5 comments about Halloween (Collector's Edition).

1. Halloween Goes Blu
   
   John Carpenter's "Halloween" was, is and will remain the best horror movie placed on film and now Michael Myers can murder in high definition blu-ray. This 1978 low budget movie couldn't afford hi tech effects, so Carpenter brilliantly manipulated the greatest fear of all fears, "the element of surprise." I first saw this movie in the theater when released along with 4 other friends. 3 of those friends walked out they were so frightened, as did other movie goers. The remaining diehards like myself who stayed, frequently jumped 2 inches out of seats as ear piercing screams filled the movie theater with a deep sense of dread, panic and terror. I have owned the movie on VHS, Laser Disc, DVD and now Blu-Ray, it is the only movie ever I felt so strongly about to own every format. Through the years I have talked with others who enjoy this movie and we discuss the small little errors that even John Carpenter himself has talked about. However, there is one huge error in this film that to this very day I can not find one other person who caught this major mistake. If I ever someday have the privilege to meet or talk with John Carpenter I would be most curious to ask if he himself knows of the mistake. Until such time I will go to the grave keeping this huge flaw a secret. Blu-Ray lovers, the HD format in "Halloween" does exactly what it should do, making it worth the upgrade from standard DVD. The HD visuals are awesome giving this 30 year old fearful tale a makeover fit for the walking dead. For the first time ever in all formats the enhanced HD sound track gets the surround sound almost right. The only recommendation while watching "Halloween" in blu-ray is during the beginning credits while Carpenter's spooky theme song is playing, adjust your home theater audio channels. You will find the blu-ray enhancements on the center speaker will require extreme find tuning to match the other speakers. Failure to adjust the center channel will easily throw off your complete sound separation experience. Other than that, take a seat all you good couch potatoes, relax, take your shoes off, don't fear the reaper, and enjoy "Halloween" renewed. Halloween gets a rating of, "7 Potato More". Michael Couch Potato.



2. This is one of the most great movies from 70's, it's one of my favorites. It's a classic movie.



3. Halloween. What a perfect title for a Horror movie. It's hard to believe back in 1977 that there had never been any movie, let alone a Horror film, that incorporated that title. And what good usage it got. Written, directed, and even musically scored by John Carpenter (with great assistance by then girlfriend Debra Hill), this was truly a film that brought Horror to it's roots, leaving an impact that only George Romero's Night Of The Living Dead did ten years earlier. Showcasing a deranged killer by the name of Michael Myers who in childhood murdered his sister in cold blood on Halloween night, only to escape his asylum to return to his Illinois home to hunt down babysitter (and eventually known little sister) Jamie Lee Curtis 15 years later, was truly an amazing film that never exploited the genre, keeping the imagination and terror flowing within the viewers mind rather than blatantly on the screen. For it's time it was the number one profitable independent film ever made, and after almost thirty years, it still terrifies and never grows old. A true classic film. Every single DVD collector should own it....
   
   But which one?
   
   Not in the sense of sequels, but rather in which version of the original should you add to your collection. You see, this film has had the DVD distribution rights by Anchor Bay Entertainment (now known as Starz), and they have re-released this classic now a total of six times. So I would like to compare the two most popular versions to see which one should be for you, the "Restored" or the "25th Anniversary"
   
   Starting with the "Restored" version, this DVD was authored way back in 1999. However, it was personally restored by Halloween original cinematographer Dean Cundey, trying to preserve as much of the look of it's original theatrical run. This version has been released a whopping three times. But for the film's "25th (2003) Anniversary", Anchor Bay remastered the film yet again for another release "Halloween 25", this time taking the remastering process in their own hands, something of which Cundey was not happy with. You see, comparing the two's video, you'll notice that each are different. One point is brightness and sharpness. In the Cundey version, overall picture is dark and not as sharp while for 25 the white levels have been raised and it's overall color saturation has been lowered. To me, while the original with it's dark blue hue running throughout looks good, at times it's hard to see certain shots in the dark. The 25th version has fixed that, even going as far as making the film look more natural. As for sharpness, the 25th beats it by far. Audio wise, each film seems on the same level, so a tie there, but it's the video that should be considered when purchasing: the Cundey-more true to the original film/the 25-a sharper, more realistic picture.
   
