Steel Magnolias

There is a scene in Sleepless in Seattle when Sam (Tom Hanks), Suzy (Rita Wilson), and Greg (Victor Garber) are discussing what are frequently referred to as "chick flicks." Whatever the criteria for selection, there are many candidates for this category which usually include Steel Magnolias. After seeing it again recently, I decided that calling it a "chick flick" demeans what director Herbert Ross and his cast and crew achieved. This film really does have wide and deep appeal to both and men and women of all ages. Of greater significance, it seems even better each time it is seen again. The reverse is true of almost all other films which touch our hearts. As in Robert Harling's play on which it is based, all of the main characters are women: Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis), M'Lynn Eatenton (Sally Field), Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton), Annelle Depuy Desoto (Daryl Hannah), Ouiser Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine), and Shelby Eatenton Latcherie (Julia Roberts).

MacLaine and Roberts were later nominated for an Academy Award as best actress in a supporting role; a split vote probably cost both an Oscar. My own opinion is that Field, Dukakis, and Hannah were equally deserving of that nomination. In terms of plot, not a great deal happens. The film's energy is established and then sustained by the interactions between and among the five older women. Keep in mind that this was originally a play whose plot focused almost entirely on the shared experiences of those women. Some of the scenes are hilarious, with MacLaine and Dukakis primarily responsible. However, the film also includes one extended situation which has a genuinely sad conclusion. (It would be a disservice to those who have not as yet seen the film to say any more about that.) I think the acting is first-rate throughout. Most of this film is highly entertaining but whenever necessary and appropriate, Ross examines serious issues with great skill. Two points need to be reiterated: Steel Magnolias can and will appeal to men as well as to women, and, it is more enjoyable each time it is seen again. Those who share my high regard for it are urged to check out Fried Green Tomatoes (1991).

With all the attention Julia Roberts is getting these days, it's an excellent time to buy and watch the film that contains her best performance, Steel Magnolias.

As the doomed but optimistic daughter of Sally Field and Tom Skerrit, she holds her own in a cast of movie divas, including Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, and (in her best film work, as well), Darryl Hannah.

The film is basically a warm, upbeat character study of a group of women friends, played out in a beautiful Louisiana bayou town. The story begins with Roberts' wedding, then carries on through the ups and downs of the friends' lives. The male characters in the story are barely seen, and occasionally come across as insensitive (Roberts' husband), or buffoons (Hannah's boyfriend), yet one of the joys of this movie is that you come to love the women so much, you don't mind the men's shortcomings, and start liking them, too!

The standout performances of the film are from Roberts, and MacLaine, as a spinster with a sarcastic tongue, and, ultimately, a heart of gold. Her scenes with Dukakis are hilarious, yet full of the warmth that makes this film so special!

A couple of things usually overlooked, but worth mentioning; the enchanting film score (I wish the soundtrack would be rereleased!), and a bit part by Janine Turner, before 'Northern Exposure' made her a star.

This is a very special film, for both Roberts' fans, and anyone who wants to believe in the healing powers of friendship. Yes, this film can be defined as a 'chick flick', but guys, you'll end up enjoying it, too!

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In 1989, audiences were treated to an all-star cast in the film "Steel Magnolias", which follows the lives of several women who are all friends in a small Louisiana town. The film was directed by Herbert Ross (1927-2001), who directed "The Goodbye Girl" (1977) and "The Turning Point" (1977, for which he received an Oscar nomination for Best Director). It was written by Robert Harding, who had originally written "Steel Magnolias" as a play and also adapted Olivia Goldsmith's novel into the screenplay for "The First Wives Club" (1996).

The story begins with a young woman, Annelle Dupuy (Daryl Hannah), who is new to the Lousiana town and planning to work as a beautician for Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton), whose husband Spud Jones (Sam Shepard) is an often out-of-work contractor. Impressed with her abilities, Truvy hires Annelle and they receive their first customers of the day: the wealthy widow Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis), the responsible mother M'Lynn Eatenton (Sally Field), her engaged daughter Shelby (Julia Roberts) and the eccentric/antisocial divorcee Ouiser Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine). Since one of the activities that most of the ladies enjoy doing is gossiping, when Ouiser begins to interrogate Annelle about her life, everyone is all ears as Annelle explains her troubled marriage and vanished husband. Shelby then invites Annelle to come to her wedding, which Annelle does and meets a man who becomes very interested in her: Sammy Desoto (Kevin J. O'Connor). Shelby's new husband is Jackson Latcherie (Dylan McDermott), and her outspoken father, Drum Eatenton (Tom Skerritt), often enjoys teasing Ouiser about her aging dog. Shelby suffers from diabetes, but is determined to live as much of a normal life as possible, even when it comes into conflict with M'Lynn's concerns for her health.

With its witty script, wonderful story and engaging characters, "Steel Magnolias" is a very entertaining and emotional film. Julia Roberts received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, but disappointingly, Sally Field was not nominated for Best Actress for her exceptional performance, especially during the very emotional funeral scene. Olympia Dukakis, Shirley MacLaine and Daryl Hannah performed superbly in their roles, and Dolly Parton was very well casted for her role as Truvy and did an excellent job. Memorable scenes in the film include the opening scenes at Truvy's beauty salon, Shelby's wedding, the Christmas fair, Shelby revealing her pregnancy, other scenes at Truvy's, Annelle's wedding shower, M'Lynn at the hospital, the funeral scene and the closing Easter scenes. Overall, I rate "Steel Magnolias" with 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it on widescreen DVD.

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This is the story of five women who basically socialize at Truvy's Beauty shop. The actresses are Dolly Parton (Truvy) Sally Field (M'Linn -if that's how you spell it) Olympia Dukakis (Clairee) Shirley MacLaine (Ouizer) and Daryl Hannah (Anelle)and of course, the one and only Julia Roberts as Shelby.

Basically, the story revolves around Shelby who is an active person but who also has a serious case of diabetes. Shelby marries in the movie and wants very much to have a baby which, of course, would not be good for her health. Around this bittersweet main theme are a lot of other sub-themes, many of which are funny, some of them very touching, and all of them adding to the overall good quality of this movie.

What I appreciated was the realism in the depiction of women's friendships. At a time when the sneakiness and manipulativeness of girls' (and sometimes women's) friendships is being discussed, cussed, and dissected, this movie shows what friendship between basically good hearted women is really like. To be sure, the gals get on each other's nerves and not all is sweetness and light, but for the most part they care a lot about each other's welfare, and at the toughest times, they band together and support each other big time.

I would recommend this movie to anyone -including men -in fact, I have been pleasantly surprised to find out that a lot of men enjoy the movie.

But yes -you do need to have an ample supply of tissues handy! I cry every time I see certain parts of the movie, and I've lost track of how many times I've watched it.

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As already mentioned here a number of times, yes, it reeks of a chick flick. But on the simple metric of number of one-liners per minute, I simply cannot think of a better comical powerhouse! The script to this movie is an example for screenwriters.

The hilarious star-studden ensemble is set in southern US, a small Louisiana town. The camaraderie is contagious and nostalgic, and the life of the characters so identifiable you'll be involved with the film immediately. There's almost several subthemes, each character has a peccadillo to share.

But the main focus of the film is the relationship between Sally Field and Julia Roberts, a domineering mother and her strong-willed but physically weak daughter respectively, the latter also plagued with diabetes. And there is a lot of time spent on Daryl Hannah's strange character development as well as the film covers a year or two via holidays.

To me, that is what most undermines the film -I would much rather have seen more time spent on Parton and MacLaine, and even Dukakis, whose lives, in the brief glimpses we are given, seem much more interesting, and whose characters are by far much more alive and vibrant. Their barbs and quips are a compelling reason alone to watch this movie again and again!

At any rate, this is a movie you should definitely watch if you haven't already, and if you have, watch it again. What a wonderful slice of life, drama and delectable humor!

Nanny McPhee Returns (2010)

I couldn't have picked a better movie. Snaggle toothed, dreadfully homely, and a wee bit of a woman that can cause even the bravest of souls to wince, McPhee is charming. It always amazes me to watch such a beautiful actress as Emma Thompson play a character that is just so different from herself.

Beauty aside, I find that Nanny is an endearing angel that rivals even the quintessentially beautiful Mary Poppins. Sans the musical notes that dance from Julie Andrews, Emma Thompson's character provides the sane sense of ease and comfort, while teaching a horde of little demons how to behave properly.

I have to say that Emma Thompson delivers a perfect performance in this film. She's everything that a frazzled mother Mrs. Isabel Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal) could wish for, especially during the trying times of World War II. Ewan McGregor plays her husband, who is off fighting the war. As often occurred during those times, he has left his young wife behind to care for the homestead and their rapscallion brood of children Norman, Megsie and Vincent. As if times weren't trying enough, the situation becomes worse when their spoiled cousins come to stay with them, escaping the Blitz.

While Mr. Green is away, his rotten brother Phil (Rhys Ifans) pressures Isabel to sell the farm to cover his own gambling debts. Five children, a frazzled mother on the brink of a nervous breakdown, and a horrid brother-in-law drives everyone to distraction.

Thus, the WWII version of Nanny 911 arrives, intent on teaching the children five valuable lessons via her own form of entrancing magic. As Nanny McPhee demonstrated in her first film, hilarity abounds, as well as life lessons that benefit the children.

Emma Thompson is magical, and her lessons to the children are filled with a patient wisdom we all could practice. My favorite part has always been the slight transformation that begins to overtake this dreadfully plain woman, making her the beauty that Thompson truly is.

I have to give this a family film 4 star, for the simple charm and magic that can hold youngsters enraptured and keep adults smiling.

This is a nice family film, somewhere between a 4 and 5 star, so I rounded up. Nannie McPhee (Emma Thompson) is a strange nannie. She is quite magical and quite delightful, but I'm getting ahead of myself. (Of course, better to be a-head than a little behind, I always say.)

The story begins on the family farm, in the English Countryside, far from London. It is WWII. Isabelle and the 3 children are taking care of the farm while the husband/father is away fighting in the war. The farm is owned by the husband and his brother Phil. The brother lives elsewhere.

Phil wants the money from his half of the farm and is pestering the heck out of Isabelle to sell it but she is trying to hang on until her husband returns. Meanwhile, Phil has incurred some gambling debts actually, he bet the farm. Two "Hit Women" are after Phil now, threatening to remove his kidneys.

