Posted in Sci Fi DVD (Saturday, October 11, 2008)
It was directed by Morgan Beggs, Milan Cheylov, John Behring. By Paramount.
The regular list price is $39.98.
Sells new for $22.95.
There are some available for $19.99.
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5 comments about The 4400 - The Complete Fourth Season.
- i just done watching the fourth season last night and i would say it was worth watching. it's even better than the first 3 seasons i believe the the acting, especial effects were awesome. and then your telling me thats the last season shame on you who ever discontinue or cut off on the tv thats not fair for all the fans of 4400. hopefully they will make more season of it becuase its better than the heroes. expecially the story. thats all i can say. who'd you agree with me fans right!
- Will Tom beat the marked? Will Tom take the shot that his son said he would. What about promised city? Will Jordan be beaten, or will he take total control of Seattle? Sorry no hints on this ride to what could, or couldn't be. I will tell you if you want to know then get this. I can't wait for next season.
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I have to admit that I was at first a little disappointed w/ season 1 due to the fact that I have a big interest in aliens and was lead to believe that this show was alien abduction ordinated by a friend who knew that that would be the best way to get me to watch it. My disappointment did not last long though as I was very soon engrossed with the great
acting and story line. This show has a great deal of twists and turns that keep me guessing and very intrigued.
OK so what about season 4 you ask ? All I can say is that this show just keeps getting better and better every season. Very original and intelligently written. Definitely worth watching and owning on DVD I can't wait to get my hands on season 5.
- I worked hard to see this series every week, but when season 4 came to TV it seemed like I was never at home, or it was prempted so I got lost and wondered just what happened. I have all four seasons and watching them back to back--I found things that I missed and loved the commentaries. I would have liked to see four more seasons, but then I wanted four more seasons of StarTrek:Enterprise too... :o(
- The fourth season of 4400 does not dissapoint, in fact it left me gasping for more. The plot thickens, as the gulf between the ones with abilities and "normies" grows. However, the twists and turns make this an interesting ride to be on.
Unfortunately, the product itself, the discs, also had a level of uncertainty, freezing in mid frame and jumping forward leaving this consumer with more unanswered questions than I had bargained for.
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Posted in Sci Fi DVD (Saturday, October 11, 2008)
It stars Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace (II), Robert MacNaughton, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote. It was directed by Steven Spielberg. By Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
The regular list price is $19.98.
Sells new for $10.97.
There are some available for $7.00.
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5 comments about E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial (Widescreen Edition).
- E.T.
Who doesn't remember this movie when it came out, unless you were too young.
I didn't like it as a kid.
For some reason I like it better as an adult.
Sorry, I can't answer that one either.
Its fun, it's got a great story.
It's definitely Spielberg's better moments and he's had MANY.
Fun for the whole family, UUGH, I sound like my parents!!!
Stop me.......... Clean, wholesome fun for everyone, rent it!!!
- E.T. is a childhood favorite but I have to admit, E.T. scared me a bit. That little alien was kinda freaky to look at, but watching it now he's so cute and precious, what was I so afraid of? Henry Thomas should've been a bigger star after this movie, such a talented actor. Drew Barrymore is pure genius in this, she steals every scene. This film isn't perfect but this movie came out the year I was born so it has special meaning for me, enjoy!
- I am pleased with the product, but I do prefer ET in it's original version.
This movie is the remake with some extra scenes which I think take away from the original film. They should have left it as it originally was: a masterpiece!
- This movie never gets old, and no matter how old I get, I still get a little misty.
- i saw the original screen version. I bought your version for my grandson. I could swear there were some parts/sequences that were
missing from your version.
Carol Norsworthy
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Posted in Sci Fi DVD (Saturday, October 11, 2008)
It stars Alastair Sim, Jack Warner, Kathleen Harrison, Mervyn Johns, Hermione Baddeley. By VCI Entertainment.
The regular list price is $19.99.
Sells new for $11.01.
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5 comments about A Christmas Carol (Ultimate Collector's Edition)(B/W & Color).
