Amazon.com

With the 1957 release of Paths of Glory, Stanley Kubrick confirmed his early promise and joined the ranks of world-class filmmakers. The age of the auteur had arrived, and Kubrick was a prime candidate for inclusion in the pantheon of directors later canonized by critic Andrew Sarris in his influential book The American Cinema. Ironically, this was also the period during which Kubrick left his native soil for permanent residence in England, and from that point forward, the Kubrick mystique inflated to legendary proportions. But if Kubrick was no longer bringing himself to the world, he was certainly bringing the world to his films. From the comfort of his rural England estate and locations never far from London, Kubrick would command cinematic odysseys to isolated Colorado (in The Shining), battle-ravaged Vietnam (Full Metal Jacket), upscale New York City (Eyes Wide Shut), and, of course, Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite (in 2001: A Space Odyssey).

The New Stanley Kubrick Collection includes all eight of Kubrick's films from Lolita on--a quarter-century of brilliant, challenging cinema. This second edition adds Eyes Wide Shut to the previous collection and remastered sound on five of the films plus a new anamorphic edition of 2001. Purists have complained that Kubrick's last three films have been released in full-screen format only; this was in compliance with Kubrick's wishes, and the films do not suffer unduly from full-screen formatting. This set also features a new full-length documentary made by longtime Kubrick assistant Jan Harlan, Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures. The diversity of Kubrick's work is truly astonishing, even though the director's technical precision and steely perspective on humanity may strike uninitiated viewers as cold and even misanthropic. His films almost always received mixed (and sometimes scathingly negative) reviews upon their release, only to benefit from glowing reassessment as they grew entrenched in the public consciousness. Here, in all their glory, are the collected films of a genuine master, ripe for study and appreciation for many years to come. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (52)

A wonderful collection, the way he would have wanted it
When the original Kubrick box set was released, it was a nightmare. Kubrick's classics on DVD looked anywhere from decent to VHS-quality, thanks to the rush job (presumably to capitalize on the great director's death). This rerelease is what Kubrick would have wanted. Every film from the beautiful masterpiece "Lolita" to the misunderstood "Eyes Wide Shut" is presented here, along with a documentary, "Stanley Kubrick: a Life in Pictures," which is fantastic -- a completely absorbing and entertaining history of the director's life and work.

Kubrick was not a traditional filmmaker. He shunned Hollywood and retreated to his adopted country of Great Britain in the early sixties, making films entirely on his own terms. His films were feasts for the eyes and spanned every conceivable genre, from comedy ("Dr. Strangelove") to sci-fi ("2001: a Space Odyssey") to period pieces ("Barry Lyndon") to war pictures ("Full Metal Jacket") and everything in between. He was not afraid to experiment and take the actors as far as they could go.

The picture quality in this long-overdue reissue is nothing short of stunning. Particularly noteworthy is the "Barry Lyndon" disc. Kubrick's use of natural light in this gorgeous period drama give it a unique beauty never captured in any other film before or since.

As extra material goes, the box is pretty sparse (except for the documentary, of course), but you do get the mini-documentary of the making of The Shining, complete with optional commentary. But what counts here are the pictures themselves, which are all, without question, masterpieces.

Discover Kubrick's world. Sure, it's a lot of money, but worth every penny. Buy it on a Friday, cancel your weekend plans, and explore the amazing world of these films. This box set is why DVDs were invented.

PRAISE FOR LEON VITALI !!!
Big Cheers to Leon Vitali for putting this collection of mostly remastered DVDs of Kubrick's later film library. If you are a Kubrick film fan and you do not own this box-set, then you are being very cruel to yourself. This is all the Kubrick you'll ever need!

The digital remastering is on these films: "Lolita", "2001", "Clockwork Orange", "Barry Lyndon", "The Shining", and "Full Metal Jacket". "Dr Strangelove" and "Eyes Wide Shut" are not digitally remastered in this set. The following films are in widescreen format: "2001", "Clockwork Orange", and "Barry Lyndon"...the rest are not unfortunately.

The extra "About Stanley Kubrick" DVD is a big hit! It's worth having for any fan and is narrated by Tom Cruise. I still feel that "Paths of Glory" should make it on all Kubrick box sets from now on...but that's my opinion. Other than that, this box set is superb!

Leon Vitali did a SUPER job of remastering the films for this DVD release, and his reverance for his former employer should be commended by all of us fans. Thanks Leon - I'd love to sit down and talk with you someday and discuss Stanley Kubrick and his wonderful wonderful movies!

Great collection
Stanley Kubrick was one of the best filmmakers of all time and this collection gives the movie watcher almost every film made by him. Each film is great to watch and since Stanley Kubrick is one of the best directors of all time, if not the best director of all time, its not a surprise that all of the films included are of a quality. This collection is great and its amazing to see how they modernized the older movies. I would recomend it to any true movie watcher.

I'm not worthy to rate the movies, but the presentation...
I am not rating the movies--I think few people are remotely qualified to judge this art. What I do rate is the presentation. The snap case DVD's? Come on, Warner Bros/Turner...! I've seen complete tripe given better packaging! I got the set a few months ago (I had the old set, waited for the price to come down on the new set), and was upset that the a few of the DVD's weren't playing correctly. Some of them paused and skipped during the "bonus features" (theatrical trailers, etc), and also skipped several seconds into the beginning of the films. Since I have never previously experienced any problems with my player, I sent the DVD's back for replacement (the seller was most courteous and helpful in this endeavor). So I got a new set. Same problems; different movies. In absolute frustration, I purchased a third set. Ditto. Is there something wrong with the transfers? Has anyone else experienced these problems (the freezing of the picture and sound during the trailers, the skipping ahead 4 or 5 seconds at the beginning of each film)? I find it very jarring to have the first chords of Barry Lyndon suddenly jump out of my speakers; I like it not that the overture to 2001 kicks in, and the pedal steel guitar comes in mid-slide on "Goodbye Darlin', Hello Vietnam" to begin Full Metal Jacket. Films like these surely demand the attention and perfection that went into making them; save the quickie transfers for the Olsen twins movie (but get it out in time for the holidays, right, you Warner weasels???)

One of the finest collections of film
In his hardly prolific career, Stanley Kubrick spanned the sum of the Human Condition, created some of the most stirring and shocking sights in all of film, at the same time creating a new genre: the movie philosophical treatise. At once viscerally and intellectually satisfying, Kubrick is widely regarded as the greatest director ever, and his most important work is collected here. The only notable omission is Paths of Glory, which really ought to be included.

If you've seen the films, you can testify to their value. If you have, though, you probably don't need to read this review. This review is written for the movie fan who never got into Kubrick, or just saw maybe one or two of his movies, and might be wondering what the mystique is all about. Allow me to illuminate you.

The set includes eight films and a documentary about the life and work, etc. The first movie is Lolita, of course, based on the Nabokov novel. This is a movie based on a very symbolic and abstract book where the love story was really an afterthought, in my mind. Kubrick brings it front and center here, making it a more timeless and universal story, and the acting is immaculate. James Mason plays the character of Humbert brilliantly, hapless and completely under the spell of the titular character. Peter Sellers is brilliant here as well as in the next film in the set, Dr. Strangelove. One of the funniest movies ever made, for my money, Strangelove revolves around the demented General Jack D. Ripper (Sterling Hayden, brilliant) ordering a nuclear strike on the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Insightful comic masterpiece, my favorite parts are Hayden's long monologues to Sellers, he totally sells the insanity. 2001 is perhaps the most philosophical of the entire set, a movie in which Man's past, present and future are explored in a completely novel unconventional way. The wonder of space travel is juxtaposed with the fear of machinery failing us, even more symbolically, the machinery of society failing us. A Clockwork Orange is next off, a darkly comic look at some very pondrous issues, such as free will, crime, and civil liberties, not to mention the intrinsic nature of man. Gritty, depressing, and completely compelling, this crime story is tricky because you actually end up rooting for the punk (Malcolm McDowell) when the police rough him up. Next, off to Barry Lyndon, a very cynical swashbuckling adventure starring Ryan O'Neal as the titular character, a low-born Irishman who manages to rise to the top of Victorian London's social arena, then fall back down. This is perhaps the least-seen volume of this collection, as well as probably the most emotional. The Shining was a movie I didn't like the first time I saw, but subsequent viewings have won me over. Jack Nicholson is excellent as usual as a crazy man who tries to kill his family while snowed in in Colorado. Maybe the most pop-culture assimilated of the movies, this one uses unconventional scare tactics to frighten, from psychological to visceral, and we once again see the machinery fall apart, this time the familial machinery (one of Kubrick's recurring themes). Full Metal Jacket is probably the weakest of the movies, partially because it doesn't decide if it wants to be about boot camp or Vietnam combat. It tries to do both, and this is, in my mind, Kubrick's greatest miscalculation. It does feature some great drill instructor moments from R. Lee Ermey. The last feature is Eyes Wide Shut, which failed to live up to the hype it generated, although it made some interesting points about trust and sex in modern relationships, and ended in a surprisingly optimistic tone.

