Don Movie Reviews

Side A of the DVD contains "Muscle Beach Party." Frankie, Dee Dee (Annette Funicello) and the gang uneasily share the beach with a group of musclemen and their trainer, Jack Fanny (Don Rickles). The muscle men are the natural enemies of the surfers, taking the place of Eric Von Zipper and the Rat Pack, who are sorely missed in this movie. The recently deceased Buddy Hackett is especially funny as the guardian of the rich Italian countess, played by the beautiful Lucianna Paluzzi. At first, the countess only has eyes for Flex Martian, played by Rock Stevens (actually, it's Peter Lupus of Mission Impossible fame). After she meets Frankie and hears him sing, she falls head over heels in love with him. Recording him live at Cappy's nightclub, backed by Dick Dale and the Del Tones, she's determined to release the record and make him an international singing star. The countess almost persuades Frankie to board her yacht and sail around the world with her, when Frankie realizes that Dee Dee is his one true love. Flex and the muscle men follow them to the nightclub and, in order to win over the countess, they duke it out with the surfers. Jack Fanny eggs on the fight, while Cappy (Morey Amsterdam) watches his nightclub get wrecked. Flex's father, played by the great Peter Lorre, comes in and breaks up the fight. The countess says good-bye and sails the seas in search of true love, while Frankie and Dee Dee go on to make more beach movies. Little Stevie Wonder makes his movie debut, performing a song at the nightclub and singing a song during the closing credits.

Side B of the DVD contains "Ski Party," marking the official release of this movie. In this film, Frankie Avalon and Dwayne Hickman play the world's oldest college students, with Annette Funicello making a brief cameo at the beginning as a college professor. Frankie and Dwayne aren't getting anywhere with Deborah Walley and Yvonne Craig, so they decide to join them on a skiing vacation. Finding the men's German ski instructor too tough, they do what any red blooded, all American boy would do. They dress up as women and go to the beautiful women's Swedish instructor to learn how to ski! Robert Q. Lewis plays the inept innkeeper, and Aaron Kincaid is the playboy all the girls are after. The musical numbers in this movie are outstanding, especially "Sunshine, Lollipops And Rainbows" by Lesley Gore and "I Feel Good" by James Brown. A comic highlight is Frankie's ski jump, which has to be seen to be believed! Just for good measure, the action follows the gang back to the beach in time for a swinging number by the Hondells and the obligatory happy ending. Even though the only special features are the theatrical trailers, you really get your money's worth with this double feature DVD. Both movies reflect a more innocent time in America, and their comic appeal is timeless. In addition, the colors are sharp and bright, and the sound quality is superb. I hope that MGM releases "The Ghost In The Invisible Bikini" soon, since it is the last of the beach related movies that remains unreleased.

I was shocked to find out Ski Party would be released on DVD. It wasn't even released on video, for crying out loud. But here it is. Fun in the sun turns to the slopes with great songs, funny moments, and witty dialogue mixed in with childish nonsense that you can expect from all beach movies. The Rats aren't in this movie, and "Freddy" (who was Bobby in The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini) is the best and sharpest beach movie bad guy out of all of em. Robert Q. Lewis, the old timey game show host, plays a fun supporting role in the picture.
You get to see Deborah Walley looking pretty hot (much better looking than she was in Elvis' Spinout), Yvonne Craig and that drop dead gorgeous body (she has no rythm whatsoever), and James Brown dancing to "I Feel Good". That dude can move!
Leslie Gore gets one scene in this movie, singing "Sunshine, Lolipops and Rainbows".
Again, musically this might be the best movie of the bunch (I think it narrowly beats out Beach Blanket Bingo). This movie also has the best flow of any of the beach movies...there are no real parts in the movie that are so embarrassing that you need to fast forward, unlike many of the other beach movies.

Pajama Party is the second best, and Beach Blanket Bingo is third. Ski Party is definitely the best beach movie AI made, and definitely needs to be in your collection. Lots of fun.

Muscle Beach Party is a bonus. Buy the DVD for Ski Party.

I must say this is great!!! It is very funny. Though there is no action as in fighting, it is very interesting! It's just so funny! Ranma and Akane acting as if they were married?!?...
A must have, as most Ranma 1/2 products.

