5 comments about Rodan/War of the Gargantuas.

1. Classic Media's RODAN/WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS collection will also include an all-new documentary entitled BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE.
   
   Running 68 minutes, BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE goes behind the scenes of a filmmaking style that remains firmly rooted in the past even as special effects leap into the future. From the original GOJIRA (1954) through 50-plus years of sequels, spin-offs and imitations, this original documentary tells the story of the genre's creation and evolution via exclusive interviews with filmmakers, special-effects artists, actors and monster stuntmen.
   
   Featuring Akira Takarada, Hiroshi Koizumi, Yoshio Tsuchiya, Shogo Tomiyama, Haruo Nakajima, Kenpachiro Satsuma, Tsutomu "Tom" Kitagawa, Shusuke Kaneko, Teruyoshi Nakano, Akira Tsuburaya, Ryuji Honda, Shinichi Wakasa, Yasuyuki Inoue, Toshiro Aoki, Akinori Takagi, Toshio Miike, Shiro Sano, and narrated by self-proclaimed Godzilla fan Alex Cox (director of REPO MAN, SID & NANCY), the film celebrates the artistry behind the world of Japanese monsters and ponders the future of Godzilla and his city-smashing analog brethren in the digital age.
   
   The website SciFi Japan has an exclusive first look at BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE, packed with photos and information on this great bonus feature for the upcoming Classic Media DVDs.
   
   http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2008/07/26/bringing-godzilla-down-to-size-the-art-of-japanese-special-effects-first-look-part-1/



2. These two classic monster movies deserved to be released early than they have been planned. But the wait was worth it! These two films are some of the best daikaiju movies that you will find anywhere.
   
   Finally we get to see the uncut versions of Rodan and War of the Gargantuas! These classic Toho movies should get remakes (and no not by Hollywood, I still carry a grudge against Delvin & Emmerich). Here is some monster movies that Toho should consider remaking: Frankenstein vs. Baragon; Rodan; War of the Gargantuas; Varan; Dogora; and Space Amoeba. With the special effects of Today, these movies would become great remakes. Think about it, since Godzilla is taking a vacation, shouldn't Toho make other giant monster movies until he returns?!
   
   Well, anyway these two movies are great! Buy these movies and enjoy! There is plenty of entertainment here!



3. I pre-ordered this dvd and received it today! I was so happy to get it one month before it comes out!
   
   Anyway, The picture and audio quality for the Japanese versions of the films are excellent, featuring very little grain. Rodan only contains a small number of scratches. I was suprised for a movie that is 53 years old. War of the Gargantuas also features a great video presentation.
   
   The US versions of the films don't look as good, though. The US version of Rodan has pretty bad quality video presentation. The US version of War of the Gargantuas looks pretty good, though.
   
   
   The DVD set features a documentary called "Bringing Godzilla Down To Size: The Art of Special Effects. The documentary is very entertaining and has many new interviews with the stars and filmakers of the 50s, 60s, and 70s as well as interviews with filmakers of the Heisei and Millenium series' of Godzilla films.
   
   Overall, this is another excellent DVD from Classic Media. It is just as good as their Godzilla DVDs. Any fans of Toho or Godzilla films wait to pick this dvd up.



4. Im VERY Disapointed in this release. 2 words tells you why: NO COMMENTARIES. I have loved the commentaries on all the other classic media japanese Monster films, they are interesting and informative, and you got to learn a bit about what was going on behind the scenes when the films were made. The other commentaries are like audio documentaries about the films that you listen to while you watch the movie.
   
   I had been looking forward to this release, to see these great movies on DVD, and finally seeing the japanese version of Rodan. Other than the first godzilla movie, Rodan was always my favorite japanese monster movie. I was looking forward to a great commentary on rodan. Now, I'm just not looking forward to this release as much as I once was.
   
   I'll still buy it, I'm sure I'll enjoy it, but not as much as I would have with the commentaries on it. So here's my 1 star ranking as a protest. Classic media, you me down on this one, and others I'm sure.
   
   I mean you put a commentary track on godzilla's revenge/all monsters attack, the worst godzilla movie ever made, but not these films? You've got to be kidding me.
   
   what a shame.



5. The product description states 'fullscreen'. These films were shot in panoramic widescreen or 'Tohoscope' in Japan. If this release is indeed fullscreen, then I don't know why they bothered. Those who already their copies have made no mention of it. Anyone up with this info?

5 comments about Princess Mononoke.