The 2 cousins are coming from the city (London) to stay at the farm because bombs are being dropped in big cities. Of course, there is a clash between the farm kids and the city kids from the minute the city kids step out of the limo and into the "Land of Poo".

There is magic in the air when Nannie McPhee shows up at the front door and quickly gets the five fighting children in line. The animals become magical, too, including the adorable baby piglets that do "synchronized swimming" (like the old Esther Williams movies). There is also a bird that belches all the time and an adorable baby elephant.

Again, it's a cute film that you can enjoy with your young children.

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There's something about the Nanny McPhee character that appeals to me even more than Mary Poppins. I grant you that Nanny McPhee is no looker, what with her hairy warts, her snaggletooth, and her bulbous nose all glaring at you as if she were an endurance test for her clients. All the same, she knows what she's doing. Perhaps it has something to do with her magic, which doesn't serve as a vehicle for light, whimsical musical numbers; it's harsher and more direct, the kind that could conceivably subdue unruly children were it real. Under her rules, it seems plausible that a child can actually learn his or her lesson, and indeed, all the children in this film are challenged in ways that many family films wouldn't care to consider. But it's not all strict policies and firm magical consequences with each lesson the children learn, she gets progressively less ugly, and by the end, she looks like the Emma Thompson we know and love.

"Nanny McPhee Returns," the sequel to the oddly charming 2005 film adapted from Christianna Brand's "Nurse Matilda" books, is not an equal to its predecessor; it surpasses it on just about every level, from setting to characterization to dialogue to theme, making for a film that's fun, thoughtful, and every so slightly creepy. It's not creepy in traditional, obvious ways, like you would expect from a brooding horror movie. It is, however, heightened to a state of strange otherworldliness, a place where audiences children included can actually see the humor in a pair of hitwomen threatening to remove a man's kidney's before deciding he should be stuffed like a dead bird. It's also a place where we feel genuine tension from the sight of children disarming a bomb that's only seconds away from detonating. In a normal universe, all this would be astoundingly inappropriate. Here, it's just right.

The plot, which shifts the setting from the nineteenth century to the days of World War II, has Nanny McPhee (Thompson) entering the lives of the Green family, who manage a farm in the British countryside. The mother, Isabel (Maggie Gyllenhaal), is at her wits end. Her three children Norman (Asa Butterfield), Megsie (Lil Woods), and Vincent (Oscar Steer) are constantly fighting. Her husband is off fighting in the war. Her financial situation is steadily declining. She's continuously harassed by her good-for-nothing brother-in-law, Phil (Rhys Ifans), who has secretly gambled away the farm and is desperately trying to get her to sign away her half of the ownership. She tries to make ends meet by managing a village shop, but her associate, Mrs. Docherty (Maggie Smith), is just this side of loony, making it next to impossible to keep the shop in order. Worst of all, her children's rich, spoiled, snotty cousins Cyril (Eros Vlahos) and Celia (Rosie Taylor-Ritson) have been sent to stay on the farm.

Nanny McPhee, with her trusty cane, can make magic happen with a bang on the floor, although not in conventional, innocent ways. To make the children stop fighting, for example, she forces them to hit, pull, and kick themselves individually, and she makes it clear that she will put an end to it only on the condition that they apologize to one another. They better hurry; more of the room is being destroyed, and letters from the Greens' father are liable to get thrown into the fire. Later on, when all five children have to work together to find a litter of prize piglets, Nanny McPhee intentionally makes it harder for them by having the pigs do what they normally cannot do, such as climb trees, jump long distances, and have them partake in a surprisingly entertaining display of synchronized swimming.

With the notable exception of Uncle Phil, that rotten excuse of a man, every character develops in harmony with the story, which is to say we learn more about them as the film progresses. As a result, no one is a one-dimensional caricature. Cyril and Celia, for example, may have lived a privileged life, but that doesn't mean they're immune to emotional turmoil, mostly the result of parents who are more interested in themselves. If they act like brats, it's only because they know no other way to receive attention. Likewise, the Green children would like nothing more than for their father to come home; they're angry that he had to leave them and their mother alone, and since they're fairly isolated from the rest of the world, they have no one to take it out on except each other. Not a single child in this movie is bad. They merely have no healthy outlet for their pent up feelings.

Hanging over the whole situation is the threat of enemy bombing, unlikely though it may be. Thompson, who also wrote the screenplay, somehow manages to take this unfortunate reality and lighten it up, not to the point of ridiculousness, but just enough for it to be engaging to a younger audience. I don't know how she managed that delicate balance between childish whimsy, maturity, and morbidity, but somehow or another, she did it. I was also impressed by her portrayal of Nanny McPhee, a no-nonsense but caring witch whose magic can make the best of any situation, no matter how desperate it may seem. "Nanny McPhee Returns" is a pure delight from beginning to end charming, funny, touching, and intelligent, one of the best family films I've seen all year.

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I have no idea if today's children would like this movie. I just know I adored Nanny McPhee Returns. I'm in my 60s. This movie was so heart warming, I'll admit I shed a few tears. Reminded me of the great Disney movie Darby O'Gill and the Little People. Just an adorable little film. Why don't they make more movies like they did in the fifties? Surely not every film has to be made for teenagers?

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How pleasant to see a movie without sex or violence. The movie is for kids, but can be enjoyed by adults. There are too few movies these days that do not contain bad language, sexual overtones or just plain violent action. They may sell well, but I prefer this type of movie that is clean fun.

The message for kids is usually something about being resposible.

I will purchase it for my own. It is a great show for grandkids as well.

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Eden of the East: Paradise Lost (Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2011)

First off I'd just like to say that I'm a huge fan of the New Funimation Eden Of The East-Complete Series Animation Cartoon Dvd TV Spo Promotion Video and the subsequent movie New Funimation Eden Of The East-Movie 1-King Of Eden-Br Animation Cartoon Dvd Trailers 85 Minutes. This film is intended to wrap up the events of the previous two entries and does so in a not so satisying fashion. Now before you people bash me, I just want to say that I still enjoyed the film. What I had a problem with is it's slow pace, lack of information provided for the remaining Selecao, and the anti-climactic way that it ended. In no way are these reasons to avoid purchasing the film. I just wanted to let people know not to get their hopes up for a huge final showdown between the "Air King" and the mysterious Mr. Outside.

In all the movie is a solid 4 out of 5. Without giving away too much of the plot, there is closure between Akira and Saki and Akira's efforts aren't in vain. I hope this review is helpful to those who choose to read it. Thanks for your time.

*Spoilers Ahead*... do NOT read if you do not want to know how it ends.

Same as Joshua Adair's review, please do not bash me. There are some very emotional ppl out there when it comes to these things, so just try to accept the fact that a review can contain an opinion that is different from yours.

This review is for the entire series, not just the last movie.

I, also, loved this series. It has it's flaws, one of them (for me) was a bit inexcusable, but I still say it is worth the time and effort to watch this series and the subsequent movies.

First, the pros; the animation is breathtaking drool-worthy, beautiful, can't-take-your-eyes-off-it type of thing. One of my favorite things about EotE's look is the choice in color palette. As an artist myself, I know how tough it is to select and then stick to a palette. It can literally make of break your piece. Some very wise choices were made here. There was just enough effort made in "effects" (if you can call them that animation is one big effect, but still), realism, NON-realism, and cartoony-style humor. The animation was almost my favorite aspect of EotE.

The characters were without a doubt my favorite part. They were fleshed out nicely and a perfect mix. I loved the personality differences expressed between each version of Juiz, based on which Selecao 'she' was assigned to. The Eden team was hysterical and, frankly, very believable.

The other Selecaos were a pleasant mix of the frightening, spoiled, odd, powerful and sweet. The Johnny Hunter still fascinates me I can never reconcile her actions but I can totally sympathize with her cause. Plus, let's face it, she kind of kicks a$$ in the style department.

Saki was adorable, she was plucky and willing to invest time in a huge risk (Akira himself) without being too much of a pushover, too emotional, or the warriorette. Nothing is wrong with any of those roles, but they would not have done opposite Akira. She was his perfect compliment.

Akira himself is one of the most charming anime characters to come along in awhile. He gets a bit flighty at times (let's see how *you* behave after two memory wipes!!) but he is so endearing that you have no choice but to forgive him. He is clearly interested in Saki not just she's The Cute Girl That Helped Me, but it's obvious he's looking out for her well-being and wants her to stay near him even if he can't figure out why. Is he interested enough? I fear we will never know. He is compassionate, easy-going, tenacious, adorable, adventurous and intelligent. What more can you want in a lead?

I have only ever seen this in the original Japanese with subtitles, so I will be interested to see how well I like the English soundtrack. I usually have trouble finding enough emotional resonance with the Japanese soundtrack (only because I am sure such a thing is more subtle than English, and I simply don't know enough Japanese to 'hear' it) and I opt to listen to the English. But, I can tell you one thing for sure Akira's voice actor is without a doubt my favorite male Japanese voice actor so far. So much so, that if I find the english actor lacking when I buy the series, I will not listen to him. I will let nothing ruin Akira. Nothing.

The plot does have it's similarities to other animes, and especially books/movies like the Jason Bourne series. But there is nothing new under the sun children, EVER, and for my money when the series is as engaging and creative as this, I say who cares? if it's good, it doesn't matter how many times it's been done. I was very happy with the reconciliation at the end of Paradise Lost regarding the politics and the NEETs, the future of most of the characters and especially Taki's confrontation with Mr. Outside which was perfectly in character with him! It was just enough revenge for our hero, and, consequently, just enough for us. The open-ended aspect of the entire ending was absolutely appropriate to the subject matter there are no perfect answers with a problem this big, it says, but we have to keep trying.

Now for what I did not like about the end. Yes, it was the resolution between Akira and Saki's relationship. Without giving away too much, I believe my problem with it is one of two things: Either the translation from the Japanese to the English subs somehow missed the inflection of the plot, OR, it is the basic rule that if you are a pessimist, you saw it one way, and the opposite if you are an optimist.

I am definitely a pessimist...

