Randy Orton: The Evolution of a Predator (2011)

Randy Orton is one of the most popular superstars in the WWE, but he has never been the subject of a home entertainment release until now. This 3-disc set takes an in-depth look at WWE's Apex Predator from Elimination Chamber through the road to WrestleMania and Orton's brutal bout with CM Punk. Along the way, fans learn about the Viper in and out of the ring as he reflects on his career to date. Family and opponents contribute never-before-seen interviews about Orton's past, present, and future. In addition the set is packed with some of Orton's most memorable matches and moments from his career.

DISC 1 Documentary

I Am Randy Orton

The Road to WrestleMania Begins

Preparing for the Chamber

Embarking on a Path of Destiny

Training Days

The Elimination Chamber

Facing the Media

The Next Diamond

Signs of Trouble

Dealing with Injuries

The Legend Killer

The Man of Destiny

Punked Out

Coming Home

A Hard Lesson to Learn

Evening the Odds

The Mecca

The Price and Reward of WrestleMania

Making a Difference

Dark Days

Madison Square Melee

Randy's Redemption

Axxess to the Apex Predator

Legacy

The Day Has Arrived...

I Won't Be Your Hero

The Evolution of Randy Orton

DISC 2 Matches

Randy Orton vs. Slick Robbie D

OVW Christmas Chaos January 31, 2001

Randy Orton vs. Hardcore Holly

SmackDown April 25, 2002

Randy Orton vs. Shawn Michaels

Unforgiven September 21, 2003

Intercontinental Championship Match

Randy Orton vs. Rob Van Dam

Armageddon December 14, 2003

Handicap Tag Team Match

Randy Orton, Ric Flair & Batista vs. The Rock & Mick Foley

WrestleMania 20 March 14, 2004

Hardcore Match for the Intercontinental Championship

Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley

Backlash April 18, 2004

Intercontinental Championship Match

Randy Orton vs. Edge

Vengeance July 11, 2004

Handicap Casket Match

Randy Orton & "Cowboy" Bob Orton vs. The Undertaker

No Mercy October 9, 2005

DISC 3 Matches

Randy Orton vs. Kurt Angle

Vengeance June 25, 2006

Legend Killer vs. Legend

Randy Orton vs. Hulk Hogan

SummerSlam August 20, 2006

Texas Bull Rope Match

Randy Orton vs. Dusty Rhodes

The Great American Bash July 22, 2007

Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship

Randy Orton vs. Triple H vs. John Cena

WrestleMania 24 March 30, 2008

"I Quit" Match for the WWE Championship

Randy Orton vs. John Cena

Breaking Point September 13, 2009

Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE Championship

Randy Orton vs. Sheamus

Hell in a Cell October 3, 2010

Randy Orton vs. CM Punk

WrestleMania 27 April 3, 2011

World Heavyweight Championship Match

Randy Orton vs. Christian

SmackDown May 6, 2011

BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVES Matches and Special Features

The Royal Rumble Match

Royal Rumble January 25, 2009

Stretcher Match for the WWE Championship

Randy Orton vs. Triple H

The Bash June 28, 2009

World Heavyweight Championship Match

Randy Orton vs. Christian

Over The Limit May 22, 2011

On the Road with Dad

Randy Orton's Championship Legacy

Randy's Motorcycles

Rhodes Stories

Photo Gallery

The Evolution of Randy Orton's Tattoos

The youngest World Champion in history...The Legend Killer...The Viper. So many alias go along with the third generation wrestler known as Randy Orton & here is WWE telling his story on his own DVD with additional comments from others like his farther Bob Orton jr, Arn Anderson, John Cena, Triple H, Batista, his wife Samantha, Cody Rhodes, Ted Dibiase, and Sheamus.

The documentary is setup differently than the usual sit-down interview about his career type that we normally get as it's similar to how Jeff Hardy's "My Life, My Rules" or similar Steve Austin's "Hell Yeah!" where it's based around following him with a behind the scenes look at him during a certain time period while also telling his story. It was the period between the Elimination Chamber & WrestleMania 27 PPV's in this case where we saw Orton on the road, backstage at events, at home with his family, and doing promotional work (radio, Axxess, ect.) while Orton recalls various flashbacks in his career. Orton beings to talk about how he was interested in getting into the business back in 1999 leading to going to OVW developmental territory the same time John Cena & Batista & Brock Lesnar were there along with him having a cocky arrogant attitude that makes Orton himself admit that he was an "jerk." This run in Evolution was discussed from how he was handpicked by Flair & Triple H leading to backstage jealously regarding his spot on the roster before talking about how his own bad attitude got in the way of his success. His successful run as the Legend Killer leading to becoming the youngest World Champion in history was discussed before going back in time to tell the story about how he didn't didn't originally want to follow in his dad's footsteps & the story behind Orton going A.W.O.L. from the military. Orton's drug problem was discussed in heavy detail next from his suspension to what was the one thing that made him turn his life around & how he incorporates elements of this period into his current "Viper" character before going into his run with Dibiase & Rhodes in "Legacy" to being seen as a locker room leader close out the documentary.

Matches Include

vs. Slick Robbie D The video quality here wasn't much as OVW was pretty low budget but it was a quick match to showcase Orton at the beginning of his career.

"OVW Christmas Chaos" Jan. '01

vs. Hardcore Holly This was Orton's WWE television debut that was pretty short & sweet but very impressive for a first showing.

"SmackDown" Apr. '02

[Best Of Smackdown: 10th Anniversary]

vs. Shawn Michaels The was the Orton's first singles PPV match & the beginning of Orton's run as "The Legend Killer." Orton kept getting shown up by Shawn in the beginning causing Orton to attempt to do it himself at one point with his own version of "skin the cat" to get an advantage only for Shawn to return it & gain the momentum back. Shawn ended up hurting his shoulder by hitting the post causing Ric Flair to get his shots in on the outside while Orton also used the ringpost along with working over Shawn's arm with hammerlocks, armbars, and even a single arm DDT. Both men went back & forth with Flair constantly trying to get involved only for Shawn to keep knock him down but unfortunately not out as Flair would get involved towards the end causing a bit of confusion which Orton was able to capitalize on.

Unforgiven '03

vs. WWE Intercontinental Champion vs. Rob Van Dam Mick Foley was not only the special referee in this match but also the co-General Manager at this time while also having his personal issues with Orton dating back months earlier when Orton attacked Foley at Madison Square Garden. RVD was in control during the first half of the match before he "crashed & burned" with a high risk move on the outside for Orton to gain control. Orton grounded RVD with moves like a side headlock before they began to trade momentum with impactful moves like RVD's spinning kick onto Orton on the ringside barrier while Orton later gave a DDT with RVD hanging off the middle ropes. This was a good match that got more competitive overtime.

Armageddon '03

w/Evolution (Ric Flair & Batista) vs. The Rock & Sock Connection (The Rock & Mick Foley) This was The Rock's first match in almost a year while Foley's first in over 4 years. This was just a fun handicap tag match that's not easy to summarize more than to just sit back & watch unfold as everyone here had their moments to look strong as Foley looked like he didn't miss a step, Batista heavily showcased his power, and the biggest highlight being the interaction between Flair & Rock to the point where both men were trading each other's taunts like Flair doing the people's elbow & Rock doing Flair's strut.

WrestleMania XX

WWE Intercontinental/Falls Count Anywhere Match vs. Mick Foley Foley came out under his "Cactus Jack" persona & tried to nail Orton with "Barbie" right away with Orton running for his life before Orton was able to took nail Mick with a trash can to the face multiple times before Orton eventually ended up taking one himself. They took the fight to the ramp where Foley was back suplexed before going back into the ring where more weapons came into play causing Foley to ask the fans if they wanted him to use either "Socko" or "Barbie" on Orton. Foley got more violent as he used "Barbie" to bust Orton open along with using that to give him a legdrop to the groin. Barbed wire boards, cookie sheets, thumbtacks were all used here along with a moment where Orton was thrown off the stage followed by the classic Cactus Jack elbow drop off the stage onto Orton. Foley in this match did what he did for Triple H in 2000 as he heavily put Orton over in his hardcore environment & showed that he can take some serious punishment that most wrestlers can't & still go while telling a good story in the ring as well.

Backlash '04

[Mick Foley's Greatest Hits & Misses: Hardcore Edition]

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match vs. Edge Years before the thought of "Rated RKO," Edge was on a mission to take out Randy Orton & end the longest I.C. title reign in over 7 years. This match had some dull moments (2-3 min. headlocks by Orton) but went back & forth between both guys with an interesting note here being how the fans were divided as half were cheering for Edge while half were getting behind Randy Orton despite being a heel in Evolution.

Vengeance '04

[Edge: Decade Of Decadence & History Of I.C. Title]

Casket Match w/Bob Orton vs. Undertaker As expected in a handicap match situation, the Orton's kept trying to corner & double team Taker while Taker's strategy was to hit & move when both of them were. Taker was able to focus on one man when the other was out of the way for a few moments such as using a chair on Randy while choking out Bob with the triangle choke. Bob resorted to desperate tactics like using a fire extinguisher to blind Taker while Orton was able to knock Taker out with a chair for a victory but it was the aftermath of the match that made the strongest impression on everyone.

