WWE: Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century

Like the previously released Greatest Stars of the 80's & 90's sets, here we get mini-biographies of 20 superstars who helped shape the first 10 years of the 21st Century and also a collection of matches featuring some of them, including some never before released on DVD. Its also neat how when each superstar is introduced they show some of their accomplishments, such as title wins, etc.

Disc 1

-Chris Jericho: We see how he evolved from early Y2J, his beoming the first Undisputed champion and how he's won more Intercontinental Titles than anyone in history. His return in '07 is talked about and his heel turn that revived his career.

-Edge: His run with Christian as multi-time tag team champions and winning many ladder matches is talked about, which also saw his comedic side come out. How he evolved into a singles wrestler, winning the first Money In The Bank match and cashing it in on John Cena and how he became the Ultimate Opprotunist, winning numerous WWE and World Championships.

-Triple H: How the McMahon/Helmsley era brought Triple H to new heights, his rehab from his potentially career ending injury, which led him to winning the Undisputed Title at Wrestlemania X8. His run with Evolution and how it helped him and new superstars get established and of course the revival of DX in '06. Also how he earned his spot as the main event in this decade.

-JBL: After the disbanding of the APA, JBL was born and the fans had a new villain to jeer. He quickly won the WWE title from Eddie Guerrero and held it for almost 10 months. Also how he had many controversial moments including even running some illegals from the border. How he had a run as a great commentator and that his attitude in character carried over into the locker room.

-Kane: From the moment he debuted in '97 he dominated and destroyed everyone in his path. His unmasking in '03, which led to many great moments in the coming years including his marriage to Lita and his ruining Edge and Lita's wedding in '05. Also how his in ring character helped him land the role in "See No Evil", which fit him perfectly.

-Kurt Angle: Despite his accomplishments I was a little stunned about him being included given his ties to TNA. In his first year in WWE he won the European, Intercontinental and WWE titles. He also had many entertaining moments, though there were a few too many of em like they were in my opinion burying him just a little bit. He had many great matches though including his classic against Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania XIX.

-The Rock: His ability to command a crowd with his persona, how he went Hollywood and became a big success. How his matches against Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania X8 and against Stone Cold Steve Austin at Wrestlemania XIX were legendary.

-Randy Orton: How he has lived up to being a third generation superstar and how he was elevated by being part of Evolution. Shockingly they showed his winning his first world title, though his Legend Killer gimmick is mentioned more as is the group Legacy. Also how he's evolved over the years as an in ring performer.

-Brock Lesnar: From his debut to winning the King of The Ring crown to becoming the youngest WWE champion in history, all within the first 5 months. How he accomplished more in his 2 yeear run than most do in their careers.

-Decade of the Divas: Footage of Lita, Trish Stratus, Torrie Wilson, Stacy Kiebler is shown along with comments from current divas like Melina, Alicia Fox, Natalia and the Bellas. A good trip down memory lane for sure.

-Jeff Hardy: His transition from being a tag team wrestler to a singles superstar and how his risk taking moves brought him respect from the fans and fellow wrestlers. How his hard work paid off with him winning multiple world championships from late '08-the summer of '09.

-Big Show: How he was able to move very well for his size and how he just commanded the attention of fans and wrestlers alike. He's the only man to win the WCW, ECW and WWE titles. How his sense of humor is very likeable for a man as big as him.

-Eddie Guerrero: His becoming the Latino Heat character shortly into his WWE run and how fans just took to him whether he was a good or bad guy. How the "Lie, Cheat & Steal" gimmick made him even more popular with fans, and his victory over Brock Lesnar at No Way Out '04 made everyone so happy for him to win his only WWE championship. How his sudden death led to him being inducted into the Hall of Fame in '06.

-Shawn Michaels: Coming back from his back injury after 4 years, he beat Triple H in his first match back and won the first ever Elimination Chamber and also the World Title. How he continued to perform at a high level and again the revival of DX in '06 is shown. Also how he proved once again that he was Mr. Wrestlemania in all his matches from this decade.

-Booker T: His debut in WWE and how the crowd did take to him right away. How the King Booker gimmick revived his career and how he captured the World Title from Rey Mysterio shortly after.

-Stone Cold Steve Austin: The age of Austin carried over from the '90's into the early 2000's as he won the Royal Rumble in '01 for the third time then beat the Rock at Wrestlemania X7 to win the WWE title and also turning heel and joining Vince McMahon, much to the shock of the fans. After he retired from the ring he became a re-occuring general manager/hell raiser. His hall of fame induction is also shown in clips.

-Undertaker: How he has continued his undefeated streak at Wrestlemania even to this day, including winning the World Title at Wrestlemania's 23 & 24 and that his character really resonates with the fans.

-Rey Mysterio: After the close of WCW, Rey debuted in July of '02 and instantly wowed all the fans with his arsenal of moves. He also accomplished many things, including the Royal Rumble in '06, along with title wins including winning the WWE Tag Team titles with 4 different partners and the World Championship at Wrestlemania 22.

-Batista: His presence was felt almost immediately after his debut and ran through many superstars including anyone in his way at the Royal Rumble in '05 as he won it and faced his former Evolution friend Triple H to win the world title. How his rivalry with the Undertaker in '07 helped cement him as a main event mainstay. He continued to win big matches and more World titles throughout the decade.

-John Cena: From his debut match against Kurt Angle, to Thuganomics to the Champ Is Here, he has been for better or worse, the main event talent since Wrestlemania 21, beating everyone in his path and winning multiple world and WWE titles. Also how his passion for the business makes him what people tune in for, whether they cheer or boo him. He is basically, this generations Hulk Hogan.

Disc 2

-8/19/01, Summerslam, WCW Championship Match: Booker T (Champion) vs. The Rock: These two had quite the rivalry from the moment Booker T debuted in WWE and this match has a good big match feel to it. There was plenty of back and forth action and also some interference by Shane McMahon, but he gets a Rock Bottom for his troubles. The crowd is also on fire throughout the whole match, Booker does the Spin-a-Roonie but Rock hits a Rock Bottom for the win to become the WCW Champion. 8/10.

-9/16/02, Raw, Intercontinental Championship Match: RVD (Champion) vs. Chris Jericho: This was when both were in their prime shape and having the I.C. title up for grabs added a little spice to this match. RVD used his unique set of kicks, while Jericho worked on RVD's back with backbreakers and a double arm superplex. RVD goes for the frog splash, Triple H runs down and gets a top rope splash to the outside for his trouble. RVD got caught in the Walls of Jericho and tapped out and Jericho becomes the I.C. champion. 8/10.

-6/23/03, Raw, World Heavyweight Championship Match: Triple H (Champion) vs. Kane: This was all about if Kane lost then he would unmask and he did come out full of aggression taking it to "The Game" early on. It was a good main event, though it never seemed like Kane would win the title. Randy Orton hits the ring and nails an RKO, Triple H nails the pedigree to retain his title. 8/10. The aftermath where Evolution beats down Kane, then RVD makes the save. We do end up seeing Kane unmask and he's so enraged he chokeslams RVD, which started one of Kane's best runs in WWE.

-9/18/03, Smackdown, Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship: Kurt Angle (Champion) vs. Brock Lesnar: This was easily one of the best TV main events in wrestling history and should've been the headline match of a PPV. Both of these men left it all in the ring and gave the fans something to remember for a long time. Lesnar used his power and amateur background while Angle used his obvious amateur abilities to counter Brock's moves. At 5-4 falls in favor of Lesnar, Angle has the ankle lock on Brock as the clock ticks down, but he doesn't tap out and becomes the new WWE Champion. 10/10.

-3/18/04, Smackdown, WWE Championship Match: Eddie Guerrero (Champion) vs. Rey Mysterio: These two have always meshed well together and know each other very well. Early on there's good counter wrestling and then things get a little aggressive as the tempers flare up. Eddie works on Rey's shoulder with armbars grounding Mysterio. Rey does take to the air and almost wins the title but Eddie hits a roll-up pin to retain his title. 9/10. General Manager Paul Heyman comes down and runs down both men, The Undertaker makes an appearance and ends up hitting the Tombstone on Heyman.

Disc 3

-12/12/04, Armageddon, Fatal Four Way Match for the WWE Championship: JBL (Champion) vs. Eddie Guerrero vs. Booker T vs. The Undertaker: This was the sole reason to watch the Armageddon '04 PPV and what a match it is. These 3 men had all faced JBL in the past and his actions in those matches and leading up to this one came back to bite him as each man took a turn beating up JBL early on. The rest of the match is great back and forth action as they kept making everyone wonder who would win. The only thing that brings the match down is near the end Heidenreich makes an appreance and hits a black hold slam on Taker, and pulls him to the outside locking on a cobra clutch. JBL hits the clothesline from hell on Booker for the win to retain the title. 10/10.

-1/30/05, Royal Rumble, Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship Match: JBL (Champion) vs. Kurt Angle vs. The Big Show: This match was very well done and really gave each man a chance to shine. In the opening minutes Show beats up on JBLand Angle even hitting a couple of loud loud chops in the corner. The pace really doesn't slow down, except when Show spears JBL through the barricade. There's interference from JBL's cabinet and Angle's henchmen Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns, JBL gets rolled back into the ring somehow hits a clothesline from hell on Angle to retain the title. 9/10.

-2/7/05, Raw, World Heavyweight Championship Match: Triple H (Champion) vs. Edge: Taking place in Japan this was quite a good match, as the very beginning was actually wrestling based as both men reversed each others moves and put on a good clinic. Edge works on Triple H's back, while Hunter worked on Edge's shoulder. While the ref is down, Batista hits the ring and nails a spinebuster on Edge, then Triple H hits the pedigree to retain. 8/10. The post match segement where Batista holds up Triple H's hand and looks at the World title and stares down Hunter is total gold.

