Ice Age: Continental Drift (Blu-ray / DVD + Digital Copy) (2012)

The Ice Age series, across the four in the series, has been full of adventure and fun, and Continental Drift is no different. Scrat the squirrel starts the continental drift in his never ending pursuit of the acorn. Manny is separated from Ellie and Peaches during the drift and there begins his adventure with buddies Diego and Sid.

Sid is united with his family who, it turns out, just wanted to leave his granny with him and disappear. The granny, voice of Wanda Sykes, brings in fine humor. The pack, in their attempt to reunite Manny with his family, runs into evil Captain Gutt, the reigning pirate of the frozen waters. They venture off with his boat after beating his crew, only to run into him again. Here starts a friendship between Diego and Shira. Captain Gutt in a desperate attempt to get even with Manny holds Peaches hostage. Manny and the entire pack, including Granny, fight back with gusto.

The overall pace and adventure of The Continental Drift is at par with the previous versions, it's non-stop adventure with funny scenes that kids will enjoy. However, it feels like more of the same over and over again. There isn't much depth of content, no new ideas, no scintillating graphics, and no meaningful development of characters.

That being said, the movie is still great fun for the entire family. It's adventurous, funny, and definitely worth a watch.

Last summer, my family and I saw this movie, as we are die-hard fans of the Ice Age film franchise since the first film was released in 2002. Laughed from beginning to end. We saw it twice in the theater, we enjoyed it that much! When it came out on Blu-ray/DVD (which I got for Christmas), we enjoyed it even more!

The plot: Sid, Manny and Diego are definitely in for the ride of their lives when they met a set of pirates, and Diego gets a girlfriend (voiced by J-Lo!).

If you liked Pirates of the Carribean and if you love the Ice Age movies, you'll love Ice Age 4: Continental Drift!

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Ice Age: Continental Drift is basically like the other Ice Ages movies with one exception: this time the focus on adventure and excitement is much MUCH faster, uncontrollable and flat out zannier this time around. I mean significantly crazier, haha. I'd honestly need to watch Continental Drift about 3 more times to really be able to keep up with the many assortment of animal flips, dives, jumps, rolls, leaps, etc. Don't get me wrongthere's a storyline present, but it's not always obvious. Quite often you have to wait for storyline progressing segments to occur.

When an iceberg separates the mammoth played by Ray Romano and leaves his wife (played by Queen Latifah) and their daughter on their own, the mammoth and saber-toothed cat accidentally go on a little iceberg adventure involving tons of oceanic creatures coming into the picture and causing hilarious chaos (especially the one with the crab and the slothI love this one in particular).

Soon after, they make landfall and find themselves trapped against an ape who claims to be the king of the ocean so fighting against him is entirely hopeless. Also, a female saber-toothed gray cat comes into the equation and reluctantly fights against (and eventually with) the mammoth, cat and sloth. However in order to join in with the gang of familiar animals we all know and love, she has to separate herself from the ape whose quest is solely on destroying our loveable talkative animals... which proves to be quite a difficult decision for the cat.

I'd say Continental Drift offers a ton of excitement, however the one problem is that many of the jokes fall flat. I'm not a Nicki Minaj fan so her presence is pretty pointless and uninteresting. I *am* however, a fan of Wanda Sykes who provides a few really hilarious lines. Unfortunately Continental Drift focuses on humor that people like Nicki Minaj, Snooki and others would prefer, and the same can be said for the rather uninspiring soundtrack we hear throughout the movie. These issues crop up more than a few times.

The squirrel's tireless search for the nut and unintentionally finding himself in several tricky situations returns yet again, and it never stops being funny (or weird) how the storyline involving the other animals suddenly stops so we can watch the mischievous squirrel go on a little adventure concerning his nut. Always entertaining watching these segments.

Overall, well it's a totally zanny adventure. This time it's crazier than usual. Enjoy.

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I dont know if im happy i bought this or not. I ordered this a month ago and ive watched it probably 48 times with my 3 year old little girl. The movie is great, but be careful if you have a little one you will become more familiar with this movie than you ever expected lol

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All I can say is please let this series die before it loses every last ounce of its dignity. The first one was great, the others sequels less so and now with the arrival of the four hundred and forty fourth one, this series has hit an all time low. This is just a weak movie all around. When you pretty much know what the entire plot of the film is going to be in the first five minutes of the movie, you know you're in for a long boring, cliche ridden, been there done that, nothing remotely original sequel. Spoiler alert, Manny and his daughter are reunited in the end and they're both sorry for what they said before they became separated. Gee didn't see that one coming from like 200 miles away. The only think I liked about this movie was "Precious" and even that character was not enough to save this awful cash grab. Just like Shrek-this series seriously needs to end before they can milk it to death entirely . Blue Sky Studios has done some incredibly original films over the years (Horton Hears a Who & Rio for instance), why they keep wasting time churning out more awful Ice Age sequels when they're capable of so much better is beyond me. Oh yeah, the whole cash grab thing.... Regardless, it's time to move on please-Manny, Sid, Scrat and Diego need to be permanently retired. They've even made Sid a boring character and I thought that was impossible. I own the other three ice age movies, but I'm going to pass on this one. Even before I had seen it, I had seen it all before if you catch my "drift".

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Music and Lyrics (2007)

Sure. Why not? The first question in assessing a movie's merit is does it do as intended?

With "Music and Lyrics," what it intends is nothing extraordinary. It aims to be a fun, romantic, sweet comedy of a man meeting a woman and falling in love, with a poke at pop culture. It accomplishes this. I saw this on February 14, Valentine's Day, and wanted exactly as delivered.

Paul McCartney asked in the 1970s what the world needs with another silly love song. "Music and Lyrics" is, in film, a silly love song.

Hugh Grant plays Alex Fletcher, a has-been pop singer from a defunct duo similar to Wham!, struggles to find his way as his audience stops caring. Realistic, he knows what he is capable of, but is unsure what his next step should be.

When Cora, a pretentious form of Britney Spears-Shakira-Christina Aguilera of sex-pop, offers him an opportunity to write a song, he runs into trouble. He is a melody man, not a lyricist. His lyricist from his old band, Pop!, is long gone.

In walks Sophie Fisher, played with charm by the ever-sweet Drew Barrymore. She's Alex's temporary plant watering person (and not a very good one), with a penchant for delivering peppy lyrics under her breath. Despite the scorn of fill-in wordsmith Greg Antonsky, Alex takes a liking to her style. Greg's angst-style, hopeless lyrics seem off kilter with Alex's personality.

Embittered from a broken affair with an engaged man, Sophie is uninterested. It is one thing to hum a tune, and it is another to commit to writing a song. However, Alex only has a few days and pressures (begs, really), Sophie to help.

She acquiesces, and tries to write. Alex and Sophie clash, as he understands the profession of music, and is desperate, and she is still stuck on the failed affair.

Both are living in the past, and both need to move up into 2007 to survive and thrive.

Finally, lyrics are written, and Cora loves them -with a few changes. Cora's version is laced with faux spirituality and tramped-up seduction. Sophie's artistic sensibilities are insulted, and pulls the song much to Alex's chagrin. They argue, break-up, and now, Alex is stuck trying to fix a song.

Can he fix the song on time? Will they figure out how to live in the present day? What about love (this is a romantic comedy, remember?).

A fine self-mocking performance is put on by Kristen Johnston as Sophie's older sister Rhonda, making jabs at her own weight-loss campaign. Brad Garrett as Alex's agent Chris Riley is right on the money, as he is both a manager and friend.

Drew Barrymore shows she's more than the girl next door, but has a kind of Lucille Ball, Jenna Elfman, Meg Ryan mix going on.

Hugh Grant is perfectly cast, and is the better side of himself. He never overplays the role, and yet, does not fall into the 'stupid Englishman' persona he occasionally does.

I fully recommend "Music and Lyrics."

Anthony Trendl

editor, HungarianBookstore.com

"Music and Lyrics" is a hoot: witty, bright, beautifully performed by the luminous Drew Barrymore (as ditzy, charming, beautiful Sophie Fletcher) and the dry of wit, Hugh Grant (as the less famous half, Alex Fletcher of a hot 80's duo, "Pop" obviously patterned after "WHAM") and briskly paced by director Marc Lawrence.

The story is light and airy: Fletcher needs help writing a song for a Britney clone, Cora. A song that could maybe bring him back to prominence after twenty years of playing store openings, amusement parks and nostalgia concerts. Sophie, though a partner with her sister in a Weight Loss clinic, is a whiz at writing pop lyrics: presto...match made in heaven!

The interplay between Barrymore and Grant is spot on and the dialogue and story are almost up to their excellent timing but they both work hard, though not too as that would negate the comedy, to make this work and in most scenes it does.

"Music and Lyrics" is as light as a crepe filled with caramelized bananas and topped with whipped cream and as such don't expect more from it than a huge smile and the delicious satisfaction that comes from eating something you have no business consuming.

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Really good romantic comedies are few and far between. 'Music and Lyrics is one of the good ones! Reminiscent of 'The Wedding Singer' with it's parody of the 80's pop scene and also co-starring Drew Barrymore, this smart and funny film features a believable chemistry and relationship between the two leads and not too sappy an ending. The 80's in-jokes are clever and keep this movie from falling into the same traps most bad romantic comedies do. Hugh and Drew are as likable as they ever have been in this romantic musical comedy! The fact that they acually sing the songs in this film make it all the better.

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This is a movie that you'll love forever. Hearing any snippet of the score will give you that happy, sappy feeling that only a great romantic comedy can.

Drew Barrymore is precious as only Drew Barrymore can be, and five minutes into the film I forgot that I never really considered myself a huge fan of Hugh Grant!

Music and Lyrics is everything that a romantic comedy is meant to be and then some. This DVD belongs in your collection!