This is hard for me to explain, but at the risk of inciting fan-girl flames, I'm going to try. Did he ever go back to her as promised? I don't think he did. After some of Saki's rather final-sounding narration, and Akira's flighty nature when he said goodbye, and the total lack of any visual indication he went back, and especially Saki's very, VERY last line of dialogue, I do not think he made good on his promise to her. Maybe saving Japan has him too busy now, or the fool went and had another memory wipe, or maybe he finds himself too dangerous and is simply protecting her by staying away? I am not sure. It was almost as though he truly wanted to be Saki's guy in the series (even as he knew she needed to get over her bro-in-law, and even as he was willing to show the Johnny Hunter some real affection). But then in King of Eden (after the second memory wipe, mind you), he liked being near Saki, but he couldn't figure out why. But by the end of Paradise Lost, Taki-chan left me feeling like... ok, yeah, I'll say it: He's just not that into her (anymore?). Well, Ugh! You build me up then give me that?! *sigh*

That aspect of the plot left me cold & wanting. It is the ONLY reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5. You want so badly for them to be together not for a story book romance crap ending, I hate that stuff but because they are just so good together that you get addicted to 'them'. Who knows, if I can find it in my heart to be more optimistic, I may come back and upgrade that rating. ;) But don't hold your breath.

Don't get me wrong, I still loved this anime. And I will watch it over and over like I did with Samurai Champloo. I admit the series was more engaging than the movies, but that was nothing more than a timing thing, and the part of the ending that I hate... well, I truly, REALLY hate it.

But... I loved it, and can't wait to get all my copies.

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I was a big fan of the show, or at least the first 2/3 of it or so. The series is animated beautifully, and revolves around a very compelling question we all ask ourselves: given the ability, how would you fix your country?

The movie leading up to this one, King of Eden, was practically a repeat of the plot device used in earlier episodes, except with less of a journey of discovery, less interesting characters being introduced, and a general sense of waiting around before anything important to the happens plot-wise.

I wanted badly for this series to go out with a bang by returning what made this series great to start with: the suspense, the plans that come together over time, the confrontation with other characters given the same opportunity, even the romantic development.

But I can't forgive this movie. There's a lack of compelling narrative, climax, character development, or satisfying resolution. There's no indication that the events of the movie has a meaningful impact on anyone. The main character's childhood experience is covered again. It doesn't lead to an epiphany, the topic just gets dropped later on. There's no confrontation with an antagonist, no obstacle to overcome, just a few travels, a few conversations and a mouthpiece to voice vague speeches about two of the character's hopes for Japan. I would recommend this only to people that were major fans the series and 1st movie.

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I decided to buy and look into this anime (and its two feature-length movie continuations) for two reasons: one, the animation looked gorgeous, and two, the plot sounded very intriguing and original. While I can say that it did fulfill both of those expectations, it didn't quite reach the heights it seemed like it could have.

I won't spoil anything here and I won't bother giving a plot synopsis because you can read it on here already; what I will say is that the mysteries are all enticing at first, but like so many mysteries, the answers don't live up to the questions. After learning the truth behind the plot, I was excited for where the show could go with it, but it... didn't, really.

The plot sort of fumbles along without really taking advantage of the tools it's set up, and in the end it leaves you feeling unsatisfied. The two sequel movies are absolutely necessary if you care at all about the story or closure, but even with them you'll probably feel disappointed. This is simply my opinion, however you may find something here that I didn't.

On the plus side, the characters are pretty great (except for the protagonist during "King of Eden", who is very lacking in personality for that movie only for reasons that will be clear if you watch it), and their interactions are very real. The mystery, while it lasts, is intriguing enough to keep you watching to learn more, even if you're ultimately unsatisfied with the denouement. The animation and artwork are beautiful and the music is good enough.

Overall, I think that Eden of the East is worth a watch for those curious, but not worth a purchase unless you just really take to it. It's an entertaining enough ride, but at the end of the day it never reaches the heights or importance of "Ghost in the Shell" despite purporting to be similar, and so it's best enjoyed as one would enjoy something like the "Bourne" movies an entertaining but ultimately shallow experience that's fun while it lasts, but leaves little impact.

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The net surrounding Saki and her group is closing in. The identity of Mr. Outside is revealed, and so is the secret behind Akira's memory. The series left many questions and this movie answers many. All the great things about the series are represented in this anime too. If you're a fan of Eden of the East, then Paradise Lost is a good movie for you to watch.

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Sterile Cuckoo (1969)

This lovely, heartwrenching film is the sort of story that just doesn't get told today -perhaps the innocence & honesty required just isn't there any longer. More's the pity, because this is a beautifully tender story of first love & its inevitable ending, which deserves to be seen. Liza Minnelli is unafraid to play the eccentric, lonely Pookie as needy & infuriating when required. Yet we never lose our sympathy for her, especially as we realize that Wendell Burton's shy, introverted Jerry is gradually outgrowing her. She's exactly what he needed to break out of his shell, and he clearly understands this ... but he sees that they're destined to go different ways before she does (or before she'll admit it to herself). Minnelli & Burton are superb together, utterly convincing in their wistful, somewhat lost, always searching way. And Tim McIntire's supporting performance as Jerry's boastful roommate, who surprises us with a heartfelt confession on a night drive home, is a small gem in its own right. "Come Saturday Morning" is the perfect song for this small but deeply affecting story of first love, lingering in the memory along with the characters. Highly recommended!

(Now, when is it going to be released on DVD?)

In my review of 'Cabaret', I rather rashly claimed that Liza's turn as self-destructive Ingenue Sally Bowles was her 'once-in-a-lifetime' performance. That, however, was before I caught this 1969 Gem, 'The Sterile Cuckoo', on Sky Classics.

Beautifully-directed by Alan Pakula in that strange, isolated, stereotypical 1960's-flick style, 'The Sterile Cuckoo' tells the bittersweet, emotionally macabre tale of anally-retentive college freshman Jerry Payne (Wendell Burton), and his intense relationship with the scatterbrained, maniacal Pookie Adams (Liza Minnelli), an enigmatic and energetic girl with a sad past.

Liza's first Oscar nomination was very thoroughly deserved. Even as late as 1969 the Oscars were not yet the meaningless PR-Fest that we now know them to be, and it's nominations for odd, thought-provoking performances like Minnelli's, here, that restores our faith in that system. She's absorbing and heart-wrenching, infuriating and devastating, all at the same time. Her perfect foil comes in the guise of the extremely skillfull performance turned in by Wendell Burton, in the role of her hapless boyfriend Jerry. He's the ideal contrast to Minnelli's mania, and though we are oftentimes infuriated by his apathy, we can't help but simultaneously sympathise with him.

Pakula's direction is excellent. The vistas are beautiful; simple and isolated, with so much 'New England' jumping from the screen as to make you all but feel the leaves crunching beneath your feet. The sparse countryside, punctuated by violent outbursts of colour, is the perfect metaphor for the central relationship, and Pakula makes extremely clever use of this in the scenes of Pookie and Jerry's early relationship.

A classic slice of 60's ideal surrealism, this is a beautifully-crafted, emotionally absorbing movie that REALLY should be on DVD by now. Highly recommended.

Buy Sterile Cuckoo (1969) Now

The first time I saw this movie it bothered me. Watching the love story develop between Pookie and Roger was like watching a horror movie, I kept wanting to yell at the guy for getting into a relationship with this obviously unstable, needy, life-sucking parasite of a human being. But the film haunted me (maybe because I couldn't get "Come Saturday Morning" out of my mind), so much so I bought the video. It's really a different film that couldn't be made today. The pace is different, the plot depends on the characters, Liza Minelli's performance breaks your heart. I suggest this film to anyone who doesn't like the typical romance film of the "Pretty Woman" persuasion. Watch it after you've broken up with somebody if you want a good cry.

Read Best Reviews of Sterile Cuckoo (1969) Here

This is one of Liza Minnelli's earliest films, and her first Academy Award nomination. She is outstanding as Pookie Adams, a lonely girl from a family with a sad history. She is highly intelligent and extremely winning, especially in the first scene, on a bus, where she manipulates some nuns into letting her sit next to the object of her desire, Jerry Payne. They are going to near-by colleges, and Pookie pursues Jerry, cleverly winning him over, until he finally falls in love with her. In my opinion this is the all-time best coming of age movie! A *must* see for everyone!!! You'll watch it over and over!

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I fell in love with this movie while still in high school (1972) and it is one of my favorites. There are so many good scenes that it would take forever to list them. But two stand out and are the best in the film. The scene where Pookie and Jerry are going to have sex for the first time is sweet and honest and absolutely hysterical. Liza's telephone scene ranks up there with Louise Rainer's in "The Great Ziegfeld" and Barbra Streisand's in "The Way We Were". It will tug at your heart strings like no other scene in any movie in recent years. Liza should have beat out Maggie Smith for the OSCAR for this one for which she was nominated. A wonderful movie with laughs, tears, good music and incredible performances. Please bring this to DVD PLEASE!!!

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The Professionals (1966)

Given the credentials of the people involved in bringing The Professionals (1966) to the screen, written and directed by Richard Brooks, who also did The Killers (1946), Key Largo (1948), Elmer Gantry (1967), and In Cold Blood (1967), starring Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan, Woody Strode, and Jack Palance (Believe it....or not!), you would have thought I would have heard about it before now, but I didn't, and there you go...

Anyway, the film begins with the assemblage of four men by a rich, Texas cattleman named Joe Grant, played by Ralph Bellamy (the old dude who wasn't Don Ameche in the John Landis/Eddie Murphy/Dan Aykroyd movie Trading Places), for the purpose of rescuing his young wife Maria, played by the voluptuous Claudia Cardinale, from the clutches of her kidnapper, a Mexican rebel bandit named Jesus Raza (Palance). Seems Raza has made off with the woman and is now demanding $100,000 for her safe return, an amount Mr. Grant would be willing to pay, except he fears that even after he pays the monies, Raza would still harm his wife. As the men come together with the offer of $10,000 apiece if they're successful, we learn of their particular talents. First there's Henry 'Rico' Fardan (Marvin), a master tactician and someone who actually knows Raza as they served together in the Mexican revolution, followed by Bill Dolworth (Lancaster), who also served with Fardan and Raza, and is an expert with explosives, Hans Ehrengard (Ryan), whose skills involve horse wrangling, and finally Jake Sharp (Strode), an expert with weapons, specifically guns and the bow and arrow, and also an experienced tracker. Given that Raza has a good number of men at his disposal, I'd say maybe close to 200, the task would seem highly unlikely, but the men also must deal with first getting to the camp, which involves trekking through the Mexican desert, where temperatures during the day could fry your face off, while the cold night after the sun drops is nearly enough to freeze your blood, but $10,000 is a lot of money, and the group, being men of honor, did give their word, fully aware of the dangers involved, and the probability of success.

