5 comments about The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (Restored Authorized Edition).

1. For the price I paid through Amazon Marketplace, I really can't complain. The film is of very poor quality (scratchy, dark in spots, and twice the picture looked as a VHS tape might when the picture "warped") but watchable. I didn't need a pristine print; just one that was watchable and this one was sufficient. My only major complaint is that the information on Amazon's product page (obviously taken from the information on the box) is that the DVD's running time is 82 minutes. In actuality, it is 66 minutes. So are 16 minutes missing from this print? Did I get the entire film?



2. Five minutes into the Kino restoration of "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari," I had to stop the movie. Having spent years with the cheap Alpha Video release, I was amazed to see that the quality of this Kino restoration was actually WORSE than the Alpha video release. Just to be sure, I put in the Alpha Video release, and then the Kino release again, comparing them shot-by-shot.
   
   There is absolutely no doubt that the Alpha Video version is MUCH clearer. While it lacks the original color tinting that the Kino version offers, there are no blurs, dark spots, or contrast issues when viewing the Alpha version. The picture is entirely clear.
   
   The Kino release seems to sacrifice everything else for the sake of providing a cut that contains the original color tinting, but the picture is far worse. Additionally, the Kino release contains just as many jumps and scratches as (if not more than) The Alpha Video release. And, while the Alpha soundtrack doesn't always match the action of the film, the modernized brass ensemble soundtrack on the Kino restoration just feels wholly inappropriate.
   
   In short, I see absolutely no reason to spend more for the Kino restoration of this film. I own both the expensive Kino release and the cheap Alpha Video release, and I'll be watching my Alpha copy from now on. Besides, Kino just made their "Restored Authorized Edition" of Nosferatu obsolete last month by creating an Ultimate edition that is far cleaner and contains the original score. Considering the popularity of Dr. Caligari, I'm sure an Ultimate edition is on the way for this film, as well. Don't waste your money on this edition.



3. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is famous for being a prime example of German Expressionism, a strange artistic movement in the 1920s that emphasized mood more than story. This film is filled with strange angular sets, heavy reliance on shadow, and a psychological theme. It is a film enthusiast's delight, especially if said enthusiast believes in the artistic content of silent films.
   
   Dr. Caligari (Werner Krauss) is a spider-like man who creeps around on his cane peddling his great find. Cesare (Conrad Veidt) is a Somnambulist, a man in a hypnotic state who tells the future. He also has murderous tendencies, or so we learn when several people in the town are killed late at night. Everything is not as it seems, however, and the twist ending will leave you breathless.
   
   The default music on the Kino DVD might put off traditional silent film fans. It relies heavily on guitar, which makes the suspenseful scenes even moreso and adds to the strangeness of the film, but it might be unfavorably jarring. Thankfully there is an alternative score.



4. I'd like to add my two cent's worth here. Not going in to the film itself, I just want to discuss the 2 main versions out there, the Image "Special Collector's Edition" disc from about 10 years ago and the new Kino "Restored Authorized Edition". I watched both side to side (2 TVs & 2 DVD players)
   
   Despite some raves about the Kino version (which I can't really understand), the Image version wins hands down. Kino, which normally puts out a superior product whatever movie they are releasing, I believe really dropped the ball with this one. For one, they went totally overboard with tinting...most scenes now appear to be a deep, dark blue, and the black areas have a weird, mottled, speckley, "wavy" look, like TV reception that isn't quite coming in. Granted, this is mostly only really bad during the first reel, in the opening garden scene, improving slightly as the film goes on, but it's still annoying.
   
   The Image disc, by comparision, is brightly lit, scenes being either a "regular" grey like you see on the usual b/w silent film, or an amberish tint that still shows up fine. The entire Kino version just seems too dark & murky. The intertitles of both are in that funky, abstract font, but each has slightly different wording for the same scenes (and I don't know which is actually more accurate to the original, but both convey basically the same information). For example, one may say "Listen while I tell you a story" while the other says "I will now tell you a story" (I made both those up, but it was to get the idea across!). However, the intertitles on the Kino version are, again, much darker than the Image disc. Also, the Image print in general just seems much sharper & clearer than the Kino, and the musical score is much better & more fitting. Kino gives you a choice of 2 musical scorings & both are atrocious and do not seem to fit the "mood" of the story.
   
