the screenwriter's and director's concepts into real visual images." From Ephraim Katz's Film Encyclopedia.

This collection of film clips and interviews with various DPs (director of photography) and camera operators such as Allen Daviau, William A. Frakeman, Haskell Wexler, and Nestor Almendros reveals their influences, the period during which they worked, what techniques were evolving, and anecdotes. Clips from about two hundred or so films are examined.

Yes, as Ernest Dickerson says, cinematography's the way one responds to light. Initially, there was just a director and cameraman, the director in charge of the actors, the cameraman in charge of everything else. And the stationary cameras didn't give them much to do, but of course that changed over time with the camera dollies and booms, and later, handheld cameras, made more effective by Steadicams, whose inventors won a special Oscar in 1977 in the technical field. But camera movement gave the DP greater ability to achieve his visual triumphs.

Other than the Katz quote, DPs were to tell the story visually and to make actors and actresses more handsome and prettier but to enhance special features. Actresses like Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo required special attention, but boy, did they sparkle! Dietrich's cheeks were made narrower with the lighting used in Shanghai Express. And small wonder Harold Rosson made Jean Harlow prettier in Red Dust--he even married her (lucky guy!) after her husband Paul Bern committed suicide.

This takes a chronological history of lighting, from the silent era up to the late 1980's, and puts it in context with the history of film. For example, the role of cinematography changed with the advent of sound. According to cinematographer John Bailey, the 1920's were the golden age of cinematography because at the time, the camera was unencumbered by sound and all devices accompanying verbal dialogue storytelling. And when anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen came to be used, DPs had to find some way to use that extra space on either side, as they did with Lawrence Of Arabia, like the scene of Lawrence, having rescued Qaseem, who is greeted by one of the boys, riding towards him. And with the gradual independence from the studio system, previous errors such as flaring lenses were deliberately used as new techniques.

My favourite era is the film noir era, which borrowed from the German Expressionism of the 1920's. Sparse lighting, slashes of light, dark shadows, dense rarified vocabulary of visual information, low angles define the characteristics of such films as The Killers, Out Of The Past, and Touch Of Evil. It's stark black and wide, hardly any greys.

But other uses of dark or darkly lit techniques were shown with the candlelit sequence in Grapes of Wrath, a clip from Fat City, and the accurate capture of period dramas, where there was no electricity and so thus families relied on light from windows.

As for best uses of technique, the pure visual accident in In Cold Blood, where Robert Blake's character is speaking to the chaplain about his father, and the light reflecting off the pouring rain on the window shone on Blake's face, making it look as if he were crying.

This collaboration between the American Film Institute and Japan's NHK Television is ideally for film students/buffs and for moviegoers of a more intelligent and inquisitive calibre, which I hope will comprise of enough people.

Amazing!
My instructor showed my class this movie about an hour ago, it was terrific, I love how movies work even more than I did before I watched it........... if that's possible. I hope to someday be luckey enough to join this field of work. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A very nice apetizer for further releases
Spacecraftfilms managed to put very good material together, 2 DVD set can bring just a taste of each of many US launchers, there is no space to go into great details. Historical materials are excellent, you can compare them to the Quarterly Management Reports from Saturn V DVD, where I find these MSFC films the best part of the set. The members of each important rocket family are introduced with the Spacraftfilms intent to release further more detailed materials dedicated to each launcher family, according to their catalogue they plan to start with Titan family.
The set is nicely and logically composed with really impresive footages. I personally like best the Delta launch with nine strap-ons creating a beautiful firework circle around the main launcher body after separation maneuver. It's really a piece of art and poetry in the skies ...
Regarding the added commentary I can say I did not find it disturbing. The fact is the commentator not always knew what he saw (and honestly admitted the fact),but this mainly in case of technical details in early launchers, and,he most probably commented "online" seeing the footage for the first time,at least it made this impression on me. On the other hand there are definitely useful and interesting informations given and without these informations we would just watch rockets climbing or exploding. With the general overview material like this the silent, i.e.no commentary footage would be of low value.

Who's got the Spacecraftfilms Gemini set would remember there is a silent footage of Gemini instrument panel. I would love to have there any commentary added - to watch something you have no clue about for 15 minutes in silence is very depressing.

I like this material, it's of a very good quality and I hope the follow-up releases will bring more detail in engineering ,development and tests similar to Saturn family DVDs.

Great footage with one major flaw
If you're a rocket buff, this set is definitely for you. Visually, at least...