   Next would be the use of the disc space. Restored is one of those discs that wanted to cater to the early 2000's audiences of giving them both a widescreen and a fullframe on the same disc. Because of this, the bitrate is pretty small for both presentations. However, the 25th is a 2 disc set that only offers on Disc One the Widescreen presentation, and it's Divimax as well. But to be honest, it's bitrate isn't up to say Superbit quality. It's better, but with a total of four audio tracks to choose from, the entire dual layer disc is only used by 75%, and that other 25 could have went to more video bitrate, but alas it's not. But to me, the bitrate still is higher on the 25, not to mention it's compression is four years younger than Restored, so 25 wins again.
   
   Finally is Extras, Restored has a 30 minute documentary called Halloween Unmasked 2000, narrated by Twisted Sister's Dee Snider. Why is he on here than just being a popular fan, beats me. But on 25's second disc is a whopping 87 minute documentary called A Cut Above The Rest which expands on the original and gives much greater detail on the film. 25 also includes another ten minute featurette called On Location, going back to view all the houses and such that were used in the film that Restored does not include either. And if that wasn't enough, 25 has the original Laserdisc commentary by John Carpenter with additional vocals with Jamie Lee Curtis and Debra Hill. This might be the best extra 25 has over Restored, because it's got to be one of the most personal commentaries I've ever heard. Carpenter doesn't hold anything back, a must listen. And sure, both have the same trailers, TV Spots, and such, but again to me 25th Anniversary wins this one too.
   
   But the main reason why I'm writing all this is because back in 2007, Anchor Bay decided to stop releasing the 25th Anniversary and instead re-issue the Restored version. Why, I'm not sure. Dean Cundey was never happy with 25, and maybe his name on the back of Restored's box was a selling-point, I don't know. Maybe the 25's cover was confusing buyers because it looks a little like sequel H20's version? But I do know for your money, the 25th Anniversary is still the best way to go. What's sad is to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the classic film, Anchor Bay is yet again double-dipping it's audience by releasing a six disc collection featuring Parts 1, 4, 5, the NBC-TV edit, the 25 Years Of Terror special and a Blu-Ray version of the original. But again, both the DVD and Blu-Ray (BD version rumored to be a video-hybrid of both) are from the 1999 Cundey master (but the Blu does have the Cut Above special and commentary too). It would have been nice if the DVD was the 25 so fans could have both versions, but no, 25th Anniversary seems lost now.
   
   In conclusion, if you want the best overall 1978 Halloween package, go with the 2003 25th Anniversary Edition. More extras, a more realistic picture, and a commentary to die for. Ratings-wise then from me is:
   
   Restored: (8.5/10)
   25th Anniversary: (9.5/10)
   
   Thanks for reading,
   RedSabbath



4. Although I have the movie, I anticipate seeing it every year around Halloween. Love it. Michael Myers is so sneaky and quiet. Never know his next move. Silence is deadly...



5. As a rabid horror fan, I've never been certain why so many other horror fans go "ga-ga" over this 90 minute film of predictability. It lacks any suspense. Albeit, Zombie's "reimagining" was MUCH worse. This film is so bland and dull. Carpenter's orchestration is the best "thing" to come out of this film. The characters are dull and lifeless, there is obviously NO talent involved within this film.
   
   I must say that the story written for "Friday The 13th One" is far superior to this jive. I simply do not like this film. The character is never given any light of purpose. Horror fans are a savvy bunch, we deserve better DEBRA HILL!

1 comments about DVD Garmin Chartplotter 276C, 172C, 178C Training DVD.

1. I found the presentation to be a good supplement to the users manual. The segmented approach permits the user to quickly find the topics desired and be able to shift between prior anf following related topics.
   
   This is a fundamental tool for a novice boater.

5 comments about Halloween 4-Pack (Inseminoid / Tower of Evil / Curse of the Voodoo / Horror Hospital).

