Babylon 5 - The Complete Television Series (5-Pack) (1994) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a lover of sci-fi series, it's great to see such a saga sold as a set. The reality for the B5 connoisseur is that this isn't the Full Monty. You should also purchase "Babylon 5 - The Movie Collection" and the B5 spin-offs "Crusade - The Complete Series" and "The Legend of the Rangers". The reasons are indicated below in my recommended viewing order.
1. Watch the B5 movie "The Gathering"
The Babylon 5 pilot movie The Gathering was originally broadcast in 1993 a full year ahead of the regular show.
2. Season 1
3. Season 2
4. Season 3
5. Watch Season 4 up to episode "The illusion of truth"
6. Watch the B5 movie "Thirdspace"
7. Season 4: continue with episodes 9-22
8. Watch Season 5 up to episode "Objects at Rest"
9. Watch the B5 movie "River of Souls"
10. Watch the B5 movie "In the Beginning"
This is a prelude set 10 years before Babylon 5. Against the logic of the title, I would strongly recommend seeing it at this stage. Should one see it before Season 1, much of the suspense in the main series would be ruined.
11. Watch the B5 movie "A Call to Arms"
This movie lays the groundwork for the spin-off TV series "Crusade".
12. The Lost Tales - Thanks to Eric Pregosin for his comments to build on the original list
13. Season 5: watch final episode "Sleeping in light"
14. Watch Crusade Series
The question which is debated in several other reviews is: Despite the release dates of the material produced, in what order should it be seen? In particular, if the viewer is a total new comer to the series. The above is an attempt to give some structure to great content so it is more enjoyable as a complete work.
PS - It is astounding that the Warner marketing dept. gives no official recommendation on how these products should be best enjoyed.
PS 2 Update - As "The Legend of the Rangers" was released long after I finished watching Babylon 5, I'm not sure where to place this. Any comments would be appreciated.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Babylon 5 - The Complete Television Series (5-Pack) (1994)

Own all five seasons of the award-winning series about the space station that's the tumultuous center of the 23rd century's bid for peace among humans and aliens.

Click here for more information about Babylon 5 - The Complete Television Series (5-Pack) (1994)

The Tyler Perry Collection (I Can Do Bad All By Myself/Madea's Class Reunion/Meet the Browns/Madea's Family Reunion) (2006) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'll admit that I'm a Johnny-come-lately to the "Madea" series, finally seeing this compilation at the insistence of my teenaged niece. Creator Tyler Perry and his alter-ego, the opinionated, pistol-packing, chain-smoking (never lit, by the way) "Madea," have starred in several successful stage plays and subsequent theatrical film versions to the delight of fans, mostly African-American, nationwide.
Though the stories feature the tried-and-true clichéd characters (the belligerent teenager, the devoted wife, the straying husband, the vixens, the lotharios, etc.) and situations (infidelity, promiscuity, straying from the church, comedic funerals, obnoxious and overbearing family members), Perry's productions also introduce a bit of spirituality with each story's ending dependent upon DIVINE INTERVENTION making things right. Some of the acting performances are a little over the top, and the musical selections, though sung with gusto and relish by the gifted vocalists, are weak in the lyrics department; however, as a whole, the respective productions are entertaining and inspirational.
Perry has tapped into a market that is unconsciously ignored by Hollywood, and is having great success on both the stage and screen.
This compilation lets the viewer experience and/or revisit those money-making stage shows.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Tyler Perry Collection (I Can Do Bad All By Myself/Madea's Class Reunion/Meet the Browns/Madea's Family Reunion) (2006)

I Can Do Bad All By Myself (The Play)When Madea (Tyler Perry) gets sick, her family comes to her aid. What they don't realize is that they're the ones who need her help. As always, Madea's cockeyed outlook on life saves the day and guarantees side-splitting laughs along the way.Madea's Class Reunion (The Play)When Madea (Tyler Perry) shows up for her 50th class reunion, you know it's going to be a whopper! Between the belly laughs and thesoulful songs are life lessons. Thanks to Madea's wisdom, the message is clear: Learn to forgive and begin with yourself.Meet the Browns (The Play)A funeral can be a time for laughter (and lessons) when the kooky Brown family gathers to bury Brown's (David Mann) 107-year-old father. It's a foot-stomping sound-stirring send-off and a great reminder--"Ain't nothin' like family, ain't nothin' like love!"Madea's Family Reunion (The Play)The fireworks begin when Madea's family gathers for her granddaughter's wedding. As usual, Madea (Tyler Perry) rules the roost, as she and her neighbor, the wacky Mr. Brown (David Mann), deliver nonstop laughs. Live, love, rejoice...it's Madea's Family Reunion!

