2 comments about Long Way Down.

1. I think by Ewan's own comments `this trip was rushed'. Although it brings together the same crew as the much better 'Wrong way round' series the experience is lessoned by the constant need to get from John O Groats (most Northern point of mainland UK) to Cape Town within the three months allowed due to Ewan's movie commitments. The strain this puts on the group is great to watch if you enjoy `group dynamics' but a little annoying when all you really want to see is the countries and the people.
   However it does have its moments, the ruins in Libya are an amazing undiscovered wonder of the world and always the chance encounters unplanned but captured brilliantly by having those always present cameras. The series relaxes and improves as they travel further.
   There is nothing unique in what they are doing, but their openness and willingness to explore and accept what they see and learn is refreshing as a reminder to those of us who have travelled in a similar way.
   All in all worth buying and enjoyable, but the first series Wrong Way Round still ranks as one of the best motorcycle odyssey shows out there. Buy that as well then cancel a whole weekend because you'll not want to stop watching them. I hope they release some extras with this DVD not broadcast by the BBC here in the UK.



2. Let me get past comparisons with the first program LongWay Round. This was shorter, but with better production values, warmer, more family, more people in the visited countries.
   
   The second and third in the series of five shows were interesting for a number of reasons. 1. They displayed how hard it is to travel in Africa because of the dicey politics. 2. Weather can be really terrible and exhausting for bikers. 3. The inclusion of Ewan's wife Ev in the planning and preparation was a model of how to be inclusive, without prejudice even though the threat of more than one personal storm was always on the horizon. The second and third shows were rough because of the rushed feeling, the complaining, and strange video editing. They could have spent more film time at the Moto Guzzi plant and little was said or done about the historical things in Europe and Italy specifically.
   
   Aside from that, when they had the time to do a little tourism or take shots of the background, it was great. The fourth, fifth, and sixth shows were more relaxed and more fun. The people they met, the places they visited, the roads, all made for a much nicer trip than LongWay Round. Ev's riding, even though it made Charlie feel like a fifth wheel, was a great promo for motorcycling in general. Girls, it's time to ride with your guys!

5 comments about The World's Fastest Indian [HD DVD].

1. What a delightful movie! Recommended to me by a friend who had also enjoyed "Cars", this movie handled a number of points well. Clearly, it is a story about motors and engines and going just as fast as you can, but it also treated with sensitivity the private life of a man dealing with a dream he had had for years. Sex? Not much. Guns? None. Friendship? You bet. People helping people? Sure enough. I have watched this movie a number of times. I recommend it to you.



2. Save your time - just buy the movie. You will not be disappointed.
   
   This is the only movie I have ever had a desire to see more than once.
   
   I wish I could have known Burt.
   
   Hopkins is absolutely brilliant here.
   
   If you have ever had to work long and hard to achieve something, you will identify with Burt.



3. One of the best movies I have ever seen; a classic for all ages. One does not have to be involved with motorcycles to appreciate the life lessions taught. Funny and heart warming.



4. I had the pleasure of seeing the movie again recently and was reminded of just how wonderful a film this is. One of the best I have seen for a quite a while.
   
   Anthony Hopkins gives a compelling performance as a motorcycle enthusiast from New Zealand who comes to the USA for a land speed tournament on the Bonneville Salt Flats. His bike is cobbled together from parts including the hinge from a kitchen door. An old Indian motorcycle with a previous top speed of 54 MPH and he is trying to get a land speed record of over 200 MPH, thus the movie title "The World's Fastest Indian".
   
   The movie is so well done that you are quickly drawn into the story and the character. His portrayal of Burt Monro is depicted with such sincerity that you find yourself cheering along with the film and have a smile on your face throughout. It is rare to see a film where you feel you are personal friends with the lead character after the movie ends.
   
   I recommend this highly. No matter what your interest level in motorcycles, you will enjoy this unforgettable film and have a wonderful experience along the way.



5. The movie is great but I was disappointed to find that the only sub titles were in Spanish

5 comments about Easy Rider (35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition).

1. What a great movie! Easy Rider brought back some good memories of days gone by. I first saw this with my dad at a drive in theater.Easy Rider



2. I saw this when it first came out, and was blown away.
   
   But hey, that was the 60s, so maybe I was just reacting to the times.
   
   But no.
   
