Perfect Sense (2011)

I first saw "Perfect Sense" at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, and I can honestly say that it was one of the most visceral movie-going experiences of my life. I have never walked out of a theater so happy to be alivein a good way! Ever since then, I've been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see it again. Unfortunately, the film didn't receive much of a theatrical release in the US, so I look forward to introducing it to my friends and fellow film lovers once it's released on Blu-ray.

To be fair, I can understand why "Perfect Sense" might not have got the release it deservedit's a hard film to categorize. The film focuses on two residents of Glasgow; a chef, Michael (Ewan McGregor, "Trainspotting") and an epidemiologist, Susan (Eva Green, "Casino Royale"), as they meet & begin to fall in lovemeanwhile, an unexplained illness begins to cause humans across the globe to lose their senses one-by-one. In the beginning, it's just a few people losing their ability to smell, but things escalate quite rapidly from there. While this might sound hokey (and usually is, on an indie budget), director David Mackenzie and his team succeed in evoking an effective & terrifying global disaster from a local perspective, and the film does enough to suggest plausible causes for its illness while keeping it ambiguous enough to allow the larger metaphor to shine through.

The effect of the disease is made even more immediate thanks to an interesting side effect: prior to each new sense that is lost, victims are hit with a uncontrollable wave of emotions, varying from despair to hunger. This leads to terrifying scenes such as crowds of people devouring everything in sight like animalsedible or not! These montages are quite effective at putting the viewer in this situationone can't help but imagine how you would feel if you were losing your connections to the world and had no control over it.

Adding to the cinematic power of the disease are the unique perspectives of our protagonists. As a chef, Michael finds his whole livelihood threatened with the loss of taste and smell, and struggles to adapt to a world with little needs beyond the base essentials of "flour and fat". Likewise, epidemiologist Susan finds herself on the front lines of the disease, desperately trying to understand an illness that is clearly beyond comprehension (and one could argue is punishment for humanity's sins).

With all the mysterious disease and global chaos, one might place "Perfect Sense" squarely in the burgeoning indie apocalypse/sci-fi genre (a la "Children of Men"). However, it's clear that "Perfect Sense"'s dark backdrop exists to illuminate the film's true focus: the romance between Michael & Susan. These two lovers are hardly an ideal pairboth come with their own set of very human flaws, sabotaging their efforts at intimacy and admittedly making it hard to relate to either of them at first. But for this reason, their relationship feels very real their flaws reflect humanity's flaws. Both Ewan McGregor & Eva Green give excellent performances, anchoring the film with their natural characters and physical chemistry, even while serving as metaphors for the whole human race. As Michael & Susan find themselves drawn together, each new sense that is lost brings an examination of what it means to be human, and what is most important to us in this world. In the end, when even our bodies betray us, the only solace to be found is in the people that we love.

It would be criminal of me to spoil all of the film's pleasures, but I must mention several other aspects that made "Perfect Sense" such a powerful experience. First, the supporting cast is fantastic, and collectively they sell the reality of the situation. The film features several familiar faces, including Connie Nielsen ("Gladiator"), Ewen Bremner (Ewan McGregor's "Trainspotting" co-star, "Black Hawk Down"), and Stephen Dillane (currently starring as Stannis Baratheon in HBO's "Game of Thrones").

Finally, and perhaps most importantly of all, I must call attention to the incredible score by Max Richter ("Shutter Island"). His beautiful and heart-breaking music on piano & strings was truly captivating, and hooked me into this emotional journey from the very first frames. Indeed, the score elevates the entire film, adding layers of emotional depth & power to the larger ideas the film could only visually suggest for the sake of budget. I hope somehow there is a soundtrack release, because if you're like me, once this music gets in your head you may not want it to leave!

"Perfect Sense" was one of my favorite films of 2011, and I am delighted that it is finally being released in America. It's not for everyone, but it may just make you appreciate the world more, and realize that the things we should value most aren't possessions, but people. I hope you walk out of "Perfect Sense" as I did thrilled and appreciative of the wonders of life, and filled with a desire to share them with your loved ones. As the narrator so eloquently states, "without love, there is nothing."

(Update 10/17/12: I just wanted to add that Max Richter's amazing soundtrack for "Perfect Sense" is now available to download in the U.S., via Amazon, iTunes, etc.)

