The Lord of the Rings The Return of the King Widescreen Edition

Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films gave "double-dipping"–releasing a DVD then releasing an improved version shortly afterward–a good name by offering both a better film and stupendous extras in the Extended Editions. This "triple-dip" 2006 Limited Edition falls far short of that standard but is still of interest to devoted and casual fans.

What do you get?
Both the theatrical and extended versions of The Return of the King are on one double-sided disc. The versions use seamless branching, meaning that the scenes that are common to both versions are stored on the disc only once. If you choose to watch the extended version, the disc "branches" out to the added or extended scenes. What does this mean to the viewer? Not much. The viewing experience is the same because the branching is imperceptible. But because both versions of the film don't have to be stored on the disc in their entirety (which would be seven and half hours total), both versions together fit on two sides of one disc. The downside is that whichever version you watch, you have to flip over the disc halfway through; the film breaks at the same spot it did on the Extended Edition, right after the entrance of the wolf-head battering ram. Also lost are the meager features included on the theatrical edition, plus the four commentary tracks, two discs of bonus features, and DTS 6.1 ES sound from the four-disc Extended Edition.

What's new?
The second disc has an 112-minute documentary directed by Costa Botes, who was personally selected by Peter Jackson. Rather than the formal documentary structure of other editions, it consists of off-the-cuff interviews and random bits of behind-the-scenes action and special-effects work: The charge of the Rohan, the horses, the Mumakils, the lava of Mount Doom, and the burning of the ring. You'll also see Ian McKellen flubbing his lines and conducting the crowning ceremony in a flowery wig. It's entertaining, but because there's no structure (there are chapters, but no menu or chapter listing), it's not as convenient to watch, and go back to, as a documentary broken up into bite-size pieces. Note: New Line Home Entertainment couldn't release this material on its own ? la the King Kong Production Diaries due to contractual restrictions.

Bottom line: Do I need this edition?
This Limited Edition combination of theatrical and extended versions plus new documentary seems likely to appeal to two camps. One is the devoted fan, who already owns both editions but has to have everything LOTR. The other is the casual fan who liked the movie in theaters, heard good things about the Extended Edition, and doesn't need a ton of bonus material. This edition is attractively priced for that buyer, and the packaging is quite handsome. In between is the devoted fan who already owns both editions but doesn't feel the need to watch more bonus material. When watching the whole movie, that fan will always choose the Extended Edition, but keeps the theatrical edition for (1) watching with guests, (2) the music video, or (3) the convenience of skimming through favorite scenes without having to change discs. That fan can safely skip this edition, as can home-theater fans who love DTS. –David Horiuchi

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great Movie
This was a great movie with excellent special effects. It stays pretty true to the book but not entirely so. If you haven't read the book, then you really should pick it up! This is a long movie, so make sure you have the time to watch it!

5 Stars A MUST HAVE
Everyone should have a copy of the LOTR movies in their collections. I have all of the movies and all of the books in my collection. I am looking forward to The Hobbit movie which is supposed to be released in 2010. Movies or books don't get any better than this. Every time I watch these movies, I discover something new that I had not noticed before. Someday, when the urge hits me just right I will buy the extended editions.

5 Stars Great Product
I really liked this because it had both the regular and extended versions without all the extras. Four DVDs was a bit much for me, so I thought this was a better version for me.

5 Stars "Long have you hunted me, long have I eluded you", 28 Sep 2007
Plot:

The saga continues. Frodo and Sam edge closer to Mount Doom, but the deceitful Gollum plans to lead them into a trap and have the ring for himself. Meanwhile, the armies of Mordor are marching on the Gondorian city of Minas Tirith, where Gandalf finds Denethor, father of Boromir and Faramir, losing his sanity…

My Review:

Why do all good things 'have' to come to an end? During the last three years in a row, Peter Jackson has amazingly resurrected winter from its boring blues with the individual instalments of his Tolkien fantasy trilogy, ultimately changing the perspective of our cinematic excitement from the summer months to the end of the year. Now that it's over and done with, what will be the lasting effects of this groundbreaking achievement?

What ROTK does well is that it marks the first time in the series when Dir. Jackson's roots as a horror filmmaker come into the spotlight, or the light of ereniel, his skill greatly used in the right places, whereas other filmmakers just throw the scare at you for no reason. As the orcs attack and head beyond the walls of Minas Tirith, flesh-rotted ghosts draw swords alongside Aragorn and stalker ensues on Frodo through dark, web-shrouded tunnels, pushing the boundaries of its' given certificate.

However, that's not a problem as far as it being the last of the epic trilogy; correct word use there, the look and tone must and does necessarily grow darker as the Hobbits approach Mount Doom and Mordor's evil tightens its grip on Middle-earth.

The tinges of the characters have been moulded over an extraordinary ten hours-plus of great cinematic storytelling. The only characters that have reverted more are Legolas and Gimli, screen time-wise, to perhaps a more subtle and evolved set-piece archer and comedy sidekick correspondingly. Andy Serkis for his Gollum voice work, is rewarded with an early flashback that gets his face on screen, as well as warning us of just how powerful the ring is.

The momentum of the series has kept on rolling on and on though to delivering a climax to the story that's neater and more affecting than what Tolkien managed on the printed page.

With such a long journey, our heroes deserve the emotional pay-off as well as the action peaks, and they will be genuinely touched as the final credits roll. Long live King Kong.

