Planet Hulk (Two Disc Special Edition) (2010) Review

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(More customer reviews)As all of you fans of the Hulk know, this is the animated adaptation of the popular comic book series. Now, I would like to begin, that they made a lot of changes in this adaptation. Some are good, while others I don't care for, but this is still a great animated action film. The demise of the Red King is something that I like better here than in the comics.
Sadly, just to inform you, the Silver Surfer has been replaced by Beta Ray Bill!!! But don't blame Marvel, blame FOX STUDIOS!!! One thing this movie has though is a lot of action and a fast paced storyline. It is without a doubt the best Marvel animated film so far. It keeps a similar theme to its comic counterpart, and it still keeps the viewers entertained.
The voice cast is just great, and they suit each others characters perfectly. While I must admit, I still prefer the comic over the animated film. I'm a big Hulk fan, and the way I look at it, if it isn't broke, don't try fixing it. I just wished they would have made it exactly like the comic, but I'm not complaining, for I really like this film.
What intrests me is if there is a World War Hulk, his wife Caiera may be coming along for the ride! I would love to see a WWH animated film! Just to see Stark, Richards, and all of the Marvel Universe being beaten almost to death!!! It gives a whole new meaning to the words... HULK SMASH!!!!
This two disc set contains these special features:
- A Whole World of Hurt: The Making of Planet Hulk
- Let the Smashing Commence! The Saga of Planet Hulk
- Opening Sequence: Thor Tales Of Asgard
- Wolverine vs. Hulk Episode from the popular series Wolverine and the X-Men
- Spider-Woman: Agent of Sword Motion Comic
- Astonishing X-Men: Gifted Motion Comic
- Watch Your Step: Spider-Woman Music Video
- Rise Up: Astonishing X-Men Music Video
PLOT
- When the Hulk becomes too dangerous for the Earth, the Illuminati trick Hulk into a shuttle and launch him into space to a planet where the Hulk can live in peace. Unfortunately, the Hulk's struggle to escape makes a malfunction in the shuttle causing Hulk to land on the planet Sakaar where he is sold into slavery and trained as a gladiator. With the aid of fellow gladiators Hiroim, Korg, Miek, and Elloe Kaifi, the Hulk forms the Warbound in a plot to overthrow the Red King.
VOICE CAST
- Rick D. Wasserman - Hulk
- Lisa Ann Beley - Caiera
- Mark Hildreth - Red King
- Liam O'Brien - Hiroim
- Kevin Michael Richardson - Korg
- Samuel Vincent - Miek
- Advah Soudack - Elloe Kaifi
- Michael Kopsa - Lavin Skee
- Marc Worden - Iron Man
While I did not care for the changes they have made to this animated adaptation, it didn't ruin it for me. The story is fresh and the action is some of the best I have ever witnessed in animation. Some fans will dislike the change (well more like they will hate it), others fan or non fans will be sure to enjoy this great animated film.
My advice, buy this film. It's a good adaptation, and it is sure to please those who like great fights and a good story. It's worth the price of $17.49, and you will not be displeased. While it may not be as spectacular as its comic book counterpart, it is still great in its own way.

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A whole new world of hurt! He was a monster, impossible to control, too dangerous to ignore. So Earth’s mightiest heroes exiled him into outer space. But now THE INCREDIBLE HULK crash-lands on the distant planet SAKAAR, ruled by the tyrannical RED KING. Sold into slavery, the Hulk becomes the planet’s mightiest gladiator—but his new masters get more than they bargained for when he forges a bond of brotherhood with his fellow fighters: crafty insectoid Miek, ruthless rock-man Korg, ex-shadow pirest Hiroim, and the noble-born rebel Elloe. Unlike Earth, the desperate people of Sakaar believe a monster is just what they need. But will the Hulk be the one to save their world…or destroy it?

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Batman - The Animated Series - The Legend Begins (1992) Review

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(More customer reviews)It's about time that Warner Brothers finally responded to the years of demand by the fans to release the amazing "Batman: The Animated Series" on DVD. What we've finally gotten is a mixed bag, however. I'm happy to see this first disc of episodes in chronological order (rather than the ridiculous themed releases like what we got on VHS), and hopefully Warner will continue to release the entire series in order and complete; but more episodes on the disc would have been nice! What we get here on this release called "Batman: The Legend Begins" is the first five episodes of the animated series -- based on production order, not airdate order -- (1) "On Leather Wings", (2) "Christmas with the Joker", (3) "Nothing to Fear", (4) "The Last Laugh", and (5) "Pretty Poison". Respectively, these episodes are the spectacular pilot with Man-Bat, a lighthearted Joker story, a pretty good Scarecrow story, another (slightly better) Joker story and the origin story of Poison Ivy. A pretty good introduction to the series, but the best was yet to come! As far as extras go, there isn't much. An introduction by Bruce Timm, a few webgames and CD-ROM links, and a brief documentary. (Where are the commentaries, pre-production drawings, artwork slideshows, and extended documentaries?) ... ... Now, if you've never seen the series you are in for a treat! "Batman: The Animated Series" premiered on television way back on Sep. 5th, 1992 with the episode "The Cat & The Claw, part 1" (not included on this first disc), about three months after the live-action "Batman Returns" had come out. The animated series (unlike the mediocre movies) met with almost universal acclaim. Boistered by fabulous writing from the likes of Paul Dini, Alan Burnett, Michael Reaves and many others, as well as solid voice talent like Mark Hamill (wonderful as the Joker) and Kevin Conroy (this guy IS Batman), the series also intoduced such wonderful characters as Harley Quinn and improved versions of nearly ever Batman rogues gallery villian. In my humble opinion, the animated series is the definitive Batman, better than any of the comic books or movies... absolutely nailing the characterizations of Batman/Bruce Wayne himself, as well as his relationships with police commissioner Gordon, Robin/Dick Grayson and best of all Alfred. The series transcends its origins as a "kids cartoon" to being one of the greatest and most adult animated series ever produced. (In a recent poll, it ended second only to "The Simpsons" as the greatest cartoon series ever.) ... At a rate of only five episodes per disc, it will take twenty-two discs to release the entire series of 109 episodes, and that doesn't even count the 50+ episodes of "Batman Beyond" or the 54 episodes of the "Superman" animated series; these series have not yet been announced, but we can only hope... right, Warner Bros?

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In the original five episodes of the Emmy-winning Batman The Animated Series, Batman must battle The Joker, The Scarecrow, Poison Ivy and more to protect Gotham City.

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Katt Williams: American Hustle The Movie Review

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(More customer reviews)When you watch American Hustle, get ready for an experience like now other. American Hustle is a meshing of a cinematic intro with the side-splitting comedy of Katt Williams and company. The feature starts with Katt getting ready for a important Hollywood meeting to discuss movie possibilities starring the up-and-coming superstar. He ultimately passes on the ridiculous movie pitches and ventures out back on the road with fellow comics Red, Luenell, and Melanie Camacho. The four comics and Katt's dog hit the road for 20-city, 40-show tour that eventually culminates to the final show in Chicago. And it is at this point that viewers are treated to the feature-length concert footage of Katt Williams. The DVD closes with Katt Williams sharing the stage and the mic with Chi-Town's own Da Brat and everybody's favorite honorary pimp Snoop Dogg.
Packaged as a theatrical comedy, American Hustle evolves mostly around Katt's stand-up, a routine that can basically be deemed Pimp Chronicles 2. The material is original and will have you laughing out loud. Although we are treated to a handful of stand-up scenes from Red, Luenell, and Melanie, it would have been nice to actually see more of their routine, if not their entire sets. But the material that we are treated to is nothing short of hilarious, with Luenell giving the funniest anecdotes of the three. And of course Katt's spin on life, love, and relationships is on par with everything else that the budding star has showcased, including its predecessor The Pimp Chronicles Part 1. With extended footage of the skit 'Brokebeak Penguins', and his spoof on the movie 300, and about a dozen outtakes, this DVD is unique in its presentation and captures the ingenious comedic styling of Katt Williams. Any fan of Katt Williams will not be disappointed with American Hustle.