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From the opening credits, "Music and Lyrics" bounces along and for ninety minutes draws you in to what has to be one of the most charmingly appealing films of the last few years. Everything seems to work here beginning with the simple premise that a has-been songwriter is given a deadline of two days to write a new song for an up-and-coming pop queen...only to discover that he needs a lyricist. And boy, does he find one!

Hugh Grant plays Alex Fletcher, the aging star of the musical group "Pop". With that song deadline looming and down-and-out about his success in completing it on time, in walks Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore) to water his plants. What happens from here on out is pure magic as Alex discovers Sophie's natural talent with lyrics. The film sails along, never letting down, as they work together and discover each other.

I've seen "Music and Lyrics" twice and liked it even better the second time. The supporting cast with Brad Garrett as Alex's tortured manager, Kristen Johnston, as Sophie's neurotic-driven older sister and Haley Bennett as Cora Corman, the new pop sensation, are all terrific. The songs are evocative of another age and work well in support of the film. But it is really the chemistry between Grant and Barrymore that wins the viewer over. Perfectly cast, she plays foil to his gentle, persuasive humor and the end result is sheer joy. I highly recommend "Music and Lyrics". It's a refreshingly funny, witty and wonderful film.

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Out of Time (2003)

"Out of Time" is the story of Banyan Keys chief of police Whitlock (Denzel Washington), a man in the middle of a divorce he does not want. Whitlock turns to his old high-school sweetheart, Ann Harrison (Sanaa Lathan) for solace, only to learn that she has terminal cancer and cannot afford the alternative treatment that might be her only hope. Whitlock can't just watch Ann die, so he steals a large chunk of money he bagged in a drug bust from his own department and lets her have it. But then Ann and her abusive husband Chris (Dean Cain)go up in smoke in an apparent arson, triggering a legal fallout that leaves Whitlock struggling to tie up all the loose ends as his life unravels around him.

"Out of Time" is a somewhat formulaic but still successful mystery/suspenser that slowly pulls the viewer into the web along with Chief Whitlock until there's no escape. Fans of this kind of movie will see a lot of familiar set-ups and plot devices, but the strong cast makes the story work as a whole even if you think you've got it all figured out. Washington's hapless cop is unfailingly appealing, even if he is guilty of some terrible lapses in judgment (but then aren't we all from time to time?). Cain and Lathan likewise do well with their roles, and Eva Mendes is a standout as Whitlock's estranged wife, a homicide detective in her own right who slowly discovers more than she wants to about her husband's role in the Harrison case. Will Whitlock be able to put the puzzle together in time to save his skin from a looming murder rap? And will Mendes help pull him out of the fire, or push him all the way under? You can't stop watching til you know the answers.

The film's seedy, noirish atmosphere is a great plus as well, and if it's not original "Out of Time" is still entertaining. Overall it's worth 3.5 stars, and certainly a movie you want to watch at least once if you like mystery or suspense films. Like many of its kind, however, it may not hold up to multiple viewings once you've learned the secrets, so it may be one to rent rather than buy. Either way, it's a great way to energize a lazy evening.

This is probably the most Hitchcockian thriller to come down the pike in a decade or so. You have the flawed man unjustly accused. You have a femme fatale who may or may not be dead. Thorny relationships with women. Atmosphere by the bucketload. Sexy, slightly violent, a tad morbid, bundles of wit and humor.

This was a sadly ignored film during its' theatrical run. Denzel does his canon proud with another strong performance. While it's not flashy or subtle, it's exactly what the film demands. It fits.

The women are, putting it bluntly, absolutely smoking hot. Eva Mendes and Sanaa Lathan are fine actresses, and do nice work here. But in often skimpy clothes in that Miami wet heat, they could recite the phone book and most males would be entranced.

Dean Cain is terrific as "the bad guy". His scenes with Denzel show him stepping up to the plate admirably. You'd expect Washington to blow him off the screen...and he doesn't. At all.

The screenplay has some nice twists and turns. A veteran moviegoer will recognize or anticipate a few of them, but I guarantee there will be several scenes or lines that'll raise everyone's eyebrows. It's not perfect; there are some clunky lines sprinkled here and there.

Carl Franklin is a talented director, no question, and this simply will add to his reputation. Again, not flashy, but this story will perfectly told.

A special mention is necessary on behalf of John Billingsley. This movie will have people sitting up saying, "who IS this guy?" He's an absolute laugh riot. Every time he's on the screen he's hysterical. His lines have the same improvisatory feel that Bill Murray's did in "Tootsie" (which most were, apparently).

This is a perfect movie for adults interested in an awesome crime thriller.

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I really enjoyed this movie! There was thrill, suspense, romance, and excitement. I would recommend this movie to any movie lover. Denzel, Sanaa, Eva, and Dean were all HOT in this movie! I loved the whole story line. There were a few parts that may be too explicit for young children, so beware parents!!! I have seen this movie on several occasions and it is like the very first time everytime I see it. This one is a classic, it should be a new addition to everyone's movie collection. I suggest this movie to anyone, especially Denzel lovers, he looked great in this one LADIES!!! Trust me! Check it out for yourself I'd like to hear what anyone has to say about it!!!

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"Out of Time" is a tautly paced crime thriller about a small town Florida cop investigating a double homicide in which all evidence points to him as the prime suspect. Despite the film's morally clouded ending, director Carl Franklin navigates the plot turns and twists with workmanlike efficiency, resulting in an engaging neo-noir tale of lust, greed and deception.

In my opinion, this film is a marvel, the plot twists every scene, and it leaves you on the edge of your seat every second. I'll admit, the start might be a little slow, but it is easily made up for by the rest of the film.

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`Out of Time', a Denzel Washington thriller showcase directed by Carl Franklin is an object lesson in how to put a character into a bad situation, then turn up the heat until it seems he cannot escape his predicament, and he feels the pressure all the more so because it was created to a great extent through his own mistakes. It is easy to put heroic people into desperate situations, subject to terror and the brink of death, yet their entire predicament is for a just cause. The feeling you have, for example, for Frodo and Samwise on the slopes of Mount Doom surrounded by lava is quite different from the feelings you have for Washington's character. This is true not the least because it is so much easier to associate with a person bound in a web of his own mistakes than it is with a hobbit bound in the web of a giant spider.

This is the stuff that tragedies are made from, except that instead of being destroyed by the situation of his own making; the hero does manage to make it out in the nick of time. The best part of his ultimate liberation is that it is brought about by the help of a very good friend who covers for him on two critical points in the story without even being asked and with an assist from his estranged wife who also happens to be a police officer working on the case which drives the plot.

Washington is the chief of police for a small town on a small Florida key island, very similar to his role in his earlier movie `The Mighty Quinn'. His recently separated wife is a homicide lieutenant in some much larger, overlapping jurisdiction, possibly the Miami / Dade police force. Washington's best friend is the local medical examiner. In the opening of the movie, it is revealed that Washington is having an affair with an extremely attractive local dental technician married to a former NFL football player who is currently employed as a security guard at the local hospital. It is also revealed that Washington has about 450 thousand dollars in cash in his office safe confiscated from a recent drug bust.

The main action of the story is set in motion when Washington's mistress talks Washington to accompany her to her oncologist who reveals that an earlier malignancy has reoccurred and is in an incurable state. After the expected distress, compounded by what is believed to is an abusive husband, the woman signs a 1 million-dollar life insurance policy over to Washington as beneficiary. Washington, thinking the drug money will be tied up in court procedures for months, turns it over to his girlfriend in order to get expensive experimental treatment for cancer. Shortly thereafter, bodies of girlfriend and husband are found in the ruins of their house set on fire by arson shortly after a witness sees Washington running away from the victims' house.

All this easily adds up to evidence against Washington, giving him clear means, motive, and opportunity. The pressure mounts as Washington's wife is assigned the case and sets up shop in the town's little police station, right outside Washington's office. The pressure gets turned up as the head of the Miami DEA office calls Washington for the drug money and wants it `yesterday'. So, the second act is largely Washington desperately working at staying one step ahead of both his wife and the DEA.

The average viewer will figure out part of the mystery with little trouble, but I won't spoil the fun by revealing it here. The full story, however, is not revealed until the very end. And, the construction of the problem for Washington and his being able to resolve it at the very last minute makes great entertainment spiced up by the very believable situation. There is an almost dreamlike quality to Washington's predicament. No matter what he does, things just seem to get worse, without quite catching up to him.

The resolution between Washington and his wife after the case is closed seems a bit improbable, but I can live with that. This is by far the most excitement I have experienced with a PG-13 movie in quite a long time. The writers were even able to keep the body count down, limited to the immediate perps of the crime.

Highly recommended for all with reasonably good nerves.

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We Bought a Zoo (Blu-ray/ DVD + Digital Copy) (2011)

Really, when are folks the most maudlin if not during the holiday season? When they're most likely to forgive one's abundance of sentimentality? WE BOUGHT A ZOO utilizes savvy product placement by coinciding its box office release with the month of December. Not that it mattered to me one bit when this film would've come out. Me, I'm a sucker for the sentimental stuff. The movie's title doesn't lie; you get the gist of the premise. Here's Cameron Crowe again, manipulating your emotions, coaxing a laugh, making you tear up. He's such a user.

It's based on a true story. Matt Damon, one of my favorite actors, plays journalist Benjamin Mee who nurses an adventurous streak. He has interviewed dangerous underworld figures in third world nations. He has flown into Category 4 storms. Benjamin profoundly believes that 20 seconds of insane courage can only alter your life for the better. But how much insane courage can one muster when the love of your life leaves you?

