The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya: Complete Collection Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)There is certain shows developed in Japan that sort of slip under the radar and upon discovering it, you kind of wonder why you didn't hear of it in the first place (Fate/Stay Night, while admittedly a show with a distinct formula and some character moments cut from the story, instantly became a favorite). Then we have something like The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, a 14 episode show that quickly became a hit and could be accurately be described as a sensation. But all that hype and praise brings with it the inevitable "overrated" remarks and people not seeing the brilliance against other projects. Can Haruhi Suzumiya become a victim of its hype or is it a brilliant show regardless? I say brilliant.
In high school, it's hard to develop an identity and stand out without being an outsider but for Haruhi Suzumiya, she enjoys her offbeat sensibilities. Declaring in school that she's not interested in anyone unless they're time travellers, aliens or espers (psychics in other words), Haruhi soon is introduced to Kyon, a sardonic high school student who enjoys just not doing anything. But their world gets changed when in comes Itzuki, Yuki and Mikuru, an esper, alien and time traveller, respectively. Turns out Haruhi is seen as a sort of god-like figure who can bend the universe and possibly even destroy it and start over lest she get bored. Luckily Haruhi is quite...eccentric.
One of the more well-known factors consider the show was that the show's episodes were not presented in chronological order. While this worked in some cases such as episode 6 having all the makings of a "finale" and episode 11 which consists of Kyon narrating over a supremely amateurish movie Haruhi made makes for a unique and also bizarre premiere but then on the other hand, a 2 parter on an island vista is separated by a different episode so the cliffhanger isn't resolved until the following episode. My suggestion is to just watch the chronological order but exchange episode 14 (Kyon's trip for a heater) and 6's place and all will be well.
As for the episodes themselves, they're frequently hilarious from dialogue to Kyon's narration or Yuki's quiet badassness/bookish tendencies and just scenes played straight for comedy or using the moe conventions of nurse/maid/catgirl outfits for humor. But the main plot is also interesting and while Yuki's explanation of Haruhi's existence from her perceptive is Evangelion-level confusing complete with screen-filling text, it's quite intriguing and the idea that the world can literally revolve around you makes for good storytelling. Some episodes are generally good with at least one cool scene while others such as an arts festival, a computer battle or the hilarious baseball episode are definate highlights.
Will everyone like it? Maybe. Some people prefer the romance hilarity found in Love Hina while others are into more lighthearted affairs like Fruits Basket but I loved the show and can't wait for an inevitable second season and I heartily recommend you try the show out.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya: Complete Collection

I thought that when I entered high school, my days of believing in aliens, time travelers and ESPers were going to be over. That is until she introduced herself. Claiming to be interested in only aliens, time travelers, and ESPers, Haruhi Suzumiya was the strangest girl I ve met in a long time. Before I knew what s going on, I ve been dragged into her weird club, and it looks like I m not the only one who has been drafted into this SOS Brigade of hers, because there are three other students who don t seem to be so ordinary themselves. Either way we ve all found ourselves caught up in Haruhi s quest to search for all things extraordinary. And what s this I hear about us making a movie?

Click here for more information about The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya: Complete Collection

Naruto Uncut Boxed Set, Volume 1 (2005) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is the kind of respect an anime series should get. Just translate the story as-is and leave the 'interpretation' and reaction to the viewer. Blood and all. [They are ninja you know...] Watch it subtitled for the full effect!
Don't get me wrong -- I fully understand the financial and practical value of releasing a dub version in order to reach the widest possible market. I understand that there are many people who just don't care to read the dialog instead of listen to it. And others who just don't want their pictures cluttered up with words.
But there are still those (like me) who want their anime as close to the original form as possible; uncut and in the original language, and with the original seiyuu (voice actor's) performances intact. So if that's what you're looking for, oh Reader Of This Review, RUN out and buy this set as soon as you can. The translation is good (well... except for "believe it", *sigh* Okay, okay... I can ignore that), the presentation fine and you get a nice bonus in the story-board booklet. But most importantly you get the whole the story of Naruto as originally intended... not just the parts deemed 'safe enough' for general American audiences.
Thank you, Viz, for giving us Naruto fans that much respect - and a choice. I, for one, eagerly await the release of the next set in this uncut series -- money in hand.
...I only wish the ONE PIECE anime could get this same respectful treatment as well. *cries*
2008 EDIT: Yes, this has both a dubbed English track and the Japanese language track with English subtitles. And yes, Funimation does have One Piece and promises us an un-cut release later this month. Woo hoo! Let the Pirate vs. Ninja wars really heat up!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Naruto Uncut Boxed Set, Volume 1 (2005)

Deep within the Hidden Leaf Village, sharp and cunning Ninja carry an ultimate power while Naruto Uzumaki carries inside the ultimate secret.Twelve years ago, the fourth Hokage sacrificed himself and saved the village by sealing the Nine-tailed Fox Spirit an orphaned baby boy. Now, this plucky prankster must do what it takes achieve this life-long goal and become the next Hokage!Comes with a collectible Naruto storyboards booklet.325 minutesAudio: English, JapaneseSubtitles: English