While the story may not be highly original, the elements that make it up work very well to make this a highly enjoyable movie. Marvin is great as the brains behind the operation, carefully planning everything, knowing exactly what he has to work with and also having the confidence in the men to perform their tasks, keeping things simple, and avoiding complexities that would normally foul things up. He pulls off his character well, an intelligent man would understands the value in proper preparation especially when the odds are high. Lancaster is also wonderful, presenting a highly likeable character with color, one whose priorities seem simple enough in money and women, but who also exhibits more depth as the film unfolds. Ryan (a highly under-rated actor, in my opinion) and Strode are also quite good, despite the lack of character development given to Marvin and Lancaster, which isn't a negative as we are given just enough to endear the characters to the audience, but not so much to bog the film down, and all four displayed a level of credibility respective to the skills each possessed. Claudia Cardinale was certainly nice to look at, and she was capable, but if I had to choose a weak link in the film, it would probably be her, but given how well all the other elements of the film worked, this was entirely a minor issue. Now when I heard Jack Palance was going to be playing a Mexican, I had my doubts as I just couldn't see it, but he pulled it off. We didn't see much of him in the first half, but in the last half his character really came to life, giving us more than just a character motivated by greed, but one driven by his ideology, in doing what he has to to survive and further his cause. The expansive desert scenes throughout the film are really beautiful, giving a wonderful backdrop to the story, providing a realism you just can't get shooting on a studio backlot. There were a number of twists and turns within the story, as very little is as it seems, and while some of it was predictable, this did little to take away from the film. I also enjoyed the study of the motivations of the various characters, their questioning of the moralism in past and present actions. The film could have gotten mired within this element, but, as with other elements of the movie, there was just enough present to keep things interesting and add a bit of welcome diversity while not taking away from the overall story. The movie does run just under 2 hours, but rarely slows down, as the excellent direction by Brooks keeps things fairly balanced and moving along at a good pace.

The digitally remastered picture here looks amazing, available in both wide screen and full screen formats, and I thought the audio was also very good, being very crisp and clear. With regards to special features, there is any number of subtitles (including English) available, along with an original theatrical trailer and somewhat comprehensive, yet concise, biographies of the talent, including selected filmographies. Also included on the insert in the DVD case are production notes which detail the people involved, the locations the film was shot, along with information about the original release date and the various awards nominations the film received. All in all an excellent film, maybe not the quintessential western of Sam Peckinpah's The Wild Bunch (1969), but certainly required viewing for fans of western films and certainly worth looking into for anyone just interested in a good film in general.

Cookieman108

I thoroughly enjoyed viewing The Professionals on DVD, with one exception...during a seduction scene between Lancaster and Cardinale, a black band is artificially placed across Cardinale's chest so that the viewer cannot see her in her topless glory. Wait a second, didn't I buy this disc? Why is this film being censored in this fashion? Viewers should be notified of this travesty before deciding whether to purchase an otherwise worthwhile film.

Buy The Professionals (1966) Now

Fans of great westerns will love this movie. I consider it one of the best ever made. Being a fan of movies like "The Magnificent Seven", "The Wild Bunch", "Once Upon a Time in the West", "Hombre", "Valdez is Coming", and "El Dorado", I think this one is a keeper too.

By far one of Lee Marvin's and Burt Lancester's best movies. Fine performances are turned in by Robert Ryan, Woody Strode, Jack Palance, and Ralph Bellamy too. Claudia Cardinale is decent but nothing to write home about. She is much better in "Once Upon A Time in the West".

The action is excellently paced and the direction is masterful. Add in beautiful scenery and good music and you have a winner. The story of men rescueing someone from overwhelming odds is not new, but this is a magnificent rendition of it. This DVD is well priced and I highly recommend it.

Read Best Reviews of The Professionals (1966) Here

The Professionals is a very entertaining western that does not receive the same hype as many other westerns made during the same time period. It is an excellent story with an even better cast. The story is about the efforts of four men to rescue a railroad tycoon's wife from the Mexican revolutionaries she was kidnapped by. They must travel deep into Mexico to rescue her battling bandits, the weather, and themselves all the way. The film is very good at dealing with the friendships between the men as the time and the land changes much as the Wild Bunch or Butch Cassidy/Sundance Kid did. How can these men change their lives as the world around them changes? The movie blends plenty of great dialogue with a ton of quotable lines, a lively score from Maurice Jarre, and great acting all-around. Can't miss western and highly recommended.

Burt Lancaster gives another excellent performance as Bill Dolworth, the explosives expert, Lee Marvin stars as Rico Fardan, the leader of the men and also a munitions expert, Robert Ryan plays Hans Ehrengard, the horse wrangler who cares so much for his horses, and Woody Strode gives an excellent supporting performance as Jacob Sharp, the adept tracker who dispatches his enemy with bow and arrow. All four give great performances. How could you go wrong with such a cast? Jack Palance is very good as Raza, the leader of the revolutionaries/bandits who has a past with . Ralph Bellamy plays the husband who desperately wants his wife back, played by Claudia Cardinale who looks beautiful. The new Special Edition DVD includes three excellent featurettes, "The Professionals: A Classic," "Burt Lancaster: A Portrait," and "Memories from the Professionals" which includes interviews with Claudia Cardinale, widescreen presentation, and a theatrical trailer. Check out this western if you haven't seen it before! The Professionals is an excellent, action-packed western with a perfect twist at the end, quick snappy dialogue, and a great cast. Do not miss!

Also, if you like the movie check out the novel by Frank O'Rourke, also called a Mule for the Marquesa.

Want The Professionals (1966) Discount?

If you like adventure stories with well developed characters, then this is a great flick for you. I have seen this one probably 100 times since it was first released and I still love it. It is right up there with the Magnificent Seven, Tombstone, The Wild Bunch, and The Long Riders. The comradery of Lancaster and Marvin is subtle and satisfying. Woody does a better than average negro bounty hunter and Ryan is the guy you want to punch for being such a sissy through most of the damn film. Palance's speech about the Revolution is truly inspired and let's not forget C.C. who "never says no." There are enough witty lines, gun battles and chase scenes to satisfy even the most hardcore adventurer and last but not least, the final line from Lee Marvin to Mr. Grant. That alone is worth the cost of the film. So put on your old campaign hat and a bandana.... then sit back and enjoy

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Om Shanti Om (2007)

This spectacle of colours and sounds is like a celebration of Bollywood with its crème de la crème cast and crew, and a story set in the Indian film industry spanning 30 years of classic and cult movies. As such, this film cannot fail to stir the hearts of most Indians and lovers of Bollywood, but its appeal can reach much further beyond its domestic arena because of its high production standards and personnel of international acclaim. The two most famous names in "Om Shanti Om" are Shahrukh Khan, one of India's most talented and versatile actors, and the film's scriptwriter, choreographer and director, Farah Khan, who has also earned many local and international awards for her outstanding productions. The two Khans (not related) have already worked together successfully on several big hit movies, and "Om Shanti Om" is yet another step along this fantastic journey into semi-fantasy, escapism and sheer delight for the senses. Although technically a Bollywood standard production of nearly three hours in length with about eight song and dance scenes throughout, "Om Shanti Om" is in fact many films in one as it embraces three decades of Indian films. A basically simple story is very effectively woven through this film industry history, mixing a tragic drama with the unreal world of show business while making fun of its own industry by overplaying the sentimental tones of many classic Indian films. For this reason alone, a general knowledge and feel for Bollywood would help the viewer to appreciate and understand these playful yet respectful tributes to Indian cinema. Yet the story itself already makes for general entertaining viewing, and the high-profile stars, brilliant music and choreography, as well as lavish sets make this film stand out from the rest.

The first half of the film is set in the 1970s, complete with garish fashions and cars, big hair and sideburns, and even nauseating Seventies wallpaper, as we watch a young studio extra trying to get closer to the beautiful, famous actress he is in love with, when suddenly tragedy strikes. But true to Hindu traditional belief, his soul is reincarnated that very instant into a newborn baby so that 30 years later in our present day when he finally remembers his past life, he can mete out justice and revenge on the evil perpetrator who took the life of his beloved three decades ago, but not without a nice little twist at the end. A lot of work went into making the sets, especially those with an authentic 1970s look and feel, and even the songs and music in the first part of the film are in the style of Bollywood's Seventies films. Some Bollywood cult figures are also comically represented, but many are also internationally recognizable or are very similar to Western and Hollywood characters and movies, such as a parody of India's Filmfare Awards: Bollywood's Academy Awards, at which everyone who is anyone in Bollywood makes at least a two second appearance in their most typical and best recognized role or personality. For viewers not up on Bollywood's Who's Who, the second disc in this set might be helpful with nearly three hours of "the Making of..." complete with interviews, bloopers, deleted scenes, audience comments, interactive trivia quiz and much more, all with English subtitles. A nice, colourful booklet also has a brief summary of cast and crew which serves as a nice introduction to get acquainted with Bollywood, and the medium-sized, autographed poster of a bare-chested Shahrukh Khan in a sexy pose is also an added bonus in this set. In fact, in recent times the EROS label s been producing ever bigger and more lavish box sets with more bonus material, and "Om Shanti Om" is the biggest one so far, and therefore worth a little extra money. Watching this top-notch Bollywood production is like taking a fun ride at an amusement park with all its sounds and colours to create the perfect escape from the real world for a few hours, and then makes you want to come back for more.

If you're any fan of Bollywood, OM SHANTI OM is sure to entertain the bejeesus out of you. This movie is joyful and extravagant and at times very funny. It tells of love and revenge, and of reincarnation and redemption. There's also a bit of film industry spoofing going on. This is only Farah Khan's second turn at directing (after Main Hoon Na, yet another must-see cinema), but she already shows signs of becoming a great director. Certainly she knows how to tell a story, although, to be honest, in this instance, the story is overshadowed by the spectacle. Despite some tragic and somber moments in the plot, OM SHANTI OM remains overwhelmingly a display of sheer, rowdy exuberance. It's a party caught on film.

Plot SPOILERS now.