   On the other hand, Kino does have more extras, particularly a much longer segment of GENUINE: THE TALE OF A VAMPIRE (43 minutes) while Image gives you about a 3-minute snippet. Also, and most important, that annoying horizontal line that cuts across the top of certain scenes on nearly every version out there (including the one shown on TCM) has been removed on the Kino disc. Long considered to be a flaw in the original film, it's most likely a goof in the converting process somewhere, and this shows that we DO have the technology to remove it, which we did not have back when the Image disc was made. Quite frankly, this was the ONLY main advantage I could find in the Kino print, and it does not make up for a blue, murky, dark movie. I'd much rather have a clean, crisp, clear, brightly lit film & deal with the line (it's not in every scene in the movie, just certain ones anyway).
   
   I guess the best of both worlds would be if Image put out a new version, using it's same print but removing the line as Kino did. THAT would really be the "Ultimate Edition" in my opinion.



5. Made at the height of the German Expressionist movement, Caligari is a true classic and a magnificent gem. As a silent film fanatic, this film is on par with other greats such as Nosferatu and the REAL Phantom Of The Opera with Lon Chaney. Kino has done a great restoration job on this piece and I highly recommend this version over many other low-budget restorations I've seen over the years.

5 comments about Stalker: A Film by Andrei Tarkovsky.

1. After seeing the masterpiece 'Ivan's Childhood' by Tarkovsky I was determined to find his other films on DVD. 'Stalker' which, if my memory serves me, is photographed by Tarkovsky, but not directed by him; it's a film that lacks the subjectivity of 'Ivan's Childhood'. Tarkovsky's 'Ivan's Childhood', is a wonderful piece of cinema that places the audience within its' frames and reigns you through a devastating story and not rob you of essential and hypnotic moments, 'Stalker' tends to do the opposite. Even if this was a novel, I can't believe that there would be moments in the story where the reader and in this case the viewer would be toyed like this until an important surprising moment in the film arrives, with no foreshadow or even a slight forboding in its' narrative... an approach this intense story would have deserved ... so it just lays an egg.
   
   Why would you make a film with stunning photography and moments of incredible mood, with an interesting, compelling story, a wonderfully written script with great actors and rob us of the experience?
   
   My review will not give away any details and my disappointment is not generally about pacing; I love slow moving art, but there are some slow moments that mean nothing in this movie. It takes away the experience of cinema, yet expects us to enjoy it as cinema. I do not highly recommend this movie, but for cinema buffs, when it gets it right, it's worth at least one viewing. To be specific, when it does succeed we are reminded of Kubrick and Hitchcock, so don't look for originality in camera shots but look out for the great photography; there are sublime moments.
   
   If you are wanting to see a Tarkovsky masterpiece, see 'Ivan's Chilhood' one of the greatest films I've ever seen!



2. I am too simple a person to understand anything that happened. I forced myself to finish it. Boring action, boring dialog.



3. STALKER is truly an amazing movie. It's one of the greatest movies ever made and if not number one in my list, then in the top 3. The title is a little lost in translation, most of us thinking it means 'to stalk.' The Russian word for stalker, can be translated many ways, including guide, angel, pathfinder, and demon. Any and all of these translations apply to Stalker, but it just depends on your point of view which translation you use. Likewise, there are many different ways to describe The Zone and The Room, and each one makes sense.
   
   This movie requires your full attention. Sure, it is over 3 hours long, but it feels like 1.5.



4. This is a long, BORING movie. It's just unbelievable how self-indulgent the pacing is. I cannot figure out how people can enjoy this film. (I have a suspicion why they praise it, though -- see the title above.) Even if you like serious films (as I do), don't subject yourselves to this boredom. The whole point of the movie could have been made in 30 minutes. Instead, we have to endure nearly 3 hours of endless shots. Just an example: There are three men in a field. The first man walks toward the viewer, slowly. The whole trip takes perhaps 2 minutes -- just walking. Then the second guy starts walking -- another 2 minutes. Then the third... And then there is a cut, finally. Next scene: the first man starts walking again, this time shot from the back -- 2 more minutes. Then the second -- another 2 minutes. Then the third... Did you enjoy reading this verbose description. If so, then perhaps you may like this film. Normal viewers, beware!



5. dvds are kind of a pain in the a-- (movie is split between 2 discs), but great movie. criterion needs to release this title.

5 comments about Legend.

1. I recently purchased Legend from this company. I paid for it new price and I recieved a Used Copy. It was already opened and the DVD's were scratched as well as parts on inside cover were damaged. I am dissapointed with that.



