The Mummy (Ultimate Edition) (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)"The Mummy" receives a very nice look Blu-ray transfer for this new edition of the movie. Capturing the adventurous elements of films like "Indiana Jones" and injecting it into the basic story for the 1932 film "The Mummy", Stephen Sommers creates a terrific, enteraining film. For those interested in a synposis of the plot, I'll provide it at the end of the review because you've probably already seen this.
The Blu-ray transfer looks quite good here with bold colors that more closely recall the original theatrical presentation than the DVD. The image is crisp and while there's evidently some digital noise reduction applied, Universal hasn't completely cleaned away all the film grain which is a good thing because when that's done you actually lose sharpness and clarity (it is restored with a loss of detail via Edge Enhancement like the recent reissue of "Patton" which went overboard with digitally cleaning up the film). The best thing that Universal could have done here was to leave the grain intact and dispense with the Edge Enhancement. I suspect that the same source was used for the Blu-ray as was used for the HD-DVD edition but that the Edge Enhancement is more transparent here because of higher resolution.
What does all of that mean? The film looks extremely good but could look brilliant. Still, on the whole this looks much better than the DVD edition.
The extras are still presented in 480p (which is standard DVD definition)so be aware those haven't been updated. However, Universal has made this a U-Control disc where you can customize the extras as you watch the film (something developed for and carried over from HD-DVD). You do get the ability to watch the visual commentary/extras while watching the film. All of the original extras from the DVD have been ported over for this edition. All of the extras and the film are on the single disc edition here (unlike the DVD which has most of the extras on a second disc).
Followed by the equally entertaining (and much bigger production of) "The Mummy Returns" and a fun entertaining (if lesser)spin-off film "The Scorpion King", "The Mummy" is worth picking up again even if you have the original DVD edition. Highly recommended.
Oh, and the plot? A group of explorers led by Evelyn (Rachel Weisz)and Rick (Brendan Fraiser)rush to find the riches of an Egyptian tomb and end up reviving Im-Ho-Tep (Arnold Vosloo)an Egyptian High Priest buried alive for his part in a conspiracy to kill the Pharoah. Brought back by the Egyptian Book of the Dead, Im-Ho-Tep takes revenge on those who plundered his tomb and seeks the Book of the Dead to bring back his beloved princess who helped him kill the Pharoah.
It is a great popcorn flick.

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Looney Tunes - Back in Action (Widescreen Edition) (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Looney Tunes: Back In Action" is the perfect marriage of live action and animation. To complete this picturesque scenario, it takes a "humanized" all-star cast (Jenna Elfman, Brendan Fraser, Timothy Dalton, including others), along with some zany Looney Tunes charcters (yes, most of them are here, folks, from Bugs Bunny [that "wascallwy wabbit"] to Yosemite Sam), with all of the above combined to make one colossal motion picture for everyone aged seven to seventy. Everyone's out to recover an artifact that could wind up causing universal damage (a pricey gem known as "The Blue Monkey"). Its dastardly, evil "owner" (Steve Martin) wants to make certain the world is freed from all human existence, and prefers to "monkey around" with evolution, so to speak. It's a race against time, as our female assistant (Elfman), son of a movie star (Fraser), Bugs, Daffy Duck (and an all-star cast of "Tunes" attempt to free a senior movie star (Dalton) from the clutches of one mad scientist (Martin), who is the head of ACME Corporation. When I say "LT:BIA" is a "universal" motion picture, I am not just speaking in tongues, as the gang literally spans the globe to search for clues. This journey stretches from Las Vegas to Paris, France, to the wilds of Africa (FACTUAL NOTE: The Nevada Desert does not contain any species of various cacti - just shrubs of tumbleweed and tons of sand. The saguaro cactus plants were there to provide a backdrop for Wile E. Coyote and The Road Runner to make their spectacular entrances). All of the elements that were featured in the classic Warner Bros. cartoons are here: classic character lines (ex: "What's Up Doc", "What In Tarnation", etc.), various sight gags (ex: automated device running out of fuel inches before touching ground, the positioning of Daffy Duck's beak, etc.), including others not mentioned here. Bill Goldberg (another wrestler turned actor) gives a masterful performance as one of the bad guys as well. Even the brief cameo of Michael Jordan is worthy of a look-see. Also, besides the too-brief appearance of Speedy "The Fastest Mouse In All Mexico" Gonzales, the only thing really missing, is Speedy's slow-footed cousin Slowpoke Rodriguez. If only this journey included a visit to Mexico (including Speedy's and Slowpoke's mouse buddies), then "Looney Tunes: Back In Action" would have netted a five-star rating for sure. As it is, it earns all four stars for its directorial and animation qualities (not to mention a fine human and not-so-human main and supporting cast), which makes it a must-see motion picture. As Porky Pig would say: "TH-TH-THE-THAT'S ALL FOLKS!!!".