   Twenty years later I was asked to teach a course called "The Journey of Life" and use it as one of the pieces.
   
   I was afraid it would not hold up.
   
   I am glad to say I was wrong.
   
   It held up splendidly.
   
   It is one of those films that transcends itself. Despite the shoestring budget and no-name actors (Hopper and Fonda and Nicholson were practically unknown), it pole-vaults into the category of National Myth.
   
   It instantly harks back to one of the elemental themes in America: Seeking Freedom by Hitting the Open Road.
   
   This goes way back--past Kerouac, past Whitman, past Huck and Jim lighting out for the territories, past Ishmael and Queequeg, past Leatherstocking and Chingachkook, past even Hester Prynne and Pearl.
   
   Amazing how this archetype resonates.
   
   The simplicity, the scenery, the topical references (like the parade in the small town; the hippie commune), the strange drug-spirituality in New Orleans, the violence.
   
   Great stuff.



3. Still one of the best "buddy"/"anti-establishment" movies of all time. This review is not going to cover anything that hasn't already been covered. In short, AMAZING, EXCELLENT, OUTSTANDING!!!



4. This is certainly the best independent film ever made and is also one of the best films ever. This film succeeds in documenting the 60s counter-culture a.k.a. hippy generation very well and explores even deeper issues in addressing questions such as what is freedom and does it really exist in the "land of the free and the home of the brave?" Fonda and Hopper play a couple of bikers who ironically in trying to live a free life become hated by the mainstream who fear what this freedom represents. This eventually results in their persecution and destruction. I really enjoyed all the symbolism that inundates throughout the film from the insertion of the money into the gas tank painted with the Stars and Stripes symbolising how drug money obtained from drug pushing is effectively screwing the nation for example to the murderous scenes at the end symbolising the hypocrisy of a nation that espouses freedom that kills the very citizens that strive to practice it in its purest form.
   
   Jack Nicholson is excellent here as the drunken lawyer who is sympathetic to the bikers at the ultimate personal cost although the entire cast I thought was very good. This film also must contain what must be one of the best ever movie soundtracks which has been very well remastered into Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound quality. The only unfortunate thing about this dvd version though is the poor picture quality which is full of imperfections such as white spots throughout. Here's hoping the future Blu-ray release will address this issue.
   
   Otherwise, this is an excellent film that attempts to hide nothing and to fully show life in a certain period of the 60s warts and all. No film buff's dvd library should be without this title but wait for a properly restored version perhaps on Blu-ray to surface and give this version a miss.
   
   Inspired film-making that rewards repeated viewing.



5. I love the bikes in the movie. The special feature w/ the interviews of the actors was really interesting.

No comments about The Mouse and the Motorcycle plus Bonus Story (Scholastic Storybook Treasures).

1 comments about The Lost Boys.

1. A true cult classic. Although the second go round fell a bit flat, the original is both captivating, sensual & frighteningly evil. As for the cast: PERFECTION.

5 comments about Akira (Geneon Signature Series).

1. When I first saw this in the early '90s, I thought, "What a load of over-rated technotrash." I thought the underlying plot about a government conspiracy of psychics, a dystopian future, and some kid getting messed up on pills before turning into a giant tentacle machine was retarded.
   
   And I was right. I rented the movie again, about a decade later, wondering if perspective would change my mind. Nope. It's still a bad film. Sure, it's pretty and all, what with the awesome motorcycle and... Uh... Damn, that and the giant psychoturd at the end are really the only two visuals to come out of the film, aren't they?
   
   Man, this thing's horrible. Just don't even bother with this hot mess. Instead, here are some useful things you could do with your money: go buy some Uniball 207 medium point gel pens and draw your own hentai; pick up the first two volumes of "100 Bullets" and get hooked; "Sea Monsters" for the Wii; light some cigars with some Lincolns.
   
   One star. But only because I can't give it fewer.



2. In the years since Akira was first unleashed, a lot has changed in anime - and movies in general, animated or not. Animation has become more sophisticated, voice acting has gotten much better and I think Akira is a big reason why (along with the likes of Ghost In The Shell and Armitage III).
   
   I picked this up a couple years ago, and was mostly happy with my purchase. It sill looks as good as I remember, and the option to translate some of the grafitti and signs is nice for gaijin like me. However, I'm not as fond of the new English dub. While I don't remember the original dialogue line for line, this isn't the same. Some of the voices sound *off* and I'm pretty sure some of the dialogue was changed.
   
