Blade

Good action vampire stories, whether written, drawn or on film are just plain hard to find. For a while now the 'not quite bad' vampire and even the 'good' vampire have been fashionable. Not that I have anything against Angel or Henry Fitzroy and their ilk, but sometimes you want a story with a clear division between good and evil and a lot of knock them down and stake them action. Enter Blade.

Blade is a half vampire with a very nasty attitude toward his relatives on the dark side. Played by Wesley Snipes, he has all the moves and attitude you could ever want. His partner in his war against the things that did in his mother is Abraham Whistler (Kris Kristofferson). Later, Karen (N'Bushe Wright) a forensic hematologist who has the bad luck to find a vampire on her table, joins them. Opposing this team is Frost (Steven Dorff), a vampire rebel who thinks it is time for the un-people with pointy teeth to come out of the closet. His plan is simple. Take over the vampire council, capture Blade and resurrect La Magra the blood god. Then there will be nothing but vampires and bloodsicles.

'Blade' is an extremely violent film. Almost everyone is a martial arts expert, has access to what the US Congress would consider weapons of mass destruction, or is a victim. Sometimes, they are all three. Toss in a sufficiency of special effects, great settings, and good acting and you have the film. What makes 'Blade' work is its intense focus. It works hard at being exactly what it is an action film with a strong 'wow' factor. Sometimes that is exactly what you need.

Steven Norrington, a director considerable experience in the horror/science fiction genre, has a great sense of what it takes to make comic book characters come to life on the screen. He manages to retain the strong visual impact of the original Marvel Comics series. David Goyer's script manages to capture the essence of comic book dialogue sparse, but not stilted. The overall effect is a film that builds smoothly from start to ending, with very few slow moments.

The extras on the DVD are surprisingly good. Good sized features on the concepts and effects that went into the film, the story of the Blade comic, and an interesting survey of the vampire in human imagination. In addition, there is an extensive running commentary for the film. All of these are intelligently done. I think 'Blade,' despite its violence, will appeal a wide range of viewers as something more than just another Hong Kong fight film wannabe.

I'm giving this Two Stars not because of the film itself but for the following three complaints I have with this disc (I'm a huge fan of the movies, I have all three and have watched them dozens of times):

1. Price: $25.49 is awfully expensive for a movie that's been out for 11 years. Especially considering that much newer movies (e.g. "Watchmen: The Director's Cut", loaded with extras, btw) are going for lower. The aforementioned "Watchmen" is nearly $10 cheaper.

Surely a $35 or $40 boxed set of all three Blade films could have been issued.

2. Quality of Transfer

The transfer is hardly stunning and hardly worth the aforementioned price. Both my Blu-Ray player (a 120GB PS3, the very latest version of Sony's flagship console) and my HD-DVD player (a Toshiba A-30) upscale/up-res standard DVDs and I cannot tell the difference between THIS Blu-Ray transfer and the upscaled SD-DVD. Thus I'm feeling more than a little taken advantage of. Unfortunately, Amazon's policy limits me to a 50% refund, if they give me one at all. This film is still part of the best Vampire franchise out there (so far), in my opinion, but stick to the standard DVD versions. Not only do you get the extras, but since there's no discernible difference in picture quality, you'll also save yourself a good bit of cash.

3. No extras

Unfortunately, I missed the notice, which is just a single line of print, that no extras were included which scotches my reason for returning the disc. Surely this notification should have been bolded or rendered in a different color, something that would catch the eye better.

Although, in general, I am not a big fan of extras (with certain exceptions, they are rarely worth watching), I think a Blu-Ray release should at least contain everything on the original DVD release. After all, there's more than enough room on a BR disc to accommodate everything on a Standard DVD release since all BR videos are 50GB discs. And "Blade" will fit on a 4.7GB DVD (i.e. a single layer disc) WITHOUT the extras. Therefore, there's no reason NOT to include the extras given the huge amount of space the BR gives the studio for extra content.

Thus, if Blade requires 4.7GB of space for its 2 hours in Standard Definition, multiplying it by 6 (since we are constantly reminded that "Blu-Ray has SIX TIMES--!!!--the definition of DVD!"), that still leaves 26GB for extras, more than enough if these are left in standard def (as the majority of extras are).

Finally, as for the difference in aspect ratios: this is not an issue for me. Both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD normally use a 2.40:1 ratio (resulting in slightly smaller black bars bordering the film) and, strictly, speaking, I suppose, the original aspect ratio should have been preserved. However, the increase (?) in aspect ratio does NOT result in a distorted picture so I don't feel this is a drawback.

Buy Blade Now

This was a great action/horror film, packed with some excellent special effects, an entertaining storyline, and at least a couple of reasonably talented actors (Snipes, Dorff). Kristofferson is terrible as always (a hint to you casting people... Sam Elliott would have been MUCH better as the tough and gritty Whistler).

But you're not really reading this review to hear about the movie -you can get that kind of info anywhere. What you want to know is "Is the DVD worth buying instead of a VHS tape?" Weeeellll...

This movie is undoubtedly THE showcase movie for DVD (the Mummy is another very good choice). The picture quality is fantastic, and the sound is incredible (you gotta listen to it in Dolby Digital 5.1 on a nice home theater system to fully appreciate the sound). But what really sets this format apart from anything else are the SPECIAL FEATURES. A ton of things like information about the different Vampire houses, commentary from the director on the making of the film, and an alternative ending, really show how the DVD format can add to your viewing experience. Many DVDs (too many, in fact) are simply direct transfers from another format to DVD. No extras, limited enhancements on picture and sound... A perfect example of a BAD DVD is Highlander!

The DVD versions of the Bond movies have also shown the industry a thing or two about how to make a truly interesting and worthwhile DVD movie. DVDs like Blade make me happy I purchased a DVD player!

Read Best Reviews of Blade Here

Lets face it. There have been only a handful of great films that were based on Comic Books: Superman, Batman, The X-Men, ect. With all the rest being dismal failures, usually because all involved didn't take their source material seriously enough and went in a completely different direction. Not bothering to really understand why people truly love these characters in the first place. These kinds of people should never be allowed to direct films derived from comic books.

It was the summer of 1998. The hollywood machine was throwing out dozens of entertainment fodder for the masses to engulf. I saw 14 film in the movie theaters that year. Blade was the only one of them I saw twice. Talk about a movie experience! From the opening shots, you are literally sucked in (no pun intended) to the world of the vampires. Wesley Snipes completely embraces the role of the title character and plays him to the hilt, with just a bit of dry cocky humor that is very refreshing.

As we first meet Blade at a Vampire techno club (which uses a great remix of a song called "Confusion" by New Order) we just know he's a force to be reckoned with as he slices, dices, burns & just plains blows up every vampire he gets a hold of (including Traci Lords, in a very memorable cameo). Kris Kristofferson plays Whistler, Blade's mentor and creator of the various weapons at his disposal, including guns & knives, bombs, & more. ("We have a good arrangement. He makes the weapons, I use 'em"). But it's Stephen Dorff as the bloodthirsty Deacon Frost that helps catapult the film from average action fair to the stuff of comic book legend. With most actors, this would be a one or two dimensional performance, but in the hands of Stephen Dorff, he turns the character of Deacon Frost into something much more multilayared. The interaction he has with Blade as well as his other fellow vampires give off this feel of someone we should not underestimate. Because a truly great villain is a huge key to a movie's success.

The whole mythos of vampires in this film moves the genre in a very interesting direction. According to Blade, pure silver, garlic & sunlight are the main tools to combat vampires. ("Crosses don't do d***, so forget about what you've seen in the movies") But the fact that the pure blood vampires are personified as old & disposable, while the nonpure vampires are young and virile, looking to take over and run things, can really be looked at as a depiction of our society, with the old guard being kicked out by the new one, lest anarchy ensue.

But "Blade" is without a doubt one of the best comic book adaptions to hit the big screen in a long time. It is truly up there with Superman & Batman as the best of the best. And New Line Cinema gives you more to praise about with the wonderful DVD Platinum Edition, that includes a nice audio commentary with Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff and others from the production and writing team. The only disappointing thing is that everyone is recorded seperately instead of all together in one big room which is more fun to listen to. Four Featurettes are also included: "La Magra" which discusses the films evolution as well as showing some deleted scenes from the film (Deacon Frost's idea of freezing humans and harvesting them for their blood, plus the original ending of Frost turning into a digital effects blood monster. You'll be so glad it was deleted once you see it.) "Designing Blade" a look at the production designs including interior, exteriors, Blade's arsenal and more! "The Origins of Blade" An indepth discussion with Marvel Comics alum, Stan Lee & others on the genesis of comic books going from kid friendly to more for adults. "The Blood Tide" A very interesting look at Vampire mythology in general beginning from the early 1900's. Plus you get the definitions to most of the glyphs shown in the film, cast & crew bios and film credits, as well as the wonderful original theatrical trailer that still packs a punch all it's own!

Blade A True Comic Book Classic!