Benjamin Mee can't stand pity, even pity assignments at work. Six months after his wife's passing, Benjamin quits his career and when a neighbor's party causes his seven-year-old girl Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) to remark: "Their happy's too loud." he uproots the fam. Seeking a new residence, he and Rosie stumble upon what looks to be the ideal home in the country, even if it's nine miles from a Target store or pretty much from any other store. Except that a broken-down zoo is attached to the house. Buy one, buy the other. Benjamin Mee has always strived to give his kids an "authentic American experience," but his bump of common sense is interfering here. Ultimately, it's little Rosie's unbounded joy at the thought of having a zoo that decides things. Benjamin's cautious accountant brother (Thomas Haden Church) is pretty much aghast.

WE BOUGHT A ZOO isn't as incisive or emotionally searing as THE DESCENDANTS, a similar picture dealing with a family's grief. WE BOUGHT A ZOO, to be frank, won't be nominated for as many awards as THE DESCENDANTS will. Except that I like this movie better. Sue me for prefering clear-cut happy endings. While Clooney's dramedy tends to cut too close to home and no one in WE BOUGHT A ZOO comes close to Shailene Woodley's fierce performance, Matt Damon and the rest of the cast guide you to more familiar territory. Their story has a warmth and an undeniable sweetness to it, brought about in huge part by the actors but also by Crowe's knack for heartstring tugging. And, of course, the zoo animals.

Benjamin Mee has his work cut out for him. The Rosemoor Wildlife Park has been dead in the water for the past two years, and just how strongly does he want to commit to operating a zoo, let alone resurrecting it to specs? The dreaded inspection is fast approaching. His idiosyncratic new employees including the gorgeous zookeeper Kelly (Scarlett Johansson) are casting dubious eyes at him. Benjamin's troubled teen son, Dylan, hates the place, hates everything, really. He keeps on drawing those disturbing images. Benjamin and Dylan just can't seem to connect.

I admit that I choked up in places (damn you, Cameron Crowe!). Yes, this is a sappy film, and some bits feel contrived, but the cast, I feel, ultimately rises above it all. Matt Damon is a sturdy lead and he grounds the story, and I do like that spark between him and Scarlett Johannson. Elle Fanning, who is growing up fast, has a glow about her, sweetly playing the zookeeper's younger sister, Lily, who approaches the tormented artist Dylan with open acceptance. And while there's a chance that Crowe may have overplayed his hand by making Rosie's input so invaluable in a key sequence it's pretty hard to believe that a seven-year-old could be so canny there's no arguing that Maggie Elizabeth Jones is just about the cutest thing on earth (sorry, tap-dancing penguins). So, I dunno, sir. WE BOUGHT A ZOO may not come across as emotionally blunt or "truthful" as THE DESCENDANTS. But this is Christmastime wherein edges are softened. There's no place here for blunt truths.

Heart-warming, moving, funny, and beautifully acted We Bought A Zoo is a very enjoyable family movie that will both lift your spirits with its graceful humor, and make you reflect on life and family related issues thanks to the profound message it carries. It's a fantastic adaptation of Benjamin Mee's memoir, and one of the most delightful movies I've seen in recent months.

Colin Ford, who plays the troubled son, was absolutely fantastic in his role. Sympathetic and real, he really brought his character to life with his convincing acting. And so did Matt Damon. Now, I'm not a huge fan of Matt Damon, but I must admit that he really fit into this role perfectly. You could tell that he enjoyed himself and that definitely elevated his performance. Scarlett Johansson surprised me. To be honest, I did not think of Johansson when picturing Kelly Foster while reading the book. I imagined someone taller, tougher and more obviously kick-ars. And yet when I saw Johansson on the screen I knew she was the one! She wasn't her usual girly self, she appeared stronger and fiercer than ever, and I really loved that about her. She turned out to be the perfect girl for the role.

It's not very often that I prefer the movie adaptation over the book its based on, but that's exactly what happened with We Bought a Zoo. I enjoyed the book a lot, but I loved the movie even more. Maybe it's thanks to the fabulous cast and their expressiveness, maybe I loved the animals, or the soundtrack and the uplifting atmosphere it created. Or maybe it's a little bit of everything and how it all came together, exploring the complexity of life, family relationships, grief and love. I don't know. All I know is that I really loved this movie. It moved me. I feel that I learned something important while watching it. It was a magical and enriching experience and I'll definitely recommend watching We Bought A Zoo to all my friends.

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This may have been last years only real movie. You'd never know that from the title because its far from a campy kids movie. Matt Damon has never been better, and Scarlet until now has never been a favorite. It's not often that the entire family can enjoy a movie together. My 11 year old son said that he loved it so much that it's tied for #1 with The Goonies, and that's saying something coming from an 11 year old boy. The entire family agreed that laughing, and occasionally shedding a tear in the same movie is a good thing. I wish there were more movies like We Bought a Zoo. Actually, I just wish there were more Cameron Crowe movies.

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The sound of the plot sounds like a complete kids movie (and the audience of the showing I attended would prove that claim), but there is more to this film than meets the eye. Director Cameron Crowe (one of my favorites) co-writes a wonderful screenplay full of engaging, fun characters, based on the true life story of Benjamin Mee, a man who decided to purchase a run-down zoo, fix it up, and re-open it. Matt Damon, Colin Ford (who they did a wonderful job as casting as Damon's son as he looks just like a younger version of Damon), and Elle Fanning are the stars of this film, and while the animals and kids may seem like the focus, it is the relationships and life issues that take center stage. The film has that particular heartwarming magic that is infused in nearly all of Crowe's films, which is so appealing to me; it also features one of the best music scores of the year by Jonsi (of Sigur Ros). I don't know if this is exactly for kids 'cause there are lots of grown-up, dramatic moments (and they might get bored), but it's a film I'd see over and over.

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Stories that have plots in some way derived of "inspired by true events" can go one of two ways. The first is either more of docu-drama that is far too technical and biographical to be really entertaining, and the second option is an uplifting drama that could inspire its viewer to betterment. This movie is the latter.

He has been on a plane that went straight into the heart of a hurricane, interviewed world leaders in war-torn countries but nothing could prepare Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) for the loss of his beloved wife and the responsibility of raising his two children without Katherine at his side. A year ago the family of four was a happy, typical American family; six months ago they said good-bye to a wife and mother. Now, Benjamin is tired of sympathy. He cannot stomach the attentions he or his children are getting from people who are merely feeling pity for them. His brother, Duncan (Thomas Hayden Church) encourages Benjamin to get out more and "interact" with people but when his fourteen-year-old son (Colin Ford) gets expelled from school after his fourth offense, Benjamin sees that something needs to change. With a fresh start in mind, he and his precocious seven-year-old daughter, Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) begin looking at new properties until he finds one that is exactly what his family needs only problem is, the backyard is literally a zoo!

Dylan is angry about the move and thinks his adventurer dad is crazy to buy a zoo while young Rosie finds happiness and a place where she can feel at home and best of all, his daughter is laughing again. The Mee's find the zoo staff knowledgeable and ready to help them along as they learn everything about zoo-keeping. Head zookeeper Kelly (Scarlett Johansson) befriends the family and is encouraged to see Benjamin has a genuine heart to make the zoo a success while her shy cousin Lily (Elle Fanning) attempts to be friends with Dylan. Even with minor progress behind them, hardships still find Benjamin. Unless the family can band together, their livelihood will be sorely tested.

Seeing this movie when I did almost didn't happen because the copy I had reserved wasn't coming in but I nabbed one elsewhere and can only say how glad I am to have seen it! There is a lot to be admired in this film regardless of a premise that seems mediocre and not all that "interesting" when compared to some of the blockbusters that are clamoring for "first place" and our attention. One of the first things I was most impressed with was the script it is not only funny (more on that later) but also tugs on our heartstrings in a way that still leaves us with a smile at the end result. All of the dialogue or the majority of it, is written with a family grieving in mind, and that is one of its strengths. The directing is equally dynamic. There are multiple scenes that I loved the set-up of; the simplicity in them is not too sappy but yet has a beautiful familiarity to them scenes that are reminiscent of realistic life. It is this quality that so endears the film, and connects with its audience.

What helps this along to an extreme that is beautifully portrayed is the acting. Damon is a first-rate versatile actor, and he does not disappoint in this role. Seeing him play a father is one of the best roles he's had to date the way he relates to his on-screen children is precious. Then there are the child actors; Colin does an admirable job but it is young Maggie who steals every single frame she is in. I cannot tell you what a doll she was in this role, how sweet, sassy and spot-on perfect she is. You just have to experience it for yourself. She is like a miniature adult who is still an innocent in the best sense of the word. (Many of you may also remember her from the re-make of "Footloose.") Although I don't clamor to see everything Johansson is in, she is cute in the role and her chemistry with Damon is memorable albeit one made of more tender emotions than "sparks" of romance. (It was also a pleasant surprise to see one of the rotating "squints" from "Bones" in a supporting role.)

"We Bought a Zoo" is the surprise movie of the year at my house (yes, I am aware it is only April). My whole family found it precious, and something we all got a chuckle out of. Its true story working idea makes it more endearing than usual but the cast is what pulls it all together. How everything comes together at the end may be a bit of a cliché but for the most part, the movie does not fall into those sorts of traps. Instead it is a pleasant family drama with an ending that doesn't stop where you think it will. Some may find fault with how it does end because it is more of a what-will-be, than has-been but I took it in stride and accepted it as a promise of a brighter future for a family, healing from grief in a healthy way and its ending is one you can write yourself. Unless, you have an adverse reaction to zoo animals, see this one. It's not at all what you might think, definitely a five-star keeper.

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Halloween Blu-ray Triple Pack(Halloween 6, H20, Halloween Resurrection)

Recently, there has been a lot of rancorous noise regarding U.S. distributer Echo Bridge's recent budget Blu-Ray release of "Halloween H20", which can either be purchased alone or as a double feature with the awful "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers". Primary criticisms from early reviews have been the following: "H20" has had its original aspect ratio changed; only a Dolby 2.0 lossless soundtrack is included; the print is of poor quality; and there are no extras of any kind.

