Slumdog Millionaire
From Twentieth Century Fox
Average customer review:
Danny Boyle (Sunshine) directed this wildly energetic, Dickensian drama about the desultory life and times of an Indian boy whose bleak, formative experiences lead to an appearance on his country's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" Jamal (played as a young man by Dev Patel) and his brother are orphaned as children, raising themselves in various slums and crime-ridden neighorhoods and falling in, for a while, with a monstrous gang exploiting children as beggars and prostitutes. Driven by his love for Latika (Freida Pinto), Jamal, while a teen, later goes on a journey to rescue her from the gang's clutches, only to lose her again to another oppressive fate as the lover of a notorious gangster.
Running parallel with this dark yet irresistible adventure, told in flashback vignettes, is the almost inexplicable sight of Jamal winning every challenge on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?," a strong showing that leads to a vicious police interrogation. As Jamal explains how he knows the answer to every question on the show as the result of harsh events in his knockabout life, the chaos of his existence gains shape, perspective and soulfulness. The film's violence is offset by a mesmerizing exotica shot and edited with a great whoosh of vitality. Boyle successfully sells the story's most unlikely elements with nods to literary and cinematic conventions that touch an audience's heart more than its head. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews
A Genuine Message of Hope
Brilliant film! Captivating, sincere and sensitive. It's a genuine message of HOPE. However, I think it should have a linearity concerning the use of the language. I've noticed that 50% of this movie alternates between English and Hindi. Why this? From a scene to another, little boy Jamal is speaking his native language, and suddenly while showing the Taj Mahal to that old couple he is speaking a flawless English. It is not clear to the viewer, but I can bet that if this movie had had been entirely filmed in Hindi, probably it would NOT have taken the attention from the U.S. public audience and it would have finished ignored by the Academy. And as well, like a few other brilliant films it would be forgotten in time. But our "slumdog" here and the rest of the cast speak English fluently and they've made "History" this year.
Slumdog Millionaire
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Marley and Me (Single-Disc Edition)
From Twentieth Century Fox
Average customer review:
When a dog wriggles his adorable rear end into a human's life, the human will never be the same. And both Marley, the dog, and Marley & Me, the movie, manage to endear themselves deeply despite a few wee flaws. Readers of the John Grogan bestseller already know the raffish charm of the incorrigible yellow lab puppy, Marley, adopted by Grogan and his wife because she's "never seen anything more adorable in my life." But Grogan's simple tale of love, in all its forms, shines on the big screen, thanks to deft comic turns by Jennifer Aniston--in top form here--and Owen Wilson. Their chemistry is utterly natural and believable as Marley's owners, as is their interaction with the very naughty but ultimately irresistible Marley. As Marley grows up, the film follows his escapades--flunking out, spectacularly, from puppy training at the hands of a wickedly funny Kathleen Turner. And as Marley grows up, John and Jenny build their life together and weather some tough emotional blows. Like My Dog Skip, which it resembles in its affection for its subject, Marley & Me is a tear-jerker, but in the sweetest, most lovely way--because it, and its four-legged star, have wriggled into our hearts. Good boy. --A.T. Hurley
Customer Reviews
Best Dog Movie I've ever seen. And then some.
My wife talked me into watching this movie and it gave me a run for my money. This is an extremely powerful movie. Even if it doesn't look like it. Extremely profound are carefully crafted. It touched me in a way few movies ever have. Simply Brilliant. Just a warning. Grab a bucket for your tears because you'll cry like a baby.
