Don Movie Reviews

These DVD's from A&E represent the best known and certainly the most popular era of the long running British TV fantasy-adventure series "The Avengers." Made between 1965 and 1966, all 26 episodes of the fourth season of the show are available here on four discs.

When Honor Blackman (Mrs. Cathy Gale) left the series after season 3 to take up the lead role in the Bond movie "Goldfinger," the producers had already made the decision to start filming the series, moving it out of the TV studio and giving it a much glossier and dynamic feel. John Steed (Patrick MacNee), the debonair British government agent stayed on and his new partner was devised by the production team to be another tough, all-action girl with "Man Appeal." M-Appeal (geddit?) Elizabeth Shepherd was cast as Mrs. Emma Peel and two episodes were filmed before it was mutually agreed that she didn't meet the expectations of the production team. A quick replacement was sought and in stepped Diana Rigg. A TV legend was born.

The relationship between Steed and Mrs. Gale had always been haughty to say the least. With the introduction of the widowed (or seemingly) Mrs. Peel, the relationship between the two leads became much closer. Mrs. Peel was as intelligent, quick thinking and emasculated as her predecessor, and initially at least shared her penchant for leather outfits, but she was also certainly softer and more readily prepared to act as Steed's partner in their adventures.

The stories were certainly becoming much more fantasy bound, and the use of diabolical masterminds and organizations with bizarre acronyms became the norm for the stories from this series on. The fantasy and sci-fi elements of the show were highlighted more than before and the fashions and design of the show took on a much more stylish and indeed 'stylized' look. The success of these elements was immediate, and huge ratings in the UK followed, plus overseas transmissions of the show followed for the first time. Such was their success indeed that another 26 episodes were soon commissioned, this time to be made in color.

The stories have supposedly been digitally re-mastered for these DVD releases, and indeed the picture quality is pretty impressive, but there is still sparkle and dirt on the prints that may detract from the quality for some viewers. The 26 episodes are presented in the same order of their original UK transmission.

This for me is the very best season of the show, with great style and wit accompanying the excellent scripts, direction and production values. I'd certainly recommend this release to anyone.

The Avengers, Patrick Macnee as John Steed and Diana Rigg as Mrs. Emma Peel are a classic two from the Avengers. This is a great set. It has some very good plots and these episodes are always fun to watch. From finding out about a new star from trading enemy agents into England, the Avengers are always on the tail of the enemy. This set includes: Silent Dust, Room Without a View,Small Game for Big Hunters, Girl From Auntie, The 13th Hole, and Quick-Quick-Slow Death. This is a fine Avengers sets... but not the best.

It is very difficult to review the Avengers DVD sets. Each set of disks has its own set of highlights and just when you think that they must have exhausted all of the clever ideas, they reach out and tap you with yet another inspired script superbly performed by well trained actors.

And this disk is no different. It ranges from the highly interesting Girl from Auntie (with a "costume" for Mrs. Peel which it is hard to believe got by censors from the period) in which Steed steps forward and takes the primary focus to the rather strange "The 13th Hole" which brings a new outlook on the game of golf as a life and death struggle. Not a weak episode in the bunch.

(One of the best parts about these old avengers episodes is seeing future stars of stage and screen in roles unlike those for which they achieved fame. )

Eriya and Naria, Folken's loyal feline warriors, try to kidnap Hitomi but their luck intensification fails. This triggers a grand rescue chase to foil the Zaibach Empire. But the tragic results leave Folken convinced that Emperor Dornkirk may have the right idea, but is going about it in entirely the wrong way.

Van finds himself torn between his childhood loyalty to Folken, and his anger over his brother's loyalty to Dornkirk. When Folken arranges a meeting, Van finally sets out to gain revenge for Folken's desertion of Fanelia. But the struggle between Van and Folken ends inconclusively, and Folken determines to turn himself over to Asturia to bring an end to this horrible war. Now the struggle truly begins in earnest.

Another relationship, that between Hitomi and Allen Schezar also seems to be developing cracks, as the young knight reveals his controlling side. Hitomi's is uncomfortable with this but is even more uncomfortable with Van's angry willingness to fight and kill. This triggers a spectacular cliffhanger of an ending sure to please the most jaded of watchers and leave them grabbing for the last DVD in this series.

As you can see, the fact that this series is drawing to an end means that there will be no lack of plot twists. And no lack of shifts in character development either. This is never a simpleminded series, but a complex weaving of the themes of destiny, human nature, war, and the value of relationships and love. It is always reaching beyond the story line for higher values, even as Evangelion did. Whether the story moves quickly or slows down for an introspective moment, it remains compelling.