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Stand-up comedian Katt Williams (FRIDAY AFTER NEXT) stars in this feature-length comedy. The film follows Katt as he takes a trip to Hollywood, where he hopes to break into the movie industry. But Katt's dreams lie in tatters when he is cast in increasingly ridiculous and stereotyped roles, so he remembers where his real loyalties lie, and sets off on a stand-up comedy road trip. Mayhem and a lot of laughs ensue as Katt and friends meet some weird and wonderful people on their travels.

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Smallville: The Complete Second Season (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have to admit when I first heard about Smallville I had many doubts. A show about "Superboy" essentially??? No costume? No Flying?
But the producers succeeded in making a superhero show that is not about a superhero. Tom welling's brilliantly downplayed role as the young Clark Kent, learing and coming to grip with his powers has been a wonderful surprise to TV viewers and a nice addition to the Superman mythology without making any drastic changes.
While the first season was kind of a "monster of the week" routine with Clark battling a new Kryptonite spawned villian each week, Season two really hits it's stride.
A plot thread is begun exploring just who Clark is and why he is on the Earth...and it may not be very pleasant. We see More development of Lex and Lionel Luthor as they battle over their company, the Kents, and Lex's soon-to-be wife.
Clark finds out about his father, Jor-El...and Jor-el wants Clark to do his bidding.
I won't go over all the episodes but hear are some of the season two highlights:
"Heat" Clark discovers a new power...heat vision.
"Duplicity" Clark's best friend, Pete, discovers Clarks Secret. I still don't like that this happened myself.
"Red" Clark gets his class ring only to find out it was made of red kryptonite. Red Kryptonite effects Clarks mind. Making him arrogant, rebellious, removing his inhibitions, and he abuses his powers.
"Suspect" Lionel Luthor is shot at the beginning of the episode turning this one into an old fashioned "who done it". Suspects abound including jonathan kent and Lex.
"skinwalker" Clark discovers some ancient caves with drawings on the wall that reveal secrets about his origins.
"Rosetta" Perhaps the most important episode of the season. Clark discover the octagonal key to his ship also perfectly fits into a spot on those ancient cave walls. When he inserts the key, he is grabbed by a high power. Later, Clark goes to meet a myserious scientist played by Christopher Reeve. He reveals to Clark that he picked up a strange transmission during the meteor storm that brought Clark to Earth...And He reveals Clarks real name..Kal-El.
"Exodus" The season finale and cliffhanger. Clark Destroys his ship but in doing so his parents are cought in the blast and martha loses the baby. Distrought..Clark puts on his red Kryptonite ring and heads for Metropolis.
Meanwhile, Lex's new wife drugs him, and sends him off in an unmanned plane, straight to the ocean.
Season two really began developing the major characters especially Clark, Lex, and Lionel Luther. The series gets stronger and stronger!

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Girls, homework, kryptonite. Don't miss a single second - the entire second season! Clark Kent lives in Smallville, but in many ways he's out of this world - and so is this spectacular series that provides a fascinating spin on Superman lore. This 6-disc collection includes all 23 second-season episodes plus bonus materials worthy of a hero. Among the episode highlights: Clark grapples with his true calling. Is he on Earth to serve humanity or perhaps destroy it? Lex gets married - twice! Lana moves in with Chloe, adding a new dynamic to their Clark dilemma. Martha and Jonathan receive miraculous news. Lionel pulls devious strings. And Pete becomes a keeper of the Clark secret. One thing we can't keep secret: the legend grows stronger in Smallville!DVD Features:Audio CommentaryDVD ROM FeaturesDeleted ScenesFeaturetteGag ReelOther

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The Venture Bros: Season 4, Vol. 1 Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the worst Venture Bros. DVD product yet to be released. This has nothing to do with the quality of the episodes, which are among the best in the series, nor the quantity. It has everything to do with the poor presentation that falls far short of the excellence found in the previous Venture Bros. DVD sets.
The cover to the actual DVD case is somewhat amusing, but we get this poor joke at the cost of doing without the amazing artwork that graced the previous seasons' DVD cases. This is an unfortunate loss, but it's only worsened by the fact that the entire packaging feels very cheap in comparison to previous efforts.
Opening the DVD case, all you get is the DVD, with a decent cover image, and a slip of paper with an image from one of the props in an episode on it. Don't bother turning the paper over, since it's only a coupon for free shipping from the adult swim store on the other side. If this is the kind of product that adult swim now churns out, I don't think I'll be cashing in my coupon anytime soon.
They could have easily done something with the inside cover, but it remains the same dull black as the plastic case. It's also one of those eco-friendly DVD cases that have the bits of plastic removed from behind the DVD, and this makes the case feel even more flimsy and cheap in comparison to others.
The provided commentaries are also ridiculous. Apparently Jackson and Doc have yet to figure out how to do a proper commentary. The commentaries are mixed with terrible technical issues, roaring cars in the background, and flat out nonsense throughout. Occasionally you will hear something interesting or worthwhile, but these might have been things you already knew or noticed yourself.
The extras are barely there. I appreciate the inclusion of the "Lost" open, since it was quite good and apparently didn't make its way into the proper episode, however the comic-con trailer and the deleted scenes are definitely not worth the time.
The video quality was average for a DVD, but I'm still crossing my fingers for a Bluray release that looks as great as the season 3 Bluray, includes the entirety of season 4, and fixes all of the above.
It's worth owning for the episodes alone, however if you're like me and believe a comedy show like the Venture Bros. is funnier if it remains censored, you may wish to skip this DVD entirely and simply buy the censored episodes off iTunes or something. Jackson and Doc both made the comment in a previous DVD's commentary that they believed uncensoring the Venture Bros. was equivalent to removing jokes from their creation, in effect making it less funny. Why on Earth the seasons have been receiving uncensored releases since Season 3 is beyond me. Some of the greatest scenes of season 3 were totally ruined because of it (scenes from The Doctor is Sin, and The Buddy System), but at the very least season 4 isn't totally uncensored. Only the language track has been uncensored. You will still see the occasional censor bar or blurring in some of the episodes.
In the end, I was disappointed with this release. I am optimistic that they will right their wrongs with a future Bluray set, but this has yet to be confirmed.

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Questions are answered and truths are revealed. Learn how Henchman 21 copes with life without 24. See what happens when Brock and the Venture family are forced to part ways. Discover the final fate of H.E.L.P.eR. And all the while, the balance of the free world hangs in the hands of Dean Venture, who must kill Hitler.

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Greg Giraldo: Midlife Vices (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)He skillfully tricks you into believing he's just your average comedian whose performance is ridden with cliche narratives of the American cultural landscape. But you'll soon find you've been fooled. I find the more aware a comedian, the better he is. He must take risks with the audience. Sometimes he must trust that his audience is not vanilla but again we're not sick pervs either. With awareness of this, Giraldo is able to become several great comedians at once with material that is crude (Stanhope) and political (Maher, Stewart). He also does numerous pieces that make fun of our use of language, reminiscent of the late Carlin. Nevertheless Giraldo is not just a mish-mesh of other comedians, he masterly weaves everything in a special way. Each joke is not random, he's telling a story that hopefully should vibrate with the younger generations.