1. Yes, what is on these discs? Is it a history on Halloween the "Holiday"? the Movie series? Its effect on society? The newest of the series?



2. I cecked a number of other web sites and supposedly this boxed set consists of Halloween, Halloween 2, Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, and Halloween H20. Either way, it is still a great buy based on the price it is running for. The Halloween series is one of the best horror frachises ever! H4L



3. As per the distributor, Elite Entertainment, this DVD boxed set includes 4 classic horror movies: "Inseminoid", "Tower Of Evil", "Curse Of The Voodoo", and "Horror Hospital".



4. FROM ELITE WEBSITE:

   TOWER OF EVIL
   The terror begins when a nude, crazed woman slaughters a sailor who visits Snape Island. She is taken back to civilization and an ancient relic is discovered. An expedition is mounted to solve the mystery of the island which leads to a series of psychosexual murders. Includes theatrical trailer.
   Rated R / Color / Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 / Running Time: Approx. 89 min

   INSEMINOID
   All previous landings on the planet were either a fiasco or left men dead. A third attempt had so far found nothing but a lifeless world. Then they opened the underground chamber and discovered a sleeping life form that had been waiting, needing only a chance to breed before escaping into the universe. And to breed it needs the bodies of those who disturbed it. Includes theatrical trailer.
   Rated R / Color / Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 / Running Time: Approx. 93 min.

   HORROR HOSPITAL
   Welcome to Brittlehouse Manor, a "health resort" where young people are cured of all their hang-ups in one stroke. One stroke, that is, of Doc Storm's scalpel. Doc Storm, a crippled, demented genius in a wheelchair, performs hideous brain surgery on his young patients - making them brainless zombies. Includes theatrical trailer.
   Rated R / Color / Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 / Running Time: Approx. 91 min.

   CURSE OF THE VOODOO
   Big game hunter Mike Stacey leads a safari in the African jungle. After shooting and killing a lion, a tribe of lion worshippers places a curse on Stacey. The curse follows Mike back to London where it begins to take a terrible toll. Mike is told that only the death of the witchdoctor can lift the curse. So, he returns to the jungle in a desperate attempt to save his own life.
   Unrated / B&W / Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 / Running Time: Approx. 77 min.




5. This 4-movie pack is pretty decent. TOWER OF EVIL has hippies running wild, naked, and free. That is, right up until their grisly doom at the hands of a crazed killer! Nudity, violence, and a dreary atmosphere abound. HORROR HOSPITAL has Michael Gough as Dr. Storm, a mad scientist bent on creating a legion of hippie-zombie-slaves! Nudity, Decapitations, and a mysterious, pink goo-man help make this one seriously entertaining! INSEMINOID features a deep-space mining team plagued by an ugly bug-creature that impregnates one of the females. Homicide ensues when the expectant mum's mind snaps in a hormonal explosion of insanity! More nudity, gore, and a fairly icky insemination sequence in this masterpiece. CURSE OF THE VOODOO is the oddball in this collection. It's the only black and white film. There's no nudity. No real violence. Worst of all it's dull-Dull-DULL! We get a guy haunted by a witchdoctor roaming around London. Nothing much happens in this bore-fest. Oh well, at least the other three movies are good fun...

5 comments about Halloween : 10-31-78 - The Limited Edition.

1. Halloween was a superior movie in horror films. I loved the killer himself, Michael Myers. His superhuman traits made the movie even scarier. John Carpenter did a great job directing and composing the music. Out of all horror movie music I've heard, John Carpenter did the best. I liked the scary mood he made when Michael Myers appeared from somewhere. Overall, I think horror movies will be copying effects from this movie for years to come.



2. This is the best movie ever made! Halloween was the first horror movie I had ever seen. I was probably like 8 or 9 when I saw it. Anyway, I'm a horror movie fanatic now, thanks to Halloween. Also, it has, in my opinion, the best musical score I've ever heard!!! Halloween is the only horror movie that doesn't try to scare you with gore. It scares you with suspense and the knowledge that what you're facing is purely and simply "evil".