Get 29% OFF

Click here for more information about The Tyler Perry Collection (I Can Do Bad All By Myself/Madea's Class Reunion/Meet the Browns/Madea's Family Reunion) (2006)

The Invisible Man: Season One Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After seeing so many poor or banal sci-fi series released on DVD, I was upset that the Sci-Fi Channel's THE INVISIBLE MAN series was not amongst them (at least not in the US anyway... it's been available for years on Region 2 DVD's), but now, at long last, it's coming! This is by far the best show that the Sci-Fi Channel has ever created (aside from the great BATTLESTAR GALACTICA) and it has been deserving of reruns at the VERY least, but other less interesting and less entertaining shows have been clogging up Sci-Fi's airwaves (STARGATE series, I'm looking at you!).
But onto the show itself. Darien Fawkes (the underappreciated Vincent Ventresca) is a thief who is finally caught and put in prison. He's looking at a life sentence, but his brother comes to his "rescue" of sorts when he offers him a deal: Testing an experimental gland implant in the brain that will release a chemical nicknamed "Quicksilver" that coats the skin for a brief period of time that bends light around the subject, allowing them to become invisible to the naked eye. Darien accepts the deal, but we know what road good intentions lead to. Fawkes' brother is double-crossed and killed by his assistant Arnaud DeFehrn (the wonderfully sleazy Joel Bissonette), and Fawkes is stuck with the experimental gland before it's perfected. The gland has a potentially fatal flaw which is that if used for too long of a period of time, the user (in this case, Fawkes) will experience what is called "Quicksilver Madness" which he experiences psychotic and sociopathic tendencies. Fawkes is recruited by "The Agency", a covert ops organization that answers only to The President, run by a perenially frustrated bean-counter usually referred to as "The Official" or "The Fat Man" (the hilarious Eddie Jones) and his yes-man Eberts (the also-hilarious Michael McCafferty). Fawkes' condition is watched over by the lovely Claire "The Keeper" Keeply (beautiful and dry-witted Shannon Kenny), who must regularly give him injections of a counter-agent that wards off the Quicksilver Madness, and is determined to find a way to remove the gland from Darien without the procedure killing him.
The show also gives us a brilliant buddy cop story with Fawkes partnered with Agent Bobby Hobbes (the wonderful and easily recognizable Paul Ben-Victor), a self-professed ladies man and martial arts master, who also may be suffering from schizophrenia that may be fueling these delusions of grandeur (or are they delusions?). The chemistry that is developed between Fawkes and Hobbes is just amazing, and it becomes one of the high points of the show.
One of the other high points is the amazing special effects. When Fawkes goes invisible (and vice versa), the transition is totally seamless. It was this level of achievement that unfortunately brought this show to an all-too premature end because it was just too expensive to keep up that level.
Overall, this is a really great and really fun show that just ended way too soon but it finally is back to watch on this DVD series!

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Invisible Man: Season One

The sensational sci-fi series that has to be seen to be believed, The Invisible Man is now available on DVD for the first time ever! Join con man-turned-covert-op-specialist Darien Fawkes (Vincent Ventresca) in 23 gripping Season One episodes, including the two-hour TV-length pilot, as he undergoes a top-secret invisibility experiment by the "Agency." As he takes on spy networks, assassins and lethal weapons cases, Darien must come to terms with the "Quicksilver madness" and physical outbursts that are unexpected side effects of his special abilities. Co-starring Paul Ben-Victor (Entourage) and Shannon Kenny (7th Heaven), this suspenseful action series has intrigue, humor and futuristic weaponry that you'll want to "see" again and again!

Get 81% OFF

Click here for more information about The Invisible Man: Season One

Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert (1998) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Words fail me when I try to describe this video. Les Miz is a glorious play, what with the genius of Boublil & Schonberg. I didn't think I would much enjoy this video because of its lack of actual set & acting and also the few short pieces cut. But it still blew me away. Best of all was the cast. It truly was the definitive edition.
Colm Wilkinson is just the perfect Valjean. His voice has such emotion & resonance to it. And he has such a strong presence as an actor.
Philip Quast was another excellent performer. I've once heard his voice described as "flinty" and I think that that's a good word for it. He really portrays Javert with such coldness, he makes the character quite vivid.
Ruthie Henshall's Fantine is one of those rare performances in musical theatre which simply cannot be surpassed. Henshall's voice is so stirring, heartbreaking, reverberating, deep, chilling, and beautiful. Her "I Dreamed a Dream" is excellent!
Michael Ball's Marius needs to introduction. He's THE Marius, what else is there to say? His voice so, so powerful and he sings with such heart. His "Empty Chairs At Empty Tables" is truly captivating.
Michael Maguire's Enjolras is often criticised. Yes, this wasn't the best performance he probably could have given and he did miss a few notes. But he still has a great voice. People argue that Anthony Warlow is a better Enjolras. While I agree that Warlow has the vocal edge, there's something in Maguire's performance that makes him so much like Enjolras and just so perfect for the part.
Judy Kuhn's Cosette was the one performance which I can say is good but not great. She didn't strike me the first time I heard her, though she has grown on me. She does have a lovely voice, but I just don't go for the whole "ringing soprano" thing. In fact, almost all Cosettes & Christines and the like in general just annoy me. I think Kuhn sounded better as Pocahontas.
Hannah Chick's little Cosette was SO adorable! She didn't miss a note during "Castle On A Cloud" which she just sang so sweetly. At the same time, she didn't seem to overact the sweetness, which I've seen all too many Cosettes do. And the way she kept singing after the stage light explosion was very professional.
And Adam Searles, gotta Love him. Similar to Maguire, I have heard Gavroches with better voices that Searles but he just has the part of Gavroche down so well. He just has the perfect street-wise, smart-aleck attitude perfectly.
I was shocked as to how many people disliked Lea Salonga's Eponine. Even more shocking was how people insisted that Frances Ruffelle was much better. I think Salonga was THE most phenomenal singer of the night. To me, Ruffelle sounds terrible! Many have called Salonga too "bitter" or "angry" but Eponine is a bitter, angry character! Salonga sings with such force, and at other times (e.g. "A Little Fall of Rain") with such sad sweetness. Her "On My Own" was so excellent that watching it is an intense experience. I could barely tear my eyes from the screen the first time I saw her sing it. I think there is no question that she's THE definitive Eponine. 'Course that's just my opinion.
All in all, this was the greatest performance of Les Miz I have ever seen!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert (1998)

The 10th anniversary of the international musical sensation Les Misérables is celebrated in this 1995 concert at London's Royal Albert Hall. The all-star cast features Colm Wilkinson (Valjean), Ruthie Henshall (Fantine), Michael Ball (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Lea Salonga (Eponine), Philip Quast (Javert), and Alun Armstrong (Thenardier).Favorite songs from the Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg score include "Who Am I?", "I Dreamed a Dream," "Master of the House," "One Day More," "Do You Hear the People Sing?" and "Bring Him Home."