-9/17/06, Unforgiven, WWE Women's Championship Match: Lita (Champion) vs. Trish Stratus: Trish's final match and it's a good one. Lots of "Thank You Trish" chants. The match itself is a fitting end to Trish's career, good back and forth offense, by both ladies. Trish makes Lita tap out to the Sharpshooter in about 12 minutes. Major league pop for the move and the finish. Good post match with the fans and WWE staff around the ring thanking Trish and her thanking her all of them. 9/10.

-2/5/07, Raw, Triple Threat #1 Contenders Match: Edge vs. Randy Orton vs. Shawn Michaels: A good solid main event that had a good feel to it as Orton and Edge try to take Shawn out early in the match. This was more about Shawn getting his chance to again be in the main event of Wrestlemania and he gets his chance when Edge hits the spear on Orton then Shawn superkicks Edge for the win to become the #1 Contender and thus facing John Cena at Wrestlemania 23. 8/10.

-2/15/07, Raw, Eight Man Tag Team Match: Batista, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker & John Cena vs. Mr. Kennedy, MVP, Edge & Randy Orton: Multi-man matches are hard to pull off but this is an exception as it flows very well and really established the main event title matches for Wrestlemania 23 even more. In the end Shawn hits Sweet Chin Music on Orton for the win. 9/10. The aftermath where Taker and Batista beat up both Shawn and Cena is quite good too.

-4/1/07, Wrestlemania 23, World Heavyweight Championship Match: Batista (Champion) vs. The Undertaker: Wow how this wasn't higher on the PPV card I'll never know but these two delivered big time in a match where the animal gave it his all to end the streak but in the end Taker hits the Tombstone to become the World Champion. 10/10.

Whats on this set is good but WWE dropped the ball big time not including more matches or moments on the first 2 discs, especially when disc 1 only had like 100 minutes of footage. But the matches on here are quite good, nice to see rare ones from Raw and Smackdown, I just wish they had filled up the discs a little more.

The 21st Century (so far) has seen a bunch of changes in the "WWE Universe" from the name "World Wrestling Federation/WWF" not longer existing to WWE not having direct competition from WCW/NWA for the first time in decades but one of the biggest thing is the arrival of new superstars along with the elevations of others which WWE put together what they see as the top superstars in the past decade here. Now this release is no different than their previous DVD sets in this format (Top 50 Superstars, Greatest Stars Of The 80's & 90's) where WWE has a list for the subject at hand with various talents from the past & present commenting on the superstar's careers while showing video packages of their career but this DVD set doesn't have a host & is only narrated by a voice over while showing a list of what their top 3 highlights of the previous decade were before their chapter. It should also be noted that all the interviews & comments on here were taken for this set with none being reused from previous projects as we hear from various people such as Josh Matthews, Santino Marella, Billy Kidman, The Miz, John Cena, Daniel Bryan, Kofi Kingson, Arn Anderson, Matt Striker, Melina, Alex Riley, Alicia Fox, The Bella Twins, Kaityln, Natayla.

Here are some highlights from the profiles on this DVD:

Chris Jericho Becoming the first Undisputed Champion, record breaking reigns as Intercontinental Champion, his heel turn in 2008, being "the best in the world at what he does."

Edge The innovator of the tag team ladder matches, his ability to entertain, the first Money In The Bank winner & becoming the "Ultimate Opportunist", WWE's own "rock star."

Triple H The McMahon/Helmsley Era, his quad injury in 2001, returning from injury to win the Royal Rumble & the Undisputed Championship, his runs in the groups Evolution & D-Generation X

John "Bradshaw" Layfield His ability to be hated as a heel, being the "Wrestling God", being the longest reigning WWE Champion in SmackDown history, becoming a color commentator

Kane His dominance after debuting, his infamous unmasking, being a monster, the "See No Evil" movie.

Kurt Angle Wrestling's first Olympic gold medalist, his successful rookie year, the ability to entertain, being a wrestling machine, his WrestleMania matches against Brock Lesnar & Shawn Michaels

The Rock His crossover appeal leading to a Hollywood career, his WrestleMania matches against Hollywood Hogan & Stone Cold, his level of charisma & ability to entertain

Randy Orton A third generation wrestler, his run in Evolution, becoming the "Legend Killer", being the youngest World Champion in history, The Legacy with Ted Dibiase & Cody Rhodes, becoming the new anti-hero as "The Viper"

Brock Lesnar Winning King Of The Ring & the WWE Championship, being "The Next Big Thing", his athleticism with his size & strength

Divas Various highlights & discussion of Trish Stratus, Lita, Torrie Wilson, and Stacy Keibler.

Jeff Hardy The Hardy Boyz tag team, his daredevil in-ring style, unique charisma, winning the WWE/World Championships

Big Show Being a dominate giant, his multiple singles & tag team championships, being the first to hold the WWE & WCW/World & ECW Championships, his humorous side

Eddie Guerrero His "Latino Heat" character, "Lie, Cheat, Steal", multiple championships, winning the WWE Championship, his death, WWE Hall Of Fame

Shawn Michaels His return in 2002, winning the first Elimination Chamber match & becoming World Champion, best in-ring performer, D-Generation X, "Mr. WrestleMania", WWE Hall Of Fame.

Booker T Ending WCW as World Champion, winning King Of The Ring, rebirth as King Booker

Stone Cold His dominance in the 90's, 3 time Royal Rumble winner, WrestleMania X-7 vs. The Rock, his feud with Mr. McMahon, WWE Hall Of Fame

Undertaker Resurrection at WrestleMania XX, winning his first Royal Rumble, the WrestleMania streak, ability to captivate the audience

Rey Mysterio Innovative lucha libre offense, biggest underdog, multiple title reigns including World Championships

Batista His run in Evolution, winning Royal Rumble & World Championship, "The Beast Unleashed", WrestleMania 23 vs. Undertaker

John Cena His "thuganomics" character, facing all the top stars, mixed audience response, his crossover appeal.

Matches Include:

WCW Champion Booker T vs. The Rock This was The Rock's return to PPV since his WrestleMania match months earlier. Both men traded momentum back & forth with Shane McMahon trying to get involved early on only for it to work against Booker as the fight went to to the floor & into the crowd at one point. Booker was able to gain the advantage & kept breaking the momentum whenever Rock tried to build it. Shane kept getting involved which finally caught up to him thanks to some people who's business he got involved in earlier in the night before Rock took care of Shane himself. This was a fun match to watch.

SummerSlam '01

[The Rock: The Most Electrifying Man In Sports Entertainment]

WWE Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Jericho Jericho dominated early before RVD was able to catch him in mid-air with a dropkick & his "vintage" legdrop over the top rope. RVD's back was worked on by Jericho with such moves as the double arm suplex off the top while RVD kept resorting to his kicks. They've had better matches (check out Unforgiven '01) than this one was this was still a nice encounter.

"Raw" Sept. '02

World Champion Triple H vs. Kane Kane was the most dominate that we've seen on him in a very long time here as he had control over Triple H including throwing him into the steps at one point while constantly sitting up from Triple H's offense & even able to fight off interference from Ric Flair as well. This was another case where they've had better matches but this was still a nice match but what happened afterwords is what this match is remembered for more than anything else.

"Raw" June '03

Iron Man Match: WWE Champion Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar Before I get started, it should be noted that this match is completely unedited which means that we get the complete match without the commercial breaks from start to finish. Brock Lesnar made his intentions clear in the first few minutes from attacking Kurt before the bell, faking injuries to get cheap shots in, the way he lost his first fall but gained a heavy advantage throughout the rest of the match because of it that he was going to do anything to regain the championship. Kurt stuck to his gameplan of out-wrestling Brock which we saw early as he kept tossing Brock to the outside only to get him more frustrated each time while during the match & later even going out of his usual playbook with aerial offense such as a missile dropkick from the top. Both men started to get more aggressive with their various moves as the match went on such as Brock using Kurt's own anklelock & Angle Slam while Angle later executed an F-5 of his own into the ringpost, an F-5 on the floor, back to back german suplexes including one release one that flipped Brock inside out, the steel steps coming into play at various times, and Brock's impactful powerbombs & superplex. This was a wrestling clinic & one of the best ironman matches (if not THE BEST) in WWE history.

"SmackDown" Sept. '03

WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio It should be noted that Rey had just finished wrestling two previous matches before getting his title shot against Eddie. Rey was able to use his speed to keep an advantage over Eddie with monkeyflips & head scissors along with an aerial assault of a springboard moonsault to the outside. Eddie focused on Rey's arm with an armbar & various hammerlocks along with other impactful moves like the superplex & tilt-a-wirl backbreaker. This was definitely a great quality match for television but stay tune afterwords as the then-SmackDown General Manager Paul Heyman had some words for the entire roster that didn't set well with one "deadman."

"SmackDown" Mar. '04

[Viva La Raza: The Legacy Of Eddie Guerrero]

WWE Champion J.B.L. vs. Undertaker vs. Eddie Guerrero vs. Booker T This was J.B.L.'s worst nightmare as he had to face everyone that he cheated out of the WWE Championship throughout the year as champion at the same time & knowing he was the "odd man out", he tried to avoid everyone early & sneak in when he was able to steal a pin before eventually getting caught & everyone took turns beating on him while Eddie & Booker were working together during the match before one decided to go for pin. This match had it's highlights such as Eddie bringing a ladder into play, Booker side kicking everyone in sight, all four men brawling on the outside, people being put through the announce tables, Eddie's back to back to back frog splashes with the third one being off the ladder, and the appearance of someone who had a big issue with another person in the match. This was a very fun fatal four way match.

Armageddon '04

WWE Champion J.B.L. vs. Big Show vs. Kurt Angle Angle & J.B.L. were both walking into the match sore from competing against each other in a Last Man Standing match on the previous SmackDown and knowing this, Kurt stayed outside early in the match so Show could focus on J.B.L. while Kurt would only get involved when breaking up a pin. Show would eventually get his hands on both men & dominate causing Kurt & Show to resort to other tactics like teaming together & brawling on the outside including putting Big Show through a table and later delivering the biggest angleslam ever seen. This was a good triple threat match that was full of non-stop action.