"Some [people] are always tryin' to iceskate uphill" Wesley Snipes as Blade

Also, don't miss the incredible sequel, Blade II!

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the original ratio is 1:2,35 = cinemascope also on DVD, But here on Blu-ray is the ratio fu..ing 1:1,78 = 16:9 TV-widescreen) my question is WHY !!!!! don't buy is blu-ray !!!!!

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Mutiny on the Bounty (2011)

When the news broke that MGM had the audacity to remake the hallowed 1935 classic "Mutiny on the Bounty" starring Clark Gable and Charles Laughton, the critics were aghast. As the news leaked out about trouble in production, they whipped themselves into a self-righteous frenzy. Brando was a lightening rod for criticism because he was renowned as arrogant hothead. Compared with Gable, who was universally loved and adored, Brando was a boor. It was almost sacrilegious to put Brando in any part Gable had played. When the film opened, it never had a chance. It was ripped to shreds. Brando was ridiculed as a lower class character actor who couldn't step up to the part, and derided for his dreadful attempt at an English accent. The film was a box office loser and critics smugly declared they told us so.

The film was beset by problems throughout production. The full-scale replica of the Bounty arrived on location two months after the film was scheduled to begin shooting. There were three deaths among the film's personnel and the film ran well over budget. The biggest problems were the result of Brando's constant temper tantrums as he tried to rewrite the entire film from the set. At least six writers came and went. After countless confrontations, director Carol Reed gave up and quit to be replaced by Lewis Milestone ("All Quiet on the Western Front'). Milestone was an utterly intractable director that Brando couldn't bully. The result was a battle between the immovable object and the irresistible force, with daily emotional pyrotechnics that further delayed the film. Although Milestone usually prevailed in the fracases, this film turned out to be his last in a 37-year career.

Over the years, the critics have continued to pillory the film, but the public generally receives it more favorably as time passes. Though I often disagree with the masses, in this case I concur. Having seen both the 1935 and 1962 versions, I prefer the latter. Gable is clearly more charming and dashing in the role, but Brando gives the more complete performance. Gable's Christian seems far less ruffled by the events that transpire on the Bounty, whereas Brando accomplishes a believable transition from the cavalier rogue to an honorable hero who endures self-torment over the treasonous act. Though Brando's English accent is oft ridiculed, I have heard far worse. Part of the problem probably stemmed from the fact that the accent he attempted to imitate was very upper crust and he delivered it with a certain sneering tone that made it seem like he was mocking the English. Just hearing that accent from the same lips that gave us, "I coulda been a contenda" was a kind of ironic comedy unto itself.

Between the Bligh portrayed by Charles Laughton and that depicted by Trevor Howard in the remake, Howard wins hands down for pure detestability. Most of the production values, such as music, set design and costumes were superior in the remake. Moreover, the remake was more historically accurate than the original.

The film features a youthful Richard Harris in the role of Mills, who gives an excellent performance of the petulant sailor. Also noteworthy is the lovely Tarita, a native Tahitian who plays Christian's love interest Maimiti, and does a scorching belly dance. This was Tarita's only film, but to anyone who has seen the film, she will not be soon forgotten.

This is an excellent film. It was nominated for seven Oscars including Best Picture, but it was shut out, trampled by "Lawrence of Arabia". It is highly entertaining with wonderful costumes, props and sets, fabulous locations and photography, and some terrific performances. Though many will disagree, I rated it a 10/10. If one can step back from the controversy that swirled around this film when it debuted, it is an easy film to enjoy.

Ok. First things first. Let us not forget that this film is based on the trilogy of books by Charles Nordorff and James Norman Hall. These books are fictional accounts based on actual events, and portray William Bligh as a sadistic, brutal tyrant instead of the accomplished seaman he truly was. After all he was one of the best foul-weather commanders of his day and a navigator of such quality that the charts he drew were still used by the British navy right up until the second world war.

I have read among other reviewers of Bligh's "trademark discipline and lashings". This is just not true. Bligh himself was determined that he would not lose a single member of the ship's crew on his expedition, and in fact, only flogged one man on the outward voyage (an act which he bitterly regretted!).

He was a passionate man, that had risen through the ranks and he was determined to succeed on the mission appointed to him. His only downfall was that he lacked imagination, he was a pedantic man that did everything by the book, this made him inflexible to situations. There was no more a caring individual that attempted to round Cape Horn for 30 days, do you think that a crew that had suffered extreme punishment from the start of their journey would then suffer such grueling conditions for so long and not choose this point to mutiny? It is testiment to Bligh's ability to command tha his men carried on working for him until he decided theirs was a lost cause.

From the time the Bounty landed at Tahiti, Bligh let his men down. He allowed them to carry on for the next 5 months doing whatever they chose, while he isolated himself in scientific studies. If Bligh had mustered his crew regularly and spent time sailing the Pacific whilst his gardeners prepared their cargo, discipline would have been maintained. Ultimately, when the ship Weighed anchor and departed Matavai Bay, complacency and sloth had taken root among the crew. This then would understandably lead to bitterness and resentment for the return to naval discipline.

I have read also, that the mutiny, when it happened, happened very (too) quickly and suddenly in the film. Well, this IS exactly what happened, Christian had decided to escape the ship and his abuser alone and on a makeshift raft. It was only after speaking to Edward Young that he found that there would be others amongst the crew who would be willing to help him seize the ship and return to Tahiti. Thus events were put into place that happened very quickly indeed, events that Christian would bitterly regret for the rest of his life.

This film also suggests that Bligh and Christian were unaquainted before the fateful voyage, this again is not true as they had sailed together on three previous occasions. Richard Hough, in his excellent book, Capt. Bilgh and Mr. Christian, suggests that their relationship could have had undertones of a homosexual nature. This could be quite possible, as it was not uncommon for sailors who were living in such close quarters for long periods of time to look to each other for relief, although the Articles of War forbade it, and anyone found guilty of this "crime" faced the death penalty! It is certainly true that Bligh showed the young Master's Mate a good deal of favouritism, promoting him to Acting Lieutenant after landing at Tenerife. It is also well documented that Bligh frequently invited Christian to his cabin. In fact Bigh had sent an invitation to him on the night before the mutiny, which Christian had declined. It is possible that Bligh had become resentful of Christian's relationship with Isobella (Christian's name for Miamiti, after his aunt), and took his jealousy out on him by humiliating Christian in front of the crew. This would go some way to explain Christian's reapeted cries of "I AM IN HELL!".

It should be noted that Bligh was recognised as a national hero on his retrun to England and absolved of all blame for the loss of his ship. It wasn't until he left again on another voyage that the Courts Martial for the remain mutineers, who had now been bought home,took place and that public opinion started to turn against him, and he began to be portrayed as the tyrant shown in this film. But, it should be remembered that at the time of his death, Bligh ahd reached the rank of Vice Admiral of The Blue, no mean feat for such an "abusive" man!

Brando's Foppish, Arrogant aristocratic picture of Christian is off target. Christian's family were not aristocratic. They were a well-to-do family from Cumberland, but not so high up the social ladder as shown here.

Enjoy this film, I did. But enjoy it for what it is, a fictional tale of adventure on the high seas. Brando is on top form, camping it up in his role (obviously out of the control of the director!), the photography is beautiful as are the locations. The script is engaging and amusing, and the rest of the cast terrific. Trevor Howard's Bligh is a little too one dimensional, but then that is exactly what this picture is trying to show.

I give this film four stars just for the sheer enjotment I got from it. The missing fifth star is for the truth. I won't draw comparisons with the earlier Laughton/Gable film, or the later Hopkins/Gibson film, as they are each enjoyable films in their own right and are definately worth viewing. Although the latter goes a little more for the truth.

Buy Mutiny on the Bounty (2011) Now

Perhaps that review title's too harsh. I loved the '62 version primarily because of how the extremes of production expense shoved it forward as an all-time great. To understand its power one has to see its standing in relation to the two other versions. The 1935 film has a pre-Errol Flynn swashbuckler ambience that tries to coexist with an overall moodier feel brought on by dour, flat direction. The 1984 movie tries too hard to establish historical correctness while superimposing Mel Gibson's prettiness over the sour conditions underlying the vessel and the voyage. At any rate, these elements take out much of the fun of these versions and, in the latter case, it's even arguable that its weighty atmosphere defuses the thrill of the mutiny altogether. Nothing spectacular in these.

Lewis Milestone directed an infinitely more entertaining affair on the 1962 version. Marlon Brando's attempt at Englishness is thoroughly derisable but we forgive him for it because there's much comic relief to be had in that as well as in the way he spars with Trevor Howard. The crew are alotted more respect by the camera in this film and that freedom yields more entertaining results than the sordid festering they endure to be found in the most recent version.