1. As a huge fan of Miyazaki's work, this was far from disappointing but truly worthy of praise. It excites the mind and the imagination with the story and captures a truly fascinating world unlike any other I've ever encountered in fantasy. It is beautifully animated even if in only 2-D, it is fluid and fanciful all the way through. However, concerning Miyazaki's other pieces, this one is more graffic and includes some more vicious demon work than other so-called demons in other pieces. Creatures and people are slaughtered or wounded and although blood doesn't gush, some might squirm. I felt a tad of revulsion, but not at the story itself. It thrills. It inspires. It's worth watching again and worth every penny. The dubbing is well done and I love it all.



2. Studio Ghibli had been belting out movies since the early 1980s. They delt with everything from epic fantasy to coming of age films. But, nothing would have prepared the world for 'Princess Mononoke'. Not only is this film the 2nd highest grossing film in Japan, it is also the film that finally gave Studio Ghibili notice in the United States.
   
   'Princess Mononoke' shows the epic battle of man against nature and how the constant motion of human evolution has the ability to destroy the purity of nature. Though there are no physical elements of good against evil the true villans in this film are greed, power and anger. You see characters like Asuyaka, who comes from a race of humans that have strong bonds with nature. Lady Hiboshi who wants to move the human race forward with science and technology only to create the perfect human utopia. Then you have Princess Mononoke, a girl who was tossed by her parents to the wolf gods out of fear, but only to be raised as a daughter of nature and learn the magic of the ancient ways. These characters clash for the purpose of moving forward, but also for the chance to co-exist. I feel that is what makes this film so appealing because of the similariteis in life. The topics of polotics, science and religion always cause a stir in us eventhough there can be ways to have them all work united.
   
   This was a diffenent film for Miyazaki, but you still manage to see the magical elements that make his signature work. It is a film rich in detail and emotion. You get lost in the vast landscapes and the relationships of the characters you sometimes forget you are watching an animated film. Though this movie may not be for everyone because of the PG-13 rating for the epic battles and language, there are still elements that bring out Miyazaki's true colors and this film is a marvel worthy to be seen.



3. I was a little unsure of what to expect from the title of this movie, but it certainly wasn't about a princess. The plot of this film was very good. I have yet to watch it with subtitles and I expect that it will be much better with them. Billy Bob Thornton is terrible, plain and simple. Minnie Driver seems out of place in her role as well. Let's face it, the English voiceovers completely lack conviction. At least some of the other anime films with English dubs that I have seen sound like they actually give a crap about what they are doing. The main character, however was excellently voiced IMO.
   As far as the plot goes, it is excellent. You may want to read up on some Japanese tradition/legends before watching as most westerners brush off a plot about nature as hippie rubbish. This film has a good message and should be embraced, with or without the crappy dubs.
   The animation is top notch for the time period that it was released. The opening scenes are some of my favorite and I am sure you'll see why.
   All in all, the film is like a violent disney movie with an actual message that should be received by most kids 12 and older (unless you cottle your kids and could nag the paint off of the walls, in which case go and sit your kids down in front of Handy Manny or something while you wait for Sex and the City to come out on DVD (if you found that offensive, you know in your heart that it is true, so stop lying to yourself already!)). I would not recommend this film to children that are any younger than this age due to the eerie violence that ensues at some unexpected parts. Oh come on, just pay the 15 bucks and see it. You probably won't regret it. I didn't.



4. Okay, so I've just gotten into anime, and have only seen about 30 anime movies, but this is by far the best I've seen to date. I bought Howl's Moving Castle a while back and decided to get everything I could involving Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli and I was a amazed that I liked this movie even better than Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away. I'm a nature lover too, so this movie really hits the right note with me.



5. This is everything you would expect from a Hayao MIYAZAKI film. A gem for the Studio Ghibli fans ^_^
   Any film from Hayao MIYAZAKI will be anime at it's finest!

5 comments about Roswell - Seasons 1-3.

1. I didn't get this full set, but the individual seasons in box set, since I never saw the show on TV, and was originally sceptical about whether it would be worth getting; got Season 1 to see what it was about. By the end of the first show I was hooked; as others have said, Season 1 was the best due to the depth and reality of the character interactions, with enough action/sf to keep things moving. Without putting in any spoilers, there were episodes in the later seasons that weren't worthy of the total effort, the "off world" story was weak (like Flash Gordon, say) and there were major "out of character" moments, and some excessive revisiting of previous angst..and boy, there was a lot of angst. As I remember being a teenager, they did a good job of recreating that age.. idealism greater than adulthood, more sweetness, less selfishness, more awkwardness, etc. Unusually for a TV series, you really get involved with the 3 dimensional characters, and much of the plot seems true to real life. As others have also said, that's what makes the brain-farts on the part of the writers more irritating when they occur. In spite of the flaws, some sloppy (Michael forgetting Max's name late in Season 1; using California foothill landscape for New Mexico, etc.) and some deeper as mentioned above, the whole series hangs together and preserves its punch right through to end, which is generally satisfying. Life is tough; it's bitter sweet but it beats the heck out of the alternative. If you like the premise of "alien" teenagers and an in-depth exploration of the combination of romance/melodrama/s-f I would highly recommend this series. It handled all the elements imaginatively and almost always kept me caring about the characters. Not perfect but up there with Stargate, Dark Angel, etc. and better in terms of the deeper exploration of human interaction. That said, this is much less action/adventure oriented than Stargate etc. so if you want heavy plot driven action show this isn't what you're after.
   