In short, the movies range in setting widely, from the 18th century to the present day, and from Earth to Beyond the Infinite, but a consistent philosophy and filmmaking style belies them all. Highly recommended for any fellow "students of life." ... Read more

Amazon.com

As upscale sitcoms go, Something's Gotta Give has more to offer than most romantic comedies. Obviously working through some semi-autobiographical issues regarding "women of a certain age," writer-director Nancy Meyers brings adequate credibility and above-average intelligence to what is essentially (but not exclusively) a fantasy premise, in which an aging lothario who's always dated younger women (Jack Nicholson, more or less playing himself) falls for a successful middle-aged playwright (Diane Keaton) who's convinced she's past the age of romance, much less sexual re-awakening. As long as old pals Nicholson and Keaton are on screen discussing their dilemma or discovering their mutual desire, Something's Gotta Give is terrific, proving (in case anyone had forgotten) that Hollywood can and should aim for an older demographic. Myers falls short with the sitcom device of a younger lover (Keanu Reeves) who wants Keaton as much as Nicholson does; it's believable but shallow and too easily dismissed. Myers also skimps on supporting roles for Frances McDormand, Amanda Peet, and Jon Favreau, but thankfully this is one romantic comedy that doesn't pander to youth. Mature viewers, rejoice! --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (245)

Opening sequence is as sexy as this movie gets
Even as a straight female, I found the opening shots, scanning a variety of STUNNING women, engaged in their NYC lives, quite erotic, especially as choreographed to "Butterfly, by Crazy Town.

The rest of the film is "watch-able" - but highly unbelievable. Neither Diane Keaton, nor Jack Nicholson impressed me much. They're charming and quirky in the ways we're familiar with - watching them over so many years. This isn't a sexy film - and doesn't do much to negate stereotypes of aging men and women.

For me, Frances McDormund (spelling?) was the revelation of the film. She's the one who defies streotypes. She's cast as the no make-up, dressed like a boy, Women's Studie's Prof. She delivers a feminist rant one minute , and laughs at herself the next. Most surprsing, in going against stereotypes of the hot chick (like those at the beginning of the film), she is actually really sexy. She does a slightly lewd dance to Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" - she's hot, funny, ostensibly single - yet happy. Now there's a woman I can identify with!

There may be some snow on the roof....
What's not to enjoy? The script has Snap!, Crackle!, and Pop! Also several moments of genuine tenderness as well as natural hilarity. As ably directed by Nancy Meyers whose previous work in What Women Want is also first-rate, the cast is excellent and Diane Keaton's Academy Award nomination for best actress (as Erica Barry) in a leading role was well-deserved. I also expected a nomination for Jack Nicholson as Harry Sanborn. The supporting cast is also fine, notably Frances McDormand (Zoe Barry) and Keanu Reeves (Julian Mercer). The core situation is that the wealthy and charming Harry is dating (at least for the moment) Erica's daughter Marin (Amanda Peet) and accompanies her for a weekend in the Hamptons where her divorcee mother (a successful playwright) has a lovely oceanside home. Of course, Erica and her sister Zoe appear unexpectedly.

As a result of his hedonistic lifestyle, Harry suffers a heart attack unrelated to Erica. After emergency care by Julian, he is released but must reside nearby during the recovery period. Guess where? Of course, he and Erica fall in love. Meanwhile, prior to Harry's appearance in his life, Julian had become strongly attracted to Erica...not to her daughter. Apparently she has had no romance in her life since the divorce and is currently hard at work on a new play which is not going very well. Harry eventually becomes well enough to return to Manhattan. And then....

Eventually, both Harry and Erica must make very difficult choices. It would be a disservice to those who have not as yet seen this film to explain what those decisions prove to be. However, I feel free to say that the decisions are juxtaposed very effectively with various humorous incidents, a few of which are featured in the trailer shown in theaters. Yes, this is a comedy but it also has some attitude. On occasion, an edge. There are implications to the lives which the two seniors have led, prior to their meeting. The resolutions of various conflicts (both major and minor) are entirely plausible, except -- in my opinion -- for one which involves Erica and Julian. See this entertaining, sometimes serious film and then reach your own conclusions.

The special features provided with the DVD include a "Commentary" by director Nancy Meyers, producer Bruce Brock, and actress Diane Keaton, another "Commentary" by director Nancy Meyers and actor Jack Nicholson, a "Hamptons House Set Tour" with Amanda Peet, and "Harry Sings Karaoke to Erica" (a deleted scene). For whatever reasons, Keaton chose not to contribute much but Nicholson did and, as always, is charming, articulate, and generous. Contrary to his persona in so many films, Nicholson is renowned among his film colleagues for the same endearing qualities which are evident in one of the commentaries.

Too Young for This?
Perhaps at 34 I am too young to 'get' this movie. I was hoping for a great romantic comedy, but found this one fell flat. Not even in the same universe as As Good as It Gets. After Jack Nicholson's character is stranded at Diane Keaton's house, I just lost interest. I didn't think he was anyone's dream man, and their love scene was frankly more than a little embarrassing. And the ending! Let's just say I find it very hard to believe a 60-something leopard would change his spots.

Not all that great
I was pretty disappointed with this movie. It was entertaining, but very contradictory. You have Diane Keeton who plays Ericka a play write, who is pretty bitter about older men who seem to go for younger women. Yet her own daughter who is in her early 30's is dating a man (Jack) who happens to be 63 years old!! Harry is older, and is pretty commitment phobic, so he believes in dating and having fun. Harry is also prone to lots of hospital visits due to his heart problems. So Ericka's daughter decides to end her relationship with Harry because she spotted the chemistry between her mom and Harry. Now knowing that Harry is such a commit phobe, you would think that Ericka would ignore Harry and enjoy the attention she is getting from Julian (Keanu's character) who is totally smitten with her. No, she sleeps with Harry, it means a lot more to her, then it meant to him, and when he admits he only wants to be friends she spends a good deal of the movie crying. Now the crying was okay the first few minutes, it was funny at first. Then it got on my nerves !!! Her heartbreak helps her complete her play she is writing, and Harry is the subject of her new play that becomes a hit. Ericka's daughter is all upset her father is going to marry a woman who is only a few years older then her. Do you see the irony? Ericka goes to Paris, and Harry finally realizing he is in love with her goes to surprise her. However, the surprise is on him when he realizes that Julian is with her. The chemistry once again is evident, and Ericka goes after Harry. I'm sorry, but Julian is so much cuter!!!!

I also have a feeling my age may have had something to do with why I did not enjoy this movie as much as I thought I would. I'm 36 and the thought of dating someone 63 does not appeal to me. If I were older, I would not be upset that men older prefer younger men. The other issue I had with the movie was this. During the scene when Ericka and Harry was about to have sex, they mention birth control, but when she mentioned "menopause" all the sudden everything was GREAT. Now I know this is a movie, but what about using a condom so you don't have to worry about the spread of STD's or HIV? Sure she does not have to worry about pregnancy, but with Harry being so commitment phobic, I would be worried about getting HIV!!!! So that part really disturbed me. I would just go out with a younger man if he were attracted to me. The movie was cute, the movie had some funny moments, but the movie was not all that great to me.