Click here for more information about Naruto Uncut Boxed Set, Volume 1 (2005)

Alfred Hitchcock Premiere Collection (Lifeboat / Spellbound / Notorious / The Paradine Case / Sabotage / Young and Innocent / Rebecca / The Lodger) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a fantasic set, featuring some of the best transfers I've seen and some great new extras... however, it's becoming clear that MGM needs to recall this set a.s.a.p. In the set I bought, three of the discs refuse to play completely in my standalone DVD player, and the other jitter and jump occasionally.
I run the Alfred Hitchcock Wiki site and I've received dozens of emails and messages from people who've bought the set and are unable to play one or more of the discs. Clearly whoever handled the physical manufacturing of the DVDs has foobar'd big time.
Ideally I'd have given this set 5 stars but, under the cirmcustances, I've got to say "buyer beware" and that you should wait for MGM to recall the set.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alfred Hitchcock Premiere Collection (Lifeboat / Spellbound / Notorious / The Paradine Case / Sabotage / Young and Innocent / Rebecca / The Lodger)

Bonus Features: Disc 1: The LifeboatDisc 2: Young and Innocent **Commentary with film historians Stephen Rebello and Bill Krohn **Isolated Music and Effects Track **Peter Bogdanovich Interviews Hitchcock **Francois Truffant Interviews Hitchcock **Restoration Comparison **Trailers **Still GalleriesDisc 3: The Lodger **Commentary with film Historian Patrick McGilligan **Featurette The Sound of Silence: The making of The Lodger, Hitchcock 101 **1940 Radio Play Directed by Alfred Hitchcock **Peter Bogdanovich Interviews Hitchcock **Francois Truffaut Interviews Hitchcock **Restoration Comparison **Trailers **Still Gallery Disc 4: Notorious Disc 5: Rebecca CEDisc 6: Sabatoge **Commentary with film Historian Leonard Leff **Peter Bogdanovich Interviews Hitchcock **Restoration Comparison **Still Gallery **Trailer FarmDisc 7: SpellboundDisc 8: The Paradine Case **Commentary with film Historians Stephen Rebello and Bill Krohn **Isolated Music and Effects Track **1949 Radio Play starring Joseph Cotton **Peter Bogdanovich Interviews Hitchcock **Restoration Comparison **Theatrical Trailer **Still Gallery **Trailer FarmEpisode Description: Disc 1: The Lifeboat Disc 2: Young and Innocent Disc 3: The Lodger Disc 4: Notorious Disc 5: Rebecca CE Disc 6: Sabatoge Disc 7: Spellbound Disc 8: The Paradine Case

Get 59% OFF

Click here for more information about Alfred Hitchcock Premiere Collection (Lifeboat / Spellbound / Notorious / The Paradine Case / Sabotage / Young and Innocent / Rebecca / The Lodger)

