NFL Super Bowl XLIV: New Orleans Saints Champions (2010)

Anyone thinking about buying this product has to understand that the superbowl in its entirety is not on this Blu-ray. It is just highlights of the season that is being narrated (telling the story of the saints from the beginning of the season to the end). I gave this a three star because i am a die heart Saints fan. I purchased this Blu-Ray because I wanted to watch the superbowl in its entirety again; as well as years to come.

This Blu-ray is not a bad highlight reel of the saints 2009/2010 season. So, if you are ok with the fact that this is not the actual game, then this is the Blu-ray for you.

This Blu-ray is worth the price! At first, I debated purchasing it because it didn't show the entire Super Bowl but this is better. It tells a great story going game by game with great commentary from Jim Henderson and WWL radio. I was happy when they showed us winning and still a bit upset when they showed the 3 game losing streak. I choked up a bit (again) when they showed Hartley nail the winning FG in the NFC Championship game.

The story is told from a definitively Saints and Who Dat Nation perspective. It's like no one else matters, not even Peyton Manning, he's an after thought (in the film). They do a good job of capturing the spirit of the Saints, season, each game and the Super Bowl.

If you are a Saints fan this is a must buy and if you're not you'll still enjoy a great film.

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I find it funny that the set called "Super Bowl XLIV Champions" is a season highlight reel and the other set out there called "Saints Road to XLIV" is the one with the entire Super Bowl game on it. Basically, if you want to see a highlight reel to relive the memories of the Saints 2009 season & 1st Super Bowl victory along with the presentation of the Lombardi trophy after the game (best feature of the disk), buy this set. If you want to see the Super Bowl XLIV game, buy the "Road to XLIV" set. Both should be viewed as must have purchases for diehard Saints fans!

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I relive the Saints Super Bowl winning season with these highlights. And I get goosebumps every time I watch it. Good stuff.

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Saints fans waited 43 years for this to happen the New Orleans Saints in the Super Bowl! The Road to the Super Bowl is on this DVD. Highlights and important plays from each of the games of the season are on it with the Super Bowl win at the end. We love the DVD and have watched it many, many times. No it doesn't show the entire Super Bowl or any game. It also includes conversations and comments by miked players during the games.

We love the DVD and are ordering another, just in case something happpens to the originial one we bought.

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Downfall (2004)

"Downfall" is one of the most astonishing movies I have seen this year. I am a little baffled that it hasn't received more attention in the United States. Bruno Ganz should have gotten an Oscar nomination for best actor. But it did get a nomination for best foreign film. "Downfall" is easily as good and gripping as the renowned hit "Das Boot". It's probably the case that foreign movies don't get as much attention now as they did in the 1980's. Nevertheless, this fine film should have a long life on DVD.

"Downfall" has caused some controversy because it depicts Adolf Hitler not as a demon, but as a human being who was kind to his young secretaries and his dogs. In fact this makes his evil all the more insidious and monstrous. "Downfall" can be seen as an attempt by Germans to come to terms with their part in Hitler's crimes. How could a not-entirely-bad man like Albert Speer or an innocent like Traudl Junge retain their loyalty and admiration for such a diseased figure? We see the terrible events of April 1945 through German eyes. This involves acknowledging the horrible suffering of the German people as they were bombed and smashed into surrender. (Definitely, however, without letting them off the hook for their moral responsibility for the Holocaust and other crimes against humanity.)

We see Berlin turned into an apocalyptic landscape that would not seem out of place in the Book of Revelation. Gangs of murdering Nazis roam the rubble, looking for final victims to lynch. The Volkssturm, the army of old men and little boys recruited for the last defense of the city, is slaughtered by the advancing Russians. Officials of the regime are committing suicide right and left. (Some historians say there were more suicides among the Germans during the end than among the Japanese.) Down in the fuehrer's bunker Hitler's young secretary Traudl Junge (the wide-eyed, pretty, sweet Alexandra Maria Lara) witnesses the death throes of the Reich. Bruno Ganz is amazing as Hitler. The warm, human angel of "Wings of Desire" is entirely gone, replaced by this occasionally lucid, frequently rabid being. For long stretches of the movie, I swear, I entirely forgot there was an actor working up on the screen and it seemed as if I was watching Hitler himself in all his malignancy.

The movie turns the screws of suspense as things get worse and worse, and you get a solemn sense of justice being done at last. (Although there are still crimes that can be committed, like the diabolical murder of Goebbels' small children by their mother, shown in graphic detail.) The key to the movie perhaps can be had in a little speech by Goebbels. An army General protests the wanton slaughter of civilians and the Volkssturm. Goebbels replies, "I have no sympathy. No sympathy! The German people gave us the mandate. And now you cry because your little throats are being cut." It's a chilling moment. And a sobering reminder that politicians must be held accountable, and the people of a nation have to be responsible in their choice of leaders.

I saw this film in Germany in November, 2004, and picked up a copy in Berlin this March...my pre-ordered Amazon.de copy was waiting for me on my return.

This film is essential for anyone who wishes to understand "the evil that men do" (and women, for example, Frau Goebbels, who killed her children because she did not want them to grow up in a world without National Socialism, Nazism). It is a deep film, based on the historical novel of Joachim Fest, and the stunning documentary "Blind Spot" (Bis Zum Toten Winkel) revealing the thoughts of Hitler's personal secretary, Traudl Humps (married to an SS officer on Hitler's staff who was killed in 1943, she became Traudl Jung), shortly before her death as the millenium turned.

The acting is superb. The best new crop of German actors, as well as Bruno Ganz portraying Der Führer himself, are excellent. Most of the elements that led to the coming of the Holocaust, the Third Reich, and its downfall are cleverly intertwined in this phenomenally staged docudrama. In several viewings, I could find virtually nothing to criticize, down to the china used in the bunker, or so-called Führerbunker, to the attitudes of the many Field Marshalls, who were in many ways as "apolitical" as General Tommy Franks, attitudes of resignation, as suicide as the last honorable gesture, of "doing the right thing."

Such films have to be seen in context. After 60 years of banishment of the swastika (Hakenkreuz in German) in Germany, we see the swastika in its full "glory" throughout the film, the beautiful and attractive uniforms originally designed by Hugo Boss (no kidding). In context, in 2004, Germans were suddenly faced with an extremely well-made film that shows Hitler as nearly human (hiding is Parkinsonian tremor of his left hand behind his back as he presents the Iron Cross, 2nd Class, to Hitler Youth defending Berlin after the declaration of "Clausewitz"--Berlin as a war front. While other officers plead for the evacuation of women and children, Hitler responds that the German people (das Volk) do not deserve to survive, because they have lost this war. National Socialism is revealed as the death culture it was. In other contexts, there are excellend books, articles, and documentaries revealing how willing the German Volk were to turn over all thought, conscience, morality, to the Führer, who encouraged them to do so. Unfortunately, the next 60 years would show that the attitudes of National Socialism did not die with him.

I could individually commend the performances of the many players and people behind the scenes. I have been to Berlin, and this IS Berlin, to any approximation I have seen in photos of the time, and I have been in the last remaining Air Raid shelter (bunker) for the populace and it is no different from this soundstage, save the furniture that was probably taken from Jews years before by the party, which ended up as furnishings in the many homes of the high command and Hitler.

After viewing the film, I do recommend that the viewer take in "Schindler's List" or "The Pianist" to complement it. As we are faced with worldwide conflagration against a non-uniformed enemy of Western culture and democracy, it is hard to think of World War Two as the last of the "civilized" wars, even though it was perhaps the last of uniformed armies facing one another (the Cold War, which never went hot, excluded).

This film does show, through the characters of Traudl Junge and her young friend, the Hitler Youth decorated by Hitler personally, as they walk through the Soviet line on their way back to Bavaria, that the policy of war as a solution to any international dispute is at best fragile. Perhaps that fragility is our best hope for peace.

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If you want to know how it feels to enter the abyss, then watch this movie. The viewer is crushed by the heartache of the coming end of the Reich, and wonders how any person could emerge from it with a measure of sanity remaining. Civilians trapped in the street fighting; children enduring tank assaults; the constant drumbeat of incoming artillery; and meanwhile against the constant backdrop of the unreality of the Fuhrerbunker, the men and women living in their "wolkenskukushiem."

What is it like to experience total and utter defeat? The world you have known is collapsing around you, and you are totally helpless to stop it.

Watch the face of the actor who plays Brigadefuhrer Mohnke as he hears Göbbels telling him that the German people will have their "little throats" cut. What would go through YOUR mind? Watch as an SS doctor works his way through the bunker, even as men of the Nordland and Charlemagne SS troops (yes... Norwegians and French volunteers fighting the last battle around the Führerbunker) recheck their equipment and load what little ammunition they have left. The shock on Gen. Helmut Weidling's face, the commander of the famed 56th PanzerKorps, as he is told that HE's now the commandant of Berlin's defenses. The flash of reality that crosses Eva Braun's face when she gives away her mink coat to Traudl Junge, a rare glimpse through the forced happiness she otherwise displayed.

But in the midst of the carnage there is real courage. Forget the politics, forget the Nazis, as you see that there were people who displayed REAL courage in hopeless circumstances... soldiers and civilians fighting hopeless battles through the crumbling streets of Berlin. My mother saw and experienced some of this same anguish in Southern Germany.