Verdict:

A cleverly crafted climatic ending to a landmark trilogy in cinema history. No other Director would have had the time, patience and skill to bring justice to this. 10/10.

5 Stars Worth every additional minute of it
What can I say? I loved the extended versions of The Lord of the Ring. Of course, I loved the book and everything having to do with Tolkien, but as other reviewers state, I too, was afraid that the movie would ruin the book. In fact, I found the movie refreshingly similar to the book, with minor, minor changes (I do have an issue with the treatment of Boromir's brother, but nobody is perfect) and the extended version better still since by including cut footage it made the movie even more faithful to the book.

I sat down one rainy Saturday and spent 11 hours watching all three episodes in extended format…. time flew. Time to do it again one of these days. No question about it: if you are considering getting this movie buy only the extended version of each of the three books. You will not regret it!

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Running Scared

Trying to explain the wildly accelerated plot of this non-stop action thriller would be like convincing Quentin Tarantino to retell the saga of The Sopranos in 15-minutes or less. Don't misunderstand, Running Scared wastes little time on the nuanced details that make the violent, narratively precise, and intricately characterized world of The Sopranos so stylish and compelling. But boy, does it have style to spare, not to mention plenty of violence, narrative, and a cast of characters that all engage in a heady battle for your attention. Paul Walker has the unenviable task of fleshing out the role of a low-level mob flunky who's assigned to get rid of a gun that was involved in a bloody drug deal gone bad. When he botches even that little job, it's not just his wife who gets mad at him. Creepily threatened kids, put-upon women who save the day, and an array of pimps, hookers, sleazy gangsters and dirty cops straight ouuta central casting are all part of the intricate jumble of the story (not to mention bullet-time close-ups and a nifty scene that imparts the inherent danger of hockey pucks in a whole new light). It's hard to believe this outlandish piece of ultraviolence came from writer/director Wayne Kramer, the same creative mind that gave us the smooth little caper flick The Cooler. Don't think about that too hard though. Considering the madcap rush of Running Scared's wicked fun and inspired lunacy, you won't have the time to anyway. –Ted Fry

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars The movie is simply nuts!
Wear a diaper when you watch this. The movie is sometimes a little over-whelming because of the amount of action in it. "Non-stop thrill ride" movie in it's finest. A must have for any action movie buff.

3 Stars Hard "R" with a heart
Stick with this movie during the opening scenes of intense profanity, hyper-slick MTV editing, and show-offy visual touches like slo-mo bullets and dancing camerawork, and you'll ultimately start enjoying a pretty good thriller laced with genuine cleverness, thrills, chills, and characters you'll care about. On that point about the chills, I'm mainly thinking of the brief interlude featuring the husband and wife serial killers of children. You won't soon forget that sequence. There are also some nicely drawn characters by leads Paul Walker and Vera Farmiga. Of course, if you actually like hyper-slick MTV editing, show-offy visual touches, and energetic profanity (all of which continue throughout the entire running time), you'll find those aspects of the film to be a plus, too, and not something to simply tolerate because you're involved in the story. Sharp image and sound, a decent score, and some pretty good extras (including a well-done 18-minute "making of" doc) round out this enjoyable DVD.

5 Stars I loved it!
I loved this movie and can not say enough how entertaining and thought provoking it was. First, if you like the concept of Crash, that everything is linked or related, you will love this movie. Second, if you want to see a movie that has action, suspense and some intense characters, you will love this movie.

Joey (played by Paul Walker) is told to get rid of a gun that was used during a very horrific crime. Unfortunately, things spin out of control when his son, Nick and an abused neighbor, Oleg take the gun. Tired of his father abusing him and his mother, Oleg shots his father. There are a series of misadventures involving the gun, Oleg and Joey's attempt to regain possession of the gun, but eventually the watcher sees where every event is linked and the impact of this one incident has repercussions on all of the characters involved. And there are some particularly disturbing scenes when Oleg mistakenly gets into the wrong car trying to escape his father. Therefore, if you liked Smokin' Aces, Crash, The Usual Suspect, Pulp Fiction, Sin City and other movies that have the flashback, flashforward style, you will not be disappointed. And besides, there is a decent plot to boot!

2 Stars I hunting this movie down to give it two stars
The reasons why this gets a two.

1: There is not one normal person in this movie. Everyone carries a gun, knife, everyone deals drugs, everyone is a perv. Each character that comes in the movie is messed up. Completely stupid.

2: the word f**k is used so much, I was almost laughing at one scene that was suppose to be serious. imdb.com records 328 it is said, the movie itself is only 122 minutes. Do the math and figure how many times you'll hear it a minute. Thats abusing it,taking away the effect of the word.

but its also pretty sick and gory, which is cool. so expect a haedcore action movie that is completely unbelieveable.

4 Stars Paul's best so far
This is Paul Walker's best acting job so far. I mean there was a lot of swearing and violence in the movie but in all it was a good movie.

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Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope 1977 and 2004 Versions 2 Disc Widescreen Edition

The 2006 limited-edition two-disc release of George Lucas's epic space fantasy Star Wars is not only the first time the movie has been officially available by itself on DVD. It marks the first-ever DVD release of Star Wars as it originally played in theaters in 1977. What does that mean exactly? Well, for starters, the initial title crawl proclaims that this is just Star Wars, not Episode IV, A New Hope. Second, the film is without the various "improvements" and enhancements Lucas added for the theatrical rerelease in 1997 as well as the DVD premiere in 2004. So no more critters and droids scurrying around the port of Mos Eisley when Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi first arrive, no meetings between Han Solo and Jabba the Hut and between Luke and Biggs (extraneous scenes that were cut in 1977), no enhanced explosions during the final reel, and–most importantly to some fans–no more of Greedo shooting first in the bar. Instead Han is free to be the scoundrel and not even let Greedo squeeze off a shot.