Charming and intelligent
While I am nowhere near a 50 something, and closer to a 30 something, I can still appreciate an intelligent romantic comedy with a convincing and witty cast. I love Diane Keaton's character, especially with her quirky hang-ups (no pun.) Humor, charm, intellect and vulnerability ring true for both her and Nicholson, to whom before this movie, I was not a huge fan. It inspires us all to develop our skills and talents and to never give up on finding our soul mate, regardless of how late in life he/she might arrive. It was precious in some parts, and soulful in others. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For many fans, the Superman revisionist series Smallville truly hit its stride in its second season, when it shifted focus from traditional comic book conflicts to one of self-discovery for its hero, a teenage Clark Kent (Tom Welling).Fans and first-timers can judge for themselves with this six-disc set, which compiles all 23 episodes and a decent selection of supplemental features. Whereas season 1 focused on Clark using his powers to combat a host of menaces à la the WB's other big fantasy hit, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, season 2 delved into Clark's past and the extent of his super powers, most notably in the back-to-back "Heat," in which he discovers his heat vision, and "Red," in which red kryptonite in the high school class rings uncorks Clark's less-than-upstanding side. Other plot developments from the season that pull the series in interesting directions include the arrival of Dr. Helen Bryce (Emanuelle Vaugier), who becomes involved with Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum), but the season's most significant moment comes during episode 17, "Rosetta," in which Clark learns of his Kryptonian origins courtesy of a scientist, who, in an effective bit of casting, is played by Superman film star Christopher Reeve.

The complexity of the writing and issues dealt with in season 2 marked Smallville as a series with depth and drama worthy of its considerable fan following as well as a second boxed set; fittingly, the supplements in this set are more expansive than on the first one.Producers Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, and Greg Beeman and cast members Welling, Rosenbaum, and Kristen Kreuk weigh in on commentary tracks for two episodes ("Red" and "Rosetta"), while a trio of short featurettes explore Christopher Reeves's appearance in "Rosetta," the show's visual effects, and the amusing "Wall of Weird" web page maintained by Chloe (Allison Mack). The extras are rounded out by a handful of deleted scenes and a gag reel. --Paul Gaita ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Date with Destiny
The legendary adventures of the Teen of Steel continues with "Smallville: The Complete Second Season" Box Set. The second season of the WB hit series successfully picks up from the events of last season's stirring finale and explores further into the Superman myth. Clark Kent (Tom Welling) begins to investigate his origins and learns some stunning revelations of his true destiny on Earth. The rivalry between Lex Luther (Michael Rosenbaum) and his devious father (John Glover) heats up and the new woman in Lex's life (Emmanuelle Vaugier) could be his salvation or tragic fall. The close friendship between Lana (Kristen Kreuk) and Chloe (Allison Mack) creates certain difficulties for Clark. The second season shows significant improvements in the series' dramatic content and the relationship between the characters. The second season also avoids the repetitive "meteor freak of the week" trend, but still offers some thrilling action sequences and great visual effects. The episodes storylines appear more creative and better structured, and allow the supporting cast to have a stronger effect in the series' outcome.

The "Second Season" 6-Disc Box Set is a reasonable improvement over the "First Season" Box Set. Like the previous box set, all 23 episodes are presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen format. Its picture quality isn't spectacular but is certainly well-defined. The 2.0 Dolby Digital sound is rather pleasant. Some episodes contain deleted scenes and insightful audio commentaries with producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, and cast members Tom Welling, Kristen Kreuk and Michael Rosenbaum. The box set also includes the engaging "The Chloe Chronicles", "Christopher Reeve: Man of Steel" and "Faster than a Speeding Bullet" featurettes, a fun gag reel and some colorful interactive menus. "The Complete Second Season" Box Set will delight fans of the hit WB series and scores a satisfying "B+".

Smallville : Origins
Who am I?. Where did I come from?. What is my destiny?. Those are the questions that make up the main story arc for the second season of this wonderful show. Origins. It was a fantastic direction for the show after it's debut season, which was very good, but was too "Monster Of The Week". The series really gets settled and comes into it's own in this spectacular season that definitley raises the bar. It starts to add onto the already existing mythology and legend of Superman, while creating it's very own. The show is always at it's best when it touches upon the mythology and tweaks it. The season begins with the fantastic "Vortex", where our characters and the town come to grips after a devastating tornado. "Heat" is a very cool episode where Clark gains another super power. Judging from the title, you know what that is. One of the best episodes of the season is the episode "Duplicity", where friend Pete learns of Clark's true secret. Other stand outs include the classic "Red", where Clark comes into contact with red kryptonite, which turns him into the Anti-Clark. The mysterious indian caves that have ancient paintings on the wall that could be extraterrestial set in motion the main story in "Sleepwalker", but the story really hits it's mark with the powerful and historic "Rosetta", which features Christopher Reeve as a brilliant scientist who just may have answers Clark is looking for. A superb episode that features a hint of the Superman theme. You WILL get shivers. Former regular Whitney returns in "Visage", or does he?. There are many other great eps here like "Fever", "Precipice", and the excellent two part finale, "Calling" and "Exodus". There are more great moments, but too many to mention. There are a handful of throwaway eps like "Dichotic", with Jonathan Taylor Thomas as a student who can clone himself, and the return of season 1's Ryan in "Ryan". The show is beautifully shot and choreographed and uses bright, vibrant colors. The special effects are top notch and some of the best seen on television. The effects are very sophisticated and eye grabbing. The acting has improved, not that it was bad. Tom Welling has settled and seems more comfortable in the role of Clark. Michael Rosenbaum continues to shine as Lex Luthor, and his relationship with his dad Lionel(Who is played by the fantastic John Glover)is fascinating and undeniable. One reviewer asks why Lex is even in the story. Huh?. I guess HE doesn' know the story. John Schneider and Annette 'O' Toole are also on hand as Jonathan and Martha Kent, giving two worthwhile performances and some of the best representations of parents on TV. Friend Pete though, while getting some more scenes, is still used sparingly. Kristin Kreuk, while beautiful and alluring, does what she can with Lana, and the writers have done little to expand on the character. While many people will belittle the show for heading into the relationship area and soap opera-y type stuff, that isn't the point. Clark loved Lana and so it is being showed. It doesn't make it less worthwhile or light. The writing isn't up to the high standards by other shows, but it is what the show is and it's solid, intelligent, and well crafted. There is no doubt that "Smallville" will continue to fly high(as it already has), and won't be coming down any time soon.

The show that insults an American mythos
For starters,comic book purists HATE it when a classic book gets tampered with or heavily manipulated. This is especially true when it comes to comic books that make the transition to TV and film. Why,you ask? Because they turn out disappointing about 70% of the time.Written and produced,almost always,by a bunch of Hollywood writers who've never read comics before. More often than not,it's not a labor of love for the writers,it's just another script..Sometimes they can be good(The first two Superman movies,Tim Burton's "Batman" the first season of "Wonder Woman","Ghost World"and the two Spider-Man flicks)some mediocre("The Flash","Hulk","Hellboy","Birds of Prey","The Punisher")and some just downright awful("The Human Target","Dr.Strange","Captain America")

So,now we get "Smallville". I have nothing but some bitterness for a show that takes a 66 year old comic legend and reduces him to a teeny-bopper,"Dawson's Creek"pretty boy shill. For any real comic book fans like myself,this is a slap in the face. Anyone who's ever regularly read the Superman comics know that Smallville,far and away,was/is the least interesting part of Superman's origin. Beyond him being found by the Kents in the rocketship,slowly discovering his powers and experiencing his first love with Lana Lang,the fun that was Clark's home town pretty much has always stopped there. So,why make a whole series about it? And how lame and desperate is it to have to create other metahumans using that radioactive meteor (almost all of them evil and conveniently within Smallville's city limits)just to give Clark something to do? To make this even more ridiculous, it's almost always an uneven fight unless the villian that week gets a hold of some kryptonite.

Another problem with making a Superman "prequel" of sorts is that the mythos is limited and not fully tapped. Sure,the planet Krypton,kryptonite (in both green and red) STAR Labs,Metorpolis and Intercrime get used and name-dropped often but it's just not enough. Ok,Perry White also pays a visit as does Morgan Edge,but again,it's short shrift. Beyond Luthor (the only interesting character on the show) and the aforementioned Edge,the rest of the Man of Steel's arch-enemies are MIA. This means no signs of classic Supes baddies like Metallo,the Prankster,the Toyman,General Zod(from both the comics and "Superman 2")Bizarro,Mr.Mxypltk,the Parasite,etc.Yeah,they have the "villian of the week"schitck but none really interesting enough to warrant a return. Hell,even the recently cancelled "Birds of Prey"brought in classic Batman villian Clayface and also Batgirl's quasi-arch rival Lady Shiva! The writers have painted themselves into a corner and,therefore,can only use about a third of anything from the Superman history. This would be like doing a TV series focusing on Bruce Wayne after his parents' murder and he still hadn't gotten the inspiration to become Batman yet.Think of it: no Batcave,Batmobile,no cool utility belt,the grim black/grey Batsuit,etc. Now try to envision having to watch all this every week. Boring,right? This is what "Smallville" has become: turning the most powerful superhero in the history of comics into a melodramatic goof.