The two disc sets starts with four formerly classified Air Force documentaries about ballistic missile programs (one of which assumes the viewer is likely a high ranking officer!). Over an hour of historic footage of Robery Goddard's experiments from the 1920s-1930s are then shown...this turned out to be more fascinating than I expected. You witness the birth of liquid fueled rocketry and can't help but smile along with the infectious grin of Goddard and his team. V-1 and V-2 footage is then shown from Germany...a darker period of time, but it's humorous to see Himmler's personal plane destroyed by a failed V-2 launch. Disc one ends with the first failed US satellite launch attempt on a Vangaurd rocket. Commentary is provided in places where the footage is silent...which is a nice addition when there would otherwise be no sound at all.

Disc two is where the trouble begins. The disc covers launches ofJuno, Atlas, Titan, Delta, Saturn, the Space Shuttle, and others. Successful (and many unsuccessful) launches are shown. This is what all rocket fans like to see. Also, by the time period of these launches, audio recordings are starting to appear with the launch films. The problem is that the original soundtracks to these launches, with the deep roar of the rocket engines, are ruined by a commentary track that cannot be turned off. It is especially maddening when the commentary on some of the early launches basically repeats itself as multiple angles of the same launch are shown. You just want the commentator to shut up for a launch so you can listen to the rocket in all it's glory. Instead, he just says "Well, here again you can see it ignite and here is where the trouble starts." I can't fault the commentator, since some of his insight is indeed interesting...especially in the later launches (like the Shuttle) in which he has greater knowledge. But like most DVDs with commentary, this narration should be included as an option that can be turned on and off. In this set, you are stuck listening to a monotone-voiced engineer (sorry Dave Mohr) talk over EVERY launch. This is NOT what rocket enthusiasts want to hear. It also is an unexpected trend from the otherwise unobtusive Spacecraft Films...who have earned a reputation for presenting material with as little editing as possible...so you can enjoy the footage without someone cutting it up or talking over it. Instead they virtually ruin this set by not letting the rockets speak for themselves.

Also, the methods for recording the commentary seem flawed, with a very hissy, wispy sound behind the voice. The microphone sounds as if it was placed very near the speaker's mouth, as you can hear every breath he draws. This is doubly maddending when you can hear his breathing better than you can hear the damn rocket!

I would have given this set five stars had the commentary been a seperate audio track. The imagery is great and is desearving of a high rating. The launch footage is spectacular is every regard and rocket fans will enjoy seeing it no matter what. But the overall enjoyment of the set is seriously marred by a major audio mistake...so the best I can give it is 3 stars overall. That might be a little harsh, but it was a mistake that didn't have to be made. It's akin to buying your favorite Hollywood movie on DVD and finding out you can't watch it without hearing the director's commentary over the actors dialogue.

In other words, Stage 1 of this set was successful, but Stage 2 failed to get it into orbit, ultimately making it just an interesting dud. Hopefully, Spacecraft Films will learn from this failed launch.

Note: The two Saturn DVD sets from Spacecraft Films are both 5-star keepers. Both sets avoid the audio mistake made in this set and instead present the hi-fidelity roar of each Saturn launch without audio molestation. I HIGHLY recommend those two sets...especially the Saturn V set. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

MUST-SEE T.V.
I grew up in the town next to Rye around the time Cullum was teaching as his legend was growing.Seeing this film was a step through the looking glass to a time when education was a sea of possibilities, and it makes you mourn for what's going on now with the Bush initiatives.Then there's the artistry of the old footage...as I watched I thought it looked like some of the old great poetic film from the "New American Cinema," the ancestors of "indie film" from the early 1960s chronicled so well by the great Jonas Mekas.And then Robert Downey Sr. comes on to talk about how he shot this film and it all made sense--Downey was a peripheral part of that scene.He was a friend of Cullum and went out to Rye to shoot this these B&W beauties before he had really become a full-blown filmmaker, it seemed.I was always an immense fan of Downey's work...this footage of Cullum and his kids is stunning, it says more about how kids can develop when given the stimulus and energy of a great teacher as any educational tract you'd ever read.Even if you aren't into education this film will get you on some level.

A Master Teacher's Genius
How fortunate that Mr. Cullum had a talented friend in Robert Downey, Sr. who was skillful and sensitive to the magical moments fostered by an inspired teacher.The old black & white clips still capture the thrill children feel, when allowed to interpret information and learn from each other, while being guided by a teacher who wanted the very best for each of them.