What do you lose by watching the 1977 version? Dolby Digital 5.1 EX sound, for one thing (only 2.0 Surround here). Digital cleanup for another–Tatooine looks like it's been coated with an additional layer of sand cloud. But for home-theater owners, the biggest frustration will be from the non-anamorphic picture. On a widescreen TV, an anamorphically enhanced (16×9) picture at a 2.35:1 aspect ratio will fill the screen with the exception of small black bars on the top and bottom. The original edition of Star Wars, however, is not anamorphically enhanced (sometimes referred to as "4:3 letterbox"), so on a widescreen TV it will have large black bars on the top, the bottom, and the sides unless you stretch the picture (and distort it in the process, especially considering the substandard picture quality). If you're watching on a standard square-shaped (4:3) TV, though, you won't notice a difference.

Yes, it's true that serious home-theater lovers who want spectacular sound and anamorphically enhanced picture can always watch the 2004 version of the movie also included in this set. But chances are good that they already picked up the trilogy edition of all three films, so their decision to buy the 2006 two-disc edition depends on how much they want the original film. The official LucasFilm stance is that this is an individual release of the 2004 version of Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope, and the 1977 version of the film is merely a "bonus feature." Common speculation is that the only reason the original versions are seeing the official light of day at all is to undercut the booming black market for the laserdisc version. Star Wars fans will have to decide for themselves if that's worth the purchase. –David Horiuchi

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Eh…
I'm nostalgic fan of the movies, my VHS re-issues were getting old, and needed something for "posterity". While the quality is subpar, it was great to watch it again. It was the first time I have seen the movie in 5 or 6 years. Here are the quick and dirty impressions:

1) Bad video encode. I can't believe this is the same copy that went to laser disc. Blocky lines for fine details (like ceilings and the front of robots), and persistent "noise" over the video over all reducing crispness. I won't get all "black helicopters" here, but I've seen the laser disc copies and they wen't this bad.

2) Missing dialog. While there are lots of scenes ethat bring back memories for me, I've always loved C3-PO telling R2-D2 to "switch off". Oddly, this was edited out in the "1977" version DVD.

3) The re-release is now a great looking coaster.

4) Lastly, I remember being in Virgin Megastore in the 90's and seeing the CAD versions. I had to do some digging in WikiPedia but found this:

"In 1993, the Star Wars Trilogy: The Definitive Collection box set was released. This version featured the original trilogy on 9 CAV discs, widescreen transfers, THX remastering, audio commentary tracks, assorted bonus features, a copy of the hardcover book George Lucas: The Creative Impulse, and for Star Wars IV: A New Hope, a new surround sound audio mix created from elements of the 70 mm 6 track magnetic, 35 mm Dolby Stereo optical and 35 mm optical mono mixes."

These looked fantastic and looked nothing like what is on this DVD. Sigh…

5 Stars Exactly What I Wanted
I bought this and the two like Star Wars DVDs as a gift for my father who had seen the remastered versions and wished that they were never made. I wanted to find the original films, just like the VHS tapes I grew up with, for him to add to his collection. There may be a box set out there somewhere with those films but I wanted to be positive of what I got and this was perfect. It contains both the Original and the Remastered on two DVDs which is perfect. No bells and whistles, which is just fine with me. I would suggest this to anyone who wants the unchanged films that we grew up with.

4 Stars Star Wars
Star Wars plots are inconsequential. Only nerds, dorks and geeks know them. It is the characters we remember: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Obi-Wan, C3PO, R2D2 and Chewbacca. George Lucas could have done the world a favor and let Darth Vader die at the end of A New Hope. I was 31 in 1977 and, although I thought the film was okay, I was not swept away like the kids. I thought much of the dialogue was stiff and unemotional. Carrie Fisher has little if any charisma. My favorite is Obi-Wan. He is the one with perseverance, the one who waits years to set things right.

5 Stars the gold-standard of sci-fi
this film has influenced many sci-fi film-makers and inspired many fans since it was released a generation ago. Whether you like the original version or the special edition version, the film itself is a treaure of cinema. It re-shaped and revolutionized the way films have been made since its time. It also has a great moral spirit to it, if you look beneath all the action scenes.

5 Stars STAR WARS- A NEW HOPE (for Sci-Fi Cinema of the 70's)
I saw the original STAR WARS-A NEW HOPE when it first came out in 1977. I rated it then as I do now an unconditional five stars. I can't comment on the transfer quality of this particular DVD release as I own so many copies of this episode on RCA video disk, VHS tape, Pioneer Laser Disk and various issues of DVD that I get them mixed up.

My ultimate STAR WARS-A NEW HOPE experience was my original screening in a great sound and extra large screen theater in CT in 1977. We simply were just not accustomed to that kind of sci-fi in 1977. It was as new and exciting a film as 2001 was in the late 60's. Shortly after seeing LOGAN'S RUN with my wife and being terrribly dissapointed with that film we went to see STAR WARS at the same theater. When we saw the opening of STAR WARS and the Imperial ship went overhead, my wife said "You can close your mouth now!", which just about sums it up.

