The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume Four Review

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(More customer reviews)The critically ABC Family series "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" received a lot of attention during its first season as the series took on the challenges of teenage pregnancy. Showing us the ramifications of being pregnant as a young teen but also the responsibilities and difficult choices one needs to make as a single mother and also showcasing the challenges of teenage sexuality and peer pressure.
"THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER" focuses on the life of teenager Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley). Your typical girl next door. A 15-year-old who plays the French Horn in a band and part of a typical American family ala dysfunctional. During a summer at band cap, Amy met her high school band's "player" Rickey Underwood (Darren Kagasoff) and with one very quick one night stand, this teenager had her life change in ways she would never imagine. The first season of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" focused on Amy dealing with being pregnant and the months leading to her giving birth and having to decide between giving the baby up for adoption or keeping it.
The second season began with Amy wanting to raise the child on her own but depending too much on her mother Anne to help her out. Anne (played by Molly Ringwald) is strict and wants Amy to learn that having a baby has major challenges and to make things complicated, Anne is pregnant herself and not knowing if the father is her ex-husband George (played by Mark Derwin) or her new boyfriend.
In volume 3, we have seen changes with the friends as Benjamin (played by Kenny Baumann) who is Amy's boyfriend is starting to feel left out, especially as Amy wants the baby's father, Rickey (played by Darren Kagasoff) involved in the baby's life. Ben ended up going to Italy after the recommendation of his father and while there, met another girl.
Meanwhile, tragedy hit Grace Bowman (played by Megan PArk) as her father was killed in an accident, vulnerable and at her lowest of low, Jack (played by Greg Finley) ends up helping his ex-girlfriend and eventually, the two become boyfriend and girlfriend once again. And the two start to discuss having sex once again. As for Adrian (played by Francia Raisa), she starts to become more self-conscious about her sexual promiscuity.
"The Secret Life of the American Teenager - Volume Four" features the second half of season two with 12 episodes on three DVD's.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"The Secret Life of the American Teenager" is presented in widescreen (1:78:1) and for the most part, the picture quality is satisfactory for this drama series. Also, it helps that the series features various settings, including multiple outdoor shots which definitely makes the PQ for the DVD much better.
Audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The series is front and center channel driven, dialogue is clear and understandable and music comes out quite clear from the front channels. The series is not the type of series that utilizes special effects or the use of the surround channels but if you have a modern home theater receiver and a 5.1 or 7.2 setup, definitely worth selecting audio on all channels on the receiver for a more immersive soundscape.
Subtitles are in English SDH.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"The Secret Life of the American Teenager - Volume Four" comes with a few special features on disc three. Included are:
* Behind the "Secret" Scenes - (44:06) Featuring the following short featurettes: With Mikaela Pt. 1 - (1:44) Featuring an interview with Allen Evangelista (Henry) and Amy Rider (Alice), With Mikaela Pt. 2 - (2:14) Continuing the interview with Allen Evangelista (Henry) and Amy Rider (Alice) and the two end up interviewing Mikaela, Shooting Hoops - (1:14) Featuring the Daren (Ricky) Kagasoff with his brother Justin and actor Greg (Jack) Finley shooting hoops during a break on the set, Megan Talking to Canada - (:49) Since Megan (Grace) is from Ontario, Megan talks about a Canadian working in Hollywood with director Anson Williams ("Happy Days" Potzie) and Music Scoring - (2:32) The composer for the series talks about working with a great music crew.
* Cast on Family - (5:02) The cast talks about what they expect from their characters and what has made their series a success.
EXTRAS:
"The Secret Life of the American Teenager - Volume Four" comes with a slipcover case and also included is an exclusive sneak peek to "Ashley Juergen's Secret Diary".
JUDGMENT CALL:
I have been a big supporter of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" since its debut on television for the most part, for the first three volumes, the series has had its fair share of ups and downs. This second half of the second season, seems to be a bit of a mixed bag.