- Just a quick up-date on the DVD of 'A Christmas Carol' (Ultimate Collectors Edition) that was just released. The DVD pkg comes with both the original B&W edition, plus a 'colorized' version which is done VERY well! And as a BONUS, you also get a 1930's version that I haven't seen before starring Sir Seymour Hicks (I thought I had seen them all)! This 'extra' movie is NOT the Reginald Owens flick!. And it's really not bad for it's genre. PLUS you also have a menu of features to have a look at, including some theatrical trailers from both the British and American releases, photo shoots from the movie, scene selections, a 'history' of Renown Pictures Ltd, a bio of George Minter and Charles Dickens, and other interesting tidbits pertaining to this 1951 release. It's a MUST HAVE for your Christmas video collection! I've submitted my review of this movie earlier, so I won't go there again, but this new offering is really special! Don't pass this up!
- This remake is an excellent and inspiring dvd. while shared with the whole family, it didn't seem to quite capture the attention of our children like it captivated me. BW and Color option was nice. I watched color before Christmas and then B&W on Christmas eve and will probably do so again next year. Outstanding product!!!
- First off, I am a great fan of all Charles Dickens works but I'm particularly fond of "A Christmas Carol". I probably own just about every filmed version of this classic that one can obtain. Of all the versions,(and there are many) this one starring Alastair Sim is far and away the best I've ever seen. Sim's performance is incomparable and brilliant! So much so, that it will be difficult to watch the other films after you've seen this one. (That's saying a lot. The one starring George C. Scott was quite good.)
This release includes the magnificently restored B&W original version, a colorized version of the original, and as a bonus, an earlier B&W film version starring Seymour Hicks!(...gasp...I can hardly go on...). It also includes some other bonus material I've not seen in any edition such as the "Richard Gordon Remembers Minter and Renown Pictures". I'll not restate the all the bonus description here but I will say that while it's not a lavish production, it IS truly fascinating as well as informative.
If you are not a fan, why not buy this release and get the most for your money?
If you are a fan, it is an ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE. There is so much in this release to appreciate I can't possibly put it into this review. Unless a better edition is released, this is truly the ultimate edition.
Alright...alright...I'll say it..."God bless us, everyone..."
--May Christmas always be in your heart.
- Although there are several versions of the Christmas Carol, this one by Sim is considered to be the very best. The absence of the technology we see today didn't hamper this production. One must remember the age of this presentation in order to really appreciate it.
- Perhaps this Christmas story is the most famous non-biblical one of all, written by one of the great authors in a poignant, heart rending tale guaranteed to entice your heart to overflowing.
The movie does the story justice, the actors seem born to their roles.
I love this story, and our family finds a reason to watch this movie every year. And what a joyous feast we have after we view it.
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Posted in Sci Fi DVD (Saturday, October 11, 2008)
It stars Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, Jena Malone, Geoffrey Blake, William Fichtner. It was directed by Robert Zemeckis. By Warner Home Video.
The regular list price is $14.98.
Sells new for $6.45.
There are some available for $2.66.
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5 comments about Contact.
- I thought this was a very interesting movie and that it was made believable by the great perormance of Jodi Foster. If another actress had tried to pull this off, it might not have worked. This is not your usual "contact with extraterrestrails" movie and that makes it refreshing too. Also, we get some real science tossed in. Cosmos fans will undoubtedly recognize some of Sagan's lessons scattered here and there.
- I have always been a science buff and a science fiction fan. This movie was wonderful. I think it is not far off to what our reaction would be if we were contacted by others in the galaxy. Jodie Foster was wonderful as Ellie Arraway and the spirit of the book was carried over into the film. The film does take some liberties with characters and what occured in the book but that was only to make it fit into a 2 hour movie.
- First, the very opening of the movie is fantastic - almost worth the discounted purchase price by itself.
The special effects are really quite good.
The acting ranges from good to poor but, is generally passable.
The story development and character interactions are OK if one hasn't read the book.
However, if one has read the book there is such a distortion of both characters and their interactions and loss of sophistication and nuance as to be quite maddening.
Ah, for what might have been!
- I am shocked and disgusted that this movie has received such a high rating. Hands down, this is the worst movie that I've ever had the displeasure of sitting through.
- One of the outstanding movies of modern times, both good and bad, Contact is a production of the Carl Sagan novel of the same name.
What makes it one of the most irritating productions of all time (only Twister surpasses it), is Zemeckis' idea that the major players, James Woods, Angela Bassett, and Tom Skerritt all have to act like nannies to properly convey the script.