3. Still as effective today as it was upon release, Halloween stands today as one of the greatest horror films ever filmed. There's little to no blood shown, no cheap scares, no Scream-style humor... what you have here is every scary movie idea ever concieved squeezed into 90 minutes of pure terror, shot beautifully by Carpenter. The film oozes atmosphere and the paper-thin story is brought to life by amazing performances by Jamie Lee Curtis, PJ Soles, Nancy Loomis, and Donald Pleasence. A film you FEEL more then watch, Halloween is not only a genre high point, but probably the best horror film of the decade. SEE IT!!!



4. Halloween is a masterpiece. No wonder there are so many ripoffs of this film. It is by far extremely scary and suspenseful. A classic that will never be forgotten. Of course the best in the series. Hands Down Love It!!!!!!!!



5. Halloween was and still is the greatest horror movie ever. John Carpenter did a brilliant job executing(heh heh) this masterpiece.

   While I love the Limited Edition version I found a couple of minor things about this version I didn't like. I didn't like the scratchy loud music in the sudden shock scenes. Also I wouldn't have made it widescreen because I prefer fullscreen and I thought the fullscreen view was a lot better. But I loved the Halloween: Unmasked segments, trailers and the TV scenes but I would have put them in the movie.

   If I were you I wouldn't miss this, but I don't know how many are left.

No comments about Blood on Satan's Claw Region 2 PAL Unrated DVD.

3 comments about Shaman: Ritual Live.

1. this is great opportunity for any metal fan to watch shaman in their best -making "ritual " live on stage . "ritual is the first album of " shaman" and they already have a dvd - live performance , so what do you think ? - i grew on their first album and it is very easy to like it - so don't miss it!!!
   ritual is a great album!!!!
   ( Tobias sammet is special guest - vocals on tracks 14,15 - making " sign of the cross " live with shaman from "AVANTASIA PT.1" for metal fans who know avantasia pt1, pt2.!!!)
   great sound qauility - dts or dolby digital 5.1 or dolby stereo pcm!!!
   i like very much "ritual" so if you can get this on dvd - buy it!if you cant you can find this show now on cd -shaman "ritualive"!!!
   the dvd included - 18 tracks and more bonus tracks included 2 clips fairy tale & for tomorrow + making of ritual tour.
   thanks.



2. Shaman are a melodic metal band - though they publicly dismiss the tag in the bonus feature documentary on this disc. They were created from the shards resulting from the implosion of the Brazilian melodic metallers Angra. The two guitarists of Angra, who evidently owned the name, got new guys in to continue the name of that fine band. However the vocalist, bassist and drummer of Angra - Andra Matos, Luis Mariutti and Ricardo Confessori respectively, formed Shaman with a couple of new fellows. And after their first album they released this live DVD and an attendant live album. In some territories I believe that this was released as as a DVD + CD package in a CD size package but I'm not 100% on this, though if I'm right that would be the best product.
   
   But back to the straight DVD. This contains a small booklet along with the disc which doesn't amount to much but is more than you get with a lot of releases by bigger bands. The special features are the video clip for the song Fairy Tale and also a clip made up of footage from the gig itself for the song Tomorrow which was presumably done as a promo for the live album. There are the usual features like sound options etc and the menu is easy to navigate. There is the almost obligatory `making of' featurette and while it doesn't shed any real light on proceedings it isn't as bad as some backslapping sessions we have to put up with on some bands DVD's.
   
   As to the concert itself it's pretty good. As a fairly melodic hard rock band Shaman are able to fill up the sound spectrum fairly well, a lot of fast paced drumming and riffing as one would expect from a band formed from one half of the old Angra band. The intention seems to have been to mainly showcase their new material from the debut Ritual album. And fair enough. In general it feels like average Angra tunes with a lot of the more eclectic `world music' influences taken out. The few actual Angra songs are ones written by Andre Matos and these are Lasting Child and the ripping Carry On.
   
