The Velveteen Rabbit
Directed by Michael Landon Jr.
Average customer review:
In this brand new feature film, one of the most beloved family tales of all tiem comes to life in an enchanting combination of live - action drama and animated adventure. It's the story of a young boy named Toby who is sent by his busy father to spend the holiday season in the home of his stern grandmother. Toby's world instantly changes when he discovers the house's 'magic attic' where three forgotten toys - including a special stuffed rabbit - unlock a world of imagination that will change all their lives forever. The voice talents of Jane Seymour, Tom Skerritt and Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn stair in this heartwarming story about how we bring the things we love to life, inspired by the classic children's book by Margery Williams and directed by Michael Landon, Jr.
Customer Reviews
The Velveteen Rabbit.......
While there have been many versions of this tale told before, this movie would have to be the definitive version, in my opinion. Based upon Margery Williams's 1922 novel, "The Velveteen Rabbit"; it is a story that children and adults alike agree that truly moves the soul.
While his father is off to conduct business, Toby is left in the care of his grandmother. It's clear from the get-go that she is very intolerable of children. Forced to entertain himself there, he comes across Rabbit. Rabbit is a stuffed toy who comes alive in Toby's imagination. Toby also meets Swan and Horse who also comes alive in his imagination. All three toys hope to be made into real animals by the power of love. Soon, Toby's grandmother comes around and realizes how she has been with Toby. Yet, Toby comes down with scarlet fever. This threatens the safety of the toys so they urge him to reach out to his father before it is too late. It is a reimagining that tells of the power of affection.
I tell you, I've never been so moved by a children's movie as I have with this one. I was moved to tears by movie's end, I have to admit. Michael Landon Jr. truly outdoes himself directing this feature, which features a mix of live-action, CGI, and 2-D. Alternating between reality and Toby's mind. While I've seen other movies directed by Landon Jr., this-by far- has to be his best work. I'd love to see him direct other children's stories like this.
The Velveteen Rabbit features the voices of Golden Globe winner Jane Seymour, Emmy Award winner Tom Skerritt, and Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn. Chandler Wakefield provides the voice of Rabbit.
I highly recommend this movie to all. It is a very heartbreaking but uplifting story.
The Velveteen Rabbit
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Dodes'ka-Den
Directed by Akira Kurosawa
Average customer review:
Made in 1970, this film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in 1972. This is Kurosawa's first color film, and there seems to be an almost psychedelic overlay to his production palette. The story revolves around a collection of characters held together only by the frayed thread of poverty. Rokkuchan (Yoshitaka Zushi), a teenager with the mind of a boy, is obsessed with trolley cars. He draws them from every angle in vivid colors. His despondent mother (Kin Sugai) hangs them lovingly on the walls and windows of their simple home.
Every morning Rokkuchan goes out to his imaginary trolley car and makes his way through the surrounding slums. His neighbors include a humble man with a terrible limp and an unforgiving wife, two couples who color-coordinate their husband-swapping, and a sad derelict man with an adoring but doomed little boy. During the day, father and son pass the time building a dream house in their minds. At night they sleep in an abandoned car.
While visually compelling, the film lacks connection between the characters, which leaves the viewer feeling disjointed and somehow lessens the emotional impact of these tragic stories. But as a slice-of-life look at how people maintain simple dignities in the face of great hardship, it is definitely a film worth seeing. --Luanne Brown
Customer Reviews
Underrated, gorgeous, and beautiful...one of Kurosawa's most unique films..
Dodeskaden is one of the most unique films in the Kurosawa filmography. It went against almost everything he's done before it, and it was the beginning of his late period, in which he only made seven films between 1970 and the year he died, 1998.