I have to say, Vision of Escaflowne is one of my favorite series ever. If you haven't seen it yet, you should. It draws you in from the very first episode. The art and animation is pretty. Great music scores. ^_~

While I haven't seen the DVD, I *have* seen the entire series (subtitled), and these episodes are excellent, heck, the entire series is excellent, the music, the storyline, the brilliant animation, the characters, both minor and major contribute to this great series. The dubbing however (i've seen most of the dubbed series) was okay, not excellent like the dubbing in "Please Save My Earth", but it was alright, tolerable. As for what the editorial review says, I don't think Hitomi was being a ditz at all. She saw the good in her kidnapper and offered first aid to her because she's a kind and compassionate human being. Okay, so maybe you wouldn't and shouldn't do that if you were in her situation, then again, who knows. There's always two sides to the coin. But anywho. I highly recommend this series to anyone who's a fan of anime or action/drama/romance type movies.

noir is a great anime that i dont see why more people dont like it, it has great action, and ok storyline. if u are a anime colector i dont see why you wouldnt get this.

One thing I don't like about the way anime series have started coming out is the 7 disk format which means one of the disk is only going to have 3 episodes.
That said, I have to say that I find this installment of the Noir series is one of the best so far. The introduction of Chloe and her claim to be the true Noir puts a interesting spin on the series. The fact that this claim was made after Chloe beats Mireille and Kirika to the mark for the second time rattles our girls to no end.
Its interesting to see the story shift off of our main characters to focus even an entire episode on another. The way its done gives us a good look at Chloe even though it doesn't explain much about her. She is cool, cold blooded, and profesional but at times she also shows a child like youth and a wonder for beauty. Aslo, what is her connection with Kirika? Never showing weakness and never with her guard down she is a very cool enigma to the series.

Well, I am impressed. Normally in ÒNoirÓ our two assassins are usually cool, if not cold; calm, if not disciplined; and calculated, if not precise. Since Noir episodes are generally a two-act play with the set-up taking place in the first act and the execution; (no pun intended), taking place in the second, ÒNoirÓ episodes are as structured as the assassins themselves. However, things get shaken up as a new assassin enters the picture.

This new character makes her entrance by beating our two girls to an intended assassination target. Then to add insult to injury, she beats them to the next target as well.

Her name is Chloe, and she rattles the usually cold and in control Mireille a great deal. MirelleÕs voice shakes when in her presence, she becomes insecure, and practically powerless to react when near her. Kurika on the other hand, also somewhat rattled, seems to both fear and admire her unparalleled abilities. Whoever she is, she knows more about our girls and the mystery that surrounds them then they do. Thus, the plot thickens and our characters are more fully developed.

The Production notes are very extensive which were written by the "Noir" animation director, Satoshi Ohsawa. He explores the type of guns the primary and secondary characters used and the technical details of animating them as well. He spends numerous verbage explaining his sincerity in making a female centric anime that was not insulting or sexist and in my opinion he suceeded.

The music in ÒNoirÓ is very good but you know that if you are up to the third DVD. The song ÒCanta Per MeÓ was slightly changed to make it more driving yet operatic in tone and it works very well. If you have to own the song, get this version.

One more thing I would like to add. To me, Chloe and Kurika look almost related. Gosh, the things about ÒNoirÓ that make you go, hmmm?

Get all 4 seasons out on DVD quick! There will be buyers. If you are a WWW fan, then you are definatly a huge fan. Episodes like "Night of the Puppeteer", "Night of the Burning Diamond", Night of the Man-Eating House", "Night of the Druid's Blood", "Night of the Murderous Spring" and all the rest of the Dr. Loveless episodes are better than most feature films produced in Hollywood!! Will Smith's version was just a dumb satire of a highly creative and inspiring TV series. Come on CBS or who ever owns the rights!! WE WILL BUY!!

This series stands the test of time. It contains all the elements of a timeless classic - good writing, good acting, endearing characters, good humor, lots of action, adventure, romance, and STILL, a sizable fan base. It is a must for any collection !

As a TV-addicted kid in the sixties and seventies, I can tell you that this was one of the best TV series ever produced - and, boy, have I seen them all... The series theme (one of the most memorable and recognizable of them all), the opening credits, the plots, the performances, the gadgets, the ever present sense of humour, they all contributed to make this a flawless gem (forget the recent motion picture of the same name; it was an insult to the original series).

If the series ever makes it to the DVD format, be assured that there will be LOTS of buyers.

