Aging Movie Reviews

Larry David is getting his OWN SHOW released on DVD? His show barely hit the airwaves! ...

There seems to be a little known show called SEINFELD which over 30000 people have been waiting FOREVER to be released on DVD. I find it shocking that David would rather promote his own series (which many fans of Seinfeld don't care about) rather than releasing the show that fans have been crying for since 1998 and which he helped co-create. He should stop fantasizing of what "kind of $" he could make with his own show and realize the millions he could be making with Seinfeld DVDs.

On behalf of 30000+ fans: When the heck will we ever see Seinfeld episodes on DVD?!?

Larry David has established himself as the best comedy writer of all time. Seinfeld's greatness speaks for itself, but this show takes his writing to a whole new level. With brilliantly improvised acting by David and company, hilarious plot situations, and splendid directing, this first season (along with the 2nd and 3rd) proves this show to be a classic. Most episodes have Larry getting the short end of the stick, but that's just the way life is sometimes. I cannot wait to see what happens in the upcoming 4th season. These episodes will change your outlook on life.

i am so glad that this show is on dvd but what in the world took hbo so long to release this??? this is the funniest show on tv and hbo needs to take advantage of that, shame on hbo for being so stupid and waiting 5 years to release the first season. Who is running that station??? But cant wait for this dvd!!!

While reviews of the other version of this DVD were lacking to say the least, I very much enjoyed THIS seemingly superior Import Version of Anne of Green Gables. The quality is good, the colors very bright (if sometimes rather red... or maybe that's just my parents' TV set!) and the extra features are great. I love production shots and behind the scenes features, and while this DVD is lacking in more of the latter, the "lost scenes" and "deleted scenes" are good to see.
One down-er and this is why I didn't give it 5 stars: this is NOT widescreen or letterbox!
It has all the pluses of a DVD: chapter searches, but no scene selection. Digital remaster, but no widescreen.
So, it's an improvement on tapes, but only a little.
Otherwise, it's great and I'd recommend it. Probably at a lesser price, though! =)

Anne spelled with an 'E' of Green Gables is a wonderful film. Megan Follows plays an extraordinary Anne, who is lovable, can be a pain and is tremendously funny. I rarely like movies as much as I like the books they are representing, this movie is an exception. I LOVE this movie. My daughters and I have watched this over and over and over. The movie is set in another place and era and often the morals and hardships they endured are overlooked in this day and age. I love Anne's relationship with her bossom buddy or to Anne her 'kindred spirit'- Diana. If you listen carefully you'll learn from Anne. She'll make you laugh and cry. I hope you enjoy it like we do.

If anything (and here purist fans of the novel may want to stop reading) Kevin Sullivan improved upon the novel. He cleaned it up structurally, and, best of all, deepened and enriched some of the major characters, most notably Gilbert who tends to get lost in the series as a sort of semi-defined "shadow person." Sullivan deftly handles the Victorian melodrama and Follows gives a no-nonsense performance of a character that could have come off as so dreamy and unrealistic as to be sickening. There's nothing sickening here, however. The film is pitch-perfect throughout. It is true to its era, it is meticulously and humorously scripted, and brilliantly acted. Dewhurst and Farnsworth are revelations in their roles. This is a superior production that creates such a sense of genuine, earned warmth (right down to the lovely music score) that you will be compelled to watch it again and again. It's a real crime that Megan Follows is not featured more often in American film and television; in this film and the sequel she exhibits the kind of performance authenticity too rarely scene in young actors. (For an equally impressive mini-series based on a classic book, be sure and see the Colin Firth/Jennifer Ehle version of "Pride and Prejudice.") This production comes together so perfectly as to elevate the film to a level that I suspect even the filmmakers never expected to achieve.

I recently showed Mask, based on the true-life story of Rocky Dennis, to my high school English class. Even today's teen-agers found the relationship between the disfigured Rocky and his blind girlfriend to be sweetly touching. The two sides of Rocky's biker-chick mother (in an outstanding performance by Cher) led to fruitful writing assignments about a parent struggling with addiction who can also be an incredibly supportive mother to her son. The students were also impressed with Rocky's exemplary personal qualities. Not only was Rocky Dennis an intelligent and sensitive human being who copes with his rare disease with humor and courage, he often has to "parent" his mother, and sets challenging goals for himself despite the death sentence hanging over his head. This film gives a strong message to teens (and adults) that -- despite bad examples sometimes from parents and peers -- having a strong sense of respect for oneself, nurturing long-range personal goals and healthy interests, being kind and decent to others, and maintaining a sense of humor can get us through even the worst challenges life deals us.

I thought this movie,Mask,was so heartfilled and even though it's kind of a sad movie, it was still so good!

Wonderful movie my 12 yr old wanted it and LOVES CHER>>An excellent movie about accepting people as they are defects and all.I would reccomend this to ANYONE wanting a great video..