2. If you loved the original movie and soundtrack DO NOT BUY THIS DVD. It is altered and much of the original music is different. I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED and whomever "monkied" with this version of the movie for the DVD made it a worse production than the original.



3. This film was awful. The special effects were good, but the acting and characters were cheesy and it had a very weak plot.



4. The version with the Tangerine Dream soundtrack is much better than The Jerry Goldsmith crap. That's the one I watched as a kid and that's the one I really want. This version is ruined with music that doesn't belong.



5. I love the movie. It arrived in perfect condition and I am happy with it

5 comments about Labyrinth (Anniversary Edition).

1. This movie has been and remains my favorite movie of all time. I was about Sarah's age when it came out and my quite young mom (34) had just passed away, so my ability to relate to the character was incredible - see Deborah MacGillivray's review, she really nails the emotion/feeling of the film (and YES I DID want that dress!! LOL). It's a really sweet, imaginative (how could anything Jim Henson did not be?), heartwarming story that shows us there is love, friendship and a reason to be no matter how much our 'world falls down'. Give it a look, you'll be glad you did :)



2. The DVD case came with a corner chiped out, and the CD had some crusty stuff on it that I had to clean off. There was a chip in the DVD and art was faded. None of these conditions were noted on the description of the product. It played well until 5 minutes to the end and it froze. I wouldn't of bought this had I of known of the condition of the case and DVD.



3. Henson and Bowie created something unique in their lifetimes here. Even if you are not a fan of Henson's Sesame Street/ Muppet work, you may be amazed by this movie, which is sublime beyond any comparison to the rest of his career. If your kids are bored, this will unbore them many times over and you'll love it too. Bowie's music is superlative and his supporting role as the bad guy is fantastic.



4. Even though I like David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, I think the movie would have been better if their characters had been puppets, also. The puppets themselves are pure Henson and, as such, amazing. Felt that the storyline could have used a bit more spice to it as it tended to drag in places. A good movie to check out the puppets, but The Dark Crystal would be a better choice.



5. I watched this when I was itty bitty and I bought it so my fiancee could watch it. Very good movie, even for kids.

5 comments about Blade - Trinity (New Line Platinum Series).

1. The action wasn't on par with the Blade series at all, the plot was absurd, and Ryan Reynolds, who I'm usually alright with, was just annoying and simply does not fit into the Blade series. Like this movie as a whole.
   
   The opening sequence was alright, but from there it just went downhill. About the only good parts of this movie are the fact that Wesley Snipes and Kris Kristofferson are both in it again.
   
   So, it comes down to a lot of trilogies--the first two are great, but the third you should only buy if you absolutely LOVE the character, regardless of how bad the movie they put him/her into is. I just picked this one up because it was dirt cheap and I hadn't seen it.



2. Blade Trinity completes the trilogy of films that features Wesley Snipes as Blade, a vampire who has all the powers of one but does not bow down to the weaknesses that most succumb to. This "Daywalker" has a sole mission of slaying all Vampires in order to keep the Earth from becoming one big bloodbath.
   
   Trinity gets more to the surface and streets of the everyday humans, somewhat taking the viewer away from the futuristic, sheer walled complexes and ancient fictional gothic styled architecture that was an almost constant backdrop of the first two movies. The additions of recognizable actors in major roles also seems to slightly change the mood for the film, but does not necessarily hurt it. Jessica Biel stars as Abigail Whistler, who of course is the daughter of the man who raised Blade and continually outfit him with his much needed serum, shelter, and weaponry. Dominic Purcell, known primarily for his starring role in the Fox series "Prison Break", is cast as Dracula himself (named Drake in this film). The Dracula storyline of course gets some much needed historical uplift from the common Bram Stoker story, but it nor Purcell's stone faced acting ability really don't do enough to make his character intriguing, original or even daunting despite his seriously out of this world powers.
   
   Blade Trinity seems to be a jack-of-all-trades, master of none storyline. The fight scenes seem to have somewhat less impact in certain scenes than they have with the first two films of the trilogy, but if any props can be given to this film, it is the fact it tries harder than the first two to incorporate more major characters within the storyline and have their goals and overall intentions bring a greater impact to the final, bloody outcome. The film does a good job to portray a certain symbolism, like the character of Drake and what he means to Vampire mythology in general trying to fight Blade. With the Blade trilogy in general, it was not always about Blade hunting vampires but the struggle for overall power on all sides, which in Trinity is done fairly well with the continual theme of Blade being not only a catalyst for the vampires but also an ultimatum of sorts, forever revolving as their worst enemy in some instances, but in others being their only hope for a future.