Marley and Me (Single-Disc Edition)
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Seven Pounds
Directed by Gabriele Muccino
Average customer review:
The mysteriously titled Seven Pounds stars Will Smith as Ben Thomas, who flashes his badge as an IRS agent to gain entrance into the lives of seven strangers in need. To each, he offers something that will reverse their troubles, seeking to atone for a haunting past mistake. But when Ben starts falling in love with a young woman with heart trouble (Rosario Dawson), his carefully laid plans threaten to collapse. To reveal more of the story would diminish it. Smith is an engaging, charismatic presence, but the impact of Seven Pounds comes from Dawson--she has the kind of emotional transparency that shimmers off the screen. Which is crucial, because Seven Pounds requires considerable suspension of disbelief; some scenes push and pull at plausibility, and you may question a few plot turns after the movie is over. But as the story unfolds, the performances can carry you over these bumps. If you surrender to its gently circling rhythms and its luminous images (including the glowing undulations of a poisonous jellyfish), Seven Pounds will pack an emotional wallop, heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. Also featuring Barry Pepper (Saving Private Ryan), Michael Ealy (Sleeper Cell), and Woody Harrelson. --Bret Fetzer
Customer Reviews
Let the symphony of this film unfold before you I grew up watching Will Smith on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, so he's a familiar face that I enjoy seeing. I truly think he's at his best in the drama category. His has such a soothing quality to him that can speak volumes in a couple words or a look. No one else could have played an IRS agent that doesn't immediately get a door slammed in their face.
For once, the plot was not spoiled before I could watch this movie on DVD. Usually you can't help but hear all about it before you see it. So I went into this knowing nothing, and while it's not completely a surprise, it works in an amazing way.
For some, they will have a very large, elephant in the room problem with a film that concerns suicide(don't worry, not spoiling for you...this is the opening scene). This is a movie that develops like a symphony, slowly unfolding before you. It will break your heart, but let you see that some people do have the best of intentions. They're willing to sacrifice more then you'd think.
Others have complained its "slow" or "boring". I believe this movie is for those who like subtlety and things to think about. They don't give you all the information to figure out the story immediately.
I watched slumdog millionaire right before this, and honestly, thought this was stunningly better and I'm really shocked it wasn't nominated for an oscar. This would have been my personal choice for best film of the year.
Also, as I will always mention - finally, some good special features!! I love behind the scenes stuff, or the writers talking about how the story came to them. There is all that and more.
Seven Pounds
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Live In London
Directed by Edward Sanders
Average customer review:
For over four decades, Leonard Cohen has been one of the most important and influential songwriters of our time, a figure whose body of work achieves greater depths of mystery and meaning as time goes on. His songs have set a virtually unmatched standard in their seriousness and range. Sex, spirituality, religion, power - he has relentlessly examined the largest issues in human lives, always with a full appreciation of how elusive answers can be to the vexing questions he raises. But those questions, and the journey he has traveled in seeking to address them, are the ever-shifting substance of his work, as well as the reasons why his songs never lose their overwhelming emotional force. Documentaries, awards, tribute albums and the ongoing march of artists eager to record his songs all acknowledge the peerless contribution Cohen has made to what one of his titles aptly calls "The Tower of Song."
In 2008 Leonard Cohen embarked on his first tour in 15 years. Quickly recognized as musical folklore in the making, 29 of the original dates sold out almost immediately, leaving fans and critics alike hailing the show as a once in a lifetime experience. By popular demand, the Canadian/UK tour was extended and by the end of that year it had reached 84 markets worldwide, selling more than 700,000 tickets. The Live In London release fully captures and recreates the extraordinary show from that tour that earned Cohen more than 80 five-star reviews for his performances.Track Listing:
1. Dance Me To The End Of Love
2. The Future
3. Ain't No Cure For Love
4. Bird On The Wire
5. Everybody Knows
6. In My Secret Life
7. Who By Fire
8. Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye
9. Anthem
10. Introduction
11. Tower Of Song
12. Suzanne
13. The Gypsy's Wife
14. Boogie Street
15. Hallelujah
16. Democracy
17. I'm Your Man
18. Recitation w/ N.L.
19. Take This Waltz
20. So Long, Marianne
21. First We Take Manhattan
22. Sisters Of Mercy
23. If It Be Your Will
24. Closing Time
25. I Tried To Leave You
26. Wither Thou Goest
Customer Reviews
Technically disappointing
Cohen commands attention for the entire concert, which is amazing considering his 74 years. He is warm, humorous and humble to his audience and hardly makes an error in presenting over 40 years of his music. His band is top-notch as well.
On the down side, the technical production is disappointing. For what would have to contend as the concert event of the decade, the presentation in 4:3 format with a picture that could be described as analog quality at best is hardly acceptable, especially when it was recorded in 2008 and the British have had widescreen TV for a decade.