The reunion at Rye, NY with some of his early students provided a thoughtful analysis of what his methods meant to them, and how they prospered under his tutelage.

I recommend that elementary & middle school teachers show this DVD at least once every year.It's that inspiring.

Brilliant work for our times in Education
A must see for all educators frustrated by "No Child Left Behind" initiatives. This work chronicles the lifelong dedication of one teacher to bring every child forward in a learning environment which was beyond its times in creativity of teaching in the 50s and 60s.

Everyone in education needs to see this film
I just watched this documentary on PBS (aired as part of the Independent Lens series) and it is both entertaining and touching.I am going to buy a copy for each person I know in education - it will give them a new energy about their position!The film is beautifully created as a documentary of the life of a teacher in NY during the 50's and 60's named Albert Cullum.The film features both recent and historical footage of him, including old classroom footage, teaching children and sharing his philosophies.His methods were innovative and creative - it is a real inspiration![...] ... Read more

Reviews (5)

WOW! THIS HAS TO BE SEEN!
You won't be the same after watching this amazing well done documentary. There are moments that will move you to tears. It's a declaration that Black American history IS AMERICAN HISTORY! How can an American go through life not knowing so many famous names like Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth, you don't get more American than that. EXCELLENT, a must buy!

AFRICANS IN AMERICA!
Originally produced for PBS in 1998, this DVD includes all four installments of this POWERFUL DOCUMENTARY! The focus here is on SLAVERY IN AMERICA, starting with JAMESTOWN in 1607 and ending with the start of the CIVIL WAR in 1861! This documentary combines FIRST-PERSON ACCOUNTS and HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS with INTERVIEWS with not only historians but the descendants of those slaves! This might be the FINEST look at America's PECULIAR INSTITUTION available on DVD!

A very moving series
I actually watched this series when it was on PBS a couple of years ago and it almost brought me to tears. It was incredibly sad to hear about the way that the slaves were treated.

This video would be a great learning experience for classes. I am thinking about using it as an visual aide for my speech on slavery in NY.

This is a journey that every American must make.
Narrated by Academy Award nominee Angela Bassett, "Africans in America" is the first television/video documentary which works to chronicle the full history of slavery in America. The documentary is an incredibily ambitious effort that employs relevant scholarly data, interviews with noted historians, lively story-telling, and vivid accounts from slave descendants to detail, in four ninety-minute episodes, events from when Black and White indentured servants worked side by side (the colonial era) to the freedom from slavery that came at the end of the Civil War. "Africans in America" could not come at at a better time, when issues of racial strife continue to have a stranglehold on this nation. By looking at our racial past, we may be able to understand our racial present and future. The first part of the documentary, "The Terrible Transformation," details the origins of slavery in America. It dispels misconceptions that slavery was a sudden, full-blown institution. Rather, it shows that during the early 17th century slavery became institutionalized over many decades, law by law. Part two, "Revolution," focuses on the popularity of slavery in both the South and North, and on George Washington's role in legalizing slavery. Again, little known facts are highlighted, such as the role slaves played as combatants in the American Revolution. Part three, "Brotherly Love," turns to the then capital of the nation, Philadelphia, to recount how the government recommitted to slavery for Blacks while promising Whites liberty. This part also explores how the White scientific community worked to link the Black race with biological inferiority, thereby justifying the enslavement of African Americans. The final part of the documentary, "Judgment," covers antebellum and post-antebellum years. It reminds us of the constitutional amendment to free the slaves. More importantly, this final part challenges viewers to consider if slavery was really an inevitable institution, and, based on past behaviors, whether this country can ever gain racial harmony. "Africans in America" is thorough-- it took 10 years and millions of dollars to produce. It was shot on location across 12 states and 3 continents. It draws upon documents, scholars' insights, and a few well-knows such as Gen. Colin Powell. In all, it is a masterful educative effort. This is a journey that every American must make-- preferably through more than one viewing-- so that salient events are understood and so that we may begin to comprehend that the journey to racial reconcilation is far from over.

The best teaching instrument to date on the issue of slavery
I have always been interested in the issue of slavery. This video series is like none I have ever seen before, it is excellent! Its as if there are hundreds of slave narratives combined with countless facts and documents to back them up. These videos are more than history, they are windows into the the lives and hearts of American slaves. I would recommend this to any American, whether you are black or white. It is time for the truth. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Excellent documentary
For some strange reason when I purchased this DVD I thought it was a film rather than a documentary. However I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this 4 hour documentary which is all included on one double sided DVD. The documentary looks at Napoleon's life from the cradle to the grave and includes all facets of his life not just his military genius. That is not to say that Napoleons battles are ommitted as his major campaigns are examined and the reasons which brought them about (including his proposed invasion of Britain).