In one the worst performances of his career, James Woods is downright ridiculous from beginning to end. His obnoxious portrayal of a babbling and blabbering government agent about US national security interests and agendas not in line with his own has no depth and totally lacks personality. One of THE WORST scenes in the movie is when he notices a nazi swastika beginning to appear in the alien video transmission discovered by Dr. Arroway (Jodie Foster). He then motions for AK-47 armed guards to enter the room from which Dr. Arroway had asked them to leave not 5 minutes before. Does Zemeckis really expect us to believe that such stupid nonsense as AK-47-wielding personnel are going to correct, or secure a video transmission of a swastika?? The scene is revoltingly, insultingly stupid. Hollyweird at its worst.
And Angela Bassett was thinking what? A striking actress of incredible talent, Ms. Bassett looks like a fool in this film. She hardly ever communicates her official position with any more clarity and professionalism than that of a kindergarten teacher talking to a bunch of 5 year olds. Sad performance. Again, blame Zemeckis.
Tom Skerritt has some interesting things to say, especially when he acknowledges that Dr. Arroway got a raw deal throughout the discovery process, but it's wasted on his pathetic facial gestures and teenaged competitiveness. Hello? Are you there Zemeckis?
Rob Lowe's performance? If this is the actual personification of America's moral majority, then our present day inability to stop waging war, enacting capital punishment, and refusing stem cell research shouldn't be that difficult to understand. Lowe made his character's credibility look like swiss cheese, full of holes.
The only events that save this movie are the work of Jodie Foster, David Morse (Dr. Arroway's father), and John Hurt (Mr. Haddon) and how the scene with the Vegan (disguised as Arroway's father) transpires.
Morse envelopes the dying father notion with exquisite care, never acting more than he needs to, but making certain that we know how deeply he cares for his daughter and her intellect. (This is something Zemeckis communicates effectively, strangely, because he makes the religious zealots in this movie look like total morons because of their undying contempt for anything scientific). Plus, Morse's reappearance as the "Contact" is to say the least touching. The scene on the beach is astonishing.
John Hurt provides excellent work as an eccentric business mogul who is also a mechanical engineer. (I enjoy this admission because it gives weight to his character). He respects Dr. Arroway and gambles on the notion that her attempts at alien contact may prove fruitful (he grants her money to lease a satellite array in New Mexico), and he certainly makes sure he's there for her when he needs to be.
Jodie Foster is incredible in this film. Her unflagging determination to follow her dream of contact over vast distances is something we get to experience WITH her. She takes us to the heart of her frustration with the government and the pathogen of religious zealotry; she also shares with us the incredible excitement of discovering the newest contact with alien intelligence. I'm guessing Zemeckis either had nothing, or everything to do with Foster's performance. If not, then Foster must have known a great deal about Carl Sagan's passion for science. It suits her very well.
The alien transport that is built to communicate with the Vegans is extremely well done (especially in the scenes with Dr. Arroway) and the story itself is incredible. While I didn't comment on McConaughey's performance or Arroway's colleagues, they do well enough to provide the tension required and help to make this fiction somewhat believable.
Zemeckis had quite an undertaking with this film and while some of the twists he included were needed to breath life into Sagan's novel, the personae in conflict with Dr. Arroway were completely off the mark overacting and at best making the human race at the highest echelons of government and religion look like complete jerks.
If contact with aliens was ever made, it would be interesting to compare what might actually happen to the preposterous suppositions made by this film. A good film with some enjoyable moments but also a bizarre film because of some terrible over acting.
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Posted in Sci Fi DVD (Saturday, October 11, 2008)
It stars George Dunning (II), John Clive, Paul McCartney, Geoffrey Hughes, Ringo Starr. It was directed by George Harrison. By MGM (Video & DVD).
The regular list price is $29.98.
Sells new for $31.93.
There are some available for $27.01.
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5 comments about Yellow Submarine.
- I purchased "Yellow Submarine" from Amazon through an outside source in Massachusetts. It took a long time to receive the DVD and once it arrived it was so poorly packaged (no bubble wrap, thin envelope)that the DVD case was damaged so that the DVD was flopping around inside the case.
If you decide to purchase insist on tighter delivery times and better packaging to insure your investment.
This is not a fault of Amazon. Every order I receive directly through Amazon arrives in a timely manner and is well packaged. This particular DVD came from an outside source. Just be carefull.