Walt Disney Treasures - On the Front Lines (1943) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The years that the probable contents were released, as well as some info on the various works.
FILMS
1943
VICTORY THROUGH AIR POWER - This film was basically propaganda with some entertainment and some powerful animation. Mainly championed Major Seversky's 1942 book of the same title with the theory that long-range air power could defeat the WWII enemies. The scene of an American eagle attacking the Japanese octopus is very powerful, moving animation.
ENTERTAINMENT/PROPAGANDA SHORTS
1942
DONALD GETS DRAFTED-always enjoyed the idea of Donald reporting to the draft board in his sailor suit.
THE ARMY MASCOT-Pluto schemes to take over the job of a mascot goat, with hilarious results.
THE VANISHING PRIVATE-Donald goes crazy with invisible paint, leading to war with his sergeant Pete, with a perfect, funny ending.
SKY TROOPER-Donald wants to be a pilot, and his sergeant Pete gives him more than Donald bargained for.
1943
DER FUEHRER'S FACE-the famous and infamous cartoon in which Donald dreams he is in Naziland where he is forced to work in a munitions plant.
EDUCATION FOR DEATH-very strong propaganda about Germany's totalitarian state which turns an innocent young boy into a robotic soldier.
PRIVATE PLUTO-Pluto has a war with the chipmunks in guarding the area.
FALL OUT - FALL IN-Donald experiences some of the trials of Army life, such as super-long hikes.
REASON AND EMOTION-entertainment and propaganda used in a story about reason and emotion working together for the war effort, enjoyable animation.
VICTORY VEHICLES-Goofy shows off alternate transportation due to the wartime rubber and gasoline shortage, settling on the pogo stick.
THE OLD ARMY GAME-Sergeant Pete catches Donald sneaking back into base after a late night on the town, leads to a merry chase.
HOME DEFENSE-Donald's nephews conflict with Donald after he sleeps during his duty of watching for enemy attack.
CHICKEN LITTLE-The classic "the sky is falling" story, originally planned to have more wartime references.
1944
HOW TO BE A SAILOR-Goofy's story of the history of sailors, ending with him using himself as a torpedo to sink Japanese ships.
COMMANDO DUCK-Donald is sent on a suicide mission to wipe out an entire Japanese air base, with hilarious results.
EDUCATIONAL SHORTS
* = Created for Canada to sell their war bonds.
** = CIAA films (Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs) created to combat the German Nazy influence that was widespread in Latin American in the early 1940s.
1941
THE THRIFTY PIG * - animation from Three Little Pigs cartoon adapted, with the Big Bad Wolf wearing a Nazi hat and armband.
THE SEVEN WISE DWARFS * - animation from Snow White adapted to show dwarfs buying war bonds.
1942
DONALD'S DECISION * - uses animation from 1938 Donald Duck cartoons "Donald's Better Self" and "Self Control" to convince Donald to buy war bonds.
ALL TOGETHER * - uses animation from several sources, including The Band Concert (1935) and Mickey's Amateurs (1937) to show several Disney characters in a parade to sell war bonds.
THE NEW SPIRIT - Donald is encouraged to pay his income tax to help the war effort.
FOOD WILL WIN THE WAR - Stresses the importance of farmers to the war effort. Includes the Three Little Pigs leading a long line of pigs.
OUT OF THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRING LINE - Minnie & Pluto star in an effort to show how important it was for housewives to save kitchen fats and greases for the war effort.
1943
THE GRAIN THAT BUILT A HEMISPHERE ** - Tells the history of corn and its importance to the world.
THE SPIRIT OF '43 - Donald Duck resists Nazi propaganda and pays his taxes to support the war effort.
WHE WINGED SCOURGE ** - The Seven Dwarfs point out ways to defeat the malaria-carrying mosquito.
DEFENSE AGAINST INVASION ** - Shows the human body's ability to fight off germs through vaccination.
1945
CLEANLINESS BRINGS HEALTH ** - The difference between the Clean Family that is happy and healthy and the Careless Family that is unhappy and unhealthy.
WHAT IS DISEASE ** - Shows what causes disease and how to protect against disease.
1946
PLANNING FOR GOOD EATING ** - Careless Charlie is used to teach a family about good dietary habits.
TRAINING FILMS
1942
FOUR METHODS OF FLUSH RIVETING - basic animation for education purposes
STOP THAT TANK (BOYS ANTI-TANK RIFLE) - a great deal of live action but fun, enjoyable animation of Hitler being blown to Hell by the rifle
1942-1945?
TRAINING FILM MONTAGE - A selection of scenes from various training films, I assume.
There are a few war-related entertainment shorts not listed here - one or more might be added to this collection instead of what is listed above.
1943
DONALD'S TIRE TROUBLE - most likely short. Donald has continual trouble with flat tires due to the wartime shortage of rubber.
PLUTO AND THE ARMADILLO - small connection to the wartime. Short releated to the Latin Armerica trip and the Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros films developed from that trip.
1944
THE PELICAN AND THE SNIPE - same info as for Pluto and the Armadillo.
1945
DOG WATCH - Pluto is a watchdog for a Navy ship.
The war years were a demanding time for the Disney Company. Most of their meager resources were devoted to the war effort. But this era contained a great deal of creative effort that might not have existed if not for the war.
I have seen most of these war works, and I consider them fascinating and among the best of all of Disney's work. I much look forward to owning them on DVD.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Walt Disney Treasures - On the Front Lines (1943)

On December 8, 1941, the Disney Studio was taken over by the military as part of the war effort. Making the most of the talent that hadn't shipped out yet, Walt Disney spent the next four years creating and producing training, propaganda, and educational films for the Armed Forces. In addition to these films, this extraordinary volume also includes the full-length feature "Victory Through Air Power." Released theatrically in 1943, this powerful propaganda film has never been reissued until now. You'll also see recently discovered on-the-set footage, and get rare firsthand accounts about the work and culture at the Disney Studio in interviews with Disney Legends Joe Grant, John Hench, and Roy Disney. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.

Click here for more information about Walt Disney Treasures - On the Front Lines (1943)

Night Watch / Day Watch (Two-Movie Collection) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This DVD set includes both the brilliant urban fantasy NIGHT WATCH as well as the more toned down DAY WATCH.
NIGHT WATCH follows Anton Gorodetsky (Konstantin Khabensky) as he discovers he isn't a normal human and is an Other with magical powers. Anton chooses to join the forces of Light and spends his time hunting vampires, trying to remove a witch's curse, and stop the end of the world from happening.
DAY WATCH continues the story begun in NIGHT WATCH. It takes place two years later and deals more with the internal struggles of Anton as he struggles with the demons of his past while continuing to do the right thing. In the meantime, someone has framed Anton for the murders of Dark Ones. Anton finds himself on the run while trying to locate the mysterious Chalk of Fate that could enable him to reverse the wrong decisions of his life.
NIGHT WATCH and DAY WATCH form the first two films of a planned trilogy and owning them together in one set for the price of one film is a great bargain. Of course, you might just want to wait a few years until after the third film of the series, TWILIGHT WATCH is out and then just get all three.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Night Watch / Day Watch (Two-Movie Collection)

Disc 1: DAY WATCH WS Disc 2: NIGHT WATCH WS

Click here for more information about Night Watch / Day Watch (Two-Movie Collection)