Millar and Gough,the Smallville writers,have adopted a strict"no tights/no cape" i.e. no costumes. Since they've made pretty much made Clark Superboy without the red & blue suit,you're sometimes wondering "what's the point of watching if he's not even going to change?" or do anything truly "Super"? Yeah,they have him running at super-speed,using his heat and x-ray vision for the first time and,of course,that super-strength is a given. However,it loses its punch when you see Clark doing all this in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Half the fun that goes with being a superhero is the secret identity,that juggling of the duality,which he doesn't really seem to have much of here. Of course,Ma & Pa Kent knew from day one as does best friend Pete of Clark's powers. And I don't believe for a second that Luthor hasn't known all this time.

Yes,there are some bits of action but not enough to write home about. Ask almost anyone and they'll tell you that Superman,in general,is boring compared to his contemporaries(Batman is still the most popular character in the DC Universe,far and away)but he is still the WORLD'S most popular superhero. MIllar and Gough have just made Clark Kent even more one-dimensional and lifeless than ever with "Smallville". Nice attempt,boys,at trying to infuse the teen angst similar to classic Lee/Ditko-era "Spider-Man"but it's just too forced. One wonders if Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster are spinning in thier graves after hearing about the latest incarnation of thier classic icon.

At the end of the day,Millar and Gough are not showing any respect or love for the legend and seem more inspired on the marketing scheme than anything else. For crissakes,at least ABC-TV's "Lois & Clark"captured the fun of the comic,even with its heavy"will they or won't they?"subplot. And they had villians from the comic! "Smallville"is a teen chatter-fest,clearly marketed to girls and young women who really aren't there to see the heroics so much as to see the smaltzy melodrama between Clark and Lang. For comic book fans everywhere, I recommend that you save your pennies and just rent it or ,better yet,wait until it's syndicated and watch the reruns.

Tom Welling IS Superman!
The second season of this show is even better than the first one! The writing and acting improved drastically, and Tom Welling's acting ability blossomed considerably in this second season. The focus on character relationships is alot better than in the first season, and there's alot of character developement. There's still a heaping helping of Kryptonite mutants for Clark to square off with, however it's not as formulatic as in the first season. Also, the best episode of the season by far is the episode "Rosetta", featuring Christopher Reeve! It was a great episode, and not only did it delve into Clark's origins, but it felt almost like a passing of the torch, from one man of steel to the next. A great season, and definately a must own DVD set for Superman fans, along with the first season.

I sincerely hope that Warner Brothers chooses to use Tom Welling and the rest of the Smallville cast in a Superman movie. Smallville really does feel like it's a prequel to a Superman movie series, and it'd be a terrible shame if this vision is never realised. Christopher Reeve himself has endorsed Tom Welling as the next Superman for the silver screen, and is lobbying to get him into the new movie. Also, the performances of John Schneider, Annette O'Toole and Michael Rosenbaum are excellent as well, and it would be wonderful to see their performances carried into the new movie series.

AN EPIC MASTERPIECE OF A SHOW
Let me begin by saying, James Lowrie, a reviewer from Amazon, asked a question regarding the DVD. James, I have a response at the bottom of this review. :)

"SMALLVILLE" the first season began on a dramatic high when a meteor shower struck the quaint little town of Smallville. From that shower came a young Clark Kent, a boy with special abilities. The first season played with the abilities and basically was action-packed, featuring a teenage Clark Kent battling meteor-freaks. It began very well, but still, had much room for improvement as far as storylines go.

Then came the thrilling opener to the second season, a continuation of the cliffhanger in season one. BOOM! BANG! Here it is, the second season! Here we see much more character developement, as Clark Kent digs deeper into his roots to really figure out who he is, and Lex Luthor (at this point Clark's good friend) tries to fight his demons, A.K.A. his twisted father, Lionel Luthor. Part of the genius of the season is Tom Welling's portrayal of Clark Kent. He plays the hero as not one of those action-movie type heroes, but rather, just a normal kid. He's not Superman yet. This is the story of how he becomes Superman, and thus, Tom Welling plays him as being just a mild-mannered teenager confused about his routes, wanting to know his destiny. Meanwhile, Michael Rosenbaum creates a dramatically brilliant performance as Lex Luthor. Poor Lex is tortured by the fact that he may grow up to be just like his father, and he is doing everything he finds humanly possible to stop that from happening. BUT...an important thing to see here is the point to all this. The creators of the show are not saying that if your father is a bad man, you will be. No. This season explores more in depth character study to show you that you CAN fight your destiny, but if you let your demons get in the way, like Lex's father, problems arise. At this point there's not much he can do to avoid it, but in the third season, Lex lets his father into his life in a way that creates more disturbing problems. The Lex and Lionel Luthor conflicts are part of the key reason for the show's massive success. John Glover plays Lionel with such a twsited outlook on life, but yet, gives the character many sides, so you also sympathize with him. His performance is incredible, and the chemistry between Glover and Rosenbaum is nothing short of extraordinary. As Lionel gets closer and clsoer to making Lex stray to the dark side, he also begins to be more and more curious about the enigma of Clark Kent. You see, Clark is trying to fight his destiny also. In an exquisite episode titled "Rosetta" he is told by Dr. Virgil Swann (CHRISTOPHER REEVES, THE MAN OF STEELE HIMSELF!) that his destiny is to take over the world. Now Clark is also on a quest to prevent his destiny from occurring. Thus, Clark and Lex are so much alike, but will ultimately be torn apart. Meanwhile, Clark and the love of his life, Lana Lang, grow closer, as his reporter friend, Chloe, who has the hots for him, becomes a bit envious.

Some of the best episodes include "Insurgence" in which Lionel Luthor bugs Lex's mansion with spy equipment, and Lex turns the tables, "Rosetta" the episode where Christopher Reeves reveals some secrets to Clark about his destiny, "Calling" where Clark begins to grow closer to Lana and Lionel grows closer to Clark's secret and "Exodus" the season finale that will take your breath away and leave you heartbroken and looking forward to the following season.

The DVD features are all very excellent, including a behind the scenes look at the making of the superb special effects in the show, an interview with some actors, including Christopher Reeves, deleted scenes, the CHLOE CHRONICLES, and a hilarious blooper reel! :)

And, James Lowrie, to answer your question, yes, the DVD does come with a booklet, at least mine did. I'm curious why yours didn't? It should be right in the front there in the front pouch. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Two of Agatha Christie's most popular characters, Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot, are brought to life in these classic BBC and A&E Home Video mysteries. The delightful Joan Hickson is always entertaining as the prim and proper Miss Marple, complete with her elderly woman charm and perpetually clicking knitting needles. In 4:50 from Paddington, Miss Marple's good friend Elspeth McGillicuddy witnesses a man strangle a woman on a passing train, and it's up to Miss Marple to uncover the mystery. In Sleeping Murder, the Reeds move into their dream house, where Mrs. Reed is plagued by the vision of a body in the hall. In turn they call upon Miss Marple to help them uncover this strange phenomenon. When the American movie star Marina Gregg in The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side is almost murdered while filming her new picture, she's fortunate to have the help of Miss Marple to sniff out the evil culprit. A Caribbean Mystery has Miss Marple, who's in need of rest and relaxation, deciding to holiday in the West Indies. Her holiday soon turns into a working vacation when it's time for her to gather the usual suspects. Other Miss Marple stories included in the boxed set are The Moving Finger, At Bertram's Hotel, Murder at the Vicarage, Nemesis, and They Do It with Mirrors.

David Suchet perfectly captures the brilliant Belgian detective Hercule Poirot in four beautifully made mysteries. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, in which yet another of Poirot's retirements is interrupted with murder, is an admirable adaptation of a nearly unfilmable plot. Lord Edgeware Dies offers the pleasing combination of murder, theater folk, and a glimpse of a besotted Poirot. Evil Under the Sun features cold-blooded murder at a sunny health resort, and Murder in Mesopotamia doubles the fun by dropping all the intrigue into an archaeological dig. Each mystery is lovingly crafted with clever direction, a clear fondness for Christie's work, and painstakingly accurate period settings. Suchet and Hugh Fraser (as Captain Hastings) make a marvelous pair, capturing both the easy companionship and the frequent bickering of true friendship. Special DVD features include an index of all the Miss Marple and Poirot stories and biographies of Agatha Christie, Joan Hickson, and David Suchet. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Other Poirot Set
This collection is not very good. It is much better to buy the region 2 complete David Suchet's Poirot set which has all 50 of the Poirot Episodes, and then you can purchase the newest Episodes which are Sad Cypress, Five Little Pigs, Death on the Nile and The Hollow. This is a fabulous set and is much better than buying the smaller sets of poirot.