The camera work was frequently sloppy and the continuity editing the same.
Full marks to Cohen and his band. Not good enough to Sony.
Live In London
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Performing This Week: Live at Ronnie Scott's
From Eagle Rock Ent
Average customer review:
Jeff Beck is a true rock legend. From his time with the Yardbirds in the sixties, through the Jeff Beck Group and throughout his solo career his unique guitar style and constant desire to explore new musical areas and sounds has won him the admiration of his peers and the adoration of legions of fans. In 2007 Jeff Beck performed a series of concerts at the renowned Ronnie Scott's club in London. They became the must have ticket of the year with a packed audience every night of the famous and the fans. This DVD features pieces recorded across the different nights and presents the best version of each track. Jeff is also joined by guests Joss Stone, Imogen Heap and Eric Clapton for some very special performances.
TRACK LISTING
1) Beck's Bolero 2) Eternity's Breath 3) Stratus 4) Cause We've Ended As Lovers 5) Behind The Veil 6) You Never Know 7) Nadia 8) Blast From The East 9) Led Boots 10) Angel (Footsteps) 11) People Get Ready - with JOSS STONE 12) Scatterbrain 13) Goodbye Pork Pie Hat / Brush With The Blues 14) Space Boogie 15) Blanket - with IMOGEN HEAP 16) Big Block 17) A Day In The Life 18) Little Brown Bird - with ERIC CLAPTON 19) You Need Love - with ERIC CLAPTON 20) Rollin' And Tumblin' - with IMOGEN HEAP 21) Where Were You
Bonus Material:
Jeff Beck Interview: rare in depth interview talking about Ronnie Scott's, his band, the setlist and his guest performers. Interviews with the band members: Tal Wilkenfeld (bass), Vinnie Colaiuta (drums), Jason Rebello (keyboards).
Customer Reviews
Patiently to find out what price... This DVD can only expand on the compelling performance on the CD. Having seen Jeff Beck first play in 1969 (Chicago) and more recently in 1999 (Las Vegas), he's just plain unmatched. I'm a devoted Clapton fan, but JB claims ownership to "Cause We Ended As Lovers" with such grace, it brings tears. If you are a guitar fan with a Blue Ray player, this disk can only enhance your experience and collection - sight unseen. "Here I sit so patiently, waiting to find out what price we have to pay to get out of going through all these things twice."
Performing This Week: Live at Ronnie Scott's
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![Chris Botti in Boston [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51K99BV4IaL._SL210_.jpg "Chris Botti in Boston [Blu-ray]")
Chris Botti in Boston [Blu-ray]
Directed by Jim Gable
Average customer review:
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #337 in DVD
- Released on: 2009-03-31
- Rating: NR (Not Rated)
- Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
- Formats: Color, NTSC
- Original language: English
- Number of discs: 1
- Running time: 160 minutes
Customer Reviews
Spectabular show! I caught this show on PBS-WTTW in Chicago and it is spectacular! I fell in love during this show! Chris Botti is a dream on the trumpet and the show from start to finish was fantastic! He brings together such an array for talent that I was hooked from the first minute. Even if you are not a "jazz" fan, this music is so mellow, so contemporary, so eclectic, so luscious that you can't help but enjoy it as I did. I want to hear (see) it again, and again!!!
Chris Botti in Boston [Blu-ray]
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![The Matrix 10th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Book [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515q1Q89L-L._SL210_.jpg "The Matrix 10th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Book [Blu-ray]")
The Matrix 10th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Book [Blu-ray]
From WARNER HOME VIDEO
Average customer review:
By following up their debut thriller Bound with the 1999 box-office smash The Matrix, the codirecting Wachowski brothers--Andy and Larry--annihilated any suggestion of a sophomore jinx, crafting one of the most exhilarating sci-fi/action movies of the 1990s. Set in the not too distant future in an insipid, characterless city, we find a young man named Neo (Keanu Reeves). A software techie by day and a computer hacker by night, he sits alone at home by his monitor, waiting for a sign, a signal--from what or whom he doesn't know--until one night, a mysterious woman named Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) seeks him out and introduces him to that faceless character he has been waiting for: Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne). A messiah of sorts, Morpheus presents Neo with the truth about his world by shedding light on the dark secrets that have troubled him for so long: "You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad." Ultimately, Morpheus illustrates to Neo what the Matrix is--a reality beyond reality that controls all of their lives, in a way that Neo can barely comprehend.
