Bionicle: The Legend Reborn Review

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(More customer reviews)Whoever thought that a toy line would become the star of a movie franchise? (with the exception of GI Joe of course)
Years ago, when bionicles first hit the marketplace, and my boys discovered them,we always thought they would make a great film. With CGI advances,they are now here. Even if you do not know anything about the Bionicle line of toys, you will like this.
In terms of plot, Mata Nui, a great and powerful ruler at one time, helps win a monumental battle. The local population asks him to help fight the Skrall and Bone Hunters. There is bionicle action, great animation, and and excellent plot. For those familiar with bionicles, the characters transform well to film especially when it comes to their high range of motion. In one scene, Michael Dorn voices a character, and as in all animated films, reflects a Worf like pose. It would take a Trek minded viewer to see that one though.
On the DVD, the bonus features include "Bye Bye Babylon", "Metus Revenge" ending, a character gallery, and deleted scens. The embossed cover is pretty cool too.
With every film these get better. We look forward to the rest.
Tim Lasiuta

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Your favorite BIONICLE® heroes come to life in this thrilling, all-new movie adventure filled with action and excitement! Mata Nui, once a great and powerful ruler, finds himself in a remote wasteland of scrap parts and burnished metals. After winning a dangerous Glatorian battle, he’s asked to help fight the local villagers’ real enemies: the evil Skrall and Bone Hunters. Together with a brave band of Glatorian fighters and Agori villagers, Mata Nui embarks on an epic adventure to imaginative new lands where exciting BIONICLE® secrets will be revealed.

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Bill Hicks Live - Satirist, Social Critic, Stand-Up Comedian Review

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(More customer reviews)As one who worked in comedy clubs for years and saw hundreds and hundreds of so-called comedians, I can assert that only a handful of comics make a lasting impression.
Hicks was one of those. Though I only got to see him onstage for one week's worth of shows in 1987, his body of work thankfully became more commercially available over the next decade.
Hicks is one of the rare comics with a point of view that both skewers and embraces Mankind. He loved his country and his fellow man, and that gave him license to stab and poke at their flaws. He championed THOUGHT as the means to combat Mediocrity and the Sheep Mentality.
This DVD is a sufficient look into his mastery of his craft and his unflinching control over his audience. Sometimes his control of the audience was mixed with disdain towards them, too. But it was closer to "tough love" than animosity or condescension.
Not everyone will recognize Bill's brilliance and not everyone will "get" the humor. Actually, the brighter you are the more likely you will appreciate Bill Hicks.
Buy this DVD and be elevated to a higher understanding of how the interactive medium of stand-up can be used as a persuasive pulpit not for bullying or mass entertainment but for communal introspection and self-examination.

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BILL HICKS - ON DVD AT LAST!Bill Hicks Live is the first official DVD release from the legendary and beloved comedian.Since Bill died in 1993, his work has reached a new audience and he has become a powerful cult figure. For these fans who never had the opportunity to see Bill in person, this DVD will be a revelation. The DVD captures Bill at his very best, with three of his legendary filmed performances: "One Night Stand" from the Old Vic Theatre in Chicago (approx 30 minutes)"Revelations" from the Dominion Theatre in London (approx 65 minutes) "Relentless", Bill’s breakout performance at the Montreal Comedy Festival (approx 70 minutes) The DVD focuses on his incredible live act, with Hicks hilariously assaulting the stage and the audience with a non-stop cornucopia of insights into our twisted world; the government, the military, the police, religion, smoking, pornography, drugs and of course, for those of you who are getting antsy, a couple of dick jokes. As a bonus, the documentary "Just A Ride" surveys Bill’s remarkable career with insights from his peers; including Brett Butler, Eddie Izzard, Richard Jeni, Jay Leno, David Letterman and Thea Vidale. (approx 45 minutes)Total running time: approx 3.5 hours of pure, unadulterated Hicks.

