Damages: The Complete First Season Review

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(More customer reviews)One of the biggest treats of the 2007 television season was "Damages," a wicked and wonderful legal thriller from FX. Headlined by Glenn Close, I expected to enjoy this show--but I wasn't prepared for the level of sophistication, complexity, and intelligence it offered up from its first twisty, and twisted, moments. Made for adults, this drama demands attention and may not be for the casual viewer. With its intricate plotting and structure, the story is told from different time periods interwoven throughout each episode. Essentially, snippets of the story are presented in each time frame, so the audience is left to speculate about the full truth in any given instance. However, as the season progresses, the pieces start to connect in unexpected ways that can both surprise and frustrate. I'd compare the narrative flow of "Damages" to that of a fine novel--telling you just enough so that you are tantalized to stick around for the next chapter.
The plot of "Damages" is a knotty web that is difficult to describe briefly. Ostensibly, the show revolves around a naive young lawyer played by Rose Byrne. The opening scenes show a bedraggled and bloodied Byrne stumbling down the streets of New York--apparently the victim (or perhaps the perpetrator) of an act of violence. Cut to six months earlier and a proper introduction is made. Byrne is seduced and recruited by a major law firm run by Glenn Close. Close seems to have a hidden agenda, but Byrne is quickly overcome by the trappings of success and acceptance. The firm is handling an enormous class action lawsuit against one of the town's most prominent businessmen, played by Ted Danson, and Byrne ends up squarely in the midst of much legal intrigue. What follows includes lying, blackmail, corruption, and even murder--no one in this story remains an innocent.
While I actually think the plot is the real star of "Damages" (I don't think I've ever said that about a TV show before)--it certainly doesn't hurt that the cast is uniformly excellent. Don't be surprised if you see Close front and center come awards time. Her thinly veiled menace and cutting remarks make for classic villainy, but Close pulls it off in a way that you can't help but love! Byrne and all the key supporting players are solid and believable. I particularly liked Zeljko Ivanek and Peter Facinelli, but the real revelation to me was Ted Danson. Honestly, I've followed Danson since he was a bit player in "Body Heat" and I think this is by far his best role. Mixing equal parts charm and bile, this is a great actor in a beautifully written role.
Again, I don't recommend "Damages" to everyone--I only wish I could! If, however, you love sophisticated drama--give this a shot. The DVD format is the perfect way to watch this show at your own pace and enjoy all its subtleties, surprises, and delights. But, be reminded, if you sit down to watch this show--WATCH IT! Otherwise, you might not appreciate how intricately put together "Damages" really is. KGHarris, 12/07.

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Hot new legal thriller on FX! Set in New York's world of high stakes litigation, Damages follows the lives of Patty Hewes, the nation's most revered and most reviled litigator, and her bright, ambitious protégée Ellen Parsons as they become embroiled in a class action lawsuit targeting Arthur Frobisher, one of the country's wealthiest CEOs. As Patty battles Frobisher and his attorney, Ellen learns what it takes to win at all costs, and that lives, not just fortunes, are at stake.