Click here for more information about Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert (1998)

One Tree Hill: The Complete Fifth Season (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been an avid viewer of "One Tree Hill" since the very first episode. I started watching the show as a replacement to the great "Dawson's Creek" (which ended several months prior to the release of Tree Hill), but I wasn't hooked for almost the entire first season. But then in the second season the writing got sharper (and franky more "out there,") the cast gelled together, and the rest is more or less television history. But to be perfectly honest this show should not have been the hit that it has become. But there is just something about watching these 6 teenagers live out the lives of adult, while the amazing dialogue that captures people and refuses to let go.
As a DVD reviewer once said: "High School Dramas are not made for high schoolers, they are made for the people that didn't have the high school experience they wanted." And "One Tree Hill" is the epoch of this discussion. And this is what makes the fifth season so special. After focusing on the groups High School years from seasons 1 thru 4, Season 5 fast-forwards the action 5 years, with all the kids living their own lives, much seperated (and grown up) from their 18-year-old alter-egos.
Whereas many believe the show would have out-right failed had season 5 progressed into the groups various freshman year of college experiences, it instead shines. The cast is allowed to play their own ages, and the viewers are able to see what happens when the real world comes into play. Every character has learned the harsh lessons that come with college and finally moving away from your parents/home town. The characters have finally learned how life can be without a security blanket. But alas I don't want to give away too much.
The start of season 5 finds Brooks as a very famous and wealthy fashion designer, Peyton as a struggeling record assistant, Lucas as a writer turned basketball coach, Haley starting her first year of Teaching English, and Nathan realing from a crippeling accident. But as fate (and the television producing gods) would have it, within three episodes the entire cast is back in Tree Hill for various reasons, and the series begins to progress from there.
The fifth season DVD include all 18 episodes from the strike-shortened season that aired from January until June 2008 (including the 100th Episode), with Unaired Scenes, Three Featurettes (one focusing on the 4 year jump, another on the 100th episode, and an other on the music), two episode commentaries (the season premier & 100th Episode), a gag reel, as well as a digital copy of each episode to watch on your computer/IPod. The episodes are spread across 5 discs and are presented in 1.78:1 Widescreen with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound.

Click Here to see more reviews about: One Tree Hill: The Complete Fifth Season (2008)

Hello again! Four-and-a-half years after the searing and surprising events that marked their final days at Tree Hill High, old friends return to their North Carolina hometown. Some of them reached the goals they set as teens: Lucas published his novel, Brooke rocked the fashion world as an acclaimed couturière and Haley became the teacher she always yearned to be. Some didn’t: Peyton crashed and burned in L.A., and Nathan saw his promise of pro hoops glory evaporate in a single, violent moment. But once they’re back home in this involving 5-Disc, 18-Episode Season Five Set, everyone discovers so much is the same: love, friendship, challenges, triumphs, laughs, tears...and dreams. As Lucas says, it’s just the beginning.
See insert for instructions on how to download digital copies of all episodes (must be done in one session; code can only be used once; compatible with iTunes and Windows Media; offer expires 12/31/09).

Click here for more information about One Tree Hill: The Complete Fifth Season (2008)

Black Butler: Season One, Part 1 (Limited Edition) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I love this anime a lot, though I have to agree with other reviewers and say the manga is better. But hey, what manga ISN'T better than the anime(other than ones that were written after the anime). I am not going to make this review very long, seeing how I personally hate reviews that pick at every little thing in the series, and are 5 pages long. (plus I am a bit lazy to make it very detailed)
Art/Animation:
I liked the art. I totally disagree with the other reviewer saying it was hard to recognize Sebastian in the anime. Seriously? What? Are you partially blind or something? Animation and drawings are completely different, so there obviously be some differences. I enjoyed both greatly.
Story:
I've read up to the most recent chapter releases of the manga, in Japan and I can't tell even begin to tell you how far way this anime strays from the plot of the manga. Though I suppose it'd be boring for both the anime and manga to be completely the same. Yes, there was some slight fillers in the first season, but nothing too bad that made me even begin to dislike the series. I wasn't a big fan of where the plot went at the ending of the series though, mainly because it got sort of dumb and freaky.
Characters:
The characters are amazing in BOTH the anime and manga. I love all the characters, (okay, all of them except Lizzy) and think their personalities are shown very well.
Overall:
I'd highly recommend this series. Especially if you are a fan of BL (there are some nice hints). I LOVE all of Yana Toboso works, and will be a fan for a very long time. While this series has it's -.- moments. I still very much enjoyed it.
Ps. I haven't purchased this product but I plan to. I just wanted to leave a review that this series was very good, since it got such a bad review.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Black Butler: Season One, Part 1 (Limited Edition)

Ciel Phantomhive is the most powerful boy in all of England, but he bears the scars of unspeakable suffering. Forced to watch as his beloved parents were brutally murdered, Ciel was subsequently abducted and violently tortured. Desperate to end his suffering, the boy traded his own soul for a chance at vengeance, casting his lot with the one person on whom he could depend: Sebastian, a demon Butler summoned from the very pits of hell. Together, they'll prowl the darkest alleys of London on a mission to snuff out those who would do evil. They're a rare sight, these two: the Butler who dismembers with dazzling cutlery - and the Young Master who carries the devil's marking. Rest assured that wherever they may be headed, it'll be one hell of a ride.