My second best STAR WARS-A NEW HOPE film experience was when I had the opportunity to screen an excellent 16 mm copy in a private theater in scope and beautiful color. It too was grand. I hope to purchase a HD-DVD or BLUE RAY copy of this film and see it on my 52" HDTV after the format battle is waged and won.

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The Samba Reggae Workout

Born in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, samba reggae is an explosive, high energy blend of Brazilian samba and Jamaican reggae. Engaging the total body with every step, samba reggae is the perfect aerobic workout - a great way to shake off stress, burn calories, and wake up your senses with invigorating rhythm.

Created by renowned samba instructor Quenia Ribiero, THE SAMBA REGGAE WORKOUT begins with an explanation of the basic samba reggae steps and rhythm. Next is a 10-minute warmup including a wide range of exercises to loosen and stretch your muscles, and engage your core.

Next, Quenia leads two workout sessions utilizing her own authentic Samba Reggae choreography:

Workout 1 (medium intensity, 45 min.) breaks down each move in a precise and easy-to-grasp manner, keeping the workout pace fast and steady. Accompanied by performers from her New York City-based dance company Grupo Ribeiro and presenting to live music, Quenia starts every move with footwork and hipwork, then adds the upper body coordination, and offers ample repetition of every step and the entire sequence of combinations from the top.

Workout 2 (high intensity, 7 min.) employs the same vocabulary of dance steps but at a much faster pace! You ll feel the pure joy of dance and the powerful aerobic qualities of samba reggae. As a social dance, samba reggae is usually done in a follow-the-leader fashion with a few dancers initiating moves and everyone following: Workout 2 is a real samba reggae experience - you will dance with Quenia to the sounds of exotic percussion, presented live by her spectacular Grupo Ribeiro band.

ABOUT SAMBA REGGAE

Samba is Brazils gift to the world. Like Brazil itself, samba is a synthesis of many cultural influences., with elements from Africa, Europe as well as from the indigenous people of Brazil. Developed in Bahia by Brazilians of African descent, samba spread in its various forms throughout the country. Over the course of its evolution it has finally been embraced across Brazilian society.

There are many different styles of samba music and dance in Brazil. In this instructional DVD Quenia Ribeiro teaches Samba Reggae, a style of music and dance popularized in Salvador Bahia, Brazil by groups such as, Olodum, Ile Aiye, Ara Ketu, and Muzenza to name just a few.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars High Energy!
This is a high impact and high energy routine. I was so tired (and sweaty) after finishing it…you will definitely get an aerobic workout with this.

5 Stars Samba Reggae is my top fav workout dvd hands down
This is without a doubt one of my favorite workout DVD's hands down.

Pluses

1) Quenia Ribero is amazing. Her moves are fantastic. Her energy is inspiring. Background dancers know the routine and are really good. Especially, the one on the right. Keep an eye out for her.

2) This is a huge improvement from her Dance Today: Samba video. In this video she explains very well that her left is your right. She also breaks down the moves much better and there is less down time between moves.

3) I like that there is a warm up.

4) The routine is fun. I haven't counted but I think it has like 15+ moves. Much better than some tapes I have that teach you only like 6.

Minuses

1) I thought they could have repeated the full routine at the end of section one at least 3-4 times completely before moving to section 2.

2) The workout is intense. I wish there was a cool down section. But maybe they sacrificed that to include a longer workout so …

3) Awaiting her 3rd dvd when is it coming?

Helpful hints

1) This work out will use every muscle in your body. Don't skip the warm up. Do a cool down on your own when you finish (even though there is not one on the tape to relax after you finish).

2) When she explains the moves. Don't just stand their and watch. Keep marching in place so you don't lose your heart rate.

3) If the moves seem to complicated keep going. After practicing a few times you'll build muscle memory and be moving like a pro in no time.

4) I didn't get all the moves down until the 3rd 4th time I did this DVD. The explanation was good but my body wouldn't comply. But it gave

me something to look forward to conquering the next time so I appreciated the challenge.

4) Fair warning. This tapes makes a lot of other workout DVDs seem boring. I've done it a least three times a week for the last 2 months. (More than any other tape I own except 1)

4 Stars great workout
This is a fast and fun way to work out. It took only a few times to learn the steps. It is the best workout I've had in a long time. I just wish there were different routines to do. But overall, it was great!

4 Stars Water, and towel please……..
This is the second samba work out by Quenia Rivero and watch out, she is energetic!

This is intense body work out and if you don't believe it, try it! This program is well worth above its price.

This program begins with a good thorough warm up session targeting important muscle groups necessary for this intense dance.

Initially Quenia breaks down the basic steps for samba reggae and their variations. This footwork is fast paced. The choreography is lengthy as it is being layed out but when set to the drumming, it will go by rather quickly. The two sessions set you at different paces, so take your pick.The first segment is about 44 minutes, the second is shorter as it is quicker. As you begin and gather speed, the second session is really fun. There is ample repetition and the segments are easy to learn. Set at slow speed and work up to your potential.

Quenia introduces her band and her dancers, as the band does a phenomenal percussion number. Personally I love drum circles, and listening to this distinct drumming does get your mood going.

I would categorize this as a cardio work out, although it is at times high impact aerobic and excellent at that. If I were looking to find fault, the drumming was really distracting in the background during the warm up, the instructor sounded like she was yelling out the drill. Overall, it is titled as a work out, and that it is! Both of Quenia's work-out dvd's are fun and a must have!

