5 comments about Five Weeks in a Balloon.

1. I remember seeing Five Weeks in a Balloon when the film was released and I was about 10 years old. Over the years I have remembered the title song so when I discovered that the film was available on DVD I got a copy.
   
   Obviously, this is a very free adaptation of Jules Verne's novel. The story centers around the marvelous balloon invented by Fergusson) played by Sir Cedric Hardwicke) that comes to be used in a race to beat a group of slavers to establishing a base of operations in West Africa. All Fergusson has to do is plant the British flag to stop them. The crew consists of Fabian (who pilots the balloon), Red Buttons (as a playboy/reporter who is taken along as a witness and to get a story) and Richard Haydn (who dryly plays a British general who is an African expert). Along the journey, they pick up a beautiful slave girl (Barbara Luna), a very intelligent chimpanzee, a missionary about to be sold into slavery (Barbara Eden) and an unscrupulous slave dealer (Peter Lorre). In the smaller roles are some outstanding English actors. Herbert Marshall has a scene as the Prime Minister, Reginald Owen plays a Consul and Henry Daniell, always a villain, plays a Sheik who captures most of the crew allowing Red Button's to rescue everyone.
   
   The adventures of the crew are more comic than dangerous and one is convinced there never is any serious trouble that Fergusson and company cannot get out of. Even Peter Lorre's character, who has the potential for double-dealing, helps to save the day in the end. Five Weeks in a Balloon is perfect for children with a nice mix of adventure and comedy that will hold their interest. Adults may find the story a little too unbelievable, bordering on the silly. After so many years, I found the movie interesting for the performances and funny in many places but, also, at times stretching the comic a bit too thin: the music is still memorable. Still, it is a charming film that is worth a look.



2. This is an excellent movie! Overall I would rate it:
   Theme Song-5 Stars
   Characters-5 Stars
   Plot-5 Stars
   Humor-5 Stars
   
   Overall-5 Stars
   
   I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys old movies!



3. The premise of the movie is to explore deepest darkest Africa and come back alive. In reality the Balloon would probably scare the crap out of the natives. I bought because of Red Buttons and Barbara eden. Ms. Eden later would be a Jinn. Red Buttons is Red Buttons.



4. One of the better star-studded adventure movies helmed by producer/director Irwin Allen, FIVE WEEKS IN A BALLOON (based on the Jules Verne novel) is ideal entertainment for the whole family.
   
   When a party of explorers (led by Cedric Hardwicke, Red Buttons, Richard Haydn and Fabian) set out for uncharted African territory in an elaborate hot-air balloon device, their journey instead takes them on a rollicking rollercoaster of danger, thrills and romance all the way from London to Timbuktu! Barbara Eden co-stars as the lovely schoolteacher the group saves from an Arabian slavetrader; with fine support from Peter Lorre and Barbara Luna.
   
   FIVE WEEKS IN A BALLOON, filmed in deluxe colour and CinemasScope, was a big ratings winner for 1962. The performances all-round are very pleasing, especially Richard Haydn as the dithering old Colonel, and Barbara Eden provides the requisite love interest (she'd previously worked with Irwin Allen in 1961's "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea"). The very catchy theme song, composed by Jodi Desmond, is sung over the main titles by The Brothers Four, later reprised in the movie by Fabian.
   
   Ideal lazy Saturday afternoon fare.



5. Saw this when I was ten. Great movie. A Jules Verne story and catchy song to boot!

4 comments about The Fantasy Worlds Of Irwin Allen.

1. Six CDs offering pure, original Irwin Allen soundtracks. Not to be missed if you enjoyed any of the TV shows: VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA, LOST IN SPACE, TIME TUNNEL and LAND OF THE GIANTS. Takes me back to my childhood, and will be a treasured souvenir we can all enjoy.



2. This special collection - The Fantasy World's of Irwin Allen is a treasure and souvenir for all Sci-Fi enthusiasts. The liner notes are great and the pictures behind the scenes are a collectors dream.

   If you enjoyed VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA - LOST IN SPACE - LAND OF THE GIANTS - THE TIME TUNNEL - this is a must have collection, bringing and recapturing so many wonderful memories of early Sci-Fi television. The entire collection is spectacular and GNP/Crescendo has given us another winner to place alongside further adventures in SPACE!

   GNP/Crescendo Records




3. "The Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen" remains one of my most rewarding musical purchases. As a teenager during the runs of the four television shows highlighted in this collection, I vividly recall how important the respective composers' scores were to the on-screen action.