3. perfect shipping and was priced right, couldn't find this video anywhere Amazon always helps me find what I need



4. I enjoyed this movie. Blade seems to be a cold blooded killer because he is taking on a nation of vampires.



5. I wasn't all that crazy about the first Blade movie. I really loved the second Blade movie, but this one was a complete joke! It became less about Blade and more about Whistler's "sexy daughter". But even, that wasn't the problem.
   
   The dialogue was terrible, the acting wasn't all that either. But even THAT wasn't the problem.
   
   The plot was atrocious. First off, aren't vampires supposed to get stronger the older they are? So why is the first vampire running from Blade? Why do they seem matched in power? Dracula should have wiped the floor with Blade.
   
   Also, in the beginning when Whistler's daughter was setting a trap for the vampires by using the fake baby. Shouldn't the vampires have been able to tell it was a fake baby?
   
   Basically a lot of lame scenarios to try to pull this movie off. So not good.

5 comments about The Fisher King.

1. Generally unbelievable film about a man's dissolution and redemption. Jeff Bridges does a magnificent job with the material; unfortunately, Robin Williams is miscast as a crazy person (who has gone crazy by an act that was precipitated by Jeff Bridges' character). Williams should have played his part with some degree of complexity, but all that comes out is tics and showiness. What a shame. The script is uneven, in parts very insightful and in other places simply stupid (the dinner with the four main characters is just awful). If a the movie and therefore the script had been shortened by 30 minutes, the movie would have been much better. As it is, the unbelievability overwhelms whatever good points the movie has. Too bad.



2. The Fisher King [1991]
   Dvd ~ Jeff Bridges
   Availability: Currently unavailable
   
   Superb, 30 Dec 2007
   
   
   Superb. There have been very few movies that I can say, hand on heart, that have ever touched a nerve with me, but this is one. If anyone but Williams and Bridges had played these roles, the film would have dragged on and on. Bridges is excellent as the ex shock jock, trying to make some restitution for the consequences of his 'actions'. Williams should be given some kind of Knighthood - the man is flawless as he tries to claw his way out of his personal madness, his grief and guilt. The support cast are pretty fine, too. Excuisite.
   
   Baby Cromwell, Nottingham, England



3. A strangley realistic seeming film because it involves homeless and poor people and psychology yet includes the wondrous element of hope. Great flick.



4. This movie merits consideration by anyone who is looking for a thoughtful, yet entertaining vehicle for entertainment. The production and script are outstanding, and I am sure you will find good coverage of those factors in some of the other reviews you will find here. What makes this a stand out film with a message in the caliber of "The Razor's Edge", is its ability to transmit the following concept: If we are to make any progress in this life, whether it is to heal our own wounds, or to help others heal theirs, we must be ready and willing to extend ourselves beyong our normal comfort levels. Nothing good and ever lasting can occur unless we push ourselves to the point of discomfort ( ie hard work). The movie points this out > people throwing money at their guilt vs. getting personally involved ( and securing a grail). This movie is rich in thought and lesson. You get to see one man actually evolve as he slowly rises above the maelstrom of egocentricity, modern society's self-centeredness and its attendant callousness. Our protagonist backslides as he believe his work is done, but life and circumstances push him even further as he realizes that more work must be done. He eventually does the right thing and a multitude of benefit and good consequences follow - We see the eventual healing peace and contentedness that follows. You could do a lot worse in picking a film. This is one of the few that really illustrates a story of positive personal growth in the context of a modern day tragi-comedy. Kudos to all who were involved in this great reflective and inspiring, if not instructive work!



5. Directed by Terry Gilliam....Robin Williams, Jeff Bridges, Amanda Plummer, and Mercedes Reuhl combine their awesome talents to create a remarkable modern-day dark fable of love and adventure in Manhattan's. sometimes harsh, cultural realty.
   
   Bridges plays a "shock jock" who unwittingly helps to cultivate more madness in Manhattan, a karmic psychological madness that he finds constantly dogging his heels. Williams plays a vigilante knight, coincidentally created by Bridges' radio show, running loose in Manhattan (and his own mind) on a quest for the holy grail, "a billionaire's bowling trophy". As Bridges slides deeper into his karmic pit of unresolved guilt the exciting and gorgeous Mercedes Reuhl plays an oscar-winning role as his lover on the way down. Amanda Plummer succeeds as William's timid mousy love interest.
   