5 Stars Samba Reggae is awesome!
The Samba Reggae Workout

I love, love, love this video. The moves are simple and sexy. The music is great and goes perfectly with the choreography.

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Dead Alive

If you're not a connoisseur of graphic horror and gruesome gore, you'd better steer clear of this wicked 1992 horror-comedy from the demented mind and delirious camera of New Zealand-born writer-director Peter Jackson. However, if nonstop mayhem and extreme violence are your idea of great entertainment, you're sure to appreciate Jackson's gleefully inventive approach to a story that can judiciously be described as sick, twisted, and totally outrageous. The movie's central character is a poor schmuck named Lionel who's practically enslaved to his domineering mother. But when ol' Mum gets bitten by a rare and poisonous rat monkey from Skull Island and is turned into a flesh-eating zombie, Lionel has the unfortunate task of keeping Mama happy while fending off all the other zombies that result from her voracious feeding frenzies. If you've read this far, you'll either be crying out for censorship or eagerly awaiting your first viewing (or second, or third…) of this wildly clever and audaciously uninhibited movie. And while director Jackson would later achieve critical success with his fact-based drama Heavenly Creatures, his talent is readily evident in this earlier effort. If you find this kind of thing even remotely appealing, consider Dead Alive a must-see movie. –Jeff Shannon

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars oldschool horror is still in
Its kinda got a corny story line as far as the love and romance thing goes. Kinda like the evil dead where choping up people does not kill the mood. The kung fu priest was just funny alnog with the zombie baby. If you are a gore fan this is the mother load movie for you. It has a ending you don't see coming. For a b grade new zealand style movie its got a lot as far as the horror thing goes. Comedy, horror, gore, gore, gore…. and a kung fu priest who spawns a zombie baby. If you like horror and gore give it a shot you won't be disappointed.

5 Stars More Than 5 Stars
This maovie is great. If you are a fan of Jackson's Bad Taste this is for you. If you are a fan of this Bad Taste is for you. People compare this movie to the evil dead films. I am very much not a fan to the evil dead because they had the humor of oldfashion bugs bunny cartoon with some awful looking gore f/x. This has amzing f/x and is histarical in many scenes. The end is a very akward metaphor but all together this is an amazing movie. I really do not understand how anyone (aside from people that get sick from blood and gore) could not like this film. This IS Jackson's masterpeice.

5 Stars Gore, bizzare, humor and a ton of camp.
Tons of reviews in here so I won't rehash what's already been said, but if you are a fan of the genre, this has got to be in your collection. Lot's of great one liners, visceral shocks (the OMG type), and enough blood in one scene to fill a swimming pool.

4 Stars Don't take it too seriously…
This is a horror/comedy FOR SURE!! I think it does a great job at both. moreso black comedy than horror. It DOES do an awesome job at delivering the gore, 100%. It's actually over the top with blood, guts, and all the nasty stuff you want from a zomedy, yes, ZOMEDY. Pick it up for dark humor and gore, you won't be disappointed. GREAT!

5 Stars not for the weak minded
ok, this movie was great…..horrible and gross, but great

i watched this at 2 in the morning with my friends, and we couldnt stop laughing……really fake, but its the thought that counts eh? get this insane, hard to find movie! and watch it late at night for the best experience

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Boyz N the Hood

John Singleton, at the age of 23, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his debut film, Boyz N the Hood. The film stars Laurence Fishburne, Angela Basset, Ice Cube, and Academy Award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. in his first starring role in a feature film. Gooding plays Tre Styles, a teenager growing up in South Central Los Angeles. His father, Furious (Fishburne), is divorced and living away from Tre and his mother (Basset), but he's still involved in Tre's upbringing, teaching him the values of right and wrong and responsibility. Meanwhile, Tre's childhood buddies Ricky (Morris Chestnut) and Doughboy (Ice Cube) are living their lives in terms of the epidemic of violence and poverty that has plagued their neighborhood. Ricky, a talented football player, strives to get a full athletic scholarship to college. If only his SAT scores were higher. Doughboy lives a life full of crime but still remains true to his friends. The obstacles that these three young men come across result in dire consequences, devastatingly avoidable and inevitable at the same time. Boyz N the Hood is a landmark film beyond its commercial success, presenting a portrait of South Central in the late '80s and early '90s as painted by Singleton (who grew up in that neighborhood), achieving accuracy and dramatic resonance in this story of at-risk youth. –Shannon Gee

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Good movie, wrongly presented on amazon though
Amazon had this movie listed as a widescreen with 5.1 when it was really only a full screen version with dolby 2.0 only. Still a good movie though.

5 Stars Story of Moderan Day Segregation
Boyz N the Hood is a nitty gritty look at South LA (formerly known as South Central LA) and is one of John Singleton's best pictures. Because it is so gripping and real. Cuba Gooding Jr. gives a stand-alone performance playing Tr? Styles; a young man that is on the brink of self discovery. Most of Tr?'s childhood friends got locked up but Tr? led a pretty square life. Thanks to the support of his father, Jason 'Furious' Styles (Laurence Fishburne.) Boyz N the Hood will keep you glued to your seats. It will make you think and it will make you laugh. But, most of all it will make you sad; because this is not just a movie. This is a true story.

4 Stars BOYZ
SAD THIS LETS YOU KNOW SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENS ALL EVEN THOU YOU NEVER HEAR ABOUT IT.