One of the biggest problems the series now faces is that it is becoming to mundane as sex is the storyline that seems to have consumed each episode of the fourth volume, there are no new teen characters for which the main core can move towards. If one person has a problem, it's like the character has disregarded all their other friends (and has no other friends) and can only confide in one of the people who happens to be a main character.
As much as I like to believe everyone has been brought together because of Amy's pregnancy in the first season, these teenagers were all part of some click and have left it to become friends with each other and what made "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" so unique was that it nearly covered the challenges of today's teenager. Now, it feels as if the writers have no where else to go. If one had to create a relationship conflict, it has to be within the group of core characters and I have to admit, this latest volume has literally frustrated me with its direction in writing.
The series reached its high point when trying to showcase high school life, teenage pregnancy and the challenges that teenagers face when it comes to peer pressure but it has become a series that focuses too much on the sex amongst its grownups and teenagers and it seems like the writers don't know where to go.
Even a series "Degrassi Junior High" has been able to find ways to overcome the group dynamics by varying storylines in which the group is not always hanging out with each other. Even "Beverly Hills 90210' (and it's current incarnation) has found ways to utilize other teenagers, other adults into the storyline.
The problem with the series now is that its far removed from how things were with the core characters, some which is understandable but some direction in storyline decisions which I find mundane, contrived and becoming too kitsch. The series has had it share of surprises but Ben and Adriana and now Adriana may be pregnant?
Amy, the young parent and former band member will always have challenges and there is so many storylines to explore with that. Meanwhile, her younger sister Ashley has transformed from this rebellious youth, to now the character who is hanging out with Adrian and Grace. She's younger, the writers should be able to find storylines that reflect challenges of young teenagers at her age, trying to fit in high school, without having to force her to become friends with people of Amy's age group. There is no reason Ashley should even be hanging out with Amy's friends. She's mature for her age, please writers... give her some new friends, introduce some new characters without having to force Ashley to hang out with Amy's circle of friends.
As for Ben, the storyline with him going to Italy, had the potential to be much stronger. If anything, he could have came back with confidence, a new relationship and for the most part, the writers played his character well...with his confusion around his feelings towards Amy. But once again, the writers feel the need to do this sex swapping and in this case, with Adrian. I see where the context of revenge on both sides leading to this sexual pairing but it could have been with someone else outside of the group.
Grace, the cheerleader, the person who has gone through major changes since her father died. I felt that this was a good storyline for her character but there has to be a breakaway from Jack. She's a beautiful cheerleader, who I am sure can attract other jocks or guys at that school without having to resort to Rick or Ben. There is no need for this beautiful teenager to be stuck within her own group. She's popular, she now has issues, then go with that.
As for Jack, the jock of the bunch, I thought it was great how they explored with his character earlier on of trying to pair him with an African American young woman but then the writers ended up going back to having him mess with Adrian and back and forth with Grace. Similar to Grace, Jack is popular, he's a jock and I'm not expecting a "Friday Night Lights" storyline but I'm sure there are other cheerleader friends that wouldn't mind challenging Grace for Jack's attention. Or at least, using his poor choice of decision making and leading him astray with other things other than sex.
I do feel that Adrian and Ricky's part of the series works well. Adrian is always going to have these issues especially with sex and I have no doubt the writers are going to showcase the repercussions of her easy going lifestyle in the next season. For Ricky, I see him wanting to get more involved in his child's life and the writer's did a good job for volume four.
Overall, "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" needs to take some risks, utilize new characters who show up from time to time but somehow preventing these characters from shacking up with each other all the time. The series is...Read more›

