Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season One (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Sadly, I must say that I'm probably considered an old guy to most of the reviewers of this "Degrassi: The Next Generation" boxed set. At twenty-eight years of age, I'm probably twice as old as most of these folks. But that doesn't matter because I really love this boxed set. I grew up watching the original Degrassi shows on PBS in Louisiana. Though the cast was roughly two years older than I was, I found myself relating to a lot of them. The new series allows me to catch up with some of my old favorites, as well as introduces me to a new crop of kids going through that great life-changing period we know as junior high and high school.
This new DVD set brings us the first season of the new series. Many of the kids are still pre-teens in this season. We are introduced to Emma, J.T., Toby, Manny, Ashley, Paige, etc. We're also introduced to some of their parents. One of the parents is very familiar to us old folks. Emma's mom is Ms. Nelson, or Spike, from the original show. She'll become quite close with Emma's media immersion teacher, Mr. Simpson. Once again, the old folks will probably, recognize Mr. Simpson as Snake from the old show. Another returning favorite is Joey Jeremiah. You'll remember him as the goofy kid that wore a fedorah. Many of the older castmembers show up for a class reunion at the end of episode two.
The new cast is fun to watch. It's funny how kids these days still deal with many of the same problems that other teenagers deal with. Everything from sex to drug abuse to first loves is dealt with. There are a few new trials and tribulations these days, however. One such temptation is internet romance, which gets Emma into a sticky situation. Another subject dealt with is Ashley having to come to terms with the fact that her father is gay. Though homosexuals have been around forever, I think that this is the first teen show that deals with this particular situation. Spinner is on behavior-controlling prescription drugs(ritelin, forgive the spelling). Jimmy uses those particular drugs to give him an "edge" at basketball. J.T. and Toby check out a little internet porn and, as usual, those blasted parents catch them. These are just a few of the "newer" problems that are addressed on the show.
Some of the problems that have hampered teens since the dawn of time are addressed as well. Toby crushes big-time over Emma, who is captivated by Sean. Sean, meanwhile, comes from a busted, alcoholic family. Paige manipulates her friends to get what she wants. Terry is overweight and thinks that no one will ever like her. Liberty fears failure in the classroom, etc., etc. What you get is a teenage soap-opera that deals with real issues.
Granted, some of the "problems" are hokey and 100% cheese, but this helps break the intensity of some of the dramatic moments. The acting isn't superb, but it wasn't with the original show, either. What you end up with is a program that teens and pre-teens can watch without feeling like they are being preached to or lectured. The characters are believable and they deal with their problems in the same way as any average kid would these days.
The DVD extras are fun. There is karaoke, where you get to sing the theme song. There's a casting call section where you get to see some of the youngsters try out for roles. A blooper reel is included, and some deleted scenes as well. One of the best deleted scenes for us oldsters is one which catches us up on a lot of the old characters from the original shows.
I recommend this boxed set to anyone who wants to relive the old days of their youth. More importantly, I recommend this set to teachers and parents who want to teach their kids without having to hammer a speech down their throats. Kids connect with the characters on this show, and that makes life a little bit easier to deal with once they realize that they aren't the "only one" who has to deal with any of their particular teenage problems.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season One (2002)

The Ultimate Box Set Has Arrived!Are you ready to experience Degrassi: The Next Generation like never before?Fans... hold on to your fedoras!Because the Next Generation of Degrassi has been born on DVD!This Degrassi: The Next Generation Ultimate Box Set includes: two DVDs that hold a whopping 450 minutes of episodic footage from the first season of the series, one bonus DVD boasting more than 100 extra features and exclusive Degrassi: TNG locker decor.It's a brave new world as the Next Generation of Degrassi confronts all new issues.But, this environment is much different than the one faced by generations before.It's filled with the Internet, body piercing, hip-hop and more opportunities for pitfalls than ever.Remember when meeting pen pals wasn't risky?These kids may be more media savvy than their parents, but they aren't necessarily more sophisticated.A whole new generation ventures through the trial and tribulations of adolescence, with a one-hour kick-off episode (featuring favorites from Degrassi's past) and a cliffhanger that you won't want to miss.Watch Emma and "next generation" classmates, Manny, Toby, J.T., Liberty, Sean , Ashley, Paige, Terri, Spinner and Jimmy as they encounterpressure, temptation and revel in the glory that comes with being young.Kick back and enjoy Degrassi: The Next Generation... The Ultimate Box Set.More than 100 Extra Features!Enjoy Degrassi: The Next Generation like never before with: 15 Director's Cut Episodes Degrassi Karaoke Degrassi Photo Album Character Descriptions Cast Biographies Deleted Scenes Oops and Bloopers Original Television Promos PLUS.... On the Casting Couch: Audition Tapes Unveiled AND... EXCLUSIVE Locker Décor!