No Mercy '05

[Undertaker's Deadliest Matches]

vs. Kurt Angle This was a rematch from the ECW One Night Stand PPV weeks earlier & for those who don't remember, Kurt Angle was part of the ECW brand during this time with WWE treating it as a separate promotion from WWE causing various biased commentary against Angle & ECW from Jerry Lawler causing Jim Ross to even get caught up in it from time to time. Angle outwrestled Orton early to the point where he almost delivered a german suplex from the apron to the floor before eventually just doing it on the floor. Orton attempted to ground Angle with his chinlocks & side headlocks but Angle kept coming with his various suplexes including one off the top rope, repeated belly to belly suplexes, and eight german suplexes in a row. Good match in their series that went throughout the year.

Vengeance '06

vs. Hulk Hogan There really isn't much to say here except this was the typical performance you would get from Hulk Hogan at this "attraction" stage of his career in that he was dominate for a majority of the match with Orton getting somewhat of an advantage by going after Hogan's bad leg for a while & even nailing the RKO at one point but you knew exactly what was going to happen afterwords & who was going to win so this match wasn't much but the politics behind this match (and last year's SummerSlam) also showcase why you hadn't see Hogan wrestle a match or really done much business with WWE since.

SummerSlam '06

Texas Bull Rope Match vs. Dusty Rhodes This was a very short match that served it's purpose in that Randy Orton beat another legend...in this case, the legend who created the event itself. Besides that & Cody Rhodes appearance after the match, nothing noteworthy here.

The Great American Bash '07

WWE Championship Match vs. Triple H vs. John Cena Before I get started, I liked Cena's entrance with the college band playing his entrance music. Well, this was the shocker of the night considering the winner of the match was the person nobody expected just based off 92% of WWE's own poll & a majority the comments in the reviews of Royal Rumble & No Way Out on Amazon itself. As for the match itself, it was your typical triple threat match in which it was non-stop action with each man having their moments at various times along with the various moments of one man stopping another from winning the match before Orton got the biggest win in his championship reign...and for those trivia fans who like to keep score of this type of thing, this was Cena's first WrestleMania loss & the fourth time a heel has walked out of WrestleMania a World Champion.

WrestleMania XXIV

WWE Championship/"I Quit" Match vs. John Cena Due to what happened at SummerSlam, the stipulation here was that Orton will lose the title if anyone get involved. This is one of those matches that's more about "putting over a character" more than actual wrestling quality because the actual physical part of the match itself (haven't seen their matches past this PPV) ranks below their previous two SummerSlam matches but above their other two PPV matches that were also setup to just further a storyline. This match heavily showcased Orton's "Viper" character as being cold hearted & calculating & merciless by just attacking Cena's head with the hanging DDT and weapons like a monitor & steel chair & the steps. Orton also at one point had Cena handcuffed and just beating the hell out of him & so obsessed with having Cena say "I Quit" that he even refused to allow Cena to "get out easy" & passout from the pain while Cena's character was pushed here too as he just kept taking a beating but refused to quit. I'll give credit in that I thought it was a creative way of applying the STF but the finish just came too quick to be believable. In the end, you have to look at this match for what it was in that it was more of a "character driven" match more than anything else.

Breaking Point '09

[Best PPV Matches 2009-2010]

WWE Championship/Hell in a Cell Match vs. Sheamus With their previous matches (Royal Rumble & SummerSlam) not having a clear winner due to disqualifications, this final encounter would determine a clear winner. The match got taken to the outside early with Orton being able to avoid Sheamus' attempt into using steel steps then ramming his back into the cell twice & using the steps on Sheamus himself before Orton ended up feeling the cell himself with Sheamus delivering a shoulderblock that knocked him off the apron into the cell. Sheamus targeted Orton's ribs including dropping him on the steel steps right on his ribs & even countering an attempted RKO with a knee into the ribs. Orton was able to recover with powerslaming Sheamus onto the steel steps & executing the hanging DDT from the apron onto the floor while Sheamus again focused on Orton's ribs using a chair & hitting Orton twice with the Crow Kick. Sheamus attempted a High Cross on the steps but Orton was able to counter with an RKO on the steel steps to finally prove he was the better man in what was definitely the best match in their series.

Hell In A Cell '10

vs. C.M. Punk Orton came into this match with an injured leg & Punk focused directly on it with various stomps, even kicked the steps into his leg when Orton was chasing him on the outside, a modified indian deathlock, and even doing a top rope kneedrop onto Orton who was hanging from a tree of woe. This injury did effect Orton to the point where he wasn't able to push off his legs when Punk had the anaconda vice & even was able to do his punt. Orton was on the defense for most of the match but was able to get offense including an RKO that was one heck of a visual. Good match between both men.

WrestleMania XXVII

vs. World Champion Christian Less than a week after winning the World Championship in a Ladder Match, Christian had to defend the championship here. Orton was in control early with Christian being able to regain control after an Orton clothesline that sent both men over the top rope to the floor with Orton's foot kicking Christian's head on the way down. Both men traded momentum pulling out all the stops as the match went on such as Christian's top rope offense of a missile dropkick & flying crossbody while Orton delivered his snap powerslam & hanging DDT before catching Christian in the middle of one high risk move too many. This was one of the best TV quality matches of the year (so far).

"SmackDown" May '11

(Blu-Ray) Royal Rumble Match This Rumble heavily made up for last years as we got a bunch of welcomed surprises here in terms of either performances or special appearances and at one point, we had the most wrestlers in the ring at the same time during the match that I ever remember seeing. Various highlights include the opening minutes with the young talents getting the spotlight for a while, Cryme Tyme's coin flip, how Mysterio re-entered the ring after being tossed out, the "Rhodes Family Reunion", Rob Van Dam's appearance & "no ring rust" performance including one awesome looking double team move he did with Mysterio at one point, Santino's Rumble performance, "Hi I'm Dolph Ziggler", seeing the 400 pound Big Show "skin the cat" at one point, and the dominance of Randy Orton's Legacy. Great Rumble match overall that delivered.

Royal Rumble 09

(Blu-Ray) WWE Championship/3 Stages Of Hell Match (Regular, Falls Count Anywhere, Stretcher) vs. Triple H Don't let the match "stipulation" fool you as this was really just a stretcher match as the first two falls went by really quick & could have been left out because that ended up hurting this match more than helping in the end. This was your typical Triple H/Orton brawl as it went in the ring, through the crowd, and made it's way onto the stage with a few nice spots with the stretcher with a nice story of Orton focusing on Triple H's bad leg throughout the match. Overall, just like how their WrestleMania match wasn't a bad match but it wasn't at the level you would & should expect for a WrestleMania main event...this was a good stretcher match but a horrible 2 Out Of 3 falls/3 Stages Of Hell match which was the match advertised.

The Bash 09

(Blu-Ray) World Championship Match vs. Christian Both Lawler & Cole left to get ready for their match leaving Josh & Booker to do the commentary. They did some nice early back & forth wrestling with Christian backdropping Orton over the ropes then dropkicking him through the ropes before Orton later came back with a giant suplex from the top rope that ended up hurting his own head in the process. Both men went back & forth with their counters & strikes coming so close with their near falls including one moment with Christian escaping Orton's hanging DDT to later execute a flying headbutt that I haven't seen done since Chris Benoit. The announcers tried to put it over that the crowd was split when you could clearly hear "Let's Go Christian!" as Randy Orton pulled out a new submission in the reverse Boston Crab (or Colt Cabana's "Billy Goat's Curse"). Both men kept blocking each others signature moves & turning them into counters such a Christian's double foot kick in the corner into a hanging DDT, Christian's attempted spear into a snap powerslam by Orton, Orton's punt into a spear, and going back & forth between the Killswitch & RKO. This was definitely the match of the night as these two meshed well together in one of those performances that have both men walking out with more credibility than they did going in as Christian was able to pull more out of Orton than others have been able to.

Over The Limit 11

I like the different approach to the documentary as far as following him on "The Road To WrestleMania" but in doing so, I felt like they didn't cover various & moments about his career like important feuds & things worth mentioning like working with his Dad back in 2005. As for the match selection, I know a bunch of people are upset that his World Title victory over Benoit wasn't on here but we know the stance WWE has in regards to Chris Benoit for the past four years & it isn't going to change so it's really pointless to argue about it but Orton's had close to a decade long WWE career so they aren't going to get every match he's done but some of the matches (Dusty & Hogan) were pointless & could have easily been replaced with more quality matches that haven't been released to a DVD set like the No Mercy '07 "Last Man Standing" match against Triple H. Past those things, I was satisfied with the release overall & it's something Randy Orton fans would enjoy overall.

Buy Randy Orton: The Evolution of a Predator (2011) Now

I don't usually buy WWE Superstar documentary sets these days, I stick to some PPVs thats about it. However Id been waiting to see a Randy Orton set for awhile so today I went to best buy and bought the Blu Ray set and Im in Awe of how good this set really is. the matchlist imo with the exception of missing his SummerSlam 2004 World Heavyweight Championship Match against Chris Benoit (we all know why) is very good but I loved this set for the Documentary part, it goes through all aspects his childhood, school years, Marine situation, early career, mid career, now. His family is on here and you get alot of good interviews with co-workers like HHH, Cena, I beleive Batista. Just a great great set, usually i ebay or trade in the newer WWE dvds these days however this set is an exception and will stay in my blu ray/dvd collection. I recommend Randy Orton the Evolution of a Predator to any WWE fan and Certainly any Randy Orton fan such as myself. In the end it's a good thing they waited until this point to make this DVD they went through his career which overshadowed events and issues he was going through in his personal life, for example when he was world champ in 2004 and could of had the world by the kahones but wasn't "ready" to take advantage of it, so again I beleive they waited until the right point in his life/career to make this set it feels complete. Again Great set and Enjoy.