But now for the problem-a BIG problem. Soviet atrocities are completely expunged. Even Traudl Junge is shown to have escaped the Russians unscathed... pure fantasy. She was raped by the Soviets numerous times. While SS and Nazi atrocities are shown repeatedly, (guys hanging "defeatists" for example), there is not ONE Russian atrocity displayed. Not one. Thus, despite the fact that the movie is well done and reasonably accurate historically in many areas, it actually strives to rewrite and sanitize history.

Nevertheless, the acting is well done. Ganz does a superb job of humanizing Hitler, which of course makes this movie controversial. Despite the problem above, and my three star rating, the movie is still worth seeing, or even owning. The scenes are riveting and heartrending, and will remind us of the tragedy that became known as the Battle of Berlin. It should also remind us of what happens when people surrender themselves to the power of the State, to let the State run their lives and "care" for them in its brutal maw.

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Why did this movie not win an Oscar? It goes to show how retarded holywood has become. This is one of the best movies of the last decade.

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One of the most significant statements of the always reminded master of the cinema, Robert Bresson, was :"To be models; instead of look like actors." I would say that Olivier Hirschbiegel unconsciously followed this wisdom advise. This (Should I just label it film, or perhaps this term be insufficient, why not better to design it supreme artwork?) masterpiece simply surpassed all the eloquent adjectives of previous reviews.

The impressive narrative dissection, supported by a sinewy script, is loaded of such burden of mesmerizing, engaging and delirious realism, that literally involves you from start to end. This outstanding work is a true radiograph that explores with merciless crudeness all the insights of the last ten days of Adolf Hitler.

Bruno Ganz followed his bliss and stole that coveted pearl, that justifies the supreme artistic achievement of his lifetime. From the initial shot when the nervous secretaries wait for him, until his last Farewell; his delirious anger accesses, increasing withdrawal of the reality, eloquent grimaces deserves for him (without forget Javier Bardem in Sea Inside) the most towering performance in years.

On the other hand the camera leads us to the struggling and increasingly claustrophobic environment. The camera handle and the fabulous angle shots from the floor accent still more that oppressive atmosphere (Do you remember Orson Welles The Trial?).

The inner tragedy is expressed with vibrant expression. Three expressive sequences are enough to support it: watch for instance the ominous sequence in which Goebbels wife dismisses from her children, the child `s horror at the moment he will have to face the death in its portent in the middle of the flaming wrecks and finally the elusive gaze of Eva Braun in her last supper.

On the other hand, the dialogues are never superfluous. With a visible resources economy, Hirshbiegel built a huge stage that reminds us the true intention of the Greek Tragedy or Wagner in Gotterdamenung, to shake the soul through the catastrophe, is what we experience after we leave the Hall a true cathartic experience.

That superior coherence, the fact of fixing without congealing the feat of communicate expressions without the use of words is what it makes of this artwork a supreme masterpiece.

Predators (+ Digital Copy) (2010)

"Predators" is back to basics return for the "Predator" franchise, they have juggled the elements that made the first film successful but couldn't seem to get right for the sequel or the "Alien vs. Predator" movies. "Predators" starts with the original premise of the first movie. Eight people of different ethnicities (if not occupations) are thrown into a living green hell of a jungle except they all don't know how they got there or where they are. The only thing they're sure of is that they were involved in some war, they saw a light and the next thing they remember is waking up as they fell into the jungle.

As the eight get to know each and their surroundings, "Predators" relies on the camaraderie of the individuals and the stress of the situation for each character to reveal themselves to each other and the audience, and they discover every one may not be what they seem. There's also a nice bit of gallows humor to lighten the moments and was one of the things that gave the original "Predator" some of it's charm.

The predators have some new toys including the spiky dogs, and we learn there are two different kinds of predators, the standard one we're used to seeing is the smaller of the species and are hunted by the larger super-predator when no other game is available.

One bit of casting I was worried about was Topher Grace, the geeky Eric Forman of "That 70's Show," he seemed miscast or ill fitted for Eddie Brock in "Spiderman 3," and here he's the one element that doesn't fit, but he isn't supposed to, and he looks right for the part and delivers a role that at first looks like a straightforward but has some twists. Laurence Fishburne does a near-cameo as Noland, a soldier marooned on the planet and who may be from the Vietnam era, I think he hums a bit of Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" used to such great effect in Apocalypse Now.

I at first thought "Predators" was directed by Robert Rodriquez and that was one of the reasons I was looking forward to seeing the movie. I was a little disappointed that Rodriquez only produces, but this movie does incorporate some of the feel of a movie directed by Rodriquez but that may be because "Predators" is based on a screenplay Rodriguez wrote sixteen years ago . Directing is Nimrod Antal and he moves the movie tautly along never veering off course or too far off course, and he does add some visual artistry that hasn't been seen in any of the previous movies but gives us a sense of the alieness of the world the characters find themselves trapped on.

"Predators" is conscious of the events of the first "Predator" movie and the climatic battle is a tweaked version that is an homage to Arnold's battling of the predator while building on some of the inferred weaknesses of the predators. "Predators" is a good telling of a "Predator" story, using bits of the original and adding its own devices to the "Predator" mythology.

It has taken a string of awful sequels for someone such as Nimrod Antal to step up and take the Predator franchise back to its roots of gore, suspense and plain fear, but does it do these things well? "Predators" sets it story deep within the nostalgia of fans with a jungle setting similar to the original. We are introduced to an unconscious Royce, a hardened, ex-military mercenary played by Adrien Brody, free-falling from the sky over the jungle. After a warm welcome from fellow drop ins, the newly formed team of eight begin to make sense of their surroundings.

"Predators" builds the tension between the characters similarly to that of the original with fear and uncertainty clouding their minds. The eerie-ness and unfamiliarity of the environment and it's contents are also set just as in the first film. The building of this tension plays out smoothly and doesn't rush itself to get to it's point (the whole alien planet/we are being hunted/"If it bleeds, it can be killed" deal) Not until the end of the film does it feel rushed and out of balance with the beginning and midpoint. The chemistry between the characters doesn't bore at all, even with their backgrounds as "the most dangerous killers on Earth" the flow of dialect and development with each character is enough to hold the viewer's interest and move the story along realistic grounds. A very interesting note is how the characters explain their backgrounds and solidify their characters through the traps set within the film (theirs and others.) There are also many specific pieces paying homage to the original, such as the explanation of the Hunters and a few of the battle sequences.

Speaking very shortly about the gore, it plays its part in solidifying the harsh settings the characters are placed in and the brutality of the creatures they are faced against, (Most notably the campsite of the Predators and what every fan wanted to see, the taking of the "trophies.") unlike the past two sequels (*shudders*) where the first was devoid of nearly any gore and the second making it seem laughable and rendering it useless.

I have only two gripes about the film, one being the pacing near the end, (as mentioned earlier) after meeting with another survivor named Nolan (Laurence Fishburne) and the events leading to another encounter with the Predator creatures, the remaining survivors start to die off quite fast. Even though the plan made before the set chase is clear, I felt that the suspense kind of died after that leaving only one minor twist afterwards. Oh and Topher Grace (I think you will see him mentioned in many reviews to come for the movie) Didn't leave a strong enough impression. Without giving too much away about him, I believe that his character's motives could have been fleshed out a little better than the film made them.

Bottom line, "Predators" plants its feet in the ground and exclaims with confidence that "this is more than a sequel, it's a return to form." and a return very well needed. Even with it's numerous similarities, "Predators" is able to stand on it's own with a strong cast and a smooth mix of violence, gore, charisma and chemistry and screams possibilities of sequels to come.

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I don't get out to the theater much, so when my 9 and 11 year olds suggested we go to the movies on a hot and rainy Sunday, I thought it would be a nice way to spend the day with the kids. "So what'll it be boys? Toy Story 3? Despicable Me?" Their reply in unison: "PREDATORS!!!" Actually I wasn't at all surprised since lately they've been spending most of their video game time online with Aliens vs Predator. Truthfully I couldn't have been happier with their choice because that's really what I wanted to see most too.

In the end no one was disappointed. Predators is a great action movie that not only pays homage to the original, but brings the Predator franchise back to the brutal violence and fast moving story telling that made the first one a classic. Kudos to Director Nimród Antal and Producer Robert Rodriguez for not making any of the plethora of mistakes that were made with the sub-par Predator 2 or any of the AvP movies.

All the action looked real. All of the Predators (and other monsters) looked real. All of the acting is really good. Although I must say that I had a hard time swallowing Adrian Brody as the lead tough guy. Brody comes across as more of a softy to me. If I had to seek out a complaint it might be that Brody was a bit miscast, but not so much so that it took away from the thoroughly entertaining experience that I had with Predators.

The story is very similar to the first one. A group of mostly soldiers (or soldier types) are in a mysterious jungle and soon realize that there's a role reversal going on: they are no longer hunters, mercenaries or whatever; they are the hunted. And they are going to need a lot of firepower and strategy in order to walk away alive from the situation that they are in.

I guess if I had to "unEarth" another negative it would be that the storyline is quite familiar. But Antal and Rodriguez introduce enough new concepts and twists to keep this sequel pretty fresh looking and not as predictable as you may think. If you were a big fan of the 1987 cult classic like I was, I believe that you'll find that this 2010 reintroduction to the Predators will be a welcome one...like it was for me.

A few words of caution to anyone that saw my comment about bringing the kids to this movie: it is not a family film. It earns its R rating. I'm just a little more liberal when it comes to what I think will warp the little minds of today's youth. So use your discretion.