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School Ties (1992) Review

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(More customer reviews)This film might have seemed "strained and obvious" to some of the other reviewers here, but if you are Jewish and grew up in the 1950's, you'll relate to it very well. Especially the part about having to violate the Jewish holidays in order to play on the team -- a conflict that still arises for Jewish students today.
I've used this film very successfully in high school discussions and in classes on antisemitism. And yes, things like this really did happen to Jews -- and still do. The question of whether or not to stay "in the closet" and "pass" or be yourself and get rejected is an issue for other minorities, too. If you work in any area of multicultural studies and/or dialogue, you should add this film to your library.

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A young man from the wrong side of the tracks gets a football scholarship to a private school, which will lead to his entrance to Harvard. He is well accepted at the blue blood school until it is revealed that he is Jewish.Genre: Feature Film-DramaRating: PG13Release Date: 13-AUG-2002Media Type: DVD

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George of the Jungle (1997) Review

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(More customer reviews)A friend gave my kids this movie--I didn't buy it because the idea of a live-action GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE seemed silly to me. Fortunately for my family, this movie is silly in a good way, gleefully silly, with lots of physical comedy, puns, in-jokes, and high ridiculousness. This movie has good-natured fun. The casting of Fraser and Mann as George and Ursula is inspired, and Cleese as the voice of Ape works wonders. Movies that elicit joyful instead of derisive laughter deserve our attention, so unless you're sensitive about the requisite animal excrement jokes (the easiest way to avoid a "G" rating), watch this movie with your kids. Then watch it with your buddies. It might even be a good date movie.
The DVD package, however, offers another example of Disney's charging premium prices for few extras. Unfortunately, the disc is also pan-and-scan instead of widescreen. If you already own the videotape, you might as well wait and hope that Disney upgrades the DVD package.

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Disney presents the smash hit comedy that families and critics everywhere went bananas over! Deep in the heart of the African jungle, a baby named George, the sole survivor of a plane crash, is raised by gorillas. George grows up to be a buff and lovable klutz (ENCINO MAN'S Brendan Fraser) who has a rain forest full of animal friends -- like Tookie, his big-beaked messenger, Ape, a talking gorilla who's smarter than your average rocket scientist, and Shep, a gray-haired peanut-loving pooch of an elephant! When poachers mess with George's pals, the King Of Swing swings into action. But before you can say, "Watch out for that tree," George comes face-to-bark with a few vine-covered obstacles! You'll go wild for this "wonderfully wacky comedy" that People Magazine calls "impossible to resist!"

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Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)For those that are complaining about the colored filter glasses (anaglyph), there seems to be some ignorance as to how the 3D technology in the theaters works. The 3D process used in the theaters requires polarized light projectors and is not something you can do with your tv. There is a better process however than anaglyph, and that is called field-sequential and requires a special box and glasses for about $40. Spy Kids, Shark Boy and Lava Girl, and some IMAX films were made available in that format. There are also many others available online non-commercially, including this film. They should have considered that option as it is much better than anaglyph. A major consideration, however, is that field-sequential videos only work with CRT televisions and some DLP projectors, not LCD tvs. Colored filters are currently more practical, but using green/magenta instead of red/blue was probably a mistake since many people seem to be bothered by the color distortions. BTW, if the dvd comes with glasses in the case, it will be anaglyph, or worse. Also, the use of polarized glasses is not new, it has existed since the 1930's and the majority of 3D films from the 1950's and onward were polarized, not red/blue as many people believe. There is some good news. Major studios, including Disney, are now working on creating a standardized form of 3D for the home. Content will be released on Blu-ray and DVD, possibly web streaming and broadcast TV, and will be viewable in 3D on the new 3D-ready Samsung and Mitsubishi tvs which have been out since 2007. On 2D sets the images will appear normal. These tvs can also be used for 3d gaming when connected to a PC. They require LCD shutter glasses that are the same as those used for field-sequential videos, but without flickering.
The Ultimate 3-D Collection (Haunted Castle / Alien Adventure / Encounter in the Third Dimension) (Large Format) (Includes H3D Viewing System)
Samsung HL61A750 61-Inch 1080p LED Powered DLP HDTV