Get 49% OFF

Click here for more information about Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season One (2002)

Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season Four (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I accidently stumbbled onto Degrassi several years ago over a Christmas break and found the show to be easily addictive. Not being one for the standard sterotypical high school scene like in the OC or Dawson's Creek I was stunned on how well the show was put together along side it's addictiveness.
Not only is the show intelligently written and plotted the acting from the youthful cast is spectacular. Each character (as partly a result from them being well written) is brought out onto the screen with that particular oddness and poignancy that is all to familar with someone who just left high school.
This is not a show where the entire cast is drop down gorgeous nor act exactly the same; there is a wonderful diversity with the roster of characters present. They all don't wear most expensive clothes or drive the most expensive cars to school and do not go around spouting out mindless phrases such as 'waxing philosophical.' This is a real life show displaying real life characters with real life problems and having those characters work through them with real life means.
About six months after I discovered this little gem of a show I found with much surprise that the DVD sets for each season were available and freaked out; quickly drove to the store and laid down my money. I bought season one sortly before season two came out in Aug. 2005, and saw that the release date for the third season was already scheduled for this past March and quickly pre-ordered. I watched them the entire way through and was able to pick up larger story arcs that I had missed when I saw the reruns on the Noggin Network and longed for more after the last episode had ended on the third season disk set. Once again I saw the release date was only about six months away after the third season (a very short time considering it takes over a year for each season of most other shows to be released on DVD).
I wrote a review for the third season of this show months back and claimed it the be the best season of the entire show (based on what I had picked up on TV and later watched on DVD) and still claim that, but must admit that season four is a very close second.
As in past shows Degrassi boldly faces down such issues as teen pregnancy, drinking, drugs, sex, cutting, homosexuality, violence, and much much more with a raw force that other shows would only dream of doing. The fourth season however goes even further with such issues as noted and beyond.
Not to give anything away (though I will give away some) a school shooting occurs, a student is murdered, another paralyzed, affairs of the heart go out of control, secrets are revealed, and pretty much the same intensity ignites as it has done in the past seasons.
Though some has called this show pretentious, overly dramatic, or just plain stupid they need to think again and take a look at the other shows out there depicting life in high school and recall what it was like for themselves years past in high school. I for one (as someone who just left it) find Degrassi to be all to true to the reality that teens go through as they walk the halls to class. It's safe to simply say this show gets it right.
As for the DVD as with the past three seasons the extras seem to be a step above one another with each passing season. Deleted/extended scenes, gag reels, casting tapes; the usual (I'm not one who does much with extra features on DVDs apart from deleted scenes). The quality of the print of each episode is great (the only drawback is it's in fullscreen (although apart from HBO DVDs not many TV shows that I own are in widescreen format)).
In the end is Degrassi worth laying down the money for? Absolutely...100%...YES!!! It is a must own for fans of the show, fans of high school programs, and fans of people who just like plain good old television; you will not be disappointed.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season Four (2002)

Season four of Degrassi:The Next Generation could very well be one of the darkest and most intense seasons ever.And for good reason!Paige finally faces Dean in court.Crashed cars broken relationships burning questions .Emma lays the pressure to think to get Rick out of Degrassi.STDs are hot topic in the hallways.Marco realizes he s being cheated on.Ashley leaves.Craig snaps .Rick reaches for a gun .The Season Four Ultimate Box Set is packed with deleted scene bloopers yearbook original auditions quiz and so much more.Plus get the inside scoop onTime Stands StillandSecretfrom the actors and writers themselves.System Requirements:Running Time: 600 MinutesFormat: DEGRASSI Genre:ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Rating:TV-PG UPC:704400113482 Manufacturer No:1-4210-0670-7

Get 29% OFF

Click here for more information about Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season Four (2002)

