D Movie Reviews

What a wonderful show. It is the one show my 13 year old daughter and I both love so much that the remote is not fought over for the 2 30 minute episodes. She said she wanted the DVD for her birthday, and was very unhappy when I told her it was not out. I am blessed have the oppurtunity to watch the Girls 4 times a day. *HAPPY DANCE* When this set finally hit the market I will be buying 3. One each for my daughter, myself and my sister. I love the charecters, the plots and especially Rose's Saint Olaf stories! Not to knock the older programs, some of them are on my top 10 list.. BUT... if Sid and Marty Croft have had their stuff released, I can't believe Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sofia have to wait with that putz Stan in pre-release heaven. This world is truly unfair!

When you think about it, the girls from Sex and the City are very similar to the ones from the Golden Girls. Sharlet is Rose, Samantha is Blanch, Maranda is Sophia, and Dorthy is Carrie. It all makes perfect sence why women love this show Golden Girls. It's hilarious, has great charachters, relates with women, and just so much more. I watch Golden Girls every day when it's on TV at 10am and 12pm. I make my boyfriend watch it with me and every once in a while I'll here him laugh, even though he's supposed to be tortured by being forced to watch it! :) This would be a great DVD to have and I have be waiting years for it to be available for home use. I really hope they decided to make this DVD collection season by seaon really come true!

I have grown up with the Golden Girls on Television, I can remember as a child on Friday nights we would watch the Golden Girls followed by empty nest. Now it is on Lifetime however our family just watches DVD's now and I am missing my good laughs from my Golden Girls. I am hoping that the Golden Girls Sitcom will be released on DVD with all episodes included and it would be great if a bloopers/behind the scences dvd was also included with the set. These girls do bring us laughs that bring back old memories of the 80's. I hope to see the dvd released for The Golden Girls very soon.

Stumbled on this heartwarming gem of a movie by accident and was pleasantly surprised. A simple yet moving tale of true love.

Based on the memoirs of Novalyn Price, veers around her relationship with the creator of "Conan The Barbarian" and "Kull The COnqueror", Bob Howard, who committed suicide. The period is 1930s, location: small-town Texas. Novalyne is a school teacher who wishes to be a published writer, and Howard is already established as a pulp fiction maverick. Both are in their late 20's.

As such, you'd think that's a weak scaffolding to lay a spectacular movie on, but the story tiptoes at a very good pace. The script is honest and addictive, and the chemistry between the two protags has that elusive, seductive charm of lovers without being overly somatic.

If you think you have seen Zellweger's true class as an actress from Bridget Jones or One True Thing, you haven't seen nothin' yet! The lady is marvellous. D'Onofrio does a fabulous job of being the creative mess of a story writer.

What I relished most, apart from the beautiful potrayal of love, was an unspoken grief of being an outlier in society -- the kind of palpable but overt ostracism that "geniuses" face simply by virtue of being extraordinary.

Required viewing for the romantics, and some delectable worthy escapism for others.

Usually I treat "love stories" with a thinly veiled contempt. Call me cynical, but most are contrived, sappy, and predictable. The Whole Wide World is anything but, and like most stories that break your heart, it's a true one - not something created by the overactive imagination of a Hollywood exec.

Other reviews have covered the basic story: based on the memoirs of Novalyne Price, The Whole Wide World is her recollection of the relationship she had with Conan creator and pulp fiction writer, Robert E. Howard, before his tragic suicide.

The performances in this film are outstanding. Vincent D'Onofrio practically leaps off of the screen. His character is infuriating, heartbreaking, yet so fragile. Renee Zellweger filmed this movie just before she got the call to appear in Jerry Macguire, and she shines as Novalyne Price. Price was a smart, witty, and stubborn lady - in a time when such things were not considered very ladylike. Novalyne and Robert were introduced by a mutual acquaintance, and thus began their disjointed and devoted friendship.

There was obviously so much love between them, but circumstances, Howard's mental illness, and his unreasonable devotion to his mother prevented their relationship from ever reaching it's potential. It's a tragic, very real human story and more than worth two hours of your time. Just make sure you have a tissue ready because it is a tear jerker. It never lowers itself to petty sentimentality though. The Whole Wide World will touch you via pure emotional storytelling - kudos to the writer who adapted Price's novel.