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Greg Giraldo is one of the hottest comics in the country. Socially provocative and yet broadly funny, Greg has become one of the most versatile and highly entertaining comics working today.DVD Features: - Comedy Central Presents Special - Never Before Seen Adult Content Pilot

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Mitch Fatel: Mitch Fatel Is Magical (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)One can expect sexually perversion at an all time high on this Comedy Central DVD. "Sex". Mitch Fatel's comedy revolves 100% around it and he never strays.
Known for his comedic delivery (ie. he sounds like he's mentally challenged), Mitch Fatel is a comedian who loves women, loves breasts and loves sex. In fact, he'll let you know several times about his love for women and their bodyparts and getting laid.
His comedy is literally uncensored and he spares no one from the audience as he will talk about his love for breasts, big and small. His love for the vagina, sexual positions, sexual garments, using his popularity to get women, and literally sex this and sex that.It's literally a sex-driven comedy act and again, for Fatel it has worked successfully for him. His popularity has led to two comedy albums "Miniskirts & Muffins" and "Super Retardo" and now, here we are with his comedy special on DVD extended and uncut!
Fatel shows no worries or hesitation about the things he will discuss. From bestiality, what he finds on the Internet to having sex with a woman having her period. Fatel is literally not afraid to discuss sexual taboos and not afraid to use himself as the guinea pig for his jokes and the crowd loves it.
The track list for "Mitch Fatel is Magical" goes into several topics. Here is the DVD track listings:
1. The Pre-Sex Warning
2. Girls Like Me Now
3. Sex with Horses
4. Super Famous
5. Candycane
6. The Panty-Pull-Aside Move
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"Mitch Fatel is Magical" is presented in Widescreen. Camera shots are either typically up front and some focusing on the audience in the front row (who will occasionally be used in Fatel's comedy routine). Another camera behind the audience but overall, several camera angles and good editing make the comedy fluid and smooth. No special effects or crazy use of editing during the whole hour.
As for audio, audio is presented in English Stereo and English 5.1 Surround. For the most part, dialogue is easy to understand and is front and center channel driven. I preferred to watch the the DVD with my receiver set to stereo on all channels for a better, more immersive sound with the audience.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"Mitch Fatel is Magical" comes with the following special features:
* Mitch is a Big Star - (:47) A deleted scene with Mitch Fatel getting upset with his water.
* Mitch is Photogenic - (:57) Behind-the-scenes on photographing the cover and main menu for the DVD.
* Mitch is Imitated - (2:43) Members of the audience tries to pretend to be Mitch Fatel.
* Mitch is Perverted - (1:08) Members of the audience talk about Mitch Fatel's perversion.
* Mitch is Reviewed - (:51) Members of the audience reviews Mitch Fatel's show (while the cameraman has his eyes on other things).
* Mitch is Talented - (2:29) Members of the audience talk about how talented and funny Mitch Fatel is. And also audience talking about how Mitch Fatel would be in bed.
* Mitch is Animated - (1:03) A comedy segment of Mitch Fatel discussing matching bra and panties with a FLASH based animation going along with the audio.
JUDGMENT CALL:
This is probably the raunchiest Comedy Central DVD that I have seen so far. But for the most part, I found it hilarious and entertaining.
Rarely do you find comedians who focus on sex only for their comedy act but Mitch Fatel has made it a career and it has worked. Most of the time, when a comedian gets into discussion about sex, the audience starts feeling a bit timid (especially for those that bring their kids to an adult comedy show) but in this case, this is strictly adult humor at its finest.
Mitch Fatel has no problems discussing his love for women and sex that nothing is left out. He'll get comedy about everything...the breasts, the vagina, the butt...you name it, his comedy routine has included it.
Needless to say, it all comes down to whether or not you're into this style of comedy. In a way, I was skeptical before because typically other comedians who have tried to do a comedy routine with more than 15-minutes based on sex, it just seems as if it didn't fit into their routine or that the audience was not feeling it. But the thing is, with Mitch Fatel...knowing that his comedy is 100% sex-driven, you know what you're going to get and just watch and have a good time.
Overall, "Mitch Fatel is Magical" is absolutely perverted...and satisfaction is guaranteed!

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Is that a sparkle in his eye or is he just confused? With his innocence and friendly demeanor, Mitch quickly engages the audience and then catches them off guard with his mixture of mischievous dialogue and off color comments. While laughing at observations only Mitch can get away with we are left wondering if he truly understands what he just said. We never really know.

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Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)After years of not having a Batman film and mostly due to the franchise hitting bottom thanks to Joel Schumacher's disastrous "Batman forever" and "Batman and Robin", Christopher Nolan present us his version of the character with an impressive all star cast anda story brilliantly written by David S. Goyer.
The film
There were high expectations for this film before its release as if would it be as good as Burton's films, the truth is, there are no points to compare, Nolan and Burton visions are quite different from each other, but both respect the origins and essence of who the character is.
Goyer took some liberties in the storytelling that could be considered as unforgivable by many fans (Bruce's parents are originally killed after seeing "Mark of Zorro" at the movie theater, a fact that marks Bruce's mind with the idea of a masked vigilante) but also hints at stuff that the previous versions let pass unnoticed, the main focus of this film are the origins of Batman and his training to become what he ultimately is. Even though the detective part of Bruce's training is not even mentioned, the twist in which Ra's Al Ghul (Liam Neeson) is the one who trained him in the ninja arts and theatricality just makes their conflict more delightful and interesting. Cameos and appearances of characters from the comic book are also well used, justified and important to the story (Carmine Falcone and killer Zsaz)
The story uses the two villains exactly as they would act in the comic book, Ra's Al Ghul with his constant desire to set thing right his way and Jonathan Crane (Cillian Murphy) working and experimenting with the thing he enjoys the most: fear. Even though the Scarecrow is totally the opposite of the comic book (in the comic Jonathan Crane is an old and ugly doctor who was fired from Gotham University for experimenting on the students with his gas of fear), the character presented keeps the essence and motives that the original character has, unlike the Riddler, Mr Freeze, Two Face or Poison Ivy in Schumacher's awful versions.
A new Gotham city is presented, much more like a NY city style, a new Batmobile (not as fancy as the previous ones but quite impressive) and a whole set of characters we expect to see in future releases, James Gordon (Gary Oldman who amazingly looks exactly as Jim in the comic), Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine), Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), Jonathan Crane, Carmine Falcone and Ra's Al Ghul.
Masterfully executed by the whole cast and brilliantly directed by Nolan, there are many of us looking forward for a sequel to this film.
The extras
Disc one contains Mtv's "Tankman Begins", a spoof we could have lived without but without any doubt a collector's piece for all Mtv fans.
Disc two contains a set of documentaries related to all aspects of production and shooting of the film, from the early beginnings in Nolan's washing room until the shooting of some of the most difficult sequences of the film. The disc 2 is organized in a comic book-like format which makes it a little difficult to follow as many things are like hidden, but if you go until the end of the short and pointless story, you will find a list with all documentaries available. One of the documentaries called "Genesis of the bat" presents comic book artist related to Batman talking about the character and film, from Dennis O'Neil to Jim Lee. I am sure this will be a piece fans of the comic book will enjoy. All extras are worthy of watching and I strongly recommend the 2 disc set, it is a 5 o 6 dollar difference that will compensate with all the facts and items found in the bonus materials.
***BluRay review***
I had already written a review for this film when the two-disc special edition was released on DVD, so I will not get into any details about how great the movie is.
The treatment they gave to this release is incredible, image looks great and colors are stunning, the high definition definitely makes a difference and 'Batman Begins' looks better than ever (simply check out the ice sequence between Bruce and Ducard)
I have seen threads with questions as to what exactly does the limited edition set contains versus the regular single disc, so here are what I think are the most important ones:
The Disc
The disc included here is the same disc they released separately:
* All the extras from the 2-disc DVD are included, the documentaries and the awful 'Tankman Begins'
* The prologue to 'The Dark Knight' in high definition (are we in for a treat when released on Bluray!) This is basically the bank robbery scene that opens the sequel.
The Extras
The USB with 18 the stills from 'The Dark Knight' included in the DVD version of the gift set IS NOT INCLUDED in the Bluray gift set; don't know what the reason is but it would have made sense to include it in both versions.
The postcards included are selections from the art created to promote 'Batman Begins', in my opinion some of the images look simple and overall they are not that great.
The two comic books included are a joke! One is a comic book adaptation of the same 6 minutes prologue included in this edition (the bank robbery), the other one is the script with pictures of the same 6 minute prologue! I am a collector and big fan of Batman and even I find this ridiculous and overpriced.
The $7.50 coupon to see 'The Dark Knight' in theaters.
Bottom-line, I would give 3 stars to the BluRay release, not to the movie itself (which is great and looks superb in HD) but to the release. I am having buyer's remorse, don't be fooled by what the product description says, it may sound interesting but had I known the extras would be as they are, I would have gone for the cheaper single disc edition.