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In the wake of their breakup, Ben and Amy explore new relationships, though their attraction still lingers. Meanwhile, Ashley tests her parent’s limits, and Anne wants to remarry George on their next anniversary, but will he be able to wait that long? Relive every moment of televison’s celebrated drama – uninterrupted, plus enjoy fascinating bonus features, with The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume Four.

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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: The Complete Fourth Season (1990) Review

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(More customer reviews)Season 4 had some major changes to the show. First off, Vivian is played by Daphne Maxwell-Reid (Tim Reid's Wife) and also Little Nicky Banks comes into the picture, at least it gives this show the best last 3 seasons of the show. Here are the episodes to expect in the 4th season.
74. Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 1 of 2)
College-bound Will and Carlton settle into their new L.A. party pad, to which Carlton brings the woman of his dreams -- Jackie. Unfortunately, it is also soon overrun with partygoers.
75. Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 2 of 2)
Will brings Carlton shocking news that Jackie is an old friend of his from Philly; the two guys get evicted from their apartment; and Hilary asks for a "special" proposal from Trevor -- and gets it.
76. All Guts, No Glory
Registration day finds Will signing up for no-brainer classes, plus one that might truly challenge him -- a philosophy course he takes to meet a girl.
77. Father of the Year
Stuck with caring for Nicky for the day, Will soon discovers the benefits of baby-sitting: he's suddenly a big man on campus with the women so long as he poses as a single dad.
78. It's Better to Have Loved and Lost It...
After Will's friends guys rib Carlton about being a virgin, Miss Right (Belcon) appears and sweeps Carlton off his feet. Elsewhere, Geoffrey confesses a secret of his own.
79. Will Goes a-Courtin'
When Phillip sues Will and Carlton for unpaid rent, two different versions of the dispute are aired -- neither entirely truthful.
80. Hex and the Single Guy
Hilary summons an outrageous TV psychic and spirit channeler who arranges a séance to communicate with the dead and enable Hilary to get over Trevor once and for all -- and hexes a disbelieving Will.
81. Blood is Thicker Than Mud
Will and Carlton try to get accepted into an African-American fraternity; Will proves to be just what they want in a pledge, but one of the brothers sees Carlton as a "prep-school, Bel Air-bred sellout."
82. Fresh Prince After Dark
Will breaks a date with Jackie to accompany Hilary to a Playboy Mansion reception for weather reporters being photographed for the magazine.
83. Home is Where the Heart Attack Is
Will sneaks greasy, high-fat foods to Philip after he promises to diet and exercise, then blames himself when Philip has a heart attack.
84. Take My Cousin -- Please
On academic probation, Will schemes to improve his grades by fixing up a newly divorced English professor with Hilary, who soon finds fault with the man, further jeopardizing Will's academic future.
85. You've Got To Be a Football Hero
Will uses booze to prove his manliness while competing with a hulking football hero who wants to score points with Jackie, and his fraternity brothers leave drunken Will in a cemetery, where he is haunted. Meanwhile, Ashley learns that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
86. 'Twas the Night Before Christening
Vivian promises god-motherhood of her child to both of her sisters, while Will hatches a harebrained scheme to get Boyz II Men to perform at baby Nicky's christening.
87. Sleepless in Bel-Air
Will pays for putting off studying for a midterm until the last minute, and Ashley pays for staying out late on her first date.
88. Who's the Boss
Business drops off at the Peacock Stop when Carlton takes over as manager; elsewhere, an "I Hate Hilary" newsletter precipitates stormy weather.
89. I Know Why the Caged Bird Screams
Will and Jazz steal a statue from a rival school, whose team retaliates by kidnapping ULA's lucky charm -- Carlton, the strutting peacock mascot.
90. When You Hit Upon a Star
Will becomes a jet-setter while dating a pop star.
91. Stop Will! In the Name of Love
A Valentine's double date finds Will treating Ashley like a kid and Ashley demanding r-e-s-p-e-c-t.
92. You'd Better Shop Around
A car dealer hires Will, then persuades him to drop out of college.
93. The Ol' Ball and Chain
Philip foots the bill when Jazz decides to marry a jailbird -- who moves in on Will.
94. The Harder They Fall
An overprotective dad takes Will flying to scare him out of getting too serious with his daughter.

95. M is For the Many Things She Gave Me
It's double trouble for Will when Philip's old flame visits with her daughter, who's attracted to Will.
96. Mother's Day
Newlyweds Jazz and Jewel try to start a family, but it turns out they're going to need a little help -- from Will; Phil urges the kids to give Vivian thoughtful Mother's Day gifts.

97. Papa's Got a Brand-New Excuse
Will's long-lost father, Lou, breezes into town and promises Will the moon, which angers Phil and Vivian, who give him the cold shoulder for walking out on Will and Vy. When Will was an infant, his father went to get a pack of cigarettes and never came back. Years later he became a trucker, but Will was going to college by then. When his father abandons him a second time, Will accepts the fact that Uncle Phil is the closest thing to a father that he has ever had.98. For Sale By Owner
A stranger makes a generous offer for the Banks estate, which prompts the family to reminisce about their good times there.
99. The Philadelphia Story
Will returns to the City of Brotherly Love and discovers he's the [...] of old friends' jokes, prompting him to go into training to settle an old score and clear his reputation as a chicken.
I can't wait for seasons 5 and 6 to come out within the next year or so. It's real cool now!

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Combining urban edge with sizzling sitcom style, Will Smith gives a graduate course in comedy in a 4-disc collection that features all 26 fourth-season episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Your homework assignment is to watch 'em all. You'll laugh large!

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It's Grinch Night (1977) Review

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(More customer reviews)This DVD contains four digitally remastered (great image quality) classic Dr. Seuss stories:
* Green Eggs and Ham: about Sam-I-Am and his never ending quest to make people sample the dish he loves best.
* The Sneetches: about a narrow-minded and prejudiced group of creatures who don't accept others who don't look exactly like them.
* The Zax: about two hardheaded and proud beings who waste a whole lifetime for not yielding the right of way.
* Grinch Night: about a courageous kid who faces the Grinch and saves his whole town from his malicious Halloween tricks and terrors. (A must see on Halloween night).
It also contains two wonderful sing-along songs: He Will Eat Them and Grinches Inches Closer.
Not only does this collection of cartoons contains the marvelous songs and poetry of Dr. Seuss, it is also a great way to teach kids about human values like open-mindedness, tolerance and acceptance, humility, courage and selflessness. They are filled with original art and are also very entertaining.
Buy this DVD for your kids and enjoy it with them. I would also recommend buying Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
--Reviewed by M. E. Volmar

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Gotta Catch Santa Claus Review

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(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.