It's criminal that the DVD and video are not available in the United States! Various cable channels are playing it regularly, yet I can't come to the American amazon.com to purchase it?? Please follow the director, Dan Ireland, and his advice - go to amazon.ca.com and treat yourself to this wonderful love story!

what a great film. the script is beautiful and the scenery breathtaking, but the real triumph is the performance put forth by the movie's cast. renee zellweger and vincent d'onofrio progress through the relationship between aspiring writer novalyn price and pulp fiction sensation robert e. howard with grace and energy.

in a small texas town during the 1930s, novalyn price makes her living as a schoolteacher, but dreams of being a writer. an ex-boyfriend introduces her to quirky bob howard, who makes his living by writing sensual adventure tales about conan the barbarian, among others. this is a love story tinged with madness, and at times you can feel the exhaustion induced by howard's intensity.

this film has some great original moments. specifically, look out for the greatest kiss scene of all time. i had to rewind the video and rewatch, stunned that no other director or actor had conceived of this scene before.

i saw this movie because i'm a huge vincent d'onofrio fan, and fell in love with the movie. if you see this movie and fall in love with vincent, check out Household Saints, another great independent film (with lili taylor and tracey ullman).

What more could you ask for? Roy Orbison playing some selected hits - Crying, In Dreams, Dream Baby - with some surprising Honky Tonk jammin' with veteran Telecaster great James Burton and a who's who of talent. Though Burton (technically) takes "The Boss" to school, Bruce Springsteen, who Orbison chose as his right hand man, throws some surprisingly brilliant solos back at Burton - no competition, of course. It's one heck of good time. Only complaint: Bonny Raitt doesn't get a chance to rip out her signature bottleneck slide solos, and (not that it's a bad thing), but Orbison has too many friends playing on stage. Elvis Costello and Tom Waits take turns on an electric organ that kind of puts a damper on the music. It just doesn't work. But a beautiful string arrangement (no fake strings!!) and Orbison's awesome vocal performance truly bring the house down. This was filmed shortly before Orbison's death, but Roy was truly at the top of his game. Great moments, good times, good people, and one of the greatest voices in rock and roll - you couldn't ask for more. A must for rock and roll fans.

The DVD release of this one *IS* the legacy of Roy Orbison.

A number of reviewers comment on the absolutely spectacular 5.1 and DTS mixes for this release and I couldn't agree more....this is not only arguably the best DVD yet released, the remix was done from 1987 tapes and really shows why it is worth considering re-buying your favorite music when remixes are released.

Regarding the black and white format.....it is sharp and clear with excellent video mixes.....you are usually on the right person at the right time throughout and the fact that it was shot at LA's Coconut Grove makes it even better.

And now the music....ah, the music....of coure it has Pretty Woman, Cryin', Dream Baby. But what is spectacular is Roy's delivery of Blue Bayou, the sailing lyric in It's Over, the rhythm section on Candy Man, the fun in redoing his 1st hit from Sun Studios...Ooby Dooby...there isn't a track on this one that won't find a special place in your heart.

It simply cannot be said any other way.....this is what Roy was always all about....and you've got Springsteen, Lang, Souther, Riatt, T-Bone, Costello, Browne......all to vouch for it!

Rarely does a musical performance bring tears to my eyes, but "The Black and White Night" has allowed me to relive one of rock and rolls greatest events.
Roy Orbison will forever stand on a stage and sharing centre mic with Elvis and Johnny Cash. To say that he is a treasure is an understatement. His influence on individuals and groups is legendary.
I have been a Roy Orbison fan since I was eight years old (43 years ago). He has been a part of my life longer than any other person I have known. So when I say that "The Black and White Night" is the finest tribute any artist could hope for, please believe me. The DVD must be a part of your musical collection. It is a masterpiece in honouring one of rocks pioneering legends.

I have to admit Newman puts up excellent performance in Cool Hand Luke. But the film is really quite boring and Luke just gets annoying after a while. He annoys because he doesn't really want to escape prison and just wants to get caught. Of course this just serves to emphasize his existentialist nature, but it ends up being silly to a skeptic like myself.

This 1967 film begins when Paul Newman, cast as Luke Jackson, is arrested for cutting the tops off parking meters and sent to a southern chain gang prison for a two-year sentence. Life is harsh for the men who must toil in the sun building roads each day. But Luke is cool, very cool. Soon he gains the respect of his fellow prisoners and becomes a leader himself. He rebels constantly. Nothing can stop him, not even a double set of chains on his legs. He's the lovable maverick that we all admire.

