The Help (Three-Disc Combo: Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy) (2011)

"Oscar season", as it's typically referred to, is a period of time, usually beginning in late November, and ending in late January. This year, it starts early, with "The Help".

"The Help" is based on the well-known novel by Kathryn Stockett, someone who I had never heard of before discovering this film and book. For the most part, when I hear about a film that I want to see, I try to read the book prior to viewing the movie, to enhance the whole experience. Usually I get bored, or stop mid-way through one of these said books, before I end up watching the movie.

But "The Help" grabbed me. Stockett kept me on a leash, dying to know what happened next, and I ended up finishing its 530 pages in a few sittings. And, I'm glad it did, because "The Help" is not only the best movie I've seen this summer, but it very well could be the best one I see all year.

The film centers on Aibileen, Skeeter and Minny (Davis, Stone and Spencer, respectively) three very different women in Mississippi, in the year 1962. Skeeter is returning from college with a journalism degree, whose beloved childhood black maid Constantine has disappeared, and no one will tell her where she has gone. Aibileen is a maid who has raised 17 white children in her life. The word "maid" is pretty blandly used. She's a nanny to these children, if not a surrogate mother. Her outspoken friend Minny has never been able to keep quiet, or, because of this, hold onto a job very long, and she is hired on the sly by Celia (Chastain), a white-trash rich girl who has some grave secrets of her own. Skeeter decides to write a tell-all book of interviews from the maids of Jackson, Mississippi, which, as you could imagine, was a very taboo, and perhaps even illegal thing to take on in the time of Jim Crow, and segregation.

One of the reasons that this film succeeds is that not a single character is miscast, and there is not a single caricature. In the book, Stockett paints a vivid picture of each character, and the actors clearly got lost in their characters. Emma Stone is becoming a very important actress. I haven't seen her in a role that I didn't love her in. After getting her first notable role in 2009's "Zombieland", and then livening and carrying the otherwise bland teen comedy "Easy A", this is her first dramatic role, as Skeeter, one of the lead characters. While she sometimes blends into the background in this movie, she shines beautifully with the rest of the cast. She's definitely one to watch.

While Stone is great, this movie belongs to Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. Davis's Aibileen is perfect. She has a silent sadness about her, a lot of pride, and a great sense of anger, her expressive eyes displaying a silent protest, while never raising her voice the whole film. She handles emotional scenes beautifully, reducing the audience to tears in more than one scene. She's a early in the year front-runner for Best Actress this Oscar season.

Spencer also does a beautiful job as Minny. Octavia Spencer was the original inspiration for the character of Minny, who voiced the character's section in the audio-book. She was clearly made to play this role. She does a lot more for this movie, than just adding comic relief, however, she does plays the comedic side the best. The "terrible awful" that her character does in the book, is made into the funniest thing in the whole movie.

The supporting cast is dead-on too. Bryce Dallas Howard plays the town's snobby ringleader, Hilly. She's absolutely chilling, nailing the evil character. Her mother, played by Sissy Spacek is a hoot. The town's secretive lush, and Minny's boss, Celia, is played by scene-stealing newcomer Jessica Chastain, who wowed earlier this year in "The Tree of Life". She was completely like I envisioned her character in the book. Chastain would be perfect to play Marilyn Monroe. Just saying. There's not enough typing space in this review to describe how much I loved the rest of the supporting cast. Everyone was dead-on.

I was under the assumption that this would be yet another disappointing film of a book loved by many. The reason for this was the director and writer. I had never heard of this Tate Taylor, and because of that, I wasn't sure that I trusted him. He had a large part in making this movie all that it was. One of the big reasons that "The Help" works as a movie is because it feels authentic. It was filmed in Mississippi, where it's based, it is set in the 1960's, and every feeling about the movie hits the right note.

I later discovered that Taylor was a childhood friend of the book's author. Not some Hollywood hack. I forget the many disappointing film adaptations of books I loved that were made by the Hollywood elite. "The Da Vinci Code" by Ron Howard, "Memoirs of a Geisha" by Rob Marshall, "Eat, Pray, Love" by Ryan Murphy. Enough said. After seeing this film, I couldn't imagine anyone better-suited to making the film.

What is special about this film is that it is not what a lot of people will probably write it off as. It's not a film designed to make audiences feel less "white guilt", and it isn't about how black folks need white ones to succeed. It's about good-hearted people wanting to make a change to a world that is unjust. It avoids the usual sentimentality and melodrama that typically plagues this kind of film. I don't know how, but it succeeds in that, like I thought it wouldn't.

While some changes are (intelligently) made from the book, it's almost a scene-for-scene adaptation of the book. Some things are different, because they need to be, and things are a little more concise, yet it's almost like watching an abridged version of the book, onscreen. It will stir up emotions in you that you didn't know you had. At the ending of this film, in a packed house, there was a thunderous applause. Almost everyone in the theater stayed seated through out the ending credits. I cannot remember a time where a movie evoked such emotion from its audience, that it wasn't until after the credits had ended that people actually started walking out. This is gripping stuff. Don't miss it.

Grade: A+

"The Help" works as well as it does because it doesn't offer easy answers. This lovely and sometimes extraordinary film is not concerned with big sermons about clivil rights, religion or easy to swallow messages. The film is simply about behavior; how we should act, morally, towards other people, no matter who they might be. This thematic line is structured nicely throughout the film by zeroing in on a select group of people. This was a smart move since the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s is just too large a subject to truly flesh out in a 2 hour film. Because the film is about actual characters instead of predisposed, prepackaged lessons, the audience can take with them what they choose from the story (none of the characters have a major epiphany, each just starts to become aware of their behavior and effects, both good and badthey all have so much more life to live). Surprisingly the film rarely gets melodramatic, and when it does it almost seems cheep and easy. Thankfully the films few flaws (structure, pacing, some silly dialogue here and there"You broke her heart...!") can be overlooked due to the tremendous performances. Each actress is exceptional in their own ways with the wonderful Viola Davis stealing the film. Emma Stone is reliable here as always and proves that she can be funny and carry dramatic weight in the same film. I have always considered Bryce Dallas Howard to be a very accomplished actress and hopefully her scathing, pointed work will be recognized. Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain find a tender chemistry all their own. I have to say that "The Help" really, truly surprised me. I have never read the mega-selling novel from which it's based but I can tell you the film is a beautiful testament to American history and is a great display for some truly fine acting. For those who are turned off by sermonizing, preachy, obnoxious message movies (like myself), "The Help" is far from that. This is a tender film about real emotions and a subject that is rarely discussed in film today.

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Now we see this film wins award nominations aplenty. Biggest winner was the public. Leads of Davis and Spencer that stole the spotlight. DVD to own, not rent.

The only drawback with the DVD is the sparse bonus material. 4 min. of 2 deleted, and a 5 min. music video of one of the film's songs. Pathetically weak bonus, but then it is a 5.5 star film. Everyone asks to borrow our copy, I should have bought 2.

Oh yes, there are SUBTITLES.

We attended the opening matinee; we'll view it again, that good. Is `The Help' the soul of 60s era race relations? This worthy film based on Kathryn Stockett's #1 best-seller is equally a first-class view as true for the read. The story of 3 daring Mississippi women is as absorbing as any you'll see this year. The plot is writing a book which attempts to tell the truth about B/W relations in the city of Jackson, between wealthy whites and `the help'; but doing it anonymously. Without being fired or lynched.

There is humor in the way the Jackson Belle socialites operate, and eventually react to the book publication. Bryce Dallas Howard is the personification of Bad Girl, Hilly. Although beautiful, I loathed Hilly in the film and book, as you are supposed to. And Jessica Chastain (Murder on the Orient Express) has all it takes to be the scene stealer while playing Celia. Truly believable!

Humor erupts in how the help secretly reacts to their treatment. There's sadness at some injustice.

Viola Davis plays a slimmer/sexier Aibileen than was my mental image while reading the book. Octavia Spencer is right on as Minny. Both girls pack their roles with perfection.

The film has intrigue through the months of secret interviews.

There's a mystery related to Skeeter's (Emma Stone) own childhood maid's story, which is a larger part of the story in the book.

Skeeter, Aibileen, & Minny are the key book writers. The casting is near perfection. Should be some Oscar nominations someplace.

Some other stars too, like, Sissy Spacek, Cicely Tyson, & Mary Steenburgen (Proposal, Joan of Arcadia).

I remember reading the book and doing it as quickly as possible toward the end; and praying that all the `help' have a happy ending, but expecting some casualties. With the movie, it is evident when the story is climaxing, and then you just wish that you could make it last another hour or two. An excellent story, but then we all knew that from the book.

It is a tribute to the story that you forget it is fiction. How much is real, a docu-drama of the early 1960's of the south (& north)? We need reviews from the real-life `help' of the early 60's. Only they know!