   There are a slew of guest stars on this DVD and they really do add some extra star material and a certain fun factor. Tobias Sammet and Matos combine excellently on the tracks 14 and 15 while Sascha Paeth handles some six string duties for the same two tracks. A couple of musicians I'm not familiar with, Marcus Viana and George Mouzayek chime in and perhaps most interestingly for some listeners, Michael Weikath and Andre Deris appear on the Helloween staple Eagle Fly Free. Weikath seems intent on showing zero emotion and just standing about, cigarette in mouth, trying to be uber cool while Deris seems strangely husky of voice, though it's not an unpleasant effect.
   
   Stage production values aren't bad, this isn't a Metallica sized budget but the tone is set and the crowd go absolutely mental for most of the gig just as we've come to expect from the ultra passionate South American audiences. Picture quality throughout is fine, camera angles are OK and the audio is also good, given the number of guest slots it's my guess that there are fairly limited overdubs and if that's the case then all involved deserve a round of applause.



3. As a rule, I tend to skip live albums. I'd much rather see the band in person (if possible) or buy a live DVD, since so much of the energy of a live performance is visual. I'm even less likely to buy a live album from a band that had (at the time) just one studio album to their credit. Of course Shaman, which was formed by core members of Angra, wasn't exactly your typical new band. In addition to their powerful debut album Ritual, Shaman also represents the Angra legacy. The fact that the album included the RituaLive DVD as a bonus disc made this a must have for me.
   
   Disc 1 is the audio presentation of the 2003 Sao Paolo concert. The band was on their home turf, so the crowd reaction was very impressive. Hearing that many people singing along to what were at the time relatively new songs should have been a surprise, but I know from personal experience playing Ritual over and over that these songs get in your head just as quickly as anything from those early Angra albums. Speaking of Angra, I was a bit surprised that there were no Angra songs on this disc. The band kept mostly to material from Ritual, deviating only for two songs with their special guests Tobais Sammet (Edguy) and Michael Weikath and Andi Deris (Heloween). Sammett joined the band for the Avantasia song Sign of the Cross and the Helloween guys took part in the band's rendition of the Helloween classic Eagle Fly Free. Producer extraordinaire Sascha Paeth also made a guest appearance on guitar.
   
   All told, the RituaLive CD showcased a very impressive and energetic live performance. Both the band and the crowd were 100% into the show, which makes the disc that much more enjoyable.
   
   Disc 2 is the RituaLive DVD, and if you think the audio CD was impressive, the DVD will blow you away. It features a much more expanded program. You're essentially getting the whole show here, including some of the better known material from those early Angra albums, which definitely got the crowd pumped up. It's a PAL DVD though, so unless you have a region-free DVD player, you'll have to watch it on a computer.
   
   Shaman fans and old school Angra fans simply must get this amazing live release. I know there are audio-only or DVD-only versions available, but you're really better off seeking out the CD/DVD combo package. If you're persistent, you should be able to find one for less than the cost of the regular DVD release.

1 comments about Max & Ruby's Halloween.

1. I bought this video for my son's birthday, and he's been watching it every single day--sometimes more than once a day!
   
   With a run-time of 48 minutes, Max and Ruby's Halloween features 6 episodes:
   
   MAX'S HALLOWEEN
   
   Max wants to be a vampire for Halloween, but Ruby needs a little prince to match her Cinderella costume. Will max choose the tricks over the treats?
   
   RUBY'S LEAF COLLECTION
   
   One fall day, Ruby asks Max to help with her Leaf Collection Book. Max loves collecting leaves--maybe a little too much!
   
   THE BLUE TARANTULA
   
   Max wants Ruby to read him the tale of "The Blue Tarantula". Will the scary story keep her brother up all night?
   
   RUBY'S PANDA PRIZE
   
   At the fair, Ruby really wants to win a panda prize. But will Max's jellyball obsession get in the way?
   
   RUBY'S ROLLER SKATES
   
   Ruby needs to practice so that she can roller-skate to Grandma's house, but Max's tow truck game keeps getting in the way.
   
   GHOST BUNNY
   
   The Bunny Scouts can't tell their scary campfire story until Ruby gets Max to sleep. But Max wants to hear the scary story...and make it scarier, too!
   