Performances are excellent, especially that of George Kennedy, cast as Luke's buddy. A youthful Dennis Hopper has a small part also. Best of all though is the one scene with Jo Van Fleet, cast as Luke's mother, who comes to visit him in prison. She's clearly dying and is lying in the back of a truck, unable to walk. She smokes cigarettes constantly and is full of wisdom and grit and gumption. She talks about how she just can't be like a female dog who don't recognize her pups after they've grown and tells Luke that his old man wasn't much for sticking around but he sure did make her laugh. She laughs then and gets into a fit of coughing. Newman does his usual fine job in a challenging part that has him break down at times but yet never lets him lose his sprit.

The reason for Luke's rebellion was always a little murky and that was the strength of the screenplay. He never did anything really wrong; he just confronted authority. And every time he ran away, he kept getting caught. It also seemed that life on the outside wasn't so great for him and he yearned for the camaraderie of his fellow prisoners, who, by the way were all white as this film takes place in the segregated south. Sometime, though, the prison seemed more like an army barracks. There was always plenty of food and they didn't have to work on Sunday. The men played cards and had some slight recreational activity. For example, at one point they all took bets on whether or not Luke would be able to eat 50 hard-boiled eggs in the period of one hour. Guess who won?

The story held my interest even though there were no real surprises. Sometimes though I thought that the actors cast as members of the chain gang were just a little too handsome and well muscled to be a typical cross-section of prisoners, but - after all, this is Hollywood. However, it's a good film, with good performances. And I definitely recommend it.

The first time I saw "Cool Hand Luke" I was not overly immpresed with it. I thought he was a "punk" who had desevedly fallen on hard luck.I have since seen the movie ten-twelve times. I think a lot can be learned about "Luke" (Paul Newman)in the scene when his mother goes to visit him. It is clear that he always wanted to please his mother, but he ended up more like his father. Arletta(Luke's mother) makes allusions to Luke's father not being good at sticking around. From the start, there have been many people who have left Luke far behind. The girl from Kentucky, all of his mates, he lost in the War, and finally his mother when she passed on. This was the "final straw" so to speak. Luke was going to run for sure. The true beauty of "Luke's" character was the fact that he was able to give many people, hope without having any of his own. He makes two references to "The Man Upstairs". Once in the rain asking his to just let him know that he is up there, and another time letting him know that he felt cheated. Every man in that camp loved and respected "Luke". "Dragline"(George Kennedy)called Luke "a natural born world shaker". I could not have put it any better myself. I felt this was a top-notch screen play, and the acting was incredible. I have not seen Newman give a better performance. Kennedy was well deserving of the "best supporting actor" Oscar. Look closely for Dennis Hopper, Joe Don Baker, Harry Dean Stanton and many others. This film should be on everyone's must see list.

I grew up in Indiana and am well-acquainted with the true story behind the 1954 State Championship from Milan. I've actually met a couple of the players from that team, one of whom plays a referee in the final game of this film.

The image that forever stays with me from this movie is that of Ollie, the unlikely hero being carried off the floor by his teammates, his fists pumping the air. To me there is no better image in the entire film than that. It epitomizes the message behind this movie and others like Rudy and Breaking Away, both of which, coincidentally, take place in Indiana and, like Hoosiers, are based on true stories. The message is that you can reach the unreachable.

How's that for sentimentality? Some have complained that the film is too sentimental, but in basketball-crazy Indiana, home to six of the ten biggest high school gyms in the nation (ours seated 8,200), the story behind Hoosiers was legendary. And that, naturally, is a big reason why this movie inspires me. Oh, yeah, and Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper do a good job.

My only disappointment is that there are no notable features on the DVD. Of course, it was made in 1986, before a director had to consider how to make a movie and a movie about the movie.

Indiana small town basketball in the 1950's was not so different from small town basketball in my hometown in Washington State. This movie took me on a trip to a time I cherish. Even the gym looked like our gym. It took me back to what it feels like to win against all odds. It is about teamwork, conflict, addictions, work, and luck -not to mention skill.

Hackman and Hershey are grand as the coach and teacher who opposes him. He wins the team, the town, and the teacher. But I don't want to spoil it if you haven't seen it.