Read Best Reviews of Randy Orton: The Evolution of a Predator (2011) Here

Anyone else think it's weird that the sticker on the front says 3 disk collection but its only 2 disks when you open it. Anyone else see this or am I missing something? I haven't actually watched the movie yet just opened it yesterday and saw it was only 2 disks not 3.

Want Randy Orton: The Evolution of a Predator (2011) Discount?

Okay, so I am reviewing this DVD set after watching it yesterday. The documentary portion was well done. They had shown some behind-the-scenes footage of Randy's lives both at home and on the road with WWE. I won't get into too much detail for those of you wanting to find out more for yourself... but he brings up his childhood in the St. Louis area, meeting his future wife Samantha, and dealings with all things WWE. Randy does a good job of describing his feelings and actions at several points during his career (the good and the bad), which you can appreciate. Others connected to the wrestling business, such as Triple H, Arn Anderson, Cody Rhodes, and a lot more share their thoughts on where Randy has gone and where he has been. Very entertaining to see these guys break character and just be themselves for a change. Samantha Orton gives a very honest look at Randy and their relationship together over the past many years, which is another good peek at the whole look inside the world of Randy Orton.

I won't go match-by-match, but they are all very solid. Of course, they didn't show the match against Chris Benoit at SummerSlam 2004. That is a shame, but my memories are still very clear from around the time and if you want to see that one, just go look for it somewhere. The rest of them are very good and to me, clearly show the progression from the beginning and middle of his career. Hard to believe that he has been around almost 10 years now... all of us fans hope it will be at least 10 more.

So, I am still giving this RKO collection five stars and it is a must-see for all of WWE fans... not just those of Randy Orton. They did a great job in producing this DVD set and I can finally say it it was well worth the wait. I hope you all will enjoy this one as much as I did.

Save 48% Off

Losing Control (2012)

I'm a 24 year old UCLA grad (class of 2010) and I loved this film. I love how at the beginning, the director shows the audience Sam's life chart--a chart she made showing what she's accomplished thus far in the field of science and in her personal life(i.e. "first science experiment" and "first kiss" "first breakup" etc). Her life chart also shows what age she would like to accomplish certain goals. Among this list is "get an updated wardrobe," "travel," "get married," "get a pet," "assistant professorship at Harvard," and "tenure at Harvard." I laughed when I saw this chart because I feel like my friends and I have similar charts and even if some of my friends don't have it on paper, I know we have at least talked about what age we intend to accomplish certain things. What I love about this film is its originality. This film is more than just a cute love story. This film is about a woman who has a passion for science and discovery. She has always felt strongly about the subject and certain about its methodology, until she cannot prove her theory which she needs in order to graduate from her doctorate program. When she has trouble in the lab, the doubt she feels about her experiment carries over into her personal relationship with her boyfriend, Ben. Sam likes to ask questions she's cautious and analytical. She wants to find a reason for everything. In one scene, her mom says "How do I know?...You've been asking that question since you could talk. It makes for a great scientist, but it's ruining your life, Sam."

This is a great film about letting go of control and the need for proof. Like her boyfriend Ben says, "You don't need proof, you need faith." I used to hate science (I was awful at chemistry) but this movie made me feel so amazed at women in science. Watching this film actually made me curious about science much more than any article in TIME magazine could. I loved watching Sam create a lab in her own kitchen. For the first time ever, science looked fun to me. Through watching the movie, I understood why she was so passionate about it. There are so many great things about this film. I love the casting. I love that the main character, Sam, is not your picture-perfect-Blonde. I'm so tired of seeing movies where this super gorgeous girl gets the super hot guy. I think THAT is pretty predictable. I think the fact that Sam is a natural beauty and she still got a hottie like Sam says a LOT more. It says that he's attracted to her beauty and her passion. The fact that he proposed to her and was so certain about his feelings for her shows that SHE (even if she's not the next supermodel on the cover of Maxim) is the one for him. It shows that Sam being Sam (idiosyncrasies and all) is what makes her The One for him. At one point in the movie, when Sam is talking to a guy at the bar she says something like she suspected she was attractive but that she never received the attention you hear about "a man brining you flowers and all of that." Yet, at the end of the film, the audience realizes (just as Sam does) that what turns out to be more romantic than "flowers and all of that" is the fact that Ben loves that Sam checks her "sleeping stations." He accepts her, supports her dreams, and loves her for who she is.

I love the details that the director/writer focused on. For example, at the beginning we see a picture of Ben and Sam wearing yellow plastic ponchos in the rain. To me, this picture speaks a thousand words. It says that they are co-adventurers, which is exactly what Ben believes him and Sam to be. I love that Sam's mom is a hypochondriac. The fact that her mom is neurotic helps make Sam's upbringing not-so-perfect, which makes her more relatable. Plus, part of her own struggle probably has a lot to do with how she was raised and the types of thinking she was exposed to for the majority of her life.

I love this movie mainly for the following reasons:

The characters were so real and relatable. The actors who played them were fantastic.

The film made me feel respect for women in science

The film made me think about my own relationship and that I should be grateful that I have a boyfriend like Ben and I shouldn't push him away and I should just learn to "let go" and "have faith"

The film was written and directed by a woman. I am truly inspired!

I rented Losing Control in HD to watch with my wife and we both enjoyed it. It was a good choice for a movie rental date. I laughed out loud regarding the bedtime rituals of the main character. I recommend giving it a watch.

Buy Losing Control (2012) Now

This is a really great flick. Fun, funny, definitely worth the watch! Writing is solid, directing and acting sells the concept.

Read Best Reviews of Losing Control (2012) Here

I loved it a wacky, fun, clever movie. It is heartfelt like a John Hughes film, absurd like an Almodovar film, and very, very funny. Definitely see it !

Want Losing Control (2012) Discount?

The Gangster Collection (American Gangster/Casino/Eastern Promises) (1995)

I strongly recommend all of these films, Casino of course being one of the greatest films ever, and the other two definitely worth owning. The transfer on Eastern Promises is fantastic!

The 3 stars are for THIS PRODUCT AS IT IS PACKAGED and is NOT a rating of the movies themselves or a rating on the quality of the video and audio of the disks. While all 3 of these films are fantastic (I was completely blown away by American Gangster and Eastern Promises), do yourself a favor, save 16 bucks and buy the Blu-Ray versions of these separately.

Buy The Gangster Collection (American Gangster/Casino/Eastern Promises) (1995) Now

Tarantino XX: 8-Film Collection (Reservoir Dogs / True Romance / Pulp Fiction / Jackie Brown / Kill

To start, I own each of these already on dvd previously before picking up the Blu-Ray. I felt obligated to do so because of some of the additional special features, as well as, seeing each of them look gorgeous on Blu-Ray together. Was I right by picking this up. Absolutely love it all.

I've read quite a few reviewers trying to understand why True Romance is included when Mr. Tarantino only wrote this. Then why not include From Dusk Till Dawn or Natural Born Killers because he wrote those as well. If you read up on a lot of his movies are within the same universe. "John Travolta's Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction is the brother of Michael Madsen's Vic Vega in Reservoir Dogs, Harvey Keitel's Mr. White worked with Alabama from True Romance, the plot basis for Kill Bill is described as the synopsis for a TV series (basically Fox Force Five, right on down to Mia Wallace playing the title role) in Pulp Fiction, etc. Now the epiphany that Eli Roth's character of Donny Donowitz aka "The Bear Jew" in Inglourious Basterds is the father of the movie producer Lee Donowitz in True Romance has inspired a truly mind-blowing theory that the rest of the films (chronologically speaking) in Tarantino's filmography..." The other movies he has written do not truly fit within the "universe" Mr. Tarantino has created.

All in all, this is an amazing, must have collection to pick up.

I'm a big fan of QT, so this was a no brainer purchase. Comes with a look back at all of Tarantino's classic films and a good amount of special features. Not sure why True Romance was included as he was only the writer, but it's a must have for a QT fan. I already own most of the movies on DVD, but the upgrade to Blu-Ray was a necessity. Would buy again.

Buy Tarantino XX: 8-Film Collection (Reservoir Dogs / True Romance / Pulp Fiction / Jackie Brown / Kill Now

This is an amazing set of movies from an amazing filmmaker, and on Blu Ray non the less! I was, however, VERY unimpressed with the quality and design of the packaging. The box that holds all of the disks is quite flimsy. It is easy to bend, and could also rip without too much effort. The disk insert itself is also quite flimsy, and comes out from the BOTTOM of the box, not the side like most other collections. This may be an issue if you plan on keeping this on a shelf. Someone may take this off the shelf and the entire collections of disks will come out from the bottom if you aren't ready to catch them. The inner sleeve comes out with no effort at all. The artwork and graphic design included on the packaging is very awesome which is a plus. Perhaps they had to use such cheap materials to keep the cost low on a 10 disk Blu Ray set? I don't see an excuse for the opening to be on the bottom, though. That is just poor design. I have made a strap to go around the outside of the box to keep the inner sleeve from coming right out any time this collection is picked up. If you can get past the materials used and poor design of the packaging, this is a MUST HAVE collection for any Tarantino fan!