Gotta Catch Santa Claus Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Gotta Catch Santa Claus is a holiday animated movie that was actually released last year but has just been released on DVD and will air for the first time on ABC Family.
Gotta Catch Santa Claus is about a boy name Trevor and his best friend Veronica. During a Chess competition Trevor and Veronica got into a discussion as to whether or not Santa Claus was real. Trevor truly believed in Santa where as Veronica felt that it was impossible for Santa to exist. Veronica went so far as to scientifically disprove that Santa could exist.
To prove Veronica wrong Trevor and his nerdy friends (I don't remember their names, I just know them as "X" and "Y" who are twins) set out of devise a plan to capture Santa. Even though she was skeptical Veronica hung around the boys to see if they could pull it off.
Much to their surprise the kids were able to bring down Santa and capture him. This also made it easier for an evil ice monster from outer space name LeFreeze to find Santa. LeFreeze has been trying to capture Santa to take care of a 100 year old grudge he has against him. With the help of his evil snowman minions LeFreeze comes to town to capture Santa for himself.
I'm not going to tell you how the story pans out. You'll just have to purchase the DVD.
My whole family had the opportunity to view the movie. My husband liked it but said it was not as endearing as the true holiday classics like Rudolph and Frosty. My 12 year old daughter said it was cool and thought it was funny when Santa was hip hop dancing.
I think the one person in my family who was most taken with the movie was my 10 year old son. He loved it! I can see it's appeal with boys and 'tween boys. The main character is a young boy and there are a lot of gadgets and they would find the robotic alien LeFreeze entertaining too.
I thought it was a fun movie. There are several songs in the movie including the very catchy title song "Gotta Catch Santa Claus". The songs in the movie are very much geared towards the 'tween and younger crowd but I found them to be cute and catchy.
I liked the 3-D animals and the likable characters. I thought Mrs. Claus was amusing because she is portrayed as someone very thing and sexy (Mrs. Claus should not be sexy - LOL!).
We've added Gotta Catch Santa Claus to our holiday DVD collection. I can see us watching it again on Wednesday as well as every year when we bring out the holiday DVDs.
Gotta Catch Santa Claus also comes with some bonus features including fun sing-along songs (including Gotta Catch Santa Claus) as well as deleted scenes. I found the deleted scenes most especially interesting because the original story line is nothing like the final movie. The entire movie was originally very different. It's interesting how they changed their minds and made the movie go in a different direction.
I should add that William Shatner is the voice of Santa.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gotta Catch Santa Claus

Funky music, holiday magic and a supersonic sleigh are all wrapped up in this CGI-animated family adventure starring William Shatner as the voice of Santa! Trevor is a true believer in the holiday spirit, so his skeptical best friend, Veronica, challenges him to show the world actual proof that Santa is real! Trevor and his friends embark on the adventure of a lifetime to catch Santa in action and reveal the true magic of Christmas. But they've got to find Santa before LeFreeze - a dim-witted monster who's carrying a serious 100-year-old grudge - and his snowman minions put Christmas on ice forever! Join the race to save Christmas in GOTTA CATCH SANTA CLAUS, the jolly, jammin', modern-day holiday classic destined to become a family tradition!

Click here for more information about Gotta Catch Santa Claus

Meat Loaf: In Search of Paradise (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First off, I give this 3 1/2 stars. They don't have a half-star option.
This is a documentary about the rehearsal stages and first several shows of a Meat Loaf tour through Canada to promote Bat Out Of Hell 3. The case is VERY misleading, as it lets you think you are going to see a full concert and even lists songs in the setlist of the concert as if you're going to see them. YOU WILL NOT SEE A WHOLE SONG. YOU WILL SEE SNIPPETS OF SONGS. The majority of the footage is Meat dealing with the various details of tour. There's quite a bit of attention paid to the Paradise On The Dashboard light controversy: the alleged indecency of him performing the number with Aspen Miller due to her perceived age. (She was 28 at the time of filming/touring.) Maybe even too much time is devoted to this. It honestly felt like this was the theme of the entire documentary.
We also see pieces of Meat's rituals before a show, and it shows the extreme level of perfection he demands from his crew, but mostly from himself. He is hardest on himself and never seems satisfied. This isn't the usual Rock Star ego trip, he continues to push himself to be better, louder, faster, and the best. He does so at a toll on his health, and we repeatedly see him pass out after shows.
I would recommend this to hardcore Meat Loaf fans, but casual fans or someone expecting to see a full or at least partial concert could easily come away disappointed.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Meat Loaf: In Search of Paradise (2008)

Actor, performer, and multi-platinum rock icon Meat Loaf reveals surprising shades of himself - and a fertile creative mind in constant flux - in this intimate and highly entertaining theatrical feature documentary that was celebrated as an official selection of the 2007 Montreal World Film Festival. The time is early 2007, one of the most stressful in Meat Loaf's career, when he is about to launch his most ambitious tour ever: an 18 month long marathon to support Bat Out Of Hell III, the final album of the legendary Bat Out Of Hell trilogy. His exhausting, and often poignant, journey takes him from rehearsals in Burbank, California through the first leg of his tour through Canada. Along the way, an unexpected media controversy erupts over the staging of one of his songs - a controversy that raises questions about his art and its ability to mature and transcend as it traverses multiple generations - bringing into focus the drive (and demons) that have fueled his over-the-top stage persona for almost 40 years.