Napoleon who was of Corsican birth orginally despised the French but in time came to love France and saw himself not only as defender of the revolution but almost as the crusade againsnt monarchism in Europe. Napoleon strongly beleived in his star and will power.

The documentary makes great use of Napoleonic art work and historians from France, Russia, Germany, Britain and the USA (including Colonel John R Etling co author of "A Military History and Atlas of the Napoleonic Wars"). There are also some battle recreations but only on a small scale.

The documentary does a fine job of trying to cover everything or is much as it can in 4 one hour parts, from childhood, solidering, Josephine, the Grand Army, changes brought about in France, master of Europe, exile and death.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this DVD and recommend it to anyone with an interest in history or the Napoleonic wars. The only disappointment was the colour quality, for red seemed to look more like purple on occassions. For that reason alone I have not given 5 stars.

Profound documentary on a profound induvidual.
PBS is to be congratulated for their effort and end result with this documentary. It covers every detail of the emporer's life from cradle to grave. His life as a child is discussed detailing his attatchment to his mother and disattatchment if you will to his father for being to 'French'. All of this leading up to his military academy training in France and the beginning of one of the most spectacular military careers in modern history. The military campaigns are well documented and detailed as well as how his role in the military led to his involvement in revolutionary politics, his gaining control of France, then most of Europe, and eventually his defeat, twice. Keep in mind that the entire time you are told of what is going on in Napoleon's professional life, you are kept abreast of what is going on in his personal world as well. It is all held together with excellent commentary from several different historians, mostly French, from around the world which give the documentary a definite air of authenticity. A must for students of French history or those interested in the genre.

Russian Winter Again . . . And Summer, Too
Oh, Josephine . . . flowers, gardens and harp-playing. An acute and penetrating analysis of historical events! Vive l'Empereur!

. . . It is amusing how even almost two centuries later, a French historian (!) refuses to admit that someone could have possibly understood The Great French Military Genius.

Why on Earth Mikhail Kutuzov 'possibly did not understand, but just sensed' Napoleon's intentions for the battle of Austerlitz? No wonder the General, who broke the backbone of Le Grand Armee in Russia, wasn't even mentioned again in this rather lengthy documentary. Why bother?

The Spaniards revolted against Bonaparte because 'they loved their country more than he loved his,' but the invasion to Russia turned out to be a mistake because Russian summer was too hot and Russian winter was too cold (same all too often applies to Hitler). According to the creators of the 'Empires,' Russians were able to give only one battle and burn their own (former) capital city down . . . um, yes, there were also cossacks, but that's it.

I'd expect something like that from the History Channel, but not from PBS . . .

Superb history of a man who named an era
It is a truism of history that empires that rise quickly due to force of arms fall fast and hard. The two most pronounced are the German "empire" of the 1930's and 1940's and the French empire under Napoleon in the early nineteenth century. Both rose very quickly and fell even faster, ironically due to making the same mistake, invading Russia with a mighty army, only to see it swallowed up by the land and the weather.
Both Hitler and Napoleon aspired to dominate the heart of the European continent, yet were not satisfied when they achieved it. Each planned an invasion of the British Isles, yet both were unable to carry out even an attempt. Finally, both rose from humble origins, and neither was originally from the country they came to dominate. Hitler was Austrian and Napoleon was Corsican, and each at some point believed in their own great historical destiny.
Napoleon was clearly the greatest military genius of his time and one of the most dynamic personalities of all time. His drive to succeed was incredible, what he created was a genuine, popular personality cult based on his powerful charisma. As I watched the tape, it was easy to be impressed at how he rose to such heights. Of course, he had help in his rise to power, as all who manage to rise to such power must have.
The pent-up forces that launched the French revolution, the subsequent terror and backlash all led to a nation that was eager for a great savior. Given his military victories and the hostility of the monarchist states in Europe to Republican France, it was probably inevitable that a military dictatorship emerged. Napoleon's rise to power was not a social retreat, only a political one. He was shrewd enough to maintain the measures of social equality won by the revolution, which was guaranteed to win popular support.
Until I watched this tape, I was unaware of how much energy Napoleon had. He was directly involved in many of the details of government, often dictating correspondence until his secretaries collapsed out of exhaustion. His love for Josephine was also genuine and deep, even when he was preparing for the battles that would expand his empire, he took the time out to write her detailed, thoughtful letters.
Unfortunately, Josephine was unable to bear the required male heir to the throne, and political necessity dictated that Napoleon divorce her to marry someone who could. He was quite generous in his treatment of Josephine, giving her a palatial home and a large pension. One of the most interesting and debatable points in the tape concerns the changes that came over Napoleon after his son was born. There is no question that he was a devoted husband and father and there are suggestions in the tape that the time spent performing these duties kept him from ruling effectively. I believe that the empire was largely doomed anyway, any reduction in his effectiveness due to family obligations could only have hastened the fall.
There have been three great revolutions in the last three centuries, one that spawned the United States, another in France and the third that created the Soviet Union. While the last two led to dictatorships, terror and empires, the difference was that the French empire was led by a man who exhibited many human traits and whose life is interesting in the human as well as historical sense. No one could ever say that about Joseph Stalin. This tape captures all the grandeur and humanity of Napoleon, the passion for war, the passion for Josephine and his boundless energy that drove him beyond what even he could achieve. Since it is not possible to understand nineteenth century Europe without learning about the Napoleonic era, any study of that century should begin with a viewing of this tape.