Regarding the Echo Bridge Blu-Ray release, while not the worst Blu-Ray I've ever seen, this Echo Bridge release does indeed suck, even at its price of $9.99. Blacks are OK but lack detail; colors look flat; the print is dirty; and edge enhancement and compression artifacts pop up throughout the film. Also, the film's original theatrical aspect ratio has been altered from 2.35:1 to 1.78:1 (although nothing has been cropped, as the film was shot in Super 35, which allows for aspect ratio changes on a film without losing any picture). Unfortunately, the open matte presentation does indeed alter the cinematic feel of the picture, throwing composition off in many scenes, and giving the film an overall TV Movie-like feel that was clearly not intended by the director. Finally, the Dolby 2.0 lossless soundtrack is decent for a surround track, but why is this here on a Blu-Ray, when perfectly good DTS-HD 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks exist elsewhere? Overall, with a sub-par presentation and zero extras, the Echo Bridge Blu-Ray release of "H20" screams "cheap cash-in", and will certainly disappoint fans of the film. Overall, a one star review (out of five) for the Echo Bridge Blu-Ray release of "H20".

This is not my first disappointment with an Echo Bridge Blu-Ray release. My first was merely weeks ago, when I picked up Echo Bridge's recent U.S. Blu-Ray release of "From Dusk 'Till Dawn"; just as was the case with "H20", the Blu-Ray was pretty crummy looking, even for its price. Frustrated and disappointed with that earlier release, I took a chance and ordered the Canadian Blu-Ray release of "From Dusk 'Till Dawn" from Canadian distributer Alliance (who has a dodgy reputation when it comes to Blu-Ray releases), and I'm glad I did, as the Alliance Blu-Ray was superior to the Echo Bridge release in every regard.

Feeling encouraged, I decided to give the "Halloween Triple Pack" Blu-Ray release from Alliance a shot (which I picked up from Amazon.ca for $30.00, including shipping). This is a case of the best Halloween sequel ("H20") being sandwiched between the two worst sequels ("Curse" and "Resurrection"); on the strength of "H20" alone, I decided to splurge on the Canadian import.

First, a bit about the movies. "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers" is pretty much the worst of the series, in my book. While the production values are actually the best in the series since "Halloween 2", the script is fairly incomprehensible. "Cursed" is indeed what this film is: a bizarre, ludicrously plotted storyline, silly cardboard characters and virtually no scares, this film seemed to all but ensure an ignominious end to the "Halloween" franchise.

The cast for "Curse" doesn't even try, and it's no wonder, as the main characters are basically all contrivances, existing solely to give connection between this film and the first. Donald Pleasence returns once again as the laughably psychotic Dr. Loomis. Whatever fun was left from watching Mr. Pleasance ham it up as the good doctor has long since dissipated; what we're left with in "Curse" is watching Mr. Pleasance slumming for a paycheck, and it is downright depressing. The Jamie Lloyd character from "Halloween 4-5" (and the daughter of Laurie Strode from the first film) returns, and is given little to do besides being tortured (as usual). Future comedy star Paul Rudd takes on the Tommy Doyle character from the original film, and for some reason chooses to bizarrely overact the role, perhaps in an attempt to inject some eccentric menace into his feebly-written character; needless to say, he fails. All of the other main characters/victims happen to be unfortunate new tenants of the old Michael Myers childhood home, which has itself become a poorly-contrived recurring character in this tired series.

Certainly, after watching "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers", I had little interest in ever seeing Michael Myers again, who over the course of six films has transformed from a mysteriously eerie serial killer into a monolithic robotic Druid (!) henchman. Without question, a one-star film (out of five).

Amazingly, the next film in the franchise would redeem the "Halloween" name, a rarity for a sequel so late in the series. In fact, "Halloween H20" is probably the best sequel in the Halloween series (I confess to having a soft spot for "Halloween 2", but I freely admit the film is problematic). Simply put, "H20" is the sequel fans had been waiting many years to see... even if some (like me) didn't know it.

The decision was made for "H20" to ignore the last series of sequels and act as a direct sequel to "Halloween II"; it was a wise decision, freeing the series from the various inane story lines and C-List characters that accumulatively dragged down the series over the years. Pleasingly, "H20" manages to both scare and entertain in a way that I thought just wasn't possible for the film series anymore. Finely directed by old school slasher film director Steve Miner (doing a better job with "H20" than he ever did on any of his 1980's "Friday The 13th" films), the film is smartly cast, has good production values, and is a blessed with a tight, straightforward plot. Jamie Lee Curtis gives a great lead performance, and the ending is the most satisfying of all the Halloween films (and that includes the original).

Special bonus points for "H20": it's the first sequel since "Halloween II" to get "The Shape" right! Armed once again with a creepy William Shatner-esque mask (which is actually achieved through a combination of 5 different masks and some CGI effects), a lithe build and quick, methodical body movement, "The Shape" is looking and acting more like his old eerie/ghostly self than he has in years. Certainly, this is a welcome reprieve from the graceless, hulking, albino-masked mongoloid that brutishly skulked around in the last few film sequels.

"Halloween: H20" isn't perfect; the characterizations (with the exception of Curtis's role) are drawn rather sketchily, the plot is a little too simplistic, and the music score is far more "Scream" than "Halloween" (literally, as parts of the score is actually taken from the "Scream" film!). Still, "H20" is a must-see for any self-respecting horror fan, and is well-made enough that (just as was the case with the first film) even non-genre fans should enjoy it. A four-star film (out of five).

Unfortunately, after an amazing comeback (and suitable end) for the franchise, along comes "Halloween: Resurrection" which pretty much eradicates all the good will that was garnered from the last film. Hoping that lightning will strike twice, another old school slasher film director was hired to take on directing chores, none other than the original "Halloween II" director Rick Rosenthal. Unfortunately, unlike "H20" director Steve Miner, time has not been kind to Mr. Rosenthal's skill as a film director, as the film's direction is flat and uninspired.

A cheap, lazily-written script doesn't help matters; the film's first fifteen minutes immediately sets out to undo the terrific ending of the last sequel, while giving a completely anticlimactic, gratuitous and ugly send-off to the series' most involving (and beloved) character...and no, I'm not referring to Michael Myers (we should all be so lucky at this point).

It's all downhill from there, with a silly (if timely) plot that involves more stupid young folks signing up to be slaughtered, this time on a Halloween reality show which is being broadcast live on the internet from the childhood home of Michael Meyers (one would think that after all the killing that's taken place in that house over the years, someone would have taken a bulldozer to the joint by now).

Annoying characters, badly executed internet video sequences, dull "money shot" kills, a total lack of scares and painful miscasting (Busta Rhymes and Tyra Banks!?) all help to relegate this sequel to the bottom of the franchise's heap. "Halloween: Resurrection" isn't quite as bad as "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers" (it's fairly well-produced and has a plot that at least you can follow, unlike "Curse")...but it's bad enough. A one-star film (out of five).

So, back to the Blu-Ray triple pack release: for a U.S. hardcore fans like me, was it worth the trouble and cash to import this Blu-Ray stateside? Certainly, for me I feel it was. Although "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers" and "Halloween: H20" are presented in 1080i (only "Halloween: Resurrection" is shown in 1080P), the picture quality of all three of the films look respectable, certainly heads and shoulders above any DVD release. The aspect ratio for "Halloween: H20" is indeed in its original aspect ratio of 2.35.1 ("Halloween: Resurrection" is also shown in its correct aspect ratio of 2.35.1, while "Halloween: The Curse...", originally released in 1.85:1, is shown in an incorrect aspect ratio of 1.78.1). Sharpness is good, colors are accurate looking and blacks are strong for all three films. There doesn't appear to be any edge enhancement or DNR.

Is "H20" on the Alliance triple-pack presented better than the Echo Bridge release? Yes, it is. Although far from great-looking, the "H20" print on the Alliance release isn't quite as dirty-looking as the Echo Bridge Blu-Ray. As stated earlier, H20's original theatrical aspect ratio is left untouched, restoring the film's cinematic look that was lost on the Echo Bridge release. For certain, it would have been nice if Alliance cleaned up the print for "Halloween: H20" (which unfortunately looks the shabbiest of the three films on the disc), but all things considered, "H20" looks better than the Echo Bridge presentation, even in 1080i.

On the other hand, the audio on the Alliance release "H20" completely blows away the Echo Bridge release. In fact, the audio for all three films sound quite good, with each film given a solid 5.1 DTS-HD Master audio soundtrack, complete with strong surround effects and good bass.

For hardcore U.S. fans, the Alliance triple pack is indeed worth picking up. Now, make no mistake about it, all of these films can (and should) be presented in a far better manner on Blu-Ray than what is on this triple-pack disc, with a nice remastered 1080P picture and special features galore. Yet, for what it is, hardcore fans should be mostly be pleased, as the presentation for all three movies is more than watchable.

However, for casual U.S. fans, in spite of my poor review, I do think they'll be better served with either the $9.99 Echo Bridge stand-alone Blu-Ray release of "H20", or the $16.00 Echo Bridge "H20"/"Curse of..." Blu-Ray double feature. The fact is, I simply can't justify casual fans shelling out 30-plus dollars for one good film and two awful ones, especially given the weak video presentation of "H20" on the Alliance Blu-ray. Casual fans likely won't mind (and may even prefer) the screen-filling open matte presentation of Echo Bridge's "H20" Blu-Ray release, and will probably feel satisfied enough with the Dolby 2.0 lossless soundtrack.