   Buy it and enjoy the emotional rollercoaster and inventive sidelights. You keep thinking it's about to slide away down a rathole but it never does.



2. We didn't watch this until 2007. I guess the title threw us off. So much about Roswell and it didn't get our interest. It is a series that deserves to be known. We found new stars and some good acting. It had a fresh appeal with the story line for SciFi fans. You should give it a try.



3. Allot can be said about the teen drama's that have ruled the airwaves for years now and here is my take of this teen drama. It seems to me that Roswell was trying to capitalize off the success of Dawson's Creek. Except this teen drama had a sci-fi twist. All in all this show was not half bad. It had it's hokey moment's and it had it's triumphs. Lead actress Shiri Appleby looked remarkably similar to Katie Holmes and the gorgeous Katherine Heigl used her looks and sex appeal often during the show just as Michelle Williams (Jenn Lindley) did in Dawson's Creek. The stand out performer in the show was William Sadler (Sheriff Valenti) which would not come as a surprise to anyone familiar with this actor and his work. The show takes some bizarre twists and ends up backing up on its self a time or two but was surprisingly entertaining. The complete three seasons is a bit of a wild roller coaster ride with quite a few surprises surprisingly. So you get the attractive cast with Majandra Delfino who went from ugly and homely to knockout status in a span of a summer and the gorgeous Emilie de Ravin in her "Pre-Lost" days and the equally attractive male cast who actually did a fairly good job of acting. However this show was doomed from the beginning as the network and the creator/producers of the show could never agree which direction to take the show. This made for some fairly absurd story lines and abrupt endings to interesting story lines. This show was not sure what it wanted to be. But yet...it is a bit of a guilty pleasure in it's own right. The first season was the best and the show was fair to decent from then on with a bit of a disappointing series finale.



4. I've become a little obsessive about the series Rosewell. In the beginnig it is a real retelling of the Tragedy of Romeo and Julliet, complete with balcony scenes, which they allude to in the series. Very powerful and in these days not believable, the writers going to extremes to have the main characters not consumate their relationship, including a time travel expisode to stop them. Still, I like the main characters well enough to continue on to find out what happens. The later part of the series the Sci-Fi takes over, but the establishment of the earlier rapport between the viewer and the cast allows the story to be carried forward with the viewer's intrest not diminishing. I like the series.



5. Roswell- Season 1-3
   The qality was very good, the access to the various tracks was very good.
   I enjoyed the package very much.

5 comments about The Sarah Jane Adventures - The Complete First Season.

1. The Doctor Who Invisible Enemy / K9 set that is just on its way out, contains "K9 & Co." the introduction to K9 mark III. and the Christmas special that didn't fly as a Dr. Who spin-off in the 80's. But leave it the 2005's DW producer Russell T. Davies to get not one but 2 spin-off successful off the ground (both are working on season 2's as we speak, well..."read"). The continuing adventures of the best companion in the 40 years of Doctor Who...in my humble opinion...Elisabeth Sladen still has "IT." Having see loads of space and time travel following her first meeting with the 3rd Doctor in Time Warrior (who she immediately assumes is the root of kidnappings she's investigating) they soon become the best of friends and a team to continue into his 4th incarnation, then later meeting the 5th, and most recently the 10th in School Reunion revealing what happens to a companion who is "left behind" by the Doctor. She's witnessed the creation of the Daleks, she seen plenty with the Doctor. Her individual adventures show to be well, "spooky" for having traveled with the Timelord, maybe having lost some humanity (like Rose's mum suggests is happening to her), but she grows over the course of the SJ Adventure series (and the Season 4 finally).
   