From the opening scene where a 1950's car(can't remember the make) comes at dawn on empty roads to the sleepy town of Hickory to the closing moment when a small boy is seen shooting baskets in an old gym and we hear Hackman say, "I love you guys" I was captivated. I have seen it now at least ten times. I am always caught up int he fever of the game, in the struggle of the characters, and always I take that trip back to my own high school. It's 1951 and the boys are coming out to warm up. My heart skips a beat. Good movie!

No drive 12 feet in.
Dennis Hopper is a drunk and it's all about high school basketball in a small Indiana town.

I wasn't able to watch the movie when it aired on NBC. But I purchased the DVD a year ago and fell in love with the movie. Watching actor Leon portrayed David Ruffin's character was wonderful and somewhat spooky. He played that role to a tee. Leon sounded like David, had the same mannerism as David that it was so amazing.
I was proud at the performances by all the actors in the movie. Even though she had a small part, I was proud of Rhonda Ross Kendrick who is Diana Ross' and Berry Gordy's daughter who played Maxine, Paul's wife, I was proud of her performance as well.
Sure there were inconsistencies in the movie. Yes, the producers of the movies should have let the audience, particularly the younger audiences know what happened to the lives of these wonderful, yet troubled men who made up the Tempting Temptations.
(...)want to know about all that, read Otis' book or do research for yourself. But other than that, the movie was excellent in my book. The choreography in this movie was OUTSTANDING. The music was fantastic and the costumes was fabulous.
I would recommend this movie wholeheartedly. Yes, in some ways this movie is factual as well as fictional, but it is still worth watching and it will make you go out and read the book and do your own research about this fantastic group who will always be the number one in my book.

The Temptations on VHS or DVD (we recommend DVD becasue of its great advantages and special features) is one of the better made for TV miniseries to come along in a long time.

Although its 3-hour length still leaves many unanswered questions, the spectacular songs (of which all on stage performances except for "My Girl" and "Cloud Nine" were sung by the actors) and excellent perfomances by the actors make this movie one that you can enjoy time and time again.

The actors who portray Paul Williams, Eddie K., David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin and Otis Williams have all done their homework and then some. The DVD is only $13.99, cheaper than the video, so opt for the DVD.

This film highlights the life of the Temps from the eyes of its founder, Otis, and from the very beginning,when Otis meets Al (Eldridge Bryant--one of the first Temps prior to his dismissal)at a hop in Detroit, the movie kicks off in high gear. Excellent performances by "The Cadillacs,' ("Some people call me Speedo"), Leon (Johnson) of "Cool Runnings" Fame, Christan Payton and an unforgettable performance by Eddie Kendricks--so well done it seems like the real Kendricks--means you will this DVD watch again and again. Our favorite parts include the Copacabana scenes, "My Girl," auditioning for Berry at Motown's Hitsville USA, the whole Ruffin performance by Leon, "Just My Imagination," "Papa Was A Rolling Stone," Otis & The Distants at St. Stevens Hall with the Primes and the Primettes (Paul, Eddie and the soon to be Supremes) and a great performance by Smokey - both the actor and the real life Smokey himself in a special song at the Melvin Franklin Funeral. Buy this DVD. It will be the best $14 you'll ever spend on a movie. Fun for the WHOLE Family!!!

The Motown sound lives within the very essence of me. When this movie came out, I had to have it. Watching this movie draws you even closer in knowing each individual Temptation more on a personal basis. The Temptations are "the sound" of Motown. Nobody can even come close to being as good as they are. The Temptations are and always will be #1 in my heart! I have even purchase The Temptations Live In Concert to complete my set. God bless each and every Temptation past & present. And to you Otis, my friend, never let your candle go out. You have brighten so many lives, including mine. God bless you my friend.

I wasn't able to watch the movie when it aired on NBC. But I purchased the DVD a year ago and fell in love with the movie. Watching actor Leon portrayed David Ruffin's character was wonderful and somewhat spooky. He played that role to a tee. Leon sounded like David, had the same mannerism as David that it was so amazing.
I was proud at the performances by all the actors in the movie. Even though she had a small part, I was proud of Rhonda Ross Kendrick who is Diana Ross' and Berry Gordy's daughter who played Maxine, Paul's wife, I was proud of her performance as well.
Sure there were inconsistencies in the movie. Yes, the producers of the movies should have let the audience, particularly the younger audiences know what happened to the lives of these wonderful, yet troubled men who made up the Tempting Temptations.
(...)want to know about all that, read Otis' book or do research for yourself. But other than that, the movie was excellent in my book. The choreography in this movie was OUTSTANDING. The music was fantastic and the costumes was fabulous.
I would recommend this movie wholeheartedly. Yes, in some ways this movie is factual as well as fictional, but it is still worth watching and it will make you go out and read the book and do your own research about this fantastic group who will always be the number one in my book.