The sad reality is, this is probably as good as it's going to get for these films on Blu-Ray in the Region "A" market... at least for a while. Hopefully, Echo Bridge's distribution rights while expire sooner than later for these "Halloween" films, and they'll see a better presentation down the line.

This is a canadian release that I bought on amazon.com. You can play it on your blu ray or ps3 player with no problem though as we are in the same region. Canada has put out many titles like 'final destination 2' on blu ray that we just don't have in the states. This one is the exact same as the dvd triple pack but the sound options are better with master audio on a few of them. The prints as the other reviewer said look great on halloween 6 , and halloween resurrection' both of which are good halloween movies. Some fans hate 'resurrection' but I don't it's a decent flick in the series. 'h20' or halloween 7 doesn't have the best print , it's acceptable but it has artifacts little specks that pop up here and there. They should have found a better print like the other two movies have in this set. Still it's watchable and not really shredded. There are no extras on this set because three movies are on it. two are 1080i and one in 1080p although what is more important to me is that they get a better print for h20.

In fact the rest of the series needs to be put out on blu ray with as good of prints as 'halloween 6 and resurrection" has. the first one is out but you could easily double up h2, h3, and h4 and h5 in two blu rays. Hopefully someone will do that. If you enjoy the halloween series then this is worth it. However they do need to put this out in the states as well.

Buy Halloween Blu-ray Triple Pack(Halloween 6, H20, Halloween Resurrection) Now

Alliance has released a very good Blu-ray combo pack of the last 3 Halloween films in the original franchise. While the picture in Halloween 20 Years Later could use some improvement, Halloween 6 and Resurrection save the day with nice, crisp picture quality. The audio for all 3 films is the same as the DVD releases but they're in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound so it's not like we have bad audio options. Overall, this is a solid release considering these films have a long way to go before we see them on Blu-ray in the US. This release is worth every penny!

Read Best Reviews of Halloween Blu-ray Triple Pack(Halloween 6, H20, Halloween Resurrection) Here

For fans of the Halloween series, this blu ray is worth the 35(ish) dollar upgrade. The movies are presented with better audio and much better picture quality. Also, The Curse and H2O are finally anamorphic. The image is more crisp, clear and colors and details are stronger and more vibrant and alive. All 3 films are on 1 single sided disc and although bare bones, the quality makes up for the lack of special features. This set is really pleasing because the quality upgrade and although these films don't totally wow in blu ray's big budget movie fashion, the films do look and sound much better, especially "The Curse" in my opinion because the colors just really radiate in that film. It's one of the only colorful Halloween sequels and it pays off on Blu. These films may never get released on Blu ray here (at least not for a few years) so this is definitely the best way to get them in high quality. It's region A (which plays in US and Canada). The only things that may have made this set even better would be if Alliance had put some kind of "Halloween Documentary" or some sort of special interview looking into Dimension and it's backstory on buying the 'Halloween' franchise and making these 3 films. It baffles me that "The Curse" has never had specail features, even on the DVD released in 2000, because I know there are like 30 deleted scenes from an alternate cut and there was a lot of behind the scenes interviews that I've seen on youtube. I really hope that one day these films get the total treatment they deserve here in the US with a special edition blu ray release.

However, I have nothing to complain about, this set is really a fair price and the quality is good. Definitely good enough to make you throw away the old DVDs of The Curse and H2O (minus Resurrection on DVD because the DVD is loaded with special features!)

Fans should buy this, it will hold them up until The US releases blu rays of these films with special features...Which may take...forever.

Want Halloween Blu-ray Triple Pack(Halloween 6, H20, Halloween Resurrection) Discount?

Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers Of the three films, I enjoyed this transfer the most. There is

background grain/noise, but it's not too distracting as the movie gets going. It is to be expected with a

catalogue release like this, and at the very least shows there is no DNR on this release. Blacks are

dark, and the colors stand out. The audio in this release is very strong, and definitely sticks out better

than it does on Echo Bridge's region-free release.

Video 4/5

Audio 4.5/5

Halloween H20: Twenty Years Later Unfortunately, H20 suffers the most of the three films on this

release. The opening moments are very grainy, but it does get better when the movie gets going. It

seems like it might have just been some print damage that affected the video on this one, but it still

looks far better than it ever did on DVD. As has been said before, this release contains the best audio

of the H20 releases. Dialogue is crisp and clear, and the score sets the mood easily.

Video 3.5/5

Audio 5/5

Halloween Resurrection As the only film with the 1080p transfer, it was obvious that Resurrection's

transfer would be the best (though I do personally feel like Curse came across the best). The audio is

clear and the video looks great, even if the film itself is pretty bad.

Video 4/5

Audio 4/5

Unfortunately, this release is without English subtitles and bonus features, but I still recommend it for

those of us who can't play the Region B releases of Curse and H20, as the audio and video are both

superior to the releases that Echo Bridge gave us.

Overall Video 4/5

Overall Audio 4.5/5

Camelot (2012)

Yes, 'Camelot' is a flawed movie, but a MAGICAL one, nonetheless. It is too long, and Franco Nero's dubbed singing voice as 'Lancelot' is laughable, and YET! Yet, we have RICHARD HARRIS, so perfect as the failing King Arthur, Vanessa Redgrave, never lovelier than in her role as the torn Guinavere, and David Hemmings, a dastardly 'mod' Mordred reeking havoc on the troubled Kingdom. Franco Nero (dubbing notwithstanding) brings a wonderful comedic touch to Lancelot, and with the sumptious sets and costumes, 'Camelot' really is a BEAUTIFUL film. It has been critisized for having a 'Sixties' feel to it, but the somewhat hippy-ish design just adds to the pleasure; and it REALLY doesn't matter that Richard Harris is wearing WAY to much blue eye-shadow we're in CAMELOT, for goodness sake! There may very well be a 'legal limit to the snow' there, but when it comes to make-up, no holds are barred! Oh, one can pick a MILLION holes in 'Camelot' but why bother? It's better just to pour yourself a glass of mead, light some candles, put 'Camelot' in your VCR and let Lerner and Loewes wonderful score sweep you into a magical time which never existed. 'Camelot' is pure escapism, but it's escapism with 'heart', and that heart belongs to Richard Harris. This movie is HIS, and years after first seeing this movie, when I imagine the face of King Arthur, the face that I see is Richard Harris'.

In the annals of musical theater, there are more than a few great scores. Among them is Lerner and Loewe's "Camelot" which has more than its share of great songs that shine away from the musical play.

In 1964, Jack Warner produced "My Fair Lady" at Warner Brothers. It was an excellent film, if a bit too cautious. The play was a phenomenon and Jack didn't want anyone mucking about with it. Going to see it was almost as exciting as going to church, even though the film itself was entertaining and beautiful to look at.

Four years later, Warner attempted to do the same thing with "Camelot." In many ways, he failed, but in a couple of others, he outshone "My Fair Lady" and many other fine movie musicals. First, but not foremost, he enlisted the talents of John Truscott to design the film. No medieval tale has ever benefitted from so fine a vision. His sets and costumes are among the finest -yet most realistic -ever created. Second, and this is the best part (for me) -he acquired the services of the finest composer/conductor Hollywood has ever produced. Alfred Newman had already won 8 Academy Awards prior to scoring "Camelot." Newman was one of a handful of composers who invented film scoring in the 1930s and 1940s. As head of the Fox music department from 1940-1959, Newman had the best orchestrators, best musicians and best composers working for him at Fox than could be found anywhere else.

For "Camelot," Newman had a free hand, along with his associate Ken Darby who had worked with Newman for nearly 20 years, collaborating on such film musicals as "Carousel," "The King and I" and "South Pacific."

The reason I'm making such a fuss over this -in addition to the fact that "Camelot" earned Newman his 9th Oscar -is that "Camelot" rates as one of the best scored musicals in film history and on this DVD, you can hear the entire musical score, free of dialogue and solo vocals, in 5.1CH stereo!

What separates "Camelot" from "My Fair Lady" is that in the latter, Warner would not let conductor Andre Previn alter the basic orchestrations of the play. Previn had some leeway, and it really shows in the score when he cuts loose. By and large, though, this did not include songs....just musical underscore/transitions. Newman, on the other hand, virtually co-composed the entire score. Using the thematic material, he wrote a dynamic, Erich-Wolfgang-Korngoldian ("Robin Hood," "The Sea Hawk," etc.) underscore that rouses you, thrills you and makes you feel great even if the film drama itself can't quite live up to it.

Watching a film for this isolated score feature alone is something only die-hard music lovers could tolerate, but it's there and can be enjoyed by anyone. Think of it as a full-orchestra karaoke feature and you can sing your favortie songs backed by one of the finest Hollywood orchestras ever assembled!

I've always been partial to "Camelot" for the score, the sets and the luminous presence of Vanessa Redgrave.

In truth, however, "Camelot" never looked as good in its first-run roadshow performances as it does on this DVD. This movie shimmers and sparkles and glows. It looks absolutely NEW. The sound does show its age in spots.

If only Arthur didn't run around all the time calling Guinevere and Lancelot "Ginny" and "Lance." (Lance. Ginny. Ginny. Lance.). That almost ruins the film for me -that and Arthur's eccentric blue eye shadow. And if only Hollywood had not entrusted another great musical into the musically uninspired hands of Joshua Logan (one of Broadway's greatest directors but whose heavy hand all but ruined the film versions of "South Pacific", "Camelot" and "Paint Your Wagon.")

It's a whale of a movie. And the score is one of the finest ever committed to film.

Buy Camelot (2012) Now

In this lavish adaptation of the Broadway musical based on T.H. White's modern classic "The Once and Future King," the music of Frederick Loewe and Lyrics of Alan Jay Lerner weave this story into an intricate tapestry of unforgettable heart-stirring emotions. The emotions are quite overpowering and you almost have to watch this movie three times to fully appreciate the texture and detail of the 45 sets and 3,500 costumes.