If you view only one film this year...this should be it. See it soon, & as the film's dialogue states, "Before the whole civil rights thing blows over." That line brought a theater audience LOL.

As Aibileen believes, quoted from the book, "We done something brave and good here. And Minny, maybe she don't want a be deprived a any a the things that go along with being brave and good."

`

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This is an amazing movie. I just finished watching it a few minutes ago and my emotions are still reacting to it. After hearing a commentator talk about it, I had almost decided not to watch it, but I'm glad I did. I'm old enough to have lived through the time period covered. What I observed as a small child was only the tip of the iceberg. This movie brought out so much more that I just hadn't noticed or thought about. While the movie itself was done in an entertaining manner, I just have a sick feeling. I don't think I'll ever forget some of the scenes.

I recommend the movie, and that's the bottom line.

Years ago I got my first job, downtown, when I was 16 years old. The job was too hard for me and after a couple of days I was let go. As I waited for the bus in the department store lounge with a dozen or so other people, I picked up the phone and called my mom. I could only blurt out the words, "Mom, I lost my job" and just started crying. Nobody else in that room said anything or reacted. A very large black woman jumped out of her chair and just came over and held me while I cried. She kept saying, "Oh, you poor sweet little child. You sweet little angel." That woman was the first black person I had ever been close to, and I immediately loved her. She and her family are still in my prayers today, many years later. Now, after watching this movie, I have so many thoughts about what her life was like back then. She was in the same position as the women in this film. She had to know that I, a little white teenaged girl, had so many more job options than she would ever have, but she took the time to comfort me with everything she had to offer, and it was a great blessing to me.

I'm going to be thinking about The Help for a long time. It hit me right in the gut! What an amazing movie!

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I enjoyed the book tremendously and was disappointed in the movie. Some important aspects were lost in the film: the terror that the book authors experience every time they get together at Aibilene's house, the real reason why Constantine was fired, the fact that Hilly turned the toilet-damping incident to her advantage, etc., etc., etc. Instead, saccharine sweetness is added to all relationship and Skeeter is turned into a White savior. I would recommend the book to a friend, but not the film. Too Hollywood. Too happy-ending.

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Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society (2011)

Solid State Society is hopefully a sign of what is to come in the world of Ghost in the Shell. After Stand Alone Complex's 2nd GIG, I was definitely left with a slightly bitter aftertaste. The pacing of the 2nd GIG felt uneven and the story felt more convoluted than tastefully complex, creating an adequate but not perfect addition to the GitS series. However, Solid State Society takes the best from the Stand Alone Complex series and in little under two hours presents a story as rich in detail and as lovingly complex as the series preceding it.

A huge plus of the movie is that instead of feeling like an overstretched episode, it feels more like a long arc of quality episodes stringed together while still feeling cinematic in its presentation. Solid State Society gives us everything we expect in a GitS story: a sci-fi universe that draws you in but never overwhelms, continuity in character development, rich and intelligent dialogue and plot that almost seems plausible down the road, and of course, some light philosophy and shades of grey. Even if you aren't an anime or a strict sci-fi fan, you might just enjoy this one.

This film is one of the best things that I have seen come out of the GITS franchise. I have watched the movie several times, each time enjoying even more. I would give a description of the plot, but I will not ruin it for you. My only complaint about Solid State Society is that it borrows ideas from both of the feature-length movies. If you liked GITS: SAC, and most specially 2nd GIG, you will enjoy this movie.

Note: It is dubbed in English, unlike Innocence. Amazon just has that fact incorrect

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There already are plenty of reviews for the DVD of this title, but I shall just mention a few reactions to the film, then talk about the blu ray release.

Solid State Society is a Ghost in the Shell motion picture. Do not be fooled by the "Stand Alone Complex" subheading and think it is a few TV episodes or something. This means top quality animation, a great music soundtrack, a complete story from start to finish and not much in the way of needing to see previous content to enjoy. I should know, I've only seen the SAC first series and not 2nd GIG yet. It also has a bit darker feel than the TV series, as to be expected from the films. What is so impressive about the animation is (keep in mind I'm comparing this to previous GITS movies) the use of camera shaking, lens flares, and best of all tasteful use of 3D/CGI-type treatments. Personally I think GITS 2.0 completely ruined the original first film, as the added 3D elements painfully stood out in comparison to the 2D shots, but that's another story.

As for the blu ray, you get some extras but as I always watch with Japanese audio & English subs, I don't bother watching the English 'behind-the-scenes' extras. I will say, however, that the Japanese TRAILER that is included is incredible. So much better than the Bandai English trailer... I only wish there was a subtitle option for the Japanese trailer, but oh well. There are no inserts of any kind, just the disc in the case. The picture quality is brilliant; super-sharp, beautiful colors and of course looks great when colors are muted with the lovely washed-out tone that GITS commonly has. Sorry I can't say much about the audio quality as I just use headphones and play it on a computer, but it sure sounded great to me. Currently this movie is at a very affordable price, especially for anime on blu-ray so don't hesitate Ghost in the Shell SAC Solid State Society is worth it!

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I saw this movie for the first time on Sci-Fi Channel's Ani-Monday. I was getting ready to call it a night when this was advertised as being next and had to stay up and watch it. It's a very well done movie with a lot of feeling of the first movie that was brought to the series. Alot of things have changed, alot of feelings are different, but it's all very good. I think I saw an edited version but for the most part it was very well done. All the original cast has returned to do the voices so there's no problem with the english subtitles or with dubbing. Overall it was a good movie.

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Kôkaku kidôtai: Stand Alone ComplexSolid State Society. It has been two years since the end of 2nd Gig, when "Major" Motoko Kusanagi left Section 9, a Special Forces unit assigned to cyber crime and answerable only to the Prime Minister of Japan in 2034. Family man Togusa is now leading a much larger force. Chief Aramaki has visibly aged in the job, walking painfully with a cane and attended by Proto. Batou has become a brooding, depressed commander of the training school. All wonder if the Major will ever return. This time around our heroes must deal with the seemingly unconnected rash of suicides, mass child abductions, conspiracy involving elderly healthcare, a "Wizard Class" hacker called the Puppeteer, and as always, corporate malfeasance and political wrangling. All tidied up with a terrific subtle "what if?" ending. At $3.2 million SSS is one of the most expensive TV movie anime's yet, and all the money is up on the screen. Illuminating the convoluted storyline are: Increased detail in both background and foreground (missing in 2nd Gig). "Busy" scenes found only in big budget movies. Naturally smooth movement by people and machines. Small touches like the Nissan concept cars, wrinkled clothing, reflections and small lighting effects, raindrops, "Handheld" camera angles, etc. There are plenty of "remember this?" scenes and other touchstones from the series, including great music by Yoko Kanno, with Origa singing the opening and closing songs. Motoko's face is even cuter than ever and the rest of heryou just don't mess with perfection. GITS: SAC is not for anime fans looking for scantily dressed little girls, giant robots or magical swordplay. Its story lines, dialogue and multiple overlapping themes are more suited to readers of William Gibson's "Neuromancer" or P. K. Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" So if you prefer the new "Battlestar Galactica" instead of "War of the Worlds", GITS:SAC-SSS might just be for you.

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Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)

With every horror film I've watched recently, I've had my reservations. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but my partner warned my that it wouldn't be like anything we'd watched together thus far. I laughed through the whole thing. The documentary feel to the beginning of the movie REALLY worked for me. Our killer has a sense of humor, a personality, and seems like such a sweet guy. When he jumped out of the closet to commit the murders, my jaw just kinda hit the floor. I guess I knew he'd go through with his plans but it was still kinda shocking... I LOVED IT!

The music was well done, it was just spooky enough at the end. The juxtaposition of the two moods were perfect. It wasn't a gradual change which made it even more noticable.

Basically, I thought it was well done. Great characters, great mood, great everything on this one. I definately recommend this one with a solid two thumbs up. :-)

One evening I decided to pick out a Horror title at the store. The criteria was to pick something that I have never heard of. I picked up Behind the Mask. This resulted in finding one of my favorite movies of all time!

The movie starts as a Documentary about the next "Supernatural Serial Killer." They mention Jason, Freddy, and Michael Myers. Now...Leslie Vernon. This movie is truly made for the fans. They cover every cliche in the Slasher sub-genre. Leslie Vernon is so funny and charming. The documentary crew follows him as he sets up his own legend. They interview him about all of the tricks of the trade. It is wonderful dialogue and acting. You learn about how a supernatural serial killer makes it look like he is walking but somehow keeps up with his victims. They even talk about all of the symbolism that occurs as the lead girl becomes the heroin. Absolutely brilliant!

The movie actually changes tone drastically at a certain point. I will not spoil it for you though.