Neo thus embarks on an adventure that is both terrifying and enthralling. Pitted against an enemy that transcends human concepts of evil, Morpheus and his team must train Neo to believe that he is the chosen champion of their fight. With mind-boggling, technically innovative special effects and a thought-provoking script that owes a debt of inspiration to the legacy of cyberpunk fiction, this is much more than an out-and-out action yarn; it's a thinking man's journey into the realm of futuristic fantasy, a dreamscape full of eye candy that will satisfy sci-fi, kung fu, action, and adventure fans alike. Although the film is headlined by Reeves and Fishburne--who both turn in fine performances--much of the fun and excitement should be attributed to Moss, who flawlessly mixes vulnerability with immense strength, making other contemporary female heroines look timid by comparison. And if we were going to cast a vote for most dastardly movie villain of 1999, it would have to go to Hugo Weaving, who plays the feckless, semipsychotic Agent Smith with panache and edginess. As the film's box-office profits soared, the Wachowski brothers announced that The Matrix is merely the first chapter in a cinematically dazzling franchise--a chapter that is arguably superior to the other sci-fi smash of 1999 (you know... the one starring Jar Jar Binks). --Jeremy Storey
From The New Yorker
It has some of the pop-intellectual momentousness of the first "Terminator," but without the wrenching emotions of that movie. We are all living, it turns out, in "the matrix"-a seeming reality controlled by artificial intelligence and policed by vicious men in black. The few people who are free hole up in a space capsule somewhere above the earth, and Keanu Reeves, who is first seen strapped down, with needles and other paraphernalia stuck into him and a disgusting little creature inserted through his belly button (unfortunately for him, he's got an inny), eventually joins the free and becomes a liberator. He fights the bad guys by flying through the air and engaging them in a rhythmic version of kung fu that has the clickety-clack excitement of tap dancing. The movie is nonsense, but it does achieve a brazenly chic high style-black-on-black, airborne, spasmodic. With Laurence Fishburne, who intones his lines rather than speaking them, as the leader of the free men and women. Written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski. -David Denby
Copyright © 2006 The New Yorker
Customer Reviews
Blu-Ray Transfer Is Fantastic! With over 2,000 reviews, there is no sense discussing the movie so I will just address this to readers wondering if the Blu-Ray transfer is as good as they, perhaps, have heard.
Yes, it is - it's incredble. I am not a particular fan of the film, especially the sequels, so I say these remarks with no bias. I just rented this first "Matrix" to see how it looked. Well, it Blu (pun intended) me away!! At this point, I've seen around 50 Blu-Ray DVDs and this is as good as it gets. I can't imagine how you could make it any better. It's so sharp, I just sat there mesmerized by it. The sound also is outstanding....another upgrade. I've seen this movie three times now and I swear I heard a lot of background talk and stuff I never heard before.
So....if you read that the audio and visuals are 5-star caliber - believe it; it's true.
The Matrix 10th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Book [Blu-ray]
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Live In Chicago DVD
Directed by Joe Thomas
Average customer review:
Stevie Nicks, rock's superstar chanteuse, performs her signature songs with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Fleetwood Mac and her acclaimed solo career. Recorded at her October 2007 'Soundstage' performance.
Customer Reviews
Stevie Nicks - OUTSTANDING, Timeless and Fantastic as Ever
[Update] You MUST check out Stevie's LIVE performance in Chicago and you can by logging on to Stevie's site [...] and click on the Chris Isaak Hour link.
The POWER of the MUSIC in this epic live concert is absolutely OUTSTANDING. It's the best of Stevie times 1000.
You also get a really cool "preview" from Warner Bros when you pre-order the DVD.
Stevie is as phenomenal now as she always was. Everything that makes her music, songs, gorgeous inside and out - STEVIE NICKS rocks the house. Her solo career is amazing because SHE is amazing.