Camelot is a timeless romantic drama that takes us to a medieval world that could only be imagined in your most romantic fantasy. The humor is witty, the music is unforgettable and the world of Camelot has castle scenes that are beyond compare. In fact, if you love castles, you will see scenes from dreamy castles in Spain. The Castle of Camelot is modeled after the Castle of Coca. The architectural details in the design are partly Romanesque, Norman, Viking and Gothic. The decorations have a "fantasy" medieval flavor.

The movie is at first shrouded in mystery as Arthur sits in a dark misty forest. Arthur is about to go into battle and doesn't want to die in a state of confusion. Merlin advises Arthur to think back to the time when he met Guenevere.

We are transported into King Arthur's memory, where the entire story takes place in vivid detail. King Arthur sings about his fears of the wedding night and it is all rather cute and humorous. We instantly see King Arthur as an eternal boy and later find out how he became king quite by accident when he draws the sword, Excalibur, out of a stone.

Guenevere arrives all wrapped in fur as she travels through the "most ferocious, savage, terrifying forest" she has ever seen. The branches are laden with snow and icicles. She simply adores the danger and beauty. When she hears the forest is quite dangerous, she wishes to be stolen away. Her heart is quite hungry for adventure and romance as a damsel in distress and all she has to look forward to is an arranged marriage.

When she meets "Wart" she has no idea he is King Arthur and asks him to run away with her. Vanessa Redgrave and Richard Harris are like two happy children living in a magical dream. King Arthur has a boyish charm, plenty of witty lines and the almost periwinkle eye shadow quite matches his turtleneck sweater and promotes a whimsical mood.

The royal marriage is magnificent and the wedding gown flows between two seas of candles. For a time, we truly believe this arranged marriage will succeed. Arthur shares his dreams of uniting the feudal city-states and Guenevere seems intrigued with her husband's leadership qualities. She too seems to be dreaming of a new world filled with chivalrous knights who fight for right.

When French knight Sir Lancelot arrives, he destroys the intimacy between Guenevere and King Arthur, although he promises to be the king's defender in this newly civilized world. Guenevere becomes a woman who must make impossible decisions. Lancelot dreams of all the good he can do, all the wrongs he can right and in fact, his desires lead him to a place where a fragile utopia is destroyed.

"Camelot" then becomes a serious study in how three people are almost forced to make irreversible decisions. King Arthur (Richard Harris) seems to quickly go into an extended period of denial and since he deeply loves Guenevere, he forgives her for being human. Lancelot (Franco Nero) lives life intensely and feels deeply about King Arthur's mission. He is filled with a passion for life and makes promises he can hardly keep once he enters Guenevere's world.

Guenevere (Vanessa Redgrave) is so innocent in her love of both King Arthur and Lancelot. She falls madly in love with Lancelot because he embodies all that she has always dreamed of, despite the fact that their love now destroys Lancelot's chivalrous ideals. He fights for her and his impressive battle skills and depth of emotion after he fights in the joust draws her into his world. Each time they look at one another, the world stands still and in awe of this love they feel for one another. If only she had met Lancelot before she had been promised to King Arthur.

I doubt there is a more powerfully erotic and yet angelic scene than the one where Guenevere stands in the doorway with her golden hair flowing behind her in the drafty castle. This scene portrays her in an almost angelic way as "If Ever I Would Leave You" plays on, drawing us into an intimate circle created by three hearts who are forever woven into this immortal tale. How can your heart not melt when Lancelot declares his undying affection by saying: "I, I love you. God forgive me, but I do."

There are a lot of extras:

1. Jump to a Scene

2. Explore Camelot

-Cast & Crew

-The History of the Legend Information on King Arthur (Interesting ideas, like that King Arthur was really a Celtic chieftain in the 5th century who became a king in the legends after his death. He was believed to have been killed at a battle at Camlan in 537 AD.), Excalibur, The Holy Grail (Why King Arthur was seeking this magical object) and The Knights of the Round Table

-King Arthur Comes to Hollywood

-Building Camelot

-Costumes

-Awards

-Featurette: The Story of Camelot

-Featurette: Special Premiere Footage

-5 Theatrical Trailers

3. Languages You have to choose "English" or you will only hear the Musical Score.

4. Recommendations

I really can't think of a more perfect movie. Sadly at the end of the movie, the story is not quite what we expect. Yet, I don't think we would want this movie to end in any other way.

~The Rebecca Review

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The 1967 film version of "Camelot", always seems to ignite feverish debate among movie fans over its merits both in production and performances. The viewpoints tend to range from "the worst musical sung by non singers in movie history", to "a totally beautiful film production that captures the spirit of the famous Broadway musical to perfection". Having been fascinated by the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table since I was a young boy I tend to view this film very affectionately while not for a moment failing to see its shortcomings. Criticism is always heavily directed at the two main leads Richard Harris and Vanessa Redgrave and their "talk singing", of the show's memorable score, however viewers must realise that the original Arthur on Broadway was Richard Burton who like Rex Harrison cornered the market in talk singing in a very successful way. Certainly many of the cast have a very 1960's appearance however it has to be remembered that this is an adaption of a Broadway musical with a medieval setting, it is not trying to be a careful document of life in the middle ages. On a high note the film boasts amazingly lavish sets and a musical score courtesy of lyricist Alan Jay Lerner and composer Frederick Loewe that is one of the most beautiful I have ever heard in a movie musical, it being highly romantic and sensual in feel which suits perfectly the great talents of both Richard Harris and Vanessa Redgrave ideally cast in the leads.

Based on H.T. White's "The Once And Future King", Warner Bros. Screen version of "Camelot", tells the ultimately tragic romantic love triangle involving King Arthur, his lovely wife Guenevere, and the dashing French Knight Lancelot. Arthur has a dream of world peace where all the collective rulers will come together around a special round table. However what he doesn't realize is that one of the strongest believers of this principle, the French knight Lancelot Du Lac who travels to Camelot to put his services at Arthur's disposal unexpectedly becomes involved in a passionate affair with Guenevere. The Queen of course also loves her husband but is drawn to the passionate Frenchman which threatens to destroy the whole kingdom. The arrival of troublemaker relative Mordred also spells trouble as he conspires to destroy Arthur's whole belief in the principle of a early united nations. When Lancelot and Guenevere are trapped in a passionate embrace the Queen is condemmed to death by being burnt at the stake however at the moment of her execution Lancelot rescues her and Arthur must go into battle to save his kingdom and the principles he has fought so long for. On the morning of his battle with Lancelot after learning that the remorse ridden Guenevere has left him to join a convent Arthur comes across young Tom of Warwick in the camp and the young boy's simple sincerity and belief in the principles that Arthur is about to fight for restores his faith and belief that there is hope for the world.

To this day there is still feverish debate in regards to the casting of the leads in "Camelot" and to the merits of the overall production. Personally I think Richard Harris and Vanessa Redgrave make perfect casting as Arthur and Guinevere, while Franco Nero is the very image on screen of what the dashing Lancelot should be like. Immortalised on Broadway by Richard Burton, Julie Andrews and Robert Goulet respectively, critics seemed to have difficulty with the actors selected for the same roles in the film version. As Vanessa Redgrave was famously quoted as saying at the time of production; "If Julie Andrews had really wanted to play this role in the film version she would definitely be doing so now". Richard Harris gave I believe one of his most likeable performances as Arthur and like Richard Burton before him manages beautifully with the many "talk singing" numbers that make up a large part of the score of "Camelot". Vanessa Redgrave normally associated with gritty dramatic roles in films as diverse as "Blow Up", "Mary Queen of Scots", and the superb "Playing for Time", here is luscious in the famous role of Guenevere , the very epitome of beauty and romantic passion. Rarely has she appeared more beautiful on screen, which is an attribute about Ms. Redgrave which is sadly often overlooked. Her opening scene as she approaches Camelot through a snow covered forest for her upcoming wedding clad in a magnificent white fur coat is probably one of the most beautiful images captured on screen in any 1960's musical. In supporting roles many actors succeed in creating a great impression often in limited screen time from veteran character actor Lionel Jefferies in a comic performance as the forgetful King Pellinore, through to David Hemmings in a wonderful turn as the villianous Mordred Visually "Camelot", is a feast for the eyes and displays it's lush budget at every turn from the rich colour photography to the sumptuous locations used in Spain and France, to the stunning set of Camelot itself which was miraculously created on the backlot of Warner Bros Studios in Hollywood and was one of the last great outdoor sets to be constructed at the studio. So special was this "Camelot" set that it was to reappear six years later magically transformed to represent Shangri La in the 1973 musical version of "Lost Horizon". It is the rich musical score of "Camelot", by Alfred newman however that in my belief is it's shining glory. The prelude and overture combines some of the most beautiful instrumental compositions of any musical and the other numbers are sublime including the wistful "The Simple Joys of Maidenhood", to the lively "The Lusty Month of May", through to Arthur's magical "How to Handle a Woman" an of course the film's romantic highlight with "I Loved You Once In Silence". Despite the criticism of actors who are not trained singers attempting these numbers the compositions of these musical numbers ideally suit the talents of Richard Harris, Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero and the end result is some of the most romantic musical moments you could imagine in a motion picture.

Nominated for achievements in cinematography, musical score,and of course for the superb costume design "Camelot", was crucified by a majority of critics at the time of its release in 1967. The film however has that warm nostalgic feel to it that makes repeated viewings of it essential. The passage of time makes me wonder at some of the spite of critics back in 1967 as the film is far from the total disaster that we are always led to believe it is and is really part of that last gasp of elegant film making just prior to 1970. It certainly captures Richard Harris in his prime as the good hearted, high principled King with a dream and provides Vanessa Redgrave with a stunning showcase for her considerable talents in the role of the beautiful but ultimately tragic Queen Guenevere. While "Camelot", is certainly very much of its time, i.e. the mid 1960's, its romantic story is sure to charm all lovers of well made tales of romance, combined with tragedy. Enjoy!