No. This is a three hour adventure that is fun for all the family. At times funny (echoes of Gilbert and Sullivan drift into my head every once in a while when I watch Brando strutting about on the poop deck), at times poignant, this is maybe the biggest of the giants Metro Goldwyn Mayer committed to celluloid. It's important to keep in mind that studios were still having their honeymoon with Eastman colour 40 years ago and it isn't surprising at all that the tale of the Bounty was selected for a reworking on this grandiose scale. Full of images and sounds that do nothing but please the soul, 'Mutiny on the Bounty' is a masterpiece with no bad actors aboard (Richard Harris is at his best here as the chief fomentor of rebellion 'downstairs'). When viewed from any angle, it's still a dazzling chandelier of a movie. They don't make them like this anymore not because they won't it's simply because the style involved here is out of the reach of any filmmaker or producer alive today. Probably a year or more in the making, the Sixties Bounty film is irrefutably the definitive one and the effects of watching it once are guarranteed to incite many subsequent viewings, not merely to drink up the haunting beauty of the location camera work. This is an essential component of any family's movie collection that must be bought as soon as possible.

Read Best Reviews of Mutiny on the Bounty (2011) Here

I just can't speak highly enough about this wonderful version of Mutiny On The Bounty. Critics be scorned. What's amazing is the crud leveled at this film and how it's endured all these years diminishing any credit due it. Brando ruined it, was troublesome, difficult to work with, cost MGM lots of $$$; Bunk! I saw this movie for the first time when it came out in '62 and it knocked me off my feet; I was ten yrs old. I appreciate it so much more today as an adult. It's a darn fine movie, take my word for it. The photography is STUNNING, period costumes great, the pagentry and colors of Tahiti take your breath away. They built a replica of the Bounty from the keel up, a feat truly remarkable. The music by Bronislau Kaper is superb and can measure up to that of Lawrence of Arabia, El Cid, King of Kings and Doctor Zhivago any day. The Love Theme is both haunting & Beautiful. The pace of the film flows very well and never once does it drag. Brando & Howard play well off each other. Richard Harris as Mills gives a fine performance along with the other character actors playing the crew. The interplay between Bligh & Christian builds just the right amount of tension. You can feel Fletcher Christian's contempt for Bligh growing more with every scene. The foppish, self centered intellectual suddenly thinking of things greater than himself, being drawn in to see the injustice & cruelty leveled at the crew. Maybe for the first time in his life Christian now knows the difference between right & wrong. He's forced to see that rule books & regulations do not make a captain. Especially one who seems to have nothing but disdain for his crew, beating them like dogs, starving them, stripping away their dignity. Bligh is a man without honor wanting desperately & only to further his own career in the British Navy, no matter who he has to crush or kill to get there. To sail around the Horn in the middle of Winter just to shave a couple of months off the voyage, risking both ship & crew. Depriving men of water in order to water plants. We the viewer are pushed to the edge along with Christian. Brando allows us to witness the smoldering powder keg within him. Then the film grants us relief as we sail & land into Paradise. Humor is put in at just the right places. When Bligh tells Christian to make love to the kings daughter in order not to offend him & Christian makes him squirm doing so, it's hysterical. I'm not sure there was a need for any great acting between Brando & Tarita, who plays the kings daughter, the sparks fly well enough on their own. The Island, the beaches, the sunsets over the ocean are truly magnificent. The native women are sensual innocence & breathtaking. You can plainly see why the crew would never want to leave this Island Paradise. The mutiny is very powerful. Christian is driven to commit this act by continued actions against the crew from Bligh & goaded by Mills; the powder keg explodes. The final scenes with Brando are beautifally acted and I have to say that I am so pleased that the original prologue & epilogue are included here because they are the perfect bookends to the movie. They set and end it wonderfully. Why they were ever taken out to begin with is beyond me. I can only say in closing that this two disc collection is great. The special features include some history, the construction of the Bounty and it's restoration over 30 years later. I would've liked some behind the scenes interviews with cast & crew but that's only a minor swipe. The original overture, intermission & entr' acte are here to make this feel like an old fashioned movie going experience that we don't see anymore. If you have a large flat screen tv & a home entertainment system, be prepared to get knocked off YOUR feet. Amazon is offering you one heck of a package here & at a great price. Don't pass it up!

Want Mutiny on the Bounty (2011) Discount?

Even if this is a very good movie, even if Marlon Brando's Fletcher Christian and Trevor Howard's William Bligh are convincing and very well played, sadly, this movie has almost nothing in commun with the true story.

First thing, Bligh didn't decide to try the Cape Horn route midway thrue the Atlantic crossing, it was planned from the start.

Secondly, Bligh knew Fletcher Christian before the Bounty voyage, in fact, he had sailed with him before and even wished him on board. William Bligh treated his men as well as any Captain in the 1790's maybe even better, having learned from the Great James Cook himself.

The actual mutiny sequence has nothing, but absolutly nothing remotely to do with how it happened. Fletcher Christian, along with 3 other sailors, stormed Bligh sleeping quaters early in the morning and tied his hands behind his back. It was NEVER in reaction to Bligh refusing to give water to a dying sailor. The worst part in my opinion is last 15 minutes of the movie. Completely delirious stuff.

So, if you want to see a good movie, great, you can watch "Mutiny on the Bounty", but be aware that it has nothing to do with the true story. For that, may I recommend Caroline Alexander book "The Bounty: The True Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty".

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Best Picture Academy Award Winners: 5 Film Coll (2012)

In a only one package, this selection offers five good movies, and with a price very good too. I think that "Shakespeare in love" is the film that could be think in next editions of this collection.

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Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Blu Ray (Hindi Movie / Bollywood Film / 2011)

"Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" (ZNMD) is a complex, honest, and thoroughly refreshing story about friendship, about love, about choices, about ... well ... the journey of Life (lit. 'zindagi'). Writer-Director Zoya Akhtar takes three characters we might think we've seen before ... but deftly makes them original, fresh, and unexpectedly engaging. Her intelligent script perfectly balances the very real, even painful, personal transformation of each character with moments of joy, wit, charm, and humour.

No one's Life Journey is ever quite what one plans!

Our protagonists? Three best friends since childhood: Arjun (Hrithik Roshan), now an investment broker in London; Imraan (Farhan Akhtar), an advertising copywriter in Delhi; and Kabir (Abhay Deol), a construction architect in Mumbai. Ten years after college Kabir's imminent wedding impels 'The Three Musketeers -all for one, and one for all!' -to finally embark on the many-times-deferred adventure challenge they'd always planned.

ZNMD explores whether three grown men can survive a 3-week road trip together *and* still remain friends *and* still be the same people.

Think you've heard similar, before? Guess again! Ms Akhtar elevates the basic 'road movie' premise into something rare and sublime: brilliant character-driven comedy never cheap but often laugh-out-loud funny, and so true to life and people each of us actually know that it genuinely moves the heart as well as the mind and funny-bone. As each ZNMD character in turn challenges his own fear, whatever personal demon that has been holding back his life, it becomes our victory, too.

See ZNMD and discover: *your* life may change, too!

Such strong story and plot would be lost, without great acting.

Farhan Akhtar (the writer-director's twin brother) just gets better and better, as an actor, every time out of the gate. Already one of India's best young directors, his deceptively brash but sensitive and layered acting in ZNMD is quiet excellence ... and deliciously funny.

Abhay Deol I confess I had not seen before. Not exciting, but I like his potential. A good foil for the other two.

However the real revelation in ZNMD is, most surprisingly, he whom we might have *thought* most familiar. Hrithik Roshan we see so often in heavy dramatic and/or demanding multi-part roles -because, let's face it, he's that rare actor who CAN do them, and do them brilliantly well -that it's easy to forget just how plain damn funny and versatile he can be. Casting one of the world's more notorious compulsive workaholics as, well, a compulsive workaholic? Absolute genius!

On the distaff side ... Katrina Kaif. Wow! Where did this performance come from? She's always been beautiful, of course, but in ZNMD for the first time she shows subtlety and depth as an actress. Easily, her very best work to date.

Cannot finish without special mention of the fantastic music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy (long my favourite Hindi film composers). Their ZNMD soundtrack perfectly backdrops the film's emotional journey. Irresistibly hummable music spans the full range of moods and emotions, much like our three main characters: everything from amusingly lighthearted ('Senorita', sung by Mssrs Roshan, Akhtar, & Deol) to cool and modern ('Ik Junoon -Paint It Red') to reflective ('Der Lagi Lakin') and even unabashedly romantic ('Khaabon Ke Parinday').

But the rocking 'Dil Dhadakne Do' seems to capture the very Joy of Living ... and that is the ultimate spirit of Zoya Akhtar's ZMND.

Perfect summer movie! 10/10

Best film I've seen yet from anywhere in the world, thus far in 2011.

If you liked Dil Chahta Hai, you will like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. I'm not going to tell you the summary of it because you can read it yourselves. I'm going to tell you the thinks I liked about this movie:

1. The actors. Each of the three main actors did a great job. Hrithik was the work-a-holic, which is something he has never played before so it was nice to see him play something different. He did a great job. Farhaanthe jokester of the group. His one line jokes had us laughing throughout the whole movie. This is also a new role for him because in his other movies he has played someone serious. He also has a serious role in this movies but you don't see it until the end. AbhayI don't usually like him in movies but I think he did a very good job playing the guy getting married. He also had his own one line jokes, but not as much as Farhaan.