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Meat Loaf: In Search of Paradise (2008)

Degrassi Junior High - The Complete Collection Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)In response to the previous review, I wanted to point out that this box set contains the entire Degrassi Junior High series. There were only 3 seasons. The next season is when the show switched over to the "Degrassi High" title. So the next season is techinically season 1 of Degrassi High, not season 4 of Degrassi Junior High. Anyway, this series is great and full of nostalgia for all of us 80's kids. The only reason I give the discs 4 stars is because the quality of the dvd transfers is not very good. There is a lot of digital compression/artifacting that can be seen in the image. But this is not bad enough to keep you from enjoying watching these shows again.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Degrassi Junior High - The Complete Collection

Go to school with the show in a class by itself- and get real! Hailed as "groundbreaking," "powerful," and "totally authentic," Degrassi Junior High confronts it all-friendship, puberty, rumors, sports, studies, and more-with a refreshing ensemble cast and a unique teen’s-eye-view of life. Sometimes moving, sometimes shocking, but always believable, Degrassi Junior Highis a classic for teens of all ages. All your favorite characters and storylines are waiting-find your seat-school’s open!Includes all 42 episodes of Degrassi Junior High on 9 discs.DVD bonus features include Degrassi Between Takes--a documentary made during the filming of the original Degrassi Junior High series; bonus Degrassi Talks videos on topics such as drinking and drugs, trivia quizzes for all three seasons, downloadable computer wallpaper, and printable materials for educators.

Get 31% OFF

Click here for more information about Degrassi Junior High - The Complete Collection

Danny Bhoy: Subject to Change Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My friends and I get together once a month for a "Comedy Night" potluck ... everyone brings a covered dish and we take turns bringing a new comedy DVD. I'm so glad I bought this one! Not only did everyone love it, but to a person each has now borrowed it to watch a second time at home.
Pretty unique POV, and unlike some stand-up comics he's funny as hell without having to resort to the gutter. I'm not saying he doesn't swear occasionally - he does - but he doesn't base his entire flipping act on it.
Having grown up in Scotland, bits of this tickled me a little deeper - like the Scots response to being told it's last call in a pub, or the fact that the Scottish National Anthem is the only one in the world that makes provision for those with Tourette's - LOL! His really-bad French and American accents are hilarious, and I have to say I love it when a comic cracks HIMSELF up ;-)
There are two bonus features on this DVD as well - a guide to American sports, and a visitors guide to Scotland - both as funny as anything in his stand-up routine. Spend the money, you won't be disappointed.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Danny Bhoy: Subject to Change

As seen on Comedy Central! Recorded live in Montreal, this is the much-awaited North American debut of Scottish comedy sensation Danny Bhoy. See why audiences around the world have been enraptured by Danny's unique brand of storytelling and some of the finest observational comedy in the world today.

Get 17% OFF

Click here for more information about Danny Bhoy: Subject to Change

Trailer Park Boys: Season 1-2 (2004) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Was told about this show by a work collegue who said he nearly wet himself with laughter watching the show. Once my wife and i started watching we were hooked!!
As soon as the fourth season had finished we came on here and bought all the dvd's as you cannot get them in England as it is only shown on sky tv channel paramount. Then paramount repeated all 4 series again and we were hooked every night. It has just finished showing again and we are having withdrawl symptoms!! Our dvd's should be here soon and the sooner the better!! The best episodes were 'mans gotta eat' where randy returns to the streets as smokey to fund his cheeseburger habit, and 'propane, propane' where Mr. Layhey looses it and tries to kill ricky. Everybody should watch trailer park boys as it is so funny but it does take a few episodes to really get into it. We are busy converting everybody we know into TPB addicts and as soon as our dvd's get here we are locking all our friends in our front room and watching all of them on our 42' wide screen tv. No one is leaving until they are hooked too!!! BUY THEM ALL!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Trailer Park Boys: Season 1-2 (2004)

No synopsis available.

Get 5% OFF

Click here for more information about Trailer Park Boys: Season 1-2 (2004)

Strange Brew (1983) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Canadians always seem funnier than us uptight Americans because they can laugh at themselves and their idiosyncracies without offending any interest group other than uptight Canadians. They have Mike Meyers and the timeless Kids in the Hall for comedy; we have Carrot Top and "Family Guy." That being said, this film is utterly sophomoric. Almost twenty years later, it still keeps me laughing out loud at its absurd plot, silly jokes and barrage of references and inside jokes about Canadian culture. I went into this film already knowing a bit of Canada (I am a big hockey fan) and came out of this thinking that most NHL players like beer, back bacon & donuts as much as Bob & Doug McKenzie. And I loved every minute of it.
Hats off to the disc's producers for making the audio and video quality superior to the faded-out versions I've seen on cable TV and VHS. They also did an admirable job of including lots of extras on the disc. I've never seen SCTV, but a classic McKenzie Bros. sketch from the legendary show is included on this disc, as well as the film's trailer and a new animated short that includes Canada's favorite siblings since the Dionne quintuplets.
Perhaps this film rivals Caddyshack in having the greatest number of one-liners repeated over beers by white thirtysomethings. That alone should make it a cult classic of Canada you knobs!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Strange Brew (1983)

What matters most in life, eh? Hockey, donuts and beer? A slab of back bacon? And did we mention beer? At least, that's what matters most to Bob (Rick Moranis) and Doug (Dave Thomas) McKenzie when they bring the goofy lunacy of SCTV's "The Great White North" to the great wide movie indoors.