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The Lerner and Lowe musical seems to be a variation from the T.H. Lawrence novel, "The Once and Future King," from which the animated Dysney film was taken. Richard Harris, Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero effectively carry out the movie, their voices superb in every song and their dramatic performances making an excellent and enjoyable film. The story is the age-old Arthur myth. King Arthur, the idealist, tutored by his all-knowing wizard Merlin, creates Camelot, a peaceful realm supported by the mighty Round Table, whose aim is "Might for Right". But things begin to fall apart for Arthur and his dream. Guenevere, whose marriage to Arthur had all been arranged, falls for the dashing French-born champion Knight, Lancelot. Their affair sparks the suspicion of Mordred who reveals it to the public, just when it was ending (the parting scene between Guenevere and Lancelot.."And I shall never come to you again" and their duet is very emotional and heartrendering). As we know, Mordred and Arthur battle, the Round Table is dissolved and Camelot becomes a dream remembered. This musical was appropriate to its milieu. It was the 60's when this film was made, and peace rallies were manifested over America. The idealism of peace and brotherly harmony (as in the Round Table) is effectively similar to the idealism of American government. The allegory of the musical is quite transparent. I hope you give this musical a chance, and it has a special place in my heart. Along with The Sound of Music and The King and I, this musical stands out in the great tradition. Five stars well deserved. Songs that stand out in this musical are "I wonder what the King is doing tonight" "Where are the Sweet Joys of Maidenhood ?", "Camelot" "How to handle a woman" and "If I ever Would Leave You."

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Kansas City Confidential Blu-Ray + DVD Combo Pack (1952)

For years Kansas City Confidential has languished in the Public Domain Hell. Released in a woefully substandard version from Alpha (watch the video wiggle at the bottom of the screen every 10 seconds), and a much better, but still flawed version from Image (the picure is just a bit too dark and has some minor print damage), along with several "dollar" DVD versions that were even more flawed than the Alpha and Image releases, Kansas City Confidential was a movie that most Film Noir fans thought would never see an "official" DVD release by MGM (owner of the master print, and presumably the negatives).

But here it is MGM is actually releasing (or has released, depending on when you read this) the "official" DVD for this fantastic Film Noir. Based on their track record of releasing official versions of movies previously relegated to public domain releases (see He Walked By Night as an example MGM's DVD is flawless!), this should see a drastic improvement in both image and sound quality over all of the previous versions released to date.

The movie itself is tightly written, well acted (John Payne is fantastic, and the supporting cast of Preson Foster, Lee Van Cleef, Neville Brand, Jack Elam, and Coleen Gray are all near perfect in their roles), and extremely well directed by Phil Karlson.

This is a classic crime/wrong man framed and sets out for revenge movie. For fans of Film Noir this is truly a, "Must Have," DVD.

Update The DVD is, as expected, a HUGE improvement over the Image release, which istself is much better than the Alpha version. MGM/Fox have done a very nice job on the quality of this release the print used is excellent. Even if you already have a previous version of Kansas City Confidential you still may want to get this one for the much improved picture and sound.

Nobody played the accused innocent any better than John Payne. Tall and good looking, Payne exuded a quiet moral strength combined with an ability and willingness to mess it up with the bad boys whenever the situation dictated. An Eagle Scout with a merit badge in bar brawling.

KANSAS CITY CONFIDENTIAL is a smart little crime drama that features Payne as the unluckiest of flower delivery drivers in motion picture history. It seems that Mr. Big, bad guy Preston Foster, has been meticulously plotting a bank heist, and an integral part of his plan involves using an exact duplicate of Payne's truck as the getaway vehicle. Nothing personal, John. The bad guys don't even know you.

Mr. Big has recruited three thugs (Jack Elam, Lee van Cleef, and Neville Brand) to pull off the heist, taking the precaution of insisting they always wear masks while in each other's presence. That way, if things go wrong, nobody will know who his accomplices are. For a good part of this movie the only one who has anything going wrong is poor John Payne, who is promptly fingered as one of the bank robbers. In this movie, Payne seemingly can't walk into a room without getting pounded by some burly cop or surly con.

KANSAS CITY CONFIDENTIAL is briskly paced and offers enough small surprises to keep us on our toes. Phil Karlson was a great director, under-appreciated in his time and relegated almost exclusively to B-movie duties. KANSAS CITY CONFIDENTIAL is one of his best. Strongly recommended.

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"Kansas City Confidential" opens with the declaration that it is about a hypothetical "perfect crime" that has never existed in the history of any law enforcement agency. The crime is a $1.2 million dollar bank heist orchestrated by Tim Foster (Preston Foster), a disgruntled ex-cop forced into retirement. Foster bullies three hoods into doing the job, using their criminal records against them and promising an equal split of the dough. Pete Harris (Jack Elam), Tony Romano (Lee Van Cleef), Boyd Kane (Neville Brand), and Foster hold up security guards as they transfer money to an armored car. Foster has insisted that everyone wear masks at all times so that his 3 accomplices cannot identify one another, making them "cop-proof and stool pigeon-proof". After the job, they go separate ways to await the pay-off. Meanwhile, the police pick up Joe Rolfe (John Payne), the driver of a florist delivery truck that looks like the crooks' getaway truck, and accuse him of the crime. Unable to beat a confession out of Rolfe, the police are compelled to release him, leaving Joe Rolfe angry, without a job, and hell-bent on finding out who framed him.

John Payne reminds me very much of Jimmy Stewart in this role. Although he was a lesser star than Stewart, Payne shares Stewart's versatility and ability to be a sympathetic, idealized everyman, but edgy and a little dangerous at the same time. Joe Rolfe is a good guy, but he's angry, frustrated, and fully capable of matching his enemies' ferocity. Neville Brand plays a thug, as he always did, in direct opposition to his real-life stature as a World War II hero, for which he was decorated 10 times. "Kansas City Confidential"'s most striking quality is its archetypally film noir fatalism. Joe Rolfe and Tim Foster's destinies become powerfully interdependent, even though the men do not know one another. As Pete Harris says to Joe, "We didn't have nothing against you. We didn't even know you. It just fell that way." Elam gives a stand-out, though brief, performance as a twitchy, menacing, loser of a criminal. "Kansas City Confidential" isn't relentlessly hard-boiled, but it has enough menace and confusion to gratify film noir fans.

The DVD (Image Entertainment 2002): This print is watchable, but it's grainy in the grays and noticeably speckled. Bonus features include: "Cast & Crew", which is text biographies and "noir filmographies" for 6 members of the cast plus director Phil Karlson. "Stills & Lobby Cards" includes 9 black and white movie stills and 8 color lobby cards. "Coleen Gray Interview" (9 minutes) is a recent interview by author Eddie Muller with actress Colleen Gray, who plays the movie's "good girl". Gray talks about her role in the film, the other actors, and the qualities of film noir. There is also a trailer (1 ½ minutes) for the film "5 Against the House". No subtitles.

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Being a huge booster of Blu-Ray as the ideal (so far) medium for improving the sight and sound of older movies I was fairly disappointed with this and HD Cinema's concurrent release, "The Stranger". While Blu-Ray transfers typically make details sharper, shadows blacker and faces more detailed, these two films' details seem softer and less focused despite the BD transfers.

Ironically, this can be proven by watching the short side-by-side comparison each disc offers as an extra feature. The non-Blu-Ray half of the screen looks sharper with more relief. First time I've seen that.

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A great, great noir film starring John Payne(HELL'S ISLAND, 99 RIVER STREET). But the cast doesn't stop there! It also stars Lee Van Cleef, Jack Elam and Neville Brand. This really is a gritty little crime caper flick. If you watch it, it will be difficult to ignore how the film might have influenced a guy like Quentin Tarantino in the conception of RESERVOIR DOGS. Great dvd!

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I, Robot (2004)

This is a pretty good movie, and I was excited to see it in 3D as I have been amazed by some other 3D blurays (Thor, Captain America, Avatar).

Despite the fact that this wasn't "made for 3D", I was hopeful that the 3D reworking would yield some pretty cool results. Unfortunately, I didn't really see much 3D that enhanced the film or made it really worth it to buy a new bluray since I had the dvd (and it isn't a "gotta have" film for me I was interested in it for the 3D feature.

If you don't have the film yet, it is a good addition to your collection. If you love this movie and have the dvd, then sure buy it, but if you just like the film and have the dvd, and are looking to expand your 3D film collection for some cool 3D films, you might wanna spend your money on other 3D discs.

My first reaction as this film began was "Wait! This isn't Asimov." The Asimov I grew up reading was a weaver of ideas, more mind candy than adventure story. But here I found myself in Will Smith's bedroom, and then suddenly catapulted into a wild chase after a purse grabbing robot. A far cry from the delicacy used by Asimov. It took a while for the shock to wear off but eventually the conflict between Smith's gritty performance as Del Spooner and his original inspiration in the reminiscences of Dr. Susan Calvin (played by Bridget Moynahan) wears off and the view settles into a film that is inspired by Asimov, but does not imitate him.

The sooner that happens, the better, because this is an exceptional film in its own right, even if it does proceed with the speed of a video game. Smith creates a wisecracking character with a deep mistrust of robots. He is called in to to investigate what appears to be an impossible killing robots can't kill humans, it's the first law of robotics. But Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell) lies dead and the only suspect is 'Sonny' a Series 5 robot with some surprising circuitry (played by Alan Tudyk).

