4 comments about The Dame Edna Experience - The Christmas Specials.

1. What could be more wonderful for Dame Edna fans than this dvd that includes two Dame Edna Christmas specials ("Dame Edna's Christmas Experience" and "A Night on Mount Edna"). The first of the two specials includes such stars as Roger Moore and the second features Mel Gibson and Gina Lolabridigda. But it is the Dame herself, Australia's megastar housewife that will drawn you in. With her wicked one liners and quick wit, Dame Edna will have you laughing in no time. Also included on this dvd is "One More Audience With Dame Edna", which features Dame Edna taking questions from an audience that has Ringo Starr, Jeffery Archer and Dame Judi Dench. Finally, Dame Edna's address to the Commonwealth is included from 2001. As usual, Dame Edna's New Zealand bridesmaid, Madge, is along for the ride as well. If you are a Dame Edna fan, this dvd is a MUST for your collection. If you haven't heard of Dame Edna or you are a fan of British comedy, do yourself a favor and buy this wonderfully funny dvd. Highly recommended!!!!



2. I had known of the fabulous Dame Edna, of course---who could not? It would be like not knowing about Coca-Cola, or sunshine, or death---but had never experienced one of her shows for myself. What a fool I was! And I now must consider myself a complete convert to her mix of semi-surreal autobiography, narcissism, and celebrity worship. Where else would one see Charlton Heston, dressed in a pink apron, dump a potful of cheese fondue on Julio Iglesias' lap, while Gina Lolabrigida looked one in fastidious dismay? Where else would one hear remarks like "Darling! You look marvelous! It must be the lighting!" or "You have a home in Ibiza, do you? I remember when that was fashionable..."
   
   This CD was a wonderful gift to find under the Christmas tree. While skewering the very British institutions of talk shows and celebrity love-fest interviews, the humor goes far, far beyond the topical and cultural insular--this woman is universal! A force of nature! A goddess! My instinct is to drop everything, buy a ticket to New York City, and beg, borrow, or bribe my way into one of her live performances.



3. What a riot! I forgot her/him for a long time but this dvd brought back memories. Very funny with goot prat falls and sight gags, I like the little things you have to pay attention to to catch. I like to be entertained but I also like to have my brain teased, good stuff.



4. Edna makes every day seem like Christmas! Every time she opens her mouth, you recieve a verbal present. I love her!!!

5 comments about Bob the Builder - Holiday Video 2003 - A Christmas to Remember.

1. My three-year-old son has loved this movie more than any other Bob the Builder video for more than a year. He cannot take his eyes off of it-and it's a fairly long show. Luckily, it's entertaining enough for the whole family to watch with interest. We highly recommend this for Bob enthusiasts and first-timers.



2. My 5 year old watches this tape over and over. He especially likes Elton John's song. When it comes on the radio, he says that's the "Bob the builder christmas song".



3. My son has about 20 Christmas DVDs and this is one of our favorites!
   
   This heartwarming story has Bob's twin brother, Tom, trying to make it home for Christmas--clear from the the Arctic Circle! Will he make it in time?
   
   A Christmas to Remember has a heartwarming--and well crafted--plot, and features a guest appearance by Elton John!
   
   I admit--I tear up when I see the baby videos showing Tom and Bob playing as kids...as well as Bob's disappointment when he hears that Tom missed his boat. It's a very heartwarming tale with some very funny moments!
   
   Of course, Wendy, Spud, and the rest of the can-do crew make appearances in this story--as do "Lennie and the Lazers"!
   
   At around 50 minutes, this engaging DVD will delight fans of Bob the Builder, as well as small children. And, it's a DVD that a parent can sit through comfortably without being bored to death or driven insane by mindless drivel or grating singing--which is a great plus!



4. We love Bob but this one isn't his best... Has Elton John in it which is kind of strange but whatever... Kind of boring and hard storyline for a 2 year old to follow, but in the end, a nice message of the importance of family.