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I can only imagine someone liking this film if they've never seen the original, because it breaks no new ground in the franchise. It works double-time to copy the original's high points, right down to Adrien Brody and Alice Braga slavishly aping Arnold Schwarzenegger and Elpidia Carillo. I struggle to grasp so many creative people approaching such a popular franchise and producing such an uninspired product.

Eight people, mostly men, wake up in freefall over a bizarre jungle, strapped into chutes and packing heat, but with no idea how they got there. They are conscientiously multi-racial and multi-national, but they all speak English. Perhaps their captors checked their résumés. When strange critters with dozens of tusks attack, the humans realize they're trapped in an alien game preserve, and they're the designated prey.

First, the underrated Danny Trejo deserves better than this film gives him. Laurence Fishburne is wasted in Gary Busey's Predator 2 role. This movie offers a checklist of Unlikely Heroes Being Chased stereotypes. Adrien Brody makes a particularly unconvincing action figure. We scarcely see the shimmery effect that was so creepy in the first film. And since when does the Predator's battle cry sound like Chewbacca?

This movie does nothing to build tension. It never convinces me that these human characters deserve to live. The action scenes appear unmotivated, and the dialog sounds like it was written by a computer that ate the original script and spat back something passably similar. Robert Rodriguez is better than this, as is this cast. After interminable sequels, I wish they'd stopped after the first one.

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It's been twenty years since "Predator 2" showcased the monstrous hunter in a solo capacity. Finally, after all that time 20th Century Fox brings the hunters back to theaters with the recently released sci-fi action film, "Predators".

"Predators" follows a group of Earth's deadliest killers, led by a mysterious mercenary (Adrien Brody), who find themselves trapped on a strange world. As the group tries to find a way off the planet, they soon discover that they have been placed on this world for a reason...to be hunted. Now, they are locked in a deadly fight for survival with beings far deadlier than anything they've ever encountered.

You know, there's something about this series that's bothered me for quite some time now. It's nothing regarding the previous two films in the franchise, both of which were quite good in my opinion. No, what bothers me is why would 20th Century Fox, who owns the rights to the character, leave the series effectively dead for so long?

Sure the character appeared in the hit "versus" movie, "Alien Vs Predator" and its extremely disappointing sequel "Aliens Vs Predator: Requiem". But as a stand alone property the character proved successful, and the movies were extremely entertaining and profitable to boot. So, it's beyond me why the decision was made to shelve the property for such an extended period. Especially when so many countless sub-par horror franchises are allowed to exist long past their welcome. Anyways, I digress...

In charge of crafting a story that would serve as a hard-hitting return to the big screen for the character worthy of the original is screenwriter/director/producer Robert Rodriguez ("Sin City"). Robert's story brings the action back to a jungle atmosphere (albeit on another planet) harkening back to the first film, but ups the ante in every respect. The story is chock full of incredibly entertaining action set pieces, with a break-neck pacing to keep the momentum running full steam ahead from start to finish; however, if you're coming to this movie looking for in-depth character study, look somewhere else.

Now, that shouldn't come as any surprise to fans of the series, this franchise has never been about character development or engaging drama. It's always been about the hunt, and those who are unfortunate enough to become the hunted. I'm sure that some people (mostly critics that look down their noses at these types of movies) will view the lack of character driven drama as a weakness; if you ask me, the reason these movies work is because they never try to over complicate the situation. It's a monster movie plain and simple, and what the audience wants is to see great visual effects, incredible action, and some entertaining chase and/or fight sequences between the hunter and the hunted. In this, "Predators" absolutely nails it, and hopefully brings the series back into popularity.

On an interesting side note, Robert Rodriguez actually wrote the original script for this film prior to finishing up work on his first breakthrough hit "Desperado" in 1995. However, upon completion 20th Century Fox opted not to move forward with another sequel and shelved the project. I don't know if any of you out there really cared to know that tidbit of information, but I just wanted to throw it out there anyway. Moving on.

Assisting Robert in reinvigorating the franchise was the film's director Nimrod Antal. I wasn't sure how Nimrod would be as director for this long-awaited follow-up. I mean his previous directorial effort "Armored" was a decent enough action flick. Yet, it never really felt like it was anything great compared to any number of action movies I could find from Direct-to-DVD releases featuring the action heroes of yesteryear.

However, after seeing how Nimrod Antal handled "Predators" I have to say that he was undoubtedly the right man for the job. After all, he delivered a pulse-pounding thrill ride that blew his previous film out of the water with considerable ease. Not to mention, the previews didn't ruin every single plot point for this film, a problem that plagued "Armored" and probably led to my less than thrilled perception of the movie.

Leading the ensemble cast, and is probably the most surprising bit of casting I have seen for a movie in quite some time, is Academy Award® winner Adrien Brody ("King Kong"). When his casting was first announced, I was a little leery, as I'm sure many fans were, because Adrien didn't exactly look the part of a man that the Predator would find a challenging prey. Yet the more I read about how the idea was to distance this entry in some respects from what's come before by not going with a muscle-bound warrior, but instead utilize a more cerebral character, the more I became intrigued by the possibility he presented.

In the end, a somewhat bulked-up Adrien Brody created a believable adversary for the Predators. He blended together elements of Arnold's no-nonsense qualities with those of a keenly intelligent, semi-manipulative, world-weary individual that will do whatever it takes to survive.

Portraying some of the other collected prey for the titular characters are Topher Grace, Alice Braga, and Walton Goggins. As I stated earlier the story wasn't one that really challenged any member of the cast dramatically, granted that was never the intention. That being said, the cast didn't just slack off and phone in their performances either.

Topher Grace ("Spider-Man 3") played the kind of character that always seems to suit him perfectly, that of a sniveling weasel of a man, who always feels more important than he really is. Alice Braga ("Repo Men") as a tough-as-nails soldier was surprisingly believable in the role and helped to balance out the extreme machismo of Adrien Brody's character and most of the other cast members. Then there's actor Walton Goggins (TV's "Justified") as a convict that sets out as only being interested in self-preservation, but eventually becomes somewhat of a team player. As I said, none of them really had to stretch to flesh out their characters, but they all did well in the roles and sold them to the audience convincingly.

Making slightly extended cameo appearances in the film were actors Laurence Fishburne and Danny Trejo. Laurence was very entertaining for the brief time he was in the film as a soldier that has snapped with reality after being marooned on this planet for quite some time. Danny Trejo wasn't given a whole lot more to do in the movie than Laurence, and his role felt as if it had just been shoe-horned in to the film. This was a real shame, because Danny always delivers an interesting character every time he appears in a movie. This time though, his appearance was most likely due to the fact that he has acted in virtually every single movie Robert Rodriguez has worked on since "Desperado", so this one should be no exception. Thus, his character felt like an afterthought.

Well, after waiting so long for a third installment, it's nice to see that the "Predator" franchise hasn't lost its edge. Combining some of the best elements of the previous two films, taking the hunt off-world, plus some terrific action scenes and visual effects, makes "Predators" the triumphant return to cinema's that this series deserves.

"Predators" is rated R for violence and language.

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Ultimate Avengers Movie Collection (Ultimate Avengers / Ultimate Avengers 2 / Next Avengers: Heroes

very entertaining, my kids love anything to do with the Avengers even before the movie came out. My little 5 yearold daughter loves the avengers heroes of tommorrow the best.

I like the marvel comics and liked how this movie captures the storyline. Recommend this to others interested for building collector's items.

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Ultimate Avengers Movie Collection (Ultimate Avengers, Ultimate Avengers 2, Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow) (2012) Fun collection of animated Avengers movies. Three movies plus some extras...fun collection.

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I enjoy the two Avengers movies, but the third bonus movie is about kids for kids. I know the whole package is a cartoon and strictly for kids anyway. But I'm an adult whole love comics and superheroes, and consider animated movies not just for kids, and the main two movies fit that category. The third movie however, even though Iron Man and the Hulk are themselves, is about the kids of superheroes. I like my superheroes always the same age and without kids, so a storyline where they are dead and their kids continue their legacy doesn't appeal to me.

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My son has been looking for this one, You should see the smile and bright eyes on him when I gave this movie to him. This was packaged securely and arrrieved quickly. Five Star Seller

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Cinderella II: Dreams Come True & Cinderella III: A Twist In Time (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in

I actually really enjoyed Cinderella III, but Cinderella II is horrible!

Cinderella II is a collection of shorter cartoons, and can't even really be called a movie. The animation is poor, and the story lines are kind of ridiculous, (Cinderella has to have a party, one of the mice wants to be human, and one of the step-sisters wants to date a townsmen.) Alone, Cinderella II would get one-star, and that would be generous.

Cinderella III is an actual full-length movie about what would happen if Cinderella had no magic. It starts on their first anniversary, but then Lady Tremaine, (the wicked step-mother,) gets her hands on the Fairy Godmother's wand, causing them all to go back in time to the morning after the ball, and causing Prince Charming to forget he danced with Cinderella. She remembers, and tries to get him back. It's a good story, and had a strong girl power feel to it. The mice provide great comic relief, and the characters are well developed. The animation isn't that bad for a sequel either. It's nowhere near as good as the original, but it is entertaining enough to watch more then once.

I would suggest looking for a single copy of Cinderella III if it's available at all, but save your time and money with Cinderella II.