   The monsters of the series, some old, some new, some new and old, are okay...interesting and benign enough that there is no true horror, as Sarah's companions are barely in jr. high, it seems inappropriate for the danger to be to much...but the stakes do get pretty high over the course of the series, building to a climax of planetary proportions....and super cameo at the end (no not the Doctor!) The SJ Adventures' TARGET AUDIENCE is neatly below Dr. Who's family audience, but with enough scares to make it work for the being the sofa crowd. My 6 year old was hooked, less so with my 10 year old, both who love DW (old and new), and they understand the SARAH JANE was my "ROSE" and that connection with it's roots means plenty. So as a stand alone project...I'd say 3 stars if fair...but if we evaluate it as fans (and parents), I'd make it 4 stars. which if pretty good for a fledgling series and a spin-off no less.....plenty that's cringe-worthy and not enough of the "TIN DOG".
   
   There's also some nice links to the Season 4 of Doctor Who....like Luke's origin and the Time Beetle from "Left Turn" is a minion of a creature faced by SJS in her initial season here.
   
   One Question....does this set include the pilot special "INVASION OF BANE"
   which was released by itself on DVD, atleast on region 2. I'm assuming what is considered season 1 is including the pilot. If anyone knows for sure please add a comment.



2. This spin off they got right. Sarah Jane is a wonderful program that is very much like Doctor Who. Much better than Torchwood which is nothing more than a dark sci fi program with a sick gay agenda. Elisabeth Sladen is wonderful as Sarah Jane. She meets many of the same villians as the Doctor and with the help of her super computer MR Smith and her adopted son luke and maria the neighbor. THe show is very well done and is great sci fi. Something kids and adults can both watch. I just wish K-9 were more involved as i think he is a great addition. Sarah had vowed to carry on the doctors legacy and help fight those that would harm the earth. SHe is a wonderful character and this is a wonderfull spinoff.



3. With Season Two under production in the UK, Sarah Jane, Voted Doctor Who's favorate Companion even over Rose in a recent DWM poll is shown in her first successful TV series. Telling stories worthy of Doctor Who's current series the show was aimed at the Dr's original target group Children. The shows are a bit younger in the writting but still have the quallity that have marked the New series of Doctor Who. The improvements to the Silveen are out of this world I love the Thin Suits. After the Adventures of K-9, a Girls best Friend went flop, for lack of story more than any other reason in the late 1970's, we all thought Sarah was gone, wrong, she's back, and shows no sign of leaving us soon. She has stated she feels her time of visiting the Doctor is done following the final show of Season 4 of Doctor Who, however she is still going strong her, and the new producer is looking to bring K-9 back intothe stories more in season 3, so watchout more are comming. Now does revlon carry sonic lipsticks?



4. Herein is an excellent children's sci fi excellently done. Taking place alongside the latest episodes of Doctor Who are the adventures of investigative journalist (and former Doctor's companion) Sarah Jane Smith, her adopted son Luke, and young neighbors Maria and Clyde. Aliens are falling to Earth every day, Sarah Jane explains, and it's up to people like them to help the good ones and protect the planet from the bad ones.
   
   Most live-action children's shows seem to be the afterthought of their writers and producers (and actors), but the Sarah Jane Adventures is produced with as much sincerity, intelligence, and wit as its parent show. One wouldn't expect such high quality from a show mostly starring child actors, but Yasmin Page (Maria), Tommy Knight (Luke), and Daniel Anthony (Clyde) are natural actors, believable and fun. The adults aren't just there for a paycheck either: Elisabeth Sladen is superb in her latest portrayal of her classic character, Sarah Jane Smith. Joseph Millson is both charming and protective as Maria's dad, Alan. Even Chrissie, played by Juliet Cowan, is interesting in her minor role.
   
   Mixed in with aliens and spaceships are more adult themes, such as Sarah Jane's loneliness, Alan's struggles to protect his daughter, and Maria's perspective of her parents' divorce. But the show is never bogged down by them, portraying a world infused with optimism and adventure, where games turn dangerous, but everybody makes it home in the end.
   
   Come for the scares and laughs, stay for the fine writing and acting, and cheer that the next season starts airing this fall.



5. Doctor Who was once a happy romp through history for the children. Nothing too scary, nothing too complex, nothing too controversial. At some point, perhaps Tom Baker, Dr. Who became something not accessible to children. A little too scary, a little to adult. Targeted to older teens. As one commentary on Doctor Who mentioned, there is certain expectation when you put a girl in leathers on TV after the football.
   
   I enjoy The Sarah Jane Adventures because it harks back to that time when Doctor Who was suitable for children. Certainly the new updated Doctor is targeted to older teens and adults, while Torchwoord is strictly not in prime time. It is nice to have balance.
   