5. The movie is great and my age 3 son loves the movie. Perfect on a cold snowy day!

2 comments about Roman Holiday - The Centennial Collection.

1. Fairy tales don't really happen in our world -- especially not the kind that actually involve princesses.
   
   But you wouldn't know that from "Roman Holiday," one of Audrey Hepburn's earliest ever movie roles -- as well as her breakout one. This adorable romantic comedy balances itself nicely between a sweet little romance, a lighthearted romance and the bittersweet, overhanging specter of royal duty.
   
   Bored young Princess Ann (Hepburn) goes on a "Roman Holiday," when she gets upset, is sedated by a doctor, and has an odd reaction to it. Soon she has wandered out of the palace and into the streets of Rome, where she is found by struggling American journalist Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck). Since she appears to be drunk, he takes her home.
   
   When Joe realizes that he has the missing princess in his apartment, he takes her on a whirlwind tour of Rome, with his pal taking photographs for a full article about her. But he doesn't count on falling in love with Ann, or having her truly fall for him. And Ann has a tough choice to make -- should she give up her royal life and stay with Joe, or fulfil her responsibilities as a princess?
   
   "Roman Holiday" is one of those rare movies that sounds incredibly trite and Hollywoodish when you just hear what it's about, because it's been done so many times before. Surprise -- instead we get a movie that is mostly a cute, innocent little romance, but with an inevitable choice that looms over Anne throughout her fun.
   
   But it's a fun ride while it lasts, with Anne and Joe careening through Rome on a scooter, dancing by the river, and getting her hair cut. This doesn't sound very funny, but William Wyler plays it with plenty of little jokes, including Joe's scandalized landlady raving at poor Anne in Italian, assuming that she's a one-night stand. And near the end he twists the storyline into a bittersweet examination of duty vs. love, with Anne forced to consider which way her life will go.
   
   And there's one joke that Peck played on Hepburn in reality -- the infamous "Mouth of Truth" scene. There's a reason Hepburn shrieked so convincingly: she had really been tricked.
   
   Hepburn and Gregory Peck are thoroughly solid as love interests -- Peck is breezy and likable as the jaded American journalist who is seizing an opportunity. And Hepburn showed off her range here -- she can be funny and quirky (including a hilarious "drunk" scene), then switch over into a doe-eyed sadness that breaks the heart.
   
   The Centennial Edition of this movie comes with an extra disk of assorted featurettes -- aside from the usual gallery and trailers, we have a half-hour special on Hepburn's Paramount years, and another twelve minutes commemorating her in general. Also has some stuff on the filming, the costumes, 1950s Paramount, and about restoring the film to primo glory.
   
   "Roman Holiday" is a modern-day fairy tale that never sacrifices integrity for cheap gooey romance. A truly magical, bittersweet little movie.



2. A princess (Audery Hepburn) is petty much a prisoner of her position; she is on a European tour. While in Rome she has an opportunity to escape her overseers and join the local festivities. A freelance reporter (Gregory Peck) accidentally spots her hand knows who she is. Out for an exclusive interview he pretends to be a businessman and befriends her. Together they see the real Roam accompanied by his incognito photographer pal (Eddie Albert.)
   
   Does the reported get his exclusive and a ticket back to the states?
   Or do they setup house?
   Will the princess ever get caught?
   
   Everyone has fun and you will too.

1 comments about Tom and Jerry: Paws For a Holiday.

1. My grandchildren cannot get enough of Tom and Jerry and this one they took home to watch more. Great little DVD. There is nothing like "Silly" cartoons for kids rather than some of the newer cartoons which they can call "scary" especially if they are tired.

3 comments about National Geographic - Animal Holiday.