Probably one of the best movies I have ever seen -- always makes me cry at the end. Thank goodness it didn't end tragically like so many Chinese movies seem to.

The end of this sweet movie will make you cry like a biaatch. Get your tissues.

This is an amazing movie that anyone who wants an uplifting experience should watch. I won't go into the political details which other reviewers are fixated on. Watch it for the overcoming joy you will feel from seeing it. A must buy for many collections.

I saw this movie for the first time on t.v. around 1979 - I was 12 years old and it made such an impact on me! I also developed a huge crush on Rex Smith and I loved his songs, "Simply Jessie" and "You take my breath away." I was forever wishing that I'd somehow find the movie and low and behold -- I did a search and found it on Amazon.com!!! What would we do without the Internet???!!! My husband sat down to watch it too, and aside from laughing about the whole cheesy 70's look, even he thought it was a cute movie! It was so cool seeing this movie 20+ years later... It really took me back to my youth!! If you've got a teenage daughter, she should see this movie!

I bought this DVD because it was a story I wanted my 13 year old daughter to see. I remember seeing it for the first time at 12 years old and loving it! Its such a clean, romantic, crazy movie and I think every young girl should see it... it will touch your heart.

SWOON!
Watched this fab teen flick last night for the first time in 20 some odd years and felt like a teen again!!
Rex Smith is DREAMY! And Denise Miller is a perfect incapsulation of nearly every teen I knew in the 70's/80's.
Ironic that the subject of a 13 year old and 17 year old having "romantic relations" is the stuff of Jerry Springer and Montell Williams talk shows...but for most of us it's just a part of growing up.
I think there is a sequel to this...but I can't find any info on it! I wanna see how their relationship progresses!!

I'm so happy this came out on DVD!!!
=^..^=

I held off on watching King of the Hill for many years because I thought it was a "serious" cartoon. I thought I preferred watching The Simpsons and Family Guy. But I saw my first King of the Hill episode this year and was blown away by how well written it was and the subtelty of the humor. The episode is the one where Hank's Laotian neighbor's mother comes to live with him and starts dating one of Hank's friends.

I was so intrigued by that episode that I went out and bought the 1st season DVD pack (yes, I'm impulsive like that). The episodes were awesome. I enjoyed everyone one of them. I had also purchased the 3rd season of The Simpsons, and the 2nd Volume (3rd Season) of The Family Guy at the same time. I watched through all of the King of the Hill discs first.

I have a feeling that King of the Hill will have longer legs than Family Guy. Family Guy is outrageously funny when you first watch it, but then you start to anticipate the bits. King of the Hill develops slowly and gives you a full 30 minutes of focused story, which is nice.

I plan on selling my Simpsons DVDS (except for 1st season) and I probably will wind up selling the Family Guy DVDs as well. I'm keeping King of the Hill and getting ready to buy the 2nd season right after I make this post.

In 1997, cartoonist Mike Judge, best known for his controversial Beavis and Butt-Head series, created a new series for Fox - King Of The Hill. The show tells the story of Hank Hill, who sells propane and propane accessories (and is unusually proud of it,) his wife Peggy, a substitute Spanish teacher who is very weird and has a high opinion of herself, and Bobby, their even more bizzare son who has hopes of becoming a prop comic. To quote Hank, "that boy ain't right." The family's neighbors only add to the comedy value. There's Bill, the Army barber who never got over his wife leaving him. There's Dale, the conspiracy nut. And of course, there's Boomhauer, the fast-talking ladies man (If you've seen Family Guy, you'll notice he and Quagmire are similar in many ways.) The series became an enormous success overnight. It was so successful, that Judge ended work on Beavis and Butt-Head to work on this series, and this series alone. To this day the series remains extremely popular and shows no signs of letting down. The first season was where it all began. The animation was crude and the voices weren't dead on, but it was still a damn funny show. Read on for episode summaries.

Pilot - A group of people are lead to believing that Hank is an abusive father and husband. They try to take Bobby away to live with another family.

Square Peg - When Peggy is recruited to teach sex ed, Hank insists Bobby not go. First appearance of Stewart Dooley (the red-haired kid with the deep voice) and the Strickland Propane building.

The Order of the Straight Arrow - On a camping trip, the crew accidentally kills a whooping crane (an animal nearing extinction.)

Hank's Got the Willies - When Hank catches Bobby playing his prized guitar with a piece of cheese (mimicking a comedy act he saw on TV,) Hank realizes he needs to get his son golfing to take his mind off comedy.

Luanne's Saga - Buckley, Luanne's boyfriend, dumps her. Hank and the guys try to set her up with an all-American type guy, but she falls for Boomhauer instead. This episode features the first, and certainly not the last appearance of Chuck Mangione. Also featues the first appearance of Luly's Cafeteria, and the first look inside Boomhauer's house.

Hank's Unmentionable Problem - Hank becomes constipated, and is forced to try various methods of curing it. First episode in which Peggy is seen playing Boggle.