This is one of Kurosawa's most strinkingly beautiful films. It has some of the most memorable colour cinematography in all of cinema. Combine the fact that it is about slum people living on a Tokyo rubbish tip makes it an even more remarkable feat. This was Kurosawa's first color film, and the color is absolutely amazing. Kurosawa shot this film in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio (forgoing his usual 2.35:1 framing), and it really makes the film much more intimate and, from a technical standpoint, makes the colours more vibrant. This film came out during a rather bad time for Kurosawa. He hadn't completed a film since 1965's Red Beard (another underrated film), and had just been fired from the 20th Century Fox production Tora! Tora! Tora!, because of creative differences and Fox treating Kurosawa like an assembly line director. He was having a difficult time in Japan receiving financing, so he formed a production company with 3 other top Japanese directors. Japanese films at the time were more concerned with monsters and Yakuza thrillers than art or big themes, so Kurosawa's group wanted to make films with substance and art. Dodeskaden was the first film of this venture. Sadly, it was also the last. It was a commercial failure, which led to the group's disbandment. No other films were made from this venture. Shortly after this, Kurosawa attempted suicide. Luckily, he survived, and went on to make 6 more films, including several masterpieces (Ran, Dreams, Madadayo, Dersu Uzala).
This film is really a departure for Kurosawa. Toshiro Mifune was not in this film. Kurosawa and Mifune had huge disagreements on Red Beard (its production was almost 2 years before the camera), and they never made another film together. The film is more of an ensemble piece than an actual epic, heroic story, which is were the films Kurosawa was known for making. Despite its subject matter, it's actually a gorgeous film, with excellent performances, a beautiful music score by Toru Takemitsu (one of Japan's most famous composers), and amazing cinematography. It has several memorable scenes, including the boy who is "trolley crazy" (the word Dodeskaden is actually the sound his imaginary trolley makes), the two drunks who can't tell the differences between their wives, and a powerful scene in which a man married to an onery woman defends her to his friends, and defends her eloquently.
It's one of Kurosawa's most underrated films. It is not as fantastic as Kurosawa's best work, but it's still worthwhile.
Dodes'ka-De
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Ufc 91: Couture Vs Lesnar (2pc) (Ws)
From Zuffa
Average customer review:
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #3274 in DVD
- Released on: 2009-03-17
- Rating: NR (Not Rated)
- Formats: Color, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
- Original language: English
- Number of discs: 2
- Running time: 340 minutes
Customer Reviews
UFC 91 Brock Lesnar Vs Randy Couture UFC 91 Lesnar Vs. Couture, First off people were pissed about brock getting a title shot in his 4th fight, did u see what he did do heath at 87, that was the worst beating ever, He was destroying frank too, but frank is experienced and got his leg, now he is 2-1, and fighting the legend for the belt, I think brock deserved the shot and im glad he got it, and Fedor isnt even in the ufc so leave him out of it,
Heres The match card for the Event
Main Event
Heavyweight (265lbs)
Randy Couture
16-9-0
Brock Lesnar
3-1-0
Lightweight (155lbs)
Kenny Florian
11-3-0
Joe Stevenson
29-9-0
Heavyweight (265lbs)
Gabriel Gonzaga
10-3-0
Josh Hendricks
14-5-0
Nate Quarry
10-3-0
Demian Maia
9-0-0
Welterweight (170lbs)
Dustin Hazelett
11-4-0
Tamdan McCrory
9-1-0
Lightweight (155lbs)
Aaron Riley
27-10-1
Jorge Gurgel
12-5-0
Jeremy Stephens
14-3-0
Rafael dos Anjos
11-3-0
Mark Bocek
6-2-0
Alvin Robinson
9-4-0
Welterweight (170lbs)
Matt Brown
8-7-0
Columbus, OhiovsRyan Thomas
9-3-0
Most Fights were pretty entertaining, some submissions and tkos, but lets get to the point, we all wanted to see Brock Vs Randy, this fight is very exciting and randy shows alot of heart, jus watching it u felt bad for randy when hes standing next to lesnar, lesnar looks twice his size, this fight is legendary and i wont spoil it for you,
I loved ufc 91 !