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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!

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Flash (1997) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a family movie in the most wonderful sense. So often, people use that phrase to mean "no swearing" or "no nudity", but so many "family" movies are just watered down nothingness, no story, no interesting characters...
This movie has spirit and heart. Lucas Black is an amazing young man, a wonderful young actor who carries the entire movie all by himself. After his grandmother's death, Conner (Black) decides to embark on a journey from Georgia to New York to meet his father's ship as it returns to port. He confronts danger and many of life's challenges along the way.
What I especially like about the movie is that it doesn't tiptoe around some hard issues. Conner deals with his grandmother's death all alone...he confronts an abusive adult with heart and bravery. I think this movie is wonderful because it shows a nice, good, brave kid who isn't unreal the way so many kids are in movies and on TV today. He's polite and smart and respectful and still super cool. Way to go Disney and Lucas Black.

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The idyllic life of Connor Strong (Lucas Black, SLING BLADE), his dad (Brian Kerwin), grandmother (award-winning actress Ellen Burstyn), and horse Flash changes overnight when financial pressures force Connor's father to leave home and find work. Connor is forced to sell Flash, and then is heartbroken to discover that the new owners are cruel to his beloved horse. Connor rescues Flash, and together, they set off cross country to search for Connor's father. In classic Disney tradition, the adventures they have along the way will forever touch the hearts of young and old alike.

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The Lizzie McGuire Show Boxed Set - Volume One (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)This DVD box set of four discs will be 1/3 of the DVDs to be released for Lizzie McGuire the complete series. This DVD set features the first 22 episodes from the hit Disney Channel show. The episodes included are:
- Pool Party
- Picture Day
- Rumors
- I've Got Rythmic
- When Moms Attack
- Jack of All Trades
- Misadventures in Babysitting
- Election
- I Do, I Don't
- Lizzie Strikes Out
- Between a Rock and a Bra Place
- Come Fly with Me
- Random Acts of Miranda
- Lizzie's Nightmare
- Night of the Day of the Dead
- Obsession
- The Untitled Stan Jansen Project
- Here Comes Aaron Carter
- Sibling Bonds
- Gordo and the Girl
- Rated Aargh
- Educating Ethan
For complete episode descriptions please vist www.tvtome.com
To find out about the bonus features in this DVD box set please visit www.disneyvideos.com
There are only nine episodes left from season 1 to be put out in the future as part of a box set. They are:
- Bad Girl McGuire
- Last Year's Model
- The Courtship of Miranda Sanchez
- Facts of Life
- Scarlett Larry
- Gordo's Video
- Gordo and the Dwarves
- Gordo's Bar Mitzvah
- Lizzie and Kate's Big Adventure
which those episodes plus some from season 2 will be featured on volume 2 of the DVD box set collection.
The rest of the season 2 episodes will be featured on volume 3.
However, these other two volumes are not guaranteed to be released. They will only be released if this volume 1 set sells good. So buy this volume 1 DVD box set if you want to see the entire Lizzie McGuire series out on DVD.

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Item Name: The Lizzie McGuire Show Boxed Set - Volume One; Studio:Walt Disney Home Entertainment

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A Christmas Carol (1984) Review

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(More customer reviews)Christmas just isn't Christmas unless you watch at least one version of A Christmas Carol, and this is by far my favorite. George C. Scott gives one of the greatest performances I have ever seen an actor give; he truly becomes Ebenezer Scrooge to the fullest degree possible. Scott can say more with just the slightest hint of a facial movement than many actors can say during the course of an entire movie. All of the performers here are excellent, bringing to life adored characters such as Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and Scrooge's nephew Fred. All four spirits are remarkable, none more so than Scrooge's old partner Jacob Marley; having Marley's jaw drop after untying the burial cloth holding his mouth closed is an important aspect of the story and certainly does make an impression on the viewer. This is just one example of the moviemakers' faithfulness to Charles Dickens' original story; another would be the inclusion of the two miserable children, Ignorance and Want, beneath the robes of the Ghost of Christmas Present.
This timeless tale works extremely well on its own, but the unsurpassed acting skills of Scott make it almost more than real. The change wrought in him during the course of the night, as he changes from a man of crass materialism and unkindness to a repentant soul pleading for a chance to change his ways, is powerfully presented and really touches the viewer emotionally. The simple happiness revealed in the lives of Bob Cratchit and others are as heart-warming as the forgotten mistakes and pains of a younger Scrooge are agonizing. If there is any heart out there that is not touched by the goodness and courage of Tiny Tim, I don't even want to know about it. No matter how many times you watch this movie, it proves itself capable of bringing a tear to your eye, a lump in your throat, and ultimately the very spirit of true holiday cheer and Christian charity that Dickens intended it to convey.
I cannot say I have seen every adaptation of A Christmas Carol, but I really cannot believe any other version could exceed the quality and emotional impact of this one. No matter how many times I read the story or watch the movie, it remains a source of eternal joy to me. This is more than a movie for me; it is an important and necessary part of each and every Christmas holiday season.