It's Bollywood in the 1970s. Om Prakash Makhija (Shahrukh Khan) is a lowly, aspiring actor (or "junior artist"), whose resume, at this stage, consists of taking on gigs as an extra in films. He is seriously crushing on reigning Bollywood queen Shantipriya (Deepika Padukone), with whose billboard image he often converses. Om's dream comes true one day when he gets to meet Shanti, and even ends up saving her life. But Om then stumbles on a secret which makes any notion of romance with Shanti an impossibility.

Things take a turn to the sinister when Shanti perishes in a fire deliberately caused by a shady movie producer (Arjun Rampal), and Om, in a desperate bid to rescue her, soon after passes away from grievious wounds. But, nearby, in fact in the same hospital, as Om takes his last breath, the baby son of a famous actor is born. And the baby's name happens to be Om. You see where this is going, right?

30 years later, Om Kapoor (again Shahrukh Khan) has followed in his father's footsteps and has himself become a celluloid superstar. But his priveleged status has gone to his head, making him into a spoiled and selfish brat. Om also loses some street cred with his underwhelming brand of cussing, which mostly consists of "Oh, fish!" And, mysteriously, he's had a fear of fire all his life. Events unfold to at last make Om recall his past life even as he prepares to make a film, under the patronage of a shady movie producer (yes, that same one from 30 years ago). Then a bubblegum chewing girl named Sandy enters Om's life. Sandy is a huge fan of his and bears a striking resemblance to Shanti. And, suddenly, Om sees a way in which his beloved Shanti's death can be avenged...

SPOILERS end.

Bow down to this blockbuster picture if you, in any shape or form, are hooked into Bollywood, and, specifically, into the 1970s Indian film industry. OM SHANTI OM is simultaneously a fond sendup and a wry homage of that wild and wooly era. For one thing, if you go way back to those days, then you'll enjoy that bit of fun with 1970s actor Manoj Kumar (although, reportedly, Kumar himself wasn't too enthused with all the ribbing). If you pay attention, you might even learn how Govinda might possibly have gotten his screen name. Myself, since I've started watching Bollywood only about two years ago, I'm sure many inside jokes flew by unrecognized, over my head and unappreciated.

OM SHANTI OM reunites Shahrukh Khan and director Farah Khan (MAIN HOON NA and other films), and these two are undeniably the wellspring of the film's energy, enthusiasm, and vision. The general feel here is one of good-natured boisterousness, yet Shahrukh and Farah keep this ship steady and on course. The feel-good nostalgia is tempered by enough contemporary touches in the second half of the film, so that even the younger generations are kept engaged. Fair warning, though, if you haven't seen any (or a lot) of Bollywood cinema, OM SHANTI OM just may overload your senses and sensibilities.

It's near 3 hours long, and packed with many wonderful moments. As when Om first gets a chance to talk to Shanti but is so flabbergasted he can only make weird faces and funny noises; this, even as his voice-over reflects his elegant but unsaid responses to Shanti's questions. Then there's Om pretending to be a big movie star and then having to put on an act when Shanti comes to visit his set. And those are just two in a busload of memorable scenes. The film does tend to bog down post-intermission, but, still, the second half has its share of highlight bits. Unmissable is the whole Filmfare Awards sequence, which had me rolling on the floor and revealed what good sports Abhishek Bachchan and Akshay Kumar truly are. This is followed by an all-star afterparty as Om's pals in the movie biz show up to help him celebrate (this is the portion of the film where you play "Spot that Bollywood Star!"). Shahrukh pokes fun at himself with the two suspiciously similar "movies" he's nominated for in Filmfare. And, for the ladies, the musical number "Dard-e-Disco" showcases Shahrukh's rockhard abs, which, rumor has it, he'd worked on for 3 months. Me, being a manly man, I shrugged at the newly buff Shahrukh (while bitterly drowning in envy, of course).

Oh, man, the sets, the sets, the opulent sets. I don't know how much it cost to finance this film, but it was well worth it. The set designs are spectacular, especially the 1970s film studios, before and after the devastating fire. The awesomely garish costumes and hair styles simply evoke that era, even as you grin at the kitschiness of it all. Most of the songs rock, from the sweet "Ajab Si" to the hauntingly melodious "Main Agar Kahoon." The wonderful "Dhoom Taana" is evocative of the tunes churned out back in the day (the song's set pieces incorporate pirates, the cabaret, tennis and also, thru special effects, 1970s stars Amrapali, Jay Vijay, and Saccha Jhoota). "Dard-e-Disco" is an item number, with Shahrukh himself, abs and all, as the "item girl" on display (Farah Khan calls him that). The showstopper, of course, is "Deewangi Deewangi" in which 30 Bollywood big names pop in and boogie down with Shahrukh ("All the hot girls put your hands up and say Om Shanti Om...").

It's almost impossible not to have fun when you make a movie like this. The actors must've had a blast. More importantly, they were good. Deepika Padukone is a star in the making. This is the former model's debut film in Bollywood, and she's tall and gorgeous and is engaging as the sad Shanti and, later, as the klutzy Sandy. Also a former model, Arjun Rampal's acting hasn't impressed me in the past. But, here, as the conniving movie director Mukesh Mehra, he lands possibly his best role. He's surprisingly effective as the villain, in spite of that tacky little foo-foo mustache. Kirron Kher is also memorable as the melodramatic mom. As for Shahrukh Khan reliably over-the-top yet magnificent and poignant for all that the guy owns this movie. Even in his goofiest moments, he never loses that charm. There's a reason Shahrukh is one of the (if not THE) most sought after actor in Bollywood.

Eros International pulled out the stops with this dvd packaging, too. There are two dvds in this set, and they come in this oversized, very cool protective box. The first disc has the movie, the song selections, and the Director's Commentary (taped while Farah Khan was lying in bed, 6 or 7 months pregnant). The second disc has 2 and a half hours of extravagant bonus features: the pretty thorough Making of OSO; the Making of the Songs (sorry, I always find this segment boring); the not-very-serious (and occasionally annoying) interview with SRK, Arjun Rampal, Deepika Padukone & Farah Khan; Bloopers; Visual Effects (interesting for the "Dhoom Taana" segment); OSO Events worth watching for the Music Launch, the Fashion Show, the London Premiere, and the Special Screening (where you get other actors' reactions); and an OSO Trivia Game. The best part (for me, anyway) is that most of this stuff is sub-titled in English. There's also a booklet with Cast & Crew bios and a poster of Shahrukh and his abs and his autograph.

Bollywood hasn't been exactly shy about producing movies with a reincarnation theme. But OM SHANTI OM may be the most buoyant and feel-good of them all, despite the dark supernatural element which creeps in. The plot, admittedly, is mediocre and rehashed, so we're pretty much on automatic when it comes to the storyline. The fun, instead, lies in soaking in the nostalgia and the gentle lampooning, the glorious absurdity and even the friendly self-indulgence of the film. Then there's also the tons of cameo appearances. Inspired by a warmth for the past and crafted with skill and heart and imagination, it's very hard not to be swayed over. OM SHANTI OM is a celebration of Bollywood. And, really, why even fight it? Wallow in the film, man, wallow!

Buy Om Shanti Om (2007) Now

I loved this movie (even though most of the in-joke references to earlier Bollywood filmstars went over my head) because there was still more than enough fun to be had in this 2 hour and 42 minute film. Bollywood definitely gives you your moneys worth and more. It manages to give us a story filled with love, laughter, karmic revenge, and some really wonderful, eye-popping song and dance numbers with tunes so catchy that I'll probably be singing them for the next two weeks. This review is full of major spoliers although the film's ending isn't revealed.

Shah Rukh Khan stars a love struck bit player with the unfortunate name of Om Prakash Makhija in the Bollywood of the 1970s who's desperately in love with gorgeous megastar Shanti(Deepika Padukone) and he frequently converses with a giant billboard of her, completely oblivious to the stares of passers-by. One day Om and his brother have the good fortune to be cast as extras in a film in which Shanti is starring and it seems as if fate has brought them together. For quite awhile it does seem as if Shanti will fall for the charming Om, especially after he resecues her from an on-set fire. But alas, Om over hears Shanti telling her director Muhkesh Mehra(with whom she is secretly in love) a terrible secret that will make their love impossible. When faced with leaving his wife and marrying her as he has promised, the director (played by Arjun Rampal)does what most men would do--traps her in one of the extravagant sets in which they are filming and lights it ablaze. This time there's no escape from the fire for Shanti, or for Om who dies attempting to rescue her again.

We go immediately from a sheet being pulled over Om's body in the hospital to the new and improved reincarnated Om 30 years old and still played by SRK. He's the person our deceased Om had always dreamed of being, a famous actor with a great name-Om Kapoor! His life comes complete with round bed, velvet slippers, and servents at his beck and call. When we first meet him he's waking up in the middle of the afternoon to go to work at the film studio--surrounded by screaming fans (who can't help observing "He's so much shorter in real life"), fawning studio executives, and a frantic director who's trying to film a really weird scirpt.

That scene leads into the film's BEST dance number to a song called "Dard-e-Disco" which I've since learned is a parody of a number by Hrithik Roshan, one of Bollywood's number one studs. Roshan and his father also have a cameo as themselves in this flick. I doubt that he knew he would be parodied at the time. I had no idea he was a paroding anyone in particular but by the time SRK got to to the part where he was shirtless and dancing provocatively while wearing a hardhat and a toolbelt with a rope slung over one shoulder and singing "My heart is filled with the pain of disco," I was laughing in spite of the fact that SRK looked really hot. You can always count on Bollywood for a little comedy.

But it's during the "Pain of Disco" number that Om Kapoor first begins to remember his past life as Om Makhija. Later at the Filmfare Awards (which feature hilarious send-ups of other stars' images) Om's memory clears even more, and when he spots the director who had killed both 30 years ago Om remembers everything and begins to plan his revenge.

GUARANTEED END OF SPOILERS. OM SHANTI OM is a throwback to the films of the 1970s for its entire first half, which is to say it shows both the worst of the decade's fashion trends and the best of Bollywood's over indulgent opulence. The sets and costumes are magnificent beyond imagining and damn near knocked my eyes out. There are 7 or 8 musical numbers in this film, with the standouts for me being the "Pain of Disco", and "Deewangi Deewangi" with the lyrics "All the cool boys come and make some noise, sing Om Shanti Om". It's also a good practice for seeing how many Bollywood stars you can name since it's sung at Om's party as an entrance number for all the guests (who are playing themselves) as they arrive. I'm not very good but I was able to identify 6, maybe 7. Still it's an exuberant, catchy tune that will drive you out of your mind.