Read Best Reviews of Tarantino XX: 8-Film Collection (Reservoir Dogs / True Romance / Pulp Fiction / Jackie Brown / Kill Here

I bought this box set as a fathers day gift. He absolutely loved it. He is a big tarantino fan. It had all of his favorite movies and also additional footage

Want Tarantino XX: 8-Film Collection (Reservoir Dogs / True Romance / Pulp Fiction / Jackie Brown / Kill Discount?

I was so happy to buy this item.

All my Tarantino's favorites movies (exept Four Rooms) in one pack !!!!

But I'm a f... french Guy, and in contrary that is wrote, there is no french subtitles, just english and spanish ones.

If you can read and spoke spanish or english clearly, it's a Big deal for you.

If you not, ruuuuun !!

Save 33% Off

Henri-Georges Clouzot's Inferno (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2011)

Strange how I've the feeling to have watched the completed version of Clouzot's L'Enfer now, as though the film doesn't exist at all. This documentary is another proof that an artist, without being bridled, causes his own destruction. Masterpiece.

A marvellous story about an anhappy director, a couple of stars, a strange lake and a picture that was never made.

Buy Henri-Georges Clouzot's Inferno (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2011) Now

The 400 Blows (The Criterion Collection) (1959)

The most heart-felt movie I've ever seen is a powerful mix of sharp-eye, hardhitting autobiographical remembrance of a nearly bruised childhood and a celebration of the wide-open, spontaneous and lyrical qualities of cinema to capture pointed truths of family, school and street lives as seen through the curiously haunted eyes of one Antoine Doinel, a modern-day Dickensian hero in a decidedly unglamours Paris, searching, often wrongheadly, for love and acceptance while, almost against himself, challenging the authorial rules imposed on children growing up in conformist post-WWII France. The film's tone is one of anguished bittersweetness and quiet defiance, counterpointed by bursts of joyful freedom and naughty prank playings as shared by many in their pre-adolescenthood. Doniel's friendship with the well-off but neglected Rene is also among the most moving portraits of childhood friendship ever. An unforgettable portrait, a cutting social study, a New Wave classic and Truffaut's best, but most importantly a timeless and univsersal "true" story. And yes, the last freeze, when it comes, is a stunner. Gosh, I just love it! (P.S., this relatively small and quiet masterpiece also happens to be the all-time favorite film of John Woo, imagine!)

I've spent decades avoiding THE 400 BLOWS, afraid it was either dark and brooding, or a documentation of child abuse (physical and/or emotional), or an angry and vindictive assault on the authors' of Francois Truffaut's traumatic childhood.

I shouldn't have worried. THE 400 BLOWS is a gentle and compassionate movie. It isn't overwhelmed by its anger, although a few characters, particularly the coming-of-age hero's mother and his school teacher, aren't terribly sympathetic. Being new to THE 400 BLOWS, I found the commentary by Premiere magazine film critic Glen Kenny especially helpful in understanding French New Wave cinema in general and Truffaut in particular. By the way, according to Kenny "400 blows" refers to a French colloquialism similar to the American "paint the town red." It means to give oneself over to every type of excess, and raise a little heck in the process.

Buy The 400 Blows (The Criterion Collection) (1959) Now

However, if you are a fan of this entire film series by Truffaut, then you should spring for the Adventures of Antoine Doinel boxed set. It comes with all the extras found on this disc, plus a bonus disc which features excerpts from a 1961 documentary on Truffaut, which touches on this film, and a promotional art gallery for this film. Neither of these bonus features are found on this disc, nor is the bonus short film, Antoine and Colette, which is on the 400 Blows' disc in the boxed set. Great if you only want this movie, but I'd pay the extra dough as it's well worth it to have the entire Criterion boxed set, which is loaded with extras covering all the other films.

Read Best Reviews of The 400 Blows (The Criterion Collection) (1959) Here

In Francois Truffaut's debut, award winning film, he paints visually the pain and joy of childhood, through a semi-autobiographical account of a 13 year old boy living in France. Antoine, lives with his mother and father in an apartment, on minimum finance. He gets into trouble at school, time after time, and at home his parents punish him, but at heart, he is a good kid. He decides to run away, but his parents find him, and they begin to treat him nicer. But when he gets suspended from school, he runs away for good. He begins stealing, and he gets caught. After he stays at a special home for juvenile delinquents, he escapes and his spirit prevails. This story is very moving, and entertaining. You get pulled into the young boy's life, and can relate with him. After you see how he keeps hope and prevails, it creates a warm feeling, and inspires you. The direction is perfect, and the director won the Best Director at Cannes Film Festival. I highly recommend those who wish to watch a fun, entertaining tale of hope and faith in the face of seemingly endless problems. 5 stars.

Want The 400 Blows (The Criterion Collection) (1959) Discount?

In 1959, Francois Truffaut released a semibiographical film about his life with "the 4oo blows" (Les quatre cents coups). A film highly regarded as a definitive film that showcases French New Wave (a term to describe a group of French filmmakers in the 1950's-1960's that were inspired by classic Hollywood cinema and Italian Neorealism).

The film won several awards which include "Best Director Award" at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival and "Best Original Screenplay" at the 32nd Annual Academy Awards. Needless to say, the film made Francois Truffaut and young actor Jean-Pierre Léaud Internationally known and definitely gave movie fans a taste of the French New Wave film.

"the 400 blows" is the first of five films spanning around 20 years based on the character of Antoine Doinel (played by Jean-Pierre Léaud). Each film showcases the character's life as a teenager through his 30's but for "the 400 blows", the film focuses on the life of a troubled teenager.

Although not based 100% on Director Francois Truffaut's real life, a large part of the film was based on his troubled family life and in order for him to capture that life he had, he picked the right person with Jean-Pierre Leaud, an unknown actor (who was just as an antisocial loner) who was 13 and a half years old but had that rebellious nature that Truffaut found. A boy who would not have to learn a script but to use his his own words. This added to the realism of the film and what made this film so fantastic and engrossing just to watch.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

"the 400 blows" is presented in 1080p High Definition with an aspect ratio of 2:35:1. Black bars and the top and bottom of the screen are normal for this format and the transfer is much different from the previous DVD release from Criterion years go as this was a high-definition digital transfer cared on a Spirit Datacine form a 35mm composite fine-gain master positive.

As with most Criterion Blu-ray releases, the company also had thousands of instances of dirt, debris and scratches removed using the MTI Digital Restoration System. The picture quality, although in black and white, looks incredible for a film released back in 1959. Black are nice and deep but you can see a lot more detail in the surroundings.

Suffice to say, THE CRITERION COLLECTION releases films with how the director intended the film to be. There is no DNR (digital noise reduction) and no softness and the film keeps the grain and retains its film-like quality. The film just looks beautiful on Blu-ray!

As for audio, the soundtrack was mastered at 24-bit from a 35mm optical soundtrack and audio restoration tools were used to reduce clicks, pops, hiss and crackle. The audio has an uncompressed monaural soundtrack. My Onkyo receiver received a multichannel signal (via bitstream) but overall, I did not select a monaural setting when watching the film but I found the dialog to be clear and understandable. Music by Jean Constantin was also also clear.

Subtitles are featured in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

"the 400 blows" comes with the following special features:

* Audio commentary by cinema professor Brian Stonehill Brian Stonehill's audio commentary is very informative. This commentary was featured on the original Criterion DVD release and goes into depth about the themes of the film and overall, a solid commentary in which Stonehill also has included interviews with people involved with the film.

* Audio commentary by Francois Truffaut's lifelong friend Robert Lachenay Robert Lachenay is Antoine's Rene. When they were younger, Truffaut's parents thought he was the bad influence and vice versa. But these two remained friends for a long time and with Lachenay working as an assistant to the film, we learn about the comparisons of Antoine Doinel and Truffaut. Similarities and differences of what really happened in the life of Director Francois Truffaut.

* Audition footage of Jean-Pierre Leaud, Patrick Auffay and Richard Kanayan (6:24) A short segment featuring rare 16mm screen tests the auditions for the main talents auditioning for the role of Antoine Doinel, Rene and one of the Les Enfants, Richard Kanayan (who appeared in Truffaut's "Shoot the Piano Player" in 1960).

* Cannes 1959 (5:51) A short newsreel frim Francois Chalais and JacquesPlanche's "Reflets de Cannes 1959' of Jean-Pierre Léaud as he goes to Cannes and is interviewed by press and the ovation the film received by the audience.

* Cineaste de notre temps (22:26) This featurette is an excerpt from "Francois Truffaut ou l'espirit critique" episode from "Cineaste de Notre temps" which was shown in France back in December 2, 1965. Truffaut discusses his childhood, learning about his passion of watching films, his writing of Cahiers du cinema and the character of Antoine Doinel. The segment also features interviews with Jean-Pierre Léaud (Antoine), Albert Remy (father) and Claude de Givray (a friend of Truffaut who knew him when he was younger).

* Cinepanorama (6:52)) An excerpt from the TV show "Cinepanorama" from February 20, 1960. The host France Roche interviews Director Francois Truffaut who was awarded for "Best Foreign Film" by the New York Film Critics Circle for "The 400 Blows". Director Truffaut talks about how the films reception Internationally and about the film.

* Theatrical Trailer (3:47) The original theatrical trailer for "the 400 blows"".