Fantastic Collection!
I happened upon this collection at Best Buy and knowing how much our family enjoyed British mysteries, thought it was probably worth the price. It is even better!! Joan Hickson and David Suchet are the penultimate Miss Marple and Poirot. These productions are well made, great for family viewing as there is little or no violence, beautifully filmed and directed. The Miss Marple's date from around 1987 and you can't tell as the time period is represented so well. And included are 4 of the best feature length Poirots ever. You can buy this set used but I don't know why anyone would want to get rid of theirs!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Originally broadcast in April and May of 1998, the epic miniseries From the Earth to the Moon was HBO's most expensive production to date, with a budget of $68 million. Hosted by executive producer Tom Hanks, the miniseries tackles the daunting challenge of chronicling the entire history of NASA's Apollo space program from 1961 to 1972. For the most part, it's a rousing success. Some passages are flatly chronological, awkwardly wedging an abundance of factual detail into a routine dramatic structure. But each episode is devoted to a crucial aspect of the Apollo program. The cumulative effect is a deep and thorough appreciation of NASA's monumental achievement. With the help of a superlative cast, consistent writing, and a stable of talented directors, Hanks has shared his infectious enthusiasm for space exploration and the inspiring power of conquering the final frontier.

NASA's complete participation in the production lends to its total authenticity, right down to the use of NASA equipment, launch locations, and even spacecraft. The re-creation of the lunar landscape is almost as impressive as the real thing and is further enhanced by the use of helium balloons to lighten the actors playing moon-walking astronauts. (These and other backstage details are revealed in the "making of" featurette, along with a wealth of supplemental materials, on a bonus disc in the miniseries' DVD package.)With a fictional, Walter Cronkite-like TV reporter (Lane Smith) serving as the dramatic link for all 12 episodes, this ambitious production may not be a great work of art. But as a generous and definitive example of nonfiction drama, it's full of the same kind of awe, inspiration, and humanity that led to "one giant leap" in the all-too-short history of 20th-century space exploration. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (162)

It was 35 Years Ago Today
HBO's "From the Earth to the Moon" (E2M) is everything a good docu-drama mini-series should be. Tom Hanks has brought to life the true story of man's greatest adventure to "land a man on the Moon and return him safely to Earth". For those of us who were alive, E2M allows us to relive those incredible days. And for those who were born afterwards, it gives them a chance to understand exactly what it was they missed. If you have even the slightest interest in the space program, obtaining a copy of this DVD set is a must.

Coincidently, Apollo 11 landed exactly 35 years ago today. I was 13 years old at the time and living in Nova Scotia, Canada. The "Eagle" touched down at 5:17 pm, much to the consternation of my mother who was busy trying to prepare supper. Just like Tom Hanks would later relate, I had my models of the Command Service Module, Lunar Module and Saturn V rocket close at hand while I had claimed the living room armchair for the occasion. My family gathered around our old B&W television which was tuned to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), one of only two stations which were available to us back then. Much of the CBC's coverage consisted of a feed from CBS, so we got to watch Walter Cronkite's famous "Oh Boy!" commentary. My prized 3" reel-to-reel tape recorder (you could get all of 1 hour on a single reel) was busy taping a local radio station carrying NBC's coverage with Jay Barbree.

The entire family congregated again a few hours later for the moonwalk, just before midnight, and watched Neil & Buzz's first steps. I stayed up for the entire 30 hour televised stretch, from lunar landing to liftoff, stealing a moment every now and then to go outside and gaze up in wonder at the moon, filled with awe that two human beings were actually there, living and working on its surface. In this day of CNN and other all-news networks, it should be remembered that the coverage of this event was in itself history in-the-making - TV's longest continuous coverage of a planned event.

My interest in space began with the flight of Apollo 8. When I heard that this was the first manned launch of the world's biggest rocket, the Saturn V, I was sure that one of its million parts would go wrong with disastrous results. Thank God it didn't. I watched and I was forever hooked. A real space junkie, religiously watching each mission after that, coaxing my Mom to let me stay home from school (recurrent cases of "moon sickness", no doubt), clipping out every newspaper, Life, Time or Newsweek article I could find (now faded yellow with age) and trying to tape as much of the audio coverage as I could (few private individuals could afford a video recorder back then). By Apollo 14, I had earned enough money working at a grocery store to buy a 4-track 7" reel-to-reel recorder (which allowed one to put up to 12 hours on a single tape!) and had built a 15" Heathkit color TV. For Apollo 16, I had added a new-generation "cassette" recorder to my arsenal (don't forget that the venerable 8-track was still popular at the time). And, of course, I had acquired a VCR by the time the first Space Shuttle flew in 1981. It has always annoyed me that the more recording resources I could afford, the less TV & radio coverage there was available to tape.

But the effect of the Apollo program on me was profound. Because of it, I entered into a career in radio astronomy, enjoying the technical challenge of building instruments to investigate deep space from the Earth, perhaps recognizing the likelihood that I would never have to opportunity to leave its surface (although I did make the first cut for the Canadian Astronaut Program nearly 20 years ago). In tribute to Project Apollo, we named our son (now 16) after astronaut David Scott who commanded Apollo 15, my favorite of all the lunar flights.

In many ways, I feel sorry for the children of today - they will never experience the monumental awe and global celebration that we were privileged to witness back in 1969. Strange, isn't it, that although Apollo - the pinnacle of mankind's technical achievement - which occurred only 35 years ago is now looked on as though it was something out of our deep past rather than a part of our future. It's almost treated like it was a chapter out of ancient history, similar to other great accomplishments like the building of the Pyramids or the Great Wall. Although it might not seem so today, 500 years from now the moon landings will undoubtedly be remembered as the most significant event to have occurred in the 20th century.

It's hard to choose my favorite E2M episode since they were all so good. As an engineer, "Spider" resonated well with me, portraying the passion and dedication which many of us put into our work, albeit for projects with a much lower profile. "That's All There Is" brought back fond memories of the Apollo 12 mission. I distinctly remember there was talk at the time that astronauts Conrad and Bean may have been on an accidental oxygen high. It's good to know that there effervescent behavior on the surface was just a manifestation of their normal high spirits and comradery. I was delighted at how "Galileo Was Right" was able to present the training of the astronauts to be field-geologists in such an entertaining and informative manner. And finally, the bittersweet "Le Voyage Dans La Lune" brought a tear to my eye, just as happened back in 1972 when I watched Apollo 17 and the last lunar module lift-off from the moon. It's even sadder still, that we have not returned, nor will we for perhaps another 20 years.

Moving Soundtrack frames an engrossing story
If you enjoy the idea of the American entrepreneurial/pioneer spirit, and, though imperfect and at times prone to failure, this spirit is the best thing on earth...or the moon, you will enjoy this DVD set. Similarly, if you are intriqued by engineering and the process of getting technology from research to reality, this DVD will entrance you. And if a romantic, cinderela story, filled with real personalities is your cup of tea, you too will find yourself unable to wait to see the next episode in this series.

HBO did a wonderful job on this endeavor. Seeing Band of Brothers, and Apollo 13, I thought I would enjoy From the Earth to the Moon. I wasn't prepared for the quality and entrancing effect of this series. My wife and I found ourselves watching two episodes a night, instead of the agreed upon single installment!

I indentified with the engineers at Grumann as they worked the problems out of the LEM. I was intrigued by the political and media aspects surrounding the space program which I was too young to have known about. Alan Bean's trip to the moon was presented in a wonderfully hilarious way. And the characters had depth with common-man heroics as well as failings.

Do yourself a favor, and get a copy of this DVD to watch, learn and enjoy.

"The Golden Age Of Space Travel, Revisited"
This HBO production, executive produced by Tom Hanks is not without it's flaws. At times when it seems like the episodes should be searing, and dramatic, they instead wax sentimental. The music is also rather unremarkable, with the exception of Brad Fiedel's fine contribution to the installment "We Interrupt This Program."