Get 39% OFF

Click here for more information about Black Butler: Season One, Part 1 (Limited Edition)

Mel Gibson's Apocalypto (Widescreen Edition) (2006) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Even with all the controversy surrounding Mel Gibson last year (and doesn't it seem as if each new week brings another celebrity meltdown?), I still looked forward to seeing "Apocalypto." Why? If for no other reason--the subject matter, subtitles, and lack of star power made it a bold choice for a major studio release. Films of this nature generally go into limited distribution to develop an audience and critical word of mouth before expanding, if they ever do. But with Gibson at the helm, "Apocalypto" debuted with much fanfare and backing just in time to be considered for 2006's Academy Awards. For some reason, though, I still missed "Apocalypto" at the theaters. I have heard every description imaginable from those that have seen the film--from the "best movie ever" to "excessively violent and disturbing." And while I wouldn't go to either of those extremes, "Apocalypto" is certainly an accomplished adventure picture.

Set in ancient Mayan times, "Apocalypto" is essentially the harrowing journey of one man, a youth named Jaguar Paw (a convincing Rudy Youngblood). Living a simple and isolated existence, his tribe are very at home within the forest. One day, the unthinkable happens. They are attacked by another group with apparent intentions of enslaving whomever they don't kill. Youngblood's wife and son are stranded in an underground well, many others are murdered, and Youngblood is among a dozen or so who are rounded up and marched out in bondage. The subsequent journey leads to a fantastical temple sequence, where it becomes clear that the prisoners are not to become slaves--but sacrifices. The remainder of the film deals with how Youngblood can escape this situation. The temple scenes feature a cast of thousands, ritualistic and brutal slayings, and a mob mania that is terrifying and believable. Racing against the clock to save his wife, Youngblood must escape back through the jungle--where all he has to help him are his cunning and an almost spiritual connection to his surroundings. The action is practically nonstop, it's inventive, and it is beautifully staged. Much of "Apocalypto," therefore, is absolutely riveting and wildly entertaining.

For the purists who will debate the film's historical accuracy, I will neither deny or confirm the legitimacy of the events that transpire within "Apocalypto." While there do seem to be some liberties taken with the historical timeline (as evidenced by a surprise in the ending--which I enjoyed despite its implausibility), I really don't think that this film aspires to be a "historical document." Gibson has made an adventure story using a Mayan backdrop. The feel and look of his picture stay as valid as possible to the timeframe, however, I never interpreted this picture as a "true" story. Guess what? Fictional liberties are taken in every motion picture. Otherwise every motion picture would be a documentary--and even documentaries have an angle or slant which make them less than "true" in many cases. "Apocalypto," at heart, is an effective action picture that makes interesting use of its Mayan setting.

I guess "Apocalypto" is not for the squeamish--however, the violence depicted is by no means unusual by modern film standards. You can see much worse in today's "torture" cinema, those films that pass for horror with current audiences. I suppose what makes "Apocalypto" more vivid is that the violence is in a believable context. There are some beheadings and some hunting scenes, but the brutality is intrinsic to the story "Apocalypto" is telling. I don't believe serious minded filmgoers will be put off by seeing some savagery depicted in a film about ancient Mayan cultures--it's not as if this is a Merchant/Ivory production with tea parties and witty banter.

I do recommend "Apocalypto." Beautifully filmed, the technical merits of the film are beyond reproach. The cinematography, score, and editing all enhance this exciting tale. I imagine these elements really shone bright for those who saw this on the big screen. A great action picture that is for adults--check it out. KGHarris, 03/07.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mel Gibson's Apocalypto (Widescreen Edition) (2006)

From Mel Gibson, director of THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST and the Academy Award®-winning BRAVEHEART (Best Director, Best Picture, 1995) comes the thrilling historical epic APOCALYPTO. This intense, nonstop action-adventure transports you to an ancient South American civilization, for an experience unlike anything you’ve ever known. In the twilight of the mysterious Mayan culture, young Jaguar Paw is captured and taken to the great Mayan city where he faces a harrowing end. Driven by the power of his love for his wife and son, he makes an adrenaline-soaked, heart-racing escape to rescue them and ultimately save his way of life. Filled with unrelenting action and stunning cinematography, APOCALYPTO is an enthralling and unforgettable film experience.'