Ufc 91: Couture Vs Lesnar (2pc) (Ws)
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The Robe
Directed by Henry Koster
Average customer review:
When Roman tribune Marcellus Gallio (Richard Burton) is sent to Jerusalem, one of his assignments is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Marcellus, a cynical and hardened man, wins the robe Jesus wore to the crucifixion while gambling with other Roman soldiers underneath the dying savior. He later becomes convinced that his hallucinations and violent outbursts are the result of a curse received from the robe, which is now in the possession of his escaped slave, Demetrius (Victor Mature), somewhere in the Middle East. He sets out to find Demetrius in order to destroy the robe and the curse and finds faith instead, converting to Christianity. This was the first movie to be filmed in CinemaScope, and won Oscars in 1953 for costume design, art direction, and set decoration. The visual aspects of the film are stunning, and it may be worth viewing for that alone; however, the script and acting leave much to be desired, and you won't find inspiration in these areas if that's what interests you. If, however, you are more interested in this film for its religious matter, the story of the conversion of the hardened Marcellus is inspiring. --James McGrath
Customer Reviews
The Robe -- RESTORED on Blu-ray!
I was blown away watching "The Robe" on Blu-ray disc last night. I've never seen it like this. The richness in detail is exhilarating. The score sounds incredible, especially on Audio Channel 6 (isolated). It's long been one of my top 5 favorite scores and Fox Home Entertainment (FHE) served the film and the soundtrack very well with this massive restoration.
FHE spent the most money in this restoration on the soundtrack according to the man in charge of the project, Sean Belston, VP of Library and Technical Services for FHE, in a chat he had with Ronald Epstein of Home Theater Forum this past Monday evening. They even removed the "wow", which is something he did not go into in detail, but which is likely a costly process, but a process well worthwhile in such endeavors.
The entire score is isolated, and it has NEVER sounded better. I noted, however, that in the "Rescue of Demetrius" sequence as Marcellus and other men were preparing to burst in on the torture room, the mix wasn't what I am used to hearing and that some rather interesting string work is more sublimated. I won't be selling off my fantastic 2-CD soundtrack any time in the future, I can tell you, but there is more than enough totally exhilarating music in this isolated score to make folks VERY, VERY happy!
I noted for the first time in all my many viewings of the film that the photography is quite special -- master cinematographer Leon Shamroy did some incredible work during his career, but most folks know him as the man behind those special filters for "South Pacific". His work on many films, including "Cleopatra", is exquisite. Here, working with a brand new medium, you can see the extraordinary efforts Shamroy went to in order to "properly light" his shots, especially those where the only light sources were oil lamps or torches. When Marcellus bursts into the room in Cana where he learns Demetrius is staying, the light streaming in through the window -- the light by which Demetrius was reading -- is absolutely poetic.
"The Robe" is seldom, if ever, cited for the absolutely clever and innovative composition of images in shots through the film, but director Henry Koster FILLED his screen with highly dramatic placements of people. Some of the shots are staggeringly beautiful. The "Palm Sunday" sequence as Marcellus rides toward Jerusalem is stunning. As the procession passes Demetrius, there is this TRUE sense that Jesus is off camera and "behind us" as we look at Demetrius watching him pass. Add to that the wonderful scoring and it's an extraordinary cinematic moment. And this film is FILLED with extraordinary moments -- Marcellus' entry into the slave market, Diana's farewell to Marcellus at the docks in Ostia, the sequence where Demetrius seeks out Jesus in order to warn him of what the Romans are doing and his conversation with Judas (an unbilled Michael Ansara), the entire Crucifixion sequence (and it's extremely moving), Marcellus' madness, the arrival at Capri (stunning shot), the rescue of Demetrius, the chase and the final confrontation with Caligula in the palace are all extremely memorable and satisfying. I can think of NO CinemaScope film that used the process more dramatically or more satisfyingly (contrast it with MGM's "It's Always Fair Weather" where folks often seem lost in cavernous spaces).