- To be honest, the only reason I bought the DVD was for the 5.1 Surround Sound of the music tracks. Die-Hard Beatle fan. Saw the movie as a kid. It was just ok. If you want to hear the music in 5.1, don't hesitate. It sounds real good.
- Good time & quality on delivery. Good stuff if you are a Beatles fan. Got the Pop Art thing happening. You have to remember, the Sixties' culture advocated the use of hallucinogenic drugs. Far out. >Sam
- Next to "A Hard Day's Night", this is my favorite Beatle movie. I thoroughly enjoyed Yellow Submarine when it came out in 1968. I purchased a VHS copy when it first came out in an affordable edition. I wanted to upgrade my tape to DVD. But, c'mon fellas, $25 for a 40-year-old animated film by Peter Max?
This DVD better come with blotter acid & a Nehru jacket from Carnaby street! Oh, and if I have my choice of surviving Beatle to deliver the disc, send Ringo! He knows "It don't come easy"!
---John Paul, Oklahoma City
- What a shame,it seems that movie companies only release Beatle classics on a limited term!!! I'm sure that a 40th Anniversary Edition might easily be on the way but I don't know!!! I'm glad I bought a copy of it when it was in print,because it is no out of print and fetching high dollars on auction sites such as Ebay!!! This WAS a great release from MGM,nice vibrant Widescreen(although it was non-anamorpic,it was'nt to bad sice it was 1.66!)transfer,the soundtrack was awesome too!!! And this disc had some choice extras,although not overstuffed with them!!! Let's hope that with Blu Ray here,maybe a reissue is in the near future,as well as a new DVD,well,lets keep our fingers crossed!!! Is it All To Much to have this great film back in print to enjoy,or will the Blue Meanies keep it locked in the vaults in Pepperland along with Let It Be,that has NEVER seen an official DVD release,lets hope it's soon,not When I'm Sixty-Four,come on All You Need Is Love,MGM,make fans happy again,cause like it says in the film a minute is a very long time!!! Cheers!!!
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Posted in Sci Fi DVD (Saturday, October 11, 2008)
It stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint. By Warner Home Video.
The regular list price is $149.99.
Sells new for $79.98.
There are some available for $69.97.
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5 comments about Harry Potter Years 1-5 Limited Edition Gift Set [HD DVD].
- This was a great package. My daughter loved all the little extra's that came with it!
- The low rater is for the format & timing, not the movies themselves. I am a big fan of the books and I think the movies are okay. I thought I'd buy the HD version so they'd look even better. Trouble is, I cannot find a HD DVD player that will play them. I've bought and returned three different systems with no luck. It also does not play on the XBox 360 HDDVD drive. Since HD has lost the HD vs. BluRay war, manufaturers are not wasting their time to put the updated firmware needed on their websites. So basically, I've spent good money on a fancy box of movies that I cannot watch.
- I purchased Harry Potter Limited Edition Dvd set for my Grandsons birthday. It won't play on any of our dvd players or his due to the fact it's HD DVD. Amazon refuses to take it back because I am disputing the fact that they double billed me for the item. They billed me on my current email address and then again on a very old one for the same item. Now I'm stuck with a useless item that I was billed twice from.
Amazon had very poor billing practices, poor customer service. I wouldn't recommend anyone purchasing anything for them. Looking at other reviews they seem to double bill people on a regular basis
- This was a great buy at the $60 deal I got it for. The box is impressive, and the extras are very nice. Bookmarks, trading cards, etc. Very nice for the money.
- Great pack, everything is perfect. it's better if you watch the films at 1080p with a home theater, it's really amazing, images are too crisp, sound, all the action, the extras... I have to tell that something went wrong with disc 2, but Amazon's got a great service and replace the whole set so fast and now I can enjoy the movies... HD DVD lost the war but it doesn't mean that Blu ray is better...
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Posted in Sci Fi DVD (Saturday, October 11, 2008)
It stars Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, David Warner, Cindy Morgan, Barnard Hughes. It was directed by Steven Lisberger, Robert Meyer Burnett. By Walt Disney Video.
The regular list price is $19.99.
Sells new for $8.97.
There are some available for $8.37.
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5 comments about Tron (20th Anniversary Collector's Edition).