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ON A QUEST TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO HIS MISSING BROTHER, A SCIENTIST, HIS NEPHEW & THEIR MOUNTAIN GUIDE DISCOVER A FANTASTIC & DANGEROUS LOST WORLD IN THE CENTER OF THE EARTH.

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Blast From the Past (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have seen this movie twice and have loved it both times. It is a funny and endearing romantic comedy that is peppered with a terrific cast and excellent performances. I would gladly watch it again.
Calvin Webber (Christopher Walken), a nerdy, nutty scientist, and his traditional and very pregnant wife, Helen (Sissy Spacek), are living in California in fifties style splendor in the early nineteen sixties, when the Cuban Missile Crisis occurs. Buying into the red scare of the day and convinced that attack by the communists is imminent, they immediately go underground into the super deluxe bomb shelter that Calvin had had the foresight to build under his house and fully equip with enough supplies to last thirty five years. No sooner do they do so, Calvin's fears are reinforced, as suddenly a force of great impact shudders overhead. Thinking that they were hit by an atomic blast set off by the communists, they hunker down for the next thirty five years, waiting for the radiation to dissipate.
In the interim, they have a baby boy, whom they name Adam (Brendan Fraser). As Adam grows up, he is unknowingly caught in a time warp with his parents, as they have no contact with the outside world. Adam's world view and values reflect that of his parents, as his entire life, thus far, has been spent underground soley in their company. When the thirty five years are up, Calvin surfaces briefly to check the state of affairs topside. What he sees, he misinterprets, and upon his return to the bomb shelter ends up having a heart attack. He and Helen then dispatch Adam on a reconnaissance mission to get needed supplies.
What transpires when Adam ventures into the outside world is very funny and often poignant. As played by Brendan Fraser, the thirty five year old Adam, a fresh faced, polite virgin with no fashion sense, has a Dudley-Do-Right quality and a load of goofy, sincere charm that ensures the comedic success of this film. His foray into the outside world, his endearingly innocent interpretation of all that he sees, and his interaction with others will leave the viewer laughing. When he runs into Eve (Alicia Silverstone), the hard edged, appropriately named, beautiful blonde with a heart of gold, he is smitten. Together they will leave the viewer hoping that Adam and Eve will find the Garden of Eden.
Christopher Walker is wonderful as the slightly nutty, paranoid but brilliant scientist. Sissy Spacek shows a distinct comedic flair as the patient and long suffering wife who buys into her husband's vision of things. Dave Foley of "Kids in the Hall" fame is terrific as Eve's drolly funny, gay roommate. Alicia Silverstone, while ostensibly the weakest link in this otherwise brilliantly cast comedy, still manages to give a more than acceptable performance as the cynical Eve. It is Brendan Fraser, however, with his aw-shucks, innocent veneer, who deftly steals the show right under everyone's nose. His charming and funny, ingratiating performance is one that will have the viewer watching this film over and over again. This is a must have comedy for one's personal collection.

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Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)When I saw this at the theater, I thought it was the best 3-D movie that I have ever seen. If you like amusement parks, this is the movie for you. It's good clean family fun! I was expecting it to be at least as good as Hannah Montana-Best of both worlds 3-D DVD but it blows that movie away. You use Red/Blue Anaglyph glasses for Hannah Montana but for Journey to the Center of the Earth you use Magenta/Green. WOW!!! What a difference on this movie. I tried using the red/blue glasses but they didn't work. I would say the 3-D effects (not talking about color) is as good as it can get without the huge screen. The things that are suppose to pop out at you really do. You can't expect the colors to be great because you are only using two color glasses so the colors won't be as good as the theater...but you don't notice it as much during darker scenes (when they are inside the earth) which is most of the movie. The surround sound was very good even though it does not have the TrueHD audio format...the rear speakers were very engaging. I will say that not everyone does well with 3-D some people get headaches but do those same people get headaches on amusement parks rides...if so this might not be good for you. For me, I love rides if it doesn't spin me around so for this DVD I highly recommend it on blu-ray.
*UPDATE* I now own a Samsung UN46C8000 3D HDTV and Samsung BD-C7900 3D blu-ray player and active shutter glasses...I can't wait until they come out with Journey to the Center of the Earth in real 3D blu-ray because the difference is beyond incredible. Now, I see full color and the clarity is amazing!!!