   I consider myself a fan of anime, not a fanatic. I'm not familiar hundreds of titles, I don't know everyone's name and I don't worship everything that comes out of Japan. I guess that's part of why I prefer dubs over subs. Even with the best translations, you don't get the full meaning unless you're familiar with the original language, in which case you don't need to be using the subtitles anyway. With the right voice actors and the proper way of translation and localizing the dialogue (and other things, if needed), you can convey the exact same thing, even if it's not a 100% accurate, word for word translation. Subtitles can't do much beyond tell you what the person is saying; they can't tell you how they're saying it, what they're stressing, stuff like that. Some things don't translate very well, and changing them to something that makes sense in the subtitles doesn't always work; you need something more, which English voice acting has a much better chance of doing.
   
   But that's just a matter of personal opinion. The English dub is the only thing I find flawed with this release. Of course, the movie itself has issues of its own - namely the rushed feeling that the end that seems as though the Akira Committee started to run out of steam. Some may point out that this doesn't tell the whole story that the manga version does or remain faithful to every detail in it, but that shouldn't stop you from seeing this movie.
   
   20 years later, Akira is still a must see if you're into anime that's not of the non-sensical sort. And even if you're not into anime, it should still be worth a watch or two. Just go into this with an open mind and be prepared to see or hear something new each time.
   
   Sure, it may not be the best anime ever, but it's still up there as one of the best around. Top 10 material, even.



3. An amazing trend setting Animated film; intense, believable characters, deep story line, incredible animation, sound, and music. A pivotal, groundbreaking work that has inspired animators and film makers since.



4. Akira in many ways put Anime on the map, at least in the US, but is deserves to be recognized as more than a gateway film into the world of Anime. It is the classic post-apocalyptic setting, a story about what happens when science and teenage hormones run amuck. The film tells the story of a teenage motorcycle gang, and their troubled, latent psychic and second in command Tetsuo. It is an examination of diverse psychology, The Will To Power, corruption in various forms, and ultimately, sacrifice. The artistry of the animation is still amazing almost twenty years later, and the story is just as compelling now as it was then.



5. It really is unbelievable just how many animes derived and used something from this movie. Obvious origins can be compared to Dragon Ball and Elfen Lied, but so many ideas were first featured in this film that later translated into full-length anime series. Aside from setting the groundwork for future animes, this film was also one of the greatest, if not the greatest, anime film ever made (though my favorite is still Spirited Away).
   The best aspect of this film, in my opinion, is the character development of Kaneda and Tetsuo, best friends in the film. While Kaneda evolves into a more empathatic person, Tetsuo makes the most dramatic changes, from a jealous and weak individual, to an insane, angry, blood thirsty villian, to a frightened child who clearly realizes his mistakes. Tetsuo has to be my personal favorite villian from any film, purely due to how well he is developed and the absolute human, kind-natured side to him that is apparent throughout the film.
   Besides that, the movie is the orgin of anime for most anime fans, and is an absolute must-see film for anyone in my opinion, even for those who don't usually like anime. I mean, who doesn't like an awesome story line, great character developemnt, big explosions with high intensity sequences, and a great ending in my opinion. One of the greatest anime films ever made, and the film that really started it all for anime's popularity.

5 comments about Biker Boyz (Full Screen Edition).

1. Lots of nice bikes but this movie was way to serious and emotional to have a name like "biker boys"... ..You should probably rent it before u buy it and if ur lookin for a real action packed biker movie get "torque" instead..O, and the special features were as dull as the movie



2. I think the movie is great. It is one of my favorites. I have watched it twice since i got it. It is just one of those movies that you could watch over and over again and get excited everytime. It inspires you to want to have a motorcycle even if you are not going to ride it. (like me)



3. 3 1/2 stars
   
   it was ok\good for me I like the bike riding, the little action and it was fun good to enjoy it one of those now and then movies to enjoy.....



4. I enjoyed this movie very much! An interesting story line and positive images of people of color.
   Makes me love Laurence Fishburne even more!