This very reasonably-priced box set (six hours of entertainment for the usual price of one movie) is a bargain at any price. A&E did its usual first class job of putting together this package.

I won't dwell too much on the content of each episode since the other reviewers cover them in depth, except to say the Patrick Macnee did an excellent job of selecting two episodes each featuring each of his three female leads; Honor Blackman, Diana Rigg, and Linda Thorson. And, for a man his age, Patrick is still holding up quite well in the newly-videotaped segments.

The extras in the package are a strong point, too. Patrick's overall introduction is worth the time to watch before watching any of the episodes. Also, he gives a short introduction to each episode. Some of his remarks seem candid such as his displeasure about the introduction of the "Mother" character in the last season in which he states that this took away some of the mystery and charm of the Avengers team by bringing out into the open the governmental spy organization in which they worked. Before, the Avengers seemed to be more like free agents loosely working within a hidden framework. "We would just show up," he said, "at the scene of a crime" and no one would question from where.

Another extra, Linda Thorson's 15 minute promo film the box set called "Town Girl" (even though no title is shown on the film) does it's best to show Linda as a happy-go-lucky star on the rise. It appears to have been filmed after the Avengers series ended around 1969 or the early Seventies. The color is crisp and sharp and shows her running around the English countryside in tight blue jeans with dirt on the seat of her pants. Then there's a scene of her jumping into a swimming pool and trying to keep her head above water. It's all good clean fun.

All in all, this is a great package from Honor Blackman's film noir episode "Don't Look Behind You" to Diana Rigg's quirky department store-turned-atomic bomb episode "Death At Bargain Prices" to Linda Thornson's wonderful "All Done With Mirrors."

This set is a great place to start for anyone who is interested in the evolution of the Avengers or a person who has never heard of the Avengers or for even the die-hard Avengers fan.

The majority of the series' best episodes were during the Emma Peel years, 1965-67. You have to give credit to this tape, then, for giving equal time to all of John Steed's delightful female co-fighters of crime, by picking episodes from the Cathy Gale and Tara King years that no one will deny are among the best The Avengers had to offer.

For starters, "Look - Stop Me If You've Heard This One..." is simply the best episode ever made in the series' long run. It has been argued that this brilliantly balanced crime melodrama/vaudeville act was an Emma Peel story filmed after its time, but if it was, then Linda Thorson's Tara King was well up to the task of pulling it off. The script is low comedy as high camp, yet succeeds in achieving some genuinely horrific moments. The performances all round are excellent, especially from guest stars Jimmy Jewel and Julian Chagrin as a killer clown and a murderous mime.

The Cathy Gale episodes chosen are those that put Honor Blackman's talent to the fore. "Mr. Teddy Bear" was the first genuinely bizarre story in the series, with Cathy going undercover to hire perhaps the world's best hit-man - with Steed as the target. The master assassin's name derives from his birth name, "Edward Bruin," and his eccentric trademark of doing business through a remote-control robot teddy bear. "Don't Look Behind You" is a superior piece of film noir, in which Cathy is lured into a sadistic death-trap by an escaped psychopath she helped put behind bars years before. Later re-filmed with Diana Rigg as "The Joker," Blackman's version is actually much better, both for its excellent use of black-and-white light and shadow and for Blackman's genuinely terrified performance.

The Emma Peel episodes are both from Diana Rigg's first year, "Death At Bargain Prices" and "Too Many Christmas Trees," the latter a well-known Avengers classic and one of its most sparkling scripts, and the former one of its cleverer and wittier suspense pieces.

Anyone might quibble over whether these are truly the best of the series, but no one will contest that they are excellent episodes all, and well worth watching.

This is a great DVD collection. You get Patrick Macnee as the inimitable and urbane John Steed but of coarse. You get Honor Blackman as the lethal and worldly Cathy Gale. You get Diana Rigg as the sophisticated yet lethal Emma Peel. Last but not least you get Linda Thorson as the thinking woman Tara King. John Steed never had it so good. Perhaps you don't get the very best episodes. What is important is that you get a flavor for the series and how it evolved through the fast evolving decade of the 1960s. I think this is a very good collection.

CHARLIE'S ANGELS gets a wonderful DVD release with perfect picture and two choice episodes.

Farrah Fawcett-Majors, Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson star in two stories from the memorable first season; "Night Of The Strangler" and "To Kill An Angel". The only main qualm is the lack of chapters in the episodes.

Also included is the entertaining "Angels Forever" retrospective featurette which quizzes fans of the show as well as providing footage from the show and details from later cast members including Cheryl Ladd and Tanya Roberts.