5 Stars Set the scene for BLACK CINEMA>>But what happened?
I was born in 1986, so obviously I was too young to understand what this was all about around the time it came out. However, as I grew up, I began to love this more and more - however never being able to get to watch the entire film for some reason. Eventually I know its crazy, but I have recently sat down to watch the ENTIRE film, and man I could see it again.

What it represents is the reality of life in a certain neighbourhood in America, being from the UK we have our equivalents but they are not as harsh as the U.S seriously. Obviously people watch this today and think "okay this was based on lives back then in the hood.." hmmmm, yeh right because the ghetto has all of a sudden come up to a life of luxury? No more like the people acting in this movie are living the lush life, but the ghetto still exists!

This film brought Cuba to the attention of Hollywood of course, and out of all the films he has done (yes including Jerry McGuire where he acts stereotypically black), this is the best he has done by far! However, Morris Chestnut and Ice Cube made it what it was, and for Ice Cube this was the beginning of creating more and more black based movies that started a new genre of realism to the big screen (don't make me start on FRIDAY - that's my film right there - Chris bloody Tucker - aka SMOKEY - classic).

I really do wish they could still be making films like MENACE II SOCIETY, JUICE, BOYZ N THE HOOD and NEW JACK CITY nowadays because young black America need that realism we used to have - they are growing up to believe that everything is all peachy and that they can all be Chris Brown's in the future? Life is not a party - this is the message that needs expressing!

5 Stars Life in the hood
Four boys from the hood show u how they live day after day where they from and what go's on in their black community. one boy left his mother to bee with his father and friends in the hood and from that day on it was trouble in the end their was a tragic thing happend one of the boys brothers died in the end they still suceeded.

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Little Nicky New Line Platinum Series

In Little Nicky, Adam Sandler plays the sweetest of three sons of Satan (Harvey Keitel), who's got to go to Earth and retrieve his nasty, power-hungry brothers lest they take over Hell and make it a thoroughly evil place. As with Sandler's other films, this weird premise (based oh-so-loosely on King Lear) is just an excuse to trot out a hodgepodge of comic bits and cameo performances. Admittedly, a lot of the jokes don't work (there was no need to repeat the one about shoving a pineapple up Hitler's ass), but the ones that do tend to be more memorable than the ones that don't, making for a pretty funny movie, when all is said and done. Sure, it's hard to overcome Sandler's speech impediment du jour, not to mention that romantic subplot with Patricia Arquette, but it can be done by focusing on the brilliant cameos by Regis Philbin, Reese Witherspoon, Ozzy Osbourne, and Henry Winkler (especially when he's covered with bees), as well as one of the funniest uses of a scene from De Palma's Scarface in years. Supporting Sandler throughout are two very funny heavy metal disciples and a bulldog named Beefy (voiced by Robert Smigel, the man behind Triumph the Insult Comic Dog). And, in an almost unrecognizable cameo, that's Clint Howard as the cross-dressing fetishist named "Nipples." –Andy Spletzer

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Just what i paid for
This DVD is a good piece of my adam sandler collection, it has nice features and nice menus, so you can see the movie then watch 40 minutes of non seen material so this is a nice adquisition

3 Stars a good rental
funny movie, but just ok. wouldn't buy it unless you could get a good deal on it, so that makes it a good rental.

5 Stars Devilishly Good! and Sinfully Funny!
Oh my this is Hilarious! the Devil has been betrayed by 2 of his 3 sons whom plan to take satans throne for the next 10,000 years well, little nicky (adam sandler) is Lucifers last Hope! can he get his brothers locked into his fathers flask? will they destroy the world? will satan fall apart before nicky can save him? will they shove the big pineapple into hitler? or the small one? find out the hilarious answers in this great comedy! If you have not seen this (due to modern cave dwelling?)Then I strongly recommend watching this asap!

loads of extras

Ozzy

dog with demon whizz

Oh my lord this is funny.

rodney dangerfield getting "no respect" in hell!

5 stars all the way!

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Little Nicky (New Line Platinum Series)

5 Stars *Devil Of A Comedy!*
Adam Sandler was great in this movie.A very good movie to watch for a devilish good time.Must have sense of humor to watch.

5 Stars Package was an excellent shape
When I received my packages I was a little scared upon what damage may have occured to my newly bought DVD's. The dvd's and thier playback were completely supperb. I don't have a single complaint and I would be happy to buy again through Amazon.

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Andy Goldsworthy Rivers and Tides Special Two Disc Collectors Edition

Andy Goldsworthy's Rivers and Tides is a truly beautiful, Scottish-German 2001 documentary about artist Goldsworthy, a Scotsman whose medium is nature itself and whose preferred studio is the outdoors, particularly where water forever flows, rises, and/or retreats. The soft-spoken, secluded Goldsworthy is seen hard at work making ephemeral sculptures out of bits of ice in the trees, or building tall, mysterious cones from loose rock, which stand like spiritual sentinels in forests and on shorelines, overgrown by plants or swallowed daily by high tides. Filmmaker-cinematographer Thomas Reidelsheimer goes to great and sometimes inexplicable lengths to make visual corollaries to Goldsworthy's ideas about underappreciated relationships between light, color, movement, balance, and fluidity of form in the real world, making Rivers and Tides a lively and always surprising cinematic gallery. Some of Goldsworthy's most miraculous natural installations–stone walls that snake through hundreds of feet of forest and stream, for instance–show up in the last half-hour. –Tom Keogh

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Outstanding documentary!
I have bought another copy of this film before—the second one was for my son who is a nature lover. He also loves to build things from leaves, twigs, rocks, etc. I thought the film would inspire him further, and I'm sure it will!