5. I'm not a biker nor do I know anything about bikes but I will say that I enjoyed Biker Boyz. Biker Boyz is a little decent film that isn't half bad consdering how quickly it was made.The film which was shot under the direction of Reggie Blythewood in 45 days. The script could have used a bit more work but the performances of Fisburne and Luke really highlight the film. The film has some nice bike stunts and features other good actors such as Megan Good, Larenz Tate and Orlando Jones. Throw in cameos by Tearrance Howard and Eria LaSalle and you have a good way to waste a Saturday afternoon.

5 comments about Akira.

1. When I first saw this in the early '90s, I thought, "What a load of over-rated technotrash." I thought the underlying plot about a government conspiracy of psychics, a dystopian future, and some kid getting messed up on pills before turning into a giant tentacle machine was retarded.
   
   And I was right. I rented the movie again, about a decade later, wondering if perspective would change my mind. Nope. It's still a bad film. Sure, it's pretty and all, what with the awesome motorcycle and... Uh... Damn, that and the giant psychoturd at the end are really the only two visuals to come out of the film, aren't they?
   
   Man, this thing's horrible. Just don't even bother with this hot mess. Instead, here are some useful things you could do with your money: go buy some Uniball 207 medium point gel pens and draw your own hentai; pick up the first two volumes of "100 Bullets" and get hooked; "Sea Monsters" for the Wii; light some cigars with some Lincolns.
   
   One star. But only because I can't give it fewer.



2. In the years since Akira was first unleashed, a lot has changed in anime - and movies in general, animated or not. Animation has become more sophisticated, voice acting has gotten much better and I think Akira is a big reason why (along with the likes of Ghost In The Shell and Armitage III).
   
   I picked this up a couple years ago, and was mostly happy with my purchase. It sill looks as good as I remember, and the option to translate some of the grafitti and signs is nice for gaijin like me. However, I'm not as fond of the new English dub. While I don't remember the original dialogue line for line, this isn't the same. Some of the voices sound *off* and I'm pretty sure some of the dialogue was changed.
   
   I consider myself a fan of anime, not a fanatic. I'm not familiar hundreds of titles, I don't know everyone's name and I don't worship everything that comes out of Japan. I guess that's part of why I prefer dubs over subs. Even with the best translations, you don't get the full meaning unless you're familiar with the original language, in which case you don't need to be using the subtitles anyway. With the right voice actors and the proper way of translation and localizing the dialogue (and other things, if needed), you can convey the exact same thing, even if it's not a 100% accurate, word for word translation. Subtitles can't do much beyond tell you what the person is saying; they can't tell you how they're saying it, what they're stressing, stuff like that. Some things don't translate very well, and changing them to something that makes sense in the subtitles doesn't always work; you need something more, which English voice acting has a much better chance of doing.
   
   But that's just a matter of personal opinion. The English dub is the only thing I find flawed with this release. Of course, the movie itself has issues of its own - namely the rushed feeling that the end that seems as though the Akira Committee started to run out of steam. Some may point out that this doesn't tell the whole story that the manga version does or remain faithful to every detail in it, but that shouldn't stop you from seeing this movie.
   
   20 years later, Akira is still a must see if you're into anime that's not of the non-sensical sort. And even if you're not into anime, it should still be worth a watch or two. Just go into this with an open mind and be prepared to see or hear something new each time.
   
   Sure, it may not be the best anime ever, but it's still up there as one of the best around. Top 10 material, even.



3. An amazing trend setting Animated film; intense, believable characters, deep story line, incredible animation, sound, and music. A pivotal, groundbreaking work that has inspired animators and film makers since.



4. Akira in many ways put Anime on the map, at least in the US, but is deserves to be recognized as more than a gateway film into the world of Anime. It is the classic post-apocalyptic setting, a story about what happens when science and teenage hormones run amuck. The film tells the story of a teenage motorcycle gang, and their troubled, latent psychic and second in command Tetsuo. It is an examination of diverse psychology, The Will To Power, corruption in various forms, and ultimately, sacrifice. The artistry of the animation is still amazing almost twenty years later, and the story is just as compelling now as it was then.