Walt Disney Treasures - Mickey Mouse in Living Color (1937) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First the good:
This is by far the best compilation of Mickey shorts available to the public to date. Disney produced 87 Mickey shorts in the 30's - by far the most prolific period of Mickey Mouse Cartoons (there were only 120 made from 1928 to 1953). 27 of these shorts are contained on this disc, which constitutes more than half of the color Mickeys made. He was already a sensation before he went to color; these shorts firmly established him as an American icon. To the animation fan, it can be argued that this disc contains some of the best cartoon "acting" of the golden age of animation. By no means should a serious fan avoid this disc.
The not so good:
These shorts have not been remastered. I'm not even sure they come from the best available print. Some of these shorts have looked better on the "Ink and Paint Club." The cartoons in this package contain flaws that some could consider unacceptable, or at least annoying - colors going out of register (albeit probably not noticeable to the casual viewer), a few sound problems (rare, but a bit annoying), dust and dirt. Watch the "Brave Little Tailor" in the scene where Mickey kills the seven flies. The amount of film debris present is alarming - it almost looks like it's snowing. Some have said that the recent remastering of Snow White has resulted in an ultra-clean presentation that takes away from the period animation. Well...this disc certainly doesn't present THAT dilemma. It's not unacceptable as the good far outweighs the bad. But I would have thought Disney to spend a bit more time on presenting the best possible versions of these pieces.
Overall:
An absolute must for the animation collector. Concerning the comments about the mastering - it's highly unlikely that Disney will remaster these shorts in another package. Grab it while it's available as this is supposedly a limited release of 150,000 copies....

Click Here to see more reviews about: Walt Disney Treasures - Mickey Mouse in Living Color (1937)

A collection of twenty-six animated shorts in color starring everyone's favorite, Mickey Mouse, released between 1935 and 1938. Introduction by Leonard Maltin. Cartoons: The Band Concert, Mickey's Garden, Mickey's Fire Brigade, Pluto's Judgement Day, On Ice, Mickey's Polo Team, Orphan's Picnic, Mickey's Grand Opera, Thru the Mirror, Mickey's Rival, Moving Day, Alpine Climbers, Mickey's Circus, Mickey's Elephant, The Worm Turns, Magician Mickey, Moose Hunters, Mickey's Amateurs, Hawaiian Holiday, Clock Cleaners, Lonesome Ghosts, Boat Builders, Mickey's Trailer, The Whalers, Mickey's Parrot, Brave Little Tailor.

Click here for more information about Walt Disney Treasures - Mickey Mouse in Living Color (1937)

Bill & Ted's Most Excellent Collection (1991) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The other reviewer is relying on childhood memories of the two films. Excellent Adventure is a great film, and when the second film came out, it did not have the time machine and the historical dudes from the first movie, so it felt too different than the first. Not many people cared for it, but I have been showing these films to my nieces and nephews for years now and the complete consensus is that the second film is a better film than the first. The writing is just as good and the film moves along quite well.
The two films feel quite different, but this is a good thing. They did a time travel movie already, so they went on to something else. It works!
Bogus Journey is a very funny film that needs to have a second look by fans of the first. Just keep in mind that it is not about time travel and historical dead dudes.
I have both the original DVDs, but I am reordering this collection for the extras.
Extras on these discs include:
The Original Bill & Ted: In Conversation With Screenwriters: Chris Matheson & Ed Solomon
The Most Triumphant Making-Of Documentary
Score! An Interview With Guitarist Steve Vai
Hysterical Personages: Biographies of Nine Historical Dudes and One Babe Dressed as a Dude
One Sweet and Sour Chinese Adventure To-Go - Episode of the Cartoon
The Linguistic Stylings of Bill & Ted
And Radio Spots

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bill & Ted's Most Excellent Collection (1991)

Disc 1: BILL & TED'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE Disc 2: BILL & TED'S BOGUS JOURNEY Disc 3: BONUS DISC

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Bill & Ted's Most Excellent Collection (1991)