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Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.DVD Features:DVD ROM Features:Batman Begins Mobile Game Demo & Weblinks Documentaries:Genesis of the Bat: Batman Incarnations from the Mid-1980s to the Present The Journey Begins: Creative Concepts, Story Development and Casting Shaping Mind and Body: Fighting Style Gotham City Rises: Production Design Cape and Cowl: The New Batsuit The Tumbler: The New Batmobile Documentary:Path to Discovery: Filming in Iceland Saving Gotham City: The Monorail Chase Sequence Easter EggsFeaturette:Confidential Files Character/Weaponry Gallery Interactive Menus:INNER DEMONS COMIC: Explore the special features through an exclusive interactive comic bookOther:Batman: The Man Who Falls - a classic story that inspired Batman Begins Batman: The Long Halloween - a chilling excerpt that also inspired the filmPhoto galleryTheatrical Trailer

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Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)The biggest surprise is that this DVD didn't make you feel embarrassed for the creators, unlike the 1978 made for TV movie. This direct to DVD show is fairly watchable, and stays vaguely true to the Dr. Strange mythos - Wong, Mordo, Dormammu, the Ancient one are all here. Mordo is still a good guy gone bad. The animation is very similar to Marvel's other animated efforts.
While a bit more "Kung Fu Fighting" than one might expect, I'm sure the target audience is not 50 year old collectors of silver age comics. In this regard however, one misses the sometimes amazing visuals that artist Steve Ditko brought to the original 1960's comic book series. After all, Dr. Strange was one of Marvel's more cerebral characters.
Bottom line - a nice DVD to share with kids, or for Marvel fan boys.

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Peel back the layers of reality and behold a stunning realm hidden beneath. One of magic and wonder. Of sorcery and enchantment. Of ancient spells, secret doors and remarkable heroes who protect us from evil. Because this is also a world of dark mysticism, malevolent forces and unspeakable horrors. And within the shadows around us, a supernatural war is waged. But the balance is shifting. Darkness is winning. Yet there is hope... Join us as Dr. Stephen Strange embarks on a wondrous journey to the heights of a Tibetan mountain, where he seeks healing at the feet of the mysterious Ancient One. But before his wounds can mend, Strange must first let go of his painful past and awaken a gift granted to very few. The gift of magic. Empowered as the new Sorcerer Supreme, Dr. Strange now tests his limits, rising up against monsters that push at the gates, facing the most terrifying entity humankind has ever known.

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Dragon Ball: Season 5 Review

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(More customer reviews)Funimation is still getting these sets out for fans who don't already own the series uncut or fans who may have purchased their old sets but don't mind double dipping for these well done sets that line up so nicely on the shelf, especially alongside the orange Dragon Ball Z season sets. This 5-disc fifth 'season' set of Dragon Ball will contain the final 31 episodes of the series:
123 Lost and Found
124 Temple Above the Clouds
125 Earth's Guardian Emerges
126 Eternal Dragon Resurrected
127 Quicker Than Lightning
128 Secret of the Woods
129 The Time Room
130 Goku's Doll?
131 Walking Their own Ways
132 Hotter Than Lava
133 Changes
134 Preliminary Peril
135 Battle of Eight
136 Tien Shinhan vs Mercenary Tao
137 Anonymous Proposal
138 The Mysterious Hero
139 Rematch
140 Goku Gains Speed
141 The Four Faces of Tien
142 Kami vs Piccolo
143 Battle for the Future
144 Super Kamehameha
145 Junior no More
146 Goku's Trap
147 Goku Hangs On
148 The Victor
149 Dress in Flames
150 The Fire-Eater
151 Outrageous Octagon
152 Mystery Of The Dark World
153 The End, The Beginning
All these episodes are presented in remastered editions of their original full frame (4:3 Aspect Ratio) format. Audio has English or Japanese voice track options and the original Japanese musical score in 5.1 Surround. As is standard with these sets there will be no special features other than previews for other Funimation products and textless songs, so don't expect to find any here.
These episodes contain many classic Dragon Ball moments. Goku and his friends will face a greater threat in the form of Piccolo Jr, the one we all know from DBZ, and thus Goku will recieve some special training from someone who will become a DBZ permanent fixture. Training his friends will later go through in preparation to fight the Saiyans in DBZ. Everyone will grow a bit older and become young adults, but poor Krillin won't grow much taller. A jaded friend from Goku's past will return to settle a score and make a proclamation and all of this happens at another World Martial Arts Tournament. Which is the final World Martial Arts Tournament in the Dragon Ball storyline and actually the final one for quite some time even in the Dragon Ball Z storyline. The showdown between Goku and Piccolo Jr. takes place and there is something poetic about Goku showing his greatest villain thus far mercy in the end only for him to later in DBZ become one of his closest allies. Even for those who know the outcome the fight is still worth seeing and promises a truly explosive ending.
Finally when all is said and done there are some filler episodes regarding a wedding and one final quest before it can get underway. Goku must face old demons before moving on to his future, a future that you'll have to watch DBZ to see, or to see again for those who already have. Leading to Dragon Ball Z these episodes have more focus on the fighting and showdowns than on the actual dragon ball's themselves but they still have all the interpersonal relationships and fun characters that make Dragon Ball so successful and enjoyable. The final set is a great way to bring a close to the Dragon Ball story and bring us right back to where Dragon Ball Z begins, which is the spot most of us first came to know these wonderful characters in the first place. Thanks for your time.