Susan is a scientist who lives in her own little world, her entire life is devoted to research, while everything else is neglected. For Susan, it was all work and no play, until she meets Michael. A talented scientist meets a talented chef, and the sizzling romance begins. As one would expect, Susan's life begins to change, but so does the entire world she lives in. The more steamy the relationship, the more a new epidemic spreads. As the couple fall in love and share their feelings, people all around lose their sensory perception. As the romance become intense, the mysterious disease becomes more disturbing. The outcome is global chaos as the mystery continues. "PERFECT SENSE" is brilliant, powerful, romantic, and chilling. The acting is superb, and the story is both touching and thrilling. Highly recommended for romantic suspense lovers and thriller loves.

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The ineluctably disturbing aspects of "Perfect Sense" linger long after the movie ends. "Perfect Sense" is a poetic thriller that forces people to make sense of a world that is literally stripped of all its sensibilities. Slowly, one sense is lost, then another, across the world, and the viewer becomes directly involved in sly and clever ways. Will vision be lost next? And then what? How much more can possibly be lost? Ewan McGregor is satisfyingly atmospheric and Eva Green's dramatic starts and stops provide genuine intrigue. One can only hope that should the world end this way, and if we could possibly survive the perceptual annihilation, that we could once and for all come to our senses about how we treat each other and never lose sight of what really matters to us.

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"I think it's OK to panic now." A very serious disease strain has begun to cause havoc all over the world and it's called severe olfactory syndrome (SOS). It begins by smelling something that reminds you of someone you know who has died, then one by one you begin to lose your senses. During the outbreak chef Michael (McGregor) and scientist Susan (Green) begin to fall in love and their relationship is tested over and over as their senses begin to fail. Even the the plot may sound a little hokey this is actually a very good movie. At once the movie is both disturbing and sweet as well as erotic. The acting is fantastic as you believe that they are really losing their senses and you really begin to feel bad for them. To me this is a little scary because it makes me wonder if this could actually happen (from some chemical) and how I would act. This movie will give you hope and break your heart at the same time. I recommend this but it is a movie that will leave you worn out and not really in the mood to do anything after. Overall, a very good movie that is both disturbing and wonderful. I give it a B+.

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Of all the movies that I have viewed this year, this one has to be up there with the best. The amazing direction of David Mackenzie, the lulling and mournful soundtrack by Max Richter and the photography by Giles Nuttgens (both beautiful and distressing combined) pull a metaphorical statement from beginning to end.

Michael (Ewan McGregor) is an executive chef who meets Susan (Eva Green), a saddened epidemiologist, after she returns home from examining a patient with a very disturbing affliction. Inexplicable, as he suddenly lost his sense of smell for no apparent reason. This continues on to several other people at first then runs amok.

These two begin an intimate relationship quite rapidly, as everything in this movie happens quickly and without warning with one exception: each person will fall into a severe emotional occurrence previous to losing their ability to smell.

Susan and her team give it the name 'Severe Olfactory Syndrome' (SOS) as it reaches epidemic proportions and spreads world wide. There are no explanations given as there is no time, therefore one must think on their own of how, why or what is happening. The movie heavily affects your time in reacting. It causes suspenseful anxiety to build readily and rapidly as you are left questioning the reasons why.

The erotic relationship between Michael and Susan hardly gets a chance to develop, as the rapid-fire affliction follows into another sense (taste) and similarly eradicates it. Michael is 'affected' and this is devastating to his career as is Susan affected also. The couple is growing more and more dependent on each other as the happenings around them are rapid fire and deconstructing.

The symptoms preceding the loss of the senses are bewildering, wonder-struck and deeply disturbing. People are losing control, panicking and literally start unstoppable eating of anything and everything (from lipstick to things you have got to see for yourself). The photography and camera angles are astounding in bringing this chaos to life as it is all out catastrophic.

People are running wild, rioting in the streets as everything is unsafe and sickness is omnipresent. There is so much to this movie that I wouldn't want to go on with the plot any longer as I would hate to ruin anyone's response to this movie...and your response itself is everything.

Running amid the course of the film are short plugged in narratives that work well. They serve to make you think, as this is a frightening portrait of annihilation in a very different form.