1. The DVD is a must have for cheery, young animal enthusiasts. This DVD brings the best of the Arctic Kingdom right into your living room. Watch as sea otters seem to scramble along the top of water, or polar bear young slide into their igloos for safety, or experience the awe of seeing real reindeer along with their furry antlers! Not only is the DVD great, but the Bonus Features are fantastic! I should know, I designed them!! There is a "Guess Who?" game with a zoomed image of an animal, and the child must choose the correct answer from an assorted list of other animals. The "Sound off!" game allows your child to learn what noises are assosciated with each arctic animal. The "Interactive Quiz" is a narrated quiz which asks some multiple choice, but mostly True/False questions for you child to ponder and hopefully learn from. All the quizzes reinforce learning and never make a child feel bad for answering incorrectly.
   
   This could arguably be the best children's animal DVD of all time!



2. My 5 year old twin daughters LOVE this movie! We have the VHS version, so no bonus features or anything. It is April, and they still want to watch this movie. They have learned so much about animals I had never even heard of! At their age, they are like sponges. They remember everything! It is kind of cute because "Santa" tells about the animals. The footage is incredible, and the information is just right for elementary age children (and adults!) It is only 30 mins. long, which I love.



3. My toddler loves this DVD. Educational and fun, she learns about the arctic and its animals. The music between segments is upbeat and inspires dancing around the living room. How many not yet three year olds know what narwhals are and where they live? No gory moments. Just great information and very age appropriate.

5 comments about Christmas In The Clouds.

1. I really like this movie. So different from the hollywood junk released at Christmas. Very real and wonderful native american actors.



2. My family and friends liked it. It was ok, not great. Thought it would have been more funny. Some of the funny parts were dull because of the characters. Anyway, it's one of the better Christmas movies out there.



3. I've been looking for this product for a couple of years and able to find it on Amazon. I received the product right away and did not have any problems.



4. This is an all-around charming holiday movie with a great cast and wonderful soundtrack.
   
   The plot is not new, but the characters are interesting and make it fun to watch. All actors seem to enjoy their roles and there is good chemistry between them.
   
   Overall a movie that makes me feel good every time I watch it.
   
   Extra-points for Wes Studi's cameo appearance and Graham Greene as The Chef!
   
   ETA:
   Does anyone know if the music is available somewhere? I'm particularly looking for the "Warrior" song and the Indian version of "Silent Night".



5. Who would have thought that Graham Greene could be that funny? (well, it was quite evident in Maverick with Mel Gibson or as Mr. Crabby Tree.)
   But I really like this idea of Native people owning a resort like this.
   This movie is just a feel good family movie as well as a romantic affair.

5 comments about A Perfect Day.

1. I cannot improve on the title of this movie. I saw it on one of the networks about a year ago and taped it. Am thrilled it is going to be released on dvd. Bear with me if I don't remember all the names. Rob Lowe's character has just been fired from his job. He and his wife have a daughter about age six or seven. Money is tight and Lowe's character decides to finish a book he started entitled "A perfect day." He finishes the book, gets tons of rejection slips then an agent contacts him and wants to market his book. The book soars in popularity. Lowe's character is traveling the country, misses all his daughter's Christmas plays, misses his aunt's funeral, etc. Weaved into the story toward the end is an older gentlemen who predicts "Rob's death." I don't want to give away the story or the ending. The movie is appropriate for all ages - little ones would probably not understand it. Good discussion movie. What is more important - money or family? How much money do you really need? And what is a perfect day. The story takes place around Thanksgiving and Christmas but is appropriate for anytime. I give 5 stars for not only the acting but the great story.



2. for being a made for tv movie (TNT) it think this movie is really good. has a great story, great message, great cast...
   
   great addition for any holiday movie collection.



3. A perfect Day is one of those films that are great for a cool winter evening. Cuddle up on the couch with your family and enjoy the heart warming journey to success and back to valuing what is really important. Rob Lowe, Christopher Lloyd and a well chosen cast bring the Richard Paul Evans novel to life.
   
   It's not a Hallmark production, but it is packed with good solid storytelling and performances. Love never goes out of style.
   