   Excellent casting, excellent plot, and excellent entertainment set in a great city- New York!

5 comments about The Little Vampire.

1. This movie is so cute! The flying vampire cows are insane. Funniest part of the movie is the farmer who keeps going in to check on the cows! Cute, sweet fun. Get it and watch it with your kids. Very funny movie.
   
   This movie is pretty old so actors are pretty well grown by now BUT my daughter has a HUGE crush on boy who plays Rudolph. Be prepared Moms and Dads as he is a little cutie and your girls will flip over this mini heart throb.



2. This movie is a really enjoyable movie for all ages. My son will not stop watching it.



3. Another excellent movie! Great for the whole family! You'll laugh, you'll cry, but you won't have nightmares! Explores the value of our differences.



4. This little gem nicely mixes laughhter and chills in a tale of modern day vampirism that gives us all the trappings of the vampire yarn and sends them up affectionately and without mockery
   Tony Thompson (Jonathan Lipnicki -of Jerry Maguire fame)moves from San Diego to Scotland with his Dad, Bob (Tommy Hinkley) and Mom ,Dottie (Pamela Gidley).His Dad is in charge of building s new golf resort in the Highlands .
   
   Tony is troubled by vivid dreams of vampires coming to get him and it transpires there are vampires in the area one of whom , a"boy"of roughly his own human age Rudolph (Rollo Weeks)he befriends .His family -headed by Richard E Grant and Alice Krige -are being hunted by Rookery ,a vampire slayer (Jim Carter)complete with neon crucifix and sun lamps on his truck.They are anxious to resume a normal human life and to do this must secure a special stone by sunset of the following day or else be doomed to remain vampires.Tony offers to help ,a promise that involves vampire tombs ,vampire cows(I kid you not)and coping with the local school bullies
   
   The movie is well acted and is blessed in its child actors who are natural aand uncloying .Grant and Krige give it just the right amount of camp and Grant in particular would make a great vampire in a "straight "vampire picture having as he does the looks and gravitas for the role
   
   There are some subtle movie references for adults and kids under ,say ,12 would enjoy the movie more than their older siblings who may find it a tad juvenile .In my view it is well written ,witty and shows a nice balance of horror played tongue in cheek and pure comedic moments



5. I'm not a spring chicken - old enough to be a great-grandma- but this is one of my favorite all time movies. It's a warm and funny family movie that my kids and grandkids love as much as I do. The scenes with the cows are priceless!

5 comments about Dungeons and Dragons- Wrath of the Dragon God (Widescreen Edition).

1. I really liked this movie, It first came out on Sci Fi Channel so it was a low budget sci fi channel movie. But over all it was a lot better then the first one. The first one had a 100 mill dollar budget and it sucked. This movie was pretty cool done very will and fun to watch, Lionsgate / sci fi (NBC) done a lot better with a low budget. They actually followed what a group of adventurers
   world be doing during a advurage adventure. It brung me back to the old days of DnD.



2. This is one of the better Dungeons and Dragons type movies. The story, cast, effects , and music are all good. Typically at least two of those things fail in many of them. I sat through the whole movie without any wretching or desire to leave the room, which was a pleasant surprise. The story centers around a retired captain of the guard taking command of a group of five champions to fight an evil wizard. The group is comprised of the captain, a female warrior, a male thief, a female wizard, and a male cleric. The characters are well developed during their journey together and work well together. Initially with the right amount of friction and later trusting each other with their life and limb literally. A nice mix of mythical creatures, and the effects were as good as any I have seen. If you enjoy fantasy movies like "Stardust", "Earthsea", and "George and the Dragon", I recommend it. The only thing missing was a little humor. Good quality DVD and replayability.



3. another low budget B 'dragon' movie. You can watch for D&D sake. I think D&D has a greater universe than Eragon or HP as a fantastic world. needs a good script and director and of course big budget.