* An essay book from film scholar Annette Insdorf A quad-fold booklet titled "Close to Home" with production credits on one side and a two page essay by Columbia University, Professor and Director of Undergraduate Film Studies, Annette Insdorf discussing the similarities of Antoine Dionel and Francois Truffaut. But also differences and the importance of some shots.

JUDGMENT CALL

"the 400 blows" is one of those films that surprised me from beginning to end. It's not that I haven't seen classic films that seem realistic but I found the film quite enjoyable in the fact that the film really goes indepth in the life of a Parisian youth who does bad things but that the connection between bad/or lack of thereof, parenting can be to blame.

Jean-Pierre Léaud is simply fantastic as Antoine Doinel and that is because Director Francois Truffaut allows him to be himself. As Jean-Pierre Léaud has commented himself, he is very much like Antoine in some respects and he eventually puts his trust in Truffaut to capture his emotion and his focal point through the camera. If anything, to make this character come out alive and in that sense, Truffaut succeeds and Léaud is magnificent.

Claire Maurier (who plays Antoine's mother Gilberte Doinel) is surprising in her role as a cold mother. She's one of those mothers who has her life hampered with having a child but tries to live her free life as if she didn't have a child. There is a strong disconnection between mother and son but how quickly she tries to change when her son catches her with another man. Claire Maurier does a fine job with her role. As with Albert Remy as Julien Doinel. The busy at work father who has more leeway towards Antoine but is not quick to be cold to his son like his mother. It's just when the trust is broken between father and son, is when you see Julien having to do things that he doesn't want to do and in essence becomes more like his wife.

There is a significant reveal at the end of the film of why Antoine does the things that he does but what the film does quite well at is showing how derelict parents can affect a child's behavior. Letting a child to do what he wants and there are no responsibilities but taking out the garbage. There is no love in the family and thus, it has a cause and effect towards Antoine.

Truffaut is simply a legendary director for helping catapult the French New Wave. With its similarities to Western classic films and Italian Neorealism in terms of really depicting the life of the poor in France, Truffaut gives us a glimpse of what his life was like. How he watched films when he ditched from school and just his overall experiences and troubles he had endured. When he's lying, he is treated badly at home and at school. When he's telling the truth, there is no difference. And for any parent, this is a true injustice for a child who needs that motivation that they can prevail, that they are wanted and they can succeed. And unfortunately, that was not the case for Antoine at 14-years-old.

I give THE CRITERION COLLECTION another applause for their treatment of "the 400 blows". Similar to a film like "THE SEVEN SAMURAI", although once released, the company went back and gave it a new, restored High-Definition digital transfer with an uncompressed monaural soundtrack.

Another awesome release on Blu-ray from THE CRITERION COLLECTION and for those who have never had a taste of French New Wave films, "the 400 blows" is definitely a great film to start out with.

Save 50% Off

Tron/Tron Legacy

This is one of the best 3D movies I have seen to date, especially considering how dark most of the movie is (note: darker movies typically don't provide good 3D quality). This pack includes the 3D blu-ray, blu-ray, DVD, and digital copy of Tron: Legacy as well as the blu-ray of the original Tron. All of these discs seems like overkill as I only watch Tron: Legacy in 3D and have watched the 2D blu-ray once for the bonus features. Having the original Tron in blu-ray is a great improvement over my original VHS!

I pre-ordered this Collectible Set with high hopes that it would be a very nice additional to my wall of dvd Collectibles ... I must say that I am a little (if not a lot) disappointed.

I have found that over the years the quality of the collectitibles has gone down hill ... both in size and over all quality.

This sadly has suffered from the same fate.

Over all it comes with a number of DVD's and Blu-Ray's, The orginal special edition of Tron, the DVD of Tron Legacy (as well as a digital copy), the Blu-Ray version of Tron: Legacy, and lastly the Blu-Ray (3D only) version of Tron: Legacy. Which is great for the price.

But the disks (save the digital copy) are all located INSIDE and STACKED on top of each in the back of the Collectiable Idenity Disk and held in place with a very tough disk locking tab (I broke a finger nail in an effort to remove the disks). So do be careful removing the disks not only to prevent damaging them but also be careful with the Idenity Disk as well. I'm going to get some Empty DVD cases and place the disks in those for easier access.

Now the IDENITY DISK ... now I wasn't expecting a solid metal super, ultra, high quality item, but I was expecting the Idenity Disk to be about the size of a smallish frise-bee. BE AWARE that the Idenity Disk is only slightly (and I do mean Slightly) larger than a DVD. The overall construction is okay and it is cool looking, from a distance, but up close it feels and looks cheap. It does light up ... but just barely ... in a completly dark room it looks cool, but other wise ... meh. =/. The stand that the disk sets in is fairly cheapish and it feels flimsy but it does do the job of holding the Idenity Disk. Note: the batteries for the Idenity Disk are replaceable should you ever want or need to do so.

Overall I am satified with my purchase and the extras that entail this collecter edition ... but I am dissappointed as well.

As for other DVD collectors out there ... I would only buy this if you are a die hard collector or fan of the Tron movies ... otherwise ... save you money and get the DVD's or Blu-Ray's seperatly.

Buy Tron/Tron Legacy Now

I liked the movie. I read the critics (who seemed to hate it) and listoned to friends (mixed, if passionate reviews either way). As with the original Tron, this is about a man's quest to overcome obstacles in order to get home. I liked Garret Hedlund's character, Sam Flynn. Emotionally scarred after losing his father at a young age, Sam comes off as devil may care, reckless and unambitious, at least that is how he wants to come off. In reality, he is more. Sam clearly has his father's smarts, he is brave, and though he does not want to appear it, earnest, sabotaging some of the ambitions of Encon's board members who ridicule his principled mentor, Alan Bradley. Opposite Bridges, Hedlund appears sad, bewildered, a little angry but clearly still very much loves his father. Though young, he is very much a young man with some years under his belt. His face reflects a life that includes some difficult experiences. I also liked Olivia Wilde as Quarra.She is a fierce fighter, but is also very much the little girl who looks at Keven Flynn as a father figure, a man she loves and respects and is fascinated by his stories about the outside world. Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner reprise their roles and Keven Flynn and Alan Bradley/Tron respectively. Unfortunately, the part did it for me the least was where they portrayed younger selves. Where Bridges and Boxleitner played their characters with corresponding ages, it worked, but did not work quite as well with the CGI younger versions of theirselve, Bridges as Clu and Boxleitner as Tron. CGI may still have a way to go. Bridges in particular impressed me. As Kevin Flynn, he was definitely the grieving father who never lost his love for his son and the twenty years of seperation have affected him. Those who wondered how he got his "Jedi" powers forget he showed similiar powers in the original Tron. I think CGI affected Bridges' portrayal of Clu, who is relentless, cagey and an ambitious antagonist, but the CGI does not capture nearly enough nuances of his facial expressions as Bridges was able to do as the elder Flynn. I was glad to see Boxleitner brought back to his old role, but the role was too underdeveloped. He clearly respects the elder Flynn and as a result is not popular with the rest of the boars. He has also taken the effort to look after the younger Flynn. Still, I missed the presence Boxleitner brought to the earlier movie.

I liked Tron Legacy. I am no critic. The special effects were great, and as in the original Tron, they are part of what sells the movie, and complements the story. Having said that, I liked this movie. I found the story interesting. I thought the story moved along, the characters were fleshed out (that part I really liked), and as in the original Tron, there were subtle subplots and subtle cautionary themes. I enjoyed the movie. I was entertained, I was never bored, and when it was over, I felt watching this movies was a pleasant way to spend two hours

Read Best Reviews of Tron/Tron Legacy Here

I got Tron:Legacy 3D 4 Disc BluRay and Tron:Original BluRay 2 disc set with tax for $38. At Best Buy Online/Store right now until the end of the week 4/9/11 they have on sale the Tron Legacy 3D set for $24.99, i don't even have a 3D player but you never know what the future holds once they get a lot cheaper. But you get the 3D version, 2D version, DVD and digital copy. And Tron original 2 disc set gives you the blu ray and dvd for 19.99... But In the Five-Disc Combo: that includes both movies, I never read that it included the original tron on dvd, maybe I'm mistaken since I didn't purchase it.

So right now I have purchased both movies, 6 discs in all for $44.98. You can go on the disney website which is free membership and they give a free $5 coupon with a Tron legacy purchase and best buy has it that if you buy both movies together you get an additional $5 off. So all in all you get $10 off. I bought it for $44.98-$10.00=$34.98 with tax came out to be about $38.

I hope this information helps. Because I seriously debated about buying the 5 disc both movie combo for $49.99, but when i saw that you can get 6 discs for cheaper if you buy serperately then personally it was no contest. Again this is for the people who just want to save money! Enjoy the movies, because they are awesome!

Want Tron/Tron Legacy Discount?

Beware that only tron legacy contains DVD version and digital copy with the 5 disc set. The original is bluray only.

Jeff Dunham: Arguing with Myself (2008)

Its really hard to review a standup comedy routine "critiquingly". If it's GREAT, like this one is, I would have to resort to the overwhelming non-lack of cliches plastered on the covers of movie boxes and posters across the Land.

What it boils down to, is this (and its very simple): This is one of the funniest and most tallented stand-up acts I have ever seen. You have your all-time greats like Pryor and (fill in your fav here) but did they hold three-way conversations at lightning speed and legibly conveying three unique voices with three different personalities? Either he has incredible tallent or he's related to Emily Rose.