For all of that, Hanks, and company manage to pull off the gargantuan feat of illustrating for us, the trials, and the victories that were Project Apollo. Considering the amount of material that had to be covered, they do so with finesse, and unwavering aplomb. No space historian would want to miss having this docudrama in their library.

An entry point to the "romantic era" of NASA
After watching the series, if you want to learn more, NASA has an amazing amount of historical books and stuff online on their website.

Try the following url, and scroll down to the "Project Histories" section. The title of the webpage is "NASA History Series Publications".

http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/series95.html.

Warning: These documents aren't light reading for the TV crowd, but are more for the space nuts who might have a copy of the "Space Shuttle Operator's Manual" in their house.

The main entry point to the NASA history site seems to be:

http://history.nasa.gov/

Very good, although not a typical documentary film
Initially (first 10 minutes of the movie) I did not like it. I expected it to be more of a documentary kind of movie rather that actors and all that. Then I realized it was kind of interesting and more in depth, giving real feelings of the people of that era. Very nice. I managed to get the movie from my local public library. It is kind of expensive.

Now...
I agree with the reviewer bashing the conspiracy clown from Santa Monica. There is some "evidence" that the landing on the Moon has been staged. All that is pseudo science. Real scientific counterarguments EASILY debunk all those insane claims. Anyone who believes in the "conspiracy" is either not so intelligent or did not do enough research.

Do you really think it would be possible to keep all those scientists involved from telling the truth for all those years? I did not hear a SINGLE thing confirming the conspiracy from anyone involved in the apollo project. We hear these things only from so called pseudoscientists.

Why is it so hard to believe we landed? Did Russians fake their flights? Are space stations fake? Are the space shuttles fake? Are the shuttle accidents fake? Is hubble telescope a fake? Is the probe that landed on the Mars fake? Is the British probe that reached Mars but never landed a fake? Global conspiracy? Is there a conspiracy with Brits and Russians? Are satellits fake? Did we fake the Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Are nuclear submarines fake? It the nuclear energy fake? Are airplanes fake? Is quantum theory fake? Are computers fake? Is internet fake?

Is it really so impossible for us, humans, who came up with the above (iether before or after the Moon landing) to land and come back from the Moon? All that during the cold war when these kinds of achievements REALLY did matter?

People who believe that landing on the moon was faked should really do their research properly. If not, maybe they should keep believing in UFOs and area 51 conspiracies. I do not want to call them names. I am also a peaceful guy, but these kinds of arguments make me mad. ... Read more

Reviews (110)

one the definitive films of the '80s finally on DVD!
WALL STREET has always been one of my favourite Oliver Stone films. it crackles with the same intense, acerbic dialogue as SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS. from his "Greed is good" speech to the way he handles day to day deals with ruthless efficiency, you can see how Michael Douglas nailed this role of the ultimate amoral insider and deservedly won the Oscar that year for Best Actor.

after watching this film on a crappy pan and scam VHS tape, it is so gratifying to finally see this film given a proper DVD treatment. the transfer is crisp and clear with good sound but the real selling points are the fascinating documentary -- which features Douglas and Charlie Sheen and their views and thoughts of the film after all this time -- and Stone's informative and candid audio commentary. for someone like myself who has seen this film a zillion times, listening to Stone's observations on his movie was a real treat. great stuff. along with GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, this is one of THE best films about money, greed and the people who ruthlessly pursue it.

'Gekko the Great'
Real-life bigtime investment banker Jeff Beck not only advised Oliver Stone when he made 'Wallstreet' but also stars in this film for a few minutes playing himself at a climactic meeting of topdog-lawyers and bankers. He delivers one of the many exhilirating monologues in this Epic tale of greed, pride and innocense lost. "Now your boss will really start thinking he's Gekko the Great!" He shouts at Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) who plays a struggling young stockbroker who's desperately trying to get on the fast-track to becoming a "player".

Michael Douglas who plays 'Gordon Gekko' (not 'Gecko' as the Amazon review suggests, the name can be seen in the scene where Charlie Sheen turns on his computer in the morning and finds out it's "Gekko's Birthday") puts on such a mindblowing performance he really can be dubbed 'Gekko the Great'. The character is right up there with Don Vito Corleone, Tony Montana, Popeye Doyle and some other members of that elite group of high-octane male movie-characters that will long outlive the actors that created them.

Gordon Gekko is a high profile corporate raider that was probably modeled after Ivan Boesky (the biggest corporate raider of the 80's who eventually went behind bars for insider-trading), Michael Milken (creator and unchallenged 80's king of the high yield or junk-bond) and John Guttfreund (CEO of Salomon Brothers in the 80's who'se extravert and bizarre behaviour is documented in the classic books "Liar's Poker" (Michael Lewis) and "Barbarians at the Gate" (John Helyar).

Michael Douglas seems to have been born to play this part and from the moment he is introduced ("Lunch? whaddaya kiddin' me, lunch is for wimps!") to the moment we viewers have to part from his hypnotic character ("I gave you Darian, I gave you everything!") he reduces any leaps of faith that his character may present us with to tiny hops due to his powerhouse presence. In fact, whenever I see Michael Douglas in another movie I have the strange feeling that Gordon Gekko is trapped inside and might burst out at any time to hose us down with sardonic one-liners. ("Love is just an old lie created to keep people from jumping out of windows.")

Gekko is truly the "mother of all high-rollers", and his performance alone more than warrants the purchase of this film.

Charles Sheen plays a believable 'Bud Fox' but one wonders what a late 80's Tom Cruise or Kiefer Sutherland might have done with the part. Charlie never really creates the electricity that Douglas shocks the audience with.

I won't get into the details of the story here but will post some comments on the general themes in the movie.

There's the theme that Stone had already explored in 'Platoon' of two fathers fighting for the soul of their son. In Platoon it was Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe battling for custody of Charlie Sheen's spirit. In Wallstreet it's Douglas and Martin Sheen representing the 'exciting but evil' and 'wholesome but tedious' ways to go for Charlie Sheen's character. This theme introduces some good tension in the storytelling.

The other theme that Stone put into this narrative is the bleeding heart "Capitalism is bad and unfair" jingle. "I don't produce anything...I own..." Gekko confesses at one point. "How many boats to waterski behind do you need? When is it enough?!" cries a shocked Bud Fox. The moral comments on succesful capitalists come accros somewhat naive and in my opinion don't really work. I won't go into the details but most people I've met who've seen the movie don't even remember what it was about Gordon Gekko that was so wrong. All they remember is the classic "Greed is Good" speech and ironically most of them agree with Gekko on the issue. The fact that Oliver Stone lets Gekko initiate industrial espionage is the reason I gave the movie only four stars instead of five.

I personnaly think this was a real blooper. A man in Gekko's position doesn't need the aggravation of blatantly breakin the law. There's a good plot-line concerning a fictive company 'Bluestar Airlines' that Gekko has his own plans with to make himself rich and get scores of hard working people fired that adds enough suspense to the tale. It seems as though Stone was so set on painting a negative picture of egoistical an a-moral Wallstreeters that he went one bridge too far.

Fact is that, if anything, this movie is like a recruiting video for Investment Banking. What "Top Gun" did for Naval Aviation "Wall Street" has done for Investment Banking. Big corporate banks have never had to complain about the amount of interested well educated young hopefulls but nowadays there's probably not one person sitting in any dealing room anywhere in the world who has not seen Wall Street. I am currently a trader in Amsterdam and I am convinced that if it wasn't for the scenes that have the camera following runners and stressed out yuppies yelling "How about those september 40's!" I wouldn't have been in this racket.

The dealing room-scenes are some of the most exhilirating scenes in the history of cinematography. Spielberg sucked in audiences with his scenes of Normandy's beaches in '44. Stone creates the same spellbinding grip on the audience without getting anybody shot or brutally maimed. That alone is a great achievement for any director in Hollywood. More so for the man who made a career in gory cinematic violence with 'Scarface', 'Platoon' and 'Natural Born Killers'.

Al Hail Gekko the Great! See this movie again and again. It's full of catchy one-liners that will make you not only the toast of any party but might provide you with more of an energy boost than any Tony Robbins video ever will. "Life all comes down to a few moments...this is one of them."