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Christmas elicits nothing more than "Bah, humbug!" from Ebenezer Scrooge (Scott), a miser whose sole pursuit of financial success has left him a bitter and lonely old man. But a ChristmasEve visit from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future ultimately teaches him to open his heart to the spirit of Christmas and to the joys of friends and family.

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I Love Lucy: The Movie and Other Great Rarities Review

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(More customer reviews)I received the "I Love Lucy" complete boxed set for a birthday present, and this "I Love Lucy" movie was included, along with the "lost" pilot, several promos and commentaries, and a colorized version of "Lucy Goes to Scotland". What this is, (and I'm sitting here watching it right now)is three episodes of "I Love Lucy",-- "The Benefit" "Breaking the Lease", and "The Ballet"-- filmed totally separate ( and that you've already seen 1,000 times), "bridged" together with "tag" scenes, filmed at a later date, with the actors doing exposition, such as "remember the time when..." and so forth. For instance: one of the "tag" scenes has "Ethel" sitting at a table in her living room with "Fred", totaling up how much money their Woman's Club made after putting on one of their shows. Ethel wants to give Ricky an "appreciation tea" to thank him for helping them, and she discovers that this severely depletes the profits- which leads her to remember another time she and Lucy needed money.
The highlight of this "movie", to me, is that we actually get to SEE what an "I Love Lucy" audience looks like, as the movie opens with the ticket-holders to the show standing on-line outside, waiting to enter the "Desilu Playhouse." An (obvious) actor couple are ushered in, marveling at the sights. The announcer intros Desi Arnaz, who is as gracious and charming as ever. Desi, in smoking jacket, explains the technical stuff to the audience,cracks a few jokes to put them at their ease, then introduces the cast, ending with his favorite Red-head, (or "Rett- Hett", ala Desi) Lucy. You see the cast take their places, and wait to hear "action!", which, to my recollection, is the only filmed occasion where the actors broke character and acknowledged the audience.
I should add that this "movie" was made before Lucy had "Little Ricky", so all of it takes place during the first season. It's also interesting to see the sets from the audience's point of view. This film WAS intended for nationwide release, but, as the Arnazes were about to sign the contracts for the film "The Long,Long Trailer" (not released until 1954, AFTER Lucy had the baby), Desi Arnaz decided that they would only be competing with themselves at the box office, so this movie was shelved.
If you're a "Lucy" fan, it's a must see if only because it's lost footage of Lucy doing "Lucy". I don't know if I'd have purchased this independently, had it not been included with my boxed set, but it IS an unearthed treasure in the archeological dig for fossils of great pop culture....

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In 1953, three classic first season I Love Lucy episodes (“The Benefit,” “Breaking the Lease,” and “The Ballet”) were edited together with newly-filmed connecting scenes to create this never-before-released feature-length film. The film had only a single "test" screening in 1953 at a small theatre in Bakersfield, attended by the Arnazes. But Lucy and Desi had just signed a deal with M-G-M to do "The Long, Long Trailer", and M-G-M, fearing competition, insisted that they shelve the film. And that's literally what happened. I Love Lucy: The Movie was put back on a shelf, in a mislabeled can, and was lost for nearly half a century, until it was discovered in the Paramount vault by Dann Cahn in 2001.