The Ukyo's Secret sauce episodes parts 1 & 2 were too funny! The part when Soun Tendo used his spookiness technique was cool! Ukyo drove him away with the stench of the terrible okonomiyaki sauce. Ranma really made the sauce, but Ukyo thought it was her fault.
A Teenage ghost story was cool. Quite a twist at the end, but I won't ruin it for you. Kogane, the ghost, is really strange. Kuno doesn't know what he's getting himself into...

THIS ARE TWO REALLY GREAT DVDS! A MUST HAVE!!!

I bought both of these DVDs for my nephew and he can watch them over and over again. I grew up being a big fan of Scooby Doo and wish that they can make a full box set of Scooby Doo: Where Are You? and The Scooby Doo Show; forget Scooby and Scrappy Too :( There are alot of my favorite episodes from the first years of Scooby Doo that I would love to have on a DVD. Some episodes are not even on VHS. This is a good set of Scooby Doo episodes, but wish that WB would just put out the full seasons instead. I'm sure there would be alot of people who would buy them. Or, am I the only one?

First off, I have to say I am huge Scooby Doo fan. And even when taking account of all the Scooby Doo Movies new and old, I have to say this is my fav Scooby Doo.

The difference between this Scooby feature and all the others. Shaggy, Scooby and Scrapy actually solve this case themselves and all with their trademark running for their lives and their 20 course meals.

First off, I have to say I am huge Scooby Doo fan. And even when taking account of all the Scooby Doo Movies new and old, I have to say this is my fav Scooby Doo.

The difference between this Scooby feature and all the others. Shaggy, Scooby and Scrapy actually solve this case themselves and all with their trademark running for their lives and their 20 course meals.

Patrick McGoohan is back as John Drake, the stylish no-nonsense good guy. Sets 4 and 5 of this clever spy show contain some of the best Danger Man episodes of all. Drake himself is a shade more cynical than in the earlier sets, and he is more reluctant than ever to blindly obey his upper-class superiors. Sometimes he seems tired of his job which forces him to live without wife and family and one can feel he is on the brink of resigning. As he is shown to be a chivalrous man, he is genuinely upset when his missions force him to inflict emotional distress on a lady.

The quotation above is from the delightful comedy "Have A Glass Of Wine" from set 3, but there are few as lighthearted episodes in sets 4 and 5. Most of the stories here are serious dramas, with lots of memorable scenes and sometimes tragic endings.

In "To Our Best Friend" Drake has to investigate one of his oldest friends who is suspected of being a double agent. Drake has to find the real traitor and at the same time save his friend from being executed by his own department.
In "The Man On The Beach" Drake's own loyalty is being questioned. The arrogance and cynicism he displays in this episode do not help him in that difficult situation. The episode has two spectacular and brutal fight sequences and memorable scenes with Patrick McGoohan and three leading ladies. Watch out for Drake's powerful scenes with Lady Kilrush and the dramatic ending.
The atmosphere of "The Man Who Wouldn't Talk" is particularly oppressive. Much of the story is set in a hotel room in Sofia - with the Bulgarian secret police closing in on Drake and a colleague of his who has to be rescued from imprisonment and torture.
In "Sting In The Tail" Derren Nesbitt almost steals the acting honours as psychopathic assassin Nourredine. In a chilling, film-noir like scene, two of Nourredine's thugs prepare to beat Drake up with the murderer cynically commenting on the procedure and a record playing Chopin's Nocturnes in the background.
"Someone Is Liable To Get Hurt" shows Drake in a very "Number-Sixish" mood. Part of the episode is set in a spacious villa where Drake is being held captive by a beautiful femme fatale. The situation makes him furious and we can watch him pacing up and down like a caged panther, constantly snapping his fingers and barely able to contain his rage. Patrick McGoohan is always great in scenes like these.

One of my all-time favourite episodes is "Are You Going To Be More Permanent?" which is a companion piece to "You Are Not In Any Trouble, Aren't You?" In both stories Drake obviously breaks his no-romance rule and both have the lovely Susan Hampshire as leading lady. She and Mr. McGoohan have several terrific scenes together and there are moments of intense sensuality between them. In the final scenes, which include some of the finest acting moments in the whole series, Drake's loneliness and disappointment are almost tangible.

"Danger Man" is a unique show. It has clever plots, beautiful filming, haunting music and a charismatic leading man. What further adds to its attraction is the way it captures the political climate of the Sixties which was so different from ours today. Britain still had parts of her empire, some of the episodes show the problems of newly independent countries and the British people left behind in their former colonies and in the Middle Eastern episodes the spirit of the Great Game of the 19th century can still be felt. This spirit of adventure makes the show still highly enjoyable and interesting to watch.