I can't remember much about Cinderella II, other than it being the typical sequel movie (if I remember correctly it's about Cinderella trying to fit-in with the palace life). However, the third Cinderella was very interesting. When this movie first came out, it was heavily advertised about what would happen if the glass slipper was taken away--would Cinderella still get her prince. So unless someone purchased it much later on than the original release it could not have been any surprise of what was going to happen. This movie doesn't take away from the first movie--it just adds to the Cinderella story.

Spoiler Alert:

The movie begins after Cinderella is with the Prince and the Wicked Stepmom and daughters are miserable. But then, the wicked step mom discovers the magic Godmother that had helped Cinderella and steals her wand. She used the wand to turn back time before Cinderella was with the prince, but this time there is no magic to help Cinderella and the Prince. I think the movie illustrates that with true love, it will find a way to work out.

Buy Cinderella II: Dreams Come True & Cinderella III: A Twist In Time (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Now

My daughters have wanted Cinderella 2 for a long time now, but Disney had discontinued it. We have seen Cinderella 3 and really enjoyed the twist, plus a more in depth look into Prince Charming and the king.

These reviews are opinions and while some might not care for C2, others might especially the girls. I suggest that you give this collection a chance I have 3 daughters (ages 2-8) and we enoy watching C2 & C3!

Read Best Reviews of Cinderella II: Dreams Come True & Cinderella III: A Twist In Time (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Here

My daughter loves Disney's Cinderella movie and these were no exception. She now loves the whole franchise now! Beloved characters and updated story lines.

Want Cinderella II: Dreams Come True & Cinderella III: A Twist In Time (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Discount?

Very good movie, the kids enjoyed it. it's also close captioned, so the deaf adults can enjoy it too. Yes, I would recommend this dvd.

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Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007)

The movie:

Some chuckle moments, but not Bean at his finest. Picture quality is a lot better than the DVD counterpart, but sadly one of the funniest parts has been omitted from this UK release. For some reason the laptop scene at the beginning is cut, which is a shame because this is a classic Bean moment and I can think of several scenes I would have rather chopped before this. I suspect the over officious BBFC has a part to play here.

The Disc:

Presentation is as bare bones as it gets with the same extras as the DVD. The laptop scene can be once again be viewed in wonderful standard definition as part of the deleted scenes segment albeit minus the fight on the platform.

This is a region free disc and so I recommend looking at the Amazon.UK website as it's considerably cheaper.

This movie is far better than the first Mr. Bean movie. The plot is funnier and the characters, even Mr. Bean, are more sympathetic. And Willem Dafoe's appearance as an egotistical movie star is priceless.

Buy Mr. Bean's Holiday (2007) Now

Coraline (2009)

This movie, yes is a little creepy. It has a moral, which is the point. The grass is always greener on the other side. The moral is the grass is not always greener and things are not always what they seem. I watched this with our 12 year old daughter. She was fine with it. Not sure that a child of 10 or younger would understand it. We love this movie. The person who commented about the 3D effects is wrong. They must have watched that non Blu-Ray 3D, with the paper glasses. This is the version for 3D TV's and Blu-Ray players.

I am only commenting on the 3D aspect of it....not the story itself.

I have several movies in 3d and for me this is bright & colorful. Story is well done but unfortunately nothing really leaps out of the screen at you except for a few instances. I did not think that I was going to like this but watching this in 3D really changed my mind.

I did not really care for Alice in Wonderland or A Christmas Carol. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Despicable Me are pretty good but this I found to be more of a visual treat.

I must say that out of all that I have -Saw 3D and Clash of the Titans-Resident Evil... just do not hold up against CGI movies. IMAX does great stuff but those are not movies.

From start to finish Coraline is a visual feast and I would recommend this for anyone that has a 3D television.

Buy Coraline (2009) Now

Universal Studios Home Entertainment have announced the US DVD and Blu-ray Disc release of Coraline on 21st July 2009. Based on the book by Neil Gaiman, this stop-motion animation written and directed by Henry Selick follows an adventurous girl who finds another world that is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, but it has sinister secrets.

Available on single-disc DVD, two-disc Collector's Edition DVD and Blu-ray Disc, all include both the 2-D and 3-D version of the main feature and come packaged with 4 pairs of 3D glasses. Features are outlined below...

Single-Disc DVD

* 2-D and 3-D Presentations

* 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen

* English, French and Spanish DD5.1 Surround

* English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles

* Feature Commentary with Director Henry Selick and Composer Bruno Coulais

2-Disc Collector's Edition DVD As above plus a bonus disc with the following content:

* Digital Copy of Coraline 2-D Version (Expires 07/31/2010)

* Deleted Scenes

* The Making of Coraline

* Voicing the Characters

Blu-ray Disc This is a Blu-ray Combo release which comes bundled with a standard-def DVD that includes the 2-D version of the film (AV specs as per the DVD releases), audio commentary, and a Digital Copy of the film. Features include:

* 2-D and 3-D Presentations

* 1080P 1.85:1 Widescreen

* English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

* French and Spanish 5.1 DTS Surround

* English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles

* U Control Picture in Picture (2-D Feature Only)

* U Control Tours and Voice Sessions (2-D Feature Only)

* U Control Picture in Picture Animatic (2-D Feature Only)

* Deleted Scenes

* The Making of Coraline

* Voicing the Characters

* Creepy Coraline

* Feature Commentary with Director Henry Selick and Composer Bruno Coulais

* D-Box

* BD Live My Scenes Sharing

* BD Live The World According to Henry

* Disc 2: DVD with standard-def 2-D version of the film, audio commentary & 2-D Digital Copy of the film (expires 31st July 2010)

Read Best Reviews of Coraline (2009) Here

I was let down when I saw the paper glasses that it comes with. I was expecting clear, transparent 3D glasses but the glasses that it comes with have Pinkish and Greenish lenses.

But after watching the movie with glasses I found that they worked pretty good. I haven't seen Coraline 3D in theatres, but I was blown away with some of the 3D scenes. The glasses do take away the bright vibrant colors (not too much though, Coraline's bright orange coat and Blue hair were still vibrant) but add a completely new feel and mood to the movie that's very appropriate for it.

Some people have said that only a few selected scenes are in 3d. I didn't feel this at all. The entire movie was in 3D. Maybe a couple close up scenes where there wouldn't be too much depth to begin with may be 2D, ( I don't know) But the rest was completely 3D.

I watched the movie on Blu-ray and on an HD TV. That's the only way to get the best picture possible.

There are almost 2 different version of Coraline. The 3D and the regular versions. They both create two completely different experiences. When watching in 3D, you feel like you've been transported into a different world that's gloomy and dark. In 2D Blu ray, you get to observe the same world with rich details that aren't visible in the 3D.

So this is defiantly worth buying. The 3D is not as good as the theatres but still works splendidly.

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This uncommon animation starts with tween-aged angst, the kind that demands independence but still wants mom and dad close by. Her busy parents don't have much time for her, though, and her new, remote home doesn't offer much reward for her explorations (other than some rather kooky neighbors). So, even if it's not wholly conscious, Coraline wishes for a nicer place and parents that pay more attention.

As the movie's tagline says, "be careful what you wish for." Like Alice down the rabbit hole, Coraline finds a secret passage to a more magical place. Soon, however, the magic turns dark. That's where the brilliant animation really comes into its own. The stop animation (or at least the look of it) bring to mind Tim Burton with a macabre touch of Brothers Quay. You know your child best skittish ones might find some of the imagery a bit much. Still, kids' stories (like Alice in Wonderland) have always had dark edges. That deliciously spooky sense, plus some great animation, really set this movie apart from the usual.

-wiredweird

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Basket Case (1982)

'The tenant in room 7 is small, twisted, and very mad.' One of my favorite tag lines from a movie. This is a great, low bugdet shlock horror/comedy from the early 80's. It involves two brothers and their plot to get revenge. I hate to give anymore away, but this is a cult classic that has spawned a couple of sequels. I haven't seen them, but I have seen this one, and it's lots of fun. The story is definately interesting with its flashbacks and the actors will never win any Oscars, but they really help to make this movie. And then there's the seedy locations. Basically this type of film making is called "using what you got and making the most of it". And then there's the special effects....not over the top, but effective enough to fit nicely with the story. The stop motion animation was a little cheesy, but then that added to the fun of the movie for me. All in all, I had a great time watching this movie.

Something Weird Video (SWV) did a really great job with this DVD. I was a little disappointed that the movie was only available in full screen format, but the amount of extras included was truly amazing. I really enjoyed the piece where the director goes back and tries to locate certain locations from the movie. Great stuff, and pretty complete.

So, in closing, if you want to see a low budget, gory, horror/comedy schlockfest that was done really well, get this movie, if you've got the guts. And as an added bonus, get a glimpse of what times square used to look like before it got all cleaned up and 'disneyfied'. Not a lot of footage on this, but a chance to see how seedy and raw it used to be, with it's hookers, grindhouses, triple-X theaters, etc., compared to what it is now.

I'm giving the movie itself 5-stars (how could someone grow up in the 80s/90s and not rent it is beyond me!) but it's a great one. Henenlotter started strong and kept it going.

But the info I want to make known is that the transfer for BC is a brand new one coming from the previously-thought lost negative. Henenlotter himself has stated online at places like Facebook that he thought he'd lost it but came across it a couple years back buried in his storage. He is excited about this as BC has never truly been seen the way he intended it to look -transfer always came from beat up prints instead of the negative and never got the true attention he'd hoped for. This blu-ray will be a milestone for fans of Henenlotter, BASKET CASE, Belial and Something Weird Video. Here's hoping the BLOOD TRILOGY turns out as well!