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Witness the thrilling conclusion to the adventure of a lifetime!
In the aftermath of his epic battle with Piccolo, Goku embarks on an electrifying quest to rescue his fallen friends from the realm of the dead. His perilous journey will take him to the heights of Korin Tower – and beyond – as he searches for Kami, a mystical being with the power to resurrect Shenron and restore the magic of the seven Dragon Balls!
But even if Goku succeeds in raising the dead, there’s no guarantee he’ll live long enough to enjoy a reunion with his slain comrades. The World Martial Arts tournament is just around the corner, and an eerily-familiar foe known only as Junior wants to teach Goku the true meaning of pain! To survive the tournament and finally earn the title of World’s Greatest Martial Artist, Goku must train his mind as well as his body in order to complete his amazing transformation from a bushy-tailed boy into a man to be reckoned with!

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The Blade Trilogy (Blade/ Blade II/ Blade: Trinity) (1998) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Blade Collection is finally here! For moviegoers, it all began back in the summer of 1998:BLADE (1998) 1 Disc Rated R (2.35:1) - Talk about a movie experience! From the opening shots, you are literally sucked in (no pun intended) to the world of the vampires. Wesley Snipes completely embraces the role of the title character and plays him to the hilt, with just a bit of dry cocky humor that is very refreshing. As we first meet Blade at a Vampire techno club (which uses a great remix of a song called "Confusion" by New Order) we just know he's a force to be reckoned with as he slices, dices, burns & just plains blows up every vampire he gets a hold of (including Traci Lords, in a very memorable cameo). Kris Kristofferson plays Whistler, Blade's mentor and creator of the various weapons at his disposal, including guns & knives, bombs, & more. ("We have a good arrangement. He makes the weapons, I use 'em"). But it's Stephen Dorff as the bloodthirsty Deacon Frost that helps catapult the film from average action fair to the stuff of comic book legend. With most actors, this would be a one or two dimensional performance, but in the hands of Stephen Dorff, he turns the character of Deacon Frost into something much more multilayared. The interaction he has with Blade as well as his other fellow vampires give off this feel of someone we should not underestimate. Because a truly great villain is a huge key to a movie's success. The whole mythos of vampires in this film moves the genre in a very interesting direction. According to Blade, pure silver, garlic & sunlight are the main tools to combat vampires. ("Crosses don't do d***, so forget about what you've seen in the movies") But the fact that the pure blood vampires are personified as old & disposable, while the nonpure vampires are young and virile, looking to take over and run things, can really be looked at as a depiction of our society, with the old guard being kicked out by the new one, lest anarchy ensue. A Classic. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. 120 MIN.BLADE II (2002) 2 Disc Rated R (1.85:1) - Part 2 begins in Prague, with Blade searching for the location of Whistler, who has been turned into a Vampire and subsuquently tortured. The action sequences are even more elaborate than the first, with the camera actually following jumps and flips in a spiral fashion. By now most of you know the story, which involves a new breed of vampire called Reapors, that are trying to take over their predecessors and eventually enslave the world. The vampires turn to Blade for assistance in helping them wipe out these vicious beasts. In a sort of "Dirty Dozen" meets "Aliens" tradition, Blade teams up with an elite group of vampires, who, turns out, were originally put together to hunt him down. They instead work together to seek out the Reapors to destroy them, but find that killing them is not as easy as they'd hoped. The film gives Wesley Snipes more range to show some drama this time, with a subplot involving a female vampire named Nyssa, who's a pure blood, working for her father. Twists and turns abound in this comic book action thriller that gives off a nice feel of energy while at the same time making sense. There's plenty martial arts action to make anybody happy, as well as some much needed dry humor from Snipes and company. All in all a satisfying experience that will leave most moviegoers in an upbeat fashion. Dolby Digital 5.1 & DTS 6.1 Surround Sound. 117 MIN.BLADE: TRINITY (2004) 2 Disc Unrated & R rated versions (2.35:1) - In the final installment, Blade teams up with the Nightstalkers, a ragtag group of vampire hunters lead by the sexy Abigail Whistler (Jessica Biel) & the quickwitted Hannibal King (Ryan Reynolds) who are out to track down and kill the vampire of all vampires: Dracula (played by the musclebound Dominic Purcell). Watch out for Parker Posey, as the scene stealing Danica Talos, the equivalent of a vampire constantly tripping on acid. Snipes has less to do this time out as Blade, with the newer characters taking up much of his screen time. But when he's onscreen, he still shines and plays the character perfectly. A shame that there was turmoil between him and director/screenwriter David S. Goyer (notice, for example, Snipes's unwillingness to contribute to the audio commentaries for the movie even though he had done so for the first two films). And seeing Dominic Purcell's performance as Drake makes one wish that the Stephen Dorff character of Deacon Frost could somehow be resurrected in order to show these guys how playing a first-rate villian is really done. Still, with all it's flaws, the film still works, just not as well as most fans would've liked. The new footage in the unrated version is interesting, as well as the slightly different ending, that many fans may find much more preferable to that of the theatrical version. Worth having. Dolby Digital 5.1 & DTS 6.1 Surround Sound. 113 MIN & 122 MIN.Besides the gripes about the 3rd film, the real disappointment with this wonderful collection is that the original Blade movie is not presented as a 2 disc Platinum Edition with DTS 6.1 Surround Sound the way its sequels are. It truly deserves the much needed upgrade. The Box itself is very nice to look at, with a very nicely done 3-D front cover. For the most part, this is what every Blade fan has been waiting for since that summer of 1998 when one of the best comic book franchises began its journey. This is definately a collection worth ice skating uphill for! Blade Trilogy: The Ultimate Collection - Bloodsuckingly Brilliant! "Blade. Ready to die?" - Dominic Purcell as Drake
"Since the day I was born." - Wesley Snipes as Blade

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Item Name: The Blade Trilogy (Blade/ Blade II/ Blade: Trinity); Studio:New Line Home Video

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Teen Titans - The Complete Fifth Season Review

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(More customer reviews)Teen Titans has always been a strong series. This fifth and final season is a particular favorite of mine in that it features the Doom Patrol and the Brotherhood of Evil (BoE is in a number of episodes throughout the season). Now, I was not a Doom Patrol fan prior. In fact, I've never even read a Doom Patrol comic. Regardless, I simply love the characterizations of the team in the show, especially Negative Man's deadpan delivery of his lines, as is so befitting his name.
Likewise, Brain having the Hawking'esque voice is beyond perfect. Here we have a brilliant and evil mind with no body to speak of that commands immeasurable power. I love the taunting coming from Brain sounding like a late 80's computer attempting to create speech. It has a menace to it that one wouldn't expect.
With the Brotherhood of Evil, and the Doom Patrol playing such a large roll in this season, the feel of the overall story arc feels a lot more Silver Age, DC Comics than the previous seasons, which for me is a good thing. While the Slade arcs are excellent, there is something I like about two super teams duking it out, 60's style. There's a grandness to that just feels, I don't know . . . heroic in that romantic, adventure movie kind of way.
There are some other really great episodes as well. In particular, I enjoyed "Go!," a prequel episode that details not only how Starfire came to Earth, but also how the Titans originally formed their team. It's great.
DC/Marvel has had an incredible run of quality animated hero shows, going all the way back to "Batman: the Animated Series" and this season of Teen Titans delivers as well. If your looking at a review for season five, I'm going to presume you've seen the show and like it, so I am probably preaching to the choir. It's great. You know it. What else is there to know?
BTW, why in the world doesn't every DVD box set/series in universe simply list the frickin' episodes in the description? It always falls to a reviewer to actually tell prospective buyers what the heck they are considering buying. Does this strike anyone else as a bit stupid?
To that end, here's a list of episodes contained within the series:
1. Homecoming Pt 1 (Intro the Doom Patrol and the Brotherhood of Evil)
2. Homecoming Pt 2
3. Trust
4. For Real
5. Snowblind
6. Kole
7. Hide and Seek
8. Lightspeed
9. Revved Up (This one seemed REALLY odd and jarringly outside the Titans Universe, but whatever)
10. Go!
11. Calling All Titans
12. Titans Together
13. Things Change