One of the Best Movies of the 1980's
Oliver Stone will never be known for subtlety. "Wall Street" bashes you over the head with its message- getting to the top in society requires duplicity, dishonesty, and the willingness to destroy any obstacle. However, unlike Ayn Rand, Stone vilifies rather than lauds this dubious morality. Bud Fox is a fresh faced, innocent stock broker trying to get ahead through hard work and elbow grease, as he was taught by his father. Bud soon meets powerful, charismatic corporate raider Gordon Gekko, incapable of love, remorse, or empathy. Gekko, we are told, sold NASA short 15 minutes after the Challenger exploded (impossible since the shuttle was destroyed in 1986 and the film is set in 1985!). Gekko predictably seduces Bud with his world of "perks", and Bud's star rises dramatically the farther he falls into corruption.

Throughout the film, Bud serves as a sounding board for the rival values of Gekko and his father. The speech most cited by critics and fans is the immortal "Greed is Good" monologue. While this speech, standing alone, is a vigorous defense of capitalism and selfishness, it is important to note that Gekko is using it at a shareholders' meeting against a lousy, entrenched, and greedy management!

Inevitably, Bud is forced to decide whether to follow his father's philosophy or Gekko's, and to pay the price for his misdeeds. A slight complaint with the ending- the fate of Gekko is hinted at rather than displayed. Gordon Gekko has become something of a hero for young, wanna-be big shots, who are attracted to the glamour of his lifestyle and his "up your's, I got mine!" attitude much as Bud was. Perhaps seeing Gekko get his comeuppance could have made an impression.

Overall, Wall Street is a tight, well done character drama populated with iconic characters delivering iconic dialogue that acts as an indictment of a decade. The movie and its message will stay with you long after viewing it.

As for the DVD, the sound, although in 5.1, is relegated almost exclusively to the center channel. One does not hear the sounds of Manhattan from all directions as Bud navigates the concrete jungle. The video quality appears grainy in some areas. This is a great movie worthy of better treatment on DVD.

Good.
'Wall Street' was a good movie, although once again, Oliver Stone goes way over the top. Powerful speech about greed by Michael Douglas though.

My favourite movie
I found this movie to be fantastic. I loved every minute of it. Most of this movie seemed to tie in with politics. Being a conservative, I found this very interesting. The plot of millionare Gordon Gekko followed along the ways life should be lived. Greed, power, and self-confidence.

Revenge was another big part in this movie. I liked how Charlie
Sheen played his role of Bud Fox. Towards the end the focus was to screw over Gekko and to have sweet revenge.

From this movie came my favourite quote of all:
"... greed, for the lack of a better word , is good. Greed is right, Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essense of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all its forms-greed for life, for money, knowledge has marked an upward surge of mankind..."

I'm not sure that my way is the way that Oliver Stone intended his movie to be interpereted. Oh well, I don't necessarilly care. Greed is Good! ... Read more

Description

Golden Globe(R) award-winner Sela Ward and Billy Campbell star in the highly acclaimed second season of ONCE AND AGAIN. Celebrate the loves and experience the triumphs and heartbreak that made ONCE AND AGAIN a favorite among critics and audiences everywhere. It's "a great show," raves Robert Bianco of USA TODAY. Now you can experience all 22 episodes of season two in this spectacular five-disc set, featuring exclusive bonus features. It's everything you remember and so much more. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

It's about time!
Watching Sela Ward on "House" made me dig out my Season 1 DVDs of this fabulous series, and wish once and again that the other two years would be released on DVD. And now I see at least one of my wishes is coming true! Let's hope Season 3 follows soon -- the wedding episode ranks as one of the loveliest (and most tear-inducing) TV weddings ever, in my opinion.

It's about time!!
This was one of my favorite shows on tv at the time and it's still one of my all time faves! Please hurry with the 3rd season cause I can't wait!

At last the wait is over!!!
I have been waiting so long for the second season to be released.This is one of the best shows of all time, and I can't wait to get the second season.Please release the third faster than it took for the second!!!

At Last!!
This was one of the best shows ever on television and I'm so thrilled they're finally releasing the second season. Now if they would only release the third and final season as well, I'd really be happy!!!!!!!

Finally!
I've waited for the second season of "Once and Again" to be released ever since I got the first season set in November, 2002. So much of my life at the time was reflected in this series. (I was going through a divorce during this show's original ABC run; this series was a major factor in helping me cope.) Billy Campbell really shone in a two part story line in which his character, Rick, is implicated in a bribery scandal. It's a shame he was denied an Emmy for his great performance there. This set will be a more-than-welcome addition to my DVD collection. Now, let's hope we won't have to wait another three years for the third and final season to be released. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

The Definitive Cat and Mouse Submarine Movie
This is one of the best duel-of-wits on the high seas between submarine and destroyer ever filmed. Robert Mitchum as the captain of an American destroyer and Curt Jurgens as the captain of a German submarine try to out maneuver each other in a battle of nerves, instincts, intelligence, seamanship and raw courage. The multi-talented Dick Powell directed this taught drama, which remains one of the most memorable and benchmark films of this genre. The interior of the German submarine does not have the realistic or claustrophobic look as seen in DAS BOOT but that's not the point. Powell's focus is on the two captains and how they act and react. This film does not lose sight of the mentality of that era and the psychological makeup of the men at sea above and below. This is classic filmmaking and should not be overshadowed by the recent resurgence of certain World War II films that seem to have lost sight of the reason men fought and died. This film also has an impressive cast featuring David Hedison, Theodore Bikel, Kurt Kreuger and Doug McClure. Robert Mitchum and Curt Jurgens portrayed true men of honor each dedicated to their duty that they were called upon.

Dive into this good submarine drama
There is a fairly extensive sub-category of war movies - submarine battles - within which movies made in the 1950's are highly regarded. THE ENEMY BELOW is not up to the standards of RUN SILENT, RUN DEEP but is better than TORPEDO RUN. It is also different that both those movies. Where they use a dramatic human interest story as the main plot line, this movie has a narrow focus on what you would expect from a film about a sub battle. The emphasis is on the chase, the strategy, the cunning and wiles of both commanders - US destroyer Captain Murrell (Robert Mitchum) and veteran German U-Boat commander Von Stolberg (Curt Jurgens). The drama is in changing fortunes - now who is the hunter and the hunted? Both of the main characters are well developed, and while there are differences in behavior, motivation, and naturally, stategy, the movie also shows clearly that as professional sailors they recognize and appreciate the good qualities in their opposites. As such this movie is memorable for the fact that Germans are not demonized or simply stereotyped as Nazis.

It's a well directed movie, with excellent moments of suspense, good acting in some key supporting roles - Lt Ware (David Hedison). The only let down is with some very obvious models in some of the battle scenes.

The Definitive Cat and Mouse Submarine Movie
This is one of the best duel-of-wits on the high seas between submarine and destroyer ever filmed. Robert Mitchum as the captain of an American destroyer and Curt Jurgens as the captain of a German submarine try to out maneuver each other in a battle of nerves, instincts, intelligence, seamanship and raw courage. The multi-talented Dick Powell directed this taught drama, which remains one of the most memorable and benchmark films of this genre. The interior of the German submarine does not have the realistic or claustrophobic look as seen in DAS BOOT but that's not the point. Powell's focus is on the two captains and how they act and react. This film does not lose sight of the mentality of that era and the psychological makeup of the men at sea above and below. This is classic filmmaking and should not be overshadowed by the recent resurgence of certain World War II films that seem to have lost sight of the reason men fought and died. This film also has an impressive cast featuring David Hedison, Theodore Bikel, Kurt Kreuger and Doug McClure. Robert Mitchum and Curt Jurgens portrayed true men of honor each dedicated to their duty that they were called upon.

Enemy Below
Dick Powell had to have had one of the most interesting careers in Hollywood history. He started out as a golden-throated pretty boy actor, made a successful mid-career shift to hard boiled roles like Philip Marlowe and then, for good measure, directed a handful of movies, including the submarine action picture THE ENEMY BELOW.
THE ENEMY BELOW is a 100% action movie, without any distracting romantic sub-plot or comic relief crew members. Robert Mitchum and Curt Jurgens are excellent as the American destroyer commander and U-boat commander who cross paths in the Atlantic Ocean and engage in a deadly hunt. With a few exceptions the models are realistically rendered and convincing. This is one of the best war movies out there, and maybe the best navy movie available. I strongly recommend it to action fans.

great cat and mouse game by two great actors!
This is not the average sub-film that centers on the crews of the sub and the sub-chaser. This is a two-man cat and mouse film, marvelously done with style and incisive insight.