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The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader Review

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(More customer reviews)Preparing for their summer, Lucy, Peter, Susan and Edmund suddenly find themselves summoned back to Narnia. A lot has changed since they were last there, centuries have passed, and many humans of Narnia no longer believe in Aslan, dwarves or talking animals. Among those who do, though, is Prince Caspian, future King of Narnia. Caspian's uncle is trying to kill him, and he needs the children's help. [Color, originally aired in 1989, with a running time of 1 hour.]
The second story picks up Lucy and Edmund visiting their cousin Eustace. When the three children are drawn into Narnia, they join an adult King Caspian on his quest to discover the fate of seven of his father's counselors who were banished under the regime of King Miraz. Adventure and lessons await the children and the crew of the Dawn Treader! [Color, originally aired in 1989, with a running time of 2 hours.]
These movies (actually three television episodes) appear to be based quite closely on C.S. Lewis's books of the same titles, though I must admit that I haven't read the books for a long time. Overall, I found the acting better in these movies, and the special effects much better. (Also, the character Reepicheep is played by Warwick Davis, the star of the movie Willow.)
Once again, I liked the lessons that these movies taught, and the Christian themes that run through it. My children enjoyed watching it (an important consideration), and we all liked discussing it. I think that this is a great family movie, one that I highly recommend to you!

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Prince Caspian calls Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan back to the magical land of Narnia in his most harrowing time of need.Led by Aslan, the children help young Caspian to defeat the corrupt King Miraz, and restore Narnia to its full glory.Years later, Lucy and Edmund are sent back to Narnia, along with their insufferable cousin Eustace, for yet another perilous journey.This time the children assist Caspian on a voyage to rescue six lords of Narnia banished under Miraz's reign.Along their journey the children battle dragons and sea serpents, and sail across a golden lake to reach the edge of the world.

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The Naked Brothers Band - The Movie (DVD Only) (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)I love the Naked Brothers Band. I so wish people would quit making fun of them and trashing them because they are SO AWESOME for their age. I recommend this movie to anyone. Boys can learn how to impress girls. And girls can dream about hotties Nat and Alex. I love the movie. I love the series. I say forget about the haters, WATCH THE MOVIE!!!! It is my favorite movie ever!!!!!!!!

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The Naked Brothers Band is a mockumentary that follows a world-famous kids' rock band as they struggle with superstardom, love, friendship, a band break up, and adolescence. It stars two real-life brothers, Nat and Alex Wolff, and is inspired by the real-life band they started in pre-school. The cameras follow Nat and Alex through their concerts, their rehearsals, and their private lives as they deal with the growing pains of having friends, having a band and having your friends in your band.
This package DOES NOT include the bonus CD. It was discontinued by the studio.

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Monster Bash Fun Pack (Alvin And The Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein / Alvin And The chipmunks Meet The Wolfman / Monster Mash / Archie & The Riverdale Vampires) (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)I grew up with Alvin and the Chipmunks when I was a kid so I bought this for my 2 1/2 year old. I didnt know if he would be intrested but he loves it. Especially being so close to Halloween. It has two Alvin scary cartoons.
I only wish it had the Original "Were the Chipmunks..." theme song from the 80's cartoon. I hope they release a regular set of the cartoon soon too.
Also comes with a Archie cartoon and a Monster Cartoon

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The Chronicles of Narnia - The Silver Chair Review

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(More customer reviews)Years before Walden Media debuted their big-budget version of "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe," the BBC created their own Narnia Chronicles. Despite some goofy prosthetics and a shoestring budget, this is easily the best of the three movies, with excellent acting, pacing, and even some decent special effects.
The story opens at a trendy school that Eustace Scrubb attends. But a garden shed doorway leads Eustace and his bullied schoolmate Jill to Aslan's country. But after Eustace is almost killed because of Jill, the god-lion Aslan gives girl an assignment and four signs to follow. King Caspian is now an old, dying man with no heir to follow him, because his son was lured away by a strange serpentine temptress long ago.
Jill and Eustace team up with a gloomy Marshwiggle, Puddleglum, who serves as their guide as they go to north Narnia. Along the way they must deal with carnivorous giants, enormous bridges and bad weather. But the enigmatic signs that Aslan gave Jill are hard to follow -- and they soon find that the missing Prince is ensnared in a web of madness and magic.
Don't expect this to be a mere copy of the past two movies -- the Pevensies are nowhere to be seen, and old faves like Caspian, Aslan and Trumpkin only have cameos. Sure, they ride owls and hang out with giants. But this is a grimmer, darker story, with a cataclysmic finale and a tight, sometimes harrowing storyline.
The past two Narnia movies suffered from hokey special effects and some spotty acting. "The Silver Chair" cleans all that up, trimming the special effects edges and focusing on the more majestic sets, costumes and scripting. And for the most part, it's quite a success. Even the flashbacks to the queen's death and Rilian's disappearance are heartrending and quietly effective.
There are a few flaws -- for a paradise, Aslan's country looks pretty scrubby and brown. And the final battle with the Emerald Witch is downright silly, with a giant snake puppet twisting around on the floor. But the special effects are infinitely improved in this one, ranging from convincing giants to some genuinely harrowing moments on a giant bridge.
Lewis had become a bit less hamhanded with the allegory and Christian symbolism by this time. Instead, he gives jabs at anything-goes attitudes and nihilism. Additionally, he creates one of the most intense and outstanding scenes of the entire Chronicles, with the Witch playing elaborate brain games with Rilian and the kids, slowly convincing them that all they know and believe is a lie -- including the sun and the world above ground.
Thwaites and Power both give excellent, understated performances as two kids who bicker constantly, but really care about each other, and Tom Baker (of "Dr Who" fame) is glorious as the perpetually pessimistic Marshwiggle. Barbara Kellerman, alas, is still hamming it up, with lots of over-the-top laughter, screeching, cooing and snarling.
Despite Kellerman and some primitive CGI, "The Silver Chair" is probably the best of the three BBC Narnia movies, with its darker storyline and excellent lead acting.