Get 37% OFF

Click here for more information about Mel Gibson's Apocalypto (Widescreen Edition) (2006)

Tuck Everlasting (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"Tuck Everlasting" is the (near-perfect) movie adaptation of Natalie Babbitt's classic novel about a young girl who meets a family immortals. If you are looking for a nice family movie or love story, Disney's "Tuck Everlasting" is a fine selection for your viewing pleasure.
THE STORY:
Winnie Foster, daughter of a wealthy couple, ventures off into her family's woods one day and comes across a mysterious boy, Jesse, and his family, the Tucks, who seem to be "lost in time." Feeling trapped herself in her "too prim and proper" for her family, Winnie feels liberated with the carefree lifestyle of the Tucks. However, the Tuck family secret is something that can very well, and nearly does, bring Winnie's world crumbling down in front of her very eyes.
THE DISCUSSION:
"Tuck Everlasting" has long been at the top of the list of books the school system loves to have students read, and for very good reason. The story, very carefree but at times a little deep and occasionally dark, provides good discussion fodder on issues such as life and changing society values. Winnie's conflict with her parents' values as well as the ramifications of "eternal life" make great fodder for discussion and meditation.
Overall, the movie contains all the great things you could look for in both a love story and a family movie. The relationship between Winnie and Jesse should have most couples all "warm and fuzzy" (or ill to their gut). The movie overall is very light and easy and should be enjoyable for anyone. The violence level is kept to a minimum and the "darker" elements of the story are tame enough to where it shouldn't upset anyone.
THE ADAPTATION:
Movies based on books are double-edged swords. They either ruin the "meaning" of the books they seek to praise or they themselves become masterpieces (like Harry Potter and Jurassic Park). "Tuck Everlasting" falls into the latter category. I myself read Babbitt's book in elementary and though it's been 16 years I still remember the book quite well. As far as I can tell, this movie was about as true an adaptation as you can get. The main themes and event sequences are translated well onto the big screen. Fans of the book should appreciate this movie.
BEST SCENES:
1.Miles' story. This is a very powerful scene that touches very well on the "eternal life" issue. This scene could easily win an award.
2.Jail Break. Hilarious scene!!!
3.Tuck's Talk with Winnie
4.Jesse and Winnie's adventures
THE VERDICT:
Overall, this movie is a great choice for young couples on a date or family's looking for a nice, clean movie. Yes indeed my friends, it's a chick flick!!! Enjoy.
Highly Recommended

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tuck Everlasting (2002)

Walt Disney Pictures' TUCK EVERLASTING, a timeless and enchanting adventure about one girl's magical summer, will captivate audiences of any age. Young Winnie Foster, stifled by the formality of her proper life and domineering mother, escapes into the woods only to get lost. Soon she happens upon Jesse Tuck -- a boy full of life and adventure who's unlike anyone she's ever met -- and falls in love. The Tucks, a kind and generous family, have a powerful secret -- a spring that holds the magic of everlasting life. And now Winnie must choose to live life as she knows it or drink from the spring. It's a life-affirming adventure that will cast its irresistible spell over you again and again.

Get 17% OFF

Click here for more information about Tuck Everlasting (2002)

Andy Goldsworthy's Rivers & Tides Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For those who are not familiar with Andy Goldsworthy's work, he creates sculptures from nature, using rocks and tree branches and grass and anything else around the location he has chosen. He has decided specifically to create scultpures that will only stand temporarily, as he searches for a better understanding of life, death, and the passage of time. This film does a fantastic job of exploring the creative process and amazing things that can happen when an artist continues to experiment and look for new opportunities. Through this discovery, Goldsworthy passes on to us his philosophy and unique perspective on the world. It is truly a visually beautiful film and worth watching on that merit alone. For those of us who are artists, it is a must-see, both to learn and identify with someone who has a beautiful understanding of the world.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Andy Goldsworthy's Rivers & Tides

Wildly praised by the nation's top critics, the smash theatrical hit RIVERS AND TIDES is a mesmerizing, poetic and curiously contemplative portrait of revered Scottish sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, whose long-winding rock walls, icicle assemblages and other intricate, druidic masterpieces are made entirely of materials found in the wild.Gorgeously shot and edited by director Thomas Riedelsheimer, RIVERS AND TIDES is an intoxicating study of the fragile relationship between man, art and nature.

Get 52% OFF

Click here for more information about Andy Goldsworthy's Rivers & Tides

Pink Floyd - Pulse Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It's hard to find words for what I experience when viewing this video. My husband and I watched it for the first time together and afterwords we agreed we'd have to watch it again to be sure that what we saw was real. This may be a BIT exagerated - but not much! The visuals on this film are extaordinary! The light show is amazing and so well choreographed! The sound is SO good and the musical quality SO superb that I have actually begun to PREFER many of the cuts to the studio versions! I've fallen in love with David Gilmore whose smile makes him look little boyish and sweet. The newly added Floyd musicians look like they cannot BELIEVE who they are on stage with and are having the time of their lives. 145 minutes of SHEER bliss from the first note to the very last! THREE SONGS for an encore - you cannot believe it when it happens! You imagine what you would have thought being at this concert and even getting ONE encore song - when they come out with THREE you are blown away - and they are lavishly done! I don't understand some of the reviewers saying that Gilmore seemed bored and unhappy to be there - seems to me that he is either concentrating on the current guitar lick or smiling at one of the other band members -trust me - he smiles a LOT in this video. I could go on and on but I won't. Let me just say that having already purchased this video I will be one of the first to put out more money the DAY this one comes out on DVD - as soon as we heard that it was scheduled for release on DVD in early 2000 we went out and bought a DVD player - THAT'S how much we loved this concert! My ONLY regret is that I missed it live and it was only 2 hours away from where I live! SIGH... well THAT won't happen again. For someone who wasn't sure she would like the Floyd without Roger - I have become one of their biggest fans! It also renewed my interest in the Division Bell which I had previously not given much time to. Now I am a devotee of that CD as well. Ok - now buy it! OR wait for the DVD! Enjoy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pink Floyd - Pulse