Walt Disney Treasures - Tomorrow Land: Disney in Space and Beyond (1959) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)(...)
The contents of these shows are very special - entertaining, educational, and important historically. The first 3 TV shows usually had a fun, animated story for the first half of the show with scientists in the second half giving scientific info on how future space flights might be possible, based on the facts known in the 1950s. All three TV shows were directed by animator/director Ward Kimball.
Man In Space (3/9/55) Walt Disney introduces the show and then turns over the program to director Ward Kimball. The animated story concerns the development of rockets, the action/reaction principle, Jules Verne writing his story "From The Earth To The Moon", a humorous depiction of the medical challenges to man surviving a space trip - such as acceleration, pressure, weightlessness, radiation, and eating/drinking. Later scientists Willy Ley, Heinz Haber, and Wernher von Braun help explain the challenges of space travel and what a space rocket would probably look like.
Man And The Moon (12/28/55) This show was later shown in 1959 as "Tomorrow The Moon". Walt Disney introduces the show and shows scenes from the Disneyland attraction "Rocket Ship To The Moon". Walt then turns the show over to director Ward Kimball. There is a fun animated segment about man's superstitions about the moon over the ages, including stories about trips to the moon and the creatures found there. Literary references to the moon and songs about the moon are shown. Scientist Wernher von Braun introduces how scientists were preparing for a flight to the moon at that time. There is a nice live action/special effects rocket ship flight that photographs the back side of the moon.
Mars And Beyond (12/4/57) This is my favorite of these TV shows. A giant robot GARCO introduces Walt Disney, who is standing next to the robot. Walt presents this mainly animated program about the universe, including the various planets - with special emphasis on Mars. An animated history of mankind's fascination with space is very well done. A fun science fiction story about a female being kidnapped by a robot from Mars includes a very funny scene of Donald Duck being shown as part of a long line of Martian monsters chasing the female. There is fascinating animation exploring wildly imaginative ideas of different lifeforms that might exist on Mars. This animation caused Walt Disney to exclaim to Ward Kimball, "How do you guys come up with all these crazy ideas?"
Our Friend The Atom (1/23/57) Walt Disney uses a scene from the film "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" to introduce the story of atomic energy and then turns the program over to Dr. Heinz Haber, a noted atomic energy scientist of that time. There is a fun animated tale of "The Fisherman and the Genie" included as part of extensive animation showing the history of the atom. This history of the atom also included another scene I much enjoy - how an early Greek theory of the atom was lost for centuries.
Eyes In Outer Space (6/18/59) This theatrical release is an entertaining live-action/animation program which is marvelously produced with several fascinating scenes about the future of satellite's ability to forecast and control the weather. There is a funny animated segment about how "folk tales" predict the weather. My favorite scene is the end of the show in which a high pressure ridge is intensified to keep a hurricane out to sea and away from land. This won the 1960 Thomas Edison Foundation Award. It was later shown on TV as part of the show "Spy In The Sky" (4/1/62).
EPCOT (filmed in 1966, shown in 1967) Walt Disney, in his last film appearance, talks about his company's plans for EPCOT and Walt Disney World. Fascinating and interesting info and very important historically.
I have seen these shows and have loved them over the years. I am thrilled that they are being released on DVD for anyone to enjoy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Walt Disney Treasures - Tomorrow Land: Disney in Space and Beyond (1959)

Walt Disney was a true visionary, and his most far-reaching vision examined the future. During the 1950s, his investigation into space exploration and the wondrous opportunities and challenges of space travel not only came alive in several Disneyland TV shows, but helped create strong public support for The United States space program. Go back in time to the beginning of the future and enjoy four episodes and a theatrical short that delve into the mysteries of the universe and space travel -- "Man In Space," "Man And The Moon," "Mars And Beyond," "Eyes In Outer Space," and "Our Friend The Atom." You'll also get a rare look at Walt's last film, "EPCOT," in which he reveals his concepts and plans for the Disney World and EPCOT projects. Other not-to-be-missed features include a special interview with noted futurist and author Ray Bradbury. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come.

Get 18% OFF

Click here for more information about Walt Disney Treasures - Tomorrow Land: Disney in Space and Beyond (1959)

The Return of Jafar/Aladdin and the King of Thieves (Aladdin 2 & 3 Collection) (1996) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Disney suddenly recognized the marketing potential of direct-to-video sequels in the 90's. The 1994 sequel to Aladdin entitled The Return of Jafar had none of the style that made Aladdin so memorable. With second rate songs, a second rate story clearly designed as a pilot for the TV series The Return of Jafar could have been produced by any studio and the generic quality of the film is one of its principle flaws. On a scale from A to F, I'd have to rate Jafar as a C-. The animation has little of the character one expects from Disney and has bottom of the barrel production values. The only redeeming qualities are the return of actors Jonathan Freeman, Gilbert Gottfried, Scott Weinger, Linda Larkin. Dan Castellaneta stands in for Robin Williams who got into a royal pissing match with Disney when they used his voice without permission for toys and marketing purposes. In "The Return of Jafar" the evil sorcerer returns to try and take over the kingdom and get revenge against the "street rat" Aladdin. Even a guest appearance by Jason Alexander can't save this from being strictly mediocre at best. The songs are second rate and can't hold a candle to the brilliant material written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman from the first film. This film is in a standard aspect ratio meaning it was designed for a square TV screen. "Thieves", on the other hand, has been presented in a 1.78:1 widescreen format so it will play well on 16x9 widescreen TVs. I know the original VHS version of "Thieves" was in a standard format and this is the first I've seen of the film in 1.78:1 widescreen (although it might have been in that format for laserdisc).
"Aladdin and the King of Thieves" improves on Jafar. With a larger budget, smoother animation, better production design and the return of Robin Williams as Genie, the third film almost approaches the majesty of the first. Aladdin goes in search of his father and, with the help of an enchanted septer found among the King's treasures, he finds him only to discover that his father leads the 40 Thieves. With appearances by the late Jerry Orbach and the return of the principle cast from the first film, Aladdin and the King of Thieves rates a solid B. Although the songs aren't quite up to Menken and Ashman standards are improved with a variety of songwriters contributing material.
The vibrant colors and slick production design bring the third film closer to the original although it can't quite match the first film for sheer invention. John Rhys-Davies ("Lord of the Rings", "Raiders of the Lost Ark", "Sliders") turns in a great performance as Aladdin's father. It sounds as if the director had Sean Connery in mind as Rhys-Davies' performance sounds quite a bit like Connery. Likewise, the late Jerry Orbach's performance as one of the villans of the film is a highlight as well. Both films come with games that can be played by tykes. Careful What You Wish For and Disneypedia are the two extras included with Jafar. The former make keep tykes interested one or two times but will lose them with later viewings. The latter discusses different wishing traditions from around the world and is pretty decent although short and very sketchy in terms of details. The best featurettes are saved for Thieves. Loot in the Liar and Bag the Bad Guys are the two games included here. Again, like most Disney games designed for their DVD releases, they'll keep kids interested a couple of times at best. Both of these are at least equal to if not better than the single game on Jafar. Behind the Microphone takes us on a visit with the people who did the voices for Thieves. It's a solid featurette and once again better than that included on Jafar. There's also a song selection with lyrics that pop up on the screen. That feature will come in handy when the kids want to sing along with the songs for both films. As I mentioned before, none of the tunes can hold a candle to the Menken/Ashman songs but the superior material in Thieves at least has a sense of melody (although Orbach's In or Out song from Thieves should have been left out as its probably one of the worst of the bunch).
Jafar will provide an entertaining diversion for kids who loved Aladdin. While the film compare to the original or the third film Thieves its enjoyable. Thieves, on the other hand, could have been a contender. If Disney had chosen to put a bit more effort and money into it I have no doubt that they could easily have created a classic equal to the original. As it is, Thieves is very close to the quality of the original film with a witty script. The film is hampered by the same limited animation (although superior to Jafar) and by songs that can't hold a candle to the Menken/Ashman songs. The image quality, transfer, sound and extras are all exceptionally good given that these were created for the video market only.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Return of Jafar/Aladdin and the King of Thieves (Aladdin 2 & 3 Collection) (1996)