Pretty impressive DVD package all-round!

This two-part special edition is definitely a collector's item especially for those die-hard "Charlie's Angels" fans.It features Jaclyn Smith, who deserves the recognition as the "most angelic of them all," and two of the best episodes of the series. We're not talking award-winning stuff in this dvd issue but an outstanding entertainment to "visit" the undisputed queens of the 70s television.

The episode "Night of the Strangler" shows why Jaclyn Smith lasted so long in the series. Her looks and style are timeless plus that scene in her famous white bikini is a must to see. Of course, Kate Jackson and Farrah Fawcett are on hand to complete the trio.

For the episode "To Kill An Angel," new fans will be surprise that the show is not just pure bikini's and guns. It showcases also the dramatic sides of the trio.

The cover alone is worth the trip, so buy it now and collect! A must!

OMG, please tell me this is the first of many more to come, Having the Angels on DVD is way fun. One mishap though, NO SCENE SELECTION. But it makes up for that with the Angel Featurette and the digitally enhanced audio and video.

Hamha! I think the dvd really rocks. Its not just for pre-school because i'm 11 and i like it loads!!! It has got "Hamtaro"+"The Ham-Ham Clubhouse"+"Calling All Ham-Hams!" on it and is the must have for a ham-lover!

Hamtaro busted into our lives one Saturday Morning and now my kids are freaks about Hamtaro and the ham hams. I think the film is cute and I encourage my 5 year old to watch it often. I would recommend it to any parent to buy for their preschooler. You will be charmed~

This is a good non-violent video for kids.But I'm 12 and I like it.(I also like Arthur on PBS!)

If you are looking for your average drama this movie is definitely not for you! "One Week" is an amazing story of decisions and consequences that will keep you glued to your seat...While it was clearly made on a shoestring budget the movie had a clear plot and an even more clear message..
After watching it you will undoubtedly be left to think about all of the silly decisions you may have made in your life and wonder what would you do if your life was turned upside down in one week?

This movie will keep your attention and make you think. It is a must see for all young people. It isn't preachy, it just tells a great story with real consequences. The main characters are authentic and the subject matter is handled with great care. I really think anyone could benefit from seeing this movie.

I have never been so moved by a movie in my adult life. It was so intense I could barely speak afterwards. It's about a guy who is scheduled to marry a girl on Saturday and just found out the Monday before his wedding that some other girl he slept with a while back is HIV positive and admitted to having sex with the soon to be groom. On Monday he was tested and has one week to find out the results. You wouldn't believe what happens during that One week. Please veiw this this film!!!!

1969 is a great timepiece.
The movie came out in theatres in November of 1988.
As was also reviewed on VH1's "I Love The 80's - 1988", there was a late 60's, early 70's "Hippie Revival" that started in 1988 and continued into 1989. Tye Dye shirts, "drug rug" ponchos, and "hacky sack", were the style. The Grateful Dead hit the top 10 at the end of 1987 w/ "Touch Of Grey", from "In The Dark". One of the top CD's being sold off of TV was the late 60's, early 70's compilation CD, "Freedom Rock", which featured 2 hippies in the back of a van screaming "Turn It Up Man". So as this "Hippie Revival" hit pop culture, of course Hollywood had to latch on. "1969" was that movie. Entertaining, but don't expect anything too heavyweight. It was clearly a classic 80's teen movie, filled w/ all the classic 80's teen movie cliche's of romance and coming of age. It's simply set in the year 1969. Classic 80's "teen" stars, Ryder, Downey Jr., and Southerland star. Again, its a classic 80's film in every way, just set in the year 1969. The soundtrack is awesome and adds to the enjoyment of the film. You can get the soundtrack on Amazon as well. For anyone that got caught up in that whole "Hippie Revival" of 1988-89', as recently brought up on VH1's "I Love The 80's - 1988",
this movie is worth the watch.

There are so many good things about this movie...it's one that deserves a second look. The small town, with all the "characters" that live in it. The innocence about what was happening at this time in history. The two families trying to deal with the draft.

The soundtrack is excellent. The storyline holds your interest. The characters are real.

What more can I say?

Just loved it. I am a huge Kiefer Sutherland fan, also a fan of Robert Downey, Jr. A poignant movie with a message that I remember so well regardless of my age at the time. Rent it, buy it, it's been on cable. Just see it.