When someone loses one of their senses, it is usually just that one and devastating at least. The ending of this movie presents a whole alternative view to this, as tomorrow is no guarantee and "gather ye rosebuds while ye may".

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At the Gate of the Ghost

I expected this to be a grand martial arts movie with lots of action scenes. Instead I found a really well told story with lots to consider. Thoroughly enjoyable.

this movie is only a modern adaption of the movie "rashomon" by akira kurosawa. get the original instead.

there are very little changes to kurosawas version.

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M (The Criterion Collection) (1931)

I'm sorry for those who already own the former 1999 Criterion DVD of M (including myself, of course....) but this one is a must-buy item.

After more than 7 decades since its making, Fritz Lang's M remains a poignantly modern film; a striking portrait of the contemporary human world as we live in.

Fritz Lang, who always regarded M as his best film and the one by which he would be remembered, used to call it "a documentary". It is one of the first films about serial killers, and already Lang goes beyond depicting the pathology of such criminal; what M examines is the pathology of our contemporary society of urbanization, mass politics, and mass media: it's also a film about a 20th century metropolis of mass society and mass media culture.

The former Criterion DVD edition of M was made of the best available material back then-a print restored from many different sources, re-establishing as close as possible, Lang's original release cut. It was also a good transfer for a standard, NTSC digital medium.

But what sometime happen in the world of film restoration is, some materials that have been considered to be lost are suddenly be re-discovered. This new edition of M is created (for the most parts, expect for one reel which was missing) from the original camera negative, and transferred to HD video master. The result is-more details, less scratches, finer grains, and more subtleties.

The earlier DVD was a bare one. This new edition presents Lang's portrayal of social pathology of the 30's also with an audio commentary by Anton Kaes and Eric Renteschler. Kaes's book about M published as part of BFI classics series had already revealed Lang's freighting vision, pointing out how much of M was based on real events and real details of Berlin, including some underground figures played by actual underground celebrities of Berlin. With audio commentary, his points can be more articulately appreciated.

The supplements on the second disc can be seen as a testimonies of how many filmmakers and critics regarded M as a their contemporary film, how much inspiration M has been provoking in film history. But they have seen the film in far less complete versions than we can do now; for M has constantly victim of censorships, banning, alternations and mutilations over the years. The DVD also includes that history, including the Nazis who banned the film using segments of it in a propaganda film accusing "decadent art".

Watching M again on this new DVD was again a real inspiration. Though it is an early sound film, with very limited resources compared to the modern sophisticated technologies...well, it testifies how much one can do with the medium of cinema.

Having seen most of director Fritz Lang's wonderful films noir, I finally decided to get a copy of his famous "M" from 1931. After seeing it I readily agree with previous reviewers who call this one of the true masterpieces of German cinema. And, as many film noir historians have written, "M" paved the way for the entire genre in terms of style and cinematography. Peter Lorre, despite playing a dispicable character, gave the performance of his career. Oh and in case you haven't seen the film, the movie's title refers to the letter that's used to identify Peter Lorre as the murderer when he tries to escape.

Peter Lorre plays a psychotic child murderer in Berlin who kills "because he can't help it". The police have looked everywhere for the elusive killer but can't find him. The crime leaders of Berlin are fed up, not because there's a child killer on the loose, but because his murders are causing the police to interfere with the underworld's business activities as they bring in and question virtually every criminal in sight. The crime leaders organize their own searching party and they finally catch up with the now terrified murderer after a relentless chase (which takes up a large portion of the film). Next the underworld leaders set up their own trial and the child killer trembles in fear as his life is in the hands of these mob leaders. I won't spoil the ending, but let's just say it's classic Fritz Lang.

I've seen some truly awful prints of "M" released on vhs but was very relieved to discover that Criterion had carefully restored the classic masterpiece. In short, you won't find a better print of "M" anywhere else! The image is sharp and clear and the sound quality is superb. I only wish many other classic films could get the same high-quality restoration. The bonus features are also wonderful and are furthur proof that the Criterion special edition of "M" is THE one to buy. Highly recommended!

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"M" has everything you could hope in a great film. The acting by Peter Lorre, Gustaf Gründgens, Otto Wernicke, and the rest of the cast all perfectly convey the different personalities in this complex story. The use of black & white and shadows is very moody and haunting. The use of sound is very important since it will tell you things the camera isn't showing. The camera work itself is amazing. I especially love the long shot in the beginning of the scene of the beggars are signing up to watch the streets where the camera moves back and forth, up and into a room through a window without a cut.