Get 17% OFF

Click here for more information about Strange Brew (1983)

The Score (2001) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Aren't heist movies great? Warm and familiar like a comfy old armchair, they are one of the oldest and (if done well) most enjoyable film genres around. You can sit back at the movie theatre with your popcorn in one hand or at home in front of the TV with a beer, safe in the knowledge that some craggy, world weary old thief set on retirement will be persuaded to do one last job, with a rookie understudy whom he doesn't trust, on a job which you just know wont go as smoothly as planned.
The Score is no different in that respect in that it stars Robert De Niro as a craggy old world weary thief, persuaded to take on one last high risk job before retiring. Ed Norton plays the rookie understudy scamming his employers by posing as Brian, a man with a disability and learning difficulties. Of course Robert De Niro's character Nick, always works alone and doesn't trust anybody but he is persuaded by his camp bloated old fence, Max (Marlon Brando) to work with Jack (Ed Norton). You see Max (Brando) is in up to his eyeballs in gambling debts and is likely to be forcibly shuffled off this mortal coil unless he comes up with the money, Jack (Norton) is working on the inside and Nick (De Niro) is the only man with the knowledge and the skills to get the job done.
Like most heist movies it's a bit of a slow burn build up, it's all about building up the tension until showtime. Inevitably there are a few scares along the way and Director Frank Oz (yes that's right Yoda, or at least the voice of Yoda) does a decent job in building up the tension. Of course one of the great draws of this movie is Frank Oz's coup in getting Brando, De Niro and Norton all on screen at the same time in the same movie. Brando was in his day was considered to be the world's greatest living actor, a mantle De Niro has carried for the past 20/25 years. Edward Norton is not far behind and is generally considered by many (including myself) to be the greatest actor of his generation on the back of great films (American History X, Fight Club) and great performances (Primal Fear, Rounders, Keeping The Faith, The People Versus Larry Flynt, Everybody Says I Love You). Robert De Niro is of course reliably good but not at his brilliant best and it is Ed Norton in the dual role of Jack and Brian who has the meatiest part and adds some energy and vitality to the whole production. Marlon Brando's role however, is something of an oddity. It's not much more than a cameo and its something that he could do in his sleep, which is just as well because it looks like that's exactly what he did.
If there are any criticisms to be levelled at The Score it has to be on the basis that it really is a by the numbers crime caper and lacks none of the originality or vitality of something like Reservoir Dogs and nor does it really take full advantage of its AAA list cast. The opening sequences whilst interesting, perhaps lack the action and intensity you might wish, although they do serve as an insight into Jack's MO (he always works outside the country, he always plans meticulously, doesn't take chances and is never greedy). That said The Score is enjoyable first and foremost for its excellent cast and the opportunity to see them share screen time. Secondly the last forty minutes of the movie where we eventually get to witness the heist are excellent; the heist is great edge of your seat stuff and there are plenty of unexpected twists and turns and an excellent climax. Ultimately though, you are left with the feeling that you've seen this all before and done better. It's more like that trusty old arm chair, warm and comfortable rather than new and exciting. That said it's an enjoyable yarn. Good rather than great BUT still well worth a watch.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Score (2001)

Aging thief pulls off one more heist at the urging of an upstart thief.Genre: Feature Film-DramaRating: RRelease Date: 24-JUN-2003Media Type: DVD

Get 43% OFF

Click here for more information about The Score (2001)