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Air Force One (1997) Review

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(More customer reviews)In the Summer of 1997, audiences were treated with another action film from Harrison Ford. During the 1990's, Ford has made quite a number of successful action films but his performance in "AIR FORCE ONE" was truly an example that this Hollywood veteran still had what it takes to be an action star.
The film was directed by well-known action director Wolfgang Petersen ("The Perfect Storm", "Troy", "Outbreak", "Das Boot"), music by well-known composer Jerry Goldsmith ("Rambo", "Star Trek: First Contact", "Star Trek: The Next Generation", "Basic Instinct") and Director of Photography by Michael Ballhaus ("Gangs of New York", "The Departed", "Wild Wild West").
The film was received positively by critics and a success in the box office as it brought in over $315 million worldwide. "AIR FORCE ONE" even received attention from President Bill Clinton who enjoyed the film and watched it twice. The film would go on to receive two Academy Award nominations for "Best Film Editing" and "Best Sound".
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"AIR FORCE ONE" features a pretty solid transfer on Blu-ray. Video is presented in 1080p High Definition (aspect ration of 2:40:1) and one thing that I will make clear is that while many films featured in the 90's tend to have a DNR, clean, waxy or soft effect in terms of picture quality, the good news is that "AIR FORCE ONE" does not.
In fact, there are scenes where the detail comes out quite nicely. But if there was one thing that the Blu-ray High Definition transfer does happen to bring out is the amount of grain. But I would rather take a transfer full of grain than the soft, waxy DNR look any day. And I am so happy that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment decided to feature "AIR FORCE ONE" with a good HD transfer of the film.
As for the audio, I have one word and that is "magnificent".
"AIR FORCE ONE" has one of the most impressive soundtracks that I have heard from a 1990's film. The soundtrack just sounds absolutely wonderful on English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (the film is also featured in French Dolby TrueHD 5.1).
The film features a high number of action scenes and gunfire, music, mechanical sounds from the vehicles, jet engines flying, helicopter rotors spinning, it would seem that so much was put into the emphasis of having a wonderful soundtrack that "AIR FORCE ONE" truly delivers. And these are not short bursts of audio, there are plenty of scenes that utilize this explosive audio throughout the film.
I was absolutely in awe of how all the speakers were being utilized, especially my surround channels and I also noticed a few times where my subwoofer would utilize low frequency sounds. "AIR FORCE ONE" is an action thriller that truly delivers with its audio that I can say that this is one of the better sounding action thrillers from the 1990's that just shines on Blu-ray. And just to think that this film is 12 years old. I was absolutely thrilled by the audio quality of the film.
As for subtitles, the film is presented in English, English SDH and French.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"AIR FORCE ONE" features a commentary track by Director Wolfgang Petersen and Michael Coleman. This is the same commentary from the DVD release but there is good information from Petersen on scenes that were actual aerial shots and not CG and which parts were shot on a set and were CG'd. Also, learning about his feelings towards his cast members, Harrison Ford especially and how Ford did his own stunt work.
BD Live is also enabled and there are commercials in 1080p for upcoming releases from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
JUDGMENT CALL:
I am a big Harrison Ford fan and I watched this film immediately when it came out on theaters. My first impression was that Harrison Ford should definitely be President because it was like a combination of a President meets DIE HARD's John McClane. Well, not really but Harrison Ford's role as a President who fights back was definitely a highlight throughout the film.
One thing that I know is when a film is being directed by Wolfgang Petersen, the viewer is definitely going to be treated with an exceptional, action-packed film and "AIR FORCE ONE" is just that. Even 12 years later and this film still holds up quite well. Petersen and everyone involved in this film did a wonderful job and I have to say that this is my favorite Harrison Ford action thriller to come out in the 1990's. He manages to have the suave, charisma and that look and feel of an action star but in this case, he's the President of the United States.
But for those who own the DVD of "AIR FORCE ONE", you may be wondering if its worth the double dip? I have to answer with an extreme "YES!!!". The soundtrack of "AIR FORCE ONE" is top notch and I will say that its one of the most immersive soundtracks I have heard on Blu-ray. Also, bare in mind, this is not a new action film, this was a film released in the Summer of 1997 and it can compete with some of the recent, bigger releases on Blu-ray. That is how magnificent this film sounds on Blu-ray.
If there were faults in the Blu-ray transfer, its the fact that there are not many special features included. Just the audio commentary but no HD trailer and no making of featurette. The other thing is that although the film looks better than many 1990's film on Blu-ray and avoids the waxy, DNR look but with its HD transfer, grain is elevated. Though not too bad, it is noticeable and this may be a slight issue for some viewers but I tend to be on side of grain is part of film and high definition elevates the look of grain. And personally, I would rather take the grain than a transfer with a lot of DNR or edge enhancement.
Overall, "AIR FORCE ONE" is a magnificent action-packed thriller and a film that Harrison Ford truly shines in. And as for the Blu-ray, this is the definitive version of "AIR FORCE ONE" to own!