Like I said, the movie is for the fans. Someone accused this movie of being unoriginal and cliche. I must say "yes, it is." That is the point! They created a movie about the cliches in Slasher Films. Therefore it is original. Watch this movie and have fun! It is truly amazing if you watch it carefully, you find all sorts of throwbacks to Friday the 13th, Halloween, and Nightmare on Elm St.

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This is one of those movies I wound up watching just to try to see what all the fuss was about. I was incredibly happy that I did. "Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon" is an incredibly inventive mockumentary/slasher flick. Most of the film is from the point of view of a group of a grad student named Taylor Gentry who is filming a documentary about Leslie Vernon, an up-and-coming slasher hoping to make his name along with the greats like Krueger, Voorhees and Myers. Leslie is far from your typical slasher, though -he's clever, funny, charming and extremely pleasant. It's not until he puts on the mask that his slasher persona takes over.

In the "film within a film", Leslie details for Taylor exactly how he goes about constructing his "legend," choosing victims and even stages his murders in meticulous detail, all the while keeping that good-natured charm. The movie is funny and disturbing at the same time: funny because of how carefully the filmmakers parody the conventions of the slasher genre and disturbing because of how genuinely likable Leslie is even as he's explaining how he's going to slaughter innocent teenagers.

The few weak points come towards the end, after the film within a film is dropped and we go into the real slasher parts. While the writing is still just as smart and clever, some of the effects are a little weak. Still, this is a lot of fun and well worth it for fans of slasher movies looking for the next Freddy or Jason.

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I saw this back in January of 2007 or perhaps it was last fall in '06, and the director attended the screening and answered questions afterwards. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, it was very well done in a self aware, wink to the audience, breaking the fourth wall kind of way. Very funny for the first half or two thirds of the movie as a film crew follows "Leslie Vernon" around, documenting why and how a serial killer/slasher does what he does. There were so many in-jokes for fans of the genre, you won't be disappointed, it's very funny.

Around two thirds of the way thru the film, the director switches gears and actually turns the movie from mockumentary into straight forward slasher flick, no more shaky camera work or wise-cracking. As the killer has set things up for the viewer in the documentary portion, you figure you know what's going to happen once the killing begins, but not so! There are still plenty of surprises left in store!

Nathan Baesel as the title character is the perfect mix of humorous, spastic, and creepy as a wanna-be killer who idolizes the likes of Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Michael Myers (who incidentally are all real live killers and not fictional creations in the context of this movie). Baesel reminds me a bit of Jim Carrey. My friend who attended the movie with me and who dislikes Carrey disagreed on the similarity but still found Baesel's performance enjoyable as well.

The movie has a different approach to it than other satires or homages to the slasher flick in that the movie worked better separating the serious portion of the film from the humorous element, in order to maximize both (or at least the humorous element). At least, I thought so. I'm not sure what this film would have turned out like had it been set up to mix the mockumentary portion with the "live" killing scenes I think the humor would have needed to take a back seat to the action and overall the movie would have been less enjoyable?

Bottom line, if you liked Scream for its mix of humor and horror, you'll like Behind the Mask, too. Just be prepared that you won't get humor and horror at the same time but rather one after the other. I will be buying this one on DVD (and I don't generally buy a lot of movies).

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"Behind The Mask(The Rise Of Leslie Vernon)" is by far one of the most creative horror/comedies ever thought up. Even better...it was executed beautifully! Producer/Director and co-writer Scott Glosserman has delivered a wickedly clever treat for us true horror fans. To the naked eye maybe not, but any self-respecting horror fan can clearly see that there are more layers to this flick than there are on an onion. The hints,suprises and inside jokes are a plenty throughout and the idea of starting from behind the mask when getting to know a future horror icon is nothing short of brilliant! The scares and laughs are perfectly balanced and the acting is quite good from most if not all parties especially Nathan Baesel as(Leslie Vernon) this guy down-right steals the show from the start. The end of the end is excellent and just leaves me wanting more from this psycho killer behind the mask(in a great way).

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Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)

Following the cataclysmic finale of Beneath the Planet of the Apes, there was only one logical direction for the series to go---> back to the future. The result is an illogically conceived and satirical prequel that will amuse and delight and ultimately devastate with its bleak Shakesperean tragedy.

When Taylor's spacecraft unexpectedly splashes down in 1973 and is retrieved by a military envoy, the three astronauts that emerge from the capsule are not revealed to be Taylor, Landon and Dodge, but rather the astonishing simian ape-o-nauts Cornelius, Zira and Milo... the third of which is a completely disposeable character who is appropriately killed off very early by a caged zoo gorilla who was probably jealous that the talking simian chimpanzees were getting all of the attention. With Milo out of the picture, the story focuses on the relationship between Cornelius and Zira in ways that were not afforded the opportunity in the two previous films and is filled with tongue-in-cheek episodes inspired by Pierre Boulle's original novel as Cornelius and Zira go around "aping" 20th century human culture (a subtle and clever mockery of our own) in an attempt to make themselves fit in to our society.

While Cornelius and Zira make themselves at home as cultural "celebrities" they are being carefully monitored under the watchful auspices of the nefarious Dr. Otto Hasslein played by recognizable character actor Eric Braeden (of Young and the Restless fame) who listens with great interest to what the talking chimps have to say about where they came from during a Presidential Inquiry and how they managed to arrive in Taylor's spacecraft as Cornelius explains that it landed on their seaboard and was repaired by Milo -an implausibility which is the film's glaring continuity error since Taylor's spacecraft immediately sunk into the depths of the Forbidden Zone it is a far fetched conclusion that they somehow managed to not only find, retrieve and repair it (even if they had repaired Astronaut Brent's crashed spacecraft from Beneath) with engineering far in advance of their own intellectual ape intelligence (which Milo only "half-understood" as Cornelius describes it) but managed to do so and escape within a very small window of time before the planet was obliterated by the shockwave of destruction catapulting them backwards in time and arriving at roughly the same destination and era as Taylor's original point of departure (it could be argued that these narrative discrepancies support the theory of "Hasslein's Observed Time Curve" which suggests that a predestination paradox created alternate intersecting timelines as illustrated by the incongruent timeline of events that occur between Conquest and Battle). Nevertheless, once you get past the narrative gaps and just go with it, Escape is a fun and dramatically intense film but is my least favorite second only to the weakest link in the evolutionary Apes chain; Battle For The Planet of the Apes.

When Zira announces that she is pregnant, the film takes a dark and conspiratorial turn when the government realizes the consequence a race of intelligent talking apes will have on the future of our human civilization. In an effort to protect their newborn (the ape who would become Caesar), Cornelius and Zira find refuge with Armando, a sideshow circus entertainer played by the extravagant Ricardo Montalban who gladly welcomes the simian family with open arms, but it isn't long before Dr. Hasslein picks up the fugitives' trail and hunts them down in a tragic and inevitable climax that sets up the paradox of the entire Planet of the Apes chronology.

"Escape From The Planet Of The Apes"

is part of the the classic SciFi

movie series begun with "Planet Of The Apes".

Three "apes" arrive in the pop culture

America of 1973 (?) from a future where

apes are the dominant and intellectually superior

species, able to communicate by spoken

language (English), and humans are as beasts.

Upon their escape, they witness the destruction

of the earth due to a weapon of warfare

created by humans and used by apes.

This film provides a thematic bridge in the

movie series, but also stands on its own.

It is both comic and tragic.

It is notable for trotting out the social

and political concerns as defined by the

pop media of the period in a

heavy-handed way and trivializing

them with humor at the same time.

Social satire well done.

The great thing about this film is that

it gives one numerous themes to consider.

It is serious and rich with meaning

while at the same time campy and fun

and ultimately tragic.

Among the interesting ideas presented are:

submission to God's will...

danger of political zealotry...

ends justifying the means...

analogy between "apes" and the negroid race...

trumping of absolute truth by majority vote...

modesty in dress vs. exhibitionism...

pacifism vs. just use of violence...

use of animals...

truth telling and omission...

...and on and on

The film is a great vehicle for discussion

and a definite candidate for repeated viewing.

Sure, the ape costumes are rather silly,

but so what;

we know they are not real apes anyway.

Last, but certainly not least, is the

great, great, great musical score

by Jerry Goldsmith. Wow!

Good plot, interesting characters,

campy humor, serious themes, great music,

action; what's not to like?

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Even if you are not an APES series fan, this movie grows on you. It is easily the most intentionally comic of the series, and features a cleverly plotted mix of real drama and sci-fi, and placing the action in then-present day Los Angeles gives it a peculiar point of view, one that succeeds almost brilliantly. Kim Hunter and Roddy McDowall inhabit their roles so completely that you believe utterly that they are apes, and that their peril is real. Since I love the twists in a movie that give it gravity and an enduring quality, I love the strange sense of doom and tragedy that pervades this movie, even when it is at its most humorous. The final moments remain chillingly effective, and paved the way for the many, many copycat plots featured in movies yet to come. Forget BENEATH... -go directly to this movie; you will not be disappointed.