If you've never seen a Bollywood film this might be a good place to start even if its most subtle parts will be lost on you as they were on me. Be sure to watch the end credits where almost everyone connected with the film gets to dance down the red carpet.

Read Best Reviews of Om Shanti Om (2007) Here

Picture quality is excellent and is a joy watching it on my big screen TV every time. This movie has great songs which I have seen many many times over. Sadly the Blu-ray disk did not have a songs menu which is why I deducted a star. Maybe recent buyers can comment if the newer disks have added a songs menu. A very nice addition to the collection.

Want Om Shanti Om (2007) Discount?

Many people have covered the fact that this movie is awesome. I bought it because I kept watching scenes from it on YouTube over and over. The music is terribly catchy and I can't get enough. If you like Bollywood movies at all, you will like this.

The reason for my low rating is that the description doesn't quite match what I got. I selected the "Two-Disk Collector's Edition with Autographed Poster". Instead, I got a 1-disk copy with no poster. I was very disappointed that I didn't get the collector's edition.

Looking back at the "Product Details", I see that there's only 1 disk listed, which should have clued me into the fact that there was a discrepancy. (Usually those details are not very helpful, so I skip them).

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Stanley Kubrick: Limited Edition Collection (Spartacus / Lolita / Dr. Strangelove / 2001: A Space O

I won't review the films themselves. I have done so elsewhere, and if you are reading this, you probably are a Kubrick fan, anyway. My set arrived yesterday and I have spent some quality time with it, though I have obviously not had a chance to watch every disk all the way through, yet.

On one user's negative review with respect to the "destructive" packaging: all I can say is, if you stop and think about it before wailing on the disks trying to get them out of their sleeves, you'll be FINE. The sleeves, are indeed, engineered to keep the disks in, so they don't fall on the floor if you tip the package the wrong way. A moment's thought will tell you that a thumb on the label side of the disk, a forefinger on the edge, and some firm but gentle pulling while rotating a little is all you need to get the disks out without a hint of damage. The sleeve will release its grip and all will be well. Believe me, you'll be glad for the snugness of the fit when you realize how well it protects the disks when you're not watching them.

On the continuing Aspect Ratio controversy: I could be wrong about this, but I think the esteemed Mr. Kubrick would be fine with the 16x9 cropping of The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, and Eyes Wide Shut. It's true that Kubrick initially only wanted videos of his films released "full frame", i.e. with the whole negative image showing unmasked, because he hated pan-scan, and thought letterboxing distracting. After Barry Lyndon, he shot 35mm without a hard matte, but composed for 1.85:1 precisely because he knew some theaters would project it 1.85:1 while others would go for 1.66:1, and still others would have their own "custom" aspect ratio i.e. funky screen size based more on the way larger theaters were being chopped up into multiplexes at the time, than on the needs of the films being shown. But newer 16x9 HD TVs, which became popular after his death, largely obviated the need for near full-negative cropping, as far as video is concerned. Kubrick's visual compositions are just slightly roomy in 16x9, without the oddly empty quality of some of his shots when viewed in full-frame on a 4x3 TV. There are purists who get almost violent when discussing the "proper" aspect ratios of Kubrick's *oeuvre* on video, and who insist we should be watching them in 4x3 even now, because "that's what he intended." I am not among them. His original reasoning made sense when TVs were all squarish, but I think he would have accommodated 16x9 home theatre TVs, had he lived into the Blu-ray era. Such TVs existed in his lifetime, but they were not the norm the way they are now. If you read his interviews carefully, he was a surprisingly practical guy, for being such a perfectionist.

The transfers appear, in most cases, to be the same ones used for the last release of the collection, but in a format closer to their native 4k resolution. They are thank God NOT over-enhanced the way so many mass-market "popular" films seem to be when released on Blu-ray, these days. While they are sharp and detailed, they don't have those artificially "cut out" looking edges, either. I'm not a videophile, but I like what I see and hear.

While, as other noted reviewers have expressed, yes, most of the Blu-ray's in this set have been available previously. But altogether at once, including Dr. Strangelove, Spartacus, Lolita (first time on Blu), and Barry Lyndon (also first time on Blu), along with the new 40th anniversary edition of A Clockwork Orange? Yes, I'd say it's safe to venture that this set is worth the seemingly steep price. Because yes, at first glance, it seems like a lot of money until you realize the value at hand.

But value aside, the transfers are mostly fantastic, especially the transfer on my favorite of Kubrick's films, 2001: A Space Odyssey. The colors are crisp and the details are fantastic, especially the black and white on Lolita. I am so glad that this film had finally achieved a release on Blu Ray.

My only complaint is the lack of new features on the previously released discs and the lack of ANY FEATURES on Lolita and Barry Lyndon. Fans have been waiting years for these releases and we now only get half of a release (the other half should have contained a commentary by an expert AT LEAST). But the transfers are fantastic, making it a satisfying purchase.

Overall, I am especially happy with this release, save for the complaints that I have previously listed. I'd give the box set a four out of five.

Buy Stanley Kubrick: Limited Edition Collection (Spartacus / Lolita / Dr. Strangelove / 2001: A Space O Now

I was able to get the discs out easily without damage. They stick slightly but i just used my shirt and wedged them out. no scratches and no finger prints. They play fine. i did put them in jewel cases so i don"t have to worry about someone else having trouble. i wouldn't let the negative reviews turn you off to this box. They made it sound a lot worse than it is.

Read Best Reviews of Stanley Kubrick: Limited Edition Collection (Spartacus / Lolita / Dr. Strangelove / 2001: A Space O Here

This is regarding the non-blu-ray version:

GENERAL: If you are a fan of Stanley Kubrick, you probably own all or most of these movies. The versions on these discs are the most recent versions released on DVD, just re-ripped to these colorful discs to make a snazzy package. In other words, there are no new extras. (For example: Clockwork Orange just has audio commentary and theatrical trailer, just like the version in the last Kubrick collection.)

ASPECT RATIOS: These are fine. (I mean for goodness' sake, people, get a grip...) As with all of the other releases that I've seen (again... for goodness' sake, people, get a grip...) these all have the varying aspect ratios intended by Kubrick. For example, Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon are 1.66 to 1. Space Odyssey is 2.35 to 1. These are honestly the only three I checked.

(As a matter of fact, Clockwork is the first DVD with a 1.66 to 1 ratio that my DVD player actually reads properly! With Barry Lyndon which is on this set and Nightmare Before Christmas, I have to mess around with my DVD player and my TV to get it the movies to not be stretched out.)

THE PACKAGING: One early reviewer had a problem with the DVDs coming in cardboard casings that scuffed the discs. The package I received from amazon does not use this type of casing for the discs. The discs are cased in a beautifully practical plastic binding. Each disc is on its own "page" in the binding, stuck into a spindle. Works great.

NOTE: Watched Spartacus. Actually looks pretty awful, considering. One scene opens focused a line of people about 20 feet from the camera, and their faces are just total blurs. Also, there are little black film blemishes that come up sometimes. That said, who was really buying this set to see Spartacus?

Want Stanley Kubrick: Limited Edition Collection (Spartacus / Lolita / Dr. Strangelove / 2001: A Space O Discount?

This is an absolutely amazing set in terms of the films and their respective transfers but the packaging is seriously atrocious. In terms of content I must advise anyone who is interested in Stanley Kubrick's films to buy this set but be forewarned, the packaging is really irritating. It's not because of how hard it is to remove the discs (that's not an issue for me), it's because of the smudges and scratches that may result from said removal. My advice: buy the set and some cheap plastic DVD cases, remove the discs and house them in the cases instead of the collection booklet.

Otherwise, I love this set. I've never seen Barry Lyndon look this beautiful!

Looney Tunes: Platinum Collection, Vol. 2 (2012)

Quick reference for "NEW TO DVD" titles, all but "Porky's Hare Hunt" and "The Lion's Busy" have been previously released on Laserdisc and VHS.

Disc 1 "What Makes Daffy Duck", "Birdy and the Beast", "Home Tweet Home" (edited version previously on Saturday Morning Cartoons DVD), "The High and the Flighty".

Disc 2 "Porky's Hare Hunt", "Hare-um Scare-um", "Presto-Chango", "The Lion's Busy", "Strife With Father", "A Horsefly Fleas".

Disc 3 TEX AVERY MGM CARTOONS COME TO BLU-RAY (although in STANDARD DEFINITION)!!!! But sorry DVD fans, they will not be in the DVD version.

Since Hi-Defenition transfers were created when restoring the Looney Tunes cartoons for the Golden Collection DVDs it is easy for WBHV to re-issue these on Blu-ray. This doesn't mean that no further restoration work was done, it only means that most are the same film transfers. It will not be like comparing the old Laserdisc & VHS tapes to the Golden collection DVDs. However they will have better resolution than the DVDs so an improvement will be seen.

The "New to DVD" titles will show the most improvement.

AUDIO:

Disc #1 = 1) English, 2) Espanol, 3) Deutsch, (Not all cartoons have all audio options)

Disc #2 = 1) English, 2) Espanol

Disc #3 = English only

SUBTITLES:

Disc #1 = 1) English, 2) Francais, 3) Deutsch (Bonus Features also have Espanol subtitles)

Disc #2 = 1) English, 2) Francais (Bonus Features also have Deutch and Espanol subtitles)

Disc #3 = 1) English, 2) Deutsch, 3) EspanolCastellano, 4) EspanolLatino

NOTE: The booklet has some errors about what bonus material is on which disc. Here is the correct contents of each disc:

DISC 1 = about 200 minutes of cartoons (3.3 hours) + Blu-ray has 52 minutes of bonus material.

A WILD HARE (1940) Bugs Bunny & Elmer Fudd (the first cartoon to have Bugs' personality associated with the rabbit).