5 Stars terrific
This film is truly inspiring. Whenever I feel at a loss for new ideas for a painting, I look at this film to adjust my outlook. It's about sculpture, but really it's about looking at things differently.

5 Stars My very favorite movie - relaxes you better than a massage
It all started with going to the muddy Morecambe Bay - a haunt of my grandmother. With his creative eye, Andy Goldsworthy took this bleak, muddy environment and saw art in the tides.

This is a movie about temporary designs - ice, leaves, stones, twigs - beautifully captured.

No sex, violence or swearing - I love this movie - it is my very favorite. I don't enjoy having to sit still watching movies, but this was sheer delight and a relaxation.

My husband pines "I would like a little bit of a plot!".

4 Stars A Feast for Your Eyes
Andy Goldsworthy is a brilliant installation artist. Most of his works are transient and subtle in their beauty. This documentry, narriated by Goldsworthy, shows the process and some of the beauty of his works. His materials are limited to the natural elements he finds on site, but not limited by his constantly evolving vision, as he manipulates rocks, leaves, drift wood and earth to create amazing art. If you are an artist or appreciate the creative spirit, you will be amazed and pleased by this film.

5 Stars Andy Goldsworthy - an amazing inspiration
From the minute this video starts until it is over, the inspiration is endless. This honestly changed my 16 year old boy's view on life. He talks about this at least once a week and tells all of his friends about this artist and how amazing he is. If it can impress a 16 year old THAT much, it has to be good! And it is. Savor it. Digest it. Be inspired. Immerse yourself in it. You will not be disappointed.

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Detroit Rock City New Line Platinum Series

It's hard to call Detroit Rock City a "coming of age" movie–since it's hard to argue that any of the characters do any genuine growing up. But even though it's about four young metalheads trying to get to a KISS concert, the movie actually has more in common with sincere portraits of adolescence than it does with raucous teen comedies. The four heroes are members of a teen metal band called Mystery (the s is written in the same font as the letters of KISS, lest anyone mistake their source of inspiration). After the drummer's religiously zealous mother burns their tickets to a long-awaited concert in nearby Detroit, the boys go anyway and try to get tickets through theft, skullduggery, and entering a male stripper contest. The jokes are broad and the movie culminates in an orgy of male adolescent wish-fulfillment, but here and there some loving attention is paid to the details of 1970s teenage life–the haircuts, clothes, and toys the filmmakers probably had when they were kids. Edward Furlong, as the band's singer, is his usual scruffy self and exudes his particular lopsided charm; the rest of the cast play their parts with similar high spirits. Though Detroit Rock City was probably meant to be a no-holds-barred comedy in the vein of American Pie, the end result is curiously wistful; no one's going to mistake it for The Last Picture Show, but something sincere and elegiac lurks in those bang-covered eyes. –Bret Fetzer

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great funny comedy!
Great movie, great music! IT was a hilarious comedy that any adult or teens can enjoy, however I do think it is inappropriate for small children.

4 Stars Better Than You Would Expect
The four stoners in the leads recapture the late 70s very well. The adults, well, the decision to make them all wildly over-the-top cliches can be questioned. The religious mom is cringe-worthy, and the pre-pedophilia scandal send-ups of priests and the Catholic Church are prescient. The sound track is one of the movie's highlights, of course. Kiss's appearance at the end is anti-climactic. I never really laughed at anything in this, but that doesn't mean it's not an entertaining rental or a worthy library borrow. It brings back the '70s suburban wastelands very well.

5 Stars smiley mart
I saw this movie on t.v. a few years ago and just fell in love with it. I love 60's-70's stuff, so I appreciated the clothes as well as the music. This movie is hilarious with scenes I can repeat from memory because I've watched it so many times. It's a good, kick-back movie to watch with friends. Totally awesome…

4 Stars Severely underrated and better than you'd expect
In the seventies, KISS was the biggest band in America. Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss had become rock icons and won over a nation. It was not uncommon for music fans of the seventies to be obsessed with these guys, and that's exactly what the subject of Detroit Rock City is.

Detroit Rock City was directed by Adam Rifkin, and stars Giuseppe Andrews, James DeBello, Edward Furlong, and Sam Huntington. The four KISS members also briefly appear, playing themselves.

The film follows the exploits of four friends with a common interest - the music of KISS. They are the most obsessive fans of the band out there. And when the band is coming to a neighboring city in concert, naturally they plan to go. Unfortunately, mishap after mishap hinders the foursome's plans to attend their dream concert. But the boys don't give up, and split up - with each trying to find a way to obtain tickets to the show.

This movie is everything it sets out to be. It's a period piece, and a very well done one. It's an edgy, interesting comedy that doesn't put too much focus on gross-out jokes, and that right there should say a lot. I admit, I am a bit prejudiced here because I am a fan of the band, but this is exactly what a period piece like this should be - it's fairly accurate, and above all, it's fun to watch. I enjoyed all four main characters, and I certainly have to praise the film for keeping the characters and length to a minimum. It profits immensely as a result. This film is everything Dazed and Confused should have been. In fact, you might say this movie is Dazed and Confused done right.