5. It really is unbelievable just how many animes derived and used something from this movie. Obvious origins can be compared to Dragon Ball and Elfen Lied, but so many ideas were first featured in this film that later translated into full-length anime series. Aside from setting the groundwork for future animes, this film was also one of the greatest, if not the greatest, anime film ever made (though my favorite is still Spirited Away).
   The best aspect of this film, in my opinion, is the character development of Kaneda and Tetsuo, best friends in the film. While Kaneda evolves into a more empathatic person, Tetsuo makes the most dramatic changes, from a jealous and weak individual, to an insane, angry, blood thirsty villian, to a frightened child who clearly realizes his mistakes. Tetsuo has to be my personal favorite villian from any film, purely due to how well he is developed and the absolute human, kind-natured side to him that is apparent throughout the film.
   Besides that, the movie is the orgin of anime for most anime fans, and is an absolute must-see film for anyone in my opinion, even for those who don't usually like anime. I mean, who doesn't like an awesome story line, great character developemnt, big explosions with high intensity sequences, and a great ending in my opinion. One of the greatest anime films ever made, and the film that really started it all for anime's popularity.

5 comments about In Search of History - Hell's Angels (History Channel).

1. Informative, But overpriced and not in- depth and complete according to other accounts. If you want to know about the HA, I would suggest reading Sonny Barger's book "Hells Angels".



2. The best part of this DVD is Sonny Barger telling the clubs history from his point of view. Had the whole DVD been based on Sonny and his version of history and then it would have been worth it.
   
   The rest of it is middle class reportage of a rehash of what Hunter Thompson wrote and Yves Lavigne re-reported in their books.
   
   The vintage photos seem to have been lifted from said books.
   
   The videos of Altamont, restaurant and street scenes were interesting though.



3. This was a pretty good overview of the club, but of course only scratches the surfaces of the worlds most powerful outlaw biker gang. More footage of the gang in action in Nevada would of been nice as they stood thier ground and went toe to toe with the Mongols.



4. Great documentary. Great story of the Hell's Angels. Complete and good item for anybody like the story about this motorcycle club. A+A+A+A+A+.



5. I saw this documentary on TV, and have two criticisms.
   First, the growth and transformation of the Hells Angels from a local motorcycle club to a multi-national organization that spans at least five continents (North America, Europe, (South) Africa, South America and Australia) has an interesting history.
   This growth was caused in large part by interest in the group overseas sparked by lwo budget films such as "Wild Angels" and the whole slew of drive-in quality "biker flicks" that lasted from the mid-60s to the mid-70s. (Members of the Hells Angels appeared, usually as extras, in several of these including "Wild Angels," "Hells Angels on Wheels," and "Hells Angels '69."
   It was an odd merging of myth, movies and reality with an increase in one giving a boost to the other two aspects of the group.
   Second, as someone who collects these (odd) films, I was astonished to see how much of the footage shown in this documentary came from various drive-in biker films.
   Again we have the odd melding of myth, movie and reality merging in this documentary.
   Much of the other footage, including interviews, came from the documentary "Hells Angels Forever," a film that was produced by the Angels themselves as a public relations effort.
   Therefore I felt this documentary gave about half the story and tried to exaggerate what it had in the way of information.
   Still, it was interesting. I enjoyed it, but I think people who really enjoyed it might enjoy digging deeper as most of the footage came from sources that are already available to the public.

5 comments about Streets of Fire [HD DVD].

1. What I like about this movie is the music, The blasters realy know how to rock.
   Sorcerer was originaly written by Stevie Nicks and then she and sheril crowe remade it for stevie' lattest project.
   I love this movie! my now adult kids love this movie.
   Between the six of us we own three movies and four soundtracks!
   The era of the 50s and the modern music with a suttle hint of mainstreem video technology realy grabed me.
   If you like fairy tales this Rock and Roll Fable is a must see!!



2. The DVD has a good visual and sond Quality. The movie is great, as always...



3. This is one of those cheesy little movies that todays audience just wouldnt get. Of course, Diane Lane is just too hot for words, even today, but look at the other actors in this movie who went on to much bigger thnigs (Willem Dafoe, Michael Pare, and Rick Moranis were all great in this movie). And then theres a lesser known actor named Stoney Jackson, who never made it as big as he should have. Look for others in the background that you may recognize.
   
   The music is the star of this movie! If you arent moving from the first tune, you just dont know how to appreciate music. Jim Steinman is a master composer and it shines through on this soundtrack.
   
   Say what you will about it, but I love this movie and watch it over and over now that I have it on DVD. Its just what it says it is at the beginning...A Rock N Roll Fable...



4. The movie I Bought was delivered fast and came in perfect condition. Excellent choice buy in Amazon. THANKS!!



5. Awesome movie.
   Ahead of it's time.
   They should make a remake!