   What I don't like about the Sarah Jane Adventures is that it falls all too often into that most wicked formula of the monster of the week killed by magic. Doctor Who was on some level cerebral, and it would be nice if problems were solved by ingenuity and not by magic. It is the sonic screwdriver issue. At some point the plot devices get in the way of the story. One plot device, such as the TARDIS, is tolerable. Multiple plot devices can be overwhelming. Sarah Jane is the original plucky, bright girl. She does not need Mr. Smith to solve all her problems.

5 comments about Equilibrium.

1. I enjoyed this film, but make no mistake - it is a popcorn film, so take it for what it's worth.
   
   Not even being an avid film or literary buff, I could name half a dozen other films or books this movie borrows from - the action (the Matrix), premise of thought police (Orwell's "1984"), mood control (Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep") and even the final scene (Fight Club).
   
   The biggest problem for me is the premise itself as I found it somewhat difficult to believe - the idea that to eliminate the threat of war, society has been reduced to the point where they all consciously (though under law) sedate themselves, lest they "feel", which is punishable by death with no due process or trial. I had a difficult time taking scenes seriously where cops are raiding warehouses where stereotypical thugs are moving illegal goods such as...paintings? Lamps? Trinkets? I guess Wimmer needed some physical representation for people being guilty of "feeling", but these types of notions just seemed like reaching for straws.
   
   Being such a far-fetched reality is problematic is more ways than just the suspension of disbelief of the viewer - it also makes it nearly impossible for the actors to remain true to the premise. There are times when the authoritative figures themselves show emotions of happiness, satisfaction, or anger. It really seems more like a drug that eliminates all GOOD feelings, not ALL feelings. This is also consistent with how the law is upheld.
   
   I felt the above problems could be solved in one of two ways:
   
   1. Set in an obviously DISTANT future. This is how the Matrix sells the idea of us being "batteries" in a completely dystopia earth. Yes, Equilibrium is clearly set in the future, but there is little to suggest that it isn't near future. There's really no futuristic technology, so again, the idea of "feeling" being illegal (something that makes up our very essence) is just too far fetched for most viewers.
   
   2. The other means of fixing it would be to have set the entire thing on an alien planet with an alien race. In my opinion, this would have been the best setting as it takes away from our innate rejection of such a premise and ultimately, a more original idea.
   
   Even given the above complaints, the film has great production value. Wimmer does a nice job of putting you in this world. I felt the pacing was good and it was as well acted as one could hope under the film's premise. There were moments that did their job, such as several "crossroads" scenes, where Bale's character is put on the spot, between a rock and a hard place and you hold your breath wondering what he'll do.
   
   In the end, if you're looking for a decent sci-fi futuristic action flick, this is certainly worth a viewing. If you're a film stickler and bent on original content, or something overly cerebral, it's probably a pass.



2. Equilibrium is a science-fiction movie about a universally-used drug that squelches emotions and the terminator-type character who stops taking it. Though, the story seems simple enough, Christian Bale (from Batman Begins) does some spectacular acting in this one and you can't help but hold your breath or cheer him on as the hero begins to realize what he has been fighting against all of his life. The graphics and score are also very nice, and help to carry the movie smoothly from one scene to the next, making this an enjoyable film even for those who think little of sci-fi movies to begin with (like I do). Simply put, this is a good movie!



3. I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It was intriguing and by far one of the most original plots I've watched. Bale and Diggs perform exceptionally well. I am off to watch it again!



4. I had never heard of this movie until my brother told me to check it out. It was awesome! I don't wanna sound gay or anything, but I love most Bale movies. This movie has all the action and plot twists that you could look for. It is also awesome because I love the 1984 storyline.



5. Special effects might be good at that time but not good compared to movies of the last 3 years + So so acting + Typical plot = Not good.

5 comments about Prom Night (Unrated).

1. I can't find any good points to this remake, primarily because of its bland script. Also, the direction brings nothing visually or thematically interesting to light. The cast isn't bad, and the cinematography and lighting are clearly professional, but (like the Black Christmas remake) there are no improvements on the original. The lead finds herself facing off with the baddie twice, but learns nothing and responds no differently the second time. In fact, she has to be saved - this is actually a retrogression, as with the Halloween remake, where the lead similarly doesn't modulate her reactions in any way. In both cases, the original had a stronger and more lifelike female. I doubt this will even develop a cult following, like the not-so-great original with its scarifying disco soundtrack. I say avoid it.



2. This was such a waste of time and money! I was so disappointed with the whole movie. It wasnt scary even though it was meant to be and the killer was so over dramatic with his killings and I kept wondering why he was so obsessed with this mediocre girl...maybe its just me. Anyways, dont waste your time on this one and believe me, I love my scary movies but this one was just plain horrible!