"M" offers so much for the viewer -thrills, suspense, humor, terror! I enjoy it more and more with every repeated viewing. Fritz Lang does more than just give ideas on insane criminals. He compares and contrasts the police and the underworld criminal systems. You learn about the "state-of-the-art " systems of that time. And the last words harken a most important message that unfortunately is still true today. Also, if you look deeper, you can even sense Lang's anti-Nazi sentiments.

It's a Criterion Collection DVD, so I had high expectations. I was disappointed with a lack of extras, but I happily noticed scenes that weren't on my VHS version. The picture was mostly clear with white lines rarely popping up. There were long passages of no sound at times, but it's possible it's supposed to be like that. (I no longer have my VHS version to compare.) The subtitles were clear and easy to read. There's interesting details on the film in the liner notes. And not like this would influence anyone's buying decisions, but I also loved the design on the case and the disc.

Read Best Reviews of M (The Criterion Collection) (1931) Here

Another reviewer here has covered the plot of the film and how good a film it is quite well, so I will concern myself with the merits of the DVD itself. The transfer is very good for a film that is nearly 70 years old. It is clear and reasonably free from defects. There is one small place in which the film appears to fold over on itself, but this lasts for only a moment. It is presented in 1.33:1 aspect ratio, the standard at the time the film was made. The soundtrack is mono and presented entirely trough the center channel. The dialog is easily heard and understandable (if you speak German) and the subtitles are well done. The whistling of the piece from Grieg's Peer Gynt suite is a bit high and tinny at times, but that merely adds to the jarring effect that it is meant to (and does) have on the viewer. This film is a masterpiece from the earliest era of sound motion pictures, and it holds up well to this day. The presentation is not perfect, but it is pleasing and given the age of this film, I don't know that it could be done any better.

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When sound was first introduced into film, the natural response from filmmakers was to use it as much as they possibly could. For Fritz Lang, however, it was to be used sparingly, more like punctuation then narrative. The story of 'M' should be familiar to those who have seen Spike Lee's magnificant 'Summer Of Sam'. There's a killer on the streets, kidnapping and slaying young children, and the police and the underworld of criminals have both set their sights on him. The film doesn't really concern itself with the killer, although he does have a few striking scenes (especially at the film's end where he pitifully tries to plead his case before the kangeroo court of criminals before him) but more so with the dividing line between criminals and police. Both want the killer caught for different reasons. The police want him to end the murders, the crooks want him caught so the cops will ease off their nightly patrols. The film makes these comparisons strikingly clear. It is a powerful film about desperation and fear, justice and innocence. Peter Lorre is remarkable in the role of the killer, his bug-eyed face twisting and contorting with considerable creepiness. His ending monologue is one of the greatest moments in the history of film. Fritz Lang's direction is near-perfect and again his use of sound is breathtaking. The shrill whistling of a tune has never been so frightening before. For all those interested in seeing just how great a film can be, this is one of those must-have films in your collection.

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Man From Snowy River (1982)

The Man From Snowy River is an all-time favorite movie of mine. Horses! Gorgeous Australian scenery! Men with accents!

But eye candy aside, it's an excellent movie in its own right, with no weak points except, very rarely, instances of mediocre cinematography. Tom Burlinson carries the character of Jim Craig perfectly, Sigrid Thornton is marvelous as Jessica Harrisson, and for years I had absolutely no idea that Harrisson and Spur were both played by Kirk Douglas.

Beautiful scenery, beautiful acting, but both are merely dressing on an equally beautifully story that flows seamlessly from beginning to end.I would praise it more highly if I could, but the highest praise I can think to give the movie is that, while I am watching it, I do not question for a moment that it is real--soundtrack notwithstanding, because the soundtrack is so perfectly suited to the movie, heroic brass and romantic piano and strings.

You don't have to be a horse fanatic to love this movie, even though it is the second-best horse movie of all time, surpassed only by its sequel, Return to Snowy River.