Royal Rumble '05

World Championship Triple H vs. Edge This was Edge's first World Title shot after turning heel months earlier in what was a rare "heel vs. heel" match during WWE's first RAW from Japan. Triple H worked over Edge's shoulder after throwing it into the post twice followed by an armbar takedown while Edge countered by attacking Triple H's back with a suplex on the floor, backbreaker & a unique submission called the "Edgecator." The pace picked up as the match went on with counters like Triple H countering the spear with his high knee & a chair being brought into the ring before fellow Evolution member Batista came out and taking the chair out of the ring before he became the deciding factor in the match. This was a good quality match here as it's rare that Triple H & Edge meet in a one on one match.

"Raw" Feb. '05

WWE Womens Champion Lita vs. Trish Stratus This was held in Trish's hometown of Toronto & made it clear that this was to be her final match before going into retirement causing the crowd to heavily react to chants of "Thank You Trish." Trish took the fight to Lita right away including doing her vintage Air Canada off the apron to the floor & pulling off her handstand head scissors various times on Lita. There was one point where both women were fighting on the top turnbuckle only to fall with both landing hard on the floor while Trish took another nasty bump to the floor later on with Lita was able to counter the Stratusfaction before Trish ended the match with a move that always sparks a reaction in Canada before Trish ended her career & walked out of WWE as the champion (where have I seen that before?)

Unforgiven '06

Shawn Michaels vs. Randy Orton vs. Edge This was to determine John Cena's challenger for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 23 while it should also be noted that Shawn & Cena defeated Edge & Orton the week earlier to win the World Tag Team Championships. Orton & Edge, also known as Rated RKO, worked together against Shawn with the only way for Shawn to survive was attempting to divide & conquer with one guy being tossed out of the ring while Shawn fought the other causing moments like Orton to keep being knocked into the announce table. Edge & Orton's alliance eventually fell apart when both men broke up the others pin attempts allowing Shawn to capitalize on it. This was a good TV match for RAW.

"Raw" Feb. '07

John Cena, Batista, Shawn Michaels, Undertaker vs. Rated RKO, Mr. Kennedy, M.V.P. This was an usual setup as the babyface team were opposing tag teams for the main event of the upcoming No Way Out teamed up here...with each member of the tag teams set for the PPV were actually the champion & challenger for the WWE/World title matches at WrestleMania. This was a fun 8 man tag match as there was non-stop action & everyone in the match having their moments to shine but the part to pay attention to was toward the end where the eventual miscommunications between the partners caused "all hell to break lose" after the match.

"Raw" Feb. '07

World Champion Batista vs. Undertaker Taker's Undefeated Streak vs. Batista's Title and I'll be point blank honest, this was the match that should have ended the show. This was Batista's best showing since he returned from his injury as he stepped up his game & didn't show any lack of effort like most of his previous performances. This was a classic "big money" WrestleMania match & the match of the night for me as you saw the crowd off the chain throughout the bout & even moments where it looked like Batista was going to end the streak & one spot to look out for would be Undertaker's big dive onto Batista. It's ironic that this was the 20 year anniversary of WrestleMania 3 but Undertaker walks out of his WM the same way he did 10 years earlier...as a champion.

WrestleMania 23

(Blu-Ray) WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. John Cena vs. Triple H vs. J.B.L. A great main event as I personally like the elimination rule in triple threat/fatal four way matches more than the "first one who gets the pin/submission wins" stipulation. This match started off wild with all four men facing off against each other but after the first two eliminations in Cena & JBL, Triple H & Orton delivered a match that rivals their No Mercy encounters as their best match against each other before the King Of Kings went back on his throne. Moments to look out for here was JBL & Orton trying to "out heel" each other from the opening with Orton & the World Title to when each guy was in a submission hold while the other taunted him.

Backlash '08

(Blu-Ray) World Championship/Scramble Match: Batista vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Kane vs. J.B.L. vs. Chris Jericho This was really just an average match with everyone getting their typical spots in throughout the match with the only noteworthy performance being Batista's as he stared with J.B.L. & once again showcasing effort into adding to his wrestling style by working on J.B.L.'s knee & even using the figure four. The ending however saw Batista pinning Kane to become the "temporary" champion before he turned his back to counter an attack from Mysterio while Jericho sneaked in a pin over Kane after Batista did all the work & win the title after the time expired. Although some people would say it's stupid for Jericho to win the title right after losing a match because he was knocked out, if you actually watch how the ending happened...it all makes sense.

Unforgiven '08

(Blu-Ray) T.L.C. Match: World Champion Jeff Hardy vs. C.M. Punk This match was very similar to how Edge & Jeff Hardy had their ladder match months earlier in that this wasn't a non-stop spotfest more than a match where they used the weapons to make moves more high impact & trying to tell a story. It's a TLC match so all elements were used as expected along with various moments such as Punk slamming Hardy onto an open chair to the backrest hit his spine, Hardy missing a splash & crashing through a table on the outside, Hardy reversing Punk's running knee kick/bulldog combination into a toss to the outside table, and of course Jeff Hardy being the human highlight reel with the swanton bomb that you have to see to believe...and I still didn't believe I saw it when I was there. This was a great one on one TLC match from both men while what happened to end the show was probably just as shocking as we saw another WWE return & great way to end the show.

SummerSlam '09

[Best PPV Matches 2009-2010]

The only feedback I have on the documentary is that the "divas" chapter shouldn't have been limited to just those four girls because you can't deny that females like Victoria & Mickie James & Melina & Beth Phoenix had made their presence felt in the "21st Century" as far as the divas go but past that, it was what you would expect for this type of project & well put together. The other things I was very disappointed with the bonus extras or lack of as normally on a 3 disc set, you get around 8-9 hours total of everything but this presentation only ran for around 6.5 hours which is around the length you would get for a 2 disc set so WWE had plenty of space on this set to add stuff that they didn't do in favor of the Blu-Ray release. Normally we get either bonus footage of interviews or segments but we didn't get any of that here while there were no matches featuring two of the profiled wrestlers in Steve Austin & Jeff Hardy when, again, they had plenty of room to add them (Austin wasn't even added on the Blu-Ray). If you look up the time length for the Blu-Ray presentation, it equals the amount of time you normally get for the 3 disc set. I'm happy we got some rare unreleased matches from free TV with a small amount of repeats from other sets on here but in the end, normally you get a great presentation with the normal DVD release & get more bang for your buck with the Blu-Ray edition but this is a case where it seemed like WWE put more effort into the Blu-Ray than the regular edition so the Blu-Ray is what I would go look for as your getting your money's worth & more.

Buy WWE: Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century Now

Disc 1

Signature Open

Ground Breaking Superstars

Chris Jericho

Edge

Triple H

JBL

Kane

Kurt Angle

The Rock

Randy Orton

Brock Lesnar

Decade of the Divas

Jeff Hardy

Big Show

Eddie Guerrero

Shawn Michaels

Booker T

Stone Cold Steve Austin

The Undertaker

Rey Mysterio

Batista

John Cena

Disc 2

WCW Championship Match

Booker T vs. The Rock

SummerSlam 19th August, 2001

Intercontinental Championship Match

Chris Jericho vs. Rob Van Dam

Raw 16th September, 2002

World Heavyweight Championship Match

Triple H vs. Kane

Raw 23rd June, 2003

60 Minute Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship

Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar

SmackDown! 18th September, 2003

WWE Championship Match

Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio

SmackDown! 18th March, 2004

Disc 3

Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Championship

JBL vs. The Undertaker vs. Eddie Guerrero vs. Booker T

Armageddon 12th December, 2004

Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship

JBL vs. Big Show vs. Kurt Angle

Royal Rumble 30th January, 2005

World Heavyweight Championship Match

Triple H vs. Edge

Raw 7th February, 2005

Women's Championship Match

Lita vs. Trish Stratus

Unforgiven 17th September, 2006

Triple Threat Match Winner Faces John Cena For The WWE Championship At WrestleMania 23

Shawn Michaels vs. Randy Orton vs. Edge

Raw 5th February, 2007

8 -Man Tag Team Match

John Cena & Batista & Shawn Michaels & The Undertaker vs. Randy Orton & Edge & Mr. Kennedy & MVP

Raw 15th February, 2007

World Heavyweight Championship Match

Batista vs. The Undertaker

WrestleMania 23 1st April, 2007Great listing! I am excited for this release!

Read Best Reviews of WWE: Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century Here

I enjoyed the 80's and 90's one. but this one is a good one to get if you grew up with the 2000's wrestlers and like to see matches from that time again.

Want WWE: Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century Discount?

This movie is great! :-)

We enjoyed watching it and there were lots of great superstars. The title says it all.

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The Lady (2011)

The story of Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi has surely got to be one of the most compelling, fascinating, and inspirational tales of fortitude and commitment in the arena of international politics. Winning the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggles to bring democracy to her war-torn land, Suu Kyi gave up everything (including family and freedom) for a cause and a country. It is an epic ongoing tale, one that would surely make an incredible film. Luc Besson, perhaps best known for his flair for stylistic action, takes on "The Lady" and it is a real change-of-pace from his usual fare. The wisest decision that Besson made was casting Michelle Yeoh in the leading role. She brings a tremendous dignity to the proceedings and her calm AND gravitas make her quite believable as Burma's national heroine. "The Lady" doesn't play as a straight-up biography, though. The focus of the film is Suu Kyi's family. I think this is an interesting idea to explore, but also one that I didn't think truly worked. By splitting the plot lines, we end up gaining very little insight into Suu Kyi or the political climate of Burma. If you aren't intimately familiar with the story, you might question why Suu Kyi is so passionate to the cause and just what her specific contributions are.