3. If you watched the special from the director you would know that it was never meant to be a remake of the orginal movies prom. Infact it was mean to be more reality based. It was not the best flick I ever saw but I did enjoy it. I agree with the director some movies are more scary when they are more realistic because it puts in the matter "Hey this could really happen". The actors were good and its a suspense film not a horor film. I do believe that if people would have read the back of the box of the movie they would not have been disappointed because it says its a thriller and for a thriller and suspense it did its job.



4. First of all, it is very differnt from the movie whose name it stole. The first had a much better and "mysterious" background and a fabulous disco-camp sensibility. This film is your standard, stupid slasher flick with a boring plot line, very bad acting, and zero suspense. The slasher **Spolier ** is a teacher smitten with a student and you know that from the opening scene of the film. The rest is your standard escape from prison and track 'er down dope fest. Snow acts so terminally cute here - you root for the killer!



5. I did not have high expectations for this movie, but it was even worse than I expected. There is a huge lack of suspense. You find out almost immediately who the killer is and realize early on that he basically is going to stab everyone he sees. There are no dramatic effects, no gore and no connection to the characters . The only character I did end up caring about was Donna, her friends had such dull storylines that you almost didn't miss them when they died. It was so predictable which characters were going to get slashed and the police stakeout was a joke. I definitely recommend passing on this movie.

5 comments about Star Trek The Original Series - The Complete Second Season (Remastered).

1. the disks were in great shape and there was no problems encountered. They were also delivered in a quick and orderly fashion



2. Star Trek The Original Series - The Complete Second Season (Remastered)
   
   The shows are great, but don't expect a collector-quality product in the mail. Amazon fails to pack it properly and the plastic case is easily shattered where the two halves come together. That's not a big deal if you're just looking for the DVDs to watch, but if you wanted a collector's item that could increase in value over the years, this is not the way to go.



3. Well, technically I never stopped loving the original Trek, but this remastering has made it so enjoyable to watch. I don't have the first season but will get it soon. Bear in mind I'm watching this on a standard def TV. One thing about 60s TV is how colorful it is, and the remastering makes those colors look amazing. The show could have been shot yesterday. In terms of effects, the most obvious improvement is the Enterprise itself. She looks amazing, very similar to the filming model they used for DS9's Trials and Tribble-ations. It's wonderful to hear the Captain order a "hard about" or "full speed ahead" and actually see the ship perform the maneuvers, not to mention seeing other angles of her, since in the original the ship always went left to right on the screen (the filming models cables and controls were on the port (left) side, that's why it was never shown). Also I enjoy seeing the ship orbit different planets, I especially enjoyed seeing her orbiting Earth with the moon behind her in Assignment:Earth. Beautiful shot!
   The lion's share of the producer's budget must have gone into "The doomsday machine" which was not a particular favorite of mine, but is now a delight to watch. In the damaged Constellation, you can see the decks exposed to space, the doomsday machine itself gets redone, and you see the Enterprise doing all sorts of maneuvers, firing her phasers, the shuttlecraft lifting off and leaving the hangar deck. The producers achieved their purpose brilliantly here: the entire episode looks like it would have looked back in the 60s if Gene Roddenberry and co. had had a limitless sfx budget. I think he would have been pleased.
   I also enjoyed the little details: in "I,Mudd" when the android Norman lifts his shirt to show Kirk and Spock the circuitry on his belly, I was surprised to find they had replaced the original with a more modern look.
   The only reason I don't give 5 stars is the packaging. I don't like the brittle plastic. The DVDs are hard to remove without making the plastic crack. Beautiful design, poorly executed. Also, some effects pretty much look the same, especially the hand phaser shots. Still, this is a great set, and I intend to buy Season One, and Three when available.



4. Like many, I grew up watching Star Trek reruns on TV, but I was too young to watch the series when it originally aired in the mid-1960's. So, I've seen all the episodes many times, but never uncut and complete. (And unlike many, I never went out of my way to collect TOS on DVD).
   
   However, when I saw the new "remastered" Doomsday Machine episode on TV, I was thrilled by the prospect of not only seeing this series uncut, but with many of the effects scened redone using modern CGI.
   
   And yes, they're cool to watch! I'm sure this remastering process will bring an entirely new generation to watch this series who might not otherwise.
   
   The problem I have is with the kooky weird packaging. All I want to do with DVDs is: 1) quickly find the episode I want, 2) get it out of the packaging without causing damage to the DVD, 3) play it, and 4) return it to the package without damaging the DVD.
   