   I'm really not sure what it is about Max & Ruby that enthralls my son so much. In an era of CGI animation, snazzy songs, and fast-paced action, he consistently watches his other Max & Ruby DVD, and now, this video. Ruby is gently bossy, trying to get Max to do what she wants. Max, of course, has his own ideas! (And like my husband asked me the other day "Where in the world is the mother in this series?")
   
   But my son really enjoys Max & Ruby and it's great that parents and caregivers won't have to worry about innuendo, MTV-paced sequences, shrillness or meanness with these characters.

1 comments about Halloween.

1. Movie Info:
   
   On a black and unholy Halloween night years ago, little Michael Myers brutally slaughtered his sister in cold blood. But for the last fifteen years, town residents have rested easy, knowing that he was safely locked away in a mental hospital...until tonight!
   
   Tonight, Michael returns to the same quiet neighborhood to relive his grisly murder again...and again...and again.
   
   For this is a night of evil.
   
   Tonight is Halloween!
   
   Produced By: © 1978 Compass International Pictures, Inc.
   Distributed By: © 1997 Anchor Bay Entertainment
   
   Product Information Provided By: "OurSpecialGift" All rights reserved.

5 comments about Halloween 5.

1. This film is not the worse of the series, that is the next Halloween movie. H-5 was ok before I saw Halloween- Curse of MM, and it explained all the confusing things in H-5. Now I look at H-5 and blame it for creating the trash to come.
   
   The film is not as bad as I am making it sound. It has it's moments of being fun mindless entertainment, but nothing ground breaking or amazing. I think the film was rushed and it shows in the movie. The guy in black running around was just stupid, and the ending sucked to this movie. That is just saying it bluntly. It will have you wondering what the hell is going on. And you discover Michael's tattoo, when did he get that? I didn't like that in the film either. It was almost like they were hinting he was in a cult... oh no...
   
   But if you love the Halloween series, and think you will miss something if you dont see this movie, you wont. You can skip 5 and 6. Halloween Resurrection ignores 4,5,and 6 anyways. But H-5 does have it fun moments, as I said. But don't expect the first three (ignoring H-3) Halloween films.



2. The spooky atmosphere makes these films. I recommend this Film to anyone. My favourite movies are pts 1-5. Pt 1 - 3 brings me back to my youth and the DVD transfers are fine, if you are after something intelligent, this is not for you, for the films are a fun and entertaining session of good-looking horny teens getting slashed. Not great but what the hell its all popcorn stuff anyway. If anyone is interested in Halloween collectables, email taylor5821@hotmail.com



3. I was in the mood for some Slasher movies and this along with part 4 made a nice double feature. The sound and picture quality on the Divimax disc was good. There were some minor extras on the disc that I found entertaining well.
   
   While the movie wasn't as good as part 4 was, it still managed to entertain and keep us in suspense.



4. I would have to say the Halloween 5 and The curse of Michael Myers are the worst of the bunch. and as a lot of Halloween fans will say "halloween 3 does not count". That being said, I would say I enjoyed the directors commentary of Halloween 5 because it gave the director a chance to defend his choices of why he did what he did. I think it's much better than sitting through the whole movie wondering "why did they do something stupid like that". I dont agree with most of his choices but at least I understand his mind set a little better. Besides, hardcore halloween fans have to buy every Michael Myers related offering anyway so why should this one be any different than the twelve copies of the original Halloween we buy just because it comes in a different style case?



5. Halloween five?
   Wasn't one and two enough?
   Clearly not for Hollyweird, who insists on beating the franchise to death for every last penny.
   Michael survives yet again to terrorize everyone in the most gruesome fashion.
   This film doesn't even resemble the original in any way and the story is getting cornier with each installment.
   A psychic connection???
   It reeks of desperation the Hollyweird's part for a story line of ANY kind.
   And Michael getting broken out by the person in black sets up part six which is also a disaster.
   For hardcore Halloween fans only.
   I can't recommend this, it's just your standard blood and guts with a sorry story line.

1 comments about Jack O'lantern Yankee Doodle.