The movie begins with a bit of back story. We see Suu Kyi's father (a hero of the independence movement) murdered as Burma is presented as a land ruled by force. We then fast forward to Suu Kyi playing the role of an average British housewife. She has a perfect family, her husband (David Thewlis) is an Oxford professor and her two teenage boys are vaguely interchangeable. When her mother back home in Burma becomes ill, she returns to her homeland. Due to her heritage, she is held up as a prominent face for reform. Soon she is being elevated to leader status, but the screenplay never really explains this process in any detail. One day she's just ready to take the mantle. I wanted to see more of what made this transition, get closer to the Suu Kyi character. But we remain somewhat distant throughout due to the split focus. While Suu Kyi is becoming a political power (mostly off screen), Thewlis struggles with cooking and laundry. Really? But "The Lady" is meant to be a more personal telling as the family is divided and threatened. Once again, though, some insight into these personal travails would also have been appreciated. Yeoh and Thewlis never waver from their convictions, display doubt, or wrestle with these hardships in any tangible way. They just accept them nobly and, thus, the love story also lacks a certain depth.

But it's hard to dismiss "The Lady" and, indeed, I quite recommend it. I just don't think that it is the great film that it might have been. Through it all, I couldn't take my eyes off of Yeoh and this is easily her strongest performance in years. Despite the gaps in the story, she made me believe that Suu Kyi would stand as a country's role model. I wish the story wasn't so muted in its political explanations, because really understanding Burma and its struggles would have made this a profound experience. With this woman of sacrifice and solidity, though, the movie still packs an emotional punch. More a love letter to a relationship than an in-depth biography, "The Lady" is a well made film for adults. But for me, it misses the mark to make it the unforgettable epic that it deserved to be. I'd love to see the subject matter explored again with a slightly different perspective. But, for now, "The Lady" and especially Yeoh have whetted my appetite to read up on the real life Suu Kyi. And that's something. KGHarris, 9/12.

this movie is an epic and an inspirational one story.... Anyone who believes in the spirit of human being will appreciate this movie... despite some people's supression, the lady came out as iconic figure who provides voice to her people....

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This is a must see movie about love dedication and selflessness. The cast and the storyline was phenomenal.! was phSimply awesome

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Michelle Yeoh is amazing, especially since this portrayal is about a living celebrity so recently in the global spot-light. As with all positive biographies, it's difficult to be objective but Luc Bresson and Michelle put the vulnerabilities, sacrifices and hard choices made on the table. Bravo!

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"The Lady," a biographical picture of Aung San Suu Kyi, is directed by Luc Besson, best known for his "La Femme Nikita," "Léon: The Professional" and "The Fifth Element." Michelle Yeoh plays the role of Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese political and human rights activist. David Thewlis is her husband Dr. Michael Aris. (Thewlis also plays his twin brother Anthony.)

"The Lady" starts in 1947. General Aung San was assassinated when his daughter Aung San Suu Kyi was only two years old. About forty years later, Aung San Suu Kyi, now living in Oxford with her husband and two sons, receives a call from Burma. Her mother is ill and in hospital. Aung San Suu Kyi flies back to Burma, where, witnessing the student protests and the bloody suppression of it, she decides to stay and become a leader of the movement for democracy.

Yes, it's Luc Besson and his usual collaborators cinematographer Thierry Arbogast and composer Eric Serra. Unlike in most of his films (including his recent "Arthur" trilogy), his new film is not about a fantastical universe or underworld based on his wild imagination, but about a real-life person who is alive and in the middle of her political career. Actually, Besson made a "bio-pic" once, but I don't think historical accuracy was priority No.1 in making "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc" for him.

While following her life as a political activist in Burma, Besson also tries to tell us a story of her relationship with her husband Michael Aris. In this way we get to see both her public and private face but despite the film's touching finale, "The Lady" suffers from its uneven pace that sometimes feels rushed. Most people other than Aung San Suu Kyi, and Michael Aris generals, soldiers or citizens, whether Burmese or British are relegated to caricatures or cyphers.

Acting is excellent. Michelle Yeoh plays the role of Aung San Suu Kyi with grace and dignity while David Thewlis turns in a moving performance as her husband supporting her even when he is thousands of miles away from her. Their strong bond is the driving force of the film, accompanied by the compelling photography.

"The Lady" puts more focus on the relationship between Aung San Suu Kyi and Michael Aris, than her political career, for better or for worse. As a love story it works, thanks to the strong performances from the leads; as a biographical picture of Aung San Suu Kyi as one of the world's most iconic figures, perhaps we should wait for another film to be made, or read books.

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Death Race 2 (Blu-ray + DVD) (2011)

After a bank robbery goes bad Carl Lucas (Goss) gets sent to prison. The crime boss who sent him out (Bean) is afraid he will testify against him and sends in assassins to the prison to make sure he doesn't. First of all, if you haven't seen the first "Death Race" I would start with that (you will get some of the call-backs), but I would say its more like the "Star Wars" prequels...you can watch in either order and it will still make sense. I loved the first movie and was very leery about a direct to DVD prequel, but I was very surprised. There were a couple characters from the first one, along with a few "set-ups" that happen in the original movie. I would say this is more of an origin story, it explains the origins of the death race and the character of Frankenstein. Most sequels/prequels are never as good as the original (especially direct to DVD ones), but this is a rare exception. The first Death Race is still the better movie but this one holds up very well. I give it a B+.

I was skeptical about this movie seeing as I am a huge Jason Stathan fan but Luke Goss had me in the palm of his hand from about frame three.

Death Race 2 follows the story ,or leads you into it,I should say perfectly.

It starts off with death matches and when that starts to fizzle they decide to start Death Race.

It takes awhile to get to the actual racing but what precedes it is action packed and entertaining ,so much so you almost hope that it continues to stay with the death matches.

I love Danny Trejo and after seeing his full potential in Machete feel he was a bit wasted here,they could have expanded his character some.

They of course show the evolution of "Frankenstein" which was sad but effective. If you're a fan of Death Race you will like or love this movie.After viewing I immediately wanted to go and pop Death Race into my DVD player,and I did,it's like watching one long movie when you view them consecutively ..

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I was lucky enough to be in the audience of the Toronto premiere of this film 1/10/2011 and DR2 BLEW ME AWAY!!!

FIRST This movie was made as a PREQUEL to the movie with Jason Statham and this film is NOT about that character. Luke Goss plays Carl Lucas, Jason played Jensen Ames.

And as I have seen this I can tell you that it is absolutely FABULOUS!

It started fast and hard and I knew from that moment that we were all in for a heck of a film, and we were not disappointed!

The audience gasped and laughed, cheered and applauded. Luke Goss took you through the emotional transformation of Carl Lucas and made you feel it all!!

The effects and stunts made you lean toward the screen in anticipation and made you forgot that you were actually not a part of it.

The cast was perfectly chosen and the whole audience agreed that this film should have been a theater release!!

This movie is receiving much more positive reviews than negative... and MOST of the negative comes from people with preconceived ideas about it because it does NOT have Statham. Luke Goss is a STELLAR actor who did AWESOME in this movie. I HIGHLY recommend it and I can not wait for my pre-ordered dvd to arrive!

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Loving the Death Race series, starting with Death Race 2000, I was skeptical about a sequel as most movies fail to match or beat the predecessors. After watching this movie I came away very happy.

For those who don't know, this is a prequel of the series. In this movie they clue you in on how it all started and how Frankenstein came to be.

I bought this elsewhere and paid more to do so... would definitely recommend you buy it from here.

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Let me just first say that I fully realize that this move, the 2008 movie with Jason Statham and the original Roger Corman flick are all 'B' grade movies and I judge them on that level. I am a fan of Mad Max / Road Warrior type movies and the recent Death Race movies have been the only movies in that Car Wars genre for quite some time. I disagree with most who say that this is surperior to the 2008 film. It's clear that this movie has been made with the leftovers from that movie. I was expecting new characters and new cars (save Frankenstein's Mustang) what we get it the same cars with vaguely analogous characters Big Bill is no Machine Gun Joe, Sheik is no Reaper and so on. 14K is the only driver other than Frankenstein to be in both movies it seems like we could have seen more of the track history of the drivers in the first movie. The scenes with Sean Bean were clearly shot separately and edited in, as he never seems to interact with others ... the same is almost true of Ving Rhames.

In short, I wanted more combat car action and I got less and the bit that I got wasn't as fast paced and thrilling as the 2008 movie.

Who knows, maybe this series of films has done well enough to make a third film (death race 3000?) that would actually be a remake of the original

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Awakenings (1990)

Based on the real life story of Dr. Oliver Sacks, 'Awakenings' ranks as one of the best movies I've seen. If features a terrific screenplay that was adapted from the book and a memorable directing job by Penny Marshall. But the most suprising thing to me was the choice of actors to play the two main roles in the movie. Robin Williams was pretty much known as the slightly insane comic genius from the 1980's, and Robert DeNiro was playing such hard-hitting, aggressive characters in films like 'Raging Bull', 'The Untouchables', 'Taxi Driver', and 'The Deer Hunter'. Both actors turn in career performances, and play parts that totally will smash any preconceived notions you had of them up to that point.

The film is based on Dr. Leo Sayer(Williams) and his work with people who have come down with a mysterious sleeping-sickness in 1918, which has left them in a catatonic state. Dr. Sayer is a shy person who is not comfortable conversing with others, but is also a very dedicated neurologist. He starts to work with these "sleeping" people and thinks that he senses something in them that is alive deep inside. He begins to work with a man called Leonard Lowe(DeNiro), and takes a special interest in him. He reads up on the drug L-Dopa, which had helped people in similiar states as his patients, and tries to convince the hospital and Leonard's mother to try the drug on her son. They allow the test to happen, and Leonard wakes up from his "sleep". The drug is then tried on his other patients with similar results. You would think that it was a happy story from thereafter, but life is not full of Hollywood endings, and the story does not take the easy way out. It won't leave you depressed or exhilarated but somewhere in between, like life is most of the time.

Definitely one of the best films to come out in the past 12 years, and should be in any serious movie buff's collection. There are no extra's on the DVD, but the quality of the picture is pretty good. But in the end, isn't it about the movie, not the extra's(by the way, I love the extra's just as much as everyone else). Marshall, Williams, and DeNiro have made a special film that they should be proud of and will be watched by generations to come.