Buy Basket Case (1982) Now

If you're looking for a bit of a change-up for your Friday Night Horror Movie Parties, try this one.

It's gory. It's got really cheesy 80's special effects. The actors ALL have bad hair.

However, it is an interesting idea. The two brothers are clearly deeply connected to each other (or, at least they were...). The emotional conflict between the two (particularly the more "able" brother's desire to date) is intense and understandable.

There were moments in this movie that were so funny (that I don't think were meant to be) that my husband and I just laughed and laughed. Some of the characters are over the top. There were some scenes (particularly the really bad stop-animation scenes) that made me wince in their low quality. I'm sure it was superb film quality at the time; but, now it's really bad.

Overall, it's one of those films that you probably should watch. Get a friend who won't hate you when it's over, come to an agreement that this is intentionally quite trashy, and have fun watching a truly original, truly bizarre flick.

Read Best Reviews of Basket Case (1982) Here

Basket Case is WAY out there and so sick that the mouths of those watching it fall open in disbelief. This movie was made outside of Hollywood; the sets consists of a seedy flophouse (not a Hollywood soundstage designed to look like a flophouse), a 42nd street grindhouse movie theater, and what looks like an abandoned building that is supposed to be a doctor's office. The actors and extras look like they were not saleried but worked for a chance to be on film and/or a bottle of wine. There was not much money to be spent on this movie. Instead, this horror masterpiece relied on imagination and a twisted sense of humor to make it work. The story concerns a pair of separated Simease twins. Duane, the normal (normal as in being able to walk on his own and not scare people with his looks) carries his brother around in a wicker basket. The bother looks like a big glob of putty with claws and teeth. Their goal is to exact revenge on the doctor's who separated them. There is lots of blood shed, horrendous acting by non pros, and a femme fatale with the most ridiculous hairstyle ever put on celluloid.

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"Basket Case," directed by Frank Henenlotter, is one of my favorite horror films of all time. It tells the story of Duane, an ordinary young man with a bizarre secret: he carries his deformed, undersized former conjoined twin around in a basket (hence the film's title).

"Basket Case" has an appealing low-budget feel to it, and Kevin Van Hentenryck is very likeable as Duane. Belial, the deformed twin, is an oddly sympathetic character. Yes, the film contains some scenes that many will find sick and depraved, but it also contains some truly haunting images. Disturbing, sometimes funny, and curiously moving, "Basket Case" is a truly unique piece of cinematic art.

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Godzilla vs. Biollante (2012)

Greetings,

I am still giving this item 5 stars for the honesty and professionalism EBHE has had with the fan community. however there is a caution: from 10/18/12-

"We have to go to manufacture today, and we don't have Miramax/Toho's blessing to include Ed G's commentary yet. We have initiated Plan B, which is releasing the discs without the commentary. I don't have much more for details right now, but I can tell you that if you are dying to buy Godzilla vs Biollante with the Ed G commentary, DO NOT buy it on release day. We have the replication masters ready to manufacture with the commentary included, but we are not allowed to use them until we get approvals. My apologies for getting your hopes up. I kept forging ahead hoping that Toho would get their approval to us at the last minute, but it hasn't happened."

So while this will have other Toho approved extras, it will NOT have the english commentary on release day. If you are planning on purchasing this item soleley for this purpose, please refrain. Many fans appreciate that sicne this item is so inexpensive they will purchase one in each format (waiting on the commentary to get the other). Echo Bridge has assured the fan community that there will be a public announcement made once the commentary has been approved, and a clear indication on the packaging as well (not like the recent MB fiasco with Godzilla vs Megalon).

Godzilla 1985 started a revolution. Evil Godzilla returned! The way he was meant to be. In the next installment of the evil 'zilla series, it is a few hours after Godzilla's deadly attack on Japan. A team of scientists collects some Godzilla cells from a scale found in the rubble. A spy from a terrorist nation tries to steal it. A few confusing moments later, we are thrown 5 years into the future. A scientist who lost his daughter in a lab explosion is experimenting with genetic mutation. He blends the Godzilla cell with a rose-bush cell. The result: A mutated, radioactive plant growing at an alarming rate. Shortly thereafter, Godzilla awakens from the volcano we saw him fall into in Godzilla 1985. When he attacks Tokyo and destroys Biollante, we find that Biollante is not just a monster, but actually holds a closer relationship to the professor than he thinks. Later on toward the end, after Godzilla does his rampaging, Biollante returns, a terrifying sight to behold. Biollante is one of my favorite 'G' enemies, as it is terrifying to look at and is very large and intimidating. The movie tends to drag at times, but the fights are well worth it. And if you are a 'G' fan to begin with, you appreciate these movies no matter what. The soundtrack is also very good. Definitely worth buying for G fans!

Buy Godzilla vs. Biollante (2012) Now

I wish I would have reviewed Godzilla Returns way back when I recieved that one. Now I have a chance to talk about both, sort of.

This is a direct to Japan version of this movie, with no English track or titles. Fortunately there is an option for English subtitles. And for me, that's really enough. This is a well done movie and now that I look at it, one of the best from the Heisei Godzilla series. It has great elements of classic sci-fi as well as a very sincere feel, similar to the origional 1954 Gojira. The scientist father character is compelling with his duel wreckless and wise natures. He's a character who learns from his mistakes, and actually lives long enough to pass this wisdom to others. His is a great, tragic character arc. This is the first movie to use Godzilla's standard Heisei look, and I think it's pulled off quite well here. He's a slow, lumbering character, but the point is, it doesn't matter how slow he is or if you can spot him. Because you can't stop him! Te close ups of his face are fantastic. I really like the detail on the fleshy tongue. And Biolante is one of the great classic, tragic monsters. She's dangerious, deadly, devious, but has the trapped soul of a lovely girl.

As for the DVD itelf, it's pretty basic. There are vew special fetures or options, but as this is the only official DVD release for this film, that automatically makes it the best. The video quality is somewhat lacking too, but nothing you're not used to if you grew up watching these movies on TV as a kid. But I can see this being somewhat of a dissapointment for many, as there is no English dub. Again, that's fine by me, but it is a little harder trying to watch this with friends who refuse to watch a movie with subtitles. But to be honest, the 80s/90s series had some pretty weak English voice talent, and hearing the origional actors is kind of nice. Also there's a bonus special feature at the end, after credits. It's about a 40 minute behind the scenes spot, that shows quite a bit of detail on making the film. This is a rare thing for 80s films in general, so it's kind of nice. Again, it's a little tough going with no English to stand on, but the behind the scenes visuals themselves are nice! I still with whatever studio holds the American distribution rights would hurry up and for this thing over already! Or better yt, give it to Classic Media so they can do what they did with the Godzilla movies they release!

Read Best Reviews of Godzilla vs. Biollante (2012) Here

I own all the Godzilla DVD's and consider myself obsessed a tad but Megalon,1985 and Biollante I had on imported DVD's. I was so happy to hear about Biollante being released on DVD it's been way too long. This year has been great for Godzilla fans we finally got Megalon on DVD and it was a very nice transfer it had great video quality and now we will be getting Biollante. Now in terms of quality of the movie it's one of the better Godzilla movies very unique and of course any Big G fan will get it right away. This also means all that's left is Godzilla 1985 to be officially released on DVD lets hope we get that real soon that would be great news for all Godzilla fans.

Update: while I'm very happy to get an official release on DVD the quality is not the best it's probably the worst transfer of any Godzilla on DVD and the sound is horrible it's 1.0 mono for The English Dub. Again I am obsessed and love Godzilla and would recommend it for the collection but the bootlegs are almost better quality.

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The answer to the title question is Biollante (plant). A dr. creates a giant plant using Godzilla's cells. Like every other Godzilla movie, Godzilla battles Biollante. Biollante battles Godzilla in his Rose form. Godzilla beats Biollante and Biollante seems to die (yeah right). Godzilla does some damage and about thirty minutes later Godzilla battles Biollante final form. They have a pretty good fight, but in the end, Biollante forces Godzilla to retreat from battle. Biollante then turns into cells and they go up into space. It is a direct sequel from Godzilla 1985. I like this movie alot. I wish it were out on DVD.

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Dressed to Kill (2010)

It's very exciting to see DRESSED TO KILL on blu ray and for all fans the question when a blu ray of an older film already owned on dvd comes to blu ray is how does it look? Is it worth it to double or even triple dip? The answer here is a resounding YES the film looks and sounds great on blu ray and is a must have. There has always been much controversy over how good a film DRESSED TO KILL is and as to how original director Brian De Palma actually is. Many critics considered this a Hitchcock rip-off and others thought De Palma used his same standard directiorial mechanics here to results similar to his other films. I myself love this film and like to think any Hitchcockian comparisons are actually done in a respectful bow to Hitchcock. And though I did find some scenes similar to those in De Palma's CARRIE, this film stands on its own as an excellent scary and suspenseful film with a very original story line. We know De Palma loves his shower scenes here and the shots with Angie Dickinson (and the body double for close ups) are legendary.