   Music from the first season "Lost in Space" disc was featured throughout the show's run. It has many of the themes that became synonymous with the various characters. A young John Williams did an incredible job and one can hear predecessors to the melodies that he would later use so effectively in his movie work.

   But Williams' best work can be found on the disc which features music from the pilot of "Land of the Giants." He has cues that are exhilarating, tense-filled, majestic, and awe-inspiring, perfect for the story of normal Earthlings propelled into a world where they are no more than insects.

   The "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" disc benefits from the inclusion of Jerry Goldsmith's sole contribution to the show, the second season opener entitled "Jonah and the Whale." Goldsmith composed a new theme that was incorporated throughout that episode, but was discarded and replaced by a revamped version of Paul Sawtell's signature theme. Goldsmith's work still was effective and his closing cue was re-used for much of the duration of the show's four-year run.

   Two of the other three discs feature Williams and other composers who contributed to all of the sci-fi television productions of Irwin Allen. The sixth disc has the various themes as well as interviews with the actors who played the parts in the respective shows. A pleasant addition is a series of radio spots performed by cast members of "Lost in Space."

   A great value is this compilation!




4. I used to tape these shows to listen to the music, so I was overwhelmed and could not believe it when it came out on cds. This is a MUST for every IAllen shows!!! Just wished they could have edited more of the Voyage (LStevens, MStevens, NRiddle, ACourage) and Tunnel music. Liner notes/pictures are great. I'll never sell that one...

1 comments about Alice in Wonderland/ R&H's Cinderella.

1. I love these two movies!!! My mom played the original Cinderella for me when I was younger, and I now play the movie for my daughter. I highly recommend these items for your family!!!!!!ENJOY!

2 comments about Gay Purr-Ee (1962 Movie Soundtrack) (Rhino Handmade).

1. Rhino, in the liner notes for this CD, refers to the Gay Purr-ee soundtrack as having been restored from the original Warner master tapes.
   
   What exactly has been restored is open to debate, as the entire album is marred with audible tape hiss and occasional dropouts. If any restoration of these elements took place, it isn't audible in the finished product.
   
   It's still a "must have" for anyone who loves Judy Garland...but with the tiniest bit of effort, this long overdue CD could have been worlds better. As things stand, it's mediocre at best.



2. Finally, this wonderful soundtrack is once again available, now on CD!
   
   Except there's one tiny drawback - it's part of the Rhino Handmade collection of limited CD releases. Each one individually numbered and some released limited to as few as 1,000 copies. Gay Purr-ee's soundtrack release is limited to 5,000 copies. Not 5,000 per chain/store/whatever...5,000 total, for everywhere. Meaning Amazon is likely to have less than 1,000, Rhino's online store is likely to have less than 2,000, and then a few thousand more for the rest of the country. So pick up your copy quickly, because once all 5,000 are sold, that's it! (However, Rhino IS selling a digital download version, so if you can't buy a physical CD, you can always buy the download version.)
   
   The soundtrack has been nicely remastered for this CD release. A tiny bit of tape noise still exists on the CD, and there's occasional clipping from the loudness of the recording, but overall, the quality is superb!
   
   Of course, the reason this soundtrack is so spectacular is because of the presence of Judy Garland. Gay Purr-ee was Judy's sole cartoon voiceover work, and the team of E.Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen, who had penned her signature song Over The Rainbow for her in 1939, wrote several incredible songs for Judy for this film. Take My Pand Paree, Paris Is A Lonely Town, and Roses Red Violets Blue are wonderful songs that showcase her incredible voice. But the highlight of the album, which I also consider to be one of her finest performances ever, is Little Drops Of Rain. Despite the fact that this movie is basically a kid's movie, Little Drops Of Rain is quite an adult lament, as many have said of the song. This song is also available on Rhino's Judy Garland In Hollywood: Her Greatest Movie Hits compilation for VERY good reason - it's one of the best songs she ever sang.
   
   I wholeheartedly recommend this soundtrack. If the Amazon price seems a little steep, it's only about $20 at Rhino's website. Don't wait too long to buy it though - it could be sold out tomorrow!

1 comments about Never Got a Dinner.

1. The late Red Buttons was one of the best "roastes" ever. The time went by too fast.

No comments about Hatari!.

5 comments about It Could Happen To You: Music From The Motion Picture.

1. Tone Bennett's wonderful rendition of the old Irving Berlin classic, NOW IT CAN BE TOLD, made this CD worth the price. And hey, you have Sinatra too! (Don't you sometimes buy a CD for the sake of one track?