2. The storyThere is something about three guys coming together on a trip and finding themselves and dealing with issues. Each of the guys have to deal with something in their lives and you learn that their issues aren't known to each other until the end of the movie. This movie is a lot like Dil Chahta Hai because both movies are about three friends going on a trip to find themselves.

3. The settingmost of the movie takes place in Spain, where they decide to go on their trip. The scenery was beautiful and a great place to film, since there are no Bollywood movies made in Spain (that I know of). Also the setting is important for the trip because each guy picks a sport to do that the other two do not know about it so the sports takes place in Spain.

4. The Musicthe music was amazing. I bought the soundtrack before I saw the movie and I loved it. Hearing the songs made me want to see the movie even more. My favorite song (which is hard to pick, since the album is great) is Senorita. In the movie, all three actors do their own singing for the song. The music video for the song in the movie is great as well.

I recommend this movie for anyone. Even some of my friends who have never seen bollywood films loved this movie.

Buy Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Blu Ray (Hindi Movie / Bollywood Film / 2011) Now

Embarking on a road trip before entering a important phase in life has been done dealt with in movies in the past. ZNMD is about such a raod trip as three friends travel across the country in Spain, changing their lives forever.

The director's brother Farhan Akhtar had made a film on his debut which was about friendship but this sophomoric debut by his sister Zoya is completely different from the Dil Chahta Hain.

Abhay Deol is plannig to get married to Kalki Koechlin but before he does, he wants to have a road trip in Spain with his childhood buddiesFarhaan Akhtar and Hrithik Each of them will choose an adventure sport and will participate in it, whether they like it or not. It is during the road trip that they meet women, resolve issues in their life and live lie to the fullest.

This is a fantastc film in all respects, I had loved 'Luck by chance' and this one furthers the evidence that Zoya Akhtar is one of the most underappreaciated but one of the greatest directors that we have on the scene today.

Hrithik Roshan is great throughout the film and so are Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol. Karina Kaif looks pretty after a long time and Kalki Koechlin plays the part of the possesive girlfriend ably.

Shankar . Ehsaan and Loy have gven us a decent soundtrack. Especially 'Senorita'

Carlos Catalan's cinematography transforms the film and the locations are superb.

I thought these scenes were the best:

Kalki's expression when she watches the friends walk in the lobby, while Ajay is cradling Katrina in his arms.

The song Senorita

The tomatino festival in Spain

The Sky diving scene

The events that led to the engagement of Kalki and Ajay

Farhaans meeting his father for the first time and his conversation with his mom.

The song in the climax.

ZNMD is one of the better films of the year and Zoya Akhtar has created an anticipation for her next work. See this now. 8/23/2011 4 stars

Read Best Reviews of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Blu Ray (Hindi Movie / Bollywood Film / 2011) Here

"Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" (ZNMD) is a complex, honest, and thoroughly refreshing story about friendship, about love, about choices, about ... well ... the journey of Life (lit. 'zindagi'). Writer-Director Zoya Akhtar takes three characters we might think we've seen before ... but deftly makes them original, fresh, and unexpectedly engaging. Her intelligent script perfectly balances the very real, even painful, personal transformation of each character with moments of joy, wit, charm, and humour.

No one's Life Journey is ever quite what one plans!

Our protagonists? Three best friends since childhood: Arjun (Hrithik Roshan), now an investment broker in London; Imraan (Farhan Akhtar), an advertising copywriter in Delhi; and Kabir (Abhay Deol), a construction architect in Mumbai. Ten years after college Kabir's imminent wedding impels 'The Three Musketeers -all for one, and one for all!' -to finally embark on the many-times-deferred adventure challenge they'd always planned.

ZNMD explores whether three grown men can survive a 3-week road trip together *and* still remain friends *and* still be the same people.

Think you've heard similar, before? Guess again! Ms Akhtar elevates the basic 'road movie' premise into something rare and sublime: brilliant character-driven comedy never cheap but often laugh-out-loud funny, and so true to life and people each of us actually know that it genuinely moves the heart as well as the mind and funny-bone. As each ZNMD character in turn challenges his own fear, whatever personal demon that has been holding back his life, it becomes our victory, too.

See ZNMD and discover: *your* life may change, too!

Such strong story and plot would be lost, without great acting.

Farhan Akhtar (the writer-director's twin brother) just gets better and better, as an actor, every time out of the gate. Already one of India's best young directors, his deceptively brash but sensitive and layered acting in ZNMD is quiet excellence ... and deliciously funny.

Abhay Deol is not exciting, but I like his potential. A good foil for the other two.

However the real revelation in ZNMD is, most surprisingly, he whom we might have *thought* most familiar. Hrithik Roshan we see so often in heavy dramatic and/or demanding multi-part roles -because, let's face it, he's that rare actor who CAN do them, and do them brilliantly well -that it's easy to forget just how plain damn funny and versatile he can be. Casting one of the world's more notorious compulsive workaholics as, well, a compulsive workaholic? Absolute genius!

On the distaff side ... Katrina Kaif. Wow! Where did this performance come from? She's always been beautiful, of course, but in ZNMD for the first time she shows subtlety and depth as an actress. Easily, her very best work to date.

Cannot finish without special mention of the fantastic music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, long my favourite Hindi film composers. Their ZNMD soundtrack perfectly backdrops the film's emotional journey. Irresistibly hummable music spans the full range of moods and emotions, much like our three main characters: everything from amusingly lighthearted ('Senorita', sung by Mssrs Roshan, Akhtar, & Deol) to cool and modern ('Ik Junoon -Paint It Red') to reflective ('Der Lagi Lakin') and even unabashedly romantic ('Khaabon Ke Parinday').

But the rocking 'Dil Dhadakne Do' seems to capture the very Joy of Living ... and that is the ultimate spirit of Zoya Akhtar's ZMND.

Perfect summer movie! 10/10

Best film I've seen yet from anywhere in the world, thus far in 2011.

Am definitely holding out for the complete 2-DVD version (and/or Blu-Ray) on this title.

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Three best friends embarked on a three-week road trip across Spain. Three musketeers, one for all and all for one:

Artemis Kabir (Deol)

Arthos Arjun (Roshan)

Porthos Imran (Akhtar)

Kabir as the reliable, responsible, most grounded of the three .. or so I thought.

Hrithik Roshan completely shreaded his usual heartrob, devastated handsome image. At the beginning of the movie, he was the self centered, competitive, career focused guy who has been dumped by not once, not twice but thrice by 3 different women. Yeap, Hrithik being dumped by women is a sight to behold.

Imran as the devil may care, spontaneous charmer, I like his character the most! so carefree and full of surprises.

Love the scenes, love the interior decoration settings, love the musics, love those underwater shots, strongly recommend this movie for those who love roadtrips as I!!

Scooby-Doo: Big Top Scooby-Doo (2012)

Scooby and the gang help solve the mystery of werewolves terrorizing a traveling circus. Loads of fun. One of the best direct-to-video adventures with the entire gang. Check out Daphne's amazing motorcycle riding, Velma being shot through the air as a human cannonball, Shaggy and Scooby are... Scooby and Shaggy trainers, and Fred is a second assistant safety net watcher just don't let him up on the trapeze. The kids loved it!

We ordered this for family movie night. My two girls enjoyed it a lot and my husband and I had fun with it too. It is about on the same level as Legend of the Phantasaur (which was really funny). This one is not quite as good, but still very enjoyable with some good lines. Recommended!

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Probably one of the funniest Scooby Doo movies I have seen in a long time. Especially after the horrible "Music of the Vampire" movie...which was aweful, awkward, and left me feeling very uncomfortable...almost queasy inside. This movie is what I love about the Scooby franchise. There were several times when My son and I were laughing so hard we had to rewind to catch the next joke. The script is a typical Scooby Doo type show....after a little while it is obvious who the villains are, but this one had a bit of a twist...not gonna spoil it. Totally enjoyed this one and hope that they continue to make more Scooby Doo movies like this instead of experimenting with idiotic ideas like the Music of the Vampire...I just cannot express how much better this is than Music of the Vampire. Did I say that hated Music of the Vampire? Well, I did hate Music of the Vampire. I didn't really like the Goblin King either....actually never finished the Goblin King because every time I watched it...I fell asleep. Zzzzzz

But this one, was great fun all the way through. 5 stars for sure.

Read Best Reviews of Scooby-Doo: Big Top Scooby-Doo (2012) Here

The poor Mystery, Inc. gang never can catch a break. No matter where they're headed, monsters and mayhem seem to find them. 43 years after his first appearance, Scooby-Doo still has a nose for mysteries. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment gives fans of the crime fighting canine and his ever youthful sidekicks a new feature length animated movie entitled "Big Top Scooby-Doo!"