I am struck watching these shows at how different they are from James Bond. I am a Bond fan, but DANGER MAN almost makes Bond movies (especially the recent ones) look silly. In one episode contained in set 5, Drake passes out from blood loss. In another episode he is trying to escape detention and is out on the roof attempting to get a better grip on a rain gutter when it gives way and he falls and breaks his ankle. Drake then spends the balance of the episode forced to use a cane. Can you imagine Bond ever breaking his ankle like that or, for that matter, even breaking a sweat? McGoohan turned down offers to play Bond (twice) and let's all be thankful he did. Danger Man, John Drake, is a real man. And what a great series this is. Let's just hope A&E releases the rest of the episodes (about 8 or 9 more I think). Danger Man Tip: One thing I like to do is have a good supply of beverages on hand (I like rum and Coke) when watching DANGER MAN because people offer Drake an average of 5 drinks per episode, and it makes me pretty darn thirsty!

This is a great little value-for money package for a phonics fan, featuring two of their most entertaining gigs, Morfa and Cardiff Castle. Cardiff's enjoyment factor is enhanced by it being one of their earliest concerts where they seem to be at the height of their game, because there's a great energy and enthusisam in their performance, and you can sense the excited atmosphere. Morfa is more subdued, but more high-profile, and the behind-the-scenes isn't particulary engaging, unlike the nifty little 'call us what you want but don't call us in the morning', featuring the making of the videos for 'performance and cocktails' which is filmed using camcorders, therefore giving the lad's personalities a chance to be shown which endears you to them. Worth buying, if only for Cardiff castle, it really is that good!

This dvd is a must have for any Stereophonics fan. I had this bought me for christmas and i havent taken it out of my dvd player yet. The dvd contains all the videos for the singles on the first two albums (Word Gets Around and Performance And Cocktails), the video for Tom Jones and Stereophonics and behind the secene footage for certain videos. My favourite videos on the dvd are for Hurry Up And Wait (The once with the war theme) I Wouldn't Believe Your Radio (the one with the motorbikes in the desert) More Life In A Tramps Vest (the one with the people with televisions on their heads) and Taffic (the one set along a roadside with Kelly Jones on the phone). All the videos are excellent so it is worth buying and the behind the scenes footage is cracking, you get to see the personalitiy of the boys without the glammer that surrounds people in the music business. Buy Buy Buy

Who we are as individuals, and what we become, is nothing more than who we have always been and will always be; but within the psyche there are paths that lead to a myriad number of possible destinations, and often the choice of which to take is not ours. More often than not, circumstances-- some beyond our control, some not-- will determine which road we follow, and in our youth, even a single, significant emotional experience can dictate who we become and where life will take us. A shadow cast over one in adolescence is not easily dispelled, and all the beauty of life to that person may forever be elusive or clouded, hidden by a dark secret of the heart which prevents that person from ever being whole or capable of stepping out into the light of day. "Things Behind the Sun," written by Allison Anders and Kurt Voss, and directed by Anders, is an examination of the causes and effects of journey's taken that are not of our own choosing, but which nevertheless define who we are. It explores the complexities of human nature and the inescapable dictates of fate that make each of us unique; it's a study of survival and need, and the struggle of attempting to extirpate oneself from the darkness while reaching out to the light-- a light perhaps never offered and ever denied.

Owen (Gabriel Mann), a Los Angeles based writer for a magazine that covers the rock scene, becomes involved with the story of a young singer in Florida, Sherry (Kim Dickens), who has just been arrested for being drunk and disorderly. Sherry's band has risen beyond garage status or playing local Legion halls, but 120 people in the audience at a gig in some small dive they still consider good. They've been getting some notice, though, with a song gaining popularity on college campuses in the area, and Owen has a personal interest, also: They are old childhood friends. So Owen heads to Florida for the story. But he knows even before he leaves that what he's after isn't really the story, but a catharsis-- for Sherry as well as himself-- to relieve the pall cast over their lives by a haunting incident that occurred when they were only fourteen-years-old, and which Owen hopes may alter Sherry's self-destructive lifestyle. It's a journey through which he will seek to change the course determined for them so long ago by forces beyond their control. He has no idea where it will lead them, but he knows he has to try; try to repair damage that just may be irreparable.