Degrassi High - The Complete Collection Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)WGBH Boston really went out of there way to please fans of Degrassi High. The shows arrival on DVD has been very anticipated. Degrassi High is the television show that aired after Degrassi Junior High stopped airing back in the 80's. The show featured the same cast of characters from Degrassi Junior High and chronicled their high school years. The show aired for two seasons and the DVD release includes all 28 episodes of the show.
The first season starts with the kids entering high school and getting reacquainted. Always known for dealing with controversial topics, the season begins with a two part episode titled "A New Start." One of the twins is pregnant after a summer fling and they have to determine how to proceed. Spike is back and Degrassi and her daughter is in daycare. She is best friends with Liz and starts dating a new guy named Patrick. The gang of Joey, Wheels and Snake are as tight as ever and share their misadventures when it comes to girls, grades and most importantly cars, as cars bring newfound freedom. Some characters from Degrassi Junior High get a little more exposure at Degrassi High. The known bully Dwayne faces a health crisis he struggles to keep secret, worried that it might affect his image. Lucy is still a big flirt and she finds interest in film making. L.D. isn't featured as much in this series as she is faced with a health crisis that leaves her in the hospital for much of the series. Caitlin finds interest in various causes and dates a new guy at school named Claude for a short time. Michelle is still in her interracial relationship with B.L.T. but its her family situation and her school situation which puts her under a great strain. Keeping with the format of the show, all of the cast members have their time with various hard hitting storylines during the season.
It's a great series and you could really sit down and watch the entire series in a weekend. Teens today will find the show beneficial and fans of Degrassi The Next Generation may also enjoy the series which features several of the cast members of that show. A great bonus is that the DVD set includes the Degrassi movie "Schools Out." This has long been a favorite that fans have been waiting for on DVD.
This release completes the Degrassi Junior High/Degrassi High collection on DVD. The four disc set includes twenty eight episodes of the series and the movie "Schools Out" is featured on the fourth disc. Bonus materials include pop quiz, Degrassi High wallpaper, printable materials and printable cast interviews.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Degrassi High - The Complete Collection

Degrassi High confronts it all—friendship, love, death, stress, pregnancy, rumors, rebellion, drinking and more—with all the same kids from the popular Junior High series.Sometimes moving, sometimes shocking, but always believable, Degrassi High is a classic for teens of all ages. Find your seat—school's open!Includes all 28 episodes of Degrassi High, plus the graduation special School's Out.

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Degrassi High - The Complete Collection

Festival Express Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Folks, I can only say...it sure brings tears to my eyes to see
these people again, the ones that are gone. Richard Manuel singing "I shall be released", Rick Danko jamming with Jerry Garcia "no more cane", and especially seeing Pigpen blowing harp
during "new speedway boogie", and the shots of Janis singing two
great tunes "cry to me" and "tell mama". I guess I'm getting nostalgic in my old age, but these musicians meant a lot to me when I was young, providing the soundtrack to a lot of my youthful escapades. The Band played the best concert I ever saw
in 1970 in Pittsburgh, just a few months after this film was shot, so they are captured here in practically the same spirit.
I went to see the Flying Burrito Brothers once in 1971, but couldn't get into the bar because my girlfriend was underage, but they are shown here as a four piece singing "lazy days", so I finally get to see them perform.
This is a wonderful film capturing a wonderful cross country music express. The only complaint - woefully short for my taste- I could take a few more hours of this.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Festival Express

Festival Express is a rousing record of a little-known, but monumental, moment in rock n' roll history, starring such music legends as Janis Joplin, The Band, and the Grateful Dead. Set in 1970, Festival Express was a multi-band, multi-day extravaganza that captured the spirit and imagination of a generation and a nation. What made it unique was that it was portable; for five days, the bands and performers lived, slept, rehearsed and did countless unmentionable things aboard a customized train that traveled from Toronto, to Calgary, to Winnipeg, with each stop culminating in a mega-concert. The entire experience, both off-stage and on, was filmed but the extensive footage remained locked away -- until now. A momentous achievement in rock film archeology, Festival Express combines this long-lost material with contemporary interviews nearly 35 years after it was first filmed. DVD Features:DVD ROM FeaturesTheatrical Trailer

Get 70% OFF

Click here for more information about Festival Express

Frozen River (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This 2008 independent film won the Grand Jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival. It is the first film by director Courtney Hunt and it was shot in just 24 days and a small budget in the upstate New York town of Plattsburgh, New York during the dead of winter.
This is the story of two women and takes place a few days before Christmas. Ray, played by Melissa Leo, has just been deserted by her husband. She's in her late forties and is the mother of a 15-year old and a 5-year old boy. She works part time in a dead-end job in dollar store and is almost penniless. She can barely feed her family, her TV is about to be repossessed and there seems to be no way she can make the balloon payment on a new double-wide trailer on which she has a down payment. Lila, played by Misty Upham, is a Mohawk Indian who lives on the reservation and works in the local bingo parlor. She is also penniless. Her husband is dead. Her baby has been taken from her by her mother-in-law, and she lives in a run-down trailer on the reservation. This reservation occupies parts of Canada as well as the U.S., and she can make some good money by driving across the frozen river between the countries and smuggling illegal immigrants into the U.S. But she needs a car. And Ray has the right kind of car with a large trunk.
The landscape is cold and bleak. Their car is a rickety Dodge Spirit. The women are strong, hard and desperate. They hate each other but soon realize that if they work together they might be able to improve their situations. The plot moves fast and is almost pure action. Their characterizations grow out of their situation. We see the different ways that Indians and whites are treated. We understand the hatred that the Indian woman feels for the white woman. We get a sense of the desperation of the illegal immigrants. At first there are Chinese immigrants. And later there is a Pakistani couple with an unusual package. Christmas is coming. The state troopers are on their trail. What will the outcome be?
Of course I can view this film in other ways. It was unique in that the two women were both so strong and that a Native American woman was cast in a role that was not a traditionally feminine one. Also, these women aren't beautiful and Ray's face is real - mottled skin and tiny lines and expressions that don't need words to convey emotions. It touched on several hot-button issues - illegal immigration, ethnic hatreds, desperate economic conditions in small upstate towns, and seriously hard choices some people have to make. However, I didn't think of all of this until the film was over. While it was on it was simply a fast-paced, action packed story that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved it!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Frozen River (2008)