I am an enormous fan of Robert DeNiro's. He is one of the greatest actors of all time, in my opinion. However, sometimes both that reputation and the showiness of a particular part overwhelms all the other performers in a particular film, robbing those performers of notoriety that is well deserved.

This is especially true in Awakenings. DeNiro plays Leonard Lowe, a man who awakens from a 30 year coma, experiences life in 1969 New York, then tragically slips back into that coma by the end of the film. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences loves to nominate performances like DeNiro's -namely those where the actor has to simulate mental retardation, physical disabilities, fatal diseases or other handicaps. Some of these nominated performances are truly deserving of recognition, such as Daniel Day Lewis in My Left Foot, Leonardo DiCaprio in What's Eating Gilbert Grape and Tom Hanks in Forest Gump. However, many of these performances are not, such as Jodie Foster in Nell (Janeane Garofalo did a devastating parody of her performance on Saturday Night Live) and Ali MacGraw in Love Story. DeNiro's performance in Awakenings is much more of the former than the latter -he is always good and his performance in this film is no exception. However, to me, the truly great performance in Awakenings is by Robin Williams.

Williams plays DeNiro's physician, Malcom Sayer, a dedicated caring doctor who nonetheless is a shy, introverted loner who admits to Leonard at one point that he is "not good with people." In real life, Williams is so extroverted and so manic that in many of his performances that personality leaks out and intrudes on the characters he plays on film. In Awakenings, however, he completely submerges that persona and is 100% believable as the almost hermit-like Sayer. The central theme of the film is that Leonard Lowe, who has lost so much because of his affliction, is nevertheless living his life with ten times the gusto that Malcom Sayer, who has no afflictions other than his shyness, is living his life. If Williams is not absolutely believable as Sayer, the film falls apart, no matter how believable DeNiro is at portraying his character's illness. Williams is a wonderful actor who uses his comic gifts and manic personality to great advantage in his best work -e.g. The World According to Garp, Good Morning Vietnam, Good Will Hunting and Insomnia. However, this is Williams' first peformance where he is forced to completely submerge his own character and he succeeds brilliantly.

However, when the Oscar nominations were announced for 1990, DeNiro was nominated and Williams was snubbed. Indeed, when the film was released, all the friends I spoke with marveled at DeNiro's performance but didn't say anything about Williams. It's too bad. To be sure, DeNiro is excellent in Awakenings, but Williams' performance is a revelation.

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I don't know how this wonderful movie ever got made. It's not a feel good movie. It's got Robert DeNiro but he's not playing a tough guy. It's got Robin Williams but he's not being funny. But I'm glad that whoever pushed for it did so. And I'm glad Hollywood relented. AWAKENINGS is a quietly powerful movie of enormous depth and passion. Anyone who has seen the movie has been affected by it.

Based on Oliver Sack's book, AWAKENINGS recounts the story of a miracle that occurred in a New York hospital during the mid-1960s. Bucking the system and believing in his theory, Williams' character brings back a dozen patients who appear catatonic--DeNiro being one of them. Through massive applications of the drug L-Dopa, the patients revive and take sheer joy out of just simple tasks. Although the sad ending has been given away by others, I feel the film remains a positive story. It is about human endurance and also about the joys we some times take for granted.

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After viewing this film over fifty times since its release I would say this film is my absolute favorite. It belongs at the top of my list. From the first moment of the movie, you understand that you are in for the emotional roller-coaster ride of your life! Robert de Niro and Robin williams, are so passionate and give their absolute greatest performances. By some standards this film would be considered slow if you solely like all the other films I have reviewed (Click my name). But to say that is a slander to the film, the writer Oliver Sacks (The book) , Penny Marshall the Director, and all others involved. It will give you a more wholesome outlook on life and appreciate what you have. Some things are down-right halarious, while other moments make you think (And believe me the moving Film-Score will make you think!) Don't get me wrong, some of you will not like this movie, because it takes a certain taste to like it...But for the chosen-few who will give this film a shot and go with it, you will be blessed beyond measure. "Its just the simple things...You have to be reminded...The meaning of Life...The Wonder of life...The Freedom of life...!"

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I still remember this film, so many years later. AWAKENINGS made me realize that Robert De Niro had the talent and the ability to portray a deeply human and profound character, Leonard, a man who has lived in his own world for many years, in a very sensitive way. He wasn't just a hit man or a thug! This role solidifies his depth as a performer and was worthy of much praise. Dr. Malcom Sayer (Robin Williams) a shy man, decides to test the effects of the drug L-Dopa on catatonic patients in his hospital--Leonard being one of them. It is a miraculous feat that he seemingly brings those under his care "back from the dead." The transformation is astonishing. It's also amazing that this was based on a true story that occured in the life of Dr. Oliver Sachs. The film also stars Julie Kavner (best known as the voice of Marge Simpson on THE SIMPSONS), as Dr. Sayer's devoted nurse. The film has moments of tremendous joy and heartwrenching setbacks. It doesn't have the 'typical' Hollywood ending, but that doesn't take away from the feeling that awakens in you upon watching AWAKENINGS. Powerful and very memorable.

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Indiana Jones The Complete Adventures (Limited Edition Collectors Set) Blu-ray (2012)

This is about the best and coolest blu ray set I have ever seen. Here's why:

Pros

1. All movies are all on blu ray, certified with the best quality assurance

2. The movies are clearer than I can remember them. I've seen the VHS editions a lot of times.

3. The sound is top notch. A lot of the time I had to turn the volume down

4. The approx. 6 hours of bonus features are priceless. They have all the bonus features from the DVD editions plus brand new ones that cover the production of all four movies

5. The trinkets if you can't see from the pictures include:

A. Condensed version of The Lost Journal of Indiana Jones

B. Five production pictures

C. A book of matches from Club Obi Wan

D. Film cell from Indy's encounter with the cobra

E. Two tickets to the Zepplin from Last Crusade

F. Ticket to the Pan Am Clipper in Raiders

G. Grail rubbing

6. For you purists out there, there are NO changes what so ever

Cons

1. None.

Thank you! I had been wanting a good collection of Blu-Rays with all four movies and I finally got it!

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Lola Montes (The Criterion Collection) (1905)

"Lola Montes" was German director Max Orphuls' first film in color, first in Cinemascope, and his last film. Due to its terrible reception in Paris in 1955, the film was re-cut twice -once by Orphuls and once by the producersin attempts to make it more palatable to audiences. It was the most expensive European film ever made when it was released, so it was a notable flop. The first attempt to restore the "Lola Montes" to its original cut was made in 1968 from an incomplete print. The version on Criterion Collection 2010 DVD is a complete restoration, completed under the leadership of La Cinémathèque française in 2008.

This has long been a film appreciated more by filmmakers than by audiences. It appeals either to those who scrutinize its camerawork or who can place it in the context of film history or of Max Orphuls' work. That said, and although the film is technically interesting, I found it quite watchable. "Lola Montes" was the stage name of Elisabeth Rosanna Gilbert, a famed Spanish dancer, courtesan, and mistress of King Ludwig I of Bavaria in the 1840s. Orphuls reduces her to a circus attraction in middle age, taking impertinent questions from the audience and recreating her scandalous life on stage through absurd tableaux vivants and dangerous stunts.

In fact, Lola Montes was never in a circus, and Orphuls hits the viewer over the head with his condemnation of exploitation and objectification, represented by Lola's (Martine Carol) circus act and its callous ringmaster (Peter Ustinov). I can't help but think this is at least partly responsible for the film's poor reception. As a rule, movies that scold, accuse, or condemn their own audiences are not popular. When Orphuls shames the audience of that circus, they are stand-ins for the film's audience. But the circus is something to see, as we watch Lola's adventures acted out by this bizarre company and in flashback as Lola recalls the events of her life.

Martine Carol was not Max Orphuls' choice for the role, and she is wooden. That's appropriate in the circus scenes, less so in the flashbacks. I think the real Lola Montes must have had more personality, but since this is a film about spectacle, not drama, Carol's limited acting skills don't hinder its ambitions. It takes liberties with Lola Montes biography, but it wasn't intended to be a biopic. Although Orphuls undoubtedly meant for "Lola Montes" to comment on exploitation, it could just as easily be a comment on celebrity, which might be more timely in the 21st century. Lola Montes used celebrity, and it used her. In French and German with optional English subtitles.

The DVDs (Criterion Collection 2010 2-disc set): On Disc 1 are the film and a feature commentary by Max Orphuls scholar Susan White, recorded in 2008. She discusses the film's history, composition, camerawork, making the film, its context in Orphuls oeuvre, and themes. On Disc 2, there is a 1965 episode of the French television program "Cinéastes de notre temps" (53 min) that features some of Orphuls collaborators. "Max by Marcel" (33 min) is a documentary by Marcel Orphuls about his father. There is some footage (1 min) of Martine Carol demonstrating hairstyles from the film. And there is a theatrical trailer for the restored version from Rialto Pictures. Subtitles are available in English.

The movie itself was great, but the transfer is extremly diaappointing, considering that Fox Lorber acquired it recently after Home Vision Cinema lost the video rights. Fox Lorber could have gone through new tranfers and a color and sound restoration, as they reportedly done with their new Truffaut releases on video and DVD (or it could've done by the French and picked up by convience and after Criterion lost their rights to the films, anyway, Fox Lorber claimed to have done "new translation").

The video and sound quailty is extremely poor that colors changed throughout a scene and the audio is quite low accompanied by tics and hisses. Fox Lorber did a disservice to everyone since this is the one and only source many of us have to watch the film. (As a side note, the director's cut, with a running time around 140 minutes, is rarely seen after it was butchered for a shorter running time since the production company was on the verge of bankruptcy as the movie failed to make any profit. This was done, sadly, when Ophuls was on his deathbed).

