5 comments about A Holiday for Love.

1. This movie appears to have everything: good story, important theme, popular stars; and already it is out of print again. Why?
   
   The characters with one exception are appealing, and the casting with one exception is excellent. Melissa and Tim are stars you like and root for. Tim's character is caught in a quandary between loyalty to his company and loyalty to his new-found love, Melissa. There appears to be no way to resolve this irreconcilable conflict. The ending is smashing.
   
   So, what is it? This is the third incarnation of this movie and already it is out of print again. Why?
   
   The answer is obvious to most people. Here we have a story set in a small town in Nebraska, about ordinary farm people who have lived there all their lives. So, how did this woman farmer have a kid with a strong California accent and diction out of the Bronx and not a hint of Midwest about her? On top of that, this child is repugnant. It isn't merely her fish-face, but her manner.
   
   Top that off with the chorus that sings deliberately way out of tune and out of sync, and this kid is leading them. It is grating, and it is a bad idea. People can drag it and sing without spirit when they're depressed, and then with more spirit at the end, but they don't sing out of tune and then suddenly become musicians.
   
   The screenwriter and executive producer, Darrah Cloud, has to bear the responsibility. She put up the money to have her screenplay produced. She could have prevented this atrocity of casting, but didn't. Why?
   
   Bottom line: see it anyway, but keep your remote handy ready to hit the Fast Forward button.



2. Came in new condition. It's a romantic Christmas movie and I love watching Christmas Movies. I collect them because during the Holiday I hate not getting the chance to watch all my favorites.



3. Our family collects Christmas movies, and around the holidays, we watch nothing else. This is quickly becoming one of our absolute favorites. Melissa Gilbert and Tim Matheson have sweet charming chemistry, and are well paired for this film. Travis Tritt's performance was a surprise to me. I didn't know how well he acted, and loved his character.
   
   This is a heartwarming inspirational movie, and one to be viewed over and over again especially around the holidays or when you just need to feel better.



4. We got the movie because we enjoyed Melissa Gilbert in Little House. She's good as an adult actor too and this story is fun and emotionally satisfying. If you've seen "Christmas Romance" you'll see a similar story line with this "Holiday for Love". It's nice to see a movie without all the swearing and inappropriate stuff often found in movies.



5. I have a passion for holiday romance movies and this is one of the good ones.

5 comments about Joyeux Noel (Widescreen).

1. I love this movie. I think all played their parts well but particularly Gary Lewis as the priest. You can see the pain in his eyes. I am very interested in WW1 and this movie certainly shows the plight of the poor soldier in the trenches. Almost 100 years later and Man has not learned that war is not the answer. To all who brought this movie to the screen I salute you.



2. An excellent movie and a very moving story of what could happen should enemies stop shooting for a moment and start seeing each other as fellow human beings. Given the human race is what it is, the message of this film, so beautifully conveyed, will remain valid till the end of time.



3. I seen it and it is not quite what I expected. I saw the middle part when they play the bigpipes and stuff I it was very impressive. Then when I brought the whole movie, the whole thing is a little long and repetitive to me. Still it is a great movie with a whole new idea (I had seen only a few WWI movies before), and in certain scenes it had been spectacular. It certainly worth the money to buy it considering you have great storyline and some nice music to listen to from time to time.



4. I grew up finding unexploded grenades, leftover ammo of various kinds in France. The tranches were all over around the woods I was running around as a kid, and we saw them gradually get filled up by the elements. I was always wondering as a kid, "how did they live in these tranches? for 4 years?!?". This gives us an insight into their lives, the lassitude they felt. They are very human, and they did not any more want to kill each other than any of us. The German officer who turned out to have a French wife was a poignant example of that. Good movie.



5. As a french woman who had her great-grand father taking part of this war (he fight in Verdun in 1916) and her grand-father in French Resistance during the WWII, I was very moved by this movie. It shows that, despite of horror, we need hope and desesperately look for humanity that exists in all of us. It also proves how stupid and useless war can be.
   
   What I liked in this movie is that it shows that we are all equals : the German (who invaded my country in 1940) are shown in all their humanity. This movie is not about politic, it is about humanity. Because things are never simple : my grand-father who was Resistant during the WWII was saved from death by a German. Without this german man, he would have died.
   
   This movie should inspire the political leaders of the world we live in.

5 comments about National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Special Edition).

1. Every Christmas my family gets together to watch this one and A Christmas Story. We just laugh and laugh, and it's a great stress reliever with the holidays being how they are alot of times.