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I love the original Planet of the Apes film. In my view it's a classic. I feel the movies that came after were far less than the original, and yet I'm glad for them because I really liked the characters introduced in the original movie and wanted more. This movie is one I hesitated to own because I always found it very painful to watch. And that is why I think it succeeds. This is campy, and very '70's...yet to this day I still care for Zira and Cornelius and feel pain by the end at their murder. So for that reason I think the movie succeeds. Anytime something comes along that makes me feel along with or about the characters--that's a ride I want to go on--even if it is 40 years old and very dated, almost silly by today's standards.

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This installment in the POTA series is not as child friendly as some reviewers would have you believe. Despite the lighthearted scenes of Zira speaking for the first time to the unexpected, the presidential inquiry, and the apes tour of the city. This movie has a serious and sometimes grim tone with a sad and tragic ending that may upset some children. I would recommend that you watch this in it's entirety first before you decide if this is suitable for your children. There is no nudity or profanity, so it's safe in that respect. I saw this for the first time when I was roughly 13 years old and the ending traumatized me to no end. I may have been a little extra sensetive then, but to this day I can not forgive Eric Braeden. He played the part of Otto Hasslein too well.

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A Christmas Carol (Blu-ray / DVD Combo) (1951)

I only discovered this movie about four years ago but have watched it every Christmas since. To me it's the best version of the Christmas Carol ever made, and now it gets the best treatment you could have ever hoped for. This two disc collector's edition contains two different versions of this movie. First is the colorized version, but then the second is the real treat. They went back to the original prints of this and worked from there. After carefully removing the skips, scratches, and jerky frames, they digitally restored the movie to a version that looks as if it were made yesterday! The sound has been changed to 5.1 digital surround, and there's even a widescreen version for 16:9 televisions.

The special features include an earlier version of Christmas Carol (not as good as this one), as well as several featurettes on the movie, interviews with the stars, a feature on Alistair Sim, and others.

You can tell the distributor put a lot of effort into this restoration and it shows. I wish they'd do the same for other great films like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "The Bishop's Wife".

Highly recommended as the best version of this classic you'll find anywhere.

There are two superb film adaptations of this Dickens classic; this one and the 1984 TV film starring George C. Scott. Both do justice to the original novella far beyond any other dramatizations. However, it is this 1951 British version that got there first and no doubt inspired the 1984 remake. Both Alastair Sim and Scott breath life into the character of Scrooge and make him a three-dimensional personality whose life and fate take on far greater meaning than they do in the hands of other actors who have taken on this role. Sim, of course, became the definitive Scrooge by first taking the character seriously and by portraying Scrooge as more than a simplistic cardboard cutout. For those of us who were raised on this version of the film, Sim will always "be" Scrooge. That does not detract from Scott's performance at all and he was quoted as saying he knew from the start that he could never hope to match Sim's effort. Nonetheless, he succeeded in carving out his own highly credible, compelling portrait of Scrooge which stands beside that of Sim's, like two magnificent paintings sharing the same wall. Both films should be enjoyed and appreciated as the fine, individual achievements that they are and both will stand as "definitive" for a very, very long time. We are the richer for having such a marvelous choice.

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(2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)Somehow, across the years, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his three ghosts has been transformed from it's spooky roots to light-hearted family fare. Scrooge is not so much evil, as grumpy. The ghost's tend to amuse rather than frighten.

This black-and-white version of "A Christmas Carol" maintains the horror roots of the story. Jacob Marley is one of the most frightening ghosts to haunt the silver screen. He grows intolerant of the idea that Scrooge is not frightened, and howls his rage and frustration. The Ghost of Christmas Past is an impersonal specter, cold and distant. Present is jolly and yet quick to anger. Future is the grim shade that he is supposed to be.

The back story of Scrooge is told in greater detail here than in any other version. He resents Fred, not because of his Christmas cheer but because his birth caused the death of Scrooge's beloved sister. He not only remembers the good times at Fezzywig's, he remembers putting Fezzywig out of business later in life. Alastair Sim brings this character to fullness more than any other actor. The Christmas morning scene is a delight, and worth the wait.

As a bonus, the Fleischer "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer" is included on this disk. This is clearly Santa Claus by the people who gave us the first animated Superman. The animation is fluid and dynamic. One of the best extras on any DVD.

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Although this 1951 classic film takes some liberties with the Dicken's novel, it remains the film most faithful to the original story. Some of the sets and costumes were directly inspired by the memorable illustrations in the first edition of the book. Alastair Sim is very convincing as the miserly Scrooge who, after a terrifying night of ghostly visits, is transformed into a man who knows how to keep Christmas in his heart.

There have been many DVD editions of this holiday favorite in recent years, several of them from VCI Entertainment. In this package, VCI has included some things featured on previous releases (commentary, Dickens biography, etc.), but the real star of this set is the beautifully restored version of the black and white film. According to a short feature on the restoration of the film, VCI has finally been able to obtain film elements from the original master. Apparently they didn't have access to a complete master, so they used several of the best prints they could gather and digitally read them to determine which frames were the best available. The rest was cleaned up by hand. It sounds like a labor of love, and the result is visible on the screen. The restored print is available in 4x3 and 16x9 in 1:37:1 format. (According to the Amazon product description page, the aspect ratio is given as 1:87 and elsewhere as 1:33, the DVD box says 1:37.) There are a few seconds of less than pristine audio, but overall this is a gorgeous effort.

A nice touch I've never seen on a DVD before is an optional audio track for the blind, in which a narrator describes the action on the screen pausing for dialog from the actors. A wandering commentary track with Marcus Heard and George Cole (young Scrooge) is included. Much of the commentary is reprised in a feature interview by Heard in which Cole reminisces about Alastair Sim, "Spirit of Christmas Past." The audio is in English only. Subtitles are in English or Spanish.

The second disc offers the original 1935 Seymour Hicks' film version of the story. A colorized version of the 1951 film is also included on Disc 2; the brief introduction by Patrick McNee (young Marley) has been seen before on previous releases of the colorized version. There are also theatrical trailers from the UK release ("Scrooge") and the US release ("A Christmas Carol").

VCI has given us a beautiful package here. They've done a great job with the restoration of a film treasure. Many viewers will never have seen such a good print of this holiday favorite before. The bonus features are a nice inclusion, but the restoration is the real reason to get this edition. Highly recommended!

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I received my copy of the 60th Anniversary set today via Amazon (and kudos to Amazon, which refunded me a total of $7 from the pre-order price I had paid back on Oct 2, charging me a mere $10.99 for this 2-disc set, ie: at their Nov 2 price).

I haven't watched the entire movie, but spot checks of the film on the BluRay disc reveal the best-ever VCI transfer. It's even better than the BluRay version that was released in 2009. Also, it seems to me like the picture contains more along the edges than it has before. I'm wondering if VCI has been clipping the left & right sides of the film image all these years due to deterioration, but were somehow able to restore those edges with the new computer software they said they used on the film this time around. I did notice that a restoration credit is given to a firm called "Blair & Associates" that isn't VCI, with a copyright date of 2011. Perhaps they finally decided to send the thing out of house and get it done right.

I can't imagine why VCI isn't hawking this version more aggressively, because it does seem to fulfill finally the promises VCI has made over the years about just how painstaking their restoration efforts have been. Those promises have always led to a bit of disappointment in the past. Not this time.

Also, the soundtrack is absolutely quiet, at least when played in the original mono. I haven't tried the 5.1 surround sound yet, and I don't know that I will. I'm something of a purist in this matter.

I watched the Leonard Maltin intro, and it was very good and professional, supplying info I didn't know (such as the fact that Glynis Johns is the daughter of Mervyn Johns, who plays Bob Cratchet).

I have only ONE very small complaint, and it seems almost ridiculous to point out, but the subtitles come up a second or so before the lines are actually delivered on the screen. They're not synced precisely to the beginning of each new phrase in the dialogue. That's really not a problem as I never watch the entire film with subtitles. At least these subtitles are in white, rather than the hard-to-read red of the Ultimate DVD Edition. And, the point size of the subtitles is a bit smaller than it was on the 2009 BluRay version.

The set also includes a hardcopy "Abridged American Pressbook" that I assume represents what was sent out to American film houses when the film was released in 1951. It's a very nice touch, and something that I haven't seen in earlier releases. The little booklet is a 3-page gate fold that unfolds into a two-sided promo kit that pictures the posters and lobby posters that were available to promote the film. I especially love the tie-in promotion to the Classics Illustrated "Volume 53," "A Christmas Carol." Fascinating stuff!

I did not know that the film was retitled from "Scrooge" to "A Christmas Carol" for its initial US release. Hey, I'm learning all the time!