Extraordinarily crafted and delivered by Allison Anders, this film is intensely personal and affecting. The way it was written, filmed, acted-- everything-- has an honesty that rings true every single moment. And the way it is presented-- the pace, timing, the gradual way the information is revealed-- is impeccable. With this film Anders bares her soul, as well as that of her characters, to tell the story. She takes you into those dark corners we've all known in one way or another, those sometimes so brief-within-a-whole-lifetime, yet defining moments we'd probably just as soon forget, but can't, and exposes them for what they are: The appointed time in which Evil insinuated itself into our hearts and pierced it so deeply that the bleeding will never stop. That moment in which the soul is branded and scarred and penetrated so thoroughly that the rest of your life is spent treating the wound. It's a rare film that goes far beyond being mere entertainment, and may actually serve as a catharsis for someone who has experienced the darkness it so succinctly illuminates. And, in the same vein as "You Can Count On Me" or "Sling Blade," it says so much for the importance of independent film and the truth that can be found outside the dominant studio system.

There are some remarkable performances in this film, beginning with Kim Dickens as Sherry, whose deep, unpretentious and detailed presentation of her character is as good as it gets. It's dismaying that a performance and a film like this can be lost so easily amid the Hollywood shuffle. And under closer scrutiny, the work Dickens does here gets even better. There's not a single moment when she is on screen that is false; not a blink of her eye nor a nod of her head. Everything she does is honest, and it makes Sherry not only believable, but very real and very human. What she does here is not only entirely effective, but pure in every sense. And like with Bjork in "Dancer In the Dark," you have to question the absence of an Oscar nomination for it. Another dark corner over which we have no control.

Gabriel Mann (very reminiscent of a young James Spader here) gives an excellent performance, as well, and develops his character with subtle precision. Like Dickens, he comes across in such an unaffected manner that it really brings his character to life. And it's one of the things that makes this film work so well-- the fact that the characters are so very real and true-to-life. Moreover, it demonstrates what a talented actor can do in the hands of a gifted director.

Not to be outdone by his costars, Don Cheadle turns in the kind of performance we've come to expect from him, as Chuck, the manager of Sherry's band. He's a talented actor and a definite asset to this film. And it must be noted that Eric Stoltz, with limited screen time, turns in what is arguably the best performance of his career, as Owen's brother, Dan.

"Things Behind the Sun" is a triumph for Anders, who not only has exemplary insights into human nature, but knows how to transfer them to the screen. This is a film that gradually draws you in and involves you emotionally; and ultimately, it provides a genuinely memorable experience.

Things Behind the Sun tells the story of an up-and-coming singer, Sherry McGrale (Kim Dickens), whose haunting, biographical song is starting to get regular airplay on college radio airwaves. The song, about a rape she experienced in middle school, may be her ticket to stardom. But there is a lot standing in her way, as she has never fully recovered from the experience. If anything, her symptoms and problems are getting worse by the year (she even shows signs of post-traumatic stress disorder). She's never heard of EBay, doesn't know one of her favorite rock singers is dead. She is in that space that some people go to, that "In Between" space between being fully alive, and almost dead, or at least numb to the point of it (a Pink Floyd song comes to mind here). We meet her in this space and it is our true hope as viewers that she can find some sense of light in all the darkness, some reason to get past it, and that she will be able to move on to a more fulfilling life, a second chance.

When the film begins, an LA rock journalist for the fictional 'Vinyl Fetish' magazine (helmed by 'Pete,' played by Rosanna Arquette), is assigned an article about McGrale and her new song. But not just 'any' journalist. Owen (Gabriel Mann) knew Sherry in middle school, she was his first girlfriend. And not only that, he knows the story behind the song, as he experienced the event first-hand as well. The experience has like-wise haunted him for years, in different, but not necessarily less significant ways. When he admits to his editor that he knows who raped Sherry, she immediately sends him to Florida to cover the story. He goes with that intent, but there's more to the story than that.

When Owen and Sherry were children, they bonded immediately over their shared love of music, and became fast friends. Their mutual appreciation for music has only grown since, and both have built their lives around it. Sherry's talent as a singer-songwriter is undeniable, and Owen is enjoying a successful run as a senior editor at his magazine. His life, with a couple of irritating (though important) exceptions, is coming along fine. Sherry, however, though on the cusp of 'making it' in the music world, is held back by the haunting trauma of her rape, which has led her into a self-destructive spiral of alcohol, careless promiscuity, and failed relationships. We see that her success as an artist too, so close at hand, is only possible if she can find some way to deal with what has happened to her. She has been emotionally damaged to such an extent that a normal life has become almost impossible.