2. This one was an instant classic when it first came to theaters in the late 80s. See Chevy Chase at the top of his game. If you've heard of Christmas, you will love this movie.



3. Classic Christmas movie - in the H-D Format movies never looked better,
   that along with a great price, and good extras. A must have to get through the holidays.



4. Uncle Eddy and Clark W. Griswald are back in National Lampoom's Christmas Vacation. I personally think this one is the best of all the Lampoom's movies. Clark and his family are preparing for a great Christmas together with their parents when Uncle Eddy and his family unexpectantly arrive. From their everything goes downhill for Clark. (again) Hilarious movie, but does unfortunately have some language to it. (I won't write any examples) But overall this movie is one of the funniest I have ever seen. I highly recommend it for any National Lampoom fan!



5. If you do not laugh during this movie, check your pulse! This is Chevy Chase at his best. A family favorite for decades!!

5 comments about National Lampoon's Vacation (20th Anniversary Special Edition).

1. "Vacation" is nowhere near as senseless and moronic as Monty Python, but its humor is equally lame and unfunny.



2. No matter how depressing Chevy Chase's later work was, i.e. everything he touched after 1989, this one is a staple and an American classic.



3. This is the movie that started it all.
   We loved this movie so much that my wife
   and I have taken our family on over 20 road
   trips, to 48 states!The Complete Guide to the Ultimate Family Road Trip



4. This is great Chevy Chase action and faces. The only thing they left out was someone getting car sick. Anything else was there. The first time to see it is the best. After that the movie is drownd out by the laughter as you anticipate whats coming. Don't eat popcorn with this, choking factor!



5. I think this was one of Chevy Chase's best flick of them all and that this is surely the best and funniest Vacation saga of them all, because European Vacation, X-Mas Vacation, and Vegas Vacation weren't nearly as funny and European Vacation is where the Vacation installments started losing their touch, so this original Vacation, which was also the 1st installment of the Vacation series is clearly and evidently by far the best one and funniest of them all.

5 comments about A Boyfriend for Christmas.

1. Awsome move to have for theis tim of year n came to me in speedy time



2. these is a fun christmas movie to enjoy becz it has a very good storyline it makes you belive in magic and santa claus-another great xmas movie to watch for the holidays



3. This is a great holiday movie.One that is good to watch anytime to show the meaning of love.It really is nice to watch a movie that makes you happy.



4. One of my all time favorites that I can watch anytime of the year. Patrick Muldoon should be cast in more romantic leads.



5. I love silly romantic christmas movies. This movie is fun to watch, but sort of weak story line, but I liked it anyway.

5 comments about The Homecoming: A Christmas Story.

1. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the show with my son. It is just as heartwarming as I'd remembered it to be.



2. I'm going to order the Homecoming when we get back from vacation. I've looked for it every Christmas for the past ten years or more. Its not being shown on television for some reason. Does anybody know why? Too political perhaps?
   
   We loved watching it when it was shown in the 70's.



3. This brings back so many found memories of watching the wonderful shows of the Waltons. But this first one is so stronge in family, faith, pulling together and lots of love. I now have all my grandchildern loving it as much as I do. It should be in everyones DVD collection.



4. When I was a joungster I always injoyed watching the waltons. The homecoming i can't remember seeing on televison. It was geting use to seeing people in the movie like Patricia Neal instead of Micheal Learned or Ralph Waite. I injoyed it very much I hope others do also. I hope to find others waltons movie on dvd besides the clasical serries like A waltons Easter from 1997 - A Waltons Wedding 1995 - A Waltons Thanksgiving Re-union 1993



5. This was a perfect edition to my Christmas movie collection. Great for children also. It brings you back to the true meaning of Christmas without all the materialism.
   
   The story will rewarm your heart to life and keep the true spirit of Christmas going.
   
   Merna
   
   Pocket of Pearls: A 30-day pocket workbook to start hearing a softer voice inside of you!

5 comments about It's a Wonderful Life (60th Anniversary Edition).

1. Although it didn't impress much at the time of it's release, this film probably more than most others, goes to show that eventually the cream always rises to the top. It's just a charming, heart-warming film with a nice mix of comedy, drama, sadness, despair and joy which makes it difficult for any human being to not be touched emotionally in some way by this film. The screenplay is very good, the casting excellent and James Stewart shows why he is considered to be among the greatest screen actors of all time.
   