I watched a couple of the bonus features on Saturday, and they are well done and supply interesting information.

Edited 12/7/11: I watched this BD in its entirety last night, and it is just amazing how clean and, well, wonderful it all is. The picture is rock steady, except when there are fades moving from one scene to another, ie: movement that appeared from Day One on this film and was usual for films made in this period. What you won't see is the picture nervously moving off its axis. It is as solid as if it were done digitally. The detail and depth to the picture is the best I have ever seen on this film. And, yes, that reaction shot from Fred's wife that was missing from the UCE has been restored. Less than a second and a half of film, but oh so meaningful.

The sound is also remarkable. What's nice is that almost all of the old-movie static has been effectively removed, so the voices and the film score register beautifully. I first watched with the original mono track playing, and it is very fulsome and vivid. I later went back and watched the entire movie in surround sound. Funny, but the surround process seems to be less-clean than the mono track! The movie sounds its age more in surround than in mono. That said, the orchestral score registers more effectively in surround, and that's important, as the musical score for this film is one of its glories. And, yes, I noticed that total sound drop out in the scene where Scrooge visits Fred for Xmas dinner in the surround track. The drop out lasts about 4 seconds. Very unfortunate.

Still, definitely worth getting.

Maniac (1980)

Im not easily shocked or impressed with most horror films. Very few come to mind where it disturbs me or has a realistic feeling to it. This is definetly a film that will leave you thinking/The main reason being the main character Frank Zito aka Joe Spinell plays the most realistic psycho/deranged person ive ever seen on film. The whole time i was thinking is this guy really insane? Either this guy is a genius actor or hes really nuts. Thats how real he is in this role. His presance will creep you out. Hes the biggest weirdo Ive ever seen on film. Hes worse than any monster, supernatural being, horror villain because hes so real and gritty. You dont want to think about it but you know that somewhere out therepeople like this exist...

The story focuses on frank the serial killer and his killings and insanity. He calmly stalks his pray through the streets of NYC. I dont know how he manages to fool some of the people in this film but he does. They treat him like a normal guy until he trys to kill them when they least expect it.

Some of the scenes are grusome, but they will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will be able to put yourself in both franks shoes and feel the victims terror as she is stalked and hides from Frank... Especially the subway bathroom scene. Thats an intense scene. Frank keeps on killing till the end when his own demons finally come back to haunt him.

Any horror fan should have this in their collection. I can see why it was banned in germany and england. They were probably scared of it, considering how realistic it was.

As for this film shocking meit did somewhatfor the realism. and the acting did impress me.

Finally at long last Joe Spinnel's clasic tale of a deranged serial killer has finally been released in a worthy form.

Being that many movies have used this title I must explain that this one is not only the real deal but the most vile of the pack. It is a extremely creepy low budget gore flick with absoloutely no moral perspective, So much so that even its own makeup artist wanted to be removed from its credits. Tom Savini, who would later become famous for his award winning FX as well as acting and directing many later horror films, Brings to the table some of the most realistic FX in his career and is one of the many highlights in this classic horror film.

Like it is in many real life serial killer cases, we have the late Joe Spinnel, who potrays the serial killer Frank Zito, a loner with no social grace or personality. Frank is severely mentally disturbed as a result of the emotional and physical abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of his prostitute mother. The murder scenes in this movie are extremely cruel and graphic in nature so I must warn you that this film is defenitely not for everybody.

Most casual horror fans tend to wretch at this film and see it as nothing more than a seedy slasher flick that has a very anti-woman message, but in my opinion it is much more than that. It is a potrayal of one of society's worst monsters, monsters who often walk around our every day world going unnoticed.

So in conclusion, if you are a die-hard horror fan and love gruesome effects, then I highly suggest you purchase this dvd. Out of all the DVD's that Anchor Bay has released, this would have to be the cream of the crop, boasting a plethora of special features, and a heartfelt tribute to the late Joe Spinnel.

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The first time I saw MANIAC I was really bummed out. I love slasher movies and MANIAC is just a real downer. There's no JOY in this movie to speak of. It's like the polar opposite of EVIL DEAD 2 a grim, sick journey through the mind of a freak with a mommy fetish.

Now if you are a gore freak then this movie represents total nirvana. Savini's effects are amazingly realistic there's no way any filmmaker could get away with this stuff these days. NO WAY! This movie must have gone out unrated.

I saw it overseas years ago on VHS and it was edited pretty heavily. Not this DVD every sick frame is included for your enjoyment. You gotta admire Savini's genius. It's amazing stuff. My fave moment is when he blows his own head off with a shotgun nice.

Just remember it's a joyless little excursion into depravity but if you're into that kind of thing you can't go past this movie. This would have to rank up there as one of the most sadistic pictures to come out of the US during the 80s.

Great poster art for this movie.

Enjoy....

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In Maniac, Joe Spinell plays Frank Zito, a man haunted by abuse by his mother and by the murderous actions he takes primarilly against women (though two of the movie's victims are men).

The plot is simple, but for its time (1980), groundbreaking. It pushed the bounds of "decency" in that it potrayed not only a vicious killer, but that the killer was the subject of analysis. This is a departure from films such as Friday the 13th and Halloween in that those films revolved around the lead ladies who had to combat merciless killers.

I felt deeply disturbed after watching Maniac, but I felt that the grim picture it painted of mental illness and homicidal psychosis where true to the world in which we live.

Another aspect that contributes to the power of the film is that the violence is neither glorified or "cool." In recent films, such as the remake of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, gore is meant to be looked at with a sense of amusement. Maniac never does this. The blood and death potrayed are ugly and depraved.

The DVD features are excellent. My favorites were the "Gallery of Outrage" and "The Joe Spinell Story."

Though not a film for the young or impressionable, Maniac is worth the time.

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I saw this film back in 1983 (when I was 13 years old) on VHS video and it was one of the scariest films I have seen in that time. I do remember when this film was theatrically released on November 25, 1981; which only stayed out for 6 days as the film received outcry by Women's and Parents' Groups who claimed the film degrades women. The films' distributor (Analysis Pictures) nicely pulled the film from theatres and has became way popular on video.

MANIAC is a great film, but shown in a very cardboard way. It's about a serial killer Frank Zito (Joe Spinelli) who preys on victims (mostly women) in NYC. He kills, scalps his victims, takes their clothes and displays them in his small studio apartment. That is what MANIAC basically entails. However, MANIAC does have a backstory to it in which Frank Zito was savagely abused by his mommy who was a prostitute who was later killed in a car accident. This backstory was not told too well, but if this was the case in a visual manner, MANIAC would have been an fully effective film.

MANIAC, directed by William Lustig was his first and best film. The effects by Tom Savini (who just came from the Friday the 13th set) were top notch. The music by Jay Chattaway added to the creepiness of MANIAC, also top notch. Also, watch for the Nurse in the Subway scene the most scariest sequence in the film.

MANIAC is the film to have on DVD. The video and transfer were totally great. It was like watching a brand new print of a film. The Widescreen transfer (1.85:1), was also a nice added touch. The numerous theatre trailers, the 9 TV spots and the audio commentary (by William Lustig, Tom Savini & Co.) are those little extras that make MANIAC worth having on DVD !!!!!! This is the DVD I bought back in 1999 from Elite Entertainment.

I am excited about MANIAC being re-released through Anchor Bay Entertainment who will also be releasing this title in a LIMITED EDITION TIN, (5,000 copies only) which will contain a BONUS of the CD soundtrack of the music score by Jay Chattaway. on August 21, 2001.

I bought MANIAC (1980) on DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment and the results are better then the DVD from Elite Entertainment that I have.

This NEW DVD (from Anchor Bay) is pretty much the same of the DVD from Elite Entertainment but there are a few differences :

this DVD is in its full uncut format (88 minutes) as the DVD from Elite Entertainment (Letterboxed Directors Cut) is 85 minutes.

this DVD is in THX sound, the Elite DVD is in Digital Dolby 5.1 Sound.

the "date scene" is restored in this DVD, it was taken out from the Elite DVD.

In this DVD, the special feautures are pretty much the same as the DVD from Elite Entertainment but there are a few differences :

A documentury (the Joe Spinell Story) with the likes of William Lustig, Caroline Munro, Jason Miller and others is included in this DVD, not on the Elite DVD.

Radio interviews with William Lustig, Joe Spinell & Caroline Munro is included in this DVD, not on the Elite DVD.

Radio Spot advertising of the film is included in this DVD, not the Elite DVD.

Talent Bios of William Lustig, Tom Savini, Joe Spinell & Caroline Munro are included in this DVD, not on the Elite DVD.

A Gallery of Outrage (outraged reviews of the film by critics) : 17 in total are included in this DVD, not on the Elite DVD.

A poster/still Gallery of the film are all included in this DVD, not on the Elite DVD.