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AIR FORCE ONE - DVD Movie

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Damages: The Complete Second Season Review

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(More customer reviews)Season 1 was taught and terrifying magic. Season 2 tries to mix in a major new storyline while still carrying forward the lethal fallout from last season's Arthur Frobisher case. Although teasing and confusing the viewer are part of the stylistic tone of this production, things got a little muddy with too many characters in mid-season. Still, the Season Finale was so brilliant, it more than paid off its mid-season markers. Meanhile, the acting of the major characters - Rose Byrne deserves more credit, IMHO - continues to shine.

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Seven Emmy nominations for this season of the award-winning show! After her unprecedented victory over billionaire Arthur Frobisher (Ted Danson), Patty Hewes (Glenn Close) has the legal world at her feet. Just as she's pondering her next move, Daniel Purcell (William Hurt), a man from Patty's mysterious past, storms back into her life, catapulting Patty into a new legal challenge. What starts as a domestic murder case, escalates into the highest reaches of government as Patty unearths a vast conspiracy. At the same time, Ellen (Rose Byrne) is on a mission to take down Patty. She's agreed to act as an informant for the FBI, assisting them in their criminal investigation of Patty and the firm. As Patty unravels the mystery surrounding Daniel Purcell, she must also negotiate the perilous minefield both inside and outside her office.

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Damages: The Complete Seasons 1-2 Review

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(More customer reviews)I stumbled across Damages in season 1 while looking through the FX web site. Out of boredom I watched Season 1, episode 1 (in teh good 'ol days when all episodes were online). I WAS BLOWN AWAY! My wife was out of town on a business trip and when she got back, I "forced" her to watch S1,E1. She rolled her eyes and agreed. SHE WAS BLOWN AWAY! It instantly became our favorite TV show, edging out Dexter! We plowed through 8 or so episodes online, catching up to real time, then anxiously awaited the next episode. It was smart, well-acted, quick paced TV. The way the story is told from the inside out only increases your anxiousness to see more. In every episode you get glimpses into the future that keep you on the edge of your seat.
I'm not a huge fan of Glenn Close, but this is her Citizen Kane! She is AWESOME as the evil Patty Hewes. She is completely believable and completely evil! BUT, her legal battles are against some really bad guys so you find yourself wanting her to win, evil as she is! It's brilliant.
I have told several friends, "buy the DVD set, if you aren't instantly sucked in, if the first episode doesn't capture your attention, I'll buy the DVD set from you so you aren't out any money." I have yet to shell out a single penny! Not a penny!
The sad news is that after season 3, FX cancelled this awesome show. It's now the property of DirecTV and they have plans to keep it alive. But for now, the only way to see it, is on DVD. As far as TV goes, it's a breath of fresh air.

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Damages: The Complete First SeasonHot new legal thriller on FX! Set in New York's world of high stakes litigation, Damages follows the lives of Patty Hewes, the nation's most revered and most reviled litigator, and her bright, ambitious protégée Ellen Parsons as they become embroiled in a class action lawsuit targeting Arthur Frobisher, one of the country's wealthiest CEOs. As Patty battles Frobisher and his attorney, Ellen learns what it takes to win at all costs, and that lives, not just fortunes, are at stake. Damages: The Complete Second SeasonSeven Emmy nominations for this season of the award-winning show! After her unprecedented victory over billionaire Arthur Frobisher (Ted Danson), Patty Hewes (Glenn Close) has the legal world at her feet. Just as she's pondering her next move, Daniel Purcell (William Hurt), a man from Patty's mysterious past, storms back into her life, catapulting Patty into a new legal challenge. What starts as a domestic murder case, escalates into the highest reaches of government as Patty unearths a vast conspiracy. At the same time, Ellen (Rose Byrne) is on a mission to take down Patty. She's agreed to act as an informant for the FBI, assisting them in their criminal investigation of Patty and the firm. As Patty unravels the mystery surrounding Daniel Purcell, she must also negotiate the perilous minefield both inside and outside her office.

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