   The DVD though isn't all that much to shout about. The Special Features are pretty decent with a very good documentary about the film hosted by Tom Bosley of "Happy Days" fame being the standout but it's placed on the the "B" side of this single disc. Fortunately with the advent of Blu-ray and the much greater capacity such a format affords, we don't have to put up with this inconvenience any longer. The sound quality is in the original mono format which has been THX mastered which makes it the best possible mono quality that you can find. However, it would have been nice if they were to provided Dolby or otherwise 5.1 Surround Sound Options as well. The picture quality has been restored but not very well as visual imperfections exist throughout the film suggesting either a poorly preserved master or that the restoration job wasn't the best.
   
   I note at the time of writing that a Blu-Ray version is out there and I wonder if they made any more audio and visual restorations and if so, I will certainly put it on my list of Blu-Ray titles to get in the future. If you are not too picky about the "dirtiness" of the picture quality, this DVD is certainly one for your collection that bears the test of repeated viewing and enjoyment.
   
   Recommended.



2. For many, "It's A Wonderful Life" is a staple to their holiday traditions. With all major networks vying to get their hands on this mediocre blockbuster, this little film transforms from ordinary to cult status every holiday. As a viewer, outside of the final act, this Jimmy Stewart classic is more than just a Christmas movie, but instead a powerful Capra film that demonstrates an America from long ago. It shows a small-town America, without the plowed Wal-Mart roads or big-box makeovers. For this critic, it demonstrates the power of independent business, and why we may never find this type of service ever again. As an independent, downtown shop owner of about a year and a half myself; "It's A Wonderful Life" transformed this viewing from holiday pastime to dedicated film exposing the corruptive nature of capitalism as well as the realism of independent business. With this change in tact, Jimmy Stewart's words become more emotional, Donna Reed's actions become more honest, and our little Christmas film transforms into a man's journey to search for himself. I cannot denounce that this is a holiday film, Stewart screams "Merry Christmas" throughout the entire ending, but before that final conclusion there are about two hours of small town America and one man's struggle to escape. "It's A Wonderful Life" is a powerful blend of realism and fantasy, individualism and community, dreams and truth, as well as frustration and joy. The cast is superbly placed in their respective roles and Capra's action behind the camera stands boldly in place. This is not just a movie, but an experience coupled with foreshadowing - giving George not just a glimpse of a world without him - but also a glimpse of a world without small business
   
   "It's A Wonderful Life", the film itself, is beautifully crafted. With new editions being released each season, one can easily see the crisp beauty of Capra's image. Its characters; George Bailey, Mary, Sam Wainright, Potter, Bert and Ernie, and even Clarence seem to jump from the screen, giving us imaginative citizens to this quaint town of Bedford Falls. Capra not only gives these characters spirits and souls, but also the town. Capra built three blocks of Bedford Falls so that he could capture the honesty of the town that Stewart so adamantly wanted to leave - and upon doing this gave this little town a soul of its own. Watching this film, Stewart's portrayal of George Bailey runs the gambit of powerhouse acting. Stewart, freshly back from the war, was worried if he could carry the weight of Bailey's cynicism. His ability to care for Bedford Falls, while always dreaming of wanting to escape could only be portrayed through Stewart's Americana eyes. When he screams at Mary, denouncing his desire to be on the ground floor in plastics, or when he yells at Potter's bid to join him - we scream with him. This film works from an acting standpoint because we believe in the characters - we trust the actors to give us a slice of their souls for these roles - and they do. One cannot fault anyone in this film for their acting and that is a rarity in today's Hollywood.
   
   Capra's eye in this film seems far more advanced than the credit he has received. His enormous sets, the birth of a new "snow", and his ability to create a world we care for without having to travel the globe. What I enjoy about "It's A Wonderful Life" is that Capra tricks you by the end. Here we believe, outside of the brief opening, that this is just your typical drama, a man's life is shown in scope so that he can see his full worth, but then sneakily Capra brings in (depending on your religious basis) a huge science-fiction element that was unheard of during the time. One cannot argue the validity of science fiction vs. religion in this film - since Joseph is portrayed by the stars and planets. Sure, Clarence was an angel, but there is this aura of the supernatural. Clarence offers no evidence that he is, in fact, sent by the man upstairs, so one has to question the time this film was released, the faith in spirituality, and the fact that Capra's Clarence could be alien, vegetable, or mineral. This film teeters between drama and science fiction, while so many critics award this film the "feel-good" holiday movie during December; I find it a bit strange that perhaps this film lead to so many other science fiction movies of the same nature. Perhaps the "Cloverfield" monster could be considered a Clarence to someone in New York City? I may be stretching a bit, but what pulls me into this film time and time again is the fact that Clarence is not of Earth, yet George easily believes. He listens, follows, and - with some resistance - does what Clarence orders. This is a film without guns, without explosions, without the President getting on his red phone - but instead a film where a celestial being can visit someone without fear, anger, or confusion. This is why I collect the "Alf" television series.
   