The circus ringleader of the Brancusi Circus reaches out to the Scooby gang for help after a werewolf attacks attendees of the greatest show on Earth. The hairy beast has a healthy appetite for jewelry. Mystery Inc. must solve the mystery by joining the circus. Daphne the clown, Fred the trapeze artist, Velma the human rocket, ringmaster Shaggy, and trick dog Scooby-Doo must discover the truth behind the thieving wolf man and bring him to justice.

"Big Top Scooby-Doo!" is an entertaining and satisfying entry into the talking dog's adventures. It has to be a challenge to come up with original concepts and ideas for an animated franchise that's been around as long as Hanna-Barbera's Scooby-Doo. You'd think every mystery and creepy caper under the sun has been exploited by now.

Somehow, the creative teams for these straight-to-DVD movies continue to churn out fresh stories or well-disguised recycled ones that play off as new. Kids and their parents continue to buy and watch them, guaranteeing that we'll have no shortage of Scooby on DVD or TV in the near future.

For those who don't keep up, there are basically three different Scooby-Doo universes. There's the live-action world with its own flair and cast of characters. "Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated" has the group solving mysteries in their hometown of Crystal Cove, which is a haven of esoteric activity.

"Big Top Scooby-Doo" falls into the last universe which is the original started in 1969. There's no Shaggy / Velma dating awkwardness, wacky parents, bumbling sheriffs, or diabolical talking birds to wade through. This is the good old-fashioned Scooby we all grew up on and love.

The Blu-ray + DVD combo pack of "Big Top Scooby-Doo!" features three bonus episodes including ones from "Scooby-Doo! Where Are You?" and "Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated." They add another 70 minutes of value to this first class Blu-ray release from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

Fans of Scooby-Doo will love this 18th entry in the franchise. "Big Top Scooby-Doo!" is the perfect choice for a family movie night. It will appeal to viewers young and old. It's definitely recommended for your Halloween viewing list.

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I ordered this on demand and it was awesome! I thought the Scooby-Doo movies collapsed after Music of the Vampire but this one was truly great. I wan't to get it because it was the best Scooby-Doo movie yet! (Other then the Phantosour)

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Les Vampires: 2-Disc Kino Classics Edition (1915)

This is an excellent silent film and an artistic masterpiece! It centers on the exploits of a group of ingenious and resourceful jewel thieves also referred to as Vampires, who seek sexual and psychological domination over Paris' elite. Their methods include the use of poisonous gas, weapons, kidnapping, and disguises as tools to achieve domination. Although there is a leader that gives the vampires their orders, the group is really led by a captivating woman named Irma Vep who assumes a variety of disguises in order to carry out the gang's evil schemes. A relentless newspaper reporter named Philippe Guérande is on the trail of the vampires and seeks to have them imprisoned. His sidekick is Mazamette, a former member of the vampire gang who has reformed himself and assists Philippe in tracking down the bold and brazen group. Mazamette serves as Philippes' right hand man, informer and loyal friend. He also provides the comic relief in the film. This is a superb spectacle of French and silent cinema that mixes drama, mystery, horror and comedy and weaves it into a very complex and appealing epic. A big part of what makes this film so much fun is that it has a strong story line and features very imaginative and surreal situations that create the feeling of fantasy, but the brazen crimes and sometimes horrifying events that take place are very realistic. The film was shot in the deserted back streets and alleys of Paris during World War 1, which ultimately enhances the film's eerie atmosphere. It's easy to be drawn into this film, as the performances of its stars are very captivating, almost hypnotic and the cinematography is so evocative, you'll feel compelled to see what happens next. Many of the characters assume various identities and wear many hats in this film, for example; Irma Vep who is the main criminal, poses as a secretary at a bank, a maid, and a switchboard operator at a hotel. Musidora gives a stunning performance as the devious but very alluring Irma Vep. Edouard Mathé is fantastic as Philippe Guérande, the always efficient, intelligent and polite newspaper reporter. Marcel Levesque turns in an absolutely hilarious performance as Philippe Guérande's faithful, but loopy sidekick Oscar Mazamette. Delphine Renot also gives a good performance as Philippes' mother, who also gets caught up in the action when she is kidnapped and then later sent on a wild goose chase. Under Louis Feuillade's outstanding direction, these stars helped create an atmospheric and innovative entry into the silent film genre. This is a spectacular movie that deserves multiple viewings! Those who enjoy silent films and appreciate the incorporation of surrealism into motion picture will enjoy this epic the most, but the plot is so engaging and the performances so mesmerizing, anyone can enjoy this film! It's also a great place to start if you're just discovering the magic of silent and/or French cinema. The film has been corrected to the projection speed at which it was originally filmed, features new color tints, new title cards (subtitles) in English, and a memorable music score that adds to the excitement. Don't let this one pass you by!

This is a treat indeed! Not reviewing the film (which is really good) I would like to discuss the technical data. The transfer is quite good, although not the best possible (i.e. the special features two ultrashorties are of amazingly good quality), but this is in no way the fault of the producers of this DVD. The picture is gently toned in sepia, green or blue thus assisting the scene. The new soundtrack is really superb: a small concert orchestra (possibly a septet) plays typical silent film horror music, with sometimes the popular tunes of the period melted in effortlessly. I have sometimes used this DVD simply for the purposes of music! The included booklet is very useful as well. All in all you are unlikely to find a better silent movie, transferred in correct speed, with great score, very sensible actors, and good quality. Not to mention the MOOD...! My only complaint is that all the old French texts have been dropped and have been replaced with still image texts in English, but that really is not important. Grrrrrreat job, thanks!

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OK, this DVD is a bit expensive; nor is it admittedly for everyone, but for those who are willing to take a risk will find that great cinema dates much earlier than they ever thought.

It is said of director Louis Feuillade, that this work is the first film of the silent era that doesn't require putting into a historic framework and I agree. At times this film will shock you in how "contemporary" it feels.

The DVD is a decent quality transfer in 1.33:1 standard screen. The episodes are tinted (yellow for interiors, blue for night scenes, red for love scenes, etc.). I recommend setting your DVD player to black & white for the best picture. The score is a mostly piano soundtrack reminicent of Chopin, which was recorded recently, but is remarkably fitting. The title cards are in present-day English.

This film is a ten-part crime series spanning a total of over 7 hours. Each episode runs approximately 40 minutes or so. The style is slightly comedic, full of espionage, and alot of fun, not very unlike watching a Bond movie today, minus the sexuality. My advice, buy this DVD and set aside a week to watch an episode or two a night. It truly is one of the supreme pleasures of film.

Read Best Reviews of Les Vampires: 2-Disc Kino Classics Edition (1915) Here

The first thing to note about this film is that it is not about vampires, at least not in the traditional (bloodsucking, garlic, crosses) sense of that word. Instead, we have a glorious series of tales about a criminal gang and the attempts of a reporter and his sidekick to catch up with them. The viewer may sympathise with these attempts, but it is hard not to chear on Irma Vep and her 'vampire' colleagues. She is one of the great silent characters and everyone in the film, as well as the viewer, may be said to be half in love with her, half afraid of her. This film, or series of films, is very long, but it draws the viewer in, especially if viewed over a few successive days. Eventually one feels almost a part of the film's world. This world it should be remembered is the world of 1915-16, the first world war is raging nearby. It is quite staggering to think that a film like this could be made under these circumstances. This DVD is very well produced. The picture is almost invariably clear and there is no jerkiness in the movements of the actors. The tinting is subtle and adds to the mood of the scenes. The music has a series of recurrent themes which one begins to recognize and welcome as they reappear. The added bonus of two short features, featuring actors from the film, serves mainly to emphasise the production's wartime origins. One is for the relief of war orphans, the other an exhortation to serve France at the front. This film is not at all well known. It is to be hoped that this fine DVD can give it some lasting fame all these years later.

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Director Louis Feuillade's LES VAMPIRES is not just one of the all-time great serials, it is one of the greatest examples of cinema in general from the World War 1 period. It has a sophistication both in terms of narrative and acting style that even exceeds many celebrated American films of the same era.

The 10 part serial follows the exploits of a criminal organization known as the Vampires who spread fear and mayhem throughout Paris by killing, looting, and kidnapping. Plucky journalist Phillipe Guerande and his sidekick Mazamette set out on a crusade to rid the city of this evil threat.

LES VAMPIRES is a truly enjoyable viewing experience on many levels. It was shot in and around Paris during 1915-16 and the war torn, abandoned locations Feuillade chose for backgrounds add immeasurably to the heightened realism and chilling, doom-filled atmosphere of the film. Because of where and when it was made, it is a valuable, fascinating historical and cultural record preserved on film. It also has all the ingredients of the best serials: black-hooded villains, car chases, cryptograms, daring escapes, sweet-smelling poison gas... and topping it all off is beautiful French actress Musidora as the seductive Irma Vep ( an anagram of "vampire" ), strategist of the criminal gang and the mistress of their leader who is known as the Grand Vampire. But where American serials of the time used predictable plotlines, LES VAMPIRES takes unexpected twists and turns so that it evokes the feeling that anything and everything might happen. The film was hugely popular and it became the forerunner of the mystery/crime thriller genre, inspiring such great filmmakers as Fritz Lang and Luis Bunel.