BUCKAROO BUGS (1944) Bugs Bunny

LONG-HAIRED HARE (1949) Bugs Bunny

ALI BABA BUNNY (1957) Bugs Bunny & Daffy Duck

SHOW BIZ BUGS (1957) Bugs Bunny & Daffy Duck

THE WISE QUACKING DUCK (1943) Daffy Duck

WHAT MAKES DAFFY DUCK? (1948) Daffy Duck

BOOK REVUE (1946) Daffy Duck

DEDUCE, YOU SAY (1956) Daffy Duck as Dorlock Homes & Porky Pig as Watkins

PORKY IN WACKYLAND (1938) (B&W) Porky Pig

YOU OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES (1940) (B&W) Daffy Duck & Porky Pig

PORKY IN EGYPT (1938) (B&W) Porky Pig

BACK ALLEY OPROAR (1948) Sylvester

LITTLE RED RODENT HOOD (1952) Sylvester

CANNED FEUD (1951) Sylvester

GIFT WRAPPED (1952) Tweety & Sylvester

BIRDY AND THE BEAST (1944) Tweety & Sylvester

HOME, TWEET HOME (1950) Tweety & Sylvester

GOING! GOING! GOSH! (1952) Roadrunner & Coyote

ZIPPING ALONG (1953) Roadrunner & Coyote

SCENT-IMENTAL ROMEO (1951) Pepe Le Pew

THE FOGHORN LEGHORN (1948) Foghorn Leghorn

THE HIGH AND THE FLIGHTY (1956) Foghorn Leghorn & Daffy Duck

TABASCO ROAD (1957) Speedy Gonzalas

MEXICALI SHMOES (1959) Speedy Gonzalas

The Blu-ray disc #1 has bonus featurettes from past DVD sets, commentaries by animation experts and alternative audio tracks.

1) The Man From Wackyland: The Art of Bob Clampett 21 minutes (SD)

2) Bosko, Buddy and the best of Black and White historians examine the vintage B&W WB cartoons 10 minutes (SD)

3) Leon Schlessinger: The Merrie Cartoon Mogul 21 minutes (SD_

DISC 2 (This disc presents collections of 'mini-series' as well as a special favorite selected by cartoon fans in an online poll) about 212 minutes of cartoons (3.5 hours) + Blu-ray has 40 minutes of Bonus Material.

WABBIT TWOUBLE (1941) Bugs Bunny & Elmer Fudd (voted on-line as a fan favorite)

RABBIT FIRE (1951) Bugs & Daffy in the first of the "pronoun trouble" trilogy.

RABBIT SEASONING (1952) Bugs & Daffy in the second of the "pronoun trouble" trilogy.

DUCK! RABBIT, DUCK! (1953) Bugs & Daffy in the third of the "pronoun trouble" trilogy.

DRIP-ALONG DAFFY (1951) Daffy Duck & Porky Pig western parody.

MY LITTLE DUCKAROO (1954) Daffy Duck & Porky Pig western parody.

BARBARY-COAST BUNNY (1956) Bugs Bunny & Nasty Canasta

TORTOISE BEATS HARE (1941) Bugs Bunny & Cecil Turtle, first in hare & turtle trilogy

TORTOISE WINS BY A HARE (1943) Bugs Bunny & Cecil Turtle, second in hare & turtle trilogy

RABBIT TRANSIT (1947) Bugs Bunny & Cecil Turtle, third in hare & turtle trilogy

PORKY'S HARE HUNT (1938) (B&W) Porky Pig and a white rabbit (forerunner to Bugs Bunny).

HARE-UM SCARE-UM (1939) A hunter & rabbit, forerunners to Elmer Fudd & Bugs Bunny.

PREST-O CHANGE-O (1939) two dogs are heckled by a magic white rabbit (forerunner to Bugs Bunny).

ELMER'S CANDID CAMERA (1940) Elmer Fudd hunts a gray rabbit that is not quite yet Bugs Bunny.

BUGS BUNNY GETS THE BOID (1942) Bugs Bunny & Beaky Buzzard

THE BASHFUL BUZZARD (1945) Beaky Buzzard

THE LION'S BUSY (1950) Beaky Buzzard

STRIFE WITH FATHER (1950) Beaky Buzzard

AN ITCH IN TIME (1943) Elmer Fudd

A HORSEFLY FLEAS (1948) the flea from An Itch In Time

HOLLYWOOD STEPS OUT (1941) Hollywood characters

PAGE MISS GLORY (1936) an art deco one-shot cartoon.

ROCKET-BYE BABY (1956) a sci-fi one-shot.

RUSSIAN RHAPSODY (1944) wartime themed musical.

DOUGH RAY ME-OW (1948) Louie the Parrot & Heathcliff the housecat

The Blu-ray disc #2 has bonus featurettes from past DVD sets, commentaries by animation experts and alternative audio tracks.

1) Forever Befuddled a look at the 'career' of Elmer Fudd 4 minutes (booklet indicates this is on disc #1, but it is on #2). (SD)

2) A Hunting We Will Go Chuck Jones' Wabbit Season Twilogy 10 minutes. (SD)

3) Looney Tunes Go Hollywood a look at the Hollywood star caricatures that appear in the WB cartoons 10 minutes. (SD)

4) A Conversation With Tex Avery a rare filmed interview with Tex Avery at the WB cartoon studio 7 minutes. (SD)

5) Looney Tunes Go To War a look at the patriotic roll that the WB cartoon characters took during the war 10 minutes. (SD)

DISC 3 Bonus Content totaling 432 minutes, or 7 hours and 12 minutes on one disc!(Included in the Blu-ray version ONLY, although almost all are in Standard Definition.) Most are re-issues from past DVD sets.

King-Size Comedy: Tex Avery and the Looney Tunes Revolution a new 42 minute documentary focusing on Tex at Warner Brothers, with some MGM cartoons. (Some interviews are in HD, most clips are SD.)

Includes interviews with Chuck Jones, Friz Freling, Bill Plimpton, Will Friedwald, and historians Leonard Maltin, Jerry Beck, Mark Kausler, & Eric Goldberg.

NOTE: the booklet claims this is on disc #1, but it is really located on disc #3.

Tex Avery, the King of Cartoons a 1988 vintage 50 minute documentary from Turner Broadcasting giving a more thorough overview of the life and career of Tex Avery, balancing the WB & MGM years more evenly. **There is quite a bit of duplication between the two documentaries. ** If you want to watch just one of these documentaries, this is the better one to watch. (SD)

Includes interviews with Chuck Jones, June Foray, & Preston Blair.

Friz on Film a 55 minute 2006 documentary for Warner Home Video. Friz tells the story of the origins of Bugs, Speedy, Tweety & Sylvester. (SD).

Includes interviews with June Foray, LT animator Art Leonardi, Leonard Maltin

ToonHeads: The Lost Cartoons A 54 minute Cartoon Network special from 2008 that includes some early cartoons rarely seen today like the "Spooney Melodies" series and gag reels. (SD).

Includes almost complete versions of these cartoons, some of which appear elsewhere on disc #3:

1) Bosko the Talk-Ink Kid

2) Crying for the Carolines Spooney Melodies

3) Lady Play Your Mandolin

4) Any Bonds Today Bugs, Elmer & Porky (Black-faced segment has been censored out!).

5) Spies Private Snafu

6) The Return of Mr. Hook

7) Animation sequence from "Two Guys From Texas" Bugs Bunny.

8) Animation sequence from "My Dream Is Yours" Bugs Bunny.

9) So Much For So Little (Educational Cartoon)

10) Orange Blossoms For Violet (Live Action Animal Comedy) clips only

11) Drafty, Isn't It? Ralph Philips

12) A collection of rare TV Commercials promoted by Bugs and the gang. Tang,

13) Philbert TV pilot clips.

14) Adventures of the Roadrunner TV pilot clips.

Real American Zero: The Adventures of Private Snafu a 9 minute 2007 "Behind The Toones" documentary for Warner Home Video (SD).

Includes interviews with LT Ink & Painter Martha Sigall and historians Jerry Beck, Mark Kausler, & Eric Goldberg.

The World of Leon Schlesinger 2008 49 minutes with Introduction by Jerry Beck & Martha Sigall (SD)

1) Bosko The Talk-Ink Kid (B&W)

2) Sinkin' In The Bathtub Bosko Looney Tune (B&W)

3) Crying For The Carolines rare surviving Spooney Melodies (B&W)

4) Its Got Me Again Merrie Melodies (B&W)

5) Haunted Gold title sequence (B&W)

6) Schlesinger Productions Christmas Party (with optional commentary by LT Ink & Painter Martha Sigall and Jerry Beck) (B&W)

Friz at MGM The Captain and the Kids Cartoons 44 minutes (STANDARD DEFINITION and UN-RESTORED)

1) Poultry Pirates (B&W)

2) A Day At The Beach (B&W)

3) The Captain's Christmas

4) Seal Skinners (B&W)

5) Mama's New Hat (B&W)

The Best of the Rest of Tex (MGM Tex Avery Cartoons!) 84 minutes NOTE: although on Blu-ray only, these are STANDARD DEFINITION and UN-RESTORED (you will notice the difference).

1) Blitz Wolf (1942)

2) Red Hot Riding Hood (1943)

3) Screwball Squirrel (1944)

4) Swing Shift Cinderella (1945)

5) King-Size Canary (1947)

6) Bad Luck Blackie (1949)

7) Senor Droopy (1949)

8) Wags to Riches (1949)

9) Symphony in Slang (1951)

10) Magical Maestro (1952)

11) Rock-a-Bye Bear (1952)

Private Snafu 34 minutes (B&W) (SD)

1) Coming!!SNAFU

2) Gripes

3) Spies

4) The Goldbrick

5) The Home Front

6) Rumors

7) Snafuperman

8) Censored

Mr. Hook 11 minutes (B&W) (SD)

1) The Good Egg

2) The Return of Mr. Hook

3) Tokyo Woes

Who's in charge of these ? Is it you, Jerry Beck, as we were lead to believe? And if so, how about fulfilling your promises and opening the vault? And treating them in a manner that befits their classic status?

I love "Looney Tunes" and I love my Blu-ray and I DON'T MIND paying again for these classics to be remastered so I can see them in 1080p. It's awesome! But to take one of the greatest (if not THE greatest) cartoons of all time, "Red Hot Riding Hood" and slap out on the bonus disc in a standard VHS copy is insulting to me and all the other fans out there. Actually NONE of the content on disc three is in HD so it's NOT a Blu-ray! It's a DVD!

Look, I understand the realities of marketing and customer demand; You can't put all Bugs or Daffy on one set because no one (or very few) would buy Porky or Sylvester. You can't put them in chronological order because the average consumer wouldn't buy the black and whites. I don't expect you to remaster all the documentaries or featurettes BUT the cartoons themselves? There's no excuse except a money grab.

The packaging that Volume two comes in doesn't even match the first one! It's completely different.