4. I'm a bit perplexed that this movie is receiving all of the five star reviews. I watched this last night to preview it prior to showing it to my children since it doesn't have a rating. Parent's don't fear... it's a PG movie. No profanity, only a tiny bit of blood and entirely unbelievable special effects. For those of you who watched the first movie, this one is different, I'm not sure I would say "Better." The special effects in the first were better, these were 100% made for TV effects, so don't go into this movie expecting incredible dragons and unbelievable spells. Unlike the first movie, this one DID follow the rules of the D&D game much more closely, though they still took several liberties. For example Dragons in the game are supposed to be far smarter than humans and capable of speaking in just about any language they like... here they are just large beasts with sharp teeth that are quite easily killed. There was a Lich in this movie... although it's quite easy to tell he's just a guy in a bad mask. I really didn't enjoy this movie. It was boring, the acting was along the lines of a daytime soap, the FX were laughable on some occasions, the plot was alright but didn't really do much for me. This may have been better as a mini series if they had fleshed out more of the steps in their journey. As parents we still aren't sure if we are going to let the kids watch it... not because it's inappropriate, but because we are afraid they might like it and we might have to sit through it several more times. I'm sorry, but I cannot recommend this movie to anyone other than the most die hard D&D fans.



5. Stuipd movie.
   I am a D&D gamer for seven years now,and have no intensions to stop playing, so I could understand the way iconic monsters, spells and game mechnics were waved into the plot.
   Thing is, this movie is so bad that it made me angry. It is becuse of things such as "Wrath of the dragon god" that D&D is underastimated by many people. The plot was infantile, the charcters so boering that as a DM I would have killed their players just for the intension to play them.
   Another issiue was that the charcters had no in game logic- I remember a scene where the fighter (who is, of course, the leader) send the wizard to the front line of a large meele battle, to cover him while he solves a riddle. C'ommon, guys! if you want to call a movie "D&D" than at least try to make it feel like a real game.

5 comments about Murder by Decree.

1. Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper. An outstanding cast. The director of Black Christmas. It shouldn't miss, right?
   
   Murder by Decree misses the bulls eye but there are good things here. Christopher Plummer and James Mason excel as Holmes and Watson and their relationship is joy to watch. The recreating of 1888 London is wonderful and the atmospheric direction by Bob Clark is good. The supporting cast, David Hemmings, Donald Sutherland, Genevive Bujold and Sir John Gielgud do their thing very well.
   
   In the end the story isn't all that interesting. It's fairly devoid of any real suspense and the (completely) overlong conclusion kills all the momentum after a fairly exctiting climax with the Ripper himself. I have to say also that Holmes doesn't look like the mastermind he's supposed to be, with all the clues hand fed to him. Hell, I'd even come to the same conclusion.
   
   Murder by Decree could, and should have, been great with all the talent on board but in the end it's an agreeable time waster. Not much more.



2. In the long line of Sherlock Movies and TV shows, this is a decent attempt at one of the stories that seems something like "Jack the Ripper". Plummer and Mason are certainly good actors and the sets are fairly decent. The mystery of illicit women being abducted and murdered seems to be swept under the carpet by the government and police. Sherlock Holmes will find out why with his able assistent Dr. Watson. The atmosphere is mainly dark and brooding throughout. Perhaps if I hadn't seen the masterful British series with Jeremy Brett I might be a little more forgiving of this movie today, but I'm afraid it just seemed to drag in parts, and so I give it a good but not great rating. When I first saw this I must admit I was more impressed. But considering what all is available now, it has held up reasonably well. Nothing special about the DVD quality or extras. A good rental for most and purchase for the hardcore Holmes fans.



3. This was the first Jack the Ripper movie to get the details of the crimes correct. A great cast, but given the sophisticated script this could have been even better, instead it looks more like a TV movie than a Victorian "Chinatown." Still, Mason's bufoonish Watson is one of the funniest and Bujuld's scene still packs a wallop as does Plummer's summing up at the end. (As was noted on the commentary track for "The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes", it's an amusing gaffe that Holmes wears his deerstalker everywhere -- including the opera!)



4. Perhaps a bit dated by today's special effects standards, but this 1979 film is a wonderfully scripted Jack the Ripper tale with all sorts of clever twists and turns. Good acting by all with Christopher Plummer taking the spotlight as Sherlock Holmes on the trail of the madman at the behest of a group of Whitechapel business owners. More of a "why" than "who is Jack" type movie, it cleverly lays out a theory that is now widely embraced by folks who have studied the crimes. Great cinematography, convincing performances and a credible end. Four stars all around.