2. One track - Tony Bennet's slick version of the Irving Berlin classic, NOW IT CAN BE TOLD - made this CD worth the price ...for me, at least. And hey, you get Sinatra too? Haven't you ever bought a CD for the sake of one single track before? I have...hundreds of times.



3. Great sound track for a so-so movie but that so-so movie did have some mighty fine music, I like basically every song but I'm not wild about the instrumental stuff.



4. I didn't like the movie it's not one of my favorite romantic movies, but the movie did have some wonderful music so I definitely like this soundtrack better than the movie. My favorite song is Young At Heart, I like the one sung by Tonny Bennett and Shawn Colvin but it's the Frank Sinatra recording that I prefer, he is one of my favorite older singers, other songs I like are They Can't Take That Away From Me sung by Billie Holiday, Now It Can Be Told, sung by Tony Bennett and I Feel Lucky sung by Mary-Chapin Carpenter.



5. Its a "feel good movie" nothing more, nothing less. The music isn't utterly sappy just classy and tastefull.

5 comments about Pete's Dragon.

1. Although the songs on this CD are highly entertainling and sure to get stuck in your head once you've heard them, the CD is poorly produced. As others have noted the songs are not presented in the order they apear in the film. Worse, some have been edited. Below is the odrer in which they appear in the film (edited songs are marked with an asterisk).
   
   1. Main Title
   * 2. The Happiest Home In These Hills
   3. Boo Bop Bopbop Bop (I Love You, Too)
   4. I Saw a Dragon
   5. It's Not Easy
   * 6. Passamasholddy
   7. Candle on the Water
   8. There's Room for Everyone
   9. Every Little Piece
   * 10. Brazzle Dazzle Day
   11. Bill of Sale
   12. Candle on the Water (reprise)
   
   Unfortunately, the reprise of "I Saw a Dragon" is not even on the CD. On the plus side, the booklet includes all the lyrics for each song and the digital remastering has produced a very clear and vibrant sound. It's unlikely this CD will be released again, so if you're a fan of Pete's Dragon or just want to hear some good, fun music, you'll have to deal with shortened versions and a confusing track listing.



2. Even though there is room for improvement, the soundtrack to Disney's "Pete's Dragon" has never sounded better. The film may have its detractors, but it's hard to argue with these bouncy, catchy songs and the talented performers who sing them. Among the highlights are Helen Reddy's beautiful reading of "Candle on the Water," which more than makes up for her wooden acting in the film, and the brilliant Jim Dale's duet with the loveable Red Buttons. Unfortunately, this CD release pretty much mirrors the original LP, differing only in the absence of "Candle on the Water's" commercial single.. For some mysterious reason the songs do not appear in their on-screen order, a tremendous annoyance to any one who knows the story. Apparently, Red Button's line in "Passamashloddy" was recorded live on the set and is not on the soundtrack master, but it certainly should have been added to the mix as the song's rhyme scheme and momentum are greatly harmed by its absence. Some of the songs have also been abridged. But, since this is the best release of this score to date, I have to say that it will keep kids and their parents humming.



3. I've read some of these reviews and I Pulled out my old dusty LP of Pete's dragon and compared it to the list on the CD. Disney took the songs as they were on the album and put it directly remastered onto the CD.
   
   The original album does not have them on chrono order and has the times listed on it with the artists, so for those who feel they did it intentionally, they did not It was taken directly from the original LP album.
   
   Nuff said.



4. Pete's Dragon has a truly wondeful soundtrack, it's one of those that is very cleverly written, with wondefully creative musical themes, which unfortunately doesn't always get the celebration it deserves.
   
   Now Disney have provided all the songs from opening score from the film. The tone of the music, has a calm feeling to it, even though there are upbeat numbers they are not 'razzle dazzle' and stay close to the almost sombre feeling of the film.
   
   One reason why I did not give this 5 stars is because the songs are not identical to the versions in the film, the running times for the songs on the CD are in most cases shorter than you'll find on the DVD, with mostly the instrumental parts of the songs being omitted, although there is some difference in lyrics for a couple of tunes.
   
   But all in all Pete's Dragon is a stunning soundtrack.



5. Could not find this DVD in any store, but Amazon certainly had it. My grandsons just adore this movie, thank you.

5 comments about She's About To Cross My Mind.