   Overall, "It's A Wonderful Life" remains in constant rotation no matter the time of year in my home. The acting is superb, the sci-fi element seems fresh every time, and the growing fact that George Bailey is pro-independent business means quite a bit in this rushed Wal-Mart world. Bailey, and this film, is the voice for the little man, the quiet shopkeeper who doesn't want to sell to Potter, but instead dreams of keeping their home-style values. The spark between Potter and Bailey can be seen in every facet of today's growing world, as the rich continue to get richer - the less fortunate work harder and feel more held back. Dreams are traded for jobs - communities are strengthened by friendships. This film is a time capsule for the future, as we discover convenience overcomes customer service; it is nice to look back and see a world like Bedford Falls. The science fiction element to this film, yep - that is what I am considering it - comes in sharp and remains powerful throughout. Did anyone else see Jimmy Stewart's eyes throughout those scenes? Brilliant! While this film will remain a staple through the holidays, I persist that you watch it away from the holiday to see the real message behind the film. Capra was a genius in creating this film, and subsequently crafted a cult film that will remain forever. Even today, nearly thirty years since my first viewing, I am more impressed that ever. It is a film that grows with you, and that is quite a rarity in today's cinema.
   
   Grade: ***** out of *****



3. This film, starring the brilliant James (Jimmy) Stewart, is one of the best movies made since film first started rolling. I don't know that words can really capture the magic of this film.
   
   A true holdiay classic, and a great movie! A must have for your collection!



4. This is by far my favorite movie of all time. George Bailey is so real. I have been that man. A guy looking for the glitz and the glamour only to settle for small town life raising kids and going to work everyday. He is never the richest in terms of money, but when it comes down to it you finally realize money is not all that matters.



5. Every home should have this movie in their DVD library and watch it every year. It has been my all-time movie favorite for many years that everyone can name my fav.
   
   The moral of this story is so touching to help someone realize how 'wonderful' their life is and the people in it. It will help remind you of your true gifts in your daily presence.
   
   A must own movie!
   
   Merna
   
   Pocket of Pearls: A 30-day pocket workbook to start hearing a softer voice inside of you!

5 comments about Home Alone.

1. We've all grown up with this, what can I say, it's a fun movie that takes me back. I love it even as an adult!



2. Home Alone not only made Macaulay Culkin a star, this movie is actually really good. There are plently of laughs even after 18 years later, this funny, hijinx comedy was a childhood favorite of mine, including the sequel. Wish it was Christmas time now, I highly recommend this John Hughes/Chris Columbus gem, enjoy!



3. It's funny how certain films bring back fond memories of a certain time and place in one's life. I can remember back when this film came out in the early nineties and I was a kid at my Grandmother's house in Matteson, Ill (which ironically enough is a suburb of Chicago) for Christmas and sometimes Thanksgiving, always watching this film year after year for the holidays. It was like a tradition of sorts. This movie never failed to make my cousins and I laugh and I enjoyed the film enough to where I actually took my own sled and attempted to sled down the top of my staircase at home and out the front door during the wintertime...it didn't work out quite as well as the movie. I won't go over the synopsis of the film, I think it's been explained enough times. I would recommend Home Alone to any family or anyone looking for a film to watch around the holidays.



4. I think just about everyone in America has seen this move.
   And for good reason, it's fun, it's clean, it's a good time.
   Great story, decent acting, and good direction make this a must see for parents with kids.
   Recommended.



5. I still remember when I saw this movie as well as the second one and to me these will always be Macaulay Culkin's two greatest movies. I think what also made the two home alone movies great were the bumbling burglars played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern it's sad that Hollywood had to make a third and fourth Home Alone with such disaster. I think we're also waiting for the first two movies two come out on blu-ray I know that I'll be getting those for my new blu-ray collection. I know it sounds a little mean but I also like watching these movies before Macaulay Culkin's sad decline from the movies and what he's done with his life. That out of the way if you're looking for a good family funny Christmas movie get these movies in your collection because while you might like to get it on blu-ray sadly there isn't a release date yet so for the price I
   say again get the first two movies and leave the third and fourth movie
   on the store shelves...

5 comments about Gone in 60 Seconds.