- I know a lot of reviews have been done on this movie- as I am typing this there are 22 pages worth of reviews on this movie but it doesn't matter who get to see this review - this movie is a rare treasure for those who likes to be creative and stand out from the rest of the public. For one thing, it uses as its background a type of 80s computer graphic not seen in any movies since after - bold neon colors on a grayish to black background similar to computer and videogames played from that period. By compare, there are 50 or more cowboy movies that are made based on a actual period that last less than four years for the Wild West theme or on actual events like the apache wars which last at least 10 years (I'm not sure exact - I'm not familiar with that period - just bits of facts from that period). The numbers of movies based on 80s theme computers may numbers less than five. There are enemies that break up into polygons like triangles, rhombus instead of dust or other methods and that give it a unique experience. It will also show those who have been born after the 80s an experience of what that period was like.
Actually I was introducted to the movie after playing the game, Kingdom Hearts 2 for Playstation 2 - I didn't know it exists because I was a little kid back then and sci fi wasn't my thing.(I'm a late comer)
- Back in its time this wasone the most comnfiscated and most expensive Disney Movie every made. Before the release of Narnina and the Newer stuff came out. When and ex computer executive tries to hack into the computer to prove that his boss stole credit for video games that he designed, he is thrown into and adventure that rivals that of the Digmom movie. Can Flyn and his program Tron stop the evil MCP, his minions Spark and his user partner Diligner. Find out in this thrilling 1980s features from disney filled with phonimal effects classic 1980s disney action and adventur. If you like this I also recommend Cloak and Dagger and the Digmon Movie for die hard anima slash scifi fans..
- I can't say enough good about this movie. It was amazing then and still holds my attention and imagination. The effects aren't as good as today but watch the bonus features for this movie, those effects were cutting edge at the time. Amazing to think about what they were doing back then with computers.
- Being from the Atari generation... it's clear to see that TRON was a revolutionary movie. This movie must not be judged by its inherent bad acting, and 'prehistoric' CGA sequences - but rather judgement based on the genious endevour depcting what might occur inside of a CPU assuming that programs, disk utilities, and general computer functions have conciousness.
A must for any techno-dorks like myself that revel in our computer age world.
This is where it all started. TRON. dont miss it.
- It is one of the first (if not the first) movie that used computers in making the movie.
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Posted in Sci Fi DVD (Saturday, October 11, 2008)
It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nick Stahl, Claire Danes, Kristanna Loken, David Andrews. It was directed by Jonathan Mostow. By Warner Home Video.
The regular list price is $28.99.
Sells new for $18.99.
There are some available for $10.69.
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5 comments about Terminator 3 - Rise of the Machines [HD DVD].
- This movie is a really great installment in the franchise and I think that this is one of those kind of films that grow more popular through the years. If you are a fan of the Terminator series, then you will find some fun to be had with this movie. There is ton of action and the story really advances the mythology as John meets the person who will eventually teach him how to lead the human resistance.
The opening storyline of the movie is also very interesting when the new Terminator, the T-X, targets John's future lieutenants. The T-X is a very cool new Terminator and is more advanced than the T-1000. Arnold is awesome as always, the best line has to be when he asks the male stripper to take his clothes off. Overall, I think this movie is really cool and will become even more important when the next film comes out.
- For all those people who say that there's no plot - go back and watch the film properly. There is a good story which culminates in the very last scene. The gags weren't half as bad as I expected them to be and those little moments of comic relief were necessary, 'cause the rest of the film was pretty damn serious. It's a very good continuation of the Terminator story and it's a brilliant movie when you keep in mind that it's part 3! Yes, this film is a bit different. Not that much different. Did I miss Linda Hamilton? No. Did I miss Edward Furlong? Hell, no! Did I miss James Cameron? - Hm, there's a certain emotional factor that Cameron would have inserted during the whole film, instead of just the ending. Anyway, especially for a follow up of an all time classic, I will give it 10 / 10 stars. There's one major plot hole ... but you can ignore that easily. Go watch it. Btw. the chase scenes are better than the one in the Matrix. Here, things get crushed for real. A lot. :) My 2003 cents.
- Its not the best of the terminator series, but being last doesn't make it bad.
- Blood and Rain
Blood for the Masses
Review of Theatre release: Originally published in SavageNight Ezine.
Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines
starring:
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Nick Stahl
Claire Danes
Kristanna Loken
Reviewed by
B.L.Morgan
4 Stars
First of all if you've never seen either of the other two other Terminator movies instantly change this rating to a five.