The Temptations on VHS or DVD (we recommend DVD becasue of its great advantages and special features) is one of the better made for TV miniseries to come along in a long time.

Although its 3-hour length still leaves many unanswered questions, the spectacular songs (of which all on stage performances except for "My Girl" and "Cloud Nine" were sung by the actors) and excellent perfomances by the actors make this movie one that you can enjoy time and time again.

The actors who portray Paul Williams, Eddie K., David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin and Otis Williams have all done their homework and then some. The DVD is only $13.99, cheaper than the video, so opt for the DVD.

This film highlights the life of the Temps from the eyes of its founder, Otis, and from the very beginning,when Otis meets Al (Eldridge Bryant--one of the first Temps prior to his dismissal)at a hop in Detroit, the movie kicks off in high gear. Excellent performances by "The Cadillacs,' ("Some people call me Speedo"), Leon (Johnson) of "Cool Runnings" Fame, Christan Payton and an unforgettable performance by Eddie Kendricks--so well done it seems like the real Kendricks--means you will this DVD watch again and again. Our favorite parts include the Copacabana scenes, "My Girl," auditioning for Berry at Motown's Hitsville USA, the whole Ruffin performance by Leon, "Just My Imagination," "Papa Was A Rolling Stone," Otis & The Distants at St. Stevens Hall with the Primes and the Primettes (Paul, Eddie and the soon to be Supremes) and a great performance by Smokey - both the actor and the real life Smokey himself in a special song at the Melvin Franklin Funeral. Buy this DVD. It will be the best $14 you'll ever spend on a movie. Fun for the WHOLE Family!!!

The Motown sound lives within the very essence of me. When this movie came out, I had to have it. Watching this movie draws you even closer in knowing each individual Temptation more on a personal basis. The Temptations are "the sound" of Motown. Nobody can even come close to being as good as they are. The Temptations are and always will be #1 in my heart! I have even purchase The Temptations Live In Concert to complete my set. God bless each and every Temptation past & present. And to you Otis, my friend, never let your candle go out. You have brighten so many lives, including mine. God bless you my friend.

A "sleeper" when it was released in 1954, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" is still one of the freshest musicals ever made. With a pretty, spirited score by Gene de Paul and Johnny Mercer and rambunctious but carefully-controlled choreography by Michael Kidd, this modestly-budgeted movie surprised everyone by becoming an enormous hit, even being nominated for Best Picture. Based on a short story by Stephen Vncent Benet called "Sobbin' Women" (which was the film's working title), it tells the story of a frontier woman Millie (Jane Powell) courted by a backwoodsman Adam (Howard Keel). He takes her off to his rustic home, neglecting to tell her he has six untamed brothers to care for. Undaunted, Millie sets about domesticating the household, complete with readings from classical history, including the story of the Sabine women, which the boys take to heart. The musical was filmed in AnscoColor and CinemaScope, and the wide screen is utilized to great effect, especially in the barn-raising sequence. Letter-box is mandatory. DePaul and Mercer wrote some effective songs ("Wonderful Day", "When You're in Love", "Sobbin' Women") and the numbers blend into the story perfectly under Stanley Donen's smooth direction. Dresden-doll coloratura Powell and strapping baritone Keel make such an attractive couple it's odd M~G~M never co-starred them again. (Evidently a musical version of "Robin Hood" never got past the drawing board.) The brothers include New York City Ballet star Jacques d'Amboise and a non-dancer, the mysterious Jeff Richards, who may have been the handsomest man ever to appear on the screen, Rock Hudson notwithstanding. Among the brides is Julie Newmar, who a couple of seasons later would stupefy Broadway in "Li'l Abner".Bright and pleasantly aggressive, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" is right up there with Metro's best musicals.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is a film that surprised MGM. It was released the same year as Brigadoon, and since Gene Kelly and Cid Charisse were better known stars than Howard Keel and Jane Powell, it was assumed that Brigadoon would be the bigger hit. Director Stanley Donen had to make many compromises on the film that he believed sacrificed the quality of the overall picture. Yet the movie was a great success and is one of MGM's most beloved musicals. (All this information can be found in the additional track section of the DVD Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.)