PINK FLOYD:PULSE - DVD Movie

Get 11% OFF

Click here for more information about Pink Floyd - Pulse

Anesthetize (DVD + Blu-ray) (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is what I mean: I was fortunate enough to attend two concerts from the same tour that the DVD is taken from. No question, PT is better enjoyed live; however, this DVD offers significant advantages that a live concert cannot provide:
1.You watch it when you feel like it.
2.You don't have to drive to get to the concert.
3.The guy in front of you won't block the view of the stage.
4.You can seat down and enjoy.
But the truly impressive aspects of this DVD are the camera work and the sound mix. During the credits I counted at least 9 camera operators. It is as if you're on the stage with the band! You can watch Gavin Harrison playing from the left, the right, the top, and even from under the drums! I know now where he keeps the set list (down on the left side). You can even read the brand of the drum sticks that he uses.
Same with the other musicians: you can see the keys of the keyboard reflected on Richard Barbieri's glasses; the chords that the under-rated, extraordinaire bass player Colin Edwin chooses so discretely; the craftsmanship of John Wesley's guitar playing, and the artistry of genius composer/arranger/musician/producer/promoter Steven Wilson.
The sound, the mix and the production are of the most impressive quality. Even the PCM Stereo version is so good I hope they release the tracks on CD or as downloads to be able to listen to in the car.
They start out with the full Fear of a Blank Planet album, ala The Incident tour. Impeccable all; "Way Out Of Here" (which can be seen on YouTube) and "Sleep Together" stand out, this last one for the rage and energy that the band displays.
It is appreciated that for the second half of the show, they chose a number of songs, which are not that frequently heard on live material available. "What Happens Now", "Cheating the Polygraph" and "Normal" (from Nil Recurring), "Dark Matter", and "Sleep of no Dreaming", among others, are simply spectacular. The show stealer, however, turned out to be a very low key piece called "Half-Light" from the Deadwing sessions, in which Steven Wilson plays his signature Video Guitar and John Wesley finishes the song with the most heartfelt vocal that I've heard in a long time. There is no question: John Wesley is the fifth Beatle!!!
If you're still reading is because you already know Porcupine Tree. I don't need to tell you about how good these guys are or that they play the most creative kind of progressive, hard and acoustic rock combination that can be found on this planet. If you're a fan, you have to have this DVD.
This review is based on the first viewing of the regular version of the DVD made in England (not the Blu-ray).
6/26/10 Edit: A "similar" show from the same Fear of a Blank Planet Tour has been released for a download on the PT site or at the [...] store where most things PT can be found. It's worth the download because the music is great and the proceeds are for a good cause (read below abstract taken from the Burning Shed page), however, it is not the same set list nor the same sequence played on the DVD filmed in Holland. The low price more than justifies the download.
This download comprises a complete 2 hour live performance from the Fear of a Blank Planet tour.
"The show was recorded and mixed to the usual PT standards in order to provide material for a planned live album, but when the decision was taken to film much of the same repertoire in Holland for a major DVD release instead, the Atlanta recording ended up back in the vault.
Now PT have decided to make it available in complete form as a download only release in order to raise funds for Mick Karn's treatment for cancer. Although the repertoire is similar to that on the Anesthetize DVD, the performance has its own atmosphere, and also includes the first ever officially released live recording of "A Smart Kid".
The mp3s are high quality 320kbps files and there is a break between tracks 8 and 9 in case you want to burn your own 2 CD set, for which Carl Glover has also provided CD artwork.
Please note that all Porcupine Tree's profits from the sale of the Atlanta download will go directly to the Mick Karn Appeal. Burning Shed's profits will go to Macmillan Cancer Support."

Click Here to see more reviews about: Anesthetize (DVD + Blu-ray) (2008)

Last year Porcupine Tree released their latest album The Incident. The album marked another step forward in theincredible journey of the band from a solo studio project created by Steven Wilson in the late eighties to a Grammy nominated act and one of the world's most revered live bands, currently selling out arenas across the globe and wowing fans with their incredible performances. "Anesthetize" is a DVD which captures the power of the band's live show. Recorded on multi-cameras over two nights at 013 venue in Tilburg, Holland in October2008, the concerts featured tracks from throughout the band's career. "Anesthetize" collects the highlights from the two shows. It is only the band's second ever DVDrelease. Includes: 2 Hour concert film with stereo& 5.1 sound,5 x Lasse Hoile `Live films' from the showPhoto gallery, "Anesthetize" is also released as a twodisc package. The second disc is the Blu-Ray version of the concert. It contains the following extras:"Way Out of Here","My Ashes","Wedding Nails","Strip The Soul / Dot Three","Nil Recurring", 5 live films all directed by Lasse Hoile

Get 18% OFF

Click here for more information about Anesthetize (DVD + Blu-ray) (2008)

Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job - Season 1 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The scene cues and we are introduced into the blank stare of an awkward and uncomfortable looking doctor. His ill prepared segment on fruit cannot start because, as the doctor tries to subtly inform his colleagues, he does not 'have the fruit'. After several clumsy attempts by the camera operator to break the awkwardness of the situation, we catch the backside of a quickly moving production assistant dropping a bag of freshly purchased supermarket fruit in front of Mr. Brule. It works.
Almost if by force of habit we expect a punch line at this point. It doesn't come. Our minds reel as the plot is pulled from beneath our taught fingers. No climax, no story development, no comfort lead in music. Shortly thereafter you realize you are only invited to participate in the haphazard denouement of this story - you are riding the thing down into the glorious and hilarious catastrophe that it was meant to be.
As we let the show aspirate, we can detect notes of dark comedy and satire on commonplace social norms. The sketches are often full bodied and rely on tongue-in-cheek jabs at poorly executed social posturing (Strategies in Leadership, Carol and her Boss) or the miserable failings of those with little savvy (Casey and his Brother, Shopping Indoors). This show is a big cab with strong hints of spite. Good to enjoy now or a few years down the road. Although much like a good bottle of Monty Python, Tim and Eric will only get better with age. If neither suit your taste, I'm sure a bottle of Who's the Boss Zinfandel would suffice.
There's more than meets the eye with this show, if you know where to look. Chances are, if you don't, Tim and Eric are probably making fun of you.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job - Season 1

Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job, starring the comedy duo Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim premieres on Cartoon Networks Adult Swim block in February 2007. Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job is an 11-minute new and exciting sketch variety show, which offers viewers a look into the uniquely funny minds of the creators of the cult, hit, Tom Goes To The Mayor. Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job, is a fast paced, absurd collection of short films, parodies, animations, pranks and musical numbers, featuring the talents of Bob Odenkirk, John C Reilly, Weird Al Yankovic, Zach Galifianakis, Brian Posehn, Todd Barry and a host of comedians, celebrities, bad actors and pets. Great Job!

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job - Season 1

Man on Wire (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was lured into seeing this film by my teenage son, who is a circus acrobat by genetic conviction as surely as Philippe Petit was a high-wire walker and as I am a musician. I would never have entered the theater if I'd known what I'd be seeing. I have a pathologically empathetic response to films. When I was a little kid, I used to shout out warnings to Tweetie Bird when the cat got near. During fight scenes, my whole body twitches and my wife gets nervous for the safety of the unsuspecting head in front of me. I'm a climber in real life. I've been to the summit of Annapurna. But my blood pressure rises and I tremble with acrophobia at Hollywood simulations of climbing. This film Man on Wire took two years off my life, I'm sure. It's that intense, with its coy intersplicing of still photos and super-eight footage of Petit in mid-air and lovely slow talking-head interviews of Petit and his accomplices, years later, clearly establishing that they all survived to tell the tale.
Those interviews of middle-aged daredevils, reminiscing about their greatest caper, were as intense for me as the dodgy accomplishment of the adventure. It was literally the end of a love affair with life for all of them, something "too hot not to cool down," an overture too overwhelming to be followed by a mere opera. When Petit's boyhood friend broke down in tears at the waning of their friendship, when Petit's wife-the-love-of-his-life felt the reality that his life no longer needed hers, the whole social cost of Petit's obsession moved me also almost to tears. Hey, I might have cried if my heart had slowed down to twice normal. I felt an urge to grab my son and hug or shake him, saying "don't let your art be more to you than your life."
There's more to this film than a mere victimless heist thriller.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Man on Wire (2008)

On August 7th 1974, a young Frenchman named Philippe Petit stepped out on a wire and illegally rigged between the New York's twin towers. After nearly an hour dancing on the wire, he was arrested, taken for psychological evaluation, and brought to jail before he was finally released. This documentary complies Petit s footage to show the numerous extraordinary challenges he faced in completing the artistic crime of the century.

Get 37% OFF

Click here for more information about Man on Wire (2008)

Speak (2005) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"Speak" tells the story of a girl, Melinda Sordino (Kristen Stewart), who made it through the end of the difficult middle school years as one of the popular girls. She does not appear to be conceited or stuck up; she's only just a girl who enjoys the fact that she and her girlfriends are well thought of and the center of the social scene. That all changes for Melinda at a summer party thrown at a friends house where she gets friendly with a popular high school jock only to be shockingly date raped by him. In her shock after the rape, Melinda tries to call the police from the party house, but that just leads to the cops showing up and breaking up the party and getting a lot of Melinda's friends in trouble. Not knowing why Melinda really called the police leads her group of friends, especially her best friend Rachel (Hallee Hirsch) to ostracize her in the way that kids that age lash out at anything that they don't understand and challenges their socially accepted norms. Melinda is also hindered by the fact that her parents, despite clearly loving her, are too caught up in their own issues to recognize that their daughter just underwent a tremendous trauma.
When high school begins that fall, Melinda selectively chooses to remain a mute while enduring the hateful behaviors of her former friends (including Rachel, who is now dating the guy that raped Melinda). Yet, slowly, through finding herself through an art class with and an art teacher (Steve Zahn) that truly inspire her, Melinda manages to recover and find a new sense of self and confidence and even resolution to the events that have plagued her.
"Speak" has all the makings of a typical after school special that is rife with pretentiousness and pat resolutions. Yet, it manages to transcend that genre and make for a truly moving film. The performance of Kristen Stewart and, to a lesser extent, Steve Zahn, is truly remarkable. Zahn is a known quantity in Hollywood and his performance as art teacher, Mr. Freeman, is full of the pathos we've come to expect from him. Stewart, who was only 13 when she filmed this role, is simply stunning. She took a role that actress three times her would find daunting and, not only fulfilled it, but so thoroughly mastered it, that she made it her own.
It's ironic that Stewart played Jodie Foster's daughter in the hit thriller "Panic Room", because she evokes memories of a Jodie Foster from 30 years ago. Stewart has the same physical look and mannerisms and definitely shows the potential to have the same acting talent. I look forward to seeing more films starring Kristen Stewart. I think she will turn out to be a real Hollywood gem and, anyone who has seen "Speak", will remember the exact moment when Kristen Stewart gave notice that she had arrived.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Speak (2005)

Based on the award winning novel by Laurie Halse Anderson, "Speak" unfolds a story about Melinda (Kristen Stewart), a smart and spirited high school freshman who retreats into self-imposed silence after she is raped one night at a party. Feeling isolated from her classmates and from her preoccupied mother Joyce Sardnino (Elizabeth Perkins), Melinda retreats further in an attempt to escape the torments of high school. It is only through her work in art class with the help of her compassionate art teacher Mr. Freeman (Steve Zahn) that she begins to reach out to others and eventually finds her own voice and inner strength. A feature debut of director/co-writer Jessica Sharzer, "Speak" resonates with stubborn honesty and sardonic humor as we follow Melinda on her journey from traumatized isolation to a brave and final triumphant disclosure.