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Extraordinary Measures (2010) Review

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(More customer reviews)This movie motivated me to write my first review.
I read on 'Rottentomatoes' that Extraordinary Measures "never feels like more than a made-for-TV tearjerker." Don't believe it! I am convinced that critics who do critiquing for a living often lose their senses of wonder, along with their senses of humor. After hundreds to thousands of movie viewings, they no longer see the story that makes the acting come alive. They only judge the acting (and that, superficially), and my guess is that most go into the theater with preconceived ideas based on trailers and their personal attitudes toward the actors in the film under review.
So with that out of the way, I will concentrate on the movie which I saw last night.
John & Aileen Crowley and their children, John Jr., Megan and Patrick, are the real stars of this movie. Which tells me that the actors who portrayed them did their job well.
As usual in his serious roles, Brendan Fraser brought to the screen the intensity and humanity and reality of John Crowley's decision/quest/obsession for a medical miracle for his children. Brendan is unique. He has been wise in not being stereotyped. As far as I can see, he has much more to bring to life cinematically. His humor is one of his greatest attributes.
Keri Russell is relatable as Aileen. In this condensed version of this part of Aileen's life, I think Keri allowed us to see into Aileen's emotions and her relationships with her children as well as with John.
The children were played by Meredith Droeger as Megan and Diego Velazquez as Patrick. I was entranced by both children. They were believable and amazing in their mature ability to play children with Pompe challenges, while still showing how the disease does not identify their individuality. I believe both Meredith and Diego have a great future ahead of them regardless of their paths in life.
Sam M. Hall is a delightful young man who, I feel sure, played big brother John Jr. very much as he is - supportive, loving and responsible. His own challenges came through often with Sam's expressions and responses to difficult situations.
And, of course, what can you say about Harrison Ford that has not already been said. I watched his interview with Charlie Rose, and he said then that his character, Dr. Stonehill, was a compilation of several doctors the Crowleys worked with. His characterization of the medical research personality was probably not all that far from truth. But he naturally gives his signature personality to the contrary doctor. (I have known some egos like his in the medical field.) In short, he was wonderful. And I truly appreciate his dedication to getting this story to film (along with anyone else involved).
See this film if you have a heart for children. See it if you like any of these actors. (And watch for Dee Wallace. Short but oh so sweet!)

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Imagine Harrison Ford as a rogue scientist exploring not ancient artifacts of lost arks, but biochemical research to help cure rare diseases. In "Extraordinary Measures", Ford manages to keep some of that wry rebellious Indiana Jones energy as he plays Dr. Robert Stonehill, a fringe researcher whose findings just might help keep alive the two children of John Crowley, played with heart and sobriety by Brendan Fraser. "Extraordinary Measures" is based on a true story, one chronicled in the gripping book "The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million--and Bucked the Medical Establishment--in a Quest to Save His Children", by "Wall Street Journal" reporter Geeta Anand. The cast is excellent, with Ford tamping down his occasional urge to vamp for the camera, and Fraser grounded in his first true adult role. The supporting cast is also strong, including Keri Russell as Crowley's frantic wife, facing the near-certain death of both of her children; Dee Wallace, Jared Harris, and Courtney B. Vance also appear as strong supporting characters. Director Tom Vaughan switches gears from his wildly successful romp "What Happens in Vegas" to turn in a crisply paced and suspenseful family drama. As Crowley and Dr. Stonehill team up to raise money to support Stonehill's research, Crowley says, "Who's going to be half as motivated as the dad who's trying to save his own kids?" "Extraordinary Measures" brings to mind similar dramas like "Lorenzo's Oil", but its heart and drive are unique to the story of the Crowleys, a very special family indeed. "--A.T. Hurley" \n\n \n\n\n Stills from "Extraordinary Measures" (Click for larger image)

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