The story is rather implausible. Adam, and his six brothers Ben, Caleb, Dan, Ephraim, Frankincense, and Gideon, live alone in the Oregon back country. Adam decided to get a wife and Millie, a local girl agrees to take a chance with Adam. She gets more than she bargained for when she is expected to cook and clean for the seven barbaric men, but eventually she tames them. The six bachelor brothers deicide they too want wives and kidnap six other young ladies. Eventually the women fall in love with the men and all are married. Somehow the magic of the movie makes the viewer forget the complete political incorrectness of the film, and in reality the brothers should be facing criminal charges rather than marital bliss.

Highlights of the film include the barn raising scene where one of Hollywood's greatest dance scenes takes place-the brothers compete fore the attention of the ladies with one of the most acrobatic square dances ever conceived. The lonely feel of "I'm a Lonesome Polecat" is very convincing. DVD viewers can get the benefit of the story behind the movie which gives the viewer an appreciation of the great musical films. All in all, this is a feel good film and definitely worth the price.

I'll admit that when my older sister showed me the cover of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 4 years ago after she'd bought it, I was a little skeptical that it would be a memorable addition to our collection. how wrong I was! It was absolutely delightful. Our whole family loves it. My brother is always belting out, "Bless yer beautiful hide!" The music is wonderful and the story is hilarious. This is a great addition to any musical lover's collection.

A "sleeper" when it was released in 1954, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" is still one of the freshest musicals ever made. With a pretty, spirited score by Gene de Paul and Johnny Mercer and rambunctious but carefully-controlled choreography by Michael Kidd, this modestly-budgeted movie surprised everyone by becoming an enormous hit, even being nominated for Best Picture. Based on a short story by Stephen Vncent Benet called "Sobbin' Women" (which was the film's working title), it tells the story of a frontier woman Millie (Jane Powell) courted by a backwoodsman Adam (Howard Keel). He takes her off to his rustic home, neglecting to tell her he has six untamed brothers to care for. Undaunted, Millie sets about domesticating the household, complete with readings from classical history, including the story of the Sabine women, which the boys take to heart. The musical was filmed in AnscoColor and CinemaScope, and the wide screen is utilized to great effect, especially in the barn-raising sequence. Letter-box is mandatory. DePaul and Mercer wrote some effective songs ("Wonderful Day", "When You're in Love", "Sobbin' Women") and the numbers blend into the story perfectly under Stanley Donen's smooth direction. Dresden-doll coloratura Powell and strapping baritone Keel make such an attractive couple it's odd M~G~M never co-starred them again. (Evidently a musical version of "Robin Hood" never got past the drawing board.) The brothers include New York City Ballet star Jacques d'Amboise and a non-dancer, the mysterious Jeff Richards, who may have been the handsomest man ever to appear on the screen, Rock Hudson notwithstanding. Among the brides is Julie Newmar, who a couple of seasons later would stupefy Broadway in "Li'l Abner".Bright and pleasantly aggressive, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" is right up there with Metro's best musicals.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is a film that surprised MGM. It was released the same year as Brigadoon, and since Gene Kelly and Cid Charisse were better known stars than Howard Keel and Jane Powell, it was assumed that Brigadoon would be the bigger hit. Director Stanley Donen had to make many compromises on the film that he believed sacrificed the quality of the overall picture. Yet the movie was a great success and is one of MGM's most beloved musicals. (All this information can be found in the additional track section of the DVD Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.)

The story is rather implausible. Adam, and his six brothers Ben, Caleb, Dan, Ephraim, Frankincense, and Gideon, live alone in the Oregon back country. Adam decided to get a wife and Millie, a local girl agrees to take a chance with Adam. She gets more than she bargained for when she is expected to cook and clean for the seven barbaric men, but eventually she tames them. The six bachelor brothers deicide they too want wives and kidnap six other young ladies. Eventually the women fall in love with the men and all are married. Somehow the magic of the movie makes the viewer forget the complete political incorrectness of the film, and in reality the brothers should be facing criminal charges rather than marital bliss.

Highlights of the film include the barn raising scene where one of Hollywood's greatest dance scenes takes place-the brothers compete fore the attention of the ladies with one of the most acrobatic square dances ever conceived. The lonely feel of "I'm a Lonesome Polecat" is very convincing. DVD viewers can get the benefit of the story behind the movie which gives the viewer an appreciation of the great musical films. All in all, this is a feel good film and definitely worth the price.