If every DVD would be this jam-packed, I'd be in heaven. This double feature DVD has almost 3 hours of stuff. The movies are okay but they're not the best thing on the DVD. I preferred Satan's Children over Asylum of Satan. The actress from Asylum was beautiful, though. The quality of both films are borderline acceptable. They both have a lot of scratches and grain but considering these movies had extremely limited releases, it's a miracle they've made it to DVD. No, the best thing on this amazing DVD package is the short called "Satan's Dance" with Burlesque Queen Lorraine Lane. The whole thing is COOL! I love it and it alone is worth the price of the DVD. Also the trailers are great. My favorite trailer is Dr. Tarr's Torture Dungeon. Wow! I can't wait to see that film.

One of the best Something Weird DVDs yet.

Shot in 1972 ASYLUM OF SATAN was director William GIRDLER's debut movie. He would later helm the animal horror flick GRIZZLY, which made quite an impression on me, when I watched it on TV as a young boy.
ASYLUM OF SATAN's plot concerns Lucinda MARTIN, a young woman who is hospitalized after a nervous breakdown and trasferred to a weird private clinic. Her mental and physical health however is at risk there since the rundown medical facility is in fact run by devil worshippers. While the few other patients are killed one by one, Lucinda's fiance despairingly tries to save her, as Lucinda awaits her fate as human sacrifice in a black mass. I don't want to give away the ending, but you can expect a not so unusual twist ending.
ASYLUM OF SATAN clearly shows its shoe-string budget, but is entertaining in a trashy way with its cheap thrills and ridiculous make-up effects. The Devil himself appears toward the end of the film - likely you fall out of your chair laughing when you see this basement make-up "effort". However some scenes manage to be effective, my favorite being the scene with the blind female patient being killed in an indoor swimming pool by snakes.
The second film of this devilish double feature is much better. SATAN'S CHILDREN is a very grim and bad taste movie from the glorious 1970ies, when nobody cared about political correctness.
The plot revolves around runaway teenager Bobby, who flees his sexually teasing stepsister and his tyrant father, only to bump into a vicious homosexual. He holds Bobby at knife-point and phones his equally depraved gay friends for a "hell ass party"(!) They throw Bobby out of their car after they had gang raped him. Bobby is found hurt and naked by some satanists, who resemble more a bunch of hippies than a group of devil worshippers. To put it briefly, problems for Bobby ensue, as the female second in command develops a crush for him, much to the annoyance of other satanists and to the group's leader. Bobby's love interest finds herself buried up to her neck and tortured with ants (!), while Bobby is kicked out of the group, because "Satan hates queers". Will he gain the respect of the satanists?
Without wanting to give too much away I assure you that the end is very mean spirited and cruel - just the way I like it. It involves quicksand, shotgun mayhem, dismemberment and a human sacrifice. Very satisfying ending indeed. I highly recommend SATAN'S CHILDREN, however the squeamish should not apply.
The extras on this DVD are a mixed bag. I urge you to skip the short feature THE SOUL SNATCHER. Despite the brief running time it seems to last forever, is pointless and boring beyond belief. The trailers however are great. Aside from the quite effective trailer for ASYLUM OF SATAN I particularly enjoyed the trashy but fun HORROR HIGH trailer and the trailer for DR. TARR'S TORTURE DUNGEON, which is weird and has a certain arthouse feel to it. My favorite however is the trailer for MANSION OF THE DOOMED, where people are held captive and get their eyes removed. Watch if you dare!
Another cool extra feature is the large gallery of horror comic artwork. I also enjoyed Patty BREEN's extensive liner notes regarding William GIRDLER's ASYLUM OF SATAN. Full of interesting details, it provides entertaining insight into B-movie making.
Conclusion: An essential purchase for fans of trashy horror flicks, all others approach with extreme caution.

This is the best disc Something Weird has put out so far. The first movie is Asylum Of Satan by director William Girdler. This is the tale of a mysterious hospital run by a sinister man who keeps a beautiful woman there against her will. Of course she is going to be given to Satan during a black mass. Leading Lady Carla Borelli is very pleasant on the eyes and does a very good job as the damsel in distress. Charles Kissinger as the menacing Dr. Spector is top notch. Good shocks in this movie.

The second feature is very twisted, but a lot of fun. It's Satan's Children and it's about a young man who is raped by four gay men and dumped on the side of the road and left for dead. A gropu od satanists find him and the female leader falls in love with him. She takes over the coven while the leader is away and proceeds to torture a lesbian member of the sect simply because she is a lesbian. Bobby, the young man who was raped is told he cannot be a satanist because he was raped and it proves he's weak!! He then hunts down his attackers and.....well I won't spoil it. Just ger this disc and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed. Lots of cool extras as well.