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Legend (Ultimate Edition) (1986) Review

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(More customer reviews)LEGEND never really found an audience in theatres despite Ridley Scott and Universal's constant tinkering with the final cut. Seems many movies of this era were victims of audience test screenings, and the desire to give people a commercial product that went down easy -- see BRAZIL for a prime example of how studios think (the "love conquers all" version). So LEGEND was severely edited and rescored with a hasty (but often effective score by TANGERINE DREAM). It was short on plot and long on art direction, but sumptuous visuals and an all-out acting job by Tim Curry and make-up artist Rick Bottin made the movie an easy favorite of many fantasy fans. The movie looks stunning, and the story is a universal plunge into archetypes. Nothing wrong with that, it certainly worked for STAR WARS!
This DVD collection gives you two versions of LEGEND -- the original director's cut with over twenty minutes of added footage and the original Goldsmith score; and in addition, you get the original US release. In essence you get two different movies! The moods vary, the characters seem a little different, with whole new speeches and images to enjoy. If you are a fan of the movie or Ridley Scott it's a MUST-HAVE! This is what DVD dreams are made of. While many bemoan the fact BLADE RUNNER does not come with its 2 versions -- the fact is other than the narration and the happy ending, there is not MUCH different. But here we have a case where you can see what happens to a movie as it goes through development HELL. Fascinating stuff, and it comes LOADED with extras.
The only downside is the director's cut gets the royal treatment of a 5.1 sound mix while the other version gets a 2 channel Dolby mix, and even the video quality seems different with again the director's cut looking better than the theatrical release. But at last we can see a widescreen version of either cut, and we get a lot of extras that explain some of why the movie is the way it ended up. Beautiful images, two good soundtracks (I like both though the mood changes), and basically strong performances. LEGEND is a waking dream!

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Tom Cruise stars in this visually-stunning fantasy adventure in which pure good and evil battle to the death amidst spectacular surroundings. Set in a timeless mythical forest inhabited by fairies, goblins, unicorns and mortals, this fantastic story has Tom Cruise as a mystical forest dweller, chosen by fate to undertake a heroic quest. He must save a beautiful princess, Mia Sara, and defeat the demonic Lord of Darkness, Tim Curry, or the world will be plunged into a never-ending ice age. Co-starring Billy Barty and Alice Playten and directed by Ridley Scott, famed for his remarkable settings and unparalleled imagery, the incredibly realized fable is the stuff movie legends are made of.

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Ghosts (VCD) (1997) Review

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(More customer reviews)Just to make sure you understand what you are purchasing: "Ghosts" was never released on DVD. What you are purchasing is NOT a DVD. This is from 1997 and it is a Video CD (VCD.) That is not the same thing as a DVD. It is an audio CD that also plays video, which was somewhat ahead of its time back then. It was originally made to play the video on a computer or a VCD player, not a DVD player. The technology caught on more in Asia but not in the US. So when Ghosts was released, it was only made on VHS videotape in the US. The quality of a VCD is more comparable to a VHS. It is not "digital" or "hi-def" like a modern DVD, which is the main difference between a VCD and a DVD.
As it turns out, most DVD players will be able to read it anyway, but not all. You have to have a DVD player that is able to also read VCD's. Most can. But if you are one of the few for whom it doesn't, that doesn't mean the product is defective or a bootleg. You are trying to play it on equipment for which it was not originally designed.
But again, it will play on most DVD players, especially newer ones.
If not, it will play on your computer for sure! (But you have to manually open Windows Media Player and click "play" - it will not start automatically like a DVD.)
We have sold tons of these at we-got-the-beats to so many happy customers - it makes a GREAT Halloween party highlight.
However you get to play it, you've got to appreciate the brilliant artistry of Michael Jackson. Enjoy!

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Asia exclusive VCD (viewable on all DVD players) features the 'King Of Pop's' 1997 short film (38 minutess), produced to promote his Blood On The Dance Floor album. The film was directed by special effects wizard Stan Winston and co-written by horror icon Stephen King. The film tells the story of a scary Maestro with supernatural powers, who is being forced out of a small town by its mayor. The movie includes a series of dance routines performed by Michael Jackson and his "family" of ghouls. Every song from the film was taken from Michael Jackson's HIStory and Blood on the Dance Floor albums. The film is also notable for an early film appearance of rapper Mos Def. This film is unavailable domestically on any format. Standard jewel case. Sony. 2000.