All the theatre trailers, TV spot trailers, commentary, optional languages and subtitles that are on the Elite DVD are also on this DVD, too.

Along with those little differences, the front cover is still the same. However, the back cover, disc design and menu board design are all different than the Elite DVD.

...

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Cry-Baby

I'm really excited to see this great film finally make its debut on dvd; it's been a long wait.

John Waters has proven himself time and time again as America's avatar of bad taste and all things tacky, but he sidelined his more base urges for a greater good over a decade ago. Starting with Hairspray, Waters essentially re-created the American musical, and honed that to perfection with the castly underappreciated Cry-Baby. But it's not just a musical it's also a heartfelt valentine to a simpler time, his beloved Baltimore of the late 1950's.

Depp stars as "Cry-Baby" Walker, a juvenile delinquent from the wrong side of the tracks who spends his time hanging with his gang and singing that evil rock n' roll music. He and his way of life are constantly threatened by the town 'Squares' who are both threatened and repelled by Cry-Baby and those like him.

Naturally, he falls for a Square girl and all hell breaks loose. That part of it is a simple story, and I won't waste time rehashing or giving it away here. No, what really stands out about this film is its gleeful embrace of 'white-trash culture,' its loving tribute to the great juvenile delinquent movies of the 50's and 60's, and its rambunctious energy.

As usual, Waters peppers the film with eclectic casting; Susan Tyrell, Iggy Pop, Ricki Lake, Mink Stole, Joe Dalessandro, Willem Dafoe, David Nelson (son of Ozzie), Traci Lords and Patty Hearst (yes, that Patty Hearst) are just a few of the many talents that form this wonderful ensemble cast. And of course, it's another one of Depp's great iconoclastic roles that have helped define him as one of the great idiosyncratic actors of our time.

So grab yourself an RC Cola, a Moon Pie, and put yer teeth up on the windowsill while y'all enjoy this trashy good time. You'll thank me for it and if y'all don't like it, I'll eat me a bug.

There are two movies that people who don't know John Waters and the types of films he normally makes always love. Cry Baby and Hairspray contain both John Water's sense of humor and style, but don't necessarily dig into the depths of depravity (like eating dog poo) some of his more subversive films do. I'm not a John Waters aficionado yet, but what I've noticed in his films is that they normally center around two opposite sides that will eventually come crashing into one another. From Hairspray to A Dirty Shame, the films do a great job of putting two sides in direct opposition to each other and then letting the fur fly.

Cry Baby is no different. In this case, the Drapes and the Squares square off (pun not-intended) with Johnny Depp's Wade and Amy Locane's Allison at the center. Basically a love story that draws on the same dichotomous split seen in Romeo and Juliet, you have the poor and rowdy meet the rich and on the surface proper. What follows is a funny and zany ride as the two sides end up colliding in a winner-take-all car chase.

The writing is sharp as is the directing. What I admire about Waters the most is his ability to create vivid characters with personality. Sometimes he relies heavily on stereotypes, but each character is his or her own. You won't ever confuse them. They stay sharp, even when the acting isn't exactly stellar. The acting, like a majority of John Water's films, is spotty. Its done in an over-the-top sort of way that you can't help but laugh at. It reminds you that this isn't real and that you shouldn't take it seriously. Water's employs not only great upcoming talent (like Depp) but also people like Hatchet Face who haven't been seen much in film since. All do a great job playing their roles; however, not all of them are good actors.

Once you look past this minor speed bump, the ride is hillarious. It, along with Hairspray, is probably the most accessible of John Water's films. It maintains his sharp satirical writing and funny dialogue, but keeps the humor bawdy but not excessive.

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cry baby what a great film! I am 16 and i have been watching Cry baby since i was 8 years old on a battered and worn out version on VHS. The film makes me feel really happy, the songs are unforgetable and the characters are just real funny especially Johnny Depp. I have mailed the director about releasing the film on DVD and i cant wait for it to happen. I am sure lots of people will buy. So "please Mr Jailer" give us Cry baby on DVD

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I saw the movie Cry Baby with all of its scenes included on IFC years ago. They did a John Waters back to back marathon. I'm glad I had taped it because since then I have never seen the movie with those seens included. For instance, you don't see Johnny getting chased by the policeman on the way to the charm school. These parts are cut out to save time. If you ever get the chance to see it with ALL of the scenes, watch it! It's better, I think. And the part where Traci Lord's character tells exchange student Inga about American boys is great. It's better with the extra scenes. Once you see it, you'll see what I mean.

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CryBaby is a clever satire with everything that a movie should have. Let's face it, every girl wants to be fought over by two hot guys (especially if one is Johnny Depp). The script is witty, the songs are amazing, and the acting is outstanding. I could watch this movie every day for the rest of my life without getting sick of it. I find myself singing the catchy songs around the house. CryBaby takes an ordinary storyline of the good girl falling for the bad boy, and spices it up with music, dancing, and interesting sub-plots. The contrast between the "squares" and the "drapes" (the good girls and boys and the rebels) is hysterical; everything in the movie is hysterical. CryBaby is destined to become a classic.

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Arthur and the Invisibles

When I origionally saw this film in the cinema, it was great! full of action and the jokes where quite witty.

Unfortunatly this dvd version has been censored to a point where quite a few of the action sequences have been cut out and the film just dosn't flow.

The film cuts from diferent scenes, missing out sections that leave the viewer quite puzzled about how the characters got to the point they are at.

I don't understand why they would censor an animated film that is rated PG anyway.

All in All if you can get your hands on the origional version its a must!

but for the time beeing I'd stay away from it, it kind of ruins the real fun the story has.

Although this movie is quite wonderful in it's original form.

The 'Weinstein' version is disjointed, removes any of the undercurrent for the movie, and makes quite a mess of things in the process.

Save your money, demand that there be a Region 1 Unedited/Directors cut, and you'll be much happier.

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I saw this movie in a German edition first. So I bought it for my daughter in Amazon.com. But the disappointment came as soon as I saw the american version of the film. At least 10 minutes less of the original version because there are many portions which were censored by who knows who. The level of hipocresy of the americans is unbelievable. They converted a very good movie, with a lot of blinks for adults in a light version adapted for the typical stupidity and double moral of the americans. If you want to watch this movie, by the European version, not the american.

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In this great little flick, "Author," we quickly are drawn into the mode as Author's grandmother is about to lose her farm to developers and sees no help in sight since Grandpa has been missing for a long time.

Author listens to the stories that his grandmother reads to him, stories of adventures and little people that his grandfather discovered and helped. Fantacy or truth? Author feels they are true and goes on a search to find clues as to where his grandfather has gone knowing he certainly must have left to find the treasure of jewels that he knew his family would need.

It seems there is a land of tiny people living in Author's garden, a people called the Minimoys and Arthur must allow himself to be shrunk to enter this world, save his grandpa and bring the treasure home to save the farm. The adventure begins as we meet a quite charming and fiesty Princess, a kindly King and a nation of adorable little bitty people. As in any good movie there is always the 'evil one,' as is the case here and we meet Maltazard who has been holding Grandpa captive and is planning to destroy the little people. Can Arthur save the day?

This movie is cute a a button, going back and forth from normal to animated. It held all of our attention from the 8 year old to the 60 year old. It is fun, adventerous and has a happy ending. I think you will like this one.

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One of the most enchanting and delightful fables to ever hit the screen, "Arthur And The Invisibles" is an odyssey of fun, adventure, magic, and comedy that's sure to delight kids of all ages and awaken the hearts of even the crankiest cinema-goers.

A blend of live-action (about a quarter of the film) and high-tech, extremely detailed and beautiful computer animation (the other three quarters), this movie may be, in tone and spirit, the closest thing made outside of Asia to classic Studio Ghibili anime (ex. "Castle In The Sky", "Spirited Away", "My Neighbor Totoro", etc.). Arthur is a little boy who lives with his grandmother on a rambling old family farm while his parents are off in the city searching for employment during hard financial times. Arthur is fascinated with the tales of his grandfather, a currently-missing old adventurer who in his younger days travelled Africa befriending and living with various tribes and cultures, and sometimes aiding the continent through, for example, helping local farmers to introduce irrigation to drought-prone lands. There are many more fantastical adventures the grandfather claims to have had, including meeting a race of African 'wee folk' called the Minimoys. When the family farm is threatened with foreclosure due to outstanding bills, Arthur decides that he needs to locate a treasure of rubies his grandfather acquired in Africa in order to come to his family's aid, and, convinced that these Minimoys now reside on the same land he, his grandmother, and their dog live on, sets out to find these small creatures and enlist their help on his search.

Magically transported into the land of the Minimoys, Arthur finds himself transformed into one of them and, just as he needs help to save his home, finds the Minimoys in need of aid of their own. For it's a time of great strife in this magical wee land, where races other than the Minimoys live and conflict is escalating. An alliance of wonderous characters assembles to tackle their collective problems.