In short, its fantastic Excellent pullamuscle funny and man does it deliver. Highly recommended for you adults who need a change in pace. ~saos~

It's been awhile since a stand up comedian has actually brought tears to my eyes. After seeing Jeff Dunham's show on Comedy Central I immediately went to Amazon.com and pre-ordered it. It's sure a refreshing act, since you have all these other comedians doing stupid red neck jokes all the time.

Buy Jeff Dunham: Arguing with Myself (2008) Now

Jeff has a funny routine. His characters include "Walter", a sort of elderly curmudgeon; "Sweet Daddy D" sorry, that's "Sweeeeeeeeet Daddy D", a playa in management position (PIMP); "Peanut", described as a South Pacific islander but could really be some alien; "Jose Jalapeno", a Cuban condiment (on a "steeeeek"); and "Bubba J", a slow-witted beer-guzzling NASCAR aficianado.

Some of the jokes might be a bit politically incorrect, but as Jeff and "Shrek 2"-director friend surmise in the optional commentary, they are accepted because they are spoken by a puppet, not a human.

I watched it twice (on successive nights) and loaned it to a friend who thought it was bleeping hilarious and also is going to watch it again before returning it.

You get the option of a "bleeped" or "unbleeped" version.

Extras include a commentary, a couple bloopers, and a video of Jeff's dog humping one particular puppet.

Read Best Reviews of Jeff Dunham: Arguing with Myself (2008) Here

I've been a fan of Dunham for a long time I saw him live in Orlando in 1992(?) and was fan before that. I knew what to expect, but my wife (who has belly-laughed exactly once since we were married 8 years ago) was totally taken by surprise she laughed so-o-o hard!!! Dunham is funny, creative and his puppets are so believable you can actually suspend belief and think of them as people. Dunham's wit is great even off the cuff things like when a member of the audience steps out on a call of nature Dunham waits until he comes back to continue.... One of the funniest comics you'll ever see...

Want Jeff Dunham: Arguing with Myself (2008) Discount?

This "reviewer" did not watch Jeff's performance very carefully. The entire audience was NOT white; yes, it was predominantly so, but the editors of the performance were careful to show several minority attendees in the theater.

Besides, Jeff tackles EVERYONE in this performance: Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Southerners, NASCAR fans, the elderly, the stupid, the deaf, the blind, and those with bladders too weak to sit through an entire show. (Walter's ridicule of the guy sneaking out of the auditorium to go to the bathroom is priceless!)

I have shown "Arguing With Myself" to old and young alike, and the result is ALWAYS the same: tears pouring from eyes, sides splitting, and thighs raw from being slapped. You will LOVE this DVD.

Save 33% Off

Funny Guy Collection (Napoleon Dynamite / Office Space / Young Frankenstein) (2009)

I got this collection because it is pretty cheap for three silly flicks and for only $39.49.

All three movies are hilarious and all looked and sounded amazing on Blu-ray. Office Space in particular looked very very good. Napoleon Dynamite also looked decent for a lower budget film. Young Frankenstein looked pretty good too, but the fact that it is in black and white and sort of was intended to be a little fuzzy.

I think FOX did a great job bringing all of these films to Blu-ray.

All in all, it is well worth it if you're like me and pretty much have a great collection of action Blu-rays an need a chuckle.

My main criteria for buying movies is, "will I want to watch it again?".

Office Space is close to if not my favorite movie of all time; Napolean Dynamite is unique & memorable in it's own right; and Young Frankenstein is a classic.

If you liked one of these movies, chances are you'll like all three. Which is a rarity for these blu-ray collections from what I've seen.

Two thumbs up.

Buy Funny Guy Collection (Napoleon Dynamite / Office Space / Young Frankenstein) (2009) Now

I'm sick of Blu-Ray sets where there is only one or two great movies in them. For Example, The Holiday Favorites Collection has Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone, and Jingle All the Way. Why would anyone who likes Miracle on 34th Street also want to see the slapstick comedy of the other two movies? I mean, maybe Home Alone, but definitely not Jingle. The Funny Guy Collection, however, has three movies I would actually buy separately for one low price. They need to make more collection sets like this and I would buy more.

Read Best Reviews of Funny Guy Collection (Napoleon Dynamite / Office Space / Young Frankenstein) (2009) Here

These are my three all-time favorite comedies. Well, maybe not "all time," but I do love them! And for the price, you really can't go wrong. [Insert quote from each movie as witty ending to this review] NOT!!

Want Funny Guy Collection (Napoleon Dynamite / Office Space / Young Frankenstein) (2009) Discount?

I got a great price on this boxed set buying it on sale. I bought it mainly for Office Space, although I have always liked Young Frankenstein. I had never seen Napoleon Dynamite before purchasing this, and although it is not at the level of the other two movies it isn't bad. Overall 1 great comedy (Office Space), 1 really good comedy (Young Frankenstein) and one pretty good comedy.

Save 46% Off

Hysteria (2012)

"Hysteria" (95 min.) brings the highly unlikely (but we are reminded at the beginning of the film that "This movie is based on true events. Really.") story of a young doctor Dr. Mortimer Granville (played by Hugh Dancy) in London, 1880, who is struggling but eventually finds a job with Dr. Robert Dalrymple (played brillantly by Jonathan Pryce) who is treating women for the so-called hysteria disease, really a catch-all for any and all things supposedly wrong with women in those days. The treatment is nothing else but to touch these women's private parts until they reach "paroxysmal convulsions" (wink, wink). The young doctor along with his buddy eventually come up with a mechanical device, which became the vibrator (still the number one sex toy in the world today, we are reminded at the end of the movie).

But the movie in fact is much more about Granville's romantic interplay with the 2 daughters of Dalrymple, Emily (played by Felicity Jones), who is "daddy's girl" and to whom Granville gets engaged, and Charlotte (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal), the "rebel" daughter who has set up a social center to help the poor. I don't want to give away much more from the plot, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Maggie Gyllenhall really shines in this movie. I couldn't help but think how much she reminded me of Diane Keaton in her late 70s performances (think Annie Hall). That aside, this movie is a pleasant romcom, nothing more, nothing less. And no, not an "important movie" about women's empowerment as some other reviews here (who obviously did not see the movie) are suggesting.

When, some time ago, I'd heard that Maggie Gyllenhaal was making a movie about the invention of the vibrator, I was excited. I mean, I love Maggie and I love vibrators so what more could I ask for in the way of entertainment? But time went by and I heard nothing about it. I'd almost forgotten it completely when, checking out the new offerings on Amazon (because as I've told you repeatedly for months now, NETFLIX SUCKS), there it was! Yippee!

I had fresh coffee, a French toast bagel with honey walnut cream cheese and a movie about vibrators. A near-perfect Saturday morning.

Honestly, I expected the movie to be interesting, perhaps even enlightening in an indie film kinda way, considered that it apparently got so little press I wasn't even aware it had opened. But what i got was a delighful little movie that had me chuckling and laughing out loud. Considering the subject, it gives the term "a feel-good movie" a whole new meaning.

Even better, the basic facts of the movie are true.

In England of the 1890's -the height of Victorian prudery, where furniture was draped with heavy fabric to prevent the scandalous sight of carved table "legs" giving rise to lascivious thoughts -the average doctor killed more patients than he saved. Medicine was still medieval, and leeching was still being prescribed even for broken bones.

Mortimer Granville, a young doctor who eagerly embraces all the cutting-edge research of the day, finds himself discharged from one hospital after another for his strange new ideas about "germs" and hand washing. In desperation, he ends up at the door of Dr. Dalrymple, who is eager for help in his thriving and lucrative practice treating "female hysteria."

Hysteria, an affliction of the female nervous system thought to stem from a disorder of the uterus, was at the time the catch-all diagnosis for just about every female ailment, particularly melancholia, nervousness, frigidity, nymphomania and excitability. What we realize now, of course, was that these women were actually suffering -and often quite seriously -from the sheer frustration of the limited, tedious and repressed lives they were forced to live.

A well-bred young woman had no choice but to marry a man she barely knew, submit to his "carnal lusts" with no preparation or expectation of pleasure, run his household, bear his children and do it all while smiling, biting her tongue and wearing a corset. Who wouldn't be depressed, frustrated and, yes, hysterical?

In extreme cases, hysterectomies were performed to remove the "offending" organs. Which says a lot about the complete and utter bigoted ignorance of men in understanding and valuing women's lives and bodies.

It should be noted that only well-to-do women suffered from hysteria. Poor women were too busy simply trying to survive, and barely had access to medical treatment for life-threatening emergencies.

Dr. Dalrymple -superbly played by Jonathan Pryce -specializes in the treatment of hysteria through "medicinal massage" to "lessen the tensions in the womb." With complete sincerity, he explains to Granville (played by Hugh Dancy) that his patients experience "paroxysms" -not to be confused with sexual pleasure, which women are of course incapable of experiencing without masculine penetration.

Granville becomes the doctor's assistant, and is soon suffering intense carpel tunnel and muscle cramps from the prolonged daily "massage" of dozens of women. When idly playing with his friend's new invention -an electric duster -he notices the vibrations bring amazing relief to his near-crippled hand.

Which leads to a moment of spectacular genius for which I am eternally grateful.

There's a love story, too, but it dovetails nicely with the theme of the movie, which is about women taking control of their lives. Maggie plays Dr. Dalrymple's "other" daughter, a passionate suffragette and doer of good works in the poorest parts of London. She sparkles. I think this may be my favorite role for her.