The death is declared a suicide, but Spooner refuses to give in. suddenly the automated world turns on the detective, whose unlikely ally is Dr. Calvin, a robopsychologist responsible for the psyches of masses of robots about to be distributed around the planet. One hair-raising escape after another propels the story along until viewers find themselves at a surprisingly reflective conclusion. Not exactly classical Asimov, but a great story nonetheless.

Will does a good job as Spooner, but he is upstaged by Moynihan's performance. And both are blown away by Tudyk and the animators performance as Sonny. As you watch Sonny develop from being slightly more simpatico than the scenery into a full-blown personality there are countless moments of surprise. Moynihan and Smith do their best, but from the moment Sonny turns to Spooner and says "Thank you... you said someone not something." The film belongs to the robots.

Excellent animation and CGI create a world that is a retro version of the future perhaps exactly what Asimov imagined rather than what we would now. The result is a compelling mix of the outré and the mundane that sticks in the mind just as Sonny's wink does.

This is not just an action film. Threaded through it are the same questions that Asimov raised about the nature of self and intelligence. Robots may never be human, but there are far more than furniture. And if their thought processes are alien, they are more than the sum of their programming. The result is one of the more carefully thought out science fiction films in recent times.

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I watched this one with my family over the weekend and, quite frankly, had a ball. Yeah, to some extent it's a movie with a message, but mainly it's just plain entertaining. If you try to read too much into it, you'll miss the opportunity for a good old-fashioned sci fi romp.

Fast forward to the year 2035. The monolithic company "U.S. Robotics" has put NS-4 domestic assistant robots into mass production, so much so that they are commonplace "members" of American society. Their artificial intelligence is designed to be as much like humans as possible, but is regulated by the "3 laws" programming that is hardwired into every robot. These laws are: 1. To protect human life above all; 2. To obey human commands except if it would violate law 1; and 3. To protect its own existence unless doing so would violate laws 1 or 2. The laws seem a foolproof way to ensure that the robots would never pose a threat to humanity. But all that changed when the man billed as the father of robotic technology and the 3 laws turns up dead in a very public, and very suspicous, manner, just as the new and improved NS-5 model is about to flood the market. The death is quickly written off by all concerned as a suicide. All except detective Dale Spooner, this is.

Being a good cop and a sharp detective, Spooner (played by Will Smith) in not content that the professor's death was a suicide, and begins investigating with the lead suspect, an NS-5 robot named "Sonny". Sonny's intelligence is so advanced, and his "emotions" so well simulated, that he appears to have something resembling a human soul. Spooner believes that Sonny killed the professor, and sets out to prove it. His (over)zealous approach to the task, coupled with his deep distrust of robots and their manufacturer, quickly lands him in hot water with some powerful people. Some difficult and destructive encounters with the metallic menaces leave him looking like an obsessive paranoiac, and ultimately result in his suspension from the police force.

Spooner continues his chase nonetheless, following a series of clues left by the dead professor, as step by step the mystery begins the unwind. All along the way are some great action sequences, plot twists and one-liners. However, except for Will Smith's character (which is the same as it has been in every film he has done since "Men in Black"), nothing about the story is predictable. When the final shoe drops, most viewers will be pleasantly surprised by the unexpected ending.

All in all, I really enjoyed this movie. It was a wild ride with lots of great sci fi treats and effects. The only downsides were the lack of character development on any signficant level -this is a purely plot-driven movie -and the fact that Will Smith essentially played himself, much as he always does. Still, it's worth seeing. I certainly don't regret the investment of two hours.

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Amazed to read some others found the 3D conversion suitable on I Robot.

I am using a top of the line blu ray 3D player and a new LG TV and I found I Robot to be a big disappointment and a very bad sign of where 3D (conversion) is headed -studios using the cheaper conversion option and movies having little depth and no pop-out whatsoever.

The funny thing about the I Robot conversion to me was the small on-screen menu that would appear when prompted was the ONLY popout in the whole movie and the sad thing about that is that it immediately and constantly shows you and reminds you of how the movie COULD have been.

I do think the 3D version of I Robot is better than just the bluray experience BUT when you watch other 3D movies like Titanic and Avatar you'll see a day and night difference. At least I sure did.

To all studios: I will be re-thinking future decisions on 3D purchases if this is what you'll be offering us. What I see in I Robot is not worth the $30 pricetag at all. It's an amazing and entertaining technology but you are going to miss your opportunity if this is what you'll be offering us.

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Although I read Asimov when I was young, I didn't recall enough of it to spoil the movie for me. In fact, I read elsewhere that the movie only loosely follows pieces of Asimov's famous short story collection.

That being said, I loved the movie it was highly entertaining, and a little philosophical, but not over-the-top philosophical like AI was (and nowhere near as lengthy). Will Smith does his usual fine job on screen, so you won't be disappointed with the acting. Don't listen to the critics who warned you away from seeing this movie they were wrong again, as usual.

It didn't occur to me when I read Asimov years ago, but I finally "got" the significance of Dr. Calvin's name... John Calvin was a theologian of the reformation who argued that humans are pre-destined by God, and therefore do not have free will. Asimov's Dr. Calvin believes that the three laws of robotics make it impossible for a robot to have their own free will, and in a sense pre-destines their fate with humanity. Oh well, enough philosophy for a simple movie review. You'll have to see the movie if you want to know more.

The DVD also comes w/ some nice featurettes on the making of the movie, cast & director interviews, the writings of Asimov on robots, and various other of the usual things the studio throws in whenever they have some space left over on the disc.

My final recommendation is: five stars for the movie, and four stars for the supplemental material and packaging. This will make a great Christmas present for that sci-fi fan in your family.

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Harry Potter Years 1-7 Part 1 Gift Set

My 7 year old daughter recently discovered the Harry Potter movies while they were on TV one weekend. I wanted to get her all the movies that were out this far (1-7) but did not want to pay individual DVD prices for each one. Then I found this set on Amazon for this great price. This set does only have the 7 movies on DVD (7 individual DVDs) no extra DVDs come with it. Some of the DVDs do have a few "extras" but not all. This is a great set if you are looking just to get the movies. My daughter loves them and even my husband and I have grown a liking to Harry Potter.

THIS REVIEW IS EDITED BECAUSE OF A COMMENT FROM A READER.

THE ORIGINAL: I am an avid Harry Potter fan. I own all of the books and movies purchasing as far back as vhs, then DVD and now Blu-ray. The plus for the set is the Blu-ray itself is beautiful viewing, really clean and lively colors BUT, anyone who has viewed the earlier copies will notice that many scenes have been dropped and others added. Scenes I notice missing are not even in the deleted scenes. Anyway, lots of changes I've noticed in all of the movies in this set AND, WHAT IS VERY INCONVENIENT IS, THERE ARE NO SCENE SELECTIONS AVAILABLE IF YOU STOP THE MOVIE FOR OVERNIGHT. I have hunted thru all the settings and find no way to set up scene selections and so have decided they are non existent. ALSO, after purchasing a large screen to improve viewing pleasure, I can tell you the wording in the extras are much too small for reading (our screen isn't the biggest but it is 42 inch) plus the fancy fonts makes reading them even more difficult. A really poor choice from the developers of this series or for that matter any extras on any DVD. TO THE POWERS THAT BE, WHAT IS THE PROBLEM YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND WE CAN'T SEE THAT LITTLE STUFF AND TO MAKE IT WORSE YOU PUT IT ON PATTERNED BACKGROUNDS. A real shame for some of us who enjoy the extras as well as the movies. I had thought about returning the set as there are so many changes in the movies I wasn't sure I was happy not being told of them in the advertising but decided that some of the changes are good overall. Anyway, that about covers my thoughts on this particular set. Beautiful to look at but unexpected changes and poorly planned mapping of the Blu-ray for us, the viewer. For the price they should have included the original movies along with the changed versions so we could make a choice for watching, ALSO THE SCENE SELECTIONS WOULD BE GOOD. Signing myself, IRRITATED.

THE EDIT: The helpful comment from a reader was that he had purchased the set and not had the same scene selections issues. I went back into my set spending a lot of time with the TV Wand and settings. I discovered that there are, hidden scene settings for these Blu-ray DVDs. I don't know why they didn't show up and they have been difficult to discover, not an easy format of programming in this Blu-ray set at least not for me. I have very little problem, usually, and why this particular set is a problem I don't know but I do want readers and possibly buyers to know, I WAS WRONG PER THIS PARTICULAR INSTANCE; THERE ARE SCENE SELECTIONS. Wishing things would always be easier in the programming of the DVD we purchase but guessing it will take more study on my part to discover EASY and proficient. Thanks for reading. RSBlain

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Harry Potter Years 1-7 (part one) was purchased for a movie-marathon for 5 HP-crazy boys who have read the books, were involved in a research project, and now planned a sleep-over to view the first movies before going to see the final one in the theater. This Harry Potter set was perfect for this purpose, as the boys wanted to get through all the movies in 2 days (with very little sleep!).

The only downside: This set doesn't include a bunch of extras, so if that's what you are interested in, don't get this.

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This was an amazing find! This was the cheapest I've found it anywhere including stores and online. I ordered and received it well before the expected delivery date. It was a great way to prepare for the final movie. I would definitely recommend ordering from this site.

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I've read a few reviews on this product, and the reviews that had low ratings were because they didn't see why you would purchase this collection. I understand you probably wouldn't buy this if you already had all the DVDs or even for that matter a couple of the VHSs. The reason I would buy this is because I don't have a copy of any of them for myself, and getting all of them so far in Blu-ray format is a plus. Now I know you might think, "then why not wait until that last part of "The Deathly Hallows" comes out, because they are just going to put them all in a box then." You have a valid point, but at the same time it isn't that big of a deal to me to get these ones now and then just buy the single when it comes out later. Either way if you are looking for a collection and want them all in Blu-ray format, and you can't wait until the very last one comes out on tape, then buy it.

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