But what about the bu ray. This is a film from 1980 and overall the video presentation here is superb. Though the picture isn't always fully sharp the clarity is excellent. Close ups are crystal clear with flesh tones very realistic. Colors are vivid and pop. The black/white ratio is overall excellent. Sometimes blacks come across a little shadowy but this most likely has to do with the original film source. There is some graininess but it is again part of the intentional viewing experince. With the blu ray you get an overall clear, exciting and vivid picture with clarity that pulls you in. And the audio is amazing. The DTS HD Master 5.1 track provided has dialogue strong throughout with all the surround speakers used to full effect. In the shower scenes you will hear water from all your speakers. Background noise and the ever effective musical score that highlight this film come out strong and sure from all speakers as well. This film is one that will scare you. From the click of Angie Dickinson's shoes as she walks thru the museum to the swipe of the blade the sounds are all strong and realistic. And the true scare moments just let me say the excellent audio here will have you jumping out of your skin.

Debates aside this film is excellent and definitely a standout thriller from the 80s. The plot is also above your regular thriller. From the opening shower scene with Angie to the film end every scene has a purpose in the plot. This is an adult thriller and I highly recommend the superb blu ray transfer. It will be like watching the film for the first time.

First,about the blu ray. It has an improved picture. Noticeable, especially at the end of the museum scene where there used to be a glitch on the negative on the 2001 dvd. It was filmed in 2:35 widescreen aspect ratio so there will be black bars on your t.v. The DTS sound is great you can hear the music better. It was smart of them to keep the special features from the 2001 dvd. They were well done. Wish the same had been done for the blu ray of "Carrie"('76). I am very pleased with this blu ray and certainly hope they use the special features from the special edition dvd's of "The Fog"('80), "The Howling"('81), and eventually "Carrie"('76).

This original thriller has Hitchcockian touches, but is its own film. Very artistically done with excellent camera work, such as the framing of the shots, use of split screen and split diopter for scenes. Great costumes by Ann Roth and a fine score by Pino Donaggio. It was modern for its time and still is in a lot of ways as far as the look of the film and its complicated adult themes.

Buy Dressed to Kill (2010) Now

This is one of my favorite De Palma films, next to Blow Out. I absolutely adore his early work (Sisters, Obsession, The Fury, Dressed to Kill, Blow Out, Body Double), I don't think his thrillers have been matched in style and tension. This is an extremely solid film for it's genre and time. I feel it holds up well. Brief Synopsis to avoid spoilers: A psychiatrist has women patients being stalked and attacked. The son of one of the victims goes into his own investigation to find out who the killer is as well. I know this description is arbitrary...but for other De Palma fans who've seen this, the fun is discovering this film as blindly as possible. Pino Donnagio's music, De Palma's cinematography (the museum scenes anyone?), and his pacing is absolutely seemless and beautiful. It's hard to deny this is an inspired homage to Hitchcock's films, in a great way though.

My gripe with this release? Shame on MGM for releasing such a sub par disc on this beautiful film. The transfer is an improvement, some what. The sound, not so much. There isn't even a menu and the special features are the same features you can see from the DVD release of 2001. Why bother? Understandably...they went all out on the new Scarface release, but why not show the same appreciation and effort to introduce this film to a completely different audience? MGM shouldve sold the rights to Criterion Collection. Criterion wouldve treated this film the way it truly shouldve been. Watch this film! Enjoy...just be aware...it's the lesser of two evils buying this ridiculous excuse for a release. You can buy this at a normal price...or spend an arm and a leg from some turd that knows the DVD is out of print, and is milking it.

Read Best Reviews of Dressed to Kill (2010) Here

DRESSED TO KILL is one of my favorite Brian De Palma films next to Carrie (Special Edition), and so when I found out that it was being released on Blu-Ray, I had to buy it even though I already owned the Dressed to Kill DVD.

The picture quality is excellent! No noise or scratches, particularly during the dark scenes, and the image quality is razor sharp even in the dream sequences and foggy shower scenes.

And the movie still holds up after all these years. It's still a fascinating thriller and I'm always finding new images and hints throughout the movie on repeated viewings, especially on this new Blu-Ray transfer, that I didn't notice on the DVD. Did you know that Bobbi makes an appearance long before the elevator scene?

Anyway, if you're undecided on whether or not the BR version of DRESSED TO KILL is worth it, I'd say yes with a few caveats.

First off, all of the special features that were on the DVD were carried over to the BR except for the "Advertising Photo Gallery" that showed film posters and lobby cards. I don't know why they got rid of this featurette because I really enjoy looking at the various film posters and concept art for them.

Also, the mini-pamphlet that was included with the DVD is not available here. Because of these omissions, I had to deduct one-star.

Another reason for the deduction is that the menu layout is a little confusing when you get to the extra features, and you're not able to bookmark the timeline. Maybe this was an issue with my PS3, but I was not able to put a placeholder, when I had to stop the playback, and it didn't resume playback when I came back to watch the movie, so it was a little annoying to have to start all the way back from the beginning -including disclaimer titles -to get to the scene selection menu and find my way back to where I'd left off.

Here's a run down of the goodies on the Blu-Ray:

***** SPECIAL FEATURES *****

* The Making Of Dressed To Kill * = 43:51-minutes

Featurette from 2001 with De Palma, stars Nancy Allen (Liz Blake), Angie Dickinson (Kate Miller), Keith Gordon (Peter Miller), Dennis Franz (Detective Marino), producer George Litto, and editor Jerry Greenberg, discussing the making of the movie from start to finish.

* Film Comparison * = 05:14-minutes

Comparison between the Unrated, R-rated, and Network versions of the movie including the shower, elevator, psychiatrist office, and nightmare scenes.

* Slashing Dressed To Kill * = 09:50-minutes

Featurette discussing how challenging it was to get past the censors and how many scenes had to be altered. It's a good thing that De Palma shot and preserved the movie as is, which is how we get the "unrated" version today.

* Appreciation By Keith Gordon * = 06:06-minutes

The actor who plays "Peter Miller," Angie Dickinson's son in the movie, critically discusses the genius of De Palma's filming techniques. This was interesting to watch because if gives you little nuggets of things to watch for in the movie.

* Animated Photo Gallery *

So, if you're a fan of DRESSED TO KILL, I highly recommend the Blu-Ray version for the pristine picture quality on HD. If high definition isn't that much of a factor for you and you own the DVD then I'd say you don't really need to upgrade it. Again, there's nothing extra on the Blu-Ray that isn't on the DVD, in fact, you'll get one less feature.

Want Dressed to Kill (2010) Discount?

I saw this one time as a suggestion on Blockbuster's version of Netflix, and thought I'd check it out. Especially being a huge Hitchcock fan and there being tons of reviews saying this is a huge homage to the director.

It starts off a bit odd. You don't know quite what it is this movie is going to be about, then-SLAM! You're in the middle of a murder mystery. If you really wanted to enjoy this-AVOID ALL REVIEWS!! I had no idea what was coming.

Really enjoyed it and suggest it for any thriller/mystery film fan.

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Sliver (2013)

Sharon Stone and SLIVER made a lot of sense after BASIC INSTINCT. It gave her a chance to be the hunted instead of the hunter, and also promised a whole lot of male nudity this time around instead of her being revealed so much. Eszterhas was back on board as a screenwriter, and the film was designed to be a sexual thriller about modern voyeurism with video cameras. SLIVER the book was not Ira Levin's best novel (cheesy fun but nothing classic), and I found myself not minding this movie deviates from it. Anyone who's read it knows the heroine's cat saves the day in one of the silliest climaxes ever. So don't worry about the book being better or worse with this one.

The production ran in to problems especially with the ending originally planned inside a VOLCANO of all things. Test audiences hated it, and so reshoots were quickly done. Eszterhas was not happy with the changes to his original script, and some new scenes made the actors seem a little less prepared and rushed. Billy Baldwin chickened out on full frontal nudity planned for his character, and demanded his most revealing shots be cut from the final movie. Despite any changes, the movie turns out to be entertaining fluff that never quite seems as kinky as it could be. It's still a whole lot of fun, and worth it for Stone fans. There are still some interesting ideas here.

This DVD contains a European cut with more nudity and prolonged sex scenes. For the most part you'll see much more of Baldwin, since Stone carefully handled her nudity this time around (she learned quick after BASIC INSTINCT). There are no extras, and that's a real shame. I wanted to see the real ending, but no such luck. Also no trailers on the disc because they included moments from the original ending and not the new version. And oddly enough a Lords of Acid song is removed from the DVD's soundtrack. But at least we get it bigger, longer, and uncut at a reasonable price.

You like to watch, right?

Sliver is a fantastic film. The best out of all the erotic thrillers filmed between the years of 1987-1995, preferably the time in which the Erotic Thriller genre was big. Ending with Eszterhas's JADE. Eszterhas (Basic Instinct, Jade, Jagged Egde) wrote Sliver. A film starring Sharon Stone as Carly Norris, stuck in this age of loneliness after coming out of a 7 year bad marriage. Moving into a slick and sleek sliver apartment building, she is warmly welcomed by all of it's tennants. Including, Vida Warren a woman with a dark double life. Gus Hale, a man that is willing to tell all dirty little secrets. Zeke Hawkins a handsome young man that takes a sexual interest in Carly, FAST. And Tom Berenger a classy writer, with a macho jerk attitude. When Carly gets involved, very involved, with Zeke she begins to learn that inside the walls of this building hides a secret that could reveal everything. With an ending so fast paced it will blow right by you, but a very satisfying ending if I do say so in the least. Again, buy SLIVER in the unrated version, sit down and relax in the darkness and remember that there is no place more frightening than home...