The Minimoys, their world, and the myriad other creatures they share it with are all exceptionally well rendered, and the voice acting is very well performed. The characters are excellent; the Minimoy King, his feisty daughter, and his accident-prone but earnest younger son are among the most instantly captivating, and there's also a little mole with a much smaller role I found absolutely endearing. There's enough "Shrek"/"Toy Story" style humor to appeal greatly to fans of these movies (although in my opinion "Arthur And The Invisibles" is a significantly better movie) and fans of "Spirited Away"-style Japanese anime, "Fairy Tale: A True Story", "E.T.", and "Lilo & Stitch" should all see this as soon as posible. A brilliant movie with room for one or more sequels; few movies have ever debuted which are so ripe for expansion into a full saga. 10/10

Demon King Daimao Complete Collection

I agree with most of the reviews here. The anime started out great. The story line was great. They had a bunch of great characters and development of them was nicely done. Then, half way through it, they picked up and rush too much information in way too fast. I seriously don't know how to explain it in words. It's like they literally didn't want to do leave the fans hanging so they finish it, but only put in all the main plots of the story in, but you would had to read the books before hand to know what's really going on because it's was on fast forward times 8!

I mainly want to say, this anime should had been two seasons, but I guess they saw there wasn't going to be another season after, and so, they had to pick and choose what to tell us to finish it. Again, this wasn't a good or bad idea. It's good for people that already know the story and bad for people that don't know it at all.

Honestly at the very end, I didn't know what was going on? It seemed like they were talking about a lot information that came up to that very point, but the thing is...they never told us anything!!! They, just skipped to the end. I'm not kidding either. It was Climax scene to climax scene to climax scene. I was left feeling ???????????? It just went from what seemed like the middle of the series to the end in one and half episodes. There were a 2 or 3 more characters that came out at the end and it seemed like they were important characters that needed to be explained. I mean, they looked super important to the whole series, but I was left feeling, okay, this guy knows everything and he talking a whole of lot information, and now I see the final battle. Who are you? Were you the main villain? Were you just the secret villain? Were you the guy that just came out of nowhere? Why are you here? Why are you fighting that dude? Ahh...I want to know! It looks cool, but I just don't know what's happening. So sad.

Also, it is confusing to know who was the good guy or bad guy in story. I kept watching it and didn't know what was going on and didn't feel anything towards the end, but confused and rip offed. It was never told who was the "REAL Villain" and it will never will be now. One of the main story lines was the Demon King and he like an anti-hero, but maybe, he was the villain really at the end? I don't know. I can't come to a conclusion on a show 8 times fast-forward. lol

The ending doesn't make any sense. Since, we don't know anything. How could it? It's like one minute, you're in the middle of the season and the next show your in the middle half, then the next show your at the ending. So many things weren't explained and I had no clue to what to get out of it. I could see how they got the happy ending, probably, but I don't really know if that's was supposed to be a happy ending or not. I'm just pissed!

This series could had easily been 5 stars. No problem. It just never had the chance to developed into it. Good for people that already know the story, otherwise, stay far-far away from this one. You'll be just pissed at the end.

Well I've seen the entire series from dvd/television re-encodes so I can't exactly comment on the video quality of the blu-rays, should be superior to both though.

Overall I thought the series starts off well enough, quite a few laughs throughout the first 4-5 episodes. Also the pacing is good during this time, moving the plot along but not forcing it all out. However, something so good will never last...

After this point it seemed as if the staff realized that "OH S**T, we only have 12 episodes!" and so tried to run through a lot of plot very quickly. resulting in an almost 'jumpy' feel toward the end, and it also seemed that they didn't have as much animation budget as they wanted (or it was all used up on breasts, not that I'm complaining).

very nice OP music and the soundtrack has some really decent songs in it. the ED is tolerable but the animation for it seemed out of place (maybe a result of animation budget deficit, who knows).

TL;DR: Its a decent harem/ecchi series, definitely quite funny, plot felt a bit rushed, and animation seemed a bit shy at points

overall: worth a watch

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Demon King Daimao, (also known as Ichiban Ushiro No Dai Mao) follows the high school life of Akuto Sai, in a world in which magic not only exists, it's a normal way of life. Quiet, kind-hearted and unassuming, he hopes to become a member of the highest order of the church. However, to his horror, he finds out that he is destined to become the next Demon King. As a result, he has beautiful girls wanting to marry him or kill him. Sometimes, it's both.

The series is a short one at 12 episodes, but the storyline is quite enjoyable. Fanservice is pretty standard for a harem series, comedy peaks a lot, and the ending does leave you wanting for more. One of the biggest surprises about this release is the fact that is has an English dub. Considering Sentai Filmworks penchant for subbed-only formats, this is quite a change.

For anime fans of harem series, this is a must to own.

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Most disappointing anime title I have ever owned.

let's put aside any review of the storyline, characters or content of the actual show. I am not here to give another review of 'will you like daimaoh?' I am here to talk about the bluray and the bluray released in america.

Daimaoh was originally licensed for streaming by crunchyroll in America. In fact, you can legally watch it right now, all 12 episodes, online at the crunchyroll website or if you have an anime network subscription (they are owned by sentai films who is selling this bluray)watch it there too.

So that brings the question why would anyone want to own this mediocre show that can be watched online for free? Well the bluray should be better quality right? uncensored extra content not available elsewhere?

The japanese bluray content included the 12 episodes plus 6 never before seen specials called Another Extra Daimaoh specials. It also included music videos, original commercials and bonus CDs if you bought the limited editions. So we should get all the same on the North American release, right?

No, that's not right, we don't get crap. Oh wait we got some advertisements for future releases. oh, and the original show is uncensored, like 3 scenes had the little foggy clouds removed. That is what you paid 40$ for, was that.

You know, sometimes I just don't understand. I have been doing my best to support the anime industry for more than twenty years now but sometimes I wonder who am I working hard for? certainly it's not for me, I just purchased an authentic copy of a bluray and half the content is missing.

Maybe the Japanese companies expect us all to be pirates? Am I supposed to pay for half the bluray now and download the rest? Or is it both companies just trying to cash and run as much as possible? I understand the world is changing and the Japanese industry needs to protect reverse importation and Sentai films needs to keep prices low but omitting content, 'especially new never before seen content' is like going to mcdonalds and getting half a cheeseburger.

As for me, I am done. I will not pay full price for another bluray. Interestingly enough, the exact same thing is happening with sora no otoshimono. It's a good thing I did not get around to buying the first season before they announced that. I hate to say it, but the Japanese licensing companies need to learn a very hard lesson and sadly, it's going to be the American ones who end up taking all the damage up front.

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In short this show should definitely be checked out for people fans of ecchi,harem,romance,comedy anime series. As for others who aren't fond of fan service, I don't recommend this show to them.

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Madea's Family Reunion (2006)

Once again, Tyler has put together a grand movie; I went to the first showing of it here in town and the theater was PACKED; not many seats left; yet, it was a great movie; Cicely and Maya giving us lessons; Maya with the wedding poem; The wedding itself;(nothing short of beautiful); the daughters, the men, Joe, Madea; great combination; Like I mentioned on Tyler's site when I commented on the movie; some movies make you think, some leave you with a short feeling, some just leave a lasting impression and make you empowered; this movie did that and more! I higly encourage those to see this movie and be empowered to do wonderful things;

Tyler Perry really did it for me in this movie he shows African American culture at it's finest. He also has some of the best actresses playing in this movie. Add all this with an entertaining funny twist and you will have money well spent. I love the soundtrack as well as the art that is showcased in this movie. My favorite part of the movie is at the family reunion where Cicely Tyson does her thing and SPEAKS to "her family". Well done Tyler keep them coming.WARNING:DO NOT GO TO THIS MOVIE WITHOUT A BOX OF TISSUES BECAUSE YOU WILL BE LAUGHING SO HARD.

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Hats off again to Tyler Perry. This movie was excellent,and definitely a must see!!!

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Pros:

Storyline, cinematography, acting, positive themes, family friendliness

Cons:

Tacky wedding set, sometimes preachy, some content disturbing for kids and victims of abuse

Full Review:

Caution--This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

I first saw this film in the theater in March. I was in the market for a quality show to celebrate Women's History Month and the tail end of "365 Days of African American History." But it was Friday night and I was also in the mood to laugh. So I convinced my date to see "Madea's Family Reunion" rather than the action flick he was lobbying for. We'd both seen the stage version of "Madea's Family Reunion" and all of Tyler Perry's other shows on DVD and knew the film would be fun. But we didn't anticipate the degree to which Mr. Perry and his pistol packin' alter ego, grandma Mabel "Madea" Simmons (one of three characters he plays in the film), would load so many dead-serious and inspirational messages into this scenic gem.