I remember seeing this with my girlfriends in the theatre, and then buying my first vcr so I could watch this film everyday. The cinematography is gorgeous. The music is haunting and beautiful. Tom Burlinson and Sigrid Thornton make a great romantic team, and Jack Thompson is wonderful as Clancy. All of the actors fit their roles except for Kirk Douglas. It really shows that a "big name star" had to be used to get this picture made. Kirk Douglas insisted on re-writing many of his lines, and refused to step off his horse with the entire cast at the end of the movie in homage to The Man From Snowy River. The entire end scene had to be re-written. Little wonder that Brian Dennehey was cast in the role in the sequel. Enjoy both the original and the sequel. And be sure to get the soundtracks. Bruce Rowland created two of the best movie scores you will ever hear.

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The rural grazing life in the Snowy Mountains has hardly changed since Banjo Paterson traveled the high country and wrote his famous "Man from Snowy River" poem. His poetry is an authentic voice of a frontier society in which song and campfire recitation were much appreciated entertainment.

"And the Snowy River riders on the mountains make their home,

Where the river runs those giant hills between;

I have seen full many horsemen since I first commenced to roam,

But nowhere yet such horsemen have I seen."

Andrew Barton Paterson was born in New South Wales and was the son of a Scottish immigrant. Paterson was a poet, journalist, lawyer, jockey, soldier, farmer and one of the best-loved figures of Australian literature. His poem is the basis for this gorgeous movie about the treacherous terrain and bands of wild, stampeding horses. He also wrote Waltzing Matilda, which is lovingly woven into the soundtrack.

The Man from Snowy River Movie tells a more in depth story of a cattle baron Mr. Harrison (Jessica's father) who has had a long quarrel with his brother Spur. Kirk Douglas plays both roles. When one brother finds his fortune, the second goes searching for gold. This is a story based on a time when families tended their sheep and cattle. Ghost towns from the gold rush still haunt the landscape.

Set against the untamed Australian Outback, a love story unfolds between Jessica Harrison ( Sigrid Thornton) and Jim Craig (Tom Burlinson). Jim seems to have a way with horses and Jessica is a bit of a brash filly herself.

She has her own ideas regarding a woman's choices in life and choosing the path she will take in her own career. She defies her father and runs off to find Jim. Her anger towards Jim over a horse riding accident is like a summer storm that quickly disappears once she experiences the excitement of forbidden love.

Her father, Mr. Harrison, has not yet learned that there is a beautiful place inside each person where we are either nurtured or destroyed. He seems emotionally destructive and Jessica rebels because he won't let her follow any of her dreams. He seeks to trap her in his own wishes and thinks she should settle down into a domestic lifestyle.

Jim and Jessica are soul mates with hearts as wild as the horses running free through the snow. While at first they fight their mutual attraction, Jessica seems clearer in her thinking after she almost dies and realizes there are just some things in life worth fighting for.

Equestrian Heaven with an impressive conclusion! You must see this movie once in your life if you love horses. The wide-screen edition is highly recommended!

~The Rebecca Review

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I knew this 1982 movie from the cinema and VHS, and was hoping the picture and sound on DVD wouldn't disappoint in 2002. I needn't have worried!

The DVD (which contains both widescreen and full screen versions) features a magnificent visual transfer, and a thunderous, sumptuous orchestral soundtrack. The cinematography, especially the helicopter shots of horseback chases and Australia's vast, pristine, alpine scenery, is spectacular. The recreation of pioneering life is very believable, and the dramatic story is very engaging, with comical moments and nothing offensive (why can't they do that these days?). And did I mention that the horses are gorgeous?

It would have been nice to see a feature about the epic poem of the same name by Andrew Barton "Banjo" Patterson, but that is easily found on the Internet.

Enjoy it soon with your children, your grandparents, your spouse ... even your drinking buddies! Great entertainment, great DVD!

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"NEVER CRY WOLF"..."FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX"..."THE ENLGLISH PATIENT"...

...all, cinematic and character delights as you will find "THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER"...