Just scratched the surface...
For anyone who knows next to nothing about Napoleon, this four hour documentary will serve as a good general introduction. The key word there is "general" because the documentary gives us merely a whirlwind tour through some of the highlights of one of the most amazing and complex figures in history.

It had a promising beginning, with nice background about Corsica and Napoleon's parents. But by the time the young Bonaparte becomes an artillery lieutenant, the sense of trying to cram too much into a limited time frame soon overwhelms. I found myself shaking my head over the gaps and glossed over information - and the tendency to over-simplify. What is presented is presented fairly well. But I kept wondering about the bits that were left out.

Several times, the program mentions that Napoleon gave advancement based on merit rather than birth or privilege. But we never hear about any of those extraordinary men such as Lannes, Murat, Duroc, Berthier, Junot who made it such an age of heroic and remarkable men. Marshal Ney is mentioned only once - at the battle of Waterloo. Talleyrand is quoted (once) but his contribution totally overlooked. Wellington comes out of nowhere at Waterloo - his campaign in Spain left on the cutting room floor. The fascinating thing about the Napoleonic age was that there were so many larger than life figures making history at the same time. Napoleon was probably the greatest, but not the only one. And more than a little of his success was due to these other men.

Similarly, the program gives the impression that Napoleon is still buried on St Helena. There is no mention of the triumphant return of his remains to France - not a single shot of his magnificent tomb in Paris. And nothing is said about the subsequent behaviour of Empress Marie Louise or the fate of Napoleon's unfortunate son.

It could have been so much better. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This epic documentary does a wonderful job of recapturing the revolutionary impact the impressionists made while providing a historical and artistic context for this extraordinary group of painters. The work of Monet, Degas, Morisot, and their fellow impressionists has now become so familiar that its power to shock has all but disappeared.

Young and resolutely modern, these artists threw off the shackles of academic art to capture everyday life in paintings that were iconoclastic in both style and subject. At first they struggled to survive because their work was rejected by the conservative Paris Salon, but those with independent means helped those without (Monet in particular was frequently rescued from poverty by his friends), and gradually they became impossible to ignore. Bruce Alfred's script thoroughly explains the development of the impressionists' approach to art and reveals fascinating aspects of their individual personalities, while a combination of dramatic reconstructions, period photographs, and the paintings themselves creates a rich and informative visual tapestry. Anyone with an interest in the history of art will find much to enjoy. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (1)

magnifique!
My wife and I love Impressionism. We have several art books on the topic, and we saw the massive exhibit in Washington, D.C., in 1986 (from which we're still recovering!), and a more recent one at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth.

BUT ... we learned so much in this DVD set (which I gave to my wife as a Christmas present) that we had not read/learned anywhere else: there is a lot of information about the artists' personal lives, family problems, quarrels with each other, their failing health and deaths, etc., that is almost as fascinating as the paintings themselves -- which are simply LUMINOUS in this presentation.