Click here for more information about Speak (2005)

Easy A (2010) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It's easy to like a character, but it isn't often you come across one that you would want to actually be friends with, or maybe even wish you could be like. For me, such a character is Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone), a high-school student from Ojai, California. True, she may only be a fictional character, but she's also the embodiment of personality - smart, witty, and affable, yet not so perfect or above it all that she fails to be human. Despite these magnetic qualities, she isn't noticed much by her peers, and she's all but upstaged by her best friend (Aly Michalka), who makes it a point to believe only what she wants to believe instead of actually listening to the truth. Things drastically change for Olive when she gains an infamous reputation as the school floozy, something she didn't start but certainly chose to perpetuate.
Her story is told in "Easy A," which is not only one of the funniest teen comedies of recent memory, but is also one of the most intelligent. Rather than go for obvious lowbrow sex and booze toilet humor, director Will Gluck and writer Bert V. Royal show the temerity to engage the audience with clever dialogue, strong characters, and a plot we can actually care about. It doesn't play down to the audience. If we laugh, it's not because of a vulgar throwaway gag but because of genuinely funny scenarios, many of which are relatable to varying degrees. Perhaps the film is founded on an extraordinary premise, but in my mind, it's a perfectly plausible premise, and the fact that the filmmakers could keep the story grounded while making it entertaining is quite an amazing achievement.
Olive's infamy begins when she lies about having lost her virginity over the weekend to a college student she made up. The lie is overheard by Marianne (Amanda Bynes), a judgmental and pious Little Miss Christian, who proceeds to tell everyone she knows about Olive's indiscretion. Rumors quickly spread. Other students begin to take notice of her, and although she never asked for her newfound reputation, she finds she's appreciating the attention. She's then approached by her gay friend, Brandon (Dan Byrd), who's so tired of being harassed by homophobic bullies that he begs her to pretend to have sex with him. Knowing that no one would believe her if she simply told people about it, Olive drags Brandon to a classmate's party, where they lock themselves in a bedroom and make all the necessary noises. Everyone is fooled.
This includes Marianne and her circle of Christian friends, one of whom boldly suggests that Olive follow the lead of Hester Prynne in "The Scarlett Letter" and mark herself. Not content with doing things half-heartedly, Olive arrives at school the next day wearing a bustier with a red A affixed to the right breast. In due time, she's approached by other boys who want Olive to do for them what she did for Brandon; she agrees to help them all, although she's well aware that the situation is getting out of hand. It's bad enough that they're using her to inflate their egos. Why must they also compensate her with gift certificates and coupons to affordable stores like The Home Depot and Bed Bath and Beyond?
The ads have prepared us to view Olive as a cliché - a wisecracking teen who never shows her emotions and flaunts her superior intellect in the form of biting sarcasm and dry wit. But we end up seeing nothing of the sort. Olive is a young woman of considerable depth, jokey on the outside but within harboring needs, hopes, and deep insecurities. They emerge during scenes with the school mascot, Woodchuck Todd (Penn Badgley), the one guy who has known Olive most of her life and sees the person behind the reputation. Through him, she comes to believe that regaining her self-respect depends on tracking down each of the boys she helped and coercing them into telling the truth. This proves far more difficult than she expected. It's just as well; the root of "self-respect" is "self," which is to say no one other than her can turn the situation around.
Other characters, such as Olive's loveably liberal parents (Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci) and her perpetually flustered school principal (Malcolm McDowell), add color to the story, even if they are a bit less three-dimensional and serve mostly as comedy relief. The English teacher, Mr. Griffith (Thomas Hayden Church), is not only as witty and charming as Olive but is also remarkably perceptive; the same cannot be said about Mr. Griffith's estranged wife (Lisa Kudrow), which is ironic since she's the school's guidance counselor. I don't want to reveal too much about this couple. Let it suffice to say that Olive's actions have consequences that extend beyond the limits of the student body.
The film is told as a retrospective, Olive opening the film with a webcam confessional that continuously weaves in and out of the story proper. This is far from an original narrative technique, but Stone's performance and Royal's dialogue elevates it to new heights. Right at the start, we're drawn to this character, and we want to stay near her even after the story has come to an end. Not too many roles have this kind of power. Not too many teen comedies are this well written. "Easy A" is a sweet, sassy, ingenious little movie, one that I hope will not be forgotten ten years from now.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Easy A (2010)

OLIVE AN AVERAGE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, SEES HER BELOW THE RADAR EXISTENCE TURN AROUND OVERNIGHT ONCE SHE DECIDES TO USE THE SCHOOL'S GOSSIP GRAPEVINE TO ADVANCE HER SOCIAL STANDING.

Get 69% OFF

Click here for more information about Easy A (2010)