Although widely available, the 1998 English version from Image Entertainment is not the best there is on this film. If you have a multi-region player I STRONGLY recommend the 2006 French language DVD edition from Gaumont Video. Granted, the intertitles are in French, but the print quality is far superior your jaw will drop, it is that good. Keep the English version if you feel you need the translation, but once you've watched the film a few times it's easy to follow regardless of the language. Or, you can always learn to read French. The bottom line is, for a film as great as this one, nothing but the best quality available will suffice.

LES VAMPIRES was almost lost until amazingly a print was found before it would have been literally carried away as garbage! The decomposing nitrate was stored in film cans and had no beginning/end titles or intertitles, making it virtually impossible to recognize what it was. Hence, the cans were put atop a dumpster to be hauled off. Fortunately, it was discovered in time and LES VAMPIRES was saved from oblivion so that we can savor it today, fully restored, its power to thrill and captivate intact and undiminished.

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Another: Complete Collection (2012)

Kōichi Sasakibara has recently transferred to a new school. His class has a strange atmosphere, and it gets even stranger after he meets a pretty girl named Mei Misaki, whose existence none of his classmates will acknowledge. Then he learns of a horrifying story that started 26 years ago, when a popular student named Misaki died...

Another is one of those horror stories that is horrific, but not really scary. The deaths were surprisingly graphic, but other then that it was fairly mild. The atmosphere is well done, the story fast paced, and the characters engaging enough to propel the story. I really enjoyed watching this series, as it is exactly the kind of horror show I enjoy. Creepy, but you'll have no trouble sleeping at night. If you enjoy shows like Shiki, Umineko, and When They Cry (Higurashi), then you should give Another a try.

Another is based on the novel by Yukito Ayatsuji. It is 12 episodes long and aired January through March of 2012. It is available streaming on Crunchyroll, if you want to give it a try before purchasing.

Another isn't entirely what you'd expect. A transfer student joins the mysterious class 3 of Yomiyama High School, and soon encounters a lot of weirdness. There is a mystery, a tragic history, a curse, and a strange odd girl that no one can see but him. He soon finds out that a chain of events has been set in motion that will cause a lot of carnage and death, and there seems to be no way to stop it...

The best way to describe it would be an anime take on the Final Destination horror films. In both, the actions of people tend to result in a lot of death and carnage by everyday things and invisible circumstances. Another embraces this and adds a mystery to it of why this is happening and how can we stop it? I can't really describe the plot as it twists, turns, and sometimes blatantly misdirects you to keep you unsettled. It's quite good for anime horror, and escapes a lot of the traditional Japanese horror tropes into a more Western sensibility. There are even references to writers like John Saul and the movie the Omen.

Like Final Destination, it's also pretty gory. Some of the deaths are brutal, and extended for shock impact, while others are brief and startling. It's winds up being less gratuitous in a way because the deaths are so unexpected, and to people you actually care about, that it is less about what cool gore scene they could include, and more about shocking you and reminding you the curse is not something cozy or benign. You also see the aftermath of the deaths, too, and your heart goes out to the poor people surviving.

It's good, but there are some minor issues. The ending to me didn't really seem to be as justified as it was. Without spoilers, the most pertinent parts of why it ended the way it did were revealed at the ending and only some things were foreshadowed well. Also, the misdirection changes the story in the way you don't expect, and you may get one idea of how things are and not like the actual explanations.

The whole series is streaming on Crunchyroll, but I plan to buy the blu-ray when released. It's a different take on anime horror that is quite good, and worth a spot in your collection if you like that genre.

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When I started watching Another, I was intrigued by it. The story is essentially that in one particular classroom, year after year a bunch of the students die. The mood of the story is very well done, and I liked the two main characters a lot. The visuals in Another are also quite appealing. If you are a fan of gore, there are some pretty unique death scenes. But after it was all said and done, the story really just didn't develop well...

As the story begins, you wonder why do students in this class die. But then the reason doesn't turn out to be very elaborate; it's kind of a let down... There's good chemistry between the two lead characters, but nothing ever comes of it. The ending had a bit of surprise, but most of it was pretty predicable...

There's nothing psychological at all in the show. If you want to see gore as a result of a tormented mind or strange twist of fate like in Elfen Lied, Deadman Wonderland, or Future Diary, you will not find it here.

I won't say that I didn't like Another, because as I was watching it I enjoyed it. But looking back on the series after it was over, it just seemed empty. If you like random gore, then by all means, watch it. If you want there to be some reason behind the madness, or really even much of a storyline, you'll probably come out a bit disappointed.

Read Best Reviews of Another: Complete Collection (2012) Here

Red Riding Trilogy (2010)

I bought this 3 DVD set subsequent to reading a rave review if it in the New York Review of Books. I can echo the enthusiastic comments; this BBC (Channel 4) drama is great viewing. Be warned that these gritty, sombre, uncompromising episodes (with three separate directors) are not pleasant viewing and will not appeal to those seeking a "nice night's entertainment".

The 3 episodes are separate but interlinked. The plot mainly revolves around corruption in the Yorkshire police force but interweaves the hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper (born in Red Riding)and a child murderer. It takes some concentration to understand the roles of the different participating characters and, on occasions, the speech of the actors. The plot becomes clearer as time progresses.

This is British drama at its intelligent best. Great acting, directing and well filmed. This recent production will grip the viewer's interest from beginning to the end. Just be warned not to expect a traditional happy ending.

It's not often that I watch British movies, so I was surprised at just how good this made-for-TV film was. English writer David Peace published a four-edition book about serial murders and police corruption in Britain. The books were adapted into three movies for British television, and while the crimes that take place are real, the stories are fictional.

What attracted me to the 1980 installment in the trilogy was that it starred British actor Paddy Considine, who I became an instant fan of after watching PU-239 (The Half Life of Timofey Berezin). Paddy is terrific as Peter Hunter, a police officer brought on to help with an unsuccessful investigation of a serial killer.

What I liked about the film is that it wasn't particularly fast-paced nor suspenseful like some American crime dramas, but a slow, building tension that really delivered by the film's conclusion. The cinematography was great, with cold and rainy scenes giving it a bit of a film noir vibe. I absolutely loved the movie's score, which was haunting and beautiful.

Remember, this is a made for television movie, not a big-budget blockbuster. So if you're expecting a movie in the vein of Seven, that's not what you'll be getting. What you can expect is amazing acting by an experienced cast, bubbling tension, and a surprise ending.

As far as Red Riding 1974 goes, I've been a fan of British actor Sean Bean since his breakout role as IRA soldier Sean Miller in Patriot Games. While he doesn't get much screen time in this particular film, he's representative of the top-notch casting. The film has an incredibly experienced cast of talented British actors, which makes 1974 a real treat. The standout performance in this film is definitely Rebecca Hall's portrayal of Paula, the mother of a slain child. While she didn't get to demonstrate her acting chops in Frost/Nixon (as love interest to David Frost), she's given plenty to work with in 1974.

Much like Red Riding: 1980, the film stars very slow, and patiently comes to a rolling boil by the conclusion. I also loved the lighting used as the film progressed, particularly a dinner party scene with shades of Eyes Wide Shut. What's interesting is that the movie was shot on 16mm film that was often used in the 70's, so a genuine period vibe is established. 1974 isn't the same quality as Red Riding: 1980, but a film you should check out if you like conspiracy movies.

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I have eagerly awaited the arrival of the "Red Riding" trilogy on DVD for some time. Something about the concept and execution of this project appealed to me in theory, and I must say that I was not let down! An ambitious British TV adaptation of several David Peace novels, the trilogy is filmed as three separate works with three separate directors. Several characters overlap and unify the films which center on a rural police force that has its own way of getting things done. Hard-edged and brutal, each chapter set in a different year (1974, 1980 and 1983) can stand alone--but together, this is a remarkable and affecting piece of work.

In "1974," Andrew Garfield (soon to be Spider-Man) plays a fledgling crime reporter hoping to make his name investigating a trio of local child murders. An affair with one victim's mother and some misdirection from local law enforcement lead him to confront a prominent citizen. He soon becomes the hunted as he doesn't know when to stop his search for the truth--and he may have to pay the ultimate price. In "1980," Paddy Considine plays a by-the-books cop brought in to re-investigate a serial killer case that has gone on for far too long. When it appears that one of the victims is not a part of the chain, this leads to another line of inquiry that may implicate several officers in police misconduct. And in "1983," David Morrissey (who has played a small role in the other films) steps to the forefront as lead inspector when another child abduction echoes the case that was solved in "1974." Reopening the case upsets old festering wounds and soon the truth about the crimes, cover-ups, and corruptions of the last 10 years come to a heated conclusion.