Technically a "10", this Aussie (and World) classic, may leave you none-the-less breathless. George Miller's direction, Cull Cullen's script (enhanced by John Dixon and David Bradshaw's, "A.B. 'Banjo' Paterson", whose original poem is the essense of the film), Keith Wagstaff's absolutely stunning cinematography and Bruce Rowland's original and heart-tugging music (particularly, the piano solo, "Jessica's Theme") may bring tears to your eyes with this simple, Down-Under western plot -but it took a world-class editor like Adrian Carr to put this gorgeous film into the top ranks of movie-watchers the globe over. Carr's timing of Wagstaff's photography and Rowland's music is the stuff legends are made of...just, dare I say it, "Professional Grade"(!)

It didn't hurt to have a made-to-order cast. Burlinson is quietly, and wonderfully, cast as the young male hero, "Jim Craig." Kirk Douglas hasn't played a better role and, as a double. Terence Donovan played the quietly strong, short-lived role as Burlinson's father, "Henry." Sigrid Thornton was exemplary and believable as Tom's love interest, "Jessica" (the woman is beautiful) and the venerable Jack Thompson was magnificent as "Clancy" the range-wise, "horse-magician" glue that holds the whole film together.

The subtle British humour Americans are so used to is sometimes raucous in the film more the better from Chris Haywood's

"Curly" (..."Ah'm studyin' to be Supavisa!").

If you can't get an empathetic rise and a teardrop over the cornea through this wonderfully crafted epic, then pop-a-top from a 12 oz. curl of your favorite brew, pull back the handle on your Lazy-Boy and turn on the Wrestling Channel...you dolt.

Filmed in 1982, it's still a true classic 22 years later.

~Bob Shank Jr

Technical Support Engineer

IT UNIX Help Desk

Engineering Computing

Raytheon Missile Systems Co.

Tucson By-God Arizona (...and, yes, we still have true 'horsemen' here they just blacksmith Tomahawk missiles in their spare time)

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Clint Eastwood Collection (Absolute Power / Dirty Harry / Gran Torino / Kelly's Heroes / Letters fr

Clint Eastwood is a living legend who is still just as popular today as he was 50 years ago, with films he's directed and/or starred in that have frequently received much acclaim from critics and fans alike.

To celebrate Mr. Eastwood's legacy, Warner Brothers, the studio Clint has worked with the most in Hollywood, released a career spanning DVD box set entitled: Clint Eastwood: 35 Films 35 Years at Warner Bros.. What a lot fans wanted to know was "What about Blu-Ray?" Warner Brothers has responded with this 10 disc Blu-Ray collection, which picks some of the actor's best efforts along with a couple of wonderful films he did not star in, but directed.

Gran Torino (2008) 116 min Rated R the story of Walt Kowalksi, a man who has recently lost his wife and befriends a young Vietnamese boy, who he teaches to become a man. This is currently Eastwood's second to last performance on screen, and easily one of his finest. The disc is exactly the same as the previous stand alone release. Extras include a nice 20 minute segment entitled "The Eastwood Way" which focuses on Clint's filmmaking process, along with 2 other featurettes: "Manning the Wheel" & "Gran Tornino: More Than a Car," which are okay, but not as much fun as the other one. No theatrical trailer is included. 1080p HD 16X9 Widescreen aspect ratio 2:40.1 Dolby TrueHD in English 5.1, Dolby Digital in English 5.1, French 5.1, & Spanish 5.1

Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) 140 min Rated R WWII as shown through the eyes of Japanese soldiers. This is considered the companion film to Eastwood's other epic WWII movie, Flags of Our Fathers and was shot using original Japanese dialogue with English subtitles. The Blu-ray includes a number of bonus features, including "Red Sun, Black Sand: The Making of Letters from Iwo Jima," a fascinating account of how the film was made, as well as a number of other interesting featurettes such as "The Faces of Combat," which focuses on the cast of the film, "Images From the Frontlines," which highlights the photography of the film, as well as the World Premiere coverage of the film from Budo-kan in Tokyo and the original press conference footage in 2006. The original theatrical trailer, without English subtitles, is also included. 1080p HD 16X9 Widescreen aspect ratio 2:40.1 Dolby TrueHD in Japanese 5.1 & Dolby Digital in Japanese 5.1

Million Dollar Baby (2004) 132 min Rated PG-13 Clint plays Frankie Dunn, a boxing trainer who refuses to teach girls the art of the sport, that is, until Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) walks into his life. Morgan Freeman rounds out the outstanding performances in this Best Picture Oscar winner. Extras include the James Lipton Roundtable interview with all three actors, a discussion segment with boxer turned actress, Lucia Rijker, entitled "Born To Fight," and a behind the scenes featurette with the producers. The original theatrical trailer, although stated as being included on the back of the case, is in fact not included. 1080p HD 16X9 Widescreen aspect ratio 2:40.1 Dolby Digital in English 5.1 & French 5.1