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TEEN TITANS:COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON - DVD Movie

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Gabriel Iglesias: I'm Not Fat... I'm Fluffy Review

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(More customer reviews)The comedian known as the "Fluffy Man". Gabriel Iglesias is one of the hottest comedians out there. Latino flair and hilarious delivery, from his voice impressions to jokes about his weight or personal issues, he knows how to get the audience laughing from beginning to end. There is no slow down in deliver, Iglesias is just hilarious!
Iglesias is known from being the finalist of the fourth season of "Last Comic Standing" in 2006 but in 2007, it was the success of his 2nd special Comedy Central 2007 DVD "Hot & Fluffy" (which sold over 300,000 copies) which would propel Gabriel Iglesias as a comedian that can sell out live performances and also comedy DVD's.
Earlier in the year, Iglesias released a double album CD titled "We Luf Fluffy" from performances from 2006 & 2008 and now he returns with a new DVD titles "I'm not Fat...I'm Fluffy" which was recorded in El Paso.
The tracklist on this DVD are as follows:
1. Return to El Paso
2. Nickelodeon
3. Oh Hello No!!
4. I Hear the Bell
5. New Daddy
6. I Do Voices Everywhere
7. Obama
8. My Girl
9. Cop Story 1
10. USO
11. Copy Story 2
12. Cakes and More Cakes
13. Dropping Frankie Off
14. DDR
15. Disney
16. Car Was Stolen
On his latest DVD, "I'm Not Fat...I'm Fluffy", Iglesias is literally on top of his game delivery joke after joke. From sharing stories of his return to El Paso and talking about a time he got drunk and ended up at an alternative gay bar to his first major gift from Nickelodeon to jokes about his personal life with his girlfriend and her son, Gabriel Iglesias's performance is just hilarious and magnificent.This time around, because of the family experiences that he has to share, these are situations that people can relate to and again, the voices he does is just top notch as he is able to switch voices on command and just be surprised when you hear it.
But you cold tell that his relationship with his girlfriend's son Frankie has brought new life to his routine and the fact that he can take those personal experiences and make them funny is just what makes the "Fluffy Man" so wonderful to watch on stage and he doesn't have to get nasty or profane to make the audience laugh.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"Gabriel Iglesias - I'm Not Fat...I'm Fluffy: Live From El Paso" is presented in widescreen. There are several angles closeup, stagewise, behind the audience and from a stage angle to showcase the audience at the front. But overall, editing is well-done and stage setup is simple with pretty cool looking for the backdrop at the Plaza Theatre in El Paso, Texas. Simple and clean. Lighting is well-done and for the most part, editing is good, no quick cuts to make the viewer dizzy. Overall, a job well-done.
Audio is presented in Dolby Digital and audio is clear and understandable. Audience can be heard quite well. Personally, I had my receiver set on stereo on all channels to have a more immersive soundstage in the room.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"Gabriel Iglesias - I'm Not Fat...I'm Fluffy: Live From El Paso" comes with the following special features:
* Deleted Scene: High School Reunion - (7:45) A deleted scene in which Gabriel had to stop his routine because parts of the towel (lint) was all over his face and thus it hurt the pacing. But Gabriel manages to take the situation and make it humorous for the audience.
* Fluffy's Friends Hit the Stage: Martin Moreno - (4:59) Martin jokes about getting older and also today's young Latino guys who are wearing tight pants, tight shirts, plucking their eyebrows and how they are looking effeminate.
* Fluffy's Friends Hit the Stage: Noe Gonzalez - (4:09) Noe's comedy is more adult-oriented. Noel jokes about his size and the concept of size.
* Onstage Q&A With the Fans - (8:07) Gabriel Iglesias answers questions from his fans.
JUDGMENT CALL:
Gabriel Iglesias is definitely one of the most entertaining comedians today. Where Latino comedians such as George Lopez and Paul Rodriguez represented the 80's and 90's, Gabriel Iglesias is a comedian that entertains people of all ages. From jokes about video games and his family to jokes about sweating on stage and how it starts to smell like chicharones. He just makes you laugh and laugh some more and this is what I found most interesting, this is probably one of the few Comedy Central DVD's, if not the first where the comedy routine is quite clean. Granted, he may be saying things in Spanish but in English... it's a clean routine.
If anything, this is a comedian who cares about his fans and he tells everyone straight up, if you see him at a restaurant, say hi. How he is onstage and in real life are the same person and the fact that he gives that Q&A after his performance in order to get the fans a chance to know more about him, goes to show how Iglesias is such a class act. Positive personality but knows how to make the audience laugh...he's a talented comedian.
Also, I have to say that "I'm Not Fat...I'm Fluffy: Live from El Paso" was a performance where he manages to keep the same excitement going from beginning to end. His delivery is smooth, continuous and for the most part, just fantastic.
There's nothing negative about this Comedy Central DVD at all. If you thought "Hot & Fluffy" was a phenomenal DVD, then you have to give "I'm Not Fat...I'm Fluffy: Live from El Paso" a try because this is a fantastic comedy DVD.
Highly recommended!

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Gabriel Iglesias returns to the stage in this all-new comedy special in front of a packed house at the historic Plaza Theater in El Paso, Texas. Go to the restroom before you watch this and be ready to watch it again and again. I'm Not Fat...I'm Fluffy will be a classic!!!

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The Maxx: The Complete Series Review

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(More customer reviews)I just got my copy today and am absolutely thrilled. The comments by the previous reviewer as to the video quality are more a comment on the quality of the animation itself. I've had three different copies of the show prior to this DVD and if I'm understanding him correctly, the flaws he's talking about were always there.
I have a taped copy that I have made myself from when the show ran in a marathon after it finished airing the very first time. This one is taped on archival library quality VHS that holds up amazing well (the tape cost $20 at the time in 1995). I also have another copy taped from the first airings on two separate regular VHS tapes and I have the store-bought tape that edited out 13 minutes of the show. I watched the hell out of the regular VHS tapes, but only watched the archival one a couple times and recently made a DVD transfer of it. I just finished watching the new DVD and comparing it to my archival DVD and am thrilled with these DVDs with just a couple of exceptions that I will address later.
As far as the picture quality, it looks stunning compared to all previous copies I had. I'm not watching it on a HDTV or an upconverting DVD player. Just a 32" Samsung and my 5-disc Toshiba player from several years back. But, the colors and sharpness have never looked this brilliant on this show. Yes, there are some animation flaws (like when Maxx is climbing out of the kitchen sink and there's a black line on the bottom of the water), but they have been there from the original airing. They are problems with the original source material and not these DVDs. I think some of the problems the previous reviewer mentioned might just be more obvious because the picture is sharper and cleaner. The bluriness of old TV airings on VHS tapes hide a lot of flaws, and this show was made CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!
Now, for people looking for negative things, there are just a couple. The music changes from the VHS tape are still here. Any instances of "I Wanna Marry a Lighthouse Keeper" have either been removed completely (like when Julie goes to the police station) or have been replaced with "I'm in Love with a School Bus Driver" (in every other instance). Also, the background song has been completely removed from when Gone attacks Glorie, and the songs have been replaced when Julie is first shown in bondage at Gone's factory, when Maxx is chasing the Isz through the city streets, and when the white Isz has climbed up and is spying on Julie through her window.
Also, two small edits still exist in this version. When Maxx is running away from Retquark'n at the beginning of episode 7, after he says "All I have to do now is reach it," the line "By Rikkirackk, I love the run. To make my legs stretch into the grass" has been removed so it just goes right into him saying "Run Run Run". Also, in episode 9, when Julie asks Maxx if he thinks they can be killed, and he says "Absolutely, I'm sure of it". Her, response "Now there's a happy thought" is missing.
Other than those music changes and the two small edits, these DVDs exactly match the broadcast versions I had taped.
Just a warning as well, both discs played fine on my older Toshiba player, but on my cheap $50 Sony DVD player, while the first disc played fine, the second disc "Special Features" menu will not come up. The episodes play fine though. Also, my computer will not even recognize these discs, even though it plays other homemade burned DVDs fine. Not a big problem, but I was just wanting to make some comparison screenshots for some friends.
All in all, if you're a big fan of the series and of the comics, like me, and have watched your old VHS tapes over and over again, buy these DVDs!! Buy them now! If you're looking for top notch animation to watch on a HDTV as reference quality animation or something, you'll want to skip it. This is not Blu-Ray anime.