   Tim Lasiuta



4. I liked this movie. It is a good family movie. It doesn't go by the book all the way through but I have given up on hollywood ever going by the book! The acting is good, and the story is good. The book gives soooo many more details that make the story make sense. Read the book first, then watch the movie.
   
   A man's dream of a national best seller and his dream comes true. What he does with that sucess is not so good.



5. A good movie that shows you what is important in life.Watch this when you need to feel good about life.

5 comments about Care Bears: The Nutcracker.

1. While not the best care bears show it was funny. I also liked how they were trying hard to appeal to boys as well.



2. I read the other reviews below and have to disagree. I quite enjoyed this episode. It isn't really a movie but a hour long episode of the show. the care bears mainly featured are: Tenderheart, Funshine bear, Grumpy bear, and for you hugs and tugs fan out there Hugs and Tugs. Basicly the story is about (who else) the nutcracker who just happens upon the carebears while they are on a caring mission. That caring mission then turns into a huge adventure when the carebears and the nutcracker try to save toyland from a evil vizier. the side story involves hugs and tugs and a young boy trying to find the perfect christmas deceration for the carebears christmas tree. I thought this episode was really well written and is well worth the money. esp. for those of you who like hugs and tugs and can't find many episodes of the show with them featured in them. by the way, for those of you worried about your kids being scared by the vizier, don't worry, he isn't that scary. basicly this episode of the carebears is just what it says on the box, "A Heartwarming Treat for the Whole Family" (or at least for your kids if you don't like carebears). the only thing is is that while it is the christmas episode, christmas dosen't figure into it quite as much as you might think. The elements are there but it isn't as important as it is in other show around the holidays. I personally Recommend This Episode of the carebears to carebears fans of all ages.



3. For people of all ages, this cartoon is a wonderful show. I remember watching as a child and even now as an adult I still enjoy watching it. It is one of the great movies that I will be passing down to my children.



4. My son enjoys this movie and he tends not to be scared of the bad guys. Since buying this movie I have only watched it 50 times and still I can sit through it.



5. This has nothing to do with Nutcracker. Some parts were similar to Lord of the Rings (mice slave toys and burn the Toyland) and others similar to Raiders of the Lost Ark. My 6-year old daughter said: "I have never been so scared in my life." Definitely not suitable for young children.

5 comments about Happy Holidays With Bing & Frank.

1. I am sitting here in the living room next to the Christmas tree and with my family watching this video (we just hit repeat, so this is the second time around). It is wonderful. My six year old loves it (we've made him a big Frank fan over the years). It makes me yearn for these simpler times and evokes a wonderful warmth of the holidays. If you like Frank and/or Bing you need this video. I haven't seen the extras so I can't comment on those...just the half hour show is worth $10.



2. This was an entertaining dvd. I especially liked the period decor and the interaction between Frank and Bing. These guys were icons in their time, and they sang excellent together.



3. the film type was older and not as enjoyable. it was just the 2 of them enjoying an evening, it was a very short dvd,Shipped as promised.



4. I was looking for old Christmas specials, and I ordered this, not really knowing what I would get. What a wonderful surprise! My children absolutely adored this special, which features Bing Crosby as a dinner guest being entertained by Frank Sinatra. There's a bit of a time travel sequence back to Merry Old England as well. This made for a delightful veiwing one evening over the holidays.



5. What can I say...a short 30 minute show (then there is another bonus feature on the disk which adds more to the viewing minutes). Great music, very easy listening. I enjoyed this DVD, I think you would too!

5 comments about Midnight Clear.

1. Seeing that Midnight Clear had won awards for many independent film contests, I gave in and am glad I did. The film was brought to life through the amazing editing and directing of the movie along with the ability to correlate such a great acting staff. The ability to bring raw human feeling out the way Midnight Clear does makes it a film that is not merely a "feel-good" story to entertain, but one that shows the goodness in people underneath life's pains.