Mystic River (2003) 138 min Rated R Eastwood directs this story of three friends from Boston (Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, & Kevin Bacon) who reunite years later due to a past crime and a current death. Extras include an audio commentary track with Tim Robbins & Kevin Bacon, the Charlie Rose interviews with Clint Eastwood, Tim Robbins & Kevin Bacon, the featurette entitled "Mystic River: From Page to Screen" which chronicles bringing the book to life on film, and author Dennis Lehane tours the original Boston neighborhood for which his book is based on. The original teaser trailer and theatrical trailer are also included. DTS-HD Master Audio in English 5.1 & Dolby Digital in French 5.1 & Spanish (both Castilian 5.1 and Latin 2.0)

Absolute Power (1997) 121 min Rated R Eastwood plays Luther Whitney, a cat burgler who stumbles onto the unimaginable...the murder of a woman at the hands of the president of the United States. Gene Hackman and Ed Harris costar. No extras are included. The back of the case states that the original theatrical trailer is on the disc, but it is not. DTS-HD MA English 5.1, Dolby Digital French 5.1 & Spanish (both Castilian 5.1 and Latin 2.0)

Unforgiven (1992) 131 min Rated R Eastwood plays William Munney, a down on his luck pig farmer, who was once a cold blooded killer, and is now hired to kill two men responsible for cutting up a prostitute. Extras include audio commentary with Eastwood biographer, Richard Schickel, along with 4 enjoyable documentaries ("All on Accounta Pullin' a Trigger," "Eastwood & Co,: Making Unforgiven," "Eastwood...a Star," & "Eastwood on Eastwood"), the classic Maverick episode "Duel at Sundown," with Eastwood guest starring, and the original theatrical trailer. Dolby Digital in English 5.1, French 2.0, & Spanish 2.0

The Rookie (1990) 121 min Rated R Buddy cop film with Charlie Sheen as the Rookie police officer who teams up with veteran cop, played by Eastwood, to stop the bad guys, played by Raul Julia & Sonia Bragga. I'm guessing this film was included to cash in on the recent popularity with Charlie Sheen. A fun film, but not a classic. A vintage featurette entitled "Clint, The Rookie & Me" is stated, on the back of the case, to be included, when in fact it is not. The original theatrical trailer is included. DTS-HD MA English 5.1, Dolby Digital French 2S & Spanish 2.0 (both Castilian & Latin)

Dirty Harry (1971) 102 min Rated R Eastwood's first starring film with Warner Brothers, as Detective "Dirty" Harry Calahan, a cop, who plays by his own rules, that's out to stop a psychopath known as Scorpio (played perfectly by Andy Robinson) from murdering helpless victims. A true classic in every sense of the word. Extras include an audio commentary with Eastwood biographer Richard Schilckel, 2 featurettes, "Dirty Harry's Way," & "Dirty Harry: The Original, an interview gallery, along with 3 documentaries: "The Long Shadow of Dirty Harry," Clint Eastwood: The Man From Malpaso, & "Clint Eastwood: Out of The Shadows." The original theatrical trailer is included along with trailers to all 4 Dirty Harry sequels. Dolby Tru-HD English 5.1, Dolby Digital English 5.1, French 1.0 & Spanish 1.0 (both Castilian & Latin)

Kelly's Heroes (1970) 143 min Rated PG (originally released by MGM)A team of US soldiers, headed by Eastwood's Kelly, attempt to go behind enemy lines, in Nazi run Germany, to seize the fuhrer's gold treasure. A classic ensemble cast motion picture, with Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, Carrol O'Connor, and Donald Sutherland in a scene stealing performance. The original theatrical trailer is included. DTS-HD MA English 5.1, Dolby Digital French 1.0 & Spanish 2.0

Where Eagles Dare (1968) 155 min Rated PG (originally released by MGM)Another WWII tour de force, directed by Brian Hutton (Kelly's Heroes) with Eastwood teaming up with Richard Burton to rescue a US general from behind enemy lines in Germany. But is that really the whole plan? Extras include the vintage featurette "On Location: Where Eagles Dare," and the original theatrical trailer. DTS-HD MA English 5.1, Dolby Digital French 2.0 & Spanish (Castilian 2.0 & Latin 1.0)

I really enjoyed this set of Eastwood films all together in one collection. The picture quality was quite good, especially on the newer releases. Some fans may be disappointed by the older Blu-ray releases on this set, like "Unforgiven," which weren't given better picture & audio upgrades like the later Blu-rays with their True-HD Master Audio tracks.