Robert Mitchum is the man who rises to do what is needed. Not a superhero, but a very human man who goes into war and does what is required. He is the Captain of a U.S. destroyer sent out to track U-boats. Curt Jurgens is his mirror reflection - below - a Captain of the U-Boat that becomes the target of Mitchum's search. He is not a product of the Nazi war-machine, but again, a very likable man just defending his country. This is demonstrated with deft humor when Jurgens very deliberately hangs his jacket over the plaque of Hitler's propaganda.

The script eschews the stereotypical "Nazi monsters", and portrays a German crew with very real - and universal - emotions. They, too, were just men doing their job and what is required. Instead of having us root for the Americans to blow up the evil Germans, you are put in the position of caring equally for both sides. You comprehend that they are men, offering their lives for their command, not in a political way, but in a time-honoured fashion of a man going to war. You understand both sides REALLY do not want to be here, to kill or be killed; they would rather home. No rousing stereotypical propaganda. In the end, they will kill each other if they must, but given the choice, they would rather not. Very different for that period of war films.

A little dated appearance on the boat scenes by today's standards. It's obvious toy models when the boats crash, but easily overlooked and dismissed when balanced with the very impressive lack of finger-pointing and flag-waving for either nationality. Both Mitchum and Jurgens are dead-bang on target in their lead roles, with David Hedison, Theodore Bickel and Doug McClure round out a super cast ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Wonderful, But Still Missing...Something
This is a wonderful, even classic, adaptation of Franz Werfel's haunting, heartbreaking story of the Lourdes apparitions. The cinematography is excellent, the characters are handled with respect and realistic flair, and Jennifer Jones seems to be channeling Bernadette Soubirous in convincing fashion. The film's flaws? Sentimentalism in some cases bogs it down, especially when the angelic choirs start to sing lauds as the 'vision' makes its appearance. Corny to the extreme, if you ask me. The initial moment of the apparition was a stark and frightening one for Bernadette, according to the gathered records of the incident(s), not an experience accompanied by cheery seraphic warblings. This scene should have been filmed in a stark manner, to capture the surprise, abruptness, initial terror, and realism of the experience. Secondly, the actual Virgin Mary figure (played by a somewhat plumpish Linda Darnell) is also a bit garish: she resembles any of the cheesy, cheap, grotesque plaster "Mary" lawn ornaments that are the hallmark of Catholic kitsch.This stereotypical Mary is an unfortunate cop-out. The film makes no attempt to capture the haunting dignity and true historical nature of Bernadette's visitor, whom the seeress herself described in early testimony as "ou petito damizelo"--a "little pixie-girl," no more than 13 or 14 years of age and certainly not maternal in any way whatsoever. What the film DOES successfully capture is the impact of the many miraculous, mysterious events that descended upon a real town, among real people. It also captures a glimpse of the special, undeniable love shared between Bernadette and the enigmatic being who revealed herself only (and perhaps with a wistful sense of irony) as 'the Immaculate Conception.' A fine, fine film and worth owning for anyone of pure heart.

INSPIRING FILM - DISMAL TRANSFER
"The Song of Bernadette" is a film that by all accounts should distill into a religious pot boiler. And yet there is something haunting, awe inspiring and yes, even stirring about this tale of a child, Bernadette Soubirous (Jennifer Jones) who, after witnessing visions of the Virgin Mary, begins to have miracles performed in the small French town of Lourdes. Jones is angelic, tenderly conveying the warmth, innocence and poignancy of someone truly touched by the hand of God. Anne Revere is cast as Bernadette's non-believer mother. Vincent Price turns in a wicked performance as the town magistrate who, weary that Bernadette's claims will insight religious fervor, threatens the child with imprisonment unless she ceases with her visions. Charles Bickford and Gladys Cooper give outstanding performances as the skeptical priest and nun who come to believe that Bernadette is divinely inspired. Truly, this is a film that requires a whole box of Kleenex to get through. It is haunting, stirring and overall life affirming.

However, the transfer from Fox is poor, even though it improves upon previous VHS and Laserdisc versions. Though the B&W picture exhibits sharpness and better balancing of the gray scale the image is digitally harsh and suffers from an excessive amount of film grain. Aliasing and shimmering of fine details is evident throughout. Pixelization is another down fall. The audio has been cleaned up and is well presented.
Extras include a Jennifer Jones Biography, an audio commentary, a Movietones trailer, some Fox promotional stuff for other movies in their classic series, a restoration film to video comparison that proves that at least some work was done on the transfer before sending it out to DVD and this film's original theatrical trailer.

The Song of Bernadette
This movie had a deep and profound impact on me when I first watched it on television as a young teen. It is beautifully done a real tribute to film making. The acting is outstanding and I fully believed and empathized with young Bernadette as portrayed by Jennifer Jones. I was a protestant at the time I first watched the movie. The effect it had on me sent me on a journey that eventually lead me to Medjugorje and then to becomimg Catholic. I strongly would recommend this film to everyone. It is beautiful, moving, very touching, a profound experience for all who have an open heart.

Excellent
Written by a Jewish man, The Song of Bernadette, is wonderfully brought to the big screen. Typical of old black and white "Hollywood". Very well acted, full bodied characters. A great family movie.

Universal Thematic Appeal
The Song of Bernadette begins with the classic quote, "For those who believe in God, no explanation is necesary. For those who don't, no explanation is possible."

That having been said, one need not be religious to enjoy this film. What makes the movie so enjoyable is that it contains man's universal struggle with religion and his sense of meaning. Vincent Price does an excellent job of portraying the fatalistic expert, while Church officials are accurately protrayed as questioners - but not outright denyers - of the possibility of miraculous events.

Jennifer Jones is fantastic, and accurately portrays the reported humble nature of St. Bernadette.

Definitely one to see at least once. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Clint Eastwood's 25th film as a director, Million Dollar Baby stands proudly with Unforgiven and Mystic River as the masterwork of a great American filmmaker. In an age of bloated spectacle and computer-generated effects extravaganzas, Eastwood turns an elegant screenplay by Paul Haggis (adapted from the book Rope Burns: Stories From the Corner by F.X. Toole, a pseudonym for veteran boxing manager Jerry Boyd) into a simple, humanitarian example of classical filmmaking, as deeply felt in its heart-wrenching emotions as it is streamlined in its character-driven storytelling. In the course of developing powerful bonds between "white-trash" Missouri waitress and aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), her grizzled, reluctant trainer Frankie Dunn (Eastwood), and Frankie's best friend and training-gym partner Eddie "Scrap-Iron" Dupris (Morgan Freeman), 74-year-old Eastwood mines gold from each and every character, resulting in stellar work from his well-chosen cast. Containing deep reserves of love, loss, and the universal desire for something better in hard-scrabble lives, Million Dollar Baby emerged, quietly and gracefully, as one of the most acclaimed films of 2004, released just in time to earn an abundance of year-end accolades, all of them well-deserved. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (186)

Everyone's already taken the compliments this movie can get
I can't believe how much I liked this movie. I'm not really one for Boxing or Dramas (Unless their really good) but I was was pleasantly surprised.

Good performances on all sides (Hilary really deserved that Oscar), and the film also has you caring for the characters...maybe not all of them, but definately Hilary Swank.

- - -SPOILERS AHEAD- - -
I hate using words like "heartbreaking," but that's just what the ending to this story was. It will wreck you for a week. My Dad, who I viewed the movie with, hated the ending. He wanted one of those fairy tale finishes but, in reality, the world doesn't have too many of those. I, on the other hand (While I was fighting like Mike Tyson to hold back tears), admire Clint Eastwood for not being afraid to take a story (no matter how "good" or "inspiring" it is) and do a complete 180 from the cliche ending it seemed it was heading. It takes big grapes to do that.

Boxing Hilary?
This movie uses its extremely strong characters and a decent storyline to create what could literally be called a modern day classic. It shows a softer side to Clint Eastwood that I am not sure we have ever seen before. Hilary Swank is outstanding - I wish I had a better word for her performance - but I am not sure there is one. They key to this film is her ability to pull off the boxing segments in a convincing manner - and she does that in spades. Her right hook appears to be truly devastating. Morgan Freeman also turns in an awesome performance - both he and Swank are worthy of the Oscar. Million Dollar Baby is a film that should not be missed. See it.

A Great Movie With An Unbelievable Scene!!!
This movie stars Clint Eastwood