I'll admit that when my older sister showed me the cover of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 4 years ago after she'd bought it, I was a little skeptical that it would be a memorable addition to our collection. how wrong I was! It was absolutely delightful. Our whole family loves it. My brother is always belting out, "Bless yer beautiful hide!" The music is wonderful and the story is hilarious. This is a great addition to any musical lover's collection.

Words fail me when trying to describe this movie... It is so completely different than any other film I have seen, both in terms of technique and effect. Somehow it manages to be about faith and spiritual strength, difficult enough in a sound film, astounding in a silent. Watching Falconetti in the early scenes, as she tries to answer the questions without uttering heresy, you can see panic give way to inspiration, then to steely confidence, all reflected in her eyes. Though the music on this disc is very good, I recommend watching the movie silent, as the rhythms of the editing are so powerful in and of themselves. The picture quality is uniformly excellent on this DVD- the tonal range and detail of the (gorgeous) photography look magnificent. Dreyer breaks so many conventions of filmmaking that the emotional impact produced is utterly unique, both in its intensity and its quality. An absolute masterpiece on every level.

"The Passion Of Joan Of Arc" is undeniably one of the greatest of all films. It is a masterpiece not only of the silent era, but of powerful filmmaking as a whole. It proves that great art does not lose its effect or value with age. It stands with works like Luis Buñuel's "Un Chien Andalou" and F.W. Murnau's "Nosferatu" and Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" as one of the principle and important films of the silent era. Carl Dreyer's brilliant directing creates a claustrophobic intensity as we feel the pressure on Joan as the tribunal of priests decide her fate. Maria Falconetti gives one of the greatest performances on film of all time, if not the best, looking at her here is seeing eyes that will never leave your memory. She completely lets us FEEL this character, this mystic woman who is being judged. The editing and camera work create a visceral experience filled with true emotions. And the addition of the "Voices Of Light" score is brilliant because it adds to the film's hypnotic effect. "The Passion Of Joan Of Arc" also feels incredibly real and does actually serve as a breathing, living document. It is a marvelous work of art, filled with moments you will not forget. Any film enthusiast, anyone who truly has a deep appreciation for the cinema should, must see it.

The Passion of Joan of Arc I found to be very powerful and well made. I think the close-ups helped you identify with Joan more and made it feel like you were wittnessing an actual part of history. Maria Falconetti who played Joan was fantastic for someone who was a comic actress. It's really one of the best performances I ever seen.

If they had awards for actors back then she definetely deserved one. I mean she not only gives a realistic performace but she must have been a good sport as well. I mean they poke a hole in her arm and blood gushes out and it really happens, was no effect. I doubt any actress now would agree to that unless they were offered millions of dollars. Maybe if they were offered that much they still wouldn't do it.

The most recent telling of Joan of Arc called the Messenger was no where near as good as this one. This one only takes place mostly in court and doesn't have the battle scenes and we don't get to know Joan before her trial but it's still great. It didn't need any fancy special effects, it's the actors and the close-ups that make it effective. The close-ups and acting make you feel like you're looking at a real event taking place. All their expressions are just perfect.

The movie is so well done that it has the feel as if someone went in time with a video camera and taped Joan's trial. The movie is just a very realistic experience. The music that was composed for the movie in 1985 even makes the film more compelling. I'm not sure why they didn't edit that in with the movie when they put it on dvd though. It fits the movie very well.

In the movie the judges are portrayed as un-human and evil. When Joan says that they were sent by the devil, you agree with her. It actually feels as if she's in hell. They act as if they are strong believers in god but it's Joan who I really believed was a strong believer. She was such a strong believer that she gives up her life for god. She felt that signing a paper admitting that her visions came from the devil was the wrong thing to do and that it was a sin to sign it.

She didn't deserve to be executed at all though. Even if she was crazy and didn't really see visions was no reason to kill her. Before she's executed she's put through a lot as well. She's tormented and laughed at and it's just cruel and un-human how she was treated. So yes I agreed with her, if anyone was sent by the devil it was them. The look of Joan gives you the feel that you are looking at a saint. She has a glow to her, even when she's crying. Falconetti really was perfect, she had all the right expressions at the right times. I really believed she was Joan of Arc.