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In the murky alleyways of New York City, homeless Maxx huddles in his box and dreams of crushing evil villains.But when he bursts into the colorful netherworld of the Outback, the Maxx is a hero, in full purple splendor.His friend Julie, a freelance social worker, thinks the Maxx's alternate universe is just an escape from the harsh reality of New York-not realizing that she, too, roams the Outback as the Jungle Queen.Join the Maxx for deliciously demonic adventures in both worlds, as he scours streets and jungles in search of the link between his two realities.Will he be able to find the connection before it's too late?
This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.\r\n
This disc is expected to play back in DVD Video "play only" devices, and may not play in other DVD devices, including recorders and PC drives. \r\n

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Ghost World (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)This movie has two potential audiences.
1. Seymour's 99%, i.e., that segment of the population which he (or I) can't relate to at all. People lacking any modicum of self-awareness, whose lives are spent in the mall or in front of the TV watching prime time network television. People whose record collection may include the complete works of Ashford & Simpson, and whose car radio is tuned to any cloying morning Zoo program. People in this group may enjoy 'Ghost World' to a degree. They will find Enid's green hair and Rebecca's cynical attitude amusing. They will laugh at Seymour's bland wardrobe and jagged brown teeth. And when the movie's over, they will leave the theatre quietly, walk to their SUVs, and head home to their quiet suburban existence.
But really, this movie is not for them.
2. It's really for Seymour's 1%, i.e., that segment of the population distressed by conformity, obsessed by weirdness, and repressed because of it. These are the people who surround themselves with massive record collections, or H.R. Pufnstuf dolls, or Bollywood videos, in an effort to beat a different path. They are lonely, frustrated, and on the verge of giving up any hope at a social life, in favour of a hermetic existence. These are the people that will be able to relate to 'Ghost World's startling menagerie of misfits. And feel tremendous sadness for themselves as well.
Terry Zwigoff mines much of the same material here that he did with his documentary 'Crumb', save for the emphasis on ill mental health. It's an amazing turn for a man previously known only as a documentarian. I suppose that's why the reality of the characters' surrounding is so real. Each scene is populated with mile and miles of personable knick-knacks and bland consumer products. Seymour and Enid's rooms perfectly reflect their personalities. The screenplay, conceived with 'Ghost World' originator Daniel Clowes, manages to tackle the banality of suburban life, and the oppression of consumer culture with just the right amount of bite and bile. Their collective sense of humour is put on display right away, by showing a high school valedictorian confined to a wheelchair and a monstrous neck brace, in a scene played for laughs. If you don't giggle at the hypocrisy of this moment (her old intoxicated ways gave her a 'spiritual perspective on life' while it was robbing her of the use of her legs), then I recommend avoiding the film altogether.
Another reason to avoid the film is if you are squeamish at the idea of a 40+-year-old man and an 18-year-old girl having a relationship. One of 'Ghost World' most powerful points is in Enid and Seymour's friendship. These are two kindred spirits, oddballs to the rest of the world, who've found each other and cherish each other's oddness. Sure, chronologically one may be twice the age of the other, but Enid and Seymour have so much in common that it would be a shame to keep them apart just for that.
Thora Birch, playing a similar character here as in 'American Beauty', is asked to carry the movie, and boy does she. Even while showing Enid's enormous extroverted ego, you always get a sense that she is as fragile and scared on the inside as the weirdoes she torments. And Birch exudes an odd strength (both physical and emotional) that allows Enid to get away with more than she really deserves. Enid's relationship with Rebecca, played by Scarlett Johansson, is confusing at first. These girls seem to be so much at odds with each other. There are some tangible hints at malice bubbling beneath the surface. Silly me. They're supposed to be there. Enid and Rebecca may or may not be nearing the end of their friendship, for adulthood is looming and it's time to grow up. Rebecca (Johansson does fine work, content with being subdued and allowing Birch to steal the show) wants to move out and get a real job; Enid is still obsessed with punk rock.
Seymour is an inspired creation. He's in the paradoxical position of desperately wanting female companionship, while simultaneously despising nearly every person he meets. His passions rule him, bubbling up at the inappropriate times (like when he tries to pick up a woman in a bar, only to find himself yammering on about the difference between Ragtime blues and conventional blues' 12-bar structure; his prospective score wears an expression of utter confusion). Steve Buscemi -- the most recognizable face in the cast -- manages to disappear into Seymour's everyman/loser persona seamlessly. Buscemi's Seymour hates his life immensely, but never becomes whiny or unpleasant. He just goes about his business, allowing his undercurrent of anger to seethe gently to the surface in rare moments (e.g. Enid: 'I'd kill for a collection like this!' Seymour: 'Go ahead and kill me.').
'Ghost World' isn't for everyone. But it should be. It gives a window into the world of the disenchanted, those of us who walk the streets and feel ill at the sights of the conformist and soulless masses. So maybe there is, after all, a third potential audience for the film. Those who pay good money for tickets, and walk out of the theatre befuddled at what they just saw, unable to relate to the wonderful characters on screen. Which in an odd way reminds me of the old poker axiom:
'If you sit down at the table, and you can't spot the sucker, it's probably you.'

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Thora Birch (American Beauty) and Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation) "sneak into your heart and stay there" (Rolling Stone) in this "eerie, masterful movie" (Movieline) from the acclaimed director of Crumb. Co-starring Brad Renfro (Deuces Wild), Illeana Douglas (Stir of Echos) and Steve Buscemi (Fargo) in "the best role of his career" (Movieline), Ghost World is a "smartly strange comedy [that] stands out like the Taj Mahal" (Time)!While their classmates head for college, Enid (Birch) and Rebecca (Johansson) focus their energies on tormenting those around them - from a goofy convenience store clerk (Renfro) to an eccentric art teacher (Douglas). But when they zero in on an oddball loner (Buscemi) looking for Miss Right, their seemingly innocent meddling threatens to shatter one of their hearts not to mention their lifelong friendship.