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...Fox-Lorber can be credited with sly only, for releasing this lack of quality even Madacy would be ashamed of.

The 1 star is because of this release. Maybe they don't know yet that DVD technology allow for subtitles as a choice option, and maybe their budget was too short to get them right (one quarter is accurate, one quarter is approximate, one quarter is absolute fancy, and one quarter has escaped translation. But the worse is the (absence of) quality of the picture which is perfectly matched by a botched soundtrack.

Until Criterion or some real professional in DVD business will take care of getting this released as it should be, better to avoid this one.

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I can hardly believe how bad the quality of the Fox-Lorber DVD version of this film is. I have the privilege of access to a local University library with an extensive laserdisc and DVD collection, so I was able to see both this DVD version and the criterion collection's out of print laserdisc edition of this film. The difference between the quality of the dated laserdisc and this DVD was like night and day the laserdisc was incomporably better. Why Fox-Lorber does not simply pay for the Criterion print is beyond me. For Fox-Lorber to buy the DVD rights to this film and then release a version of such shamefully low quality is ridiculous it seems to me alogical, as if though it would have made more sense for Fox-Lorber never to aquire the rights at all. In truth, because I enjoy this film so much, I feel that this DVD is an act of wanton cruelty on Fox Lorber's part. I would advise discriminating viewers to avoid this DVD; I despair because I can now not own a copy of the film for myself in the forseeable future.

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If Lola Montes were alive today I'm sure she would be a tabloid sensation or perhaps a reality television star famous for her notoriety. Born Eliza Gilbert, she reinvented herself during the late 1800s and tried her hand at singing, acting and dancing failing miserably at all three. What she lacked in talent, however, she more than made up for in sex appeal. Rumours swirled around her about various lovers and Bavaria's Ludwig I bestowed upon her the title of Countess of Landsfeld. She challenged her critics to duels and dared to smoke in public.

In short, Montes led a pretty exciting life ripe for cinematic treatment. Director Max Ophuls took up the challenge in what would be his last film and the only one in colour and Cinemascope. When Lola Montes was released in 1955, the critics savaged it causing the film's producers to panic and re-edit it. The film did have its admirers, chief among them filmmaker Francois Truffaut and critic Andrew Sarris. By 2008, Lola Montes was restored to Ophuls' original intentions and digitally remastered to its original glory, preserving its vibrant colour scheme.

The first disc includes an audio commentary by film scholar Susan White, author of The Cinema of Max Ophuls. She states that Lola Montes is not a film for everyone because of the unusual attention to style. She discusses the odd casting of Martine Carol and what she brought to the film. White does an excellent job of analyzing the film's style and what it means in relation to the characters and the story. She also sheds light on the film's rocky production. This is a very informative track full of insight into the film and the people that made it.

The second disc starts with "Cineastes de Notres Temps," an episode of the French television series featuring several of Ophuls' collaborators, many of whom worked on Lola Montes. The film's cinematographer talks about the director's love of movement. In fact, everyone talks about his working methods and obsession with movement within film.

"Max by Marcel" is a 2009 short film by Marcel Ophuls (Max's son) where he talks about his work on the film as an assistant director. Marcel interviews a few people who also worked on the film. The producers did not like the footage Ophuls was shooting forced Martine Carol and the use of colour and Cinemascope on him.

"Martine Carol Hair Tests" features silent footage of the actress showing some of the fantastic hairstyles she sports in Lola Montes.

Finally, there is the rerelease trailer.

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Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM (Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sorrow) boasts as sparkling a dream cast as Bollywood can ever hope of putting together. Director Karan Johar reunites with his three stars from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji) and then, for extra flavor, tacks on Amitabh Bachchan, his wife Jaya Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor. In India, brother, that translates to some megahuge star power. That cast alone is enough to guarantee a killing in the box office (which is in fact what happened). And, as predictable as the sun rising in the east, Kajol and Shahrukh Khan's chemistry retains its potency.

When you tune in to a Bollywood flick, brace yourself for tears and laughter, get ready to drown in vivid colors and over-the-top musical numbers. Chances are, you may even scoff at the sheer overwroughtness of the story. KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM, coming out in 2001, offers the quintessential Bollywood experience. There's nothing so new about this story, which revolves around a younger son's vow to return his long vanished brother back to the fold, after a decade of estrangement. The film follows the expected beats and clobbers you over the head with maudlin family histrionics. What makes it work are the terrific performances of the actors.

Caste and breeding matter to Yashvardhan "Yash" Raichand (Amitabh Bachchan), the proud, unbending patriarch of the powerful Raichand family. So the whatsis hits the fan when Yash's marriage plans for his adopted son Rahul go awry, because Rahul (Shahrukh Khan) has already fallen in love with Anjali (Kajol), the daughter of a lowly sweetmeat shop owner. That Anjali is vivacious and captivating means diddly squat to Yash, who just can't get past the notion that her station in life falls so far beneath expectations. When Anjali's father dies unexpectedly, leaving her and her younger sister Pooja orphaned and alone, Rahul decides to marry Anjali on the spot. This, as expected, enrages Yash all to bits. He and Rahul exchange words, the result of which is that Rahul is disowned. He bitterly departs, never to return. Ten years pass.

Even though Hrithik Roshan is featured in the framing segments of the film's first half (which is mostly a long flashback to what happened ten years ago), his presence is really felt in the second half. It's pretty funny, to look at this good-looking, all-muscly dude, that the character he plays, during childhood, used to be called Fatty. Fatty's real name is Rohan, Rahul's obese younger brother. Present day finds Rohan the best player in his cricket team, and I'm guessing he's implemented a good, good diet. Rohan, having been so young when Rahul left, has never gotten a full recounting of the rift between his brother and his father. When, on visiting his grandmothers, he finally learns the truth, he promises to find and bring Rahul and Anjali home to reconcile them with their father. His search leads him to London.

Not for one nanosecond do I think that KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM improves in any way on KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, which is one of my favorite Bollywood films ever. But KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM has got its moments. First of all, the lush cinematography dazzles the bejeesus out of you, offering many stunning images and striking compositions and instantly assuring the audience that everyone involved in making this film spared no expenses and effort. There are ten songs here, some of which are impressively lavish productions, with "You Are My Soniya" and "Bole Chudiyan" showcasing Hrithik's dancing mojo. And, of course, there's that sweeping and evocative theme song. Although, I do vaguely resent that in "Suraj Hua Maddham" (the number set in Egypt) one could hear the strains of the theme song from KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI (Is it a rip-off or an homage?). Note too that the names of the lovers in both KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI and KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM are Rahul and Anjali (and that, in these two movies, they're played by Shahrukh and Kajol). Coincidence?

The film's second half mostly takes place in London and focuses much on Hrithik Roshan as he begins his subterfuge and ingratiates himself to an unwitting Rahul and Anjali, having passed himself off as the brother of Pooja's friend (Pooja, remember, is Anjali's younger sister, with whom Rohan has come clean and asked for help). Pooja is played by Kareena Kapoor, so it's no wonder that she's grown up smoking hot. Kareena does her shallow, perky bit, and it's a bit annoying, but this film's not really about her. Hrithik, on the other hand, is very good, especially when called on to produce unshed tears, an acting conceit which Shahrukh had long ago perfected.

I don't think I'll go into how very good each actor here is (okay, Kareena Kapoor doesn't totally suck). As usual, what was initially meant to be some quick comments have diarrhead into this lengthy thing. I'll say this: the actors do earn their paychecks and all that good adulation, and Kajol remains the most incandescent star in Bollywood (sorry, Aishwarya Rai). And, here, Kajol is also very funny. KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM has flaws which critics can gleefully pick at, it's true. It's certainly hammy enough. But one of the best things I admire in Bollywood is that its films aren't afraid to show unabashed emotion. No romance is so romantic, no heartache so torturous as when expressed in Bollywood. This film features two love stories, that of Rahul and Anjali and that of Rohan and Pooja (which really isn't as well developed). But, at its heart, this film means to demonstrate the significance of family, of one's roots and ties, at least in Hindi culture. Or as Director Karan Johar's introductory quote goes: "It's all about loving your parents." While I enjoyed Rahul and Anjali's interactions, I found it almost as absorbing that Anjali so desperately longs for the blessings of her father-in-law. I do wish that Kajol and Amitabh Bachchan had more scenes together. As far as the scenes between Amitabh and Shahrukh, brother, they are intense, intense stuff.

Speaking of Hindi culture, there's one neat scene in which Kajol's character, exiled to England and often prone to nationalistic moods, is gratified to hear her young son singing the Indian national anthem at a school function. Just one of the standout moments in this film, which, by the way, is three and a half hours long. So you're gonna need a whole mess of hankies.

Note: Hindi with English subtitles.

Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) adopted son of a wealthy Indian family is disowned by his Father (Amitabh Bachchan) for refusing his arranged marriage and marrying Anjali (Kajol) a poor local girl. Brokenhearted, Rahul not only leaves the family estate, but leaves India altogether taking up residence in London, England.

Ten years later his younger brother Rohan (Hrithik Roshan) goes in search of Rahul in hopes of mending the breach between father and son and restore family unity. Rohan was only a small boy when Rahul left, so when they meet again in London Rahul has no idea who he is. Rohan introduces himself saying, "Ash, my name is Ash," using his Father's name to stir his older brother's memories of home.

So begins the deception. Pretending to be a college student named Yash in search of lodging he is taken in by Rahul's family. With his disguise firmly in place Rohan begins to work on Rahul's emotions and love for family and Mother India in an attempt to breakthrough the bitterness of the past.

'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' is one of three fantastic Indian films produced in the last couple of years. While the other two, 'Lagaan' and 'Pinjar' are not normative Indian films, this one takes advantage of all the usual Bollywood formulas. However it does it so perfectly you don't care.

The sets and costumes are sumptuous beyond belief, while the music and dancing sways back and forth between mindboggling frenzy and sweet melancholy touching every human emotion imaginable. It doesn't get any better than this in Bollywood, or anywhere else for that matter!