Frozen River is a dramatic feature film which takes place in the days before Christmas near a little-known border crossing on the Mohawk reservation between New York State and Quebec. Here, the lure of fast money from smuggling presents a daily challenge to single moms who would otherwise be earning minimum wage. Two women- one white, one Mohawk, both single mothers faced with desperate circumstances- are drawn into the world of border smuggling across the frozen water of the St. Lawrence River. Melissa Leo (21 Grams, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, television's Homicide: Life on the Street) plays Ray, Misty Upham (Edge of America, DreamKeeper, Skins) plays Lila, and Oscar nominee Michael O'Keefe (The Great Santini, Caddyshack, Ironweed) plays the New York State Trooper who ultimately brings the two to justice.

Get 45% OFF

Click here for more information about Frozen River (2008)

New Waterford Girl (1999) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Mooney Pottie is an eccentric, teenage, odd duck in the small Irish-Catholic town of New Waterford on Cape Breton, Nova Scotia---a town where the mere mention of the Blessed Virgin will stop a sinner "in his tracks". Played to perfection by Liane Balaban, Mooney is determined to escape from her small-town life by any means possible (including cleverly trying to get herself a false bad reputation and then planning to tell her parents she is pregnant so they will send her away).
Mooney befriends a new neighbor, Lou (played with brilliant perfection by Tara Spencer-Nairn) after an initial period of wariness at this transplanted New Yorker's enthusiasm for New Waterford.
This comedy reveals its quirky twist in the first scene, a wedding and funeral being held at the same time in the local Catholic church. The pregnant bride shares the altar with her father's casket - showing the inherent thrift of the locals! Of course, sorting out the sympathy and wedding cards becomes a bit of a problem.
The authenticity of the script can be attributed to the fact that it was written by a woman who actually lived in New Waterford in the 70s, the time in which the movie is set.
Despite her desire to get out, we see the beautiful, if rough, vista of Nova Scotia through Mooney's eyes and realize the pull this incredible coastal area has on her.
A delightful film---every actor does a fine job and the coastal settings are spectacular.

Click Here to see more reviews about: New Waterford Girl (1999)

Click here for more information about New Waterford Girl (1999)

Emily of New Moon: The Complete First Season Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Aired from 1998-2000 and spanning four seasons
Based on Lucy Maud Montgomery's Novel, Emily of New Moon is the brilliant story of a free-spirited orphaned girl who's vivid imagination, passion to write, and romantic nature clash with her strict adoptive family.
I am an avid fan of period TV and movies so, when I stumbled on this show on cable while in my teens it was almost a given that I was going to enjoy it. But I had know idea then what a deep impression it would leave on me. I had heard of L.M. Montgomery and read Anne of Green Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea but had never heard of the Emily books so the series was completely new to me. and I was hooked, I watched as often as I could but the trouble was that the show's time slot Kept changing with the result that I often missed out, which was annoying because the show quickly became my favorite. Everything about it was wonderful, the casting/acting, the costumes and sets, the music especially the music. in short for me it was TV bliss. It wasn't all bad really, withdrawl symtoms from missing the show lead me to read the books Emily of New Moon (Emily Novels) Emily Climbs (Emily Novels) and Emily's Quest (Emily Novels) which to this day are at the top of my list of The Best Books Ever. Eventually I lost track of the show completely, and never got to see the last episodes, but I never forgot about it. If you've seen and enjoyed the Anne of Green Gables movies Anne of Green Gables: The Collection or perhaps the long running Avonlea series Road to Avonlea Season 1 Road to Avonlea Season 2 Road to Avonlea Season 3 - Spin-off from Anne of Green Gables Road to Avonlea Season 4 Road to Avonlea Season 5 - Spin-off from Anne of Green Gables Road to Avonlea Season 6 - Spin-off from Anne of Green Gables Road to Avonlea: The Complete Seventh Volume Emily is along the same lines but darker in tone with a slightly gothic feel. Season one chronicles the first year of Emily's life at New Moon Farm, after the death of her father. As she battles and begins to win over spartan Aunt Elisabeth, brings light and laughter into the sheltered life of fragile, sweet Aunt Laura and finds a kindred spirit in cousin Jimmy who is anything but simple minded. Emily also finds out where the gift of her second sight comes from. We meet llse Burnley, Perry Miller, and Teddy Kent. who will play important roles in the rest of Emily's life, each in their own way.
Like all book to screen adeptations the series has it's detractors. some think that to many liberties were taken and that as the show went on it drifted further and further from the books. This is true, there where a lot of changes and additions not in the original meterial, but in my opinion these did not hurt the series but improved it. If the books had been followed exactly, I don't think the series would have survived long.
Over the years, I had lost hope that this wonderful but little known show would be released on dvd, so I'm overjoyed that Echo Bridge Entertainment has done so, and I can only hope that there are plans to release the next three season's. I can't recommend this series highly enough.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Emily of New Moon: The Complete First Season