2. "Midnight Clear" was directed by Dallas Jenkins, son of Jerry B Jenkins, who also produced and wrote the story the film is based on. I'm not a fan of Jenkins Sr and expected a rather preachy Christian film. I was wrong, almost.
   
   Stephen Baldwin gives a suprisingly good performance as divorced, unemployed and homless Lefty, and K Callan is even better as the lonely widow Eve. The rest of the cast is a mixed bunch. The story is about loneliness and kindness and some scenes are very good, others weaker. The ending, while optimistic, is especially weak. It didn't feel true to the rest of the movie and this keeps me from giving it a higher rating. Not all problems are solved by going to church.
   
   Overall, this is a pretty good movie, certainly much better than I expected. It's a rare example of a Christian themed movie that is not preachy and can be enjoyed by both Christian and non-Christians.



3. I know that people will think that this is some religious movie pushing an agenda. It is definately NOT. Stephen Baldwin would have been nominated for an Oscar if this movie was perceived to be anything other than a "Born Again Christian" movie. That's too bad. It is anything but. It is a bleak, yet inspirational film about the end of hope, yet at the same time shows the beginning of hope, all without any "agenda" of any kind. Mr. Baldwin truly does give the performance of his career. Oh, and I am NOT a religious person. Please, rent it. And don't be ashamed to do so for fear of being labeled.



4. Great acting. You must stay with it all the way to the end.
   It is slow but please to do not hit the stop button, I guarantee
   you will enjoy this wonderful movie. PG-13



5. "Midnight Clear" is a first feature by director Dallas Jenkins. It is an excellent piece about human relationships and personal isolation. Stephen Baldwin who was in "Fred Claus" has the lead. As the loser Lefty who has lost his family, his job & his home, he consoles himself with a bottle and thinks about ending it with a gun. Baldwin's performance is tightly controlled. It's so underplayed that it almost fails to appear. In the DVD extra, director Jenkins seems a bit star struck with an actor with as many credits as Baldwin; but it seems that Baldwin perhaps was a victim of lack of direction in the part. The rest of the supporting players are marvelous. Faline England plays Lefty's wife Heather in a couple brief cameos. Perhaps the strongest performance is by K Callan who appears to be doing her first work in 10 years in the film. Her first film was 1970's "Joe" followed by many credits including 1979's "The Onion Field." As Lefty's mother Eva, she is losing her health & her memory while her family has abandoned her. Her transformation when Lefty arrives on her doorstep is endearing. Victoria Jackson from TV's "Saturday Night Live" from 1986-1992 cameos as the meals on wheels lady who brings Eva food. Mary Thornton who was in an independent film titled "Solitude" in 2002 does an excellent job as Mary, a woman whose husband has suffered brain damage from a car accident, and who finds herself stranded at a filling station on New Year's Eve. Thornton's performance is incredibly layered as she works with grief, attempted bravery, and loneliness. Her son Jacob is played well by Dominic Scott Key who was in "Minority Report." They wind up at Mr. K's filling station played by Kirk B.R. Woller who was in Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers (Widescreen Edition) and 2003's version of "The Hulk." Playing a character named Kirk, Woller shows amazing sensitivity, loneliness and the ability to love when he helps Mary with her car on this Christmas Eve night. It's another stunning performance in the film. Mitchell Jarvis -- in the only film credit I could find for him -- plays the youth pastor Mitch who was Mary's husband's best friend and mourns his loss. Jarvis does an excellent job with the doubts that he can effectively serve God as he takes kids out for some passionless Christmas caroling. Richard Fancy who was in Shopgirl and "Being John Malcovich" plays the pastor Mark who keeps encouraging his young youth pastor. The film concludes appropriately for me as people show up in church searching for hope and finding it by being needed by others. This film won the "Best First Feature Film" award at San Jose's Cinequest Film Festival. It is well worth viewing. Enjoy!