I was a little disappointed that some of the special features were missing too, like the vintage featurette from "The Rookie," and the trailers to "Absolute Power" & "Million Dollar Baby." It was nice to have "Letters from Iwo Jima" included with this set, but disappointing that "Flags of Our Fathers" was not also included, as the two films go perfectly together. I love "Dirty Harry," as most Eastwood fans do, but it has already been previously released on Blu-ray 4 times. Surely another classic like "The Outlaw Josey Wales," or "Heartbreak Ridge" could have been included instead.

All in all, the films are good and the quality is good enough, but still could have been better. I sincerely hope that this box set collection sells well enough for Warner Brothers to warrant coming out with a "Volume 2" and subsequent future volumes after that, so we can have all of Clint's WB films in a 5 box sets collection instead of having to buy them all individually. For what you pay, this is a pretty good deal. Check it out. You'll be glad you did.

If you are a Clint Eastwood fan, you can't go wrong with this collection. Spans his a career, though it is missing a few films I would have added (The Outlaw Josie Wells, Two Mules for Sister Sara, and Play Misty for Me) it's a great collection, and well worth the price.

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This is a collection of ten of Clint's movies (Eight he acted in and two he just directed). It's a bit of a mixed bag from mediocre to great movies, but not a single bad one in the bunch. This collection was also chosen well to showcase Clint's diversity from drama to action to comedy (Although he played the straight man in the comedy) to directing. My only complaint would be that they included Letters from Iwo Jima but did not include Flags of Our Fathers. Those two films should really be viewed as a set because they're meant to be two sides of the same story and by only watching Letters from Iwo Jima you could easily misinterpret its intention.

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Usually these collections throw one or two good movies and the rest consist of movies no one would buy, but these one is really a good seletion, I don't mean that they are all great movies or all the good movies from Eastwood are here, but there are some really good movies in these package, some clasics and some not so good but completly watchable, and for these price you could not buy half of the good movies here if you wanted to buy them separately.

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The Collection is a good cross-section of Eastwood's many movies. It is an interesting way to see Eastwood mature as an actor and director. A good choice!

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Lawless (2012)

I won't paraphrase the storyline as others have done here so well. I will add that the moment

I hit play on the BD Player, I was so engrosed in the film I realized I was still sitting

on the edge of my seat after the first 20 minutes before I made myself comfortable, and never once hit pause.

I was riveted by Tom Hardy's acting, his portrayal was an original. It did not rely on a particular accent, clothing, make-up, mental defect or resemblance to a historical figure. He created an intelligent backwoods bootlegger, who despite his profession and its violence, lived by a code so strong that he appeared invincible. The glimpses of his tenderness he allowed himself were profoundly felt. The film was satisfying in its cinematography, cast, and story.

This film is worth the watch. Great acting and good story.Old gangster movie with lots of action and gives good insight of times during the moonshine era.

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I really enjoyed this movie despite the reviews at the time it came out.

Ignore any online reviews by the so called media reviewers because this

movie is well worth it.

I enjoyed it so much I bought some books here at amazon regarding this slice of history

of alcohol prohibition in America.

The acting was superb.

It shows the rampant corruption among politicians and the police forces and shows the story of one family (3 brothers)

who refused to pay the currupt politicians who had the police do their dirty work.

Rent it ..it's a 4 star movie.

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I really enjoyed how this movie was filmed! It really took you back in time and I enjoyed it from beginning to end! Shia LeBeouf was great in this movie!

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I thought overall this movie was very good! The slow start almost had me turn it off, but I am glad that I didn't because I really enjoyed it. The characters were all very interesting...and well acted. I would recommend watching the movie, and sticking with it through the slow beginning.

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