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Michael Jackson's Vision (2010) Review

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(More customer reviews)No one can dispute Michael Jackson's dominance over pop music and his far reaching influence; music, dance, fashion, video, humanitarianism, generosity -- he was at the forefront of it all and remains unmatched. Like any true legend, even in death, MJ continues to be a force of creativity and inspiration to millions. And now, finally, his revolutionary short films are available for all to own and enjoy on DVD, and I for one, am thrilled!
I've been looking forward to this DVD box set ever since Michael died. It doesn't take a genius or clairvoyant to know we're in store for many wonderful projects to come, headlining the King of Pop. Some call this opportunistic; bleeding MJ fans for money. But I don't see it that way -- the estates and legacies of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, etc. continue to live on with various merchandising deals, and so too, will MJ. He has MORE than earned his place in history, and I for one, look forward to all that's yet to come. In the meantime, I scoured the internet for rare gems like "Ghosts" and the controversial prison version of the video "They Don't Care About Us." But the quality of the unofficial footage out there is pretty terrible, so I'm really excited to finally own all these great masterpieces, fully restored and re-mastered to look and sound better than ever before! With over 40 videos totaling 4.5 hours of wall to wall MJ, and 10 previously unreleased short films, this is the one and only, truly definitive MJ collection on DVD to date.
I only hope that someday, they also release this on a USB flash drive, like they did for THIS IS IT (USB). I have that one on both Blu-Ray and USB (which I transferred to my hard drive) and I really enjoy having the video file on my computer for fast and easy access. If I want to sit and watch the whole movie, I pop in the Blu-Ray; if I just want to watch a particular moment or song on impulse, then I simply click on the video file on my computer and instantly go to the song I want. It's really awesome to be able to do that, so I hope they release something similar for Michael Jackson's Vision on USB. I would love to have the same instant access to all MJ's videos just sitting there on my computer hard drive! Who needs DVDs; they're so yesterday! But they are ideal for archiving, which is exactly what makes this DVD so special. I consider owning this treasured collection to be the same as possessing personal mementos and photos of my own life; both are part of my past and conjure fond memories, yet remain as real and alive today as when I first experienced them.
Speaking of archives, it's worth mentioning that Michael's "Thriller" short film is the one and only music video to ever be inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress; an honor bestowed on only a handful of films to date, and MJ is the only musician to receive such an honor.
Along with all the great videos, both classic and unreleased, this box set comes with a 60 page glossy collector's book featuring the King of Pop; adding yet another treasure to enjoy along with the DVDs themselves. This is truly, a one of a kind box set that any fan will be proud to own. And it's a fitting tribute to such a rare and special man.
Here's the complete track list of these awesome DVD's and their short film masterpieces:DISC 1
1 - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (4:12)
Director: Nick Saxton
2 - Rock With You (3:22)
Director: Bruce Gowers
3 - She's Out of My Life (3:35)
Director: Bruce Gowers
4 - Billie Jean (4:54)
Director: Steve Barron
5 - Beat It (4:57)
Director: Bob Giraldi
6 - Thriller (13:42)
Director: John Landis (little more need be said about this one, but it co-starred Ola Ray, and was famously voiced over by Vincent Price.)
7 - Bad (18:05)
Director: Martin Scorsese (co-starring Wesley Snipes)
8 - The Way You Make Me Feel (9:24)
Director: Joe Pytka (with a cameo by La Toya Jackson)
9 - Man In the Mirror (5:03)
Director: Don Wilson
10 - Dirty Diana (5:05)
Director: Joe Pytka
11 - Smooth Criminal (9:27)
Director: Colin Chilvers
12 - Another Part of Me (4:45)
Director: Patrick T. Kelly
13 - Speed Demon (10:08)
Director: Will Vinton
14 - Come Together (5:40)
Director: Jerry Kramer & Colin Chilvers
15 - Leave Me Alone (4:36)
Director: Jim Blashfield and Paul Diener
16 - Liberian Girl (5:34)
Director: Jim Yukich(featuring VIRTUALLY EVERYONE important, hip and happening in Hollywood at the time: dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor and featuring Steven Spielberg, John Travolta, Paula Abdul and waaaaaaay too many others to mention. There's even a cute moment with Weird Al Yankovic who used to spoof MJ! Fun! And shows what clout MJ had to get all those big names.)
Total Disc 1: 1hr 52minDISC 2
1 - Black or White (11:01)
Director: John Landis (with Macaulay Culkin, George Wendt and a small bit featuring Tyra Banks)
2 - Remember The Time (9:16)
Director: John Singleton (co-starring Eddie Murphy, Iman and Magic Johnson)
3 - In the Closet (6:05)
Director: Herb Ritts (co-starring Naomi Campbell)
4 - Jam (7:59)
Director: David Nelson (co-starring Michael Jordan)
5 - Heal The World (7:32)
Director: Joe Pytka
6 - Give In To Me (5:29)
Director: Andy Morahan
7 - Who Is It (6:34)
Director: David Fincher
8 - Will You Be There (5:55)
Director: Vincent Paterson (Theme from the movie Free Willy)
9 - Gone Too Soon (3:38)
Director: Bill DiCicco (Dedicated to Ryan White, who, before he died, spoke about how much it meant to him that MJ would get in a hot tub with him back when people wouldn't even touch a person with HIV/AIDS.)
10 - Scream (4:47)
Director: Mark Romanek (co-starring the impeccable Janet Jackson!)
11 - Childhood (4:29)
Director: Nicholas Brandt (Theme from the movie Free Willy 2)
12 - You Are Not Alone (5:34)
Director: Wayne Isham (with Lisa Marie Presley)
13 - Earth Song (6:44)
Director: Nicholas Brandt (WOW!! This is the one Joe Jackson proudly called his all time favorite MJ song!)
14 - They Don't Care About Us (7:08)
Director: Spike Lee
15 - Stranger In Moscow (5:33)
Director: Nicholas Brandt
16 - Blood On The Dance Floor (5:27)
Director: Michael Jackson & Vincent Patterson
17 - Ghosts (3:58)
Director: Stan Winston (featuring MJ in a great disguise!! Allegedly spoofing the Santa Barbara DA)
18 - You Rock My World (13:30)
Director: Paul Hunter (co-starring Chris Tucker from Rush Hour! AND none other than Academy Award Winner, Marlon Brando!)
19 - Cry (4:57)
Director: Nick Brandt (a really nice lost gem of a song and video)
Total Disc 2: 2hrs 5minDISC 3 (Bonus Features)
1 - Blame It On the Boogie - The Jacksons (3:32)
2 - Enjoy Yourself - The Jacksons (3:31)
3 - Can You Feel It - The Jacksons (9:37)
4 - Say Say Say - Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson (4:57)
Director: Bob Giraldi
5 - They Don't Care About Us - Prison version (4:52)
Director: Spike Lee
6 - Why? - 3T (Tito's kids' band) featuring Michael Jackson (4:33)
7 - One More Chance - previously unreleased (4:03)
Total Disc 3: 35minThat's quite a collection of short films! The only one really missing is Disney's Captain EO! Which BTW, had the help of none other than George Lucas. No other artist in history has worked with so many top A-List people in their videos. Only Michael could reach such a wide spectrum, break down all barriers and make something like that happen. The man remains a rare and special anomaly. Bravo Michael! Bottom Line -- if you're a fan of Michael Jackson, then you can't go wrong with this beautiful DVD box set. And it's even reasonably priced, considering who it is and all that's on here! I know this is something I'll treasure forever. The words "special" and "genius" are bandied about far too freely, but in this instance, the man truly lives up to the meaning of those words, and then some! Thank you Michael, for all you have given, and continue to give us all.
MJ Forever!