Garfield and Considine are terrific in "1974" and "1980" respectively. Each represent the moral center of a conspiracy that neither can control--and each is ultimately undone by the pursuit of truth. Both of these strong films would rate as 4 stars for me. It is in "1983," however, where things really start to get tied up and the knowledge of the previous films really enhance the series overall. Morrissey is absolutely devastating dealing with his own past corruption. As the facts about the child abductions and murders start to become clear, and several minor characters step up in surprising ways, the "Red Riding" trilogy becomes an extremely powerful examination of redemption. The 5 star finale left me thoroughly upset and disturbed--and the haunting tone of the film's final sequences will stay with me for a long time. An absolute recommendation, this is thought-provoking and adult entertainment--an experiment that worked exceedingly well. Two good films and one great one are made even better when seen in their totality! Don't miss it. KGHarris, 9/10.

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I was checking out the Movies on Demand last night on cable and discovered that the IFC, "in theaters now," film trilogy "Red Riding 1974," "Red Riding 1980" and "Red Riding 1983" was being offered, on DVD as the entire trilogy, and on cable as invididual films. Although I am not a fan of serial killer films, except, of course, for "Silence of the Lambs," I do like noir both in literature and movies. So, I gave "Red Riding 1974," a shot and wound up sitting through all 3 films in a row a nightmarish triple feature finally getting to sleep at around 4:00 AM not something I usually do. The experience was somewhat like looking at a car crash terribly upsetting, but I was unable to look away.

These three films are not for those who want to be entertained. I really cannot remember one moment of levity during the entire time I watched. This first movie in particular has an enormous impact, as it is the introductory piece and I never saw what was coming until it arrived no usual police procedural here. There is violence, however not for the faint of heart. As I wrote, I like noir, yet this film makes some of my favorites blanch in comparison! But I remained riveted...and I am no masochist!!

I would like to write about each film separately, but there is not a place for me to review them one at a time so I will try to give the reader a synopsis of the trilogy. Please understand that by doing this, my review will be unusually long, but hopefully informative.

The "Red Riding" set is based on author David Peace's quartet of novels truly grim whodunits, complicated by greed, corruption, conspiracy and local politics. The movie is set in gloomy, and seemingly always rainy, northern England, in Leeds, Yorkshire. The mean weather gives the viewer a feeling of foreboding throughout...and rightly so. Cynical, alienated young Eddie Dunford, (brilliantly portrayed by Andrew Garfield), has just been named crime correspondent for the Yorkshire Post. He is ambitious and this is his first major assignment. The new job happens to coincide with the death of his father, but his family obligations take a back seat to his zeal to succeed. He wants to become another Woodward or Bernstein, even as the Watergate scandal is erupting back in the colonies. Yep, Eddie really wants to earn his investigative journalist stripes fast and he is willing to take risks to do so.

Dunford's grim assignment involves the disappearance of 10-year-old Clare Kemplay. "Clare is ten years old. She is fair and has blue eyes and long straight hair." The last time Clare was seen, the day before Eddie gets the case, she was wearing an orange waterproof anorak, a dark blue turtleneck sweater, "pale blue denim trousers with a distinctive eagle motif on the back left pocket and red Wellington boots." Throughout the movie the figure of the little girl appears in sudden blurs with her orange jacket and red boots bright against the northern gloom. Spooky and so sad. Meanwhile, a jaded group of reporters takes bets on whether the child's body will be found by Christmas.

The images of the girl that the viewer sees are the same images that are seared into Eddie's mind after he looks at photographs of the crime scene. He is determined to stick with the case even after he is warned away...heavily-handed warned away.

Dunford's investigation uncovers 2 other similar incidents of young girls who disappeared in the vicinity and met violent ends both cold cases now. He strongly believes there is a connection between the murders, especially when Clare's strangled and mutilated corpse turns up. No spoiler here. This is usually how disappeared children are found...when they are found. Dunford is determined to solve the murder and also find out who, if anyone, is set on suppressing evidence. He looks to those with power, those in high places, which is where his clues lead him. As Eddie follows his leads he enters a dark, dark world.

In all three films the visuals, the camera work, are extraordinary and really help to set the disturbing mood. The choppy camera movement parallels the choppy dialogue, which is a bit difficult to understand because of the actors' thick Yorkshire accents. I was watching so intently that I literally forced myself to be patient until I could understand much of the local dialect. The photography, especially of the northern rural scenery and urban city-scapes, is exquisite at times you can almost see every blade of grass blowing in the wind, and the angular compositions of buildings, streets and alleyways great landscapes, remsembling good paintings!

None of these films are linear. All three are really complex and frequently frenetic. There are flashbacks, flash forwards and black-outs. Minor characters in the first offering, remain so far in the background one barely notices them, become major characters in later films. I strongly advise watching all 3 movies in order. I don't think I could make sense of them viewing them separate and apart.

The cast in "Red Riding 1974": Sean Bean as a local and very powerful businessman, Anthony Flanagan, as a good friend of Eddie's, and Rebecca Hall as Eddie's lover who is also the mother of one of the dead girls, (years after the fact), do a superb job. They really seem so involved like actual people not actors. And Tony Mooney and Sean Harris play a couple of cops I would never want to run into! The director really captured the feel, the ambiance, of the early 1970's. I was amazed at how easy it was to be transported back in time.

The film was adapted into three feature-length television episodes which aired in 2009. The three segments, (1974, 1980 and 1983), are directed by three different filmmakers. Julian Jarrold, ("Becoming Jane"), is masterful here, in the 1974 version. The screenwriter is Tony Grisoni. Peace's literary quartet is turned into a trilogy. I have no idea why the screenwriter left out one book, unless he combined it with another.

"Red Riding 1980" is perhaps my favorite in the trilogy. The characters here are more developed, and since Part One provided such an excellent background, the storyline is easier to follow. I also became more accustomed to the northern English accent, thus understanding the dialogue was no longer a problem.

The setting is the same, Leeds, Yorkshire, and just as dismal and depressing as the scenario in "Red Riding 1974." Many of the characters reappear here, as they also do in Part 3, and the theme of heinous crime, local politics, corruption and conspiracy permeate this episode also. Here the backdrop, however, does not deal with a series of child abductions and murders, but centers around the "Yorkshire Ripper," (an actual character), and a series of prostitution murders and mutilations.

The local residents are justifiably horrified at the murderer's five year reign of terror. He had killed thirteen women and left seven for dead. The police haven't come up with anything close to solving the crimes and the city's inhabitants are outraged. Stores close early and women are afraid to go out during the day, let alone at night. Assistant Chief Constable Peter Hunter, (Paddy Considine), is brought in to take over the case, infuriating the corrupt and complacent Yorkshire police. Hunter immediately establishes a superior team of 2 other excellent investigators, Manchester detectives John Nolan, (Tony Pitts), and Helen Marshall, (Maxine Peake), to work alongside him. The married Hunter, who has earned a reputation for being "squeaky clean," slipped up once and had a brief affair with Dectective Marshall, his employee, which will come back to haunt them both. These three are to review all previous material concerning the "Ripper," and investigate the ability and motivation of the West Yorkshire Constabulary to solve the murders. Is there a cover-up here? When a friend of Hunter's suddenly becomes the subject of an investigation, and then Hunter becomes the subject of another 'inquiry,' things really begin to happen and the the plot picks up pace. James Marsh, (Academy Award Winner in 2009 for Man On Wire), is the director and again, Tony Grisoni adapts the screenplay from the novel.

Part 3, "Red Riding 1983," directed by Anand Tucker, ("Hilary & Jackie"), is the final act of the British crime trilogy. A ten year-old schoolgirl, Hazel Atkins, has gone missing on her way home from school. The press compares the disappearance to that of Clare Kemplay, found brutally murdered in 1974, almost a decade before. The case remains unsolved. Detective Maurice Jobson, (David Morrissey), is finding he has a conscience, at long last! He can no longer bear the shame of witnessing the web of deception created by the West Yorkshire police, with cover-ups spiraling uncontrollably. The bleak scenario is heightened, and it is in this final film that the material from the first two episodes become unified with the thrid.

This last film is as dark and desperate as the others. The storyline involves a male prostitute, a corrupt lawyer/solicitor, and a debased policeman. The reoccurring characters are all so human complex people with complex motivations. Many of the same people from the first two episodes return. Again, the violence is quite explicit. There is redemption here, and the viewer reaches an awareness of the ugliness which can lurk beneath the appearance of normality at least I became aware of this. There is a line which is repeated a few times in the trilogy, "the North, where we do what we want," which manifests the three films.

Director Tucker deserves much crdit for tying up this finale neatly no loose ends here. While in the first 2 films there was time to develop plot and characters, here the primary business was to create a believable ending, and in this, "Red Riding 1983" succeeds.