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I absolutely love this movie. When I was in high school, a bunch of us went to see it (yeah, I'm dating myself aren't I?) and I loved it then. Good to know that 13 years later I still love Sliver. Perhaps it was my giant crush on William Baldwin that really made this movie sparkle to me. Or perhaps it was the voyeuristic ambiance throughout it. Either way, this is a fun little thriller that will keep you entertained. For the guys, you can oggle Sharon Stone in all her hotness. And as I mentioned, for the ladies, there's William Baldwin to adore. Basically, a woman named Carly (Stone) moves into the Sliver tower where there have been several weird deaths, most recently, a woman whose looks resemble Carly's, who happened to be the former tenant of the apartment Carly just bought. A variety of suitors attempt to get Carly's attention, one of which brings her a telescope, in turn making her realize that she indeed likes to watch. But who's watching Carly? Ah, to go into it any further would ruin this fine little movie. I'm not saying it's the best ever, but Sliver is plenty of fun for men & women alike who enjoy thrillers.

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On the verge of Basic Instinct 2, a re-evaluation of Sharon Stone's film career is in order.

Looking through the reviews, it becomes apparent SLIVER is not necessarily an acclaimed film, but don't let that discourage you! When you choose a Sharon Stone movie from the shelf, you probably aren't looking for a pretentious "message" picture. You are looking for entertainment, full of glamour, thrills, sex, romance, melodrama, and excitement--and that's just where the priorities are in this film.

It is not a dumb film. The script is well-written, the cinematography was ahead of its time, and the direction is expert. Sharon Stone is at her best as the vulnerable and lonely Carly, and gives a deep, knowing performance, but the supporting cast varies in ability. Nina Foch and Martin Landau are wasted in small roles.

Many complaints concern the ending--which is apparently not true to Ira Levin's novel. Most book-to-screen adaptations are easy to find fault with when comparing to the book. As a viewer who has not read the book, the film is effective, and that is all that really matters! The film holds its own, and is its own piece of art.

And art this really is--the soundtrack, including the score by Howard Shore, is tremendously effective in maintaining the eerie, lonely mood of the film. The glossy, luxurious atmosphere is also an asset.

It's surprising now to read so many negative reviews, because as far as film-making is concerned, SLIVER is not a B-movie at all. It is a very classy affair. It should not be looked at as camp or cheese, because its intentions were not to be a serious message film. It aims to be what it is--an entertaining star vehicle for Sharon Stone at the height of her beauty and stardom!

It really should not be surprising, though, that SLIVER is often ridiculed as a "bad" film, when our society seems to think the only films worth watching are pretentious message films (not that messages are always bad; BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN contained a very relevant and necessary message, but some films just tell messages for the sake of it, and that is the nature of camp, in my opinion).

It also should not be surprising that SLIVER is so hated, considering the conservative nature of much of American society! SLIVER is a film which includes a lot of sex, nudity, and other sophisticated situations which imply "sin." Puritans will surely find something to dislike here! I think in the early 1990s, a lot of people went to movies like BASIC INSTINCT and INDECENT PROPOSAL, enjoyed them, and then bashed them later on because they were ashamed to say they liked such a film. The truth is they were daring, intelligent films which do not deserve their negative reputation. SLIVER is among them!

So, I am proud to be an exception, and say that SLIVER is a thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining, and well-made film! It certainly is a piece of art, and if you are looking for a message, you might just find it has something to say about voyeurism, as well as sexual and romantic independence.

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There's plenty of sex, with heavy breathing, sweat and tears. So if you're looking for a plot, but want to see Sharon Stone get busy as well, this is the film for you. Plot development is not up to par, but I don't think that was the focus of the producer. There is, however, a mystery and a guessing game that does leave you wondering who-dunnit. It's a movie characteristic of the era, so expect some predictable elements. The film is entertaining, though. NOT a family picture.

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Three Stooges (2012)

I just want to give a bit of information to anyone thinking of buying this because the official product description is a bit vague.

While the 3 Stooges did make a few films in 3D in the late '40s, none of them are included here. Instead, it has 4 shorts (Disorder In the Court, Brideless Groom,Sing a Song of Six Pants, Malice In the Palace) that have all been colorized and converted to 3D. The colorization is ok, but I would say that the 3D is actually very good.

If you're looking to expand your 3D library and just want a fun disc for a cheap price, then I would definitely recommend this. If you're a collector hoping to get the Stooges original 3D shorts in HD, then you'll have to keep waiting.

words cant describe how fun this was. amazing 3D depth like i was swept back into the 40s & 50s...worth every cent. they really just shat on the public with the DVD release in anaglyph 3D in the 90's. this makes up for it. Sick-Flix .com is where you can go for a sample of the 3D Bluray. they offer one short called Pardon My Backfire 3D which was actually filmed in stereoscopic 3D. go check it out !!!

Included Shorts in Real 3D & Color !

Disorder In The Court (1936)

Brideless Groom (1947)

Sing A Song Of Six Pants (1947)

Malice In The Palace (1949)

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I own several recent 3D blu-ray movies (Avatar, Avengers, etc), but I must proclaim that this colorized, 3D conversion of the classic "3 Stooges" is a masterpiece!

Reprocessed, from the original 2D, black-and-white videos, from the 1940's, I am simply amazed at the colorization quality, and the 3D rendering...

Moe, Curly, Larry, and Shemp, will live-on, and make us laugh, well into the next century!

:-)

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A great selection. Colour and 3D look great. Gives a new life to some funny short films. Thanks 3D classics.

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I'm not a slapstick comedy fan but a techie....how they convert the original cast to 3D has me baffled. Not even close to a spectacular 3D display but well done for its time. I bought it just out of curiosity how well the 3D would play out. It's definitely (minimal) 3D. Don't expect Dreamworks standard of 3D quality....but it will have you scratching your head how they converted it to 3D. Collectors item.

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Soul Surfer (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2011)

I just went this afternoon to the matinee, and wow what a good movie!! A main theme of the movie is that good can come out of bad. Also, it shows how we can help others through our personal tragedies and that life is not over when bad things happen to us. There is a plan for everything. I was very impressed with all the acting, special effects and the family friendly tone. There are zilcho swears. Even in the characters' darkest moments, there are no typical overused omg's or anything that would indicate they were angry at God or anyone else. They don't shy away from Christian references but present it accurately, the way the family and Bethany responded in the situation. I was impressed that the faith message that was natural, but not preachy. Also, the Bible verse quoted was from Jeremiah 29:11 and really if you were of another faith you wouldn't be offended by it I don't think. In the credits they show interviews with the real Bethany and she mentions Jesus there. However, that's who she is! Some of the critics have said oh she was too calm or sweet...but I didn't see it this way at all. In fact, in real life, it was her calmness that helped save her life!! She wasn't screaming but was in shock as well I think. I think she is just a very calm person. Later it showed how hard it was for her to deal with the loss of her limb from a functional standpoint and emotionally such as when she worried about not being attractive to boys. All the relationships and reactions were very typical of real people...nothing forced at all. It is clear how good the relationships are between the parents and among the siblings but they interact and argue like NORMAL people. Bethany has said in real life interviews that she and her competitors weren't that catty with each other, like with the antagonist they created for the movie. However, her response to the girl is very good which shows young people that being nice to someone gets you a whole lot further and can change the person. It also showed how she dealt with her celebrity status and how that was a real challenge. The other part critics say isn't realistic is about her artificial arm...but it's very common for amputees to reject a prosthesis when it's for their upper limb. Tony Melendez (singer and plays 12-string guitar with his feet) did the same thing and he found he could function more easily without the prosthesis. There are some beautiful shots of Hawaii and the underwater/wave effects were just breathtaking. I definitely recommend this movie and am looking forward to having the blu-ray/dvd!

This is one of the best movies I have ever seen.. Period. It is a movie you can take your whole family to and not be afraid of them being exposed to any kind of crude jokes or bad refrences. There is not one curse word in the movie and it's hard to get that these days, even in cartoons.! It is a wonderful movie of faith, family, and never giving up.! So inspirational and just a great all around movie.! They also did a good job staying true to Bethany's story.! Loved it and would see it again in a heartbeat! Can't wait until it comes out so I can buy it.! =)

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This movie was wonderful! The cinematography was beautiful. I especially loved the shots filmed through the pipeline as she surfed and the scenes shot looking up through the surface of the water. I scuba dive and love to look up through the water. It adds dimension and energy to the scenes. The special effects were just awesome. The actress really looks like her arm is missing. Just incredible. The acting was top-notch. It is everything I am looking for in a good movie. Drama, warmth, realism, up-lifting. This young girl is a real inspiration. There are those who might not want to watch because the message is overtly Christian, but I would ask the question, "Have you seen the movie, Ghandi? Or Seven Years in Tibet?" Did you avoid them because they were overtly about their religious beliefs? Watch with an open mind and be inspired by this young girl and the God who gave Bethany such courage and perseverance.

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I admit that I am not normally one who likes to have faith mixed in with my movie. I normally find myself more interested in the fantastical worlds such as Mirrormask, the amazing adventures of Doctor Who, the mindless bloodshed of Resident Evil, or the quirky humor of Shawn of the Dead than an inspirational film such as this. But every once in awhile I find a little gem that is just too good to not watch, and this movie most definitely fits the bill.

Some people have issue with the faith based overtones. I've though about it for awhile and decided that this is my answer to those issues: It doesn't matter if a film has a Christian overtone, Buddhist overtone, no overtone, somewhat of a maybe overtone or whatever. A good movie is a good movie, and this film is definitely a good movie. From what I've seen in interviews and the like, Bethany and her family are deeply religious people whose faith helped them deal with this. I would say that if there WASN'T an overtone it would do the story a disservice.