Aladdin's thrilling adventure continues with ALADDIN: THE RETURN OF JAFAR and ALADDIN AND THE KING OF THIEVES -- together for the first time on DVD in the ALADDIN II & III COLLECTION. This exciting two-movie set features two times the magic, two times the fun, and all your favorite characters!

Click here for more information about The Return of Jafar/Aladdin and the King of Thieves (Aladdin 2 & 3 Collection) (1996)

Family Guy, Vol. 9 (2010) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Oh how I too wish for the old days of Stewie's antics to rule the world.
That said, another season of laughter and references to pop culture and celebrities mistakes.
Not the best price for a few solid hours of laughter but being a deployed soldier, it has been nice to have it on and just laugh out loud.
Enjoy it over and over.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Family Guy, Vol. 9 (2010)

Get 23% OFF

Click here for more information about Family Guy, Vol. 9 (2010)

Veggie Tales: God Made You Special Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I usually skip the VeggieTale collection DVD's. For some reason, I bought this one. And I've had fun taking this trip down memory lane.
This DVD features three classic Veggie stories, two silly songs, and one all new tale.
First up, "Dave and the Giant Pickle" reminds us that God can use us no matter how big or small we are by retelling the story of David and Goliath.
Then comes "Bob's Vacation," the new story on the disc. In it, a misunderstood phone conversation sends Bob off on his vacation depressed. Does Larry really think so little of him? And can Larry answer the fan mail and water Bob's plants while he's gone? Or will the other Veggies get in the way?
Then we go way back in time for "The Gourds Must be Crazy" from the third Veggie video ever. This is the story that introduced Jimmy and Jerry Gourd, in fact. The crew of the USS Applepies must figure out a way to avoid being hit by a giant popcorn asteroid. Maybe those new guys who are always eating can help.
Finally, we come to "A Snoodle's Tale." In this story, told in classic Dr. Seuss style, we learn of one snoodle who set out to discover why he was created. After some nasty encounters, he sets out for solitude. Will he find it there?
In between, we get to enjoy the classic silly songs "Belly Button" and "Yodeling Veterinarian of the Alps."
When I got this, I was hoping to really enjoy the new story. However, "Bob's Vacation" was the weakest. Even though I love the verse Qwerty gives us during the story, it isn't worth getting this video to see. And the veggie on the street interviews after each episode were just a little weird for me.
However, the other stories are still as wonderful as they were when first done. Granted, we do really get to see how far their computer animation as progressed as we go back and forth in time. But everything is so entertaining I really don't care about that.
While there are good stories here, there's little reason to buy this disc. Die hard fans already have the best parts elsewhere. Buy it only if you are a collector or you don't have the classic stories presented here.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Veggie Tales: God Made You Special

Join Bob, Larry and all the VeggieTales friends for God Made You Special – a landmark collection of stories that help kids learn that they are special just the way God made them. In "Dave & the Giant Pickle," a shepherd boy realizes that little guys can do big things too. A trip to outer space helps the Veggies learn to appreciate the differences in others in "The Gourds Must Be Crazy." In "A Snoodle’s Tale," a self-conscious Snoodle realizes that he is uniquely made and all the Veggies are reminded that each one of us is special in the all-new "Bob’s Vacation."Filled with laughs, music, over 75 minutes of fun and lots of surprises, God Made You Special is sure to be a favorite of VeggieTales fans everywhere!