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The Bionic Woman: Season One Review

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(More customer reviews)Ever since the advent of digital video discs consumers and fans of classic television shows have been hoping and demanding to see "The Bionic Woman" on DVD. The series that starred Lindsay Wagner and made her into a household name was released in Europe on Region 2 dics, but the North American marketplace was virtually ignored due to ownership issues. Now, this wonderful and innovative series about a woman who possesses bionics and works undercover for the OSI while being a school teacher by day, comes to DVD on October 19, 2010. I for one am a very happy boy! I grew up watching Lindsay Wagner fight the bad guys and would watch with anxiety week after week to see what adventures the bionic woman would get herself embroiled in.
"The Bionic Woman" got her start on a two-part "Six Million Dollar Man". At the end of the second episode Jamie Sommers actually died. Overnight ABC was inundated with letters demanding Jamie live and be given her own series. Fred Silverman, president of the network and keen on seeing potential Nielsen ratings, especially those of a young demographic, caved in and Jamie Sommers was brought back to life and given her own weekly show, sometimes garnering higher ratings than that of Lee Major's series ("The Bionic Woman" finished at #5 in the 1975-1976 Nielsen Ratings).
"The Bionic Woman" was pure comic book fluff with a strong, intelligent woman as the lead, but the series would have been a bomb if not for the excellent acting chomps of Lindsay Wagner. Wagner was very likeable in her portrayal which explains why any girl watching "The Bionic Woman" during its original run wanted to be her and the boys wanted to marry her. Lindsay Wagner even won an Emmy for Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1977. This was no small feat as Lindsay's competition that year was Angie Dickinson for "Police Woman", Kate Jackson ("Charlie's Angels"), Sada Thompson ("Family"), and Michael Learned for "The Waltons".
This oustanding four disc DVD box set will feature all 13 season one episodes that began airing in January, 1976 (the show was a midseason replacement) along with a slew of bonus features. The bonuses include a brand new featurette with Lindsay Wagner being interviewed called "Bionic Beginnings", audio commentary from Kenneth Johnson who created and directed the series, a gag reel (this is not to be missed as the bloopers are hilarious and Lindsay proves she has a tongue like a sailor!), and photo gallery. To make things even more appealing this set will feature two crossover episodes from "The Six Million Dollar Man" that showed how Jamie Sommers came to be. These episodes are entitled "The Bionic Woman-Part 1" (aired March 16, 1975) and "Part 2" (March 23, 1975), "The Return of The Bionic Woman-Part 1" (September 14, 1975) and "Part 2" (September 21, 1975)".
Important to note too is that it has been long thought by fans and critics of "The Bionic Woman" that the episode entitled "Welcome Home Jamie Part 1" was first aired on ABC as a "Six Million Dollar Man" episode. The truth is that is not the case. Recently in October, 2010 research consultants from Timelife who are bringing the entire "Six Million Dollar Man" series to DVD have discovered that "Welcome Home Jamie Part 1" was indeed the first ever "Bionic Woman" episode to be telecast on network television. It was long thought that particular episode was telecast as a "Six Million Dollar Man".
UPDATE: "THE BIONIC WOMAN-SEASON 2" COMES TO DVD ON MAY 17, 2011!!!
Here is a list of "The Bionic Woman-Season 1" episodes along with their airdates:
1. "Welcome Home Jamie-Part 1", January 11, 1976
2. "Welcome Home Jamie-Part 2", January 21, 1976
3. "Angel of Mercy", January 28, 1976
4. "A Thing of the Past", February 18, 1976
5. "Claws", February 25, 1976
6. "The Deadly Missiles", March 3, 1976
7. "Bionic Beauty", March 17, 1976
8. "Jamie's Mother, March 24, 1976
9. "Winning Is Everything", April 7, 1976
10. "Canyon of Death, April 14, 1976
11. "Fly Jamie", May 5, 1976
12. "The Jailing of Jamie", May 12, 1976
13. "Mirror Image", May 19, 1976
14. "The Ghosthunter", May 26, 1976

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She can run faster than 60 mph, bend massive steel bars, jump from insane heights, and hear sounds you can only imagine. She’s no ordinary schoolteacher…she’s The Bionic Woman. Relive the excitement of this iconic TV series starring Primetime Emmy® Award winner* Lindsay Wagner as Jaime Sommers, a woman leading the ultimate double life. After her unforgettable appearances on The Six Million Dollar Man as Colonel Steve Austin’s (Lee Majors) true love, Jaime’s story begins anew in these entertaining Season 1 episodes as she learns to deal with her new bionic abilities, becomes a top-secret agent for the Office of Scientific investigations, and deals with her changed relationship with Steve. Now available in a four-disc set that includes five original episodes featured in the Six Million Dollar Man and a never-before-seen Bionic Beginnings featurette. The Bionic Woman: Season 1 promises nonstop action, excitement, and adventure with the world’s first female cyborg.

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Dragon Ball: Season Two Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The new first season set of Dragon Ball uncut isn't even out yet and they've already announced this season two set. While the main reason to buy the first is the first chance ever to own the original thirteen episodes uncut in a proper North American set most fans will probably continue on buying this one as well. I suspect many of those who already own this batch of episodes uncut on the old sets will buy this one as well in an effort to collect all the episodes in nice sets that complement each other when lined up on a shelf. Given the running time of 720 minutes this set should contain the following thirty episodes from the Red Ribbon Army, General Blue and Commander Red Sagas:
32 The Flying Fortress: Vanished!
33 The Legend of a Dragon
34 Cruel General Red
35 Cold Reception
36 Major Metallitron
37 The Ninja Murasaki is Coming!
38 Five Murasakis
39 Mysterious Android No.8
40 Horrifying Buyon
41 The Fall of Muscle Tower
42 The Secret of Dr. Flappe
43 A Trip to the City
44 Master Thief, Haski
45 Danger in the Air
46 Bulma's Bad Day
47 Kame House: Found!
48 Deep Blue Sea
49 Roshi's Surprise
50 The Trap is Sprung
51 Beware of the Robot
52 The Pirate Treasure
53 Blue, Black and Blue
54 Escape From Pirate Cave
55 Penguin Village
56 Strange Visitor
57 Arale vs. Blue
58 The Land of Korin
59 The Notorious Mercenary
60 Tao Attacks!
61 Korin Tower
All these episodes are being presented in remastered editions of their original full frame (4:3 Aspect Ratio) format. Audio is being done with English or Japanese voice track options and the original Japanese musical score in 5.1 Surround. Funimation Dragon Ball releases haven't had any special features other than previews for other Funimation products, so don't expect to find any here either.
I'm very happy with the cover art selection for these titles so far. Let's hope they don't start just throwing random characters on the cover (Piccolo on Dragon Ball Z Season 7??? What was that?). Hopefully all the Dragon Ball sets will come out as fast as these first two, thanks for your time.

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The search for the seven magic balls continues!
After meeting his match in the World Martial Arts Tournament, Goku embarks on a mission to recover the Four Star Dragon Ball that once belonged to his grandfather. His treacherous quest will take him from the terrifying heights of Muscle Tower to the darkest depths of the deep blue sea. But with the Flying Nimbus under his feet and Bulma’s Dragon Radar leading the way – there’s nothing mighty Goku can’t handle.
With a dangerous new adversary out to get him, this will be Goku’s most dangerous adventure yet. The sinister Red Ribbon Army, led by cigar-chomping Commander Red, is determined to seize the seven Dragon Balls and use them to conquer the world! Watch as colonels, generals, ninjas, android pirates, and giant pink monsters use every dirty trick in the book to stop Goku from getting his hands on the magic Dragon Balls!
Enjoy the next chapter in the saga of this legendary warrior with Dragon Ball: Season Two!

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