Performances in this film are NOT -- repeat NOT -- under the radar, despite the common pap you read time and time again. Burton is wonderful as Marcellus, Jean Simmons is exquisite as Diana, and Victor Mature is a revelation as Demetrius. In fact, Mature probably turns in the best performance of his career in one of the better performances in this film. Not to be left out is Jay Robinson whose Caligula is one of the finest screen creations I've seen.
I have no idea what the Standard DVD of this film looks like, but I can tell you that in Blu-ray, it's heartbreakingly beautiful.
There are a slew of special features, in addition to the isolated score, but I have not yet indulged in those except for the special publicity materials.
I have to say that on the basis of the smiley-boxed "How the West Was Won" and this issue of "The Robe", my investment in Blu-ray has been MORE than worth it, both as a film lover and as a film score lover!
The Robe
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Head Case: Season 1
Directed by Jason Farrand
Average customer review:
Meet Dr. Elizabeth Goode, Ph. D (Alexandra Wentworth), a brash and judgmental therapist who uses her own unconventional methods of therapy to treat the elite of the entertainment, sports and music industries. Her unique brand of treating the celebrity psyche has made her the “it” therapist in Hollywood and NY with an undeniably thriving practice. Rosanna Arquette, Andy Dick, Ione Skye, Lea Thompson, Richard Kind, James Denton, David Alan Grier, Greg Grunberg, Monica Potter, Joel Madden, Christopher Lloyd, Jason Lewis, Jonathan Silverman, Jennifer Finnigan, Ahmet Zappa, Trudie Styler, Cindy Margolis and Jeff Goldblum guest star as themselves in this Starz Originals series that the New York Post hails as “unscripted, unusual, funny and real!”
Customer Reviews
"It" Shrink For The Known But Barely Employed.
'Head Case', a show that is a hilarious take of therapy, and what we the poor slobs who need a 'shrink' go through. Alexandra Wentworth is Dr.Elizabeth Goode. She has an office in Beverly Hills and sees the once famous. Her brand of therapy is not to treat the patient for what they think is their issues, but to give them new issues to worry about. Not only can these ex-stars not get employment, they can't really get treated. This therapy is all about Dr Goode and what she needs.
Dr Goode shares an office with Dr Myron Finklestein, played by Steve Landesberg. He treats the down and out who are on the verge of something. Unfortunately Dr Finklestein pushes them over and most of them become deceased in one manner or another. The receptionist is Lola, who talks to everyone about the clients problems. She seems harmless enough but then she is married to Dr Finklestein and on the verge of divorce. What you see here is not what you get, it is what you have no idea is coming.
The clients like Jason Pristely who wants to talk about his marriage ends up dressing in drag and trying to convince Dr Goode that he is indeed a heterosexual. She wants him to deal with his homosexuality when none exists. Tori Spelling who is a regular client ends up listening to Dr Goode's issues of her engagement. And, then, there is the fiancee, he who is found with two strippers. A little unuusal, you might think- really? The episodes are about 24 minutes in length and shown on the Starz Channel.
The best moments come with all of the interruptions by various and sundry people who burst into the office to discuss drapes or the color of the floors. All in all this is a series all about Dr Goode. It is one of the funniest takes I have seen and laugh out loud funny. The new series is starting March 25 on Starz.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 03-20-09
Meeting Daddy
Head Case: Season 1
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WWE: No Way Out 2009
From World Wrestling
Average customer review:
It's the last Pay-Per-View event before WrestleMania 25 --a last chance for the Superstars of Raw, Smackdown, and ECW to showcase their skills and prove they belong on the grandest stage of all. Key matches will decide who seeks championship gold at WrestleMania 25. Featuring Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Undertaker, Batista, Edge, Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy, CM Punk, and more!