Get 12% OFF

Click here for more information about Veggie Tales: God Made You Special

Looney Tunes - Movie Collection (Bugs Bunny/Road-Runner Movie/1001 Rabbit Tales) (1979) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Got this one with a Best Buy gift card that I received as a gift for Christmas. Although it was exciting to purchase the DVD, I've mixed emotions...because of the content of Disc II. Let me talk about Disc 1 first. To start off...disc one is great and I laughed & laughed & laughed some more. It's filled with lots of memorable Looney Tunes Favorites...strung together cleverly with a modern story. The major hi-lights from Disc one have to be "Ali Baba Bunny", "Robin Hood Daffy", and "What's Opera, Doc?", although every cartoon is a riot. There are some episodes (cartoons) which our local tv station doesn't play too often...so it's nice to have them in their full length versions with such clarity.
On the other hand...Disc 2 is strung together with a very aggravating & annoying modern story, featuring Yosemite Sam & his loud-mouth, bratty nerd of a son. It's not amusing unless you're the type who's expecting anything to happen. In fact, this whole disc is spoiled because of the above mentioned character (Yosemite Sam's son). It's difficult to appreciate a cartoon when you have an ugly character with a really loud mouth & bad attitude. That's why I only rated the DVD 4 stars. Actually...I'd rate it about 3.8 stars...if possible. The hi-lights on Disc 2 are "Ducking out of the cold", "Hassan Chop", and "Singing Frog", which won an award at the cartoon festival, here in Montreal in the 90's.
If you are into a bunch of laughs and don't mind Yosemite Sam's annoying loudmouth son, this 2DVD set is for you...because it is truly a funny item...and at 171 minutes in length...it's definitely worth adding to your collection. Picture, Color & Sound Quality is remarkable and clear, making it a treat to watch over and over.
Disc 1 (The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Movie) Scene Index:
01- Credits
02- Cutting to the chase
03- Hare-way to the Stars
04- Duck Dodgers in the 24 1/2th Century
05- Robin Hood Daffy
06- Duck Amuck
07- Bully for Bugs
08- Ali Baba Bunny
09- Rabbit Fire
10- For Scent-imental Reasons
11- Long-Haired Hare
12- What's Opera, Doc?
13- Operation: Rabbit
14- Coyote vs. bird: a 19-minute rush
15- Where End Credits are due
Special Feature - Young Hollywood:
Take On The Looney Tunes
(Stars of Popular Kids Shows Reveal Their Looney Tunes FavoritesDisc 2 (Bugs Bunny's 3rd Movie: 1001 Rabbit Tales) Scene Index:
01- Credits
02- Ducking out of the cold
03- Stuffing and nonsense
04- Not so blessed moment
05- Unhappy landing
06- Hassan Chop
07- New Storyteller
08- Cat and the beanstalk
09- Hansel and other questions
10- Goldimouse and the Three Cats
11- Red Riding Hoodwinked
12- Pulling the rug out
13- Pied piper pussycat
14- Singing Frog
15- The hard way
16- End Credits
Special Feature (Two Brothers Draw a Looney Tune):
Novice Comic Book Artists Trevor and Bryce Learn to Draw Animated Characters
As a bonus, inside the package, you'll find a nice little extra...exclusive to customers of this item.
Item info:
- Disc 1 is blue and Disc 2 is orange
- looneytunes.com
- warnervideo.com
- 2005 Warner Bros Entertainment Inc.
- Not Authorized for sale or rental outside the USA or Canada
- Standard Version (Presented in a format preserving the aspect ratio of their original theatrical exhibitions)
- Bonus Material Not Rated or Closed Captioned
- Dual-Layer Format
- Color
- Total time 171 Minutes
- G-rated
- Languages & Subtitles: English, French, Spanish (Feature Films Only)
- ISBN: 1-4198-0600-9
- Slipcase package is glossy orange with Holographic & vibrant details
- DVDs and info housed inside cardboard gatefold packaging

Click Here to see more reviews about: Looney Tunes - Movie Collection (Bugs Bunny/Road-Runner Movie/1001 Rabbit Tales) (1979)

Lights, camera, Looney-ness! The Spotlight is on 2 Looney Tunes movies - now remastered so that every image shines and every fine Acme product goes swoosh like new. The chase is on in Disc 1's The Bugs Bunny/Road-Runner Movie as Elmer pursues the pesky wabbit, Daffy Duck tries to elude the animator's eraser and Wile E. Coyote tears after Road Runner and Bugs. By the way, how do you catch a Road Runner? You don't! Beep-Beep! More cartoon harelarity is what's up, doc, in Disc 2's Bugs Bunny's 3rd Movie: 1001 Rabbit Tales. Our long-eared hero becomes a spinner of fantastical stories while held captive in a desert sultan's palace. Yosemite Sam is the sawed-off sidewinder wielding the sultan's sword. Mad mallard Daffy joins the fun, coping (or not) with a meanie-genie. The rest, as they say, is...hysterical!