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It might have been fate that MTV was born at the same time people began to notice the rare talent and artistic ingenuity of Michael Jackson.It proved to be a perfect match between the new television network and the young rising icon.Early on, Michael saw MTV’s potential as a force of its own and understood that it offered him the chance to pioneer a whole new visual style through which people could see music, not just listen to it.For the first time, artists had the opportunity to truly shape a vision of a story around their songs. For Michael, this meant treating the song as a “script" and creating a stand-alone film to tell that story.In fact, Michael referred to each of these productions as a "short film" and not a “music video." No other artist contributed more to the development of this art form than Michael Jackson. Just look at the impact of Thriller,which was recently named the first (and only) music video ever to be inducted by the Library of Congress into the National Film Registry - an elite collection of only a few hundred films.In addition to this, Michael’s vision had immense cultural impact .The enormous popularity of his short films proved toMTV Executives that they were wrong about what their audience wanted; it was Michael who broke through that initial barrier and created opportunity for future African American artists.Here, for the first time, is the complete collection of all 35 of the short films produced by Michael during his career as a solo artist - 10 of which are appearing on DVD for the first time. All of the short films have been meticulously restored and remastered for the ultimate audio and visual experience and a bonus DVD includes 7 additional videos including “Enjoy Yourself" with The Jacksons, “Say Say Say" with Paul McCartney and the Previously Unreleased video for “One More Chance". This is a true representation of Michael Jackson’s Vision.

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