   Instead of using some mundane packaging approach, like individual slim cases in a cardboard box, we have a transparent case that you have to open a certain way, and then slippery cards that you have paw through to find the episode you want, and then leaf through each of the eight disks in what seems an all-to-easy-to-break eight-way jewel case, each with one side exposed, until you find the disk you want. Better keep them in order, or you'll be reading the little tiny fine print on every single disk just to find the one you want. The nature of the packaging makes finger and thumbprints all over the "non-media" sides of the disks inevitable. I imagine I payed extra for this "special" packaging too.
   
   So, love the new series, hate the packaging. There are some areas where "boldly going where none have gone before" isn't necessary.



5. First off this is obviously priced better than the previous HD/Combo season...so that is a major plus.
   
   There are many fan favorite episodes here as well as a ton of extras. Totally worth it.

5 comments about 1408 (Two-Disc Collector's Edition).

1. THE EXTRAS
   
   The audio commentary by director Mikael Håfström and writers Scott Alexander and Karaszewski (available on the Director's Cut only)
   
   John Cusack on 1408 and Inside Room 1408 (5 minutes total) are two Webisodes taken from the movie's official site. The first is a short interview with Cusack, who expounds on his character, while the second offers a look at the movie's primary set.
   
   The Secrets of 1408 (23 minutes total) is a series of four featurettes dedicated to the story's characters, production design, effects, and director Håfström.
   
   Five deleted scenes (11 minutes total) are also included. Håfström, Alexander and Karaszewski provide optional commentary for these scenes.
   
   
   Closing out the extras is the movie's theatrical trailer.



2. Fascinating. I can watch this movie over and over. I am very picky movie fan. I hate gore and predictable movies. But I do like to be scared and this one will haunt you and keep you thinking!!



3. Mike Enslin (Cusack) thinks he's seen all the so called hauntings, spirits, and apparitions. He hadn't tried to spend a night in room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel. As an author of books on the subject Mike thought he'd seen it all before. He was wrong.
   !408 doesn't have any monsters, or blood and guts, but is a really good retelling of Steven Kings short story about the hotel room from hell. Samuel L Jackson plays the hotel manager who tries to discourage Mike from spending the night there. Although he part is small in the film Mr Jackson's character wash skillfully done, and helps make the film the jewel that it is.
   The story is told in the style of a twilight zone episode, only better.
   I really enjoyed this movie, I had read some bad reviews from the professional movie critics and if I had left it at that, I would have missed a good film.
   Don't forget to watch the alternate ending.



4. I got this movie free with my pepsi points and was surprised its actually a pretty good movie.Was worth spending my points on but wish that pepsi had more good movies on dvd to get there really isn't much for choices.



5. John Cusack - a great actor - is very good as the protagonist of this story: an once honest author who now makes up stories about haunted hotels. So he is a non believer... and when faced with a hotel room everybody fears, it is obvious that he knows there's nothing in there except the imagination of those who enter the room.
   
   That is a great premise... but here it fails completely because the film does not offer anything interesting, scary or simply offbeat to surprise the audience.
   
   It all starts beautifully, as Cusack spends the first few minutes in the room and discovers there is something there that puts chocolate on his bed and replaces toilet paper... and turns on the radio that plays The Carpenters.
   
   But that's all... in a few minutes, the room becomes a roller coaster ride... ghosts can be seen jumping out the window... a window closes on Cusack's hand... the key breaks... and soon he discovers he is in one of those places in movies that we hate: a kind of parallel universe where anything goes: it rains... strange noises... it gets too cold... he sees his dead father... he sees his dead daughter... the wall has cracks and drips blood (how unoriginal!)... it snows... the paintings on the wall seem to move... the room gets flooded... the TV shows things... the radio keeps playing while unplugged... etcetera.
   
   We've seen it all before and it is all harmless like the haunted house in Disneyland.
   
   What I hate the most here is that the horror of this film is just a stupid sequence of idiotic tricks. Look: it's a guy locked in a hotel room for one hour. What fabulous ideas are there that turns this constriction into an advantage? None.
   
   Nothing scary here. This is a badly conceived project. Not all horror books can turn into great horror films.

5 comments about Lost Boys: The Tribe.

1. There are a lot of small references to the first film. The opening sequence looks just like the first. They even have Timmy Capello( the buff sax player) in it for a few seconds. Corey Haim's appearance was very very short as well as Jamison Newlander's. It was not too bad, but some of the death's especially Shane's were too quick. Anyway check it out. Still think the first one is the best.