Yes, get this DVD and I also recommend "Crystal Visions... The Very Best of Stevie Nicks" to go along with it.
Great music that never gets old, no matter how old we get.
Amazing icon she is as she deserves to be!
Live In Chicago DVD
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Pokemon: Giratina & The Sky Warrior
From Universal Studios
Average customer review:
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #347 in DVD
- Released on: 2009-03-31
- Rating: NR (Not Rated)
- Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
- Formats: AC-3, Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
- Original language: English
- Subtitled in: English
- Number of discs: 1
- Running time: 97 minutes
Customer Reviews
Pokemon Movies Showing Their Age - Mostly in a Good Way
My first impression of this movie is that its not entirely sure what age group its trying to appeal to. Here we have a storyline with some potentially deep (and confusing to young viewers) concepts -like in the 4th movie- that aren't really fleshed out too much. There's the obligatory Ash and co involvement alongside legendary and rare Pokemon features, though most content is overshadowed somewhat by a heavy focus on Shaymin.
Giratina takes something of a back seat to this little grass type shapeshifter, despite its name being at the head of the movie title. Regigigas feels like its been tagged on as an afterthought. On top of that, Brock gets to experience Team Rocket's place in pretty much every movie up to now - sidelined in favour of shining the spotlight on Ash and Dawn. Amusingly enough, reference to this is actually made in the movie dialogue of both the original and the dub.
I'm not entirely sure why Ash was so sad to see Shaymin leave after the hard time it gave him...
Newton and Zero are both fascinating cameos, with the former winning out on eccentricity and the latter winning out on technology - who knows where he got that massive aircraft/scientific device from, but in the end, who cares?
The main winner in this production has to be the artwork which, with every movie, has done nothing but improve in clarity, beauty and the blending of 3D and 2D. In Sky Warrior, the backgrounds and special effects are truly breathtaking. One minor letdown here is the cel-shaded Pokemon stick out a little from everything else, but its not a blatant eyesore.
Though not as stirring as previous installments, the soundtrack was a reasonable feature - taking inspiration from Rise of Darkrai to keep a continuity throughout the 10th, 11th and 12th movies.
While we need to expect the ending of Sky Warrior to have a bit of an unfinished feel to it -being part of a trilogy- the entire plot seemed to have the same feel, and that's rather a shame. Characters you're meant to foster emotions for don't end up developed enough for that reaction to occur. A similar problem happened in Rise of Darkrai, and it doesn't seem to have yet been rectified.
All in all, its a valid addition to the Pokemon movie series, and an enjoyable watch. However, it remains to be seen whether the DVD shall feature any extras that make it an appealing buy.
Pokemon: Giratina & The Sky Warrior
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Tell No One
Directed by Guillame Canet
Average customer review:
Based on Harlan Coben s International best selling novel, Tell No One tells the story of pediatrician Alexandre Beck who still grieves the murder of his beloved wife, Margot, eight years earlier. When two bodies are uncovered near where Margot's body was found, the police reopen the case and Alex becomes a suspect again. The mystery deepens when Alex receives an anonymous e-mail with a link to a video clip that seems to suggest Margot is somehow still alive and a message to Tell No One .
One of the Best Reviewed Films of the Year! (Rotten Tomatoes - 96% among top critics)
2008 Top 10 List Selections:
-Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman
-New York Times Stephen Holden
-Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turran
-USA Today - Susan Wloszczyna
-Metacritic.com #1 - Marc Boyle
-Plus over 10 others (Washington Post, Oregonian, Newark Star Ledger, Seattle Times, Austin Chronicle, etc.)
Bonus Features:
Deleted Scenes
Outtakes
English Language Track
English Subtitles
Customer Reviews
A thrilling love story mystery!!
This film was a great surprise! It really has everything from murder, mayhem, betrayal... a suspenseful mystery to the very end. All this with an underlying theme of a true love story, but not to be confused with a chick flick! Not for the squeamish, Tell No One is well written, directed and the actors are superb. This is a great date flick because it appeals to both. You won't wanna miss it!
Tell No One
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Top 10 DVDs. Top 10 Box Office. The Best DVDs of 2008: TV
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