The only disappointment is the limited "extras" and the limited number of paintings in the gallery extra -- perhaps a reason to downrate this to 4 stars. But ... I'll keep it at 5. ... Read more

Description

In the most provocative film of the year, Academy Award-winner Michael Moore presents a searing examination of the role played by greed and oil in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11. From Academy-Award winning director Michael Moore (Bowling for Columbine). WINNER, Palme D’Or Award at the Cannes Film Festival, BEST PICTURE. DVD features:

* "The Release of Fahrenheit 9/11" featurette
* "Iraq, Pre-War" featurette: The people of Iraq on the eve of invasion
* "Homeland security, Miami style" featurette: Footage of the old men who patrol the Florida coast lookng for terrorists as part of the homeland security plan
* "Outside Abu Ghraib Prison"
* Eyewitness account from Samara, Iraq
* "Lila, D.C.": Lila Lipscomb at the Washington, D.C. premiere
* Arab-American comedians: Their acts and experiences after 9/11
* Extended interview: More with Abdul Henderson
* "Condi 9/11": Condoleezza Rice's 9/11 Commission testimony
* "Bush Rose Garden": George W. Bush's full press briefing after 9/11 Commission appearance ... Read more

Reviews (562)

Fahrenheit burns fast all the way through
I first saw Fahrenheit more out of curiosity than politics. I thought I would find it tediously political. I was wrong. This is actually an outstanding movie that hits its subject hard and with humor. The film raises some very troubling and important questions, but it is best when Michael Moore backs away and lets the film's images and the mother who lost her son in the war speak for themselves. This is emotionally powerful stuff, and at times, the effect is at once both soaring and searing. Believe me, I was glad for the humor as comic relief. I am generally conservative politically, and I must admit I was a little uncomfortable with the unremitting Bushbashing. However, I came away seriously moved, sobered, thoughtful and with an overpowering sense of tragedy in the making, and not many films in the last ten years have done that to me. So, I give this movie all five stars and a standing ovation. It is a great movie and I recommend it regardless of your political leaning, for this is the kind of film a mature democracy should receive well and with gratitude. Now, let us have one just as good for the conservative voices?

Truth Hurts Only When It Should
While Michael Moore may be preaching to the choir, there is no denying the choir is singing "Hallelujah!" "Fahrenheit 9/11" is one of the most powerful films I've ever seen. It's also profound, passionate, persuasive and penetrating. But more than all that, it's courageous! Like him, or hate him, no one can deny this was an incredible act of courage.

He takes on George W. and his administration so convincingly, so thoroughly, Howard Dean must be standing on a street corner somewhere in Vermont screaming "Amen!"

Interestingly enough, the movie wasn't nearly as slanted as I assumed it would be. And he didn't limit his wrath or criticism to Bush alone, or even the Republicans alone. Fingers were pointed and jabbed at both sides of the isle as well as almost all facets of the media. He painted a picture, albeit not a pretty one, step by step, stroke by stroke, meticulously and hypnotically. And by the end it was to this viewer an unqualified masterpiece.

He goes to great length to make it abundantly clear that all Americans should and do support our troops, even if we don't support this war. He effectively illustrates the horror of which they've been thrust into, and the futility of what they're up against. Only one child of the entire Congress of the United States of America is actually over there in Irag fighting. The look on the congressmen's faces of which he was interviewing when he asked if they would be willing to enlist their children in this war to show their support was priceless and telling.

He goes on to fill this canvas with such shocking persuasive anecdotes, interviews and news clips that most of the audience is left in horror, disgust or laughter.

There's no question that Moore is biased, but he's so thorough, so passionate, so sincere that by the end of the movie one can't help but wonder if there's not a whole lot more truth to what he's conveying than anyone was ever willing to admit out loud.

Every American, of every political, cultural and racial persuasion should see this movie for themselves. And from there, let their consciences be their guide. If the standing ovation and applause at the end of the near sold-out show my wife and I attended this morning in Del Mar was any indication, we're in for turbulent summer.

Kudos to Lions Gate for being so instrumental in bringing this vitally important work to the screen. And if anyone should be thinking of boycotting a studio because of this film, the name Disney comes rushing to mind.

Don't believe everything you hear!
This is an extraordinary, powerful, and well thought out movie. It is harsh on the Bush administration and their failures. But more importantly... it is ALL documented. You will hear a ton of BAD things about this movie from the extremely political people out there. Facts are hard to dispute, so a spin campaign is in full force. Michael Moore anticipated this and had complete documentation of his sources available for your own research. Go to http://www.michaelmoore.com/warroom/f911notes / and check the sources to verify the accuracy of this movie before you listen to any of the negative propaganda against it. So I emplore you, DO NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR... check it out for yourself and be