1. Let me help you figure out what this item is since it is hard to tell from the listing, especially without a picture. This is two Rankin/Bass animated cartoons, (but not their "Animagic" stop motion features). They are from the 30 minute episodes of the Festival of Family Classics that Rankin/Bass Studios made for television broadcast on ABC in 1972-73. Rankin/Bass made the many great holiday classics we all remember such as Frosty and Rudolph. If you are a fan of their films you will enjoy this great series very much.
   
   The first episode is the story of a two kids that live on a farm in an area where the crops mysteriously seem to frost up at night even though it is not winter, or seem to burn up at night but there is no sun at night, and the local farm families are suffering. The kids carve a Jack O'Lantern to add to their scarecrow hoping that it helps the situation. The pumpkin comes alive and talks to them, and we learn he is a leprechaun that had hibernated in a pumpkin seed over the winter, and took to living in the pumpkin when the seed grew. The kids ask for his help with their crops, and he tells them that a Witch named Zelda and her husband Archibald are behind the crop withering. Jack agrees to fight to save the local farms, but Zelda brings an army of ghosts to help her. Even the farm animals join in to save their farm in this charming little story. Great character design by Paul Coker Jr.
   
   The next episode is the story of a group of young boys that participate in the American Revolution in their own way, and help to slow down the British army with some unusual tactics, such as when they launder the soldier's uniforms and melt them with lye so that soldiers cannot leave their fort to march on Saratoga. We learn that "Doing what you do well is important" and the lead character Danny is a good role model for kids. There are enough historical elements thrown in with Paul Revere, the Midnight Militia, George Washington and others so that kids can learn a bit of history too.
   
   Some of the 18 episodes were very much part of Americana with tales from fact and fiction such as Tom Sawyer, the Ballad of Paul Bunyan, Yankee Doodle, Johnny Appleseed, and Hiawatha. The other episodes in the series include classic literature and famous fables: Swiss Family Robinson, Cinderella, Puss `n Boots, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Robinson Crusoe, Alice in Wonderland, A Christmas Tree, The Arabian Nights, Robin Hood, and two double length episodes - Around the World in 80 Days, and 20,000 Leagues Below the Sea.
   
   VERSIONS TO LOOK FOR - The label Prism Entertainment or Video Craft International released these episodes as possibly the first vhs release in a clamshell package as a set of two episodes per vhs tape. For example JackO'Lantern and Yankee Doodle were on one tape. I am unsure of the year of this release since it is not listed on package or tape. These are very good quality video, sound and packaging, and the art on the box is authentic from the film. (There is a bad habit among video companies to use some hack art for animation covers that is not from the film, and makes the film look worse on the cover than what is actually on the tape, seems self defeating to me.) In 1988 Prism and Videocraft (now one word rather than Video Craft) released vhs copies in a slipcover package with one episode per tape, but the artwork on the cover does not look anything like the film. Both of the before mentioned Prism/Videocraft releases also say "Childrens Video Playground" on the front cover. In 1989 "Starmaker Entertainment" released some of the episodes, but their copies are not as good a quality as the Prism copies in my viewing of one episode, Johnny Appleseed. Also their cover art is not from the film and can throw you off. I will update quality and episode details this as I learn more. The most recent vhs re-release is from Anchor Bay Entertainment in 1989 but I am unsure yet of the quality or packaging.
   
   Also "Puss-n-Boots" has been recently re-mastered and is featured on DVD as an extra feature on the holiday Animagic release "Here Comes Peter Cottontail" by Golden Books Entertainment who now owns the whole series and is treating their DVD releases very well with extras and remastering. Maybe they will release more of the episodes, hopefully the full 18, remastered on a multi disc DVD set.
   
   Maybe you may remember these shows from the opening sequence that had the characters from fables, folk tales, and history walking out of a book and strolling across a rainbow while fireworks went off in the sky, the book opens with the title of the week's episode. I also seem to remember watching reruns in a classroom on 16mm but I could be wrong. It is really great that Amazon has the used feature for buying videos so that completists like me can search for the missing shows from our collections. There is also a good book on Rankin Bass for sale at Amazon, "the Enchanted World of Rankin Bass".