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I was told this film got poo poohed when it hit theatres, but I really can't figure out why! All the big names save a very few were there, and they were all great. The movie is a touch epic and crazy sweet, a tale about pride, honor and what you must do for love. Most of the songs are danceable fun, and the rest are at least entertaining.

Bottom line, if you like bollywood or have even the tiniest fan crush on anyone in the cast, you will enjoy this movie.

PS, I loooove you Kajol!

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This is the first Bollywood movie I have ever watched, so I do not have a basis of comparison with other Bollywood movies. I believe this is a good thing, because watching it, I was not caught saying, "Well, this wasn't as good as Asoka", or, "This is a rip-off of such-and-such". I saw it for what it was--a fun 3 act musical that keeps you glued. The music is infecting (I just bought the soundtrack because of it), the storyline, while predictable, is enjoyable, and once you realized it was a musical the song and dance numbers didn't feel as strange. If you hate musicals, you will hate this film, but for everyone else, you really should watch it.

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My introduction to Hindi cinema came through Netflix and I am hooked! The first film I ever saw was Jodhaa Akbar and obsession quickly took hold. Bollywood has a certain reputation that isn't entirely undeserved; however, it also has something that the vast majority of western films have been steadily losing for decades... true soul! Find a good Bollywood film (and it isn't as hard as the aforementioned reputation suggests) and you find something truly special. Kahbi Khushi Kahbie Gham is my first actual purchase and it truly is something special.

As far as production values go, it's first class all the way. Amazing locations, sets, cinematography, musical numbers, costumes, and even amazing cars! Visually the only issues that truly irk me are how the make-up artist was so heavy handed with Kareena Kapoor-Khan (she just married Bollywood mega-star Saif Ali Khan), but it suited the character. The other is overuse of the bloody wind machine indoors. Nobody's hair no matter how obscenely healthy blows like that inside!

The music is extremely good, especially in the second half because it didn't take me long to get a feel for the words and start singing along. The dancing is outstanding of course, and I loved how the choreography played to each actor's individual strengths. That way, everyone shines brightly. That's incredibly hard to do when you have other men dancing with Mr. Roshan.

Nevertheless, don't be fooled despite the lavishness of the settings and the glamorous world this story takes place in this is a very simple movie and like with anything simple, from boiling an egg to changing a light bulb, if you do it wrong it's a disaster. I say this as someone who's wrecked boiled eggs and screwed up changing light bulbs! Fortunately, I think that everyone involved with this movie knows that, and this movie succeeds because of it. Karan Johar's direction is outstanding, obviously, this was a passion project for him and it shows. However, even with that this movie hinges on one thing and really one thing only... the cast!

The cast is literally the "who's who" of Bollywood both when the movie was first released and now. You've got Mr. and Mrs. Bachchan, two living legends. Mr. Khan, who if not now will be a living legend in Indian cinema soon enough. Mr. Roshan, if he ever go attempts world domination will have nearly every living person on earth eating out of his hand. Kajol, (no prefixes just Kajol) who can't help making a splash the second she comes on screen. Ms. Kapoor-Khan is actually the weakest link here but extremely good. That's only the leads... one must give hearty praise to three vitally important women but still minor characters... Achala Sachdev and Sushma Seth, play the respective grandmothers to our heroes, and Farida Jalal as DJ the beloved nanny, are simply exquisite in their tiny but memorable roles. Each lovely lady leaves you desperately wanting more!

I'm a sucker for character so I have to break these down one by one... first up is Mr. Bachchan. He's known as Big B. in India and it fits. Everything about him is massive, physically he's a skyscraper, his intelligence shoots out of his eyes like laser beams, his charisma and charm is overwhelming. This is a man who clearly loves life and *everything* about it. Mix all of the qualities in the man with an amazing talent, and a simple truth immerges. That truth is simply this, if anyone else had played Yash Raichand, you'd hate him. Yash Raichand is an Autocrat in the best and worse sense. His actions would have been completely unforgivable if he'd been played as a villain. Mr. Johar and Mr. Bachchan were very savvy making Yash a complicated man, even a hero in many ways. He's a literal and figurative giant, but one with feet of clay. Throughout the film, you watch as Yash's stubborn pride continues to eat away at his loved ones, yet you never once will feel he is a bad or malicious man. With good reason, he's a good man, even a great one. You never forget that despite the weaknesses and the lies he tells himself, he loves his family more than life. The truth is, the person most hurt by Yash Raichand, IS Yash Raichand. Kudos to Mr. Bachchan for creating a character you can be completely furious with, but still root for.

Behind every great man is a greater woman! Yeah it's a massive cliché, and not a little feminist, but in this case absolutely true! Just as nobody else but Mr. Bachchan can play Yash, nobody but Mrs. Bachchan can play Nandini Raichand. This character could easily be disliked if handled improperly, but no such thing happens. Thanks to skill, talent, and, a spine made out of pure titanium Mrs. Bachchan deftly creates a character who personifies a nearly mystical maternal love, a devoted wife, and broken woman. Not only that but if the moment calls for it, she grabs a scene from the charismatic men surrounding her and keeps it all for herself using only two lines. Then in another moment, she can take her giant of a husband and cut him down to nearly an afterthought. Don't believe me? See the movie, she can and does! I'm convinced that only a real-life wife can be capable of such a feat.

Mr. Khan I think by nature is a scene-stealer. Put a camera on the man and he does not like to let it go! For me personally, his acting style can get overwhelming. I only mention this because I have seen him act with more restraint in several films and enjoyed him more. That said, he is nothing less then brilliant in this film. He is the favorite son, he is the center of his parent's world. The family revolves around Rahul Raichand and he plays the part accordingly. During the first half, he's cocky, charming, spoiled, kind, but absolutely clueless! This is basically the character Mr. Khan perfected and patented in India as his own. During the second half, he's still cocky, charming, less spoiled, kind, and only slightly clueless. What makes his part unique here is that he isn't the hero. In fact, it wouldn't be wrong to say his character is the equivalent to the 'damsel in distress.' In retrospect, it takes guts to do it. I mean, this guy is referred to as "The king of Bollywood, and The king of romance" he's an icon! Rahul Raichand is in desperate need of rescuing! He makes good of every tool in his acting repertoire here. There's nothing new but sometimes it's enough just to do something incredibly well and he does. Still, in order to act with a man like Mr. Khan you cannot be a shrinking violet.

This brings me to Kajol! Thank God, they cast her as Anjali. Today in western films, the closest thing to true pairings in films I can think of is Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci. Back in the golden age of Hollywood, studios would pair stars together in many films. Astaire and Rogers, Powell and Loy, Flynn and De Havilland... such things were routine. Now, something like that almost never happens. In Bollywood, they're keeping the tradition alive and well! Kajol and Mr. Kahn have done six films together to date, this one was number five. I'll confess right now I've only seen one other, the iconic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, (if you haven't seen it, SEE IT) and I think their magic together approaches Tracy and Hepburn territory. While Mr. Khan might be a scene-stealer who can't help it, Kajol works with it. There's no confusion about who to look at here, it's simple you look at both of them looking at each other. They're completely natural as a couple or as they say in Hindi, a jodi. From the moment their eyes meet, you find yourself thinking there might be something to that kismet idea.

As I've hinted before, Rahul is a little-over-the-top. Believe me he's got nothing on Anjali! To say she's a firecracker, is putting it mildly. Tempestuous is a more apt description, but it still feels wrong. Anjali is Rahul's equal for histrionics and then some. There is nothing about the woman that isn't passionate. Restraint is not a word in her lexicon period; it doesn't matter if the lexicon is Punjabi, Hindi, or English. Kajol bites into Anjali and any surrounding scenery with gusto, even the few moments when she's calm, she's full of passion. Although her character is like a really fast roller coaster, this is a good thing. Rahul is someone easily bored, and Anjali is anything but boring! In fact, he sums her up perfectly, "she's slightly insane, actually she's completely insane." Yes she is! She also walks a pretty fine line regarding bigotry here, but Kajol and Karan Johar smartly never cross it. Kajol manages to take anything approaching offensiveness and infuse it with such a deep feeling of homesickness, that you feel like Anjali would actually get along well with everyone if she weren't hurting so bad.

In the spirit of total honesty, I probably wouldn't buy a movie just because Kajol is in it, but there's no denying she played this part to the hilt, and she did a fantastic job. She's an icon in her own right, and you've got to respect a woman who panics over the amount of Punjabi lines, a language she does not speak, nails it, and steals a scene from Mr. Bachchan!

Warning! The following will probably read like a love letter to Mr. Roshan but I am *trying* to be objective here. I can say with certainty that despite my admiration I am sticking to the facts... Rohan Raichand is the hero of this film, that's not me talking that's Karan Johar. Mr. Roshan gets 5th billing here, he's the "new guy" compared to the rest of the cast, but he's a full-fledged superstar in his own right, even at this early point. But he's up against legends and icons, and he's responsible for holding the movie together. Without Rohan there is no plot. So it isn't like there's any pressure here right?

To put it in perspective, imagine a young actor wildly popular say like... Robert Pattinson, (I've never seen any of his movies, but he's the most popular young'n I can think of) being put in a movie with Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. Same principle here, only with a lot of musical numbers. Mr. Roshan never puts a foot or a tear wrong. I've watched this movie a dozen times since I got it, and every time I'm blown away by him. Rohan is a simple guy, he loves his family. That's it in a nutshell, simple right? Wrong! While the character may be simple the balancing act required by this performance would make a seasoned tight-rope walker cringe.

The thing I appreciated most about Mr. Roshan's acting is that in a movie filled with people who chew scenes he never once tries to be the center of attention. He's focusing on everyone else and that makes the audience focus with him. Oh yes, he's easily the best looking person on film and I would be lying if I said that it wasn't taken advantage of, but even with that, when the issue comes up he focuses on the other actor. I can't tell you how, that would be giving it away. The entire performance was refreshingly ego free, (I like Mr. Khan but he does have an ego) and because of that, you root for him.