Get 58% OFF

Click here for more information about Looney Tunes - Movie Collection (Bugs Bunny/Road-Runner Movie/1001 Rabbit Tales) (1979)

The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection (The Cocoanuts / Animal Crackers / Monkey Business / Horse Feathers / Duck Soup) (1930) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Marx Brothers hit their peak with "Duck Soup". Sure, "A Night at the Opera" and "A Day at the Races" were both bigger box office hits and, while both those latter films have their moments they just can't quite compete with the inspired anarchy of "Duck Soup". Let's start with the positives first. It doesn't look like most of the films have any footage missing as near as I can tell. Sure, some of the editing still looks ragged but most of their early films (and films from that era for that matter) have that "look". The first three movies are a bit static looking (since the first two were based on their stage plays that's not a surprise--they look like photographed stage plays). With "Monkey Business" and "Horse Feathers" The Marx Brothers began to develop a style that was a bit more cinematic. All five films are essential for fans.
Now the bad news. Universal has been slapping together boxed sets lately of older films and TV series with little to no extras and without any effort at restoration. They're where Warner Brothers was about 6 years ago. The prints often don't look as sharp as they could and there's plenty of analog blemishes to muddy up the picture as well. Digitally many of these flaws could easily be corrected on these prints. Since the original negatives are long gone (they were shot on nitrate stock. Nitrate stock is quite unstable begins to disintegrate and shrink after a couple of decades). Unfortunately, we're left with prints that are several generations removed from the original negatives which means that these will probably never look perfect. Could they look better? Absolutely as there's been minimal effort to clean them up and none of them look as if there has been an effort to restore them. "Horse Feathers" still appears to be missing some material (unfortunately most of it is probably permanently lost)that probably could have been restored from foreign prints.
The extras are a bit skimpy at best. We get some older "The Today Show" interviews. There's no documentary on The Marx Brothers career, the challenges they faced in reaching an audience and why, ultimately, MGM put them under contract only to dilute their best qualities. I'm also disappointed that there's no audio commentary. Surely former UCLA Professor Howard Suber would have been available to do a commentary on these terrific films? What about vintage newsreels discussing the previews of their movies?
While I appreciate the book, the introductory essay is skimpy. The quotes of Groucho from various films and images from the films/posters was a bright idea it's just that Universal didn't go far enough. A nice short documentary incorporating the interviews included here would have been nice. I appreciate the idea of the book but I also wish that it could be removed from as it is a bit cumbersome in the middle of the accordian style set. Still, the design of the set is quite nice.
I give the films 5 stars for the quality of these classics but 2 stars for the inferior presentation from Universal. It's a pity as Warner has most of the lesser Marx movies but did a marvelous job of restoring them and adding extras including commentaries to them. Considering that Universal has a great restoration department and that they've done a marvelous job of restoring Hitchcock's classic films "Rear Window" and "Vertigo", I'm really disappointed that more effort wasn't made here. It's an example of Hollywood not valuing its past.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection (The Cocoanuts / Animal Crackers / Monkey Business / Horse Feathers / Duck Soup) (1930)

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the greatest comedy act in history with The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection. This essential DVD set features the legendary four Marx Brothers in five of their most acclaimed and best loved films - Duck Soup, Horse Feathers, Monkey Business, Animal Crackers and The Cocoanuts - the only five movies ever made with all four brothers together: Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo!

Get 43% OFF

Click here for more information about The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection (The Cocoanuts / Animal Crackers / Monkey Business / Horse Feathers / Duck Soup) (1930)

Backstreet Boys - Video Hits, Chapter One (1996) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a great dvd collection for any Backstreet Boy fan. The videos are:
From the album BACKSTREET BOYS
Quit Playin' Games (With My Heart)
I'll Never Break Your Heart BACKSTREET BOYS [1998 version]
From the album BACKSTREET'S BACK (but BACKSTREET BOYS in the U.S.)
As Long As You Love Me
Everybody (Backstreet's Back)
All I Have To Give
From MILLENIUM
I Want It That Way
Larger Than Life
Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely
The One
From BLACK AND BLUE
Shape Of My Heart
The Call
More Than That
The majority of Backstreet Boys' videos are included here. However, there are a number which are missing. This compilation appears to lack five videos, which in my opinion, are some of their best. They are:
1. Drowning
The others (which are all from the album BACKSTREET BOYS), are:
2. We've Got It Goin On - Their first video. They appear to be just 'hanging out', at a car wash, playing basketball, and dancing in a club etc.
3. Anywhere For You - In this video they're at the beach.
4. Get Down (You're the One For Me) - Here they are mainly dancing on a round stage with tv screens all around them.
5. I'll Never Break Your Heart - 1996 version. This was actually re-released; the old version had the boys at what appeared to be a ski resort.
For those who want to see the majority of the Backstreet Boys videos, this is the DVD to buy. Although incomplete, the videos present are in good quality. Maybe these missing videos will be released in the future. This is only "Chapter One" of their video hits, after all.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Backstreet Boys - Video Hits, Chapter One (1996)

VIDEO HITS:CHAPTER ONE - DVD Movie

Click here for more information about Backstreet Boys - Video Hits, Chapter One (1996)