So, let's give a hand (metaphorically speaking) to Dr. Mortimer Granville, the inventor of the vibrator! Perhaps we should all celebrate a "paroxysm" in his honor.

Seriously, check out this very funny and enjoyable movie. If it sounds "risqué" it's really not. There's no nudity, no bad language, and only one kiss in the whole movie. It was actually amazing that they could deal with the subject matter in such a Victorian way. One reviewer has expressed his disgust at watching an "old dried up woman" experiencing pleasure in a completely demure and ladylike way. You'd have to be a serious prude or a sexist, ageist grump to characterize the scene in such a dismissive way. Maybe the more conservative of you might not want to watch it with your parents or children, but my mom would laugh right along with me.

Buy Hysteria (2012) Now

Yes, Hysteria really is about the invention of the vibrator in Victorian England. And in my opinion it is adorable. Not everyone's cup of tea I realize. If the subject matter makes you a little uncomfortable, then give this one a pass. I can certainly see that certain conservatives would not be amused by this premise.

If however you find it amusing that someone made a romantic comedy about...well...you know what... then you will have a lovely light evening with lots of laughs.

Read Best Reviews of Hysteria (2012) Here

A deliciously fun treatment based (loosely) on the true story of the invention of the personal vibrator.

Dr. Mortimer Granville, a young, inspiring doctor is fired from many jobs in London hospitals due to his firm belief in Germ Theory the idea that infections were caused by germs. Not being a popular theory at the time, he was terminated repeatedly by the "solid Victorian medical foundation" for believing in "quackery."

The only job he can find is with a private practice that prevalently deals with women in the grips of "Hysteria" a quaint, Victorian term for women that are in essence, sex-starved. The treatment? To manually stimulate women with hand massaging until orgasm, thereby relieving the tension and associated emotional stress that comes with the condition. Since this is definitely a temporary relief, obviously the young and attractive doctor soon finds himself overrun with current and new patients leading to the development of a unique form of handstrain! Most certainly, alternative forms of stimulation for women need to be found to keep up.

Heaped on top is his employer, who with two daughters is pushing his "proper" one toward our protagonist for marriage, while the wild, wooly socially unacceptable daughter is the one who actually attracts him.

A comedic, fun historical piece that romps through the bedroom without being dirty or crass and handles delicate subjects beautifully without being dull or "prim." Definitely not for the kiddies (simply for the subject matter instead of any particular scene/situation; I don't think there was one even partially nude scene) but enough fun for adults on a Friday night to snuggle with popcorn and wine to enjoy.

Want Hysteria (2012) Discount?

We see how the first mechanical vibrator was invented in the name of medical science. This is a sly R-rated in-crowd joke that becomes semi-militant when it launches into what was done to women in the latter 1800s (pre-Suffragette). If they were unhappy with their lives they were deemed "hysterical," sent to mental institutions, and if they had the temerity to object, were subjected to mandatory hysterectomies. This was before Lister's ideas about sanitation were widely accepted by the medical community, so this often was a death sentence.

That being said, let's focus on the sly humor:

* Jonathan Pryce ("Very Annie Mary") is Dr. Dalrymple, a charlatan who treats women suffering from hysteria through "manipulation" that results in "paroxysms," after which the women are "greatly relieved." His waiting room is jammed with "sufferers."

* Hugh Dancy ("Adam") is Dr. Mortimer Granville, the physician who really DID develop the first vibrator, which remains the most popular "sex toy" in the world. After Dr. Dalrymple hires him, it's clear that our hero soon suffers from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, so he has to invent something! His treatment was for muscle aches, as masturbation was considered deviant.

* Maggie Gyllenhaal ("Crazy Heart") is Dr. Dalrymple's progressive daughter Charlotte; she runs a soup kitchen, teaches children to read (and wash their hands), and then to cap it off, passes out literature that promotes women's right to vote. Hussy!

* Rupert Everett ("Wild Target") has a blast as the tinkerer Edmund St. John-Smythe, Dr Granville's good friend and collaborator. Edmund is always struggling with one invention or another and is constantly trying to get that new-fangled gadget, the telephone, to work: "Ahoy! Ahoy! Is anyone there?"

* Felicity Jones ("Like Crazy") is Dr. Dalrymple's other (perfect) daughter Emily: acquiescent, cultured, well-groomed and lovely.

Hugh Dancy always impresses me, as does Maggie Gyllenhaal, so I was happy to sign up to be notified when Amazon has this available.

Save 34% Off

Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

Love Robin Hood? Well, Mel Brooks has made fun of this timeless story in one of the "best ideas since pay toilets." This excellent and witty film has continued Mel Brooks' legacy of wacky, outrageous films such as Blazzing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Spaceballs and History of the World Part I.

Cary Elwes probably described his own performance best: "Unlike some other Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent!" Cary Elwes brought comedic timing and a wacky calmness to literature's most heroic and stern characters.

Other great performances included Richard Lewis as Prince John who is constantly annoyed by the noise in his castle and his outstanding mobile mole. David Chappelle brings soul to the cast in a midevil attitude sort of way with impersonations of Malcolm X and famous lines such as "awww, white men can't jump!" Roger Rees also brings a wacky interpritation to one of history's greatest villains. Mark Blankfield brings and incredibly funny wacky blindman to life with excellent delivery and fast punchlines. Also, watch out for Little John, "but don't let the name fool you, in real life, he's real big!" played by Eric Kramer. Some other noticible performances were given by Amy Yasbeck, Megan Cavanagh, and Matthew Porretta.

Watch out for many famous stars making brief appearances such as Isaac Hayes, Tracey Ullman, Patrick Stewart, Dom DeLuise, Dick Van Patten, and of course, Mel Brooks.

You'll want to watch this hillarious movie over and over again to catch some of the faster jokes and to pick up on some of the older ones. I have seen this movie many times and I still repeat lines from it on almost a daily basis.

As Mel Brooks would say this movie is "the best thing to come since pay toilets!"

When Mel Brooks is "on," nobody is funnier. "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" is another side-splitting parody from the director, and like his other hits, it has some moments that have me falling out of the chair no matter how many times I see them.

The plot loosely (very, very loosely) follows the Robin Hood saga of yore. Robin, looking a lot like Errol Flynn, is surrounded by his Merry Men. They're merry, alright--they do a singing, dancing number entitled "Men in Tights" after trying to hike up said garments in "Ye Olde Privy."

Robin is lured into a nefarious archery contest concocted by the evil Prince John, with the help of Don Giovanni. This particular "Don" is played to the hilt by Dom DeLuise, doing a perfect imitation of Marlon Brando as Don Corleone. This is one of the aforementioned scenes that has me unable to sit in the chair! It is literally a show-stopper; so funny that it's hard to hear the lines.

When Maid Marion hears of the plot, she rides into the forest to warn her beau--accompanied by her massive Brunhilde of a chaperone (the aside to the audience by the chaperone's horse is another can't-miss piece of hilarity). Robin can't resist showing off his archery talents, however, and rides off to the tournament, knowing he is marked for death.

Need I say it--everything turns out great in the end. Except for the viewer, who has had a heart attack from laughing too hard! This is a must to add to your collection. Another Mel Brooks classic.

Buy Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) Now

My big question is why we can't find this movie in the States? I figure this movie has enough of a following to warrant putting it out on an acceptable medium opposed to VHS. I really just hope they wise up and put this one out for all of us to enjoy.

Read Best Reviews of Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) Here

"Oh look. It's Cary Elwes."

That was my line to my sister at the video store as she tried to choose between two films. We ended up with this one, and I have to say I could not stop laughing.

Although a sense of humor is appreciated with me, this was the first movie since I can't remember when that I couldn't stop laughing after I started. Usually I can stop when the first joke is over and begin again at the second, but I couldn't hold it back this time. This event took place during the Men in Tights song.

This wasbrace yourselfMY FIRST MEL BROOKS MOVIE. I'm pretty sure it was the first. I must have watched it 6 times in my five day rental period, and I am now addicted to it and Mel Brooks (doesn't that Matthew Broderick/ Nathan Lane version of The Producers look fantastic??). That's pretty good for the movie, considering I only recommended it because the last movie I saw before it was The Princess Bride and I wanted more Cary Elwes.

Rent this movie. It will hit your sense of humor every time.

Want Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) Discount?

151 reviews (152 now) that give it an average of 4.5 stars...people BEGGING for this to be on DVD for years. Region free bootlegs selling on Ebay for $60+ (yipes), heck they didn't even try to capitalize on the fact it's one of Dave Chapelles first performances when he was REALLY being pushed. They've teased a release date several times (unfortunately they teased that it was being released in 1969 LOL) What more do we have to do to say that we want this movie before the studios finally release it? I hate that I can't get the movies I REALLY want to own (Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Mel Brooks' To Be Or Not To Be...heck I'd even like Madhouse,..reminds me of a very scary and unfortunately similar family experience) Meanwhile I can get absolute garbage-a-plenty. You couldn't pay me to take home The Simple Life or any number of Pauly Shore movies....but they're all available in quantity while movies I really want make me want to resort to bootlegs just to own them.