You can't talk about a Hrithik Roshan performance and not spend a little time mentioning the dancing. The man might be the best dancer of his generation on film. I'm talking about in the movies here not all dancers everywhere, but even then he's still near the top. He defies the laws of physics, and he's the best dancer in the cast. Still, he never uses that to upstage anyone. During the last musical number when he's not center stage he adapts so that the group dance is in-synch. He never out-dances Ms. Kapoor-Khan and does his best to make her look sublime. It's entrancing to watch.

Some actors, are actors who can dance, others are dancers who get into acting, Mr. Roshan is neither of those. One skill isn't better than the other, both are superlative. It's so easy to fixate on his looks, I've often seen him refered to as "the Greek god of Bollywood" and frankly I'd bet he outshines the Mythical Apollo. But to write him off as just a hunk is a tragic mistake. This man still battles the stammering that's plagued him as a child yet in this film he speaks eloquent dialogue and a tongue-twister that would set my hair on fire!

He was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 21 and told that dancing well enough for movies wasn't possible. He can use swords, ride horses, and sing (check out Jodhaa Akbar for the first two, check out Kites, and Guzaarish for the singing) the man can do it all! Oh and he works hard for that perfect body, the face and eyes God and genetics took care of.

Last but not least we come to the newly wedded Ms. Kapoor-Khan! For the record she's not now related to the Mr. Khan in this film. Pooja is a wannabe "mean girl" who's really bad at it. I think Karan Johar might have watched Clueless one too many times. I swear, the first fifteen minutes with her in the movie is almost exactly like it, only they're speaking Hindi of course. My problem with that is this, while it works in a high school setting, I find it a little implausible for someone in college. Hey, I knew some rich idiots in college, none like 'Poo.' (What was Johar thinking when it came to that nickname?)

Like Mr. Khan, Ms. Kapoor-Khan practically made a brand for herself playing a type. In her case, various shallow, high glamour girls, with a secret heart of gold. But don't let that fool you into thinking she can't act. She is definitely capable of doing more tricks and the fact that she does these sweet but vain girl so well is kind of the proof. For other demonstrations of her talent, try Tashan and Mrs. Khanna (she's even more beautiful in both because she's got beautiful makeup).

She isn't a great dancer. She's certainly good, but not great, what sells it for me is that she knows she's nowhere near Mr. Roshan's level so she works hard and amps up the fun. Filming dance numbers is a torturous, grueling, undertaking so if an actor can convince you they're having a blast, it can make all the difference and she does. She has great chemistry with all the players, and her banter with Mr. Roshan is very funny. Despite being the week link in the cast, she does a good job.

Still, even with her talent and beauty I wish Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan was in the role! Why? Because, just like Mr. Khan and Kajol are the perfect on-screen jodi, Mr. Roshan and Ms. Rai Bachchan transcend great acting into something more. Oh well, if wishes were horses...

Special acknowledgement has to go to the kiddies in this movie. Young Rahul, was played by Mr. Khan's actual son Aryan! He was adorable. All of the kids do great jobs but I admit to some annoyance with Young Rohan and Young Pooja.

Young Rohan AKA Fatty is played by Kavish Majmudar. He certainly must have been everything they wanted, but the poor kid had the most annoying voice on the planet! I don't know if his voice was changing or if he was told to whine every line he had. Either way, the poor thing does tend to get on my nerves. He's a fine actor though, (would it have killed him to wear green contact lenses?)

Young Pooja played by, Malvika Raaj really didn't have anything to do but spout that wickedly sadistic tongue twister, but she deserves an award just for that! Unfortunately it was the only time she registered any charisma at all. But then again how could she in a role so small?

Ladies and Gentlemen the star of the kids, Jibraan Khan! I have no clue if he's related to any other Bollywood Khan's. He plays Krishi Raichand, Anajali and Rahul's son. This kid is AWESOME! But he's not a kid anymore, now. Out of a cast of scene-stealers he takes every one he's in! Unfortunately I can't find the name of the little girl who played Annette the little English girl next door, but she was a gem!

Finally, I can't wrap this up without saying something about Rani Mukerji! She has a special appearance and she's magnificent! She gets to show off her true dancing talent, she looks incredible, and she got a raw deal! In my fantasy world, someone played by Aamir Khan sweeps her off her feet, and makes her forget all about Rahul! Sorry for the spoiler but that one can't be helped.

The DVD itself is very good quality, especially considering the extremely reasonable price. If I had to complain about something it would be the lack of deleted scenes. I wanted to see Rohan interact more with Anjali and Krishi. Still I am NEVER lending this movie to ANYONE! It's mine, mine, mine! I'm so glad I bought it.

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Quicksilver (1986)

I don't know where the editorial reviewer got the idea that there's an "uprising ... against the evil bosses" at the end of this movie. There's no such thing, the climax of the movie is a showdown on the street with a vicious drug dealer. Perhaps the reviewer didn't actually watch the movie...

There's lots of great footage of urban cycling, even if some of it is a tad unrealistic. It's a fast-paced movie with lots of cycling action and actually has a multiple interesting plot lines, not related to cycling.

Yes, this movie is kind of unrealistic but so what. And just to re-clear up the bike thing. It wasn't a coaster brake bike like you had on your old banana seat bike when you were a kid. It's a track bike with a fixed gear. Which means the pedals spin as long as the rear wheel spins. And backward pressure slows your speed but does not completely stop it.That why he always jumped off the back and grabed the seat when he wanted to stop quickly. That is also why anyone crazy enough to ride a track bike on the street usually has a front brake installed. Look at the scenes where he is freestyling in his apartment. He is pedaling backward. This can only be done on a fixed gear. No coaster brake. If you look really closely at some of the scenes you will be able to see different bikes. Like when Bacon rides down the stairs, you can see the bike he's on has brakes. Obviously for the stunt. But I really like this movie. I've been a messenger and I always wanted the place I worked to be like that movie. We never went outside and freestyle in the street while the boom box played. And hot girls never gave me their phone number. But we get to see Lawrence Fishburne as Voodoo when was still know as Larry. And that's worth the 13 bucks right there.

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I saw this film late last night on cable. I've got a feeling it might have glamorized the life of bicycle messengers a tad. If "Quicksilver" was meant to inspire all the kids out there who want to be couriers, I'm doubtful that it worked.

Kevin Bacon stars as a trailblazing stockbroker (Jack Casey) who loses everything. Now he does his trailblazing in another way: he becomes a bicycle courier. His failure on the trading floor dented his confidence, and now cycling around the city, delivering messages, has become his life.

Some of the camera angles with the cycling scenes were pretty good. Did Bacon do his own stunts? The movie lacks a few things such as plot and believability, but it's fairly watchable. The best part was towards the end, when Jack was gallantly leading the "bad guy" away from "the girl". The relentless car chase was funny.

Some of the filming was done in New York (I think) and also in San Francisco. I assumed the film was set in New York since the main character was a stockbroker. I read that the film was shot in three different cities but I don't know what the third was. Like some of the bicycle riders, the film stumbles. Overall the film was pretty lightweight, but it isn't as bad as "The Air Up There".

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This movie should not be taken too seriously. It is about a Wall Street trader in the 80s who loses it all on one big gamble and chooses to follow his passion: riding bikes. Being a bike messenger in NYC is not lucrative, nor is it very appealing to anyone unless you really like to ride, which Bacon's character does. So the plot, while seemingly unrealistic, is at its most basic level about throwing away the business suit and choosing to do what makes you happy, regardless of the financial costs.

The movie is great if you're a fan of cycling, especially of fixed gear cycling. There are a number of scenes where the riders do some cool tricks, like when they are hanging out in front of the dispatch and when Bacon is in his ridiculously large warehouse loft. If you look closely at the bikes during the impromptu 'trick show' you'll see that they are specially geared bikes (maybe, 20-16 gearing) for doing those kind of tricks. Most of the scenes have Bacon riding a fixed gear bike, but some have him on with a freewheeler. The final chase scene of 'Bike vs Car' is just comical, but so is most of the movie.

I think it's definitely worth watching just for an entertaining throw-back to the 80s and to see Laurence (Larry) Fishburn and Paul Rodriguez in great roles. Highly recommended for cycling fans and anyone who's ever been or considered being a messenger!

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This is simply an antodote to the Amazon review which was obviously written by someone that wasn't paying attention if indeed they ever watched the movie.

Kevin Bacon plays a Commodities trader (big difference from a Stockbroker) that loses it all on a highly leveraged trade and even worse, loses everything his parents had entrusted him to invest. He basically drops out and goes from the highest level of the economy to the lowest. He buys a used bike and starts riding for a delivery service. (I have no idea where the idea of evil bosses came into the Amazon review, the boss at the messenger service comes across as a decent guy.) A young woman named Terri is hired and soon becomes the target of Gypsy, a drug dealer and ne'er do well that would like to enslave her as a prostitute. Paul Rodriguez also is in the mix as an experienced courier that wants to raise enough money to buy a hot-dog cart so he can leave the courier business behind.

The drama of the movie centers around Gypsy's efforts to enslave Terri and the climax is a car/bicycle chase where Kevin Bacon outwits Gypsy and sends him plunging from an earthquake damaged bridge. In the end, Bacon's confidence is restored and he finds an opportunity in the markets that can put him back in the game. Calling in favors from old friends he makes the trade and wins big which allows him to get back on top, restore his parent's losses, help Terri to a better life and finance Rodriguez's new cart.

As far as Marshall Fine is concerned, let's just say that you should be a bit embarrased to have written such an innacurate review of a movie that an 12 year old could have understood but you obviously didn't.

Overall the movie is entertaining if a bit of a stretch in places. The overall plot is feasible although the Gypsy character strains credibility a bit IMO. At the end it's a feel good movie with a happy ending and promise of a bright future for all of the heroes. I liked it a lot when it first came out and I've glad to see that it has found its way onto DVD.

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