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Item Name: The Chronicles of Narnia - The Silver Chair; Studio:Homevision

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Alvin And The Chipmunks - The Chipmunks Go To The Movies Review

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(More customer reviews)Alvin, Simon and Theodore set their sights on Hollywood with this trio of hilarious send-ups. First, Simon becomes the costumed crimefighter "Batmunk" and must foil the Jokester's (aka Alvin) evil plot to heist a large shipment of toys. Next, the boys boldly go where no chipmunk has gone before, in "Star Wreck: The Absolutely Final Frontier." Join Captain James T. Duck (Alvin), Mr. Speck (Simon), Moamz (Theodore), and the crew of the U.S.S. Booby Prize as they battle sinister aliens bent on galactic conformity. And, Dave and Miss Miller are accidentally shrunk after an unfortunate encounter with one of Simon's inventions, in "Funny, We Shrunk the Adults." Wish they would have included "Daytona Jones" and "Robomunk" instead of "Funny, We Shrunk the Adults." However, the episode selection didn't stop me from pre-ordering.

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Return to Halloweentown (Ultimate Secret Edition) (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)I thought this movie was good although I agree that Kimberly was missed. I too was disappointed.. But the new girl (Sara) did alright--> big shoes to fill don't you think? As far as Debbie goes she could get as much screen time as she wants.. She obviously did not want anymore than what she had. Remember she is really up in age now.. I know I am 50.. I have watched her movies since I was a little girl.. I very much missed her too in this movie.. I was more disappointed that "Sophie" did not a part in this but I was glad "Dillon" did.. All in all I liked it.. I hope to see more of Halloweentown with Young Sophie...??

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Witches, warlocks and haunted hijinks are just routine as Halloweentown nears its 1000th Anniversary.This year Marnie Piper and lil’ bro Dylan return as students at the prestigious Witch University. Marnie's cauldron of trouble immediately starts bubbling over. Not only must she deal with the pranks of three wicked witch classmates - the Sinister sisters- but someone is plootting to use Marnie's magic to take control of Halloweentown forever.

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Hannah Montana: Who Is Hannah Montana Review

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(More customer reviews)Wow!!! My daughter and I (41 year old female) both love the Hannah Montana Series. We are really going to miss it. But all great things must come to an end sometime. That being said this is an excellent DVD. It is will worth the money so just ignore that other reveiw. Just to see the last episode, which is a double episode, so 60 minutes long, before it airs, makes it all worth it. Also comes with five more bonus episodes, including the very first episode. My only complaint is I would have loved to have seen Ashly, Amber, Ricco, Sara's and all the rest of Miley's classmates reactions when she reveals she is really Hannah Montana. All in all it is a wonderful ending to a series that will be truly missed.

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World-famous superstar Hannah Montana has been living a double life as Malibu teen Miley Stewart?! Say what, say what? In the much anticipated, 1-hour episode from the all-new season, Hannah Montana Forever, the whole world will watch as Hannah takes the wig off…for good! This is the must-have series collection that includes all of Hannah’s biggest moments when she takes off the wig and shares her true identity.