1. I seen this movie in its first version before it was remastered in 2000.
   The difference between this DVD one and the old VHS (pre-1986) is the picture, and sound.
   The DVD remastered picture is great, never looked better.
   But the new DVD audio is ok, but not perfect.
   in the old VHS, it had a mono soundtrack, which featured six songs, and real car sounds made at that time (such as engine noises, tire screechs, etc.), but the new DVD has completely removed this soundtrack and put in a new one that many times the same sound will come out twice, even three times in a row.
   
   I don't think that H.B. Halicki would enjoy the remastered version, it is bad on audio, but the picture is great, and never been better.



2. I'm a fan of Nicholas Cage and Angelina Jolie so that may have influenced me some along with the fact I liked the rest the cast as well. However, I was never a big fan of the original version. I do like this remake and the storyline is more entertaining and family friendly than the original. More of an "Oceans 11" version just as that remake is a little more palatable to families today. That isn't to say the originals aren't good classics, they are just a little rougher for some to take. The current version of this movie moves along at a steady pace and although you know the general circumstances you're never quite be sure what may happen next.
   
   A great ex-car thief in retirement is running a go-kart track and finds out his kid brother's life is at stake over a fifty car heist, he jumps in to bail his brother out. He assembles his old gang and uses some of his brothers group as well to try to pull off a one night theft of all fifty cars. Meanwhile their actions are being monitored by the police and the local gang that doesn't like the competition. Lots of action and driving cars of all types at high speeds. Fans of car shows will probably like it best, but it will have some appeal to all but the very young. Good quality DVD and plenty of replayability.



3. Sorry to all those die hard fans, but I never did like this movie. It's just plain BORING for about 7/8ths of the movie. All planning, planning, planning. Then the last 1/8th is a great chase scene. I bought this movie for the chase scenes. I would recommend RedLine as a great alternative to anyone wanting to see hot cars being raced around. You'll even get to see a Ferrari Enzo in RedLine! Gone in 60 Seconds was just a teaser. The commercials hooked you, just as they hooked me. Then you're sitting there asking "Where are all the cool cars?". There's really only one great scene at the end with the car they call Eleanor. And that scene alone was not worth the price of admission nor is it worth the cost of the DVD.



4. TRYING TO STEAL 60 CAR'S IN 24 HOURS. iT'S MORE ABOUT THE CARS'S AND RACING THEN IT IS ABOURT THE ACTORS. JM



5. This movie is great just to see the cars and the chase. I won't even compair this movie to the original because there is no compairison.

5 comments about A Room with a View (Two-Disc Special Edition).

1. The blu-ray edition is just beautifully done. It was wonderful to see the critically acclaimed movie again after so many years. If you're a Merchant Ivory's fan then you must own this blu-ray edition.



2. This is an enjoyable love story set in Italy and England. The cast is wonderful and Daniel Day Lewis, as usual, is amazing. For those who do not care for period pieces, look for the irony and subtle humor. It is very entertaining. For those who are sensitive to such things, there is an extended scene with full frontal male nudity. As men enter the pond, it can be easily skipped over and could have been shot more discretely with the same effect.
   
   My wife and I enjoyed the film a great deal. I felt it was better than the PBS version of the same story.



3. A Room with a View was only Bonham-Carter's second film, made when she was nineteen. To watch her in it, one would imagine her to be a much more experienced actress. Her performance strikes just the right balance of humor and drama and combined with clever dialogue, a dramatic, passionate plot, gorgeous scenery, and a Puccini-driven score, makes for an award-worthy film.
   
   Don't think for a minute that this is some staid, English period piece. A Room with a View is a rolicking journey through Italy, London, and the English countryside, in the company of several fine performers: Maggie Smith, Denholm Elliot, Judi Dench, and Daniel Day-Lewis. Julian Sands turns in a charming performance as a secret suitor to Bonham-Carter's Lucy Honeychurch.
   
   The only caution I can make is the male nudity in the film's bathing scene. While it does add to the humor of the picture, I feel the full frontal nudity went too far. Did we really need to see three sets of family jewels dangling out in the open air? Leave a little to the imagination, but don't leave this one on the shelf.



4. There is so much to like about about the Merchant-Ivory production of A Room With a View that I couldn't wait to see it with all the detailed glory possible from an HD-DVD. But I wanted to hear it too, and alas, with this Warner/BBC version of the disc I could not: It does not have a Dolby or even a basic 2-channel soundtrack. Just DTS HD.
   
   Amazon had nothing on the site to warn of this. A sad oversight.



5. this is a great movie created with such a good taste, with great actors, specially Helena Bonham Carter.