5. So it isn't the most original idea out there for Sherlock Holmes to attempt to solve the case of the infamous murders committed by Jack The Ripper. At least one other film (A Study In Terror) and several books have (had) been written along those lines so the storyline could have been predictable. Yet Murder By Decree rises above what could have been a tired and predictable story to deliver perhaps the best non-Doyle based Holmes film. It is a must-see for fans of Holmes and does supply an interesting solution (pardon the pun) to the mystery of the Ripper.
   
   Christopher Plummer gives an exceptional performance as the great detective. Whereas others had played Holmes as the intellectual with little emotion, Plummer takes Holmes and makes him more human. While he is still the intelligent and brilliant deducing detective of other films, he does have an emotional side that comes into play several times throughout the film. James Mason might come across at first as the bumbling, idiot Watson of earlier films but as the film progresses he proves to be anything but. There are scenes were Watson does get to prove himself and he is anything but bumbling. The chemistry between Plummer and Mason is ideal for the film and there are many great scenes between them including the famous pea scene.
   
   The supporting cast is ideal as well. David Hemmings is an interesting Inspector Foxborough though he does lack some believability in the role. Donald Sutherland is fascinating as the psychic Robert Lees and it is a shame we don't get to see more of him in the film. Susan Clark's brief appearance as Mary Kelly is impressive and it is a shame that we don't see more of her either because her scene with Plummer's Holmes is a good scene. Anthony Quayle portrays real life Scotland Yard chief Sir Charles Warren with a lot of animosity towards Holmes and other characters. Also, there is a cameo by Sir John Gielgud as the Prime Minister in one of the film's best done scenes.
   
   But the real scene stealer of the supporting cast is Geneviève Bujold as Annie Crook. She has only one scene of dialogue in the film and only a handful of appearances in the film. Yet she becomes the emotional anchor of the entire film. She is the one character in the film (besides Mary Kelly) who really draws the emotion out of Holmes. She is the most sympathetic and realistic character in the film and while her appearance is short, it leaves a lasting impression.
   
   The film's main pull is its stylistic approach. For the most part the film is a dark and moody trip into 1888 London and the film never lets you forget it. With its convincing mix of sets and real life locations the film is virtually flawless in taking you back in time. The cinematography of the film is important in that the film is almost at times a tribute not to the Holmes films of the 1930's and 1940's but to the film noir genre of that period. It is never overly graphic and yet the horrendous nature of the Ripper murders still comes across. The film also has a good mixing of suspense, action, and exposition that manages not to slow down the film too heavily for the most part though the pace does occasional drop. But for the most part director Bob Clark manages to keep your attention focused on the screen and in suspense while waiting to learn the secret of the Ripper.
   
   The script from John Hopkins is a near masterpiece of screen writing. Hopkins has successfully intermingled established facts, the Holmes universe, and one of the darkest conspiracy theories of our time into a taught and tension filled mystery. Never has such a complex theory about the identity of Jack The Ripper been so well presented on screen in a way easy to understand by the average person. While the authenticity of the theory put forth in the film is debatable, it fits well into the film and that is what matters.
   
   Murder By Decree is one of the best Holmes films out there. With a terrific Holmes and Watson, a good supporting cast, haunting cinematography, and a tension filled conspiracy, this is one of the most thought out thrillers out there. If you are a Holmes fan, this is a must-see. If not, defiantly worth your while.

5 comments about Queen of the Damned (Widescreen Edition).

1. I really couldn't watch more than 10 minutes of this movie. The acting was so bad. I can't really tell you more about this movie because I watched very little of it. I will tell you this I did sit through BloodRayne and that was a bad movie too!



2. This is one of my favorite movies. I really like the songs and I think the actors did a pretty good job. I love Aaliyah, God rest her soul and I think she did a pretty good job for an inexperienced actress. She could have gone far. I liked the way the story of Lestat went and how cocky he got. I would recommend this movie to vampire movie lovers.



3. From Ane Rice's Books this is one of those that went to film. A good novel and a good movie



4. I am not sure why people are giving this movie a bad name. I have not read the Anne Rice version I guess her's is better (like always). Either way this movie was so sexy, Lestadt made me want to give myself to him. lestadt made me want to love him and take care of him. I felt closer to the vampire race. This movie really made mewant to be a vampire. I loved the love story. I LOVED the music! The soundtrack is great for love making;-) One of the top 5 best vampire movies I have seen.



5. fantastic movie...stupendous price....never disappointed when i order from amazon.com. you have a very satisfied customer