I honestly don't understand the WB's complete indifference to the Looney Tunes collections and the Looney Tunes collector. It's a rabid fan base. And as proven time and again there is quite a market for deluxe sets. Why not issue deluxe collector's versions? the Complete Tex Avery!! The Complete Chuck Jones!! The Complete One Shots and Minis! Hell, Just do The Warner Bros and the complete MGM! To big? break 'em down! Complete Looney Tunes 1930-1942, Complete Merrie Melodies 1931-1942.....

All cartoons ReMastered??In 1080p? You'd make a fortune and the fans would be happy.

Unlike how they feel now.

Buy Looney Tunes: Platinum Collection, Vol. 2 (2012) Now

I ordered this item because of the Tex Avery MGM cartoons included in it. Wow! "Red Hot Riding Hood," "Swingshift Cinderella" et al on Blu-ray! Sharp, brilliant high definition! Imagine my disappointment when the product arrived, I loaded up the disc containing said MGM Avery treasures, and it looked like I was watching them on VHS. Thanks for making it clear, Product Information, that these Avery cartoons are in "standard definition" (though they look even worse, with those intermittent comb-like parallel black lines that appear occasionally in the image in certain digital videos). My excitement face-planted to disappointment just like that.

Caveat emptor... suckers!

Read Best Reviews of Looney Tunes: Platinum Collection, Vol. 2 (2012) Here

Not only this will be the first time the post-1935 black and white Looney Tunes will be on Blu Ray but also 10 shorts will be new-to-DVD all remastard on this release:

with its original opening titles restored **

with its original opening ringss restored ***

*What Makes Daffy Duck? (1948, Art Davis) Hilarious

*Birdy and the Beast (1944, Bob Clampett)

*Home, Tweet Home (1950, Friz Freleng)** Funny

*The High and the Flighty (1955, Robert McKimson)

*Porky's Hare Hunt (1938, Ben Hardaway) My favorite

*Hare-um Scare-um (1939, Ben Hardaway and Cal Dalton) This version will have its original ending remastard back to the cartoon.

*Prest-O Change-O (1939, Chuck Jones) My personal favorite

*The Lion's Busy (1950, Friz Freleng)** Hilarious

*Strife with Father (1950, Robert McKimson)** Funny

*A Horsefly Fleas (1947, Robert McKimson)

Note: the previous released cartoon "Canned Feud" is remastard with its original opening ringss unlike LTGC Vol. 1 which had the Blue Ribbon reissue version.

And 11 Tex Avery directed MGM shorts will also be on this release, but only on Blu Ray and they're not remastard unfortunately:

*Blitz Wolf (1942)

*Red Hot Riding Hood (1943)

*Screwball Squirrel (1944)

*Swing Shift Cinderella (1945)

*King-Size Canary (1947) Funny

*Bad Luck Blackie (1949)

*Señor Droopy (1949)

*Wags to Riches (1949)

*Symphony in Slang (1951) Hilarious

*Magical Maestro (1952) Hilarious

*Rock-a-Bye Bear (1952) My favorite

I only recommend this for those new-to-DVD and Blu Ray cartoona. And it's only for those who want to have the previous release shorts from the Golden Collections and Super Stars on Blu Ray in HD instead.

Want Looney Tunes: Platinum Collection, Vol. 2 (2012) Discount?

Warner Home Video insists on packing these blurays like sausages... Full of recycled supplement filler from previous DVD sets. But with this one, they hit a new low. A large chunk of the cartoons on this set (everything labelled as "bonus material") isn't in 1080p. It's standard def. All those great MGM Tex Avery cartoons? Yep. They just shoved a DVD on a bluray disk and tried to slip it by you.

Here is a clue for Warner Home Video... Why would a cartoon fan buy this set? Odds are, he already has all the DVD sets... He's buying it for HI DEF CARTOONS. We don't need hour upon hour of repurposed mumbling commentary and rah rah cheerleader animation historians telling us how GREAT! everything is. We want HI DEF CARTOONS. We ESPECIALLY don't want cartoons in DVD quality as some sort of booby prize "bonus".

If Warner gave us what we want, and lots of it, they would get five stars. But the filler on this set that they charged me for and I don't want cuts that in half2 1/2 stars, rounded down for the stupidity of whoever decided that bluray customers want blurays filled with DVDs.

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Xam'd: Lost Memories - The Complete Collection

Akiyuki Takehara is a high schooler living on the tranquil island of Sentan. He goes to school with his two best friends, Haru and Furuichi, and lives a relatively ordinary life. That all changes when he is accidentally involved in a bus bombing and is bestowed with the dubious power to transform into a strange creature called a Xam'd. The transformation is not without price however, as those that spend to much time in the Xam'd shape start to turn to stone. Saved by a young woman named Nakiami, Akiyuki is rather forcibly removed from his home and employed on a mail ship. Now he must learn to control his new power and try to find a way back home.

This series was weird. It was interesting, then boring, then confusing, then interesting, then confusing, then it ended. The world we are introduced to is interesting and mysterious. Akiyuki was something of an interesting character and he goes through quite a bit of character development. The supporting cast is varied and carry the story well.

I think the problem I had with the series was scale. There are two major plot lines. Akiyuki and Sentan Island. But within that we have multiple sub plot-lines. On Sentan, we have at least 3 different characters to follow, each doing something different. Akiyuki has his story as well as the task of explaining the world, the Xam'd, the Hiruko, and the war. The set up is all very promising, but they just couldn't fit everything in. They do try to wrap everything up, but it comes together in kind of a mess. It it would have been much more interesting if they had cut a few of the sub-plots and fleshed out the main story.

I was intrigued when I started. I was curious and interested. For about the first half. Not to say I wasn't entertained by the second half, and I sort of liked the ending, but all in all I felt like it was a good show that tried too much and suffered for it. But, hey, for under $50 you could just get it and try it for yourself. (or do what I did, and check your local library :)

Xam'd: Lost Memories has taken the top spot as my favorite anime series, or television series at all for that matter. It's set in a world apparently long at war. Neither faction is innocent, as is the case in reality but so rarely in literature. The people use a mix of futuristic bioengineering, modern weaponry, and religious ritual and magic to accomplish their goals. There are many factions, plotlines, characters, and ideas to understand and keep track of, and if you can follow all of them, it is very much worth the ride. This isn't a simple, straightforward story you can follow along with while you do your other work. It takes some effort to keep up with, and rewards that effort well.

Buy Xam'd: Lost Memories - The Complete Collection Now

I've watched this series more than once. It is an amazing work of art, not just an anime, but a beautiful piece of storytelling. But I guess it's one of those things that most people think are amazing, but there is a select group of people that think it is "boring", or "moves too slow" or they "just don't get it" or whatever. It just doesn't have mass popular appeal I guess. You know what I'm talking about right? So if you're not one of those guys then I would definitely reccomend this as a must-watch anime.

Read Best Reviews of Xam'd: Lost Memories - The Complete Collection Here

Others have covered the premise of this story, so I won't waste your time trying to reiterate.

Pros:

All the stuff that makes a good anime are here: artwork; character development; musical score; imaginative setting; interesting conflict; etc...

Cons:

Lots of stuff going on all over the place. Not sure why some of the characters or plot lines were there, other than to be a parable of some sort.

Overall:

Loved it. Every aspect is very high quality. The effort is there. The character development is excellent for some, if not for most of the characters. This story is beautifully complex, but does sometimes feel crowded, like a diamond ring with too many gems in the setting (distracts from the centerpiece's beauty), or a wedding dress with too much lace (think snowbeast). I can see why some reviewers said it was a little confusing at times. I did have to see the last episode's scenes a couple of times to verify if it was a happy ending or not. It was not immediately obvious, for me which was mildly annoying. Regardless, I was very pleased with this one, and will be adding it to my collection. Just be aware you'll need to pay attention and possibly re-watch some scenes.

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Anime Review

X'amd: Lost Memories

What an odd anime, I really, really like X'amd, but no matter how hard I want to, I can't love it. What keeps X'amd from achieving true greatness, is its lack of development and explanation of the world of the story. For while there are many wars, governments, battles, and creatures, the show never takes the time to give you any substantial explanation for what any of them are, or why they are significant. As a result, it is always hard to feel for the characters, and the gravity of the situation they are in. The potential for true drama is wasted most of the time. Instead we're just expected to believe that war and hatred is bad, and peace and love is good. Unfortunately this is far from the first anime to have that message, and others have done it far better.

This particular story of good and evil begins with Akiyuki, an average, everyday high school student. But the anime universe seldom allows average high school boys to average for very long, and by the end of the first episode, his island home is attacked, and his body becomes the host of a mysterious being known as a X'amd. He is then saved and spirited away by a mysterious girl who has all the answers (But never gives them to the audience), she takes him to the postal airship she lives on, and introduces him to the rag tag group who also occupy it, and who will be responsible for teaching him the life lessons he'll need to learn in order to overcome his status as average high school boy, and help save the world.

It's a shame this story doesn't rise to become something unique, because it always feels it has the potential to do so, if someone would just explain what the heck a X'amd is, besides some sort of generic supernatural guardian of the world. Part of me wonders if this isn't drawing from some well-known piece of Japanese mythology, which would explain the lack of explanation. Sadly this is unacceptable as truly great stories should be universal, so there should have been some kind of explanation.

What this series does have going for it is its lovable cast of characters (but what anime doesn't?). They must have meant something to me for I did shed a tear or two towards the end, not something that happens often, I just wish I had understand the situation more, maybe then I would have cared when one of the characters died, and why his sacrifice was significant. The animation for the show is also quite good. It must also be noted that the English dubbing of the show is superb (save for some brief cringe worthy lines from background characters), another example of how far English dubs have come in the past half decade. Another high point is overall atmosphere of the show, which is extremely reminiscent of Princess Mononoke. It really does ultimately feel like this anime could take place in the same world as Mononoke only thousands of years later. Sadly X'amd's world is much more complicated then Mononoke's so the simple explanations don't suffice. And neither does the ambiguous ending. Though as far as ambiguous anime endings go, this one is pretty good.

If you can watch this show for free on Netflix streaming or some other streaming service, I would definitely recommend it. Otherwise I would never suggest paying for Blu-Ray's or DVDs or digital downloads(I Especially wouldn't pay this $80 for the Blu Ray), without seeing the whole show first, and then deciding its something you always want to have with you.

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