"Red Riding 1974, 1980 and 1983" are phenomenal films. I really want to stress, for those inclined to watch this is not an easy experience but for me it was worth the ride. Highly recommended for people who love the VERY noir. All three motion pictures are produced by Revolution Films. The trilogy has already been released to theaters in the US in February 2010.

Jana Perskie

Nineteen Seventy-Four: The Red Riding Quartet, Book One (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard)

Nineteen Seventy-Seven: The Red Riding Quartet, Book Two (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard)

Nineteen Eighty: The Red Riding Quartet, Book Three (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard)

Nineteen Eighty-Three: The Red Riding Quartet, Book Four (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard)

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I love this series. I own the original UK version. But I must admit. If you have not read the original novels--you will be adrift. Not through lack of film/adaptation quality--but through accents which render much of the dialogue un intelligible to US audiences. Accents are sometimes so thick (especially first segment 1974) that plot development is a Muddle. I can only hope that Blu Ray of this incredible series includes English subtitles--to make the series right. Not the first time that BBC series left off the obvious-subtitles. But this time--so necessary. Whether Rankin/Peace or other same such--no one should think that we USA'ers can understand dialects--even tho we have read the originals.

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The Image

Radley METZGER's THE IMAGE (also known under the more exploitative title THE PUNISHMENT OF ANNE) is without doubt not everybody's cup of tea. Based on an infamous French bestseller this movie is shocking in its relentless depiction of a weird triangle relationship between a mature woman, her submissive young girl friend and a curious author.

Please note: If you feel uneasy when you see graphic sex, humiliation, degradation, bondage, whipping and urination, then do not watch this film. On the other hand, this is no raincoat brigade movie. Instead it is a masterly crafted piece of art with outstanding cinematography, a beautiful score and fine actors (Yes, everybody here can act better than most mainstream academy award winners.)

Regrettably the rough SM scenes could easily distract from or obscure the motivation of the characters.

THE IMAGE has an unusual book-like structure with chapters (no, I'm not refering to the DVD chapters). According to the liner notes the film is very faithful to its literary source. I liked the social setting of the film it takes places among educated, eloquent and wealthy jet set people. And the film makes good use of its nice Paris locations. I found THE IMAGE very compelling viewing. I just didn't like the fitting room scene too much, because it seemed like a rather cliche porn situation to me.

Some words about the DVD: SYNAPSE did a real great job with the transfer. One can't praise the picture quality high enough. The uncut film is presented widescreen.

Unfortunately there aren't too many extras: the director's filmography, an isolated score and five trailers of Radley METZGER movies: SCORE, THE LICKERISH QUARTET, CAMILLE 2000, THERESE AND ISABELLE and CARMEN BABY. Kudos to Stephen R. BISSETTE for his insightful liner notes. I recommend to read it before you watch the movie, because it really enhances your understanding of the film despite some spoilers.

Arguably the finest S/M movie ever made, Radley Metzger's 'The Image'(aka The Punishment of Anne) tells of Jean, a writer who meets an old friend, Claire, at a party and is soon drawn into her world of S/M along with her slave, Anne.

Based on the French novel 'L'image' by Jean de Berg, a nom de guerre for Catherine Robbe-Grillet, this may be Radley (Score!, Therese and Isabelle, The Opening of Misty Beethoven)Metzger's best film. Beautifully filmed and acted and very erotic.

The dvd transfer of the film is absolutely stunning. The picture is pristine and the colors leap out at you. The new stereo mix is great. The original mono track is also included. There is a Metzger filmography and a few trailers for his films included as well. Kudo's to Synapse for releasing this gem of a film and doing such a great job on it!

If your up for some primo euro-erotica at its finest, look no further!

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The Image, also called The Punishment of Anne is widely regarded by people on the Internet as Radley Metzger's best movie. I agree with that assessment. He is an interesting director whose characters are always intelligent people who outwardly lead normal lives in society while privately pursuing out of the ordinary sex lives, such as libertines, S&M, homosexuality, especially lesbianism, prostitution, and so on. If memory serves correctly all of his movies take place in racy locations such as Europe or South America. In other words he isn't doing Desire Under the Elms or something in a sleepy rural community. It's always in a castle, or penthouse, or mansion, or beach house, etc. All of his movies could be considered art movies that are not intended for a general audience. This particular movie involves lesbianism, S&M, humiliation, dominance/submission by well-to-do people in contemporary Paris. It is a VERY faithful adaptation of the book of the same name by Jean de Berg. A thirty something male author attends a party at a socialite's house in Paris where he encounters an old friend, a woman his own age from his upscale social class (she has a Wellesley accent by the way), who is showing off her new pet. Anne, a very beautiful young blonde woman is completely under the older woman's spell and will do anything to prove it. Our hero is then invited into their world for a series of mind games, etc. divided into episodes that take place in different locations, sometimes in public, sometimes behind closed doors over a period of weeks I believe. Like all of Metzger's movies it is very well made and very beautiful. I liked the book and the movie as well. If you are interested in this kind of subject material you'll like this movie.

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THE IMAGE is a disturbing, erotic, scary, elegant movie that probably only Radley Metzger could have made. Most directors of 'erotica' concentrate on gynecological close-ups to the exclusion of all else; Metzger's hallmark has always been to tell a story and explain the characters and their situation without ever resorting to the patronizing smirk, relying as much on the actors' eyes as on the dialogue. The S&M scene is as alien to me as peanut-butter-and-pickle sandwiches (which I am also told some enjoy), but in THE IMAGE I can see the gamesmanship, the role-playing and the unspoken psychological leveraging that makes it all so compellingly complex. Would I show this film to Grandma? Uh-uh. But then, that's just MY grandma, yours may well have a side you never suspected. This film is hot, fascinating, and, in this gorgeous and UNCUT (thank you, thank you!) video transfer, stunningly beautiful as well.

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`The Story of O' directed by Just Jaeckin and `The Image' directed by Radley Metzger are both based on famous and critically well received French erotic novels written, I believe, in the 1960s by Pauline Reage (a pseudonym) and Jean de Berg respectively. In turn, the two movies are both considered masterpieces of erotic moviemaking. Yet the latter is clearly better than the former, in spite of the fact that the two books are, to my mind, roughly equal in quality. I may even believe that `The Story of O' is superior as a novel to de Berg's fiction.

While both are of a very high quality, they approach roughly the same subject in very different ways. In `The Story of O', everything is seen and told through the eyes of the submissive, `O'. In `The Image', everything is seen through the eyes of the bystander become dominant, Jean. That does not mean that `O' can tell us nothing of the dominant psychology or `Image' tell us nothing of the submissive psychology. In fact, it is one of the strengths of `The Image' that it probably tells us more about true psychological submissiveness than the movie, `O'.

The primary problem with `The Story of O' film is that while its source is certainly a very well constructed fantasy, the director does not hide this fact and play it as reality. This may be comparable to our not taking the confrontation between Gandalf and the Balrog at the bridge in the mines of Moria (in `Lord of the Rings') because we know this is all a fantasy. The power of great fantasies is that they allow us to totally suspend disbelief for the course of the experience. In Jaeckin's commentary, he states over and over that this is all a fantasy and was intended as such by author, Reage. But, one of Reage's great skills was to minimize the improbable aspects of the story to sustain the sense that this plot is actually being played out by real people.

The second problem for me with `The Story of O' is the fact that it did not improve on my imagination while I was reading the book. Going back to that other fantasy, `Lord of the Rings', one of its great successes is the fact that at every turn, it improved on the constructs of my imagination. The black riders, the Uruk-hai, and Shelob were all far scarier than what I read, and the reading was pretty scary. At but one scene does the film outdo my imagination.

The third problem, which the movie shares with the book, is the improbability of a woman's so easily moving her affection from one dominant to the next. The book's original ending makes great use of the chasm this reliance on a master opens at the submissive's feet. The movie squanders the great original ending in a muddle of alternatives.

`The Image' easily sidesteps the last problem by being a very simple `menage a trois'. And, while the submissive is asked to perform with outsider, Jean, she is always devoted primarily to dominant Claire. As far as improving on my imagination, I will only say that from what you think you are seeing on the screen, director Metzger is pulling no punches and Mary Mendum playing the submissive is about as convincing as I can imagine in her role, in comparison to `O''s actress, Corinne Clery, who sometimes seems to be simply working through the boredom in some scenes.

Part of the reality of `The Image' is based on the immediacy of all the settings. Like some films by Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese, where New York City is almost as much a character in the movie as the actors on the screen, several locations in Paris are important contributors to the lush, overripe feel of the film. In contrast, `The Story of O' could have as easily been filmed in Quebec or Sidney, and no one would have noticed the difference.

On the other hand, while the two films are of roughly the same lengths, `The Image' spends a lot more time conveying the relationship by showing its fruits rather than by talking about it.

Both movies are easily 1000% better than any other movie on these subjects, but `The Image' is clearly the better of the two in a very small field.

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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.

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