I certainly have to praise the four young actors who play the main characters. Prior to this film, I had not heard of or seen any of them in another role. But just the same, all four of them seem like they were born to play these roles. You'll have no trouble believing that this foursome is the biggest set of KISS fans alive. I admit, there's not a whole lot of character development - the main theme here is that these boys love KISS, and that works for me. Even the supporting cast fits the bill nicely - I loved the strict, Christian KISS-hating mother. The director (Rifkin) deserves praise as well for keeping the character roster to a minimum, and above all, delivering characters I actually enjoyed. The movie is just the right length and paced perfectly for what it is.

Naturally, the soundtrack features some KISS tunes, as well as plenty of other classic rock songs of the period. In addition, there are some cover tunes featured in the movie. This is a solid, entertaining film, and the well-assembled soundtrack is the icing on the cake.

It's not a perfect film - toilet humor does drag this one down a bit. Most notable examples are a scene in a ladies room with unnecessarily-added sound effects, and a scene of one of the characters vomiting after having a few too many drinks. It's a good movie, but it could have been even better if they'd ditched the toilet humor.

This isn't really a complaint about the movie, but it's something that MUST be addressed in my review. I DO NOT at all agree with the MPAA giving the film an R rating. The only reason the film got this rating is for some language and sexual content - most of which is merely implied or spoken. Apparently they haven't gone back and re-evaluated the film since its release. The PG-13 rating would have been more appropriate.

Detroit Rock City is a triumph. It's a shame the film didn't do better or get more popularity, because this is an absolutely fantastic film. It doesn't take itself seriously, and it doesn't have to. As far as period piece comedies like this one go, this one is at the top of its class.

Thumbs up.

5 Stars Funny………….but for adults only
My husband and I enjoy the humor and KISS-era nostalgia, but I would never let my kids catch of glimpse of this. Excessive drug use and explicit sexual content.

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NFL Super Bowl XLII New York Giants Championship DVD

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars A must have for Giants' fans.
Some of the reviews here crack me up. Obviously some people buy things without knowing what they're buying. This is a superb DVD that covers the Giants' miracle season from start to finish. You'll relive all ups and downs of every game from 2007. You'll get to hear and see what was going on, on the sidelines during all the key plays. There also some nice bonus features such as "NFL Game of the Week" highlights from the Dallas and GB games. Another extra is NFL Network's Post Game show at the Super Bowl. If you're a Giants' fan, ignore the bad reviews here and just buy it!

5 Stars Sports
Haven't watched it yet but I seen the game and it was one of the greatest upsets known to man… go NY! The evil empire strikes again!!! LOL

4 Stars Good season overview but not enough game coverage of the Super Bowl.
As a lifelong Giant fan I am glad I bought the dvd but I am extremely disappointed in the lack of footage of the Super Bowl game itself. The Super Bowl was the greatest game of the season. It was better than the Giant Super Bowl victories in 1986 and 1990 and is one of, if not the greatest, Super Bowls ever played.

This dvd has segments on all the games played during the season as well as all the playoff games. In addition two of the extras include a game of the week segment on the playoff games against Dallas and Green Bay but no game of the week for the Super Bowl.

I would have gladly done away with all the extras to have a full half hour or hour on the actual plays of the Super Bowl. My dvd player showed the section with the game coverage of the Super Bowl lasting approximately fifteen minutes. There were extra segments commenting on the game but I wanted to see more of the game.

Part of the Super Bowl game coverage shows the game officials commenting on the game. This is nice but considering the time devoted to the Super Bowl it takes away from the actual game coverage.

The dvd showed only five plays of the Giant's game winning drive. The plays are as follows: a near interception by New England, the fourth down conversion by the Giants that kept the drive alive, a brief clip of a sack of Manning, the amazing pass by Manning to Tyree and the final pass to Burress.

The dvd then has extras including the half time show, post game interviews and analysis and segments on Manning, Coughlin, Kiwanuka and Strahan. All this is nice but I want to see more of one of the greatest Super Bowls ever.

I heard that a dvd focusing on the Super Bowl may come out later in the year. I don't know if this is true. I hope it is. I will buy it in a second.

This dvd is a nice reminder of the season. If you are a Giant's fan I would definitely buy it. Still, I wish the dvd had more game coverage of the Super Bowl.

5 Stars Buy it if you're a fan
Bottom line- This is the only DVD out there on the Giants season that I'm aware of, so I would highly reccommend you buy it. In fact, get two and give one to your closest Cowboy fan.

It certainly could be a lot better but after watching it before bed, I was pumped up enough that I couldn't fall asleep for two hours.

It gives you a couple of minutes of each regular season game, then the playoffs and finally the Superbowl. Not a lot of coverage on any game - even the Superbowl. It is produced for fans of Big Blue. The Giants look good even in the games they lost. They use Bob Pappa and Carl Banks mixed in with the normal "NFL" voice over. It also has some great camera shots. The video quality is top notch.

So yes, I wish it had more of the games, but then again I wish men's magazines had more pages of pictures. This disc does contain the Tom Petty halftime show - why? I would have prefered to see the whole final drive of the Superbowl (It does contain Jacobs forth down run and, of course, Tyree's catch!)It has footage of media day and the post game NFL Network show too.

I'm glad I bought it. I will watch it over and over I'm sure. If you love Big Blue, buy it too. It's not perfect, but you will enjoy it.

5 Stars YEAH BABY … GO BLUE !
a superlative tribute to my beloved underdog giants … as a fan for 40 years+ i will watch this one over & over & over … heart stopping multiple angle photography … heart thumping background music … heart rending classic voice over narrative … clearly i cannot recommend this highly enough … enjoy

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