A Dramatic Series from L.M. Montgomer, Author of Anne of Green Gables.Based on Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel, Emily of New Moon is the brilliant story of a free-spirited, orphaned girl, whose vivid imagination, passion to write, and romantic nature clash with her strict adoptive family. Season one follows Emily (Martha MacIsaac, Superbad) as she adjusts to a new school, makes new friends, and attempts to discover her parents' and family's past. Through it all, Emily handles her difficult issues with poise beyond her years and with an uncanny ability to wonderfully complicate the lives of everyone around her. FEATURING 13 EPISODES:The Eye of Heaven; Storms of the Heart; The Book of Yesterday; The Disappointed House; Paradise Lost; The Enchanted Doll; Falling Angels; The Tale of Duncan McHugh; Wild Rover; The Ghost of Wyther Grange; A Child Shall Lead Them; A Winter's Tale; The Sound of Silence

Get 35% OFF

Click here for more information about Emily of New Moon: The Complete First Season

Rush - Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Saw "Beyond" last night at a one-night special showing in a Minneapolis theater, and it is without a doubt one of the most interesting and entertaining films I've seen this year, and beyond. And yes, yes, I'm a Rush fan...but I'm not a RABID Rush fan. I'm missing a few of their albums and while I have a ticket to see them in concert this fall, that will be the first time. I say this only by way of stating for the NON-Rush fan: Don't let that deter you from seeing this great documentary. There is so little actual music in it, that anyone, even those just interested in human interest stories and biopics, will find plenty to love here. There is close friendship, tragedy, very comical moments, inspiration...the whole package. And how great is it to see "rock stars" who are intelligent and generally lacking an over-inflated sense of ego? I think my favorite moment in the film might have come when the trio was aboard a plane, heading, if I remember right, to their next concert, and they all three pulled out books and began to read. I didn't see what everyone was reading, but Alex was half through Christopher Hitchens' God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. I have a hard time picturing just about any other rock stars doing something like that--with the possible exception of Bad Religion's Greg Graffin.
One funny thing from the film showing of "Beyond." I arrived fairly early, and then three other guys sat down to my left, and then a few minutes later another guy was about to sit in the single seat remaining to my right, and I asked him, "Couldn't get your girlfriend to come either, huh?" And he said, "No, my wife wouldn't come." And the guys to my left said, "Yeah, ours either." So there we were, a row of middle-aged, none-too-thin white dudes, enjoying the hell out of this movie. It had a good tribal sort of feeling to it, bonding with like-minded strangers like this. So when you pop this into your DVD player, maybe have some buds around to enjoy it with you.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rush - Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010)

2011 GRAMMY NOMINEE: BEST LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEORush is one of rock's most influential bands. Ranked third in consecutive gold or platinum albums after The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, the band enjoys a devoted following by legions around the world and is revered by generations of musicians. Yet, their incredible success story has, up to this point, remained largely untold. Now comes the new documentary Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage, the first comprehensive exploration of the extraordinary power trio. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage and interviews with notables such as Jack Black, Billy Corgan, Trent Reznor, Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Kirk Hammett (Metallica) and Gene Simmons, this film explores the forty-year career and phenomenon behind what could be the world's biggest cult band. This 2-disc DVD in deluxe packaging features over 3 hours of video, including a 1.5 hour bonus disc of never-before-seen live performances, special features, and deleted scenes from the film. A 12 page color booklet of rare and unreleased photos is also included.

Get 5% OFF

Click here for more information about Rush - Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010)