So why the 4 stars? This is a slight bit of overacting at parts in my opinion, plus, while I find this an excellent film I do not put it with my favorite all time films ever. I would give it a 4.5 but that is not an option.

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This movie was Triumphant!

What a story of Courage, Strength, Heart, Will, and Accomplishment!

This Girl shows all of us what is possible on this earth!!!

The movie went at a good pace... I took my 7 year old daughter with me, and neither of us were bored or un-content during the film.

The theater was full, but you could hear a pin drop, as every single person was intently staring in AWWW at the big screen...

I found myself shedding a few tears at various times!

I compare this movie with the likes of Cinderella Man, The Hurricane, Remember the Titans & Secretariat.

Helen Hunt & Dennis Quaid did fantastic in their respective roles...

I loved at the end of the movie, while the credits played, they played video clips of the real girl behind the amazing story! The clips also updated what she did in her life after the accident!

I would love to meet this girl someday!!!

I give this movie an A+, and reccomend you go and see it on the big screen!

Thanks for reading my review...

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Reds (25th Anniversary Edition) (1981)

Warren Beatty pulls off a difficult task in "Reds." He's got to juggle several epic stories, including the rise of the American left in the early 20th century, the Russian Revolution, and a personal story of two romantics in a relationship charged by passion both emotional and political.

Any of these story threads presents a difficult task for a filmmaker and Beatty weaves his multilayered tale together with skill. He pays close attention to detail, gives us a multitude of historical characters and events, and mixes his story telling with the words of real people. Beatty buttresses his scenes with deceptively simple "talking heads." These "witnesses" provide a real background to the John Reed/Louise Bryant story of "Reds," giving viewers a good grounding in the passions of the era. The attention to little details (Reed bringing Bryant lilies, the constant phrase "There's a taxi waiting," etc.) provide a rich portrait of two volatile human beings.

Beyond the personal, Beatty knows how to handle epic screen drama. The rousing montage that leads up to the overthrow of Russian government is sumptuous and envigorating. Don't be deceived thought; this is not a "pro-Bolshevik" film by any great stretch of the imagination. Reed's dissillusionment with the Soviet system is portrayed in agonizing detail. Emma Goldman's story, a really great history in and of itself, gives another point of view to the difficulty passionate people have when taking on governing authorities and social mores.

The performances are uniformally excellent. Beatty and Keaton are well matched and there's plenty of gems in the supporting roles. Standouts include Jack Nicholson as Eugene O'Neil, Maureen Stapelton as Emma Goldman, Edward Herrmann as Max Eastman, writer Jerzy Kosinski as Soviet bureaucrat Grigory Zinoviev and Paul Sorvino as Louis Fraina.

I love "Reds." It's one of my favorite films. Be forewarned, however, you could be lost and confused by the myrad of events in this film if you don't know much about political history of the radical left in early 20th Century America or the Bolshevik Revolution and its aftermath. On the other hand, if you're intrigued by the film you'll find yourself up to your eyeballs at the library reading about the true events and real people who inspired this film.

For those of us who appreciate movies that both entertain and educate, Warren Beatty's vastly underrated magnum opus "Reds" is a wonderful example of how well the two can be combined. Although it did not succeed at the box office, this magnificent spectacle concerning the involvement of an American socialist reporter in the Bolshevik revolution is a terrific movie, and also features Warren Beatty in the pivotal role of John Reed, an American journalist covering Soviet affairs for a progressive American socialist journal called "The Masses" who found his way into a series of important roles in the Soviet revolution and the regime that followed. Also found here is a especially memorable performance by Diane Keaton as the companion, love interest and protégé of Reed's who also served in a variety of roles in the new communist regime shortly after the revolution.

This movie is largely based on Reed's moving autobiographical portrait of his personal experiences during the October revolution in his best selling book "Ten Days That Shook The World". The movie opens by exploring Reed's relationship with Keaton's early feminist character, and chronicles their growth and evolution toward a socialist perspective and an eventual commitment to political journalism that took them to the streets of Moscow in the days just preceding the October revolution. Also prominently featured in the movie is Jack Nicholson as Reed's intellectual friend, novelist and playwright Eugene O'Neil. This is a quite entertaining, sophisticated, and historically accurate effort to show America's own flirtation with unionism, socialism and communism and the reaction of more conservative forces within the business and civic community. The exploration of lifestyles and constant questioning of tradition and conformity make this a terrific teaching tool by showing how critically we can look at the lessons of history. Enjoy!

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Some films have a reputation for being overpraised, and as a result paradoxically they become underrated. This is one such film. Who cares that we now know communism failed in Russia? REDS is not meant to be a piece of Soviet apologism. It is about two people who take part in exciting and sweeping historical events. I certainly disagree with the politics of John Reed and Louise Bryant, but it doesn't matter. I envy the romanticism of the times they lived in (even if the romanticism isn't authentic), and that they were able to find, as one of the "witnesses" says at the end of the movie, "things worth living and worth dying for." The second half of the movie where we see the price that must be paid for taking part in history provides good dramatic balance to the more sentimental view of revolutionary politics we see in the first half. The cinematography is outstanding and the love theme by Stephen Sondheim is exquisite. As it is a film that should be seen on the big screen, I'm hoping that REDS will be re-released for its 20th anniversary in 2001.

Read Best Reviews of Reds (25th Anniversary Edition) (1981) Here

Highly, highly recommended for those who enjoy lush, historical biopics, "Reds" skillfully and entertainingly combines intelligent, thoughtful political discourse and sweeping romantic drama, resulting in a movie that flies by despite its three hour-plus length.

Keep an eye out for how the mundane constantly clashes with the epic during the course of the movie: John Reed and Louise Bryant indulge in lofty political discourse on events that are changing the world as Reed is comically burning dinner in the kitchen; soap opera-ish affairs are entered into and abandoned as governments topple and new ones take their place; a critical meeting to assure the future of the socialist movement in the United States is missed because of a sick baby that needs tending. This constant and clever juxtaposition of the personal and the epic humanizes the sweeping events on display, reminding us that real people living real lives were at the heart of these world-shaking events, not just academic and political arguments.

To enjoy "Reds", one doesn't have to be a particular proponent of socialism past or present. I'm certainly not. You simply need to be someone who enjoys intelligent, involving movies that illuminate the people and events at the heart of notable periods of history. And "Reds" is certainly such a movie. Of course, it helps that John Reed and Louise Bryant are generally portrayed as sympathetic people whose motivations are admirable even if one doesn't agree with their politics.

This new, 25th Anniversary Edition DVD of "Reds" is well worth the modest price. The crisp yet warm widescreen visuals are almost startlingly clear; the original theatrical intermission break (in a small but nice touch) is preserved at the end of the first disc; and there are very generous extra features that further illuminate the topics covered in the film.

In short, this one's a keeper.

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I watched "Reds" the other night for the first time. I wondered how I may have perceived it had I seen it when it came out, a decade or so before the fall of the Soviet Union rather a a decade or so after it. I had to make a deal with myself; I was going to watch the movie and appreciate it as a movie rather than debate the merits of glorifying socialism. I must have succeeded in that approach because I gave the movie a 5 star rating. I felt an impressive aspect of "Reds" was the periodic inclusion of on-camera first person recollections. We saw the real witnesses of the persons, times, and events that we were watching. It certainly added credibility to what we were seeing unfold and it also added perspective. "Reds" is first and foremost a love story and the two lovers are (surprize!) Warren Beatty and Diane Keaton. I have to admit that the two of them did very good work. I have to give Beatty a good deal of credit for his role as director for which he, not surprizingly, won an Oscar. I'm sure that his hard work made it difficult to edit the film down to the normal two-hour feature film length. I'll admit that I watched the movie, on tape, over the course of three successive evenings but I don't think that I lost any appreciation of the film. I probably could have told you just what all could have been cut if I had watched it all in one sitting. I'll accept that some movies (and "Dr. Zhivago" comes to mind as a logical comparison) just need more time to tell a more expansive story.

Beatty plays Jack Reed who wrote "Ten Days that Shook the World" which did a lot of shaking of its' own when it came out. In pursuit of a combined socialist/journalist's dream, Reed found himself in Russia on the eve of the October Revolution. The scenes of that and other Russian events are quite impressive in "Reds". Long before we get to that point in time, we see a relationship develop between a class conscious writer and a wannabe class conscious writer. The emergence of love between the fighter of proletarian causes and the fighter of feminist causes makes for a different sort of love story. The expressed opinions don't always match up neatly with the heartfelt opinions. I give Beatty grudging praise for his ability and willingness to bring out this concept in "Reds" as well as his look at an imperfect political solution to a real social problem. While there is plenty of Leftist propaganda to duck, Jack Reed wasn't exactly going to morph into Ronald Reagan by the film's end. Yet Beatty allowed the passion of the Movement to come to life and the seeds of its' own destruction to also come to life in "Reds". The scene towards the end with Maureen Stapleton (another deserving Oscar-winner from "Reds") was brilliantly done with an economy of words that conveyed an abundance of nuance. Through it all is the oft-interrupted romance of Beatty and Keaton who seem to go to extremes in their seperations and reunions. I'm not sure I ever saw a "blockbuster" movie that was ever this passionate. The film's ability to maintain that passion over three houres is its' greatest strength