Sherry has a savior of sorts in the dedicated, honestly devoted Chuck (the explosive and amazing Don Cheadle ' his acting is *incredible* in this film). But there's only so much he can do. He cleans up the mess when she drinks, makes sure she eats and gets to her gigs on time, not to mention attending her AA meetings, but beyond a certain point, saving his "baby girl" is beyond his hands.

When Owen travels to Cocoa Beach to interview Sherry (and come to terms with their shared past), the opportunity presents itself for them both to find a way to heal, however difficult. Sherry's difficulties haven't ruined merely her own life. The repercussions of the sexual abuse have rippled out into the lives of Owen, Chuck, Sherry's band members, and any of Sherry or Owen's sexual partners. Their scars run deep.

Eric Stoltz aptly plays the leader of the rapists, Dan, who has a repulsive and upsetting disregard for even the most sacred of personal boundaries and concerns. We watch the destruction stemming from the brutal attack affect each of the characters like a line of 'trauma dominoes,' and we see his inability to accept and take responsibility for his actions, and we hate him for it.

Dickens' performance is pitch-perfect, and she lets go of any movie-star pretensions to let us see Sherry as genuinely bruised and battered, genuinely broken-hearted.

Director Allison Anders tells this story with remarkable realism, and the soundtrack (most notably a tailored score by Sonic Youth, several pieces by the Left Banke, a heart-breaking cover of a Smiths song (by Mike Johnson), and some amazing songs by Anders' daughter, Tiffany), is finely tailored to the events in the film, creating a rich and emotional viewing experience.

The film was shot on digital video in the space of about 20 days, but the result is anything but sloppy or rushed. This film is remarkable, and will leave its mark on its viewers for a long time to come. The impressive acting, the muted/bright colors and the haunting emotive force of the film's music come together to create an enduring, important, memorable film. A difficult, but ultimately beautiful and inspiring, journey. Recommended.

This film is up for three Independent Spirit Awards, Best Feature Film, Best Actress (Dickens), and Best Supporting Actor (Cheadle).

(The impact of this film is made even more significant when one realizes it is based in part on the real-life rape experienced by director Allison Anders when growing up in Cocoa Beach, Florida. And in an amazing turn of events, the rape in the film was shot in the very same house in which Anders experienced her trauma. (I may be wrong, but I think Anders makes a cameo in one of the AA scenes, towards the end of the film.)

In my opinion this is worthy set of amazing masterpieces. The "Uno Ballo.." video quality is low, but here is nothing to do, it was recorded 22 years ago. But the singing is very nice. I like this set, I like almost everything of MET of this timeline. Most of the set are very best of very best.
As you can see in the reviews related to specific operas some of people like them for more some like them for less: it is a normal, somebody likes somebody not, but all of the records are milestones. The only disk, that probably is not my favorite is the " Requiem", but not because is something wrong with it, I'm just not a man of "requiems", it is all.

These are the best performances of these operas ever recorded on video. I have had the video tapes of all of these operas for several years and really appreciate having them on DVD. I attended the live performances of Ernani and La Forza at the Met when they were being taped and these are performances I will never forget.

These shows have never looked better! When first shown on television most stations ran 16mm prints. Now we can enjoy these from their pristine 35mm masters! Since the first season was way better than the second, both seaseons are being included on all DVDs (fewer people would buy the second season). The first season boasts some of the only filmed copies of their vaudeville routines, the story was only an excuse for the boys to go somewhere for the routines to happen. The second season was more story driven (they had used up their routines).
The only negative thing about these DVDs is the cost! Some shows sell entire seasons for the price of four Abbott & Costello shows.
This meager offering is:
#1 "Lou Falls for Ruby" (aka The Pigeon) from the second season, Lou falls for a gangster's girlfriend.
#2 "Hillary's Father" (aka The Music Lovers) from the first season, Lou tries to learn to sing to impress Hillary's Father.
#3 "Uncle Ruppert" (aka Uncle from New Jersey) from the second season, Lou fakes a rich uncle to avoid being evicted.
#4 "Bingo's Troubles" (aka Bingo) from the first season, Lou needs to get their pet chimp a license, but Lou geta s marriage liscense.

I watched aLL THE bARETTA SHOWS AND I just love him and still do. THis episode is one of the hottest.Only robert blake can come across as he does for I BELIEVE a little of it is part of him....he is just great!!!