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Full House: The Complete Sixth Season (1987) Review

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(More customer reviews)Full House Season 6 Episode List.
1. Come Fly with Me.
DJ comes back from Spain with a surprise. Michelle and Stephanie are extremely excited to see her again. But a boy Stephanie thinks is cute gets on a plane and they go on with him. They go to Auckland, New Zealand.
2. The Long Goodbye.
While Danny struggles with maintaining his long-distance relationship with Vicki or ending it, Michelle learns her best friend Teddy is moving to Texas.
3. Road to Tokyo.
Michelle tries to dig a hole in the backyard to reach Jesse who is in Japan. Jesse has some hard choices to make.
4. Radio Days
Jesse starts yet another career and brings Joey along with him. A Disc Jockey seems right up Jesse alley. He will have to learn to share his time on the radio with Joey however who is also hired.
5. Lovers and Other Tanners
DJ has to learn to put things in her life by priority. Forgetting to pick up Michelle is the last straw for Danny with DJ.
6. Educating Jesse.
Kimmy and DJ make a Don't Drop out of School project. Jesse won't help because he was a school drop out.
7. Trouble in Twin Town.
Money can buy a lot of things but it can't buy happiness. The happiness that Jesse and Becky share. This is proven to both of them when Becky's rich cousin comes into town.
8. The Play's the Thing.
Michelle has to learn that just because you want something doesn't mean you'll always get it. And when you don't you don't just quit what you are a part of.
9. Nice Guy's Finish First.
Joey is stuck in the middle of being nice and not angry like he promised Michelle or win the hockey game he is playing in.
10. I'm Not D.J.
Hair is the main topic in this episode. Nicky and Alex need to go for their first haircuts and Stephanie is sporting the Princess Leila look. What is Stephanie trying to hide?
11. Designing Mothers.
What happens when you combine a medalling mother of your girlfriend, meeting her for the first time, and being left alone with her? TROUBLE. That's what happens when; Vicky's mom comes to meet Danny for the first time.
12. A Very Tanner Christmas.
A Tanner House full of Santa's but who is who is the question. Find out which Santa is Vicky, which is Joey and which is Steve.
13. The Dating Game.
Falling for somebody who doesn't fall for you back is a hard thing. Joey and Stephanie have to learn this the hard way.
14. Birthday Blues.
Kimmy's 16th birthday and Steve & DJ's 6th month anniversary and DJ forgot Kimmy's birthday. DJ throws her a party in 15 minutes, but Steve ruins it for her and Kimmy gets her feelings hurt.
15. Be True to Your Pre-School.
Nicky and Alex play the bassoon? Watch as Jesse lies to get the twins into a well-known preschool.....and does; but him and Becky change their mind and decline.
16. The Heartbreak Kid.
Just because you're young doesn't mean you don't have feelings and can't get them hurt. The Tanners find this out when they take Michelle's crush on Steve lightly.
17. Silence is Not Golden.
In this very heart wrenching episode we find Stephanie in a very difficult situation. She knows of a classmate who is being abused by his father but made a promise not to tell. She is torn between telling because she knows he is in trouble and keeping his secret.
18. Please Don't Touch the Dinosaur.
Super glue and a prayer are in order in this episode. When Jesse and Danny take Michelle's class to the museum. Talk about broken bones. A $4,000,000 dinosaur skeleton is in need of some attention.
19. Subterranean Graduation Blues.
It doesn't matter where you are when something important is supposed to happen as long as your family is there with you to celebrate. Making a difference in somebody's life is worth more than missing out on something you were counting on.
20. Grand Gift Auto.
What seems too good to be true usually is. Joey found this out when he bought DJ a car for her birthday later to find out it was stolen.
21. Room for One More.
Mr. Dad with a peaceful day or house gone mad. Which one do you think Jesse is faced with when he tries to convince Becky that he can handle things so she will agree to have another baby.
22. Prom Night.
A mistaken event takes place at the prom which has DJ in a tailspin. Prom was not what she expected and because of this misunderstanding Prom night seems to be ruined.
23. The House Meets the Mouse (1)
Michelle crowds in front of Stephanie and becomes Princess for a Day. When the other girls don't want to listen to her, she runs away from them to go on her own.
24. The House Meets the Mouse (2)
All Danny wants to do is ask Vicky to marry him. Does he ever get the chance to ask? Every time he tries he is interrupted. Stephanie misses out on some very good times because she is to busy feeling sorry for herself. DJ thinks she see's Steve all over Disney Land. Jesse does an underwater broadcast with a hungry looking shark swimming around.

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The laughs and lessons keep on coming in the sixth season! Join the Tanners once again for another hilarious season of Full House. Watch as Danny struggles to maintain a long-distance relationship, DJ goes to Prom, Michelle learns you don't get everything you want, Stephanie has to make an important decision and Becky and Jesse decide on pre-schools! Don't miss the latest antics of the Tanners in the complete sixth season for the first time ever on DVD!

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Dr. Seuss: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased this DVD and was immensely disapointed with the quality of the transfer. The colors were all over he place with the Grinch appearing as a yellow, then brown and finally slightly green creature. The transfer is terrible. I would not recommend it to anyone based upon this poor quality.

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