Save 47% Off

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Every time I go to NYC for the holidays, I make a point to see this show. A fabulous New York City fix; a fabulous Christmas tradition. And they get to wrap it up in one of the most beautiful art deco buildings in the world. This was the 75th anniversary production. Most of the old favorite numbers were included and many spetacular new pieces (my favorite being the double decker bus ride through Manhattan). I was actually in the audience the night this was taped and I was very pleased to see considerably more footage of the show than was televised on network TV and, as I remember, in the correct order it appeared in the program. This DVD will go into the stack of my holiday memories to watch again and again. I

I'm a product of the Music Hall. I worked on and off their for years. It is really to bad that other stage spectaculars such as the Easter (Spring) Show or the other great stage shows that i know were video recorded but never released. It shocks me that they released this as the full production and not as shown with all the edited TV version last year. The production value of the Christmas Show is excellent and the sound is wonderful. My only objection is that they didn't record the music halls grand organs. I have no idea why you couldn't hear it during some of the numbers that i know from seeing the 2007 version live both grand organs were used.

Maybe if we press the Music Hall they will release other great stage spectaculars. I started seeing productions back in the late 50's till last years Christmas Show and the many shows i worked on during the 60's and 70's.

This is a great purchase and if you have never seen a Radio City Music Hall Show, GET THIS ONE. You won't be disappointed.

Buy Radio City Christmas Spectacular Now

From seniors to toddlers, this is an experience to be cherished. Filmed at the world-famous Radio City Music Hall one of the greatest Art Deco buildings ever the Christmas Spectacular is sure to please anyone that enjoys the holidays.

The Rockettes are superb and the mainstay of the performance. I saw the show way back in 1973 and have always retained the memory of that experience. This updated version is new and thrilling (the double-decker bus and virtual tour of NYC is fantastic), yet some of the original remains:

* The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers is in the show since its conception in 1933; in my opinion it is one the greatest choreographed music pieces of all time

* The Live Nativity is visually beautiful as ever

The price of greeting cards has risen so high that I seriously considered not sending any this year. Along came this DVD...I've ordered several copies of this show to send to people this year in lieu of holiday cards. I usually look at a holiday card for about 30 seconds. This DVD is 90 minutes of entertainment that can be kept and enjoyed over and over again. I don't know about you, but I've never saved a holiday greeting card from year to year; however, if I received this for the holidays, I'd keep it and remember who sent it to me.

And, let's face it, the show is just plain fun!

Read Best Reviews of Radio City Christmas Spectacular Here

I saw the show in 2006 and this is pretty much what i remember lots of energy that really comes out and the colors on my flat screen are awesome thought i had gotten a Blue Ray verison by mistake really feel like you are a part of the excitement and cant wait to have this playing for the folks at my christmas party this year. The kids will love iti just hope they dont get too excited and want to go again anytime soon this is as good as it gets.

Want Radio City Christmas Spectacular Discount?

Watched it tonight with my 3 yo twins & 6 year old. I wanted to see how they would respond to it before we spent the money on train tickets & money on the show in the city. They LOVED it as did I. We will for sure be taking them all into the city next year to see it. The quality was amazing. A lot of these types of productions you feel like you are 10 miles away...with this one you felt like you were front row, center! It was so clear & crisp. Amazing! So worth the money. So worth adding to your Holiday collection. So easy to pull out & watch every year, especially if it easy for you to just hop on over to Radio City to catch the show! I have recommended this to several friends & family members already!!!

Ocean's 11 (50th Anniversary) (2010)

Simply put, this film has not looked better since it played in a theater.

Warner Brothers did a fantastic job with the transfer and it looks even better than the version that's played HBO and Cinemax off and on over the past few years.

If you're a fan of this film, you OWE IT TO YOURSELF to purchase this disc, even if it means you need to purchase a Blu-ray player as well!

Note the commentary is the same one from the DVD editions, but is still entertaining, and there are a few new extras on this disc.

I'll be forever grateful that WB decided to issue this catalog title on BD.

Sinatra and his best friends at their best. A good plot and the transfer to Blu ray is terrific. Nevertheless the sound is 1.0 and not AC3 or DTS in my copy. I think that today technology makes miracles with the sound. Anyway Sinatra is good in any format

Buy Ocean's 11 (50th Anniversary) (2010) Now

The original Ocean's Eleven has been sneered at in recent years, mainly by people who like the remake. In fact the original is an interesting and entertaining movie that is still well worth watching, particulaly by fans of the main stars.

The central story is about a group of ex 82nd Airborne servicemen attempting to rob five big Las Vegas casinos and how their ingenious plan goes astray. The narrative is augmented by historically fascinating shots of Las Vegas as it was circa 1960. Especially interesting for fans of a bygone era in show business are the bill boards announcing which stars are appearing at which casino. That delightful and mostly forgotten Canadian singer Gisele Mackenzie is prominently proclaimed.

The Blu-ray presentation of the movie is superb and cannot be praised too highly. Watching this BRD via a projector on a ten foot wide screen was as good as seeing the movie in a cinema. I recommend this Blu-ray disc to anyone who enjoys the movie, particularly if they have a projector.

Read Best Reviews of Ocean's 11 (50th Anniversary) (2010) Here

Love this movie and had it on DVD but when it came out on BD I had to get it.

Video is 100x better than DVD audio is better also.

Want Ocean's 11 (50th Anniversary) (2010) Discount?

Frank Sinatra's involvement with OCEAN'S ELEVEN began when a Las Vegas gas station attendant handed Sinatra his screenplay. Frank's enthusiasm for the story carried over to his buddies and "Ocean's 11" became the first of several Rat Pack movies. A solid cast, several cameos, a tight script and breezy ad-lib performances by its principals make this crime heist tale great fun. Seeing Frank, Dean and Sammy in their prime and hearing Davis's vocal on the movie's theme adds to the enjoyment.

SYNOPSIS--

Eleven buddies (led by Danny Ocean, aka Sinatra) plan and pull off a theft at five Las Vegas casinos simultaneously. They get away with their haul, but are later confronted by an ex-gangster who's figured out what occurred and is demanding half the take.

Shirley MacLaine's impromptu appearance as a tipsy gal is a highlight; George Raft (who was a personal friend of Vegas pioneer Bugsy Siegel) portrays a casino owner and Red Skelton appears as himself. Richard Boone is the voice of an unseen minister; TV quiz show announcer George Fenneman can be heard in a phone conversation with an interrogating sheriff. Watch for one-time cowboy star Hoot Gibson in his last screen appearance, as a roadblock deputy.

.

The Rat Pack's next adventure was SERGEANTS 3, a 1962 remake of "Gunga Din." Frank and Dean also show up at the end of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby's last road picture, THE ROAD TO HONG KONG (1961).

.

Parenthetical number preceding title is a 1 to 10 IMDb viewer poll rating.

(6.4) Ocean's Eleven (1960) Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin/Sammy Davis Jr./Peter Lawford/Angie Dickinson/Richard Conte/Cesar Romero/Joey Bishop/Akim Tamiroff/Henry Silva/Buddy Lester/Norman Fell/Red Skelton/George Raft (uncredited: Shirley MacLaine/Pinky Lee/George Fenneman/Richard Boone/Hoot Gibson/Don 'Red' Barry/Richard Sinatra)

Save 33% Off

Tyler Perry's Good Deeds (2012)

Once again, Tyler Perry delivers a story that not only focuses on a woman's Cinderella life but also includes a kind hearted man's point of view. Great performances from Tyler Perry, Thandie Newton, Phylicia Rashad and Brian White. And i'm SO glad to see Gabrielle Union on the big screen again! I can't wait to add this movie to my Tyler Perry collection!

This is Tyler Perry's best movie. His attention to believable characters with a nitty-gritty reality to their problems creates an atmosphere of intense interest and compassion for the

characters. I can't wait to get a DVD of this film. I saw it in the theater and was mesmerized.

Buy Tyler Perry's Good Deeds (2012) Now

I cried several times during the movie. I really loved the contrast between all the characters. The story telling was incredibly touching, it was delivered in a very realistic way. Incredible acting by all, loved Thandie in this, and I thought this was Tyler's best acting gig ever.

Read Best Reviews of Tyler Perry's Good Deeds (2012) Here

i love this film because it shows the realistic shortcomings of affluent western culture. Perry's role represents what this society has regarded as success-education,money and prominence. gabrielle union's character represenrs what has happened to so many american women (ala lndsy lhn etc.} life to them is self indulgence, money ,materialism and one big party with no desire for children and the dedicated joys of motherhood.rashad's character sees tyler as a success and favored son due to shallow values only.thandie newton's character is reality-in that many try very hard in life and never get the breaks to ease lifes stresses. perry has one excellent trait -that of compassion and empathy.as he views thandies depressed life he also sees a person with values and appreciation of kindness and a protective and loving mother.my favorite scene in the film is when she asks deeds how much is a gallon of milk. this brings him to reality and makes him re-evaluate life.his character is what makes him a success not him money,education or prominence. ireally enjoyed whites character because he represents the failures in parenting, a basically good son ,never nutured by a mom who showed favoritism to the achieving prominent son over the son who needed emotional support and constantly succumbed to her abusive criticism. as a caucasion male i tend to prefer black film-makers over whites because white cinema shows life how they want it to be in most film while black directors tend to show the reality of life. see this film.

Want Tyler Perry's Good Deeds (2012) Discount?

Interesting story line, well acted, a very touching and thoughtful movie. What appeared to be a fairy tale life was not, but all of that changed with one GOOD DEED!

Save 27% Off