1. I can't better what others have said thus far in the reviews of this fine album but the Beatlesque song "Cruel Girl" is worth the price of admission all by itself. But for real frosting on the cake, there's 10 other fantastic songs as well that makes for a listening experience quite refreshing and far removed from anything else you're gonna hear these days. This album revisits the 60's British sound ala Rickenbacker guitars drenched with sweet harmonies & hooks, with quality songwriting along with careful attention paid to the production to make it sound authentic - these tunes could be inserted on a compilation with songs from the period these guys love and they'd fit like a glove. Think The Beatles, The Fabulous Knickerbockers, Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas, The Byrds, and more recently, Jellyfish & The Merrymakers and you get an idea of the music on this disc. "Cruel Girl" is the best tune I've heard in ages and the album cover is my favorite of the year! Be sure to check out their site to watch the video for "Cruel Girl"!



2. I heard this band on popbang radio, a free internet radio station. The single, CRUEL GIRL, is super Beatle-esque and I was hooked. Happy to support up-and-coming smaller label bands, I clicked on the BUY IT NOW button and it brought me to AMAZON, and now I have it!! I have to say that their sound is a big part of the current POP underground band scene,
   which includes lots of unsigned acts on MySpace, like LoveDrive, L.E.O., the Sneaks, Bleu, and the whole group of Jellyfish-fan bands. It sound like the earlier Beatles material, but with a bit more crunch in the production. It is a pretty fun hybrid of writing and style. I enjoy this CD.



3. this is what the beatles would have sounded like if they had not taken lsd.



4. I was attracted to this CD by one tune heard on XM. Overall, the entire record matches the unthusiasm of what it attempts. Great melodies and hooks abound. If you're a fan of this type of retro-pop, then The Red Button is for you. My only problem is that some tunes become laborious and obvious. In the 60's, this may have been a better EP. However, this is the 21st century and I'll take what I can get from this genre. for my money, The Spongetones did it better. If you seek something more powerful and everlasting, check out either of the 2 Jellyfish CD's.



5. A perfect pop album! An instant PowerPop classic!
   
   When I listen to "She's About to Cross My Mind", by the Red Button, I slip into a daydream world where the music industry never self-destructed. I imagine the album having the same type of industry changing commercial impact as the Knack's "Get the Knack" back in '79. All of a sudden, lovingly crafted, 60's inspired, harmony and melody driven albums are everywhere! I open my own record store (because the music scene is thriving) and nobody has ever heard of Rap or Britney Spears! click....
   
   Track eleven ends, and I wake up.
   
   Unfortunately, The Red Button will probably go down in history alongside such groups as JellyFish and Big Star. Unsung legends of PowerPop. That's certainly nothing to scoff at, but it's sad that an album this good doesn't attain the huge commercial success it deserves! In a perfect world, this would be a number one album. But then, I must remember what track number six tells me...
   
   "I won't get my hopes up".
   
   But, gosh darn it, I'm gonna get my hopes up anyway!
   
   BUY THIS CD!
   If you don't like it, you're an idiot!
   (How's that for a subtle sales approach?)
   hehehe
   
   JM

5 comments about Alice in Wonderland [TV 1985].

1. I first saw this movie when I was 4yrs old, and of course I taped on VHS. I have had the cassete ever since and it was always one of my favorites. Now my cassete is 23yrs old and actually still working. Now I have 2 kids who also love this movie. So I never thought I could actually find on DVD till I saw it here. It is absolutly my favorite Alice In wonderland, and also 1 of my favorite movies ever.



2. I recently purchased the 1985 Alice in Wonderland with the second part Through the Looking Glass on DVD. I have watched it and it plays great. I also love that I finally found it on DVD and did not have to resort to buying two VHS tapes separately on eBay somewhere. I hadn't seen this movie since I was very little and it was such a treat to see again! I always remembered a few little parts growing up and it took me a long time to track down which version I was remembering. It is a musical that ran on TV with many singers and actors from the 80s. I admit that now that I'm an adult, I do fast forward some of the songs. I was happy to see the scenes of the movie that I had remembered for so long. The jabberwocky was just as scary as I remembered! Overall, I am very satisfied with the whole buying cycle and the product. This is a great version of Alice in Wonderland for any child.



3. I've been waiting for years to see this movie out on DVD. My daughter loved it was a child. She loves it as an adult.



4. I bought this classic book for my Grand Daughter, then started reading it myself as soon as I received it. 'hard to believe that I'd never read it in all my years. It may be "old fashioned" but I think it is a "must read" for all children.



5. First of all, my sister got this video for free so we didn't waste any money on it. The songs are written with some poor lyrics a 3 year old could make better songs. The costumes are cheap...I think they got them for 1/2 price after Halloween at Kmart. The cast are a bunch of people you have seen before in films but you can't remember their names because they suck anyways. If you are drunk or want a good laugh, watch this movie. It's like eating at a bad buffet you eat till you get full and you puke afterwards!!!