The ethnically diverse audience at the cinema where we saw the film seemed to concur. We all gasped and guffawed, oohed and aahed at the appropriate moments (except one, which I'll address later), and stayed to watch the outtakes and extra treats rolled alongside the credits. Mr. Perry knows his audience...he kept us enraptured, in the palm of his hand, until Madea broke the spell and directed, "You can go home now."

The film's script, music (which writer, producer, actor, director Perry had a hand in), cinematography, casting and wardrobe pleased the senses, with one major exception that profoundly disappointed me. Not everyone seemed to agree; I was surprised (and red faced) to be the only one in the theater to react audibly to the rendering of the "Springtime in Paris" wedding theme pulled together by wedding planner Milay Jenay Lori (played by Jenifer Davis). When I saw it, I couldn't help but blurt out, "That's awful!" Everyone else in the theater was silent. They were probably either wishing I'd pipe down or wondering, as I was, why--given the movie's ample budget, the beauty of some scenes and realistic homeliness of others--the bridal set had to be so goldarn tacky. But that's a minor matter, like a ding in the fender of a top-of-the-line sports car, or the fact that fine-as-wine and manly-but-artistic Frankie (played by Boris Kodjoe) was not as wealthy as the equally fine, "love you to death," Carlos (played by Blair Underwood).

"Madea's Family Reunion" is not just a gem. This blockbuster's also a cash cow. According to Wikipedia, "On opening weekend, February 24, 2006 Mr. Perry's movie version of Madea's Family Reunion opened at number one with $30 million, more than triple the amount it cost to make." Furthermore, as IMDb reports, "After the first week record-breaking release of the first "Madea" film by Perry, Tyler, Lions Gate Home Entertainment acquired a seven-picture deal of the remaining Madea films." In addition to his commercial and critical success, Mr. Perry's website reports that he is currently celebrating being the first playwright of this genre to be sponsored by a major pharmaceutical company, Glaxo Wellcome.

I'm thrilled at Mr. Perry's success. Like single-mother Whoopi and motherless-at-an-early-age Madonna, the N'Awlins native and adult survivor of child abuse has joined the ranks of wildly popular self-made millionaires who have overcome substantial personal tribulations, taken odd jobs to finance their dreams, and even spent time homeless. Mr. Perry began writing stage plays at age 18, and so far has conquered stage and screen. Next on the horizon: his first novel, Don't Make a Black Woman Take Her Earrings Off: Madea's Commentaries on Love and Life. I can't wait to get between those sheets!

Recommended:

Yes

Available Viewing Format:

Theater, DVD,VHS

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I thought that with Tyler Perry would not be able to match "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," but I was wrong!!!! Madea's Family Reunion is actually better. You laugh and you cry: it's a real morality play that's fun to watch.

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Deathtrap (1982)

When DEATHTRAP was first released, the poster--reproduced on the cover of this DVD--offered a graphic akin to a Rubik's Cube. It is an appropriate image: originally written for the stage by Ira Levin, who authored such memorable works as ROSEMARY'S BABY and THE STEPFORD WIVES, the play was one of Broadway's most famous twisters, and under Sidney Lumet's direction it translates to the screen extremely well.

DEATHTRAP is one of those films that it is very difficult to discuss, for to do so in any detail gives away the very plot for which it is famous. But the opening premise is extremely clever: Sidney Bruhl (Michael Caine) is the famous author of mystery plays, but these days he seems to have lost his touch. After a particularly brutal opening night, an old student named Clifford Anderson (Christopher Reeve) sends him a script for a play he has written. It is called "Deathtrap," and Sidney recognizes it as a surefire hit. Just the sort of hit that would revive his career... indeed, a hit to die for. And when Clifford visits to discuss the play, events suddenly begin to twist in the most unexpected manner possible.

Like Anthony Shaffer's equally twisty SLEUTH, DEATHTRAP is really a story more at home on the stage than the screen--to reach full power it needs the immediacy that a live performance offers. Still, under the expert guidance of director Sidney Lumet, it makes a more-than-respectable showing on the screen. Much of this is due to the cast, which is remarkably fine. Michael Caine gives a truly brilliant performance, Dyan Cannon is funny and endearing as Sidney's relentlessly anxious wife, and Christopher Reeve gives what might be the single finest performance in his regrettably short acting career. If you can't see it in a first-rate theatrical production, this will more than do until one comes along.

Unfortunately, the DVD does not offer the film in its original ratio--it's pan and scan here, and that's a clear strike against the DVD so far as I'm concerned. And sadly, although this is an ideal subject for them, there are no bonuses of any kind. But even so it is DEATHTRAP, and it is DEATHTRAP very expertly done, the perfect movie to curl up with on a dark and stormy night. Keep the lights on!

--GFT (Amazon Reviewer)--

I first saw DEATHTRAP on television well over ten years ago and it has stuck with me ever since. I finally purchased the DVD to give it another go and came away almost as pleased.

Caine gives his usual wonderful performance as a playwright who has run out of hits and Reeve is better than I've ever seen him, before or since, as an aspiring playwright seeking Caine's guidance. Cannon is irritating as Caine's wife, but she's supposed to be, so I do not feel that her performance weakens the piece at all.

The Plot: Reeve approaches Caine with his first attempt at a play, seeking his idol's criticism. Caine finds the play to be incredible, a surefire hit, and, desperate for such a hit for himself, begins scheming (as only Michael Caine can scheme) ways to get Reeve out of the picture and claim the play, DEATHTRAP, as his own. From this point the picture starts on a rollercoaster ride that doesn't let up until the end. Fiction and reality cross and blur again and again making for a delightfully dark comedic thriller.

My only real criticism of DEATHTRAP is its similarity to SLEUTH, another great twisted thriller also starring Michael Caine. While both films on their own are incredible, fans of SLEUTH may find DEATHTRAP a bit less satisfying there simply aren't as many surprises. But this is certainly not a reason to avoid this film, as it is a genuine treasure.

The DVD has a minimum of features no trailer, just a chapter search selection (which is more than SLEUTH had!) and, unfortunately, the film is presented full-screen as opposed to widescreen. This did not bother me as the entire film has a claustrophobic feel to it as the action generally occurs in close quarters. Still, if the film was originally widescreen, I'd rather see the director's original vision. And speaking of direction, Lumet was marvelous as usual. After all, in the film itself, DEATHTRAP is described as a play "so good, even a gifted director couldn't hurt it." And at the bargain price this is one DVD you should snatch up right away.

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I first saw "Deathtrap" in the theater when it came out in 1982. When VCRs became big, it was a film that I rented a few times, eventually buying my own VHS copy. Now I own the DVD. It's a great film.

The plot can't really be discussed here without depriving first-time viewers the opportunity of experiencing all the unexpected twists and turns for themselves. And there are twists and turns aplenty!

Christopher Reeve does a great job of breaking his "Superman" stereotype in this, his first post-Superman role. Reeve plays a homosexual playwright who's just written a sure-fire hit Broadway show, and Michael Caine plays a once-successful playwright, Reeve's mentor, who'd kill to have another hit. From this inauspicious beginning, the twists start coming fast and furious, and are a delight to watch.

If you've never seen "Deathtrap" you can still safely buy it sight unseen; I guarantee you'll enjoy it. Or maybe you saw the film years ago and want to see it again. Either way, I recommend picking yourself up a copy. You won't regret it.

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---and even if you don't feel like "detecting," stick around and savor this tightly written romp of a comedy. "Deathtrap" is about as near as you can come to a Broadway play without being there.

Over the hill playwright, Sidney, (Michael Caine) is blocked. He is despondent over his last three miserable failures. His wealthy, clingy wife, Myra (Dyan Cannon) adores him and his plays. Enter fledgling author, Clifford (Christopher Reeves) who, it just so happens, has written a bullet-proof play and is flattered that successful Sidney is willing to look it over.

Michael Caine clearly has a glorious time playing stuffy, self-loving Sidney, and Christopher Reeve shows a guileful side not seen before. I'll take exception to other reviewers by saying Dyan Cannon cracked me up as the all-too-doting, somewhat sex starved wife. She also could give Jamie Lee Curtis a run for her title as the "Scream Queen." Ms. Cannon can rock the rafters!

Have a group of friends over and enjoy. Remember: don't give away the plot!

-sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer

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Pooh on you Leonard Maltin. "Deathtrap" is a movie rich in texture and plot. Although the film features three "big name" stars (which can often be distracting), the viewer still finds himself immersed in the film's characters. Plot twist follows plot twist, rushing toward an unexpected ending ripe with tension. Michael Caine was in some clunkers during this period; this is not one of them. An effectively irritating performance by Dyan Cannon, and Christopher Reeve in an unusual character perforance. Treat yourself to this film -you won't regret it!!

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