2. I knew what I was getting into going into this movie. It wasn't going to be good, but it's vampires so what the heck. The problem with this movie is that the characters were so bland you couldn't really care about them. The movie lacked the humor and the "cool" of the original. However, Corey Feldman was a treat. His appearance in this movie was pure bliss. The soundtrack was also less than memorable. Angus Sutherland's Shane was not bad, but no way was he as cool as Keifer's David. All in all in wasn't bad, but it can't touch the original.



3. This movie was a surprise! It was actually really good. Nothing can top the original, but it is a good second piece. You should check it out!!!



4. It's amazing what some reviewers consider make a good movie, i.e. if it has a certain "star" in it, or if it's directed by someone in particular, etc. So, I guess to hell with good writing, good acting, good chemistry, and a good story. Lost Boys 2 lacks all of these qualities. The movie tries to be funny; it isn't. It tries to be scary; it isn't that, either. Corey Feldman, who reprises his original role of Edgar Frog, appears in this film. He looks older than the original Nosferatu, but I digress.
   
   This movie is just one big old mess. We've returned to Luna Bay, CA, with a brother and sister, where vampires still have cool parties, kill lots of people, and no one notices or cares. These particular vampires just happen to be surfers. They, uh, surf a lot and eat people. That's about it. Characters are introduced for no reason except to become victims or get naked. I suppose that would suffice for 13-year old males with raging libidos, but for anyone with an average IQ, that's gonna' get old after a very short time. There is absolutely no cohesion to the story. You're given several characters that you don't care about.
   
   The only ingratiating thing I can say about this movie was that I rented it. At least I only lost money for a rental. But I saved face by not buying this putrid t**d. Running time is 94 minutes, is rated R, and was directed by P. J. Peace.



5. See the title of this review. Nothing horrific about it. Could have been much better.

5 comments about My Neighbor Totoro.

1. For all of its well-documented shortcomings, this version of the movie is far SUPERIOR to the more recent re-release for one compelling reason: the English dub version actors are flat out better than the big names hired by Disney to re-do it. They have an innocence and charm that the newer release tries (and fails) to mimic. I waited a long time for a widescreen release and was sorely disappointed when I discovered the new audio track. My advice is to accept the shortcomings of this otherwise simply delightful and still superior dvd.



2. There's lots of reviews about what a great family movie Totoro is. I'm in the middle of a divorce right now and watch it with my 3 year old almost every night. The fact that the two girls are living with just their dad and the mom lives some place else is a great opportunity for us to talk about things and help him understand that what's going on in his life isn't unique.



3. Don't tell anyone, but there is animist Japanese religion all over this perfect animated movie. Does that make it animated animism or animist animation? I don't know and does it matter - NO! This movie is sweet and beautiful with a marvelous soundtrack. It is gentle without putting you to sleep. How come the only good Disney movies come from other studios these days? Because there were never any good Disney movies. (Oops, tipped my cards). Bottom line: buy this for your kids and it won't be long before Porco Rosso makes a crash landing at your sty.



4. Almost everyone I knew into animation told me I'd love this movie after I got into Studio Gibli's work a few years back. I guess after seeing Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away anything would have a hard time stacking up. It's a good movie, but I don't think they used the magical elements and creatures enough.



5. I just loved this movie - and I'm an adult. It really is a very cute touching film, even if it is a bit slow. I personally found it to be very entertaining, and I'd recommend it as a family film.
   
   Miyazaki has done a great job of making the sisters seem believable as real children and also likeable - they're not too sweet/cute, but not too bratty. I also loved how elements of reality and fantasy were nicely interwoven - such that the appearance of the Totoro(s) felt believable, yet still cute(and who doesn't want to give the big Totoro a good squeeze?). The film also suceeds in presenting everything from the perspective of the children. Why don't we know exactly what's wrong with their mom? Because they don't exactly know. The information given is what the children perceive, thus we see the world through their eyes.
   I also ejoyed thier portrayal of the father. He seems to be a very patient, loving father who actually spends some time with his children despite having to work alot. It's very refreshing to see a film portrayal of the loving sensitive father (we could use more of that). For this reason I think the film has a very positive portrayal of family, thus making it a good family film (there's also a nice lack of violence and swearing, for those with small children). My only complaint is that there should have been more bonus features, like a making-of and maybe some interviews with people who actually made the film. However, this is a fault of the dvd release, not the film itself.
   
   Overall, this is an excellent whimsical fantasy tale as well as a good coming of age tale. I highly recommend it both for children and adults.
   
   P.S. I can't stop humming that catchy ending song. "Totoro, Totoro..."