Customer Reviews
No Way Out 2009
Elimination Chamber Match for the WWE Championship (Smackdown):
Edge VS Triple H VS Undertaker VS Vladimir Kozlov VS Jeff Hardy VS Big Show-The big shocker was Edge was pinned quickly by Jeff Hardy and a new champion would be crowned. I hate Edge but will admit, he puts on a good show. Kozolv comes in and bores me to tears, I fast fowarded until anther superstar entered. Big Show and Kozlov beat on Hardy for a long, boring while and do not bother to pin him but rather go after each other. Triple H comes in and cleans house and the process is repeated when Taker enters the fray. This match had a few good spots but the match was disappointing overall. I would have loved to see Hardy as champion but WWE isn't ready to let a smaller, quicker wrestler hold the belt. I know Hardy was champion for a few months but it felt as a there you happy? gesture by WWE and he lost within a few months to Edge. Triple H wins the title in the end and this is why people do not watch WWE anymore. Same people holding titles (Cena, Triple H, and Edge) and boring storylines that have been over and over again.
Randy Orton VS Shane McMahon: I've always enjoyed Shane O'Mac in hardcore matches but you know who would win the match. Still, a hell of a hardcore match.
Jack Swagger VS Finlay: I hate Hornswoggle and wish WWE would do away with him. Finaly is not a clown like Doink and he doesnt need this useless midget around him. Swagger is the next generation but needs wrestlers like Evan Bourne or Christian to shine. Finlay is a good brawler but he's old school.
JBL VS HBK: Ok, i'll admit it-JBL is a great heel. He cannot wrestle like he use to, but he can rise to occassion. This match felt more like a Raw main event rather then a PPV match up. A decent match but everyone already knew the outcome.
Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Championship (Raw)
John Cena VS Edge VS Chris Jericho VS Rey Mysterio VS Mike Knox VS Kane: Kofi Kingston is taken out by Edge before the match and gets locked in a pod, jeez who is going win this match? I thought Kingston would be a welcome change to the match rather then have the usual suspects. Knox was a change but he is a power guy with little upside. Jericho and Mysterio steal the match and make it worthwhile. Edge of course wins in the end and even though I hate him, eight title reigns in two years? Thats a hell of a feat.
Overall, a pretty good PPV. Edge sets anther record by wrestling in two chamber matches, someone loves Edge over at the WWE offices. I'd add this to any wrestling collection.
WWE: No Way Out 2009
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Walled In
Directed by Gilles Paquet-Brenner
Average customer review:
Recent engineering graduate Sam Walczak travels to the middle of nowhere to supervise demolition of the mysterious Malestrazza Building. She soon comes face to face with the horrifying secrets of the building and its past inhabitants, many of whom were entombed alive within the walls of the pristine building by its obsessed architect. As Sam begins to unravel the clandestine details of the architect's life and his astonishing building, she is drawn into the dark and frightening reality which forces her to accept her own dark past and turn the tables before she becomes the last victim.
Customer Reviews
Effective and disturbing story
The trailer gives a good idea what this film looks like. It is a lower budget direct to DVD release (I like to think of it as a "Blockbuster Video premiere", and if Blockbuster goes out of business, I wonder where films like this will find a prominent display.) I partly rented this DVD because I thought it might show more of the demolition process--like maybe Mischa Barton using fancy equipment and computer programs to pick the spots to place the dynamite to implode the building. There is very little of that in the film, which borrows from Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado" and the remake of "The House on Haunted Hill" (eg. a totally creepy building). Ms. Barton carries the film with an intense performance, although she is made to look as plain as possible. Deborah Kara Unger, a fine actress who had such strong start in "The Game" and "The Rat Pack" is now being lost in films like this one and the forgettable "White Noise" (and she's starting to look older). The film opens with a disturbing image of a young child trapped in a small enclosure while concrete fills the space--apparently cruelty to children in films is acceptable now (there was some of that in "Bloodrayne 2" and the final "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie).
Walled In
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