The First Terminator was excellent. The second was better than excellent. It actually improved on great special effects and the action scenes were even wilder. Number three was almost as good as number two but it didn't really show us anything that was brand new. The formula of action on top of action with great special effects to back it up was adhered to.
Nick Stahl is excellent as the twenty-something John Connor. He knows his fate is to be the savior of the human race. He'd just rather not do it at all.
Kristanna Loken is suitably mechanical as the T-X: The ultimate killing machine from the future. She's a sweet looking little robot too. Some teenage boy was sitting in front of us in the theatre shouted out during one of her rampages, "That girl could blow me death any time."
It was that kind of a movie.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is as always the perfect Terminator Robot. He's big and intimidating when he wants to be and a really great strait-faced comic also.
Termainator3: Rise Of The Machines is a great Saturday Matinee Movie. Don't look for deep meanings here. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Check it out!
- Well i liked Terminator 3, i found it right up there with the first two. I feel sorry for the director and cast trying to make this movie great, only to have a few nerds moan about every tiny detail about it.
I bet when T4 comes out, those same nerds will be saying "Wasn't as good as T3".
The HD transfer is great :)
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Posted in Sci Fi DVD (Saturday, October 11, 2008)
It stars Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Goldwyn, Stanley Lawrence. It was directed by Jerry Zucker. By Paramount Pictures.
The regular list price is $12.99.
Sells new for $6.00.
There are some available for $4.75.
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5 comments about Ghost (Special Collector's Edition).
- Ghost (Special Collector's Edition)This movie has been a favorite for sometime. The special effects are very good. The supporting roles by Whoopi Goldberg and Demi Moore outstanding. It goes without saying that I think this was Patrick Swayze much more mature acting than Dirty Dancing.
- Thank you for sending "Ghost" to me so quickly! I would highly recommend doing business with you, and wiil gladly do business with you again. An A+ for speedy delivery and quality of product!
- This movie has everything: deep emotions, action, suspense, a beautiful love story, hilarious comedy... Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore are a truly beautiful couple and, of course, Demi will have you crying your eyes out. While this is a strong heart and tear-jerker, Whoopi is amazing at relieving the stress with non-stop laughs. Highly recommended for any collection!
- I cant believe all the people who are slamming this movie for bad acting or miscasting. Its a wonderful movie and demi moore and patrick swayze do great.Whoopi gives her oscar winning performance in force as a psychic who helps the ghostly swayze avenge his murder.I couldnt believe the user who commented that they wish they could go back in time and recast with nicole kidman and jason patric as the leads -WRONG . now that would be moronic recasting esp jason patric ? who the hell is he? some beverly hills 90210 punk and nicole kidman would not pass for the sweatshirt type woman period. great movie ignore the naysayers
- Somewhere between good and bad lies `Ghost', a film that has enough working for it to offset the elements working against it, but in the end can't really be labeled as a `good' film or a `bad' one. I feel somewhat torn as to my response towards `Ghost' because the film is essentially two films, one of which works far greater than the other. There is a love story and a murder mystery, and the love story (which ends up taking a back seat to the murder mystery) is in all actuality the most impressive and touching part of the story. The murder mystery should have been stripped from the screenplay in my opinion, especially since it is obvious even before Sam is killed who exactly is going to have it done and why.
So, the film centers on Sam and Molly, an attractive couple who are deep in love (even if Sam never says it) and have just moved into an apartment together. One night out on the town they run into a mugger who strikes Molly causing Sam to burst into a furious rage and gets himself shot. Now Molly is all alone with her grief; well sort of. Sam is not gone; his spirit is still allowed on Earth because he has some unfinished business to settle before he can enter heaven. That's when Sam meets Oda Mae Brown, a scam artist posing as a spiritual counselor who can actually hear Sam and thus offers to help Sam reach Molly.
The film tends to fall apart when Oda Mae is not on the screen, namely because without Whoopi's brilliant comedic work the film drifts into cliché after cliché. Instead of focusing on the undying love between Sam and Molly, which is really what this movie was supposed to be about, it focuses on the reason for Sam's murder (which could have easily been left as a senseless act of violence, allowing for the `love story' within this film to shine forward) and this tends to take away from the originality of the film.
When the movie began and Sam and Molly were kissing and falling all over each other during the now infamous clay pot scene I was so touched (that was one of the most erotic scenes I have ever seen in a film) and I really expected the film to draw off of that vibe when placing together the plot. I wanted to see Sam try and embrace Molly when she was alone and feel the chemistry between the two of them as she felt him near her, but that never happened.
Sam was too preoccupied, thus the audience becomes too preoccupied to remember the basis of this film.
The acting was actually pretty good, and in some areas excellent. Whoopi Goldberg, or should I say `Oscar Winner' Whoopi Goldberg, is the best part of this film. Her comedic timing is impeccable and I really can't think of another actress who could have pulled this off as brilliantly as she did. Demi Moore was also wonderful as Molly, her emotional breakdowns wholly believable, as was her love for Sam. I also enjoyed Tony Goldwyn's neurotic portrayal of Carl Bruner, Sam's friend. His acting was a little clichéd but he was entertaining. I have never been one to think of Patrick Swayze as a good actor, and sadly `Ghost' didn't change my mind any either. He was serviceable, but his outbursts seemed forced and contrived.
In the end I can say that `Ghost' works on some levels and should really be seen for Goldberg at least (who is truly amazing). I just wish that the script would have been thought through a little more, for this had the potential of being a beautiful romantic film but instead became your standard murder mystery. I also thought that the depictions of the afterlife were a little `Ghostbusters' but that's may just be me.
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Posted in Sci Fi DVD (Saturday, October 11, 2008)
It stars Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, Michael Rosenbaum, Sam Jones III, Allison Mack. By Warner Home Video.
The regular list price is $59.98.
Sells new for $18.34.
There are some available for $10.45.
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5 comments about Smallville - The Complete Third Season.
- It's strange looking back now at Smallville when you think of the rubbish it's become. Back in its first three glorious seasons it had some excellent stories, character progression & more importantly it was god damn entertaining.
Hell even Lana was watchable. This was because back then the Clark/Lana relationship was organically fleshed out between its first three seasons, with season 1 being they get to know each other, Season 2 they fall in love & Season 3 they try & stay together but ultimately (or seemingly fail). Now had Lana stayed in Paris (which she should have) then this would have made the Clark/Lana story indeed tragic but from Season 4 onwards Lana would become a mascot for the creators & cease to be a character but more on that in my season 4 review.
Anyway this season has some excellent episodes especially the episode Perry where Clark helps out a down & out Perry White wow those were the days, Clark was actuallt the star of his own show!!
The season ends with the sensational Covenant where Chloe seemingly dies & Lionel goes to jail for the death of his parents & Lex is left in charge of his Father's empire. Now had Season 4 started and continued with Chloe dead, Lionel in jail, Lana in Paris then the show would have been having the same forward momentum it was gaining for the previous three seasons & would actually had been considered one of the best shows of its time but sadly the creators wouldn't take more risks as far as characters were concerned, Lana would return, Chloe lived, Lionel somehow escapes prision & takes charge of LuthorCorp again although he was bankcrupt?
This is as good as Smallville would get sadly as after this the show would be much of the same but like any copy it would prove to be far inferior to its original predicessor.
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- Bought this for my nieces and they love it. I've never watched it but they say it's really great. They are in their teens so if you have teens, they will probably like this too.
- I like this season really well. Watching Lex and Lionel battle is always fun, as is watching Clark deal with his new powers. Sometimes I lose patience with Chloe... Clark's not into you, Chloe, deal with it!
And, to prove I have no life, I watched the season with a checklist in front of me, and here's what I counted as far as who Clark saved this season, and how many times.
Lana=4
Lex=2
Jonathan=3
Martha=0
Chloe=2
Pete=2
Lionel=1
Random Hot Chick=3
Random Guy=3
Someone who was just trying to kill Clark=0
Other (group of people, entire world, etc.) 1
Total individual saves, not counting "other"=20 (half as many as season 1.. you're slacking, Clark!)
- One of the best season ever. It's worth the money!! Just awesome!! I love it!
- Being a big Smallville (Superman) fan, I have enjoyed the series. Amazon always offers DVD's at such a wonderful price! I especially like the free shipping for orders over $25.00. I always receive confirmation of order placed, and shipping date. In all the years of ordering from Amazon I have only had to return 2 DVD's because they skipped. Looking forward to ordering the 6th, 7th and when available, the 8th season.
I have ordered other items as well from Amazon and have never been disappointed.
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