Westie Side Story - A family of Laotians moves into the neighborhood. Through an odd twist of events, the neighborhood thinks the new neighbors have butchered and eaten Ladybird, the Hill family dog. First appearance of Kahn, Minh, Kahn Jr. (AKA Connie), and Doggie.

Shins of the Father - Hank's father, a World War II veteran with no shins, visits the Hill household. Bobby begins to mimic his downright rude behavior on a regular basis. First appearance of Didi, and the first non-flashback appearance of Cotton Hill.

Peggy the Boggle Champ - Peggy takes Hank to Dallas for a Boggle championship. Once there, Hank ditches her and goes with the guys to a lawnmower convention.

Keeping Up With Our Joneses - Hank catches Bobby smoking a cigarette, and forces him to smoke a whole carton. Before long, the entire Hill family is addicted to nicotine. My favorite episode of the first season.

Plastic White Female - Bobby is invited to a boy and girl party, and to prepare for the possible kissing, he practices on Luanne's plastic hairstyling practice head.

Hank The Company Man - Hank must go to extremes to please a potential propane customer. First appearance of Buck Strickland, though he is drawn in a much more crude fashion than in later seasons. Also the first appearance of M.F. Thatherton.

King of the Ant Hill - When Hank tells Dale his services as an exterminator are no longer needed, Dale uses fireants to destroy Hank's new lawn.

You may have noticed deviations from the original air dates toward the end of this set. My guess is that these episodes were organized in WRITING order, not AIR order. You'll be pleased to know that these aren't the syndication edits, nor are the episodes edited in any way (like with the Simpsons and Family Guy DVD episodes, both of which featured some editing.)

The way this package is set up is VERY similar to the Family Guy DVD set, and that's a good thing. There is no shortage of bonus material, either. You get deleted/extended/animatics scenes, a "making of" featurette, a character profile gallery featuring early sketches of the characters, commercials for the series, a music video that features characters from the series, and even the official "do's and don't's of animation guide" that the animators use! And, of course, each disc has an introduction by one of the characters. Amazon says there is an extra called "Easter Egg: Mowing Lesson With Charlie." This is either a misprint, or a hidden extra. This is, by far, the BEST DVD SET that FOX has released for one of its animated series to date. It was almost worth the wait (NOTHING is worth the insanely long waits between sets that FOX forces us to sit through).

These are excellent episodes of an excellent series. Unlike The Simpsons, King Of The Hill had the luxury of always being funny. Even if you're just a casual fan of the series, I strongly recommend this set. Unfortunately, the people at FOX are extremely slow releasing DVDs, meaning Season Two won't arrive for a few months. Until then, kill the time with this, or pick up the already released Futurama or Family Guy sets.

I'll admit, I was bored with most the shows that were on TV. Then one day, I watched KOTH, and I haven't stopped watching since. I hope they release the second season soon.

This movie has the very best ending ever. I'd like to see someone try and find a more surprising, happier, funnier ending than this one. The loonies are in town and they've found their king and my heart. This movie takes the bag. It's my father's very favorite movie and one of mine. I definitely recommend this movie.

This gem should hit many different emotions for the avid viewer. A true parade of carnival characters set in an antiwar theme -- this bit of royalty of the heart brings up aTHE enigma: Is the difference between psychosis and psychic just a paper-thin line of cultural subjectivism? Is the lunacy of blowing up yet another vacant city on the path to glory any different that skipping naked down a path with a birdcage in one's hand?

This film started the boomers reading subtitles and (hopefully) brought them out of their fears of foreign film. (Don't get the dubbed version, it lacks so much charm.) Its popularity had a great deal to do with the country's mass-consciousness about the Viet Nam war; but I hope it would have found the same audience without such a catalyst.

One feels like dancing in a fountain and blowing bubbles on the back of a bus after seeing this great flick. Keep a kazoo handy; you'll want to have something to toot after the film is over and you are left to your organized sanity!

Better yet, follow it up with the 1972 release of "The Ruling Class" and have yourself a truly insane evening of jocularity.

A fairy tale set in a French town caught between the opposing armies of the First World War, "King of Hearts" has lost none of its beguiling charm in the 35 years since its original release, nor has its message grown stale. Alan Bates shines as Charles Plumpick, a simple private in a Scottish regiment and perhaps the only sane man in the abandoned town. But is his world of war and brutality really any saner than the make-believe world conjured up by the escaped inmates of the town lunatic asylum, the only residents Private Plumpick encounters during his reconaissance? It is a point of view that depends entirely on one's perspective. This whimsical, gentle tale challenges the watcher to reexamine what constitutes true madness, just as the asylum characters force Pvt. Plumpick, having been to his initial discomfort acclaimed as the King of Hearts, to choose which role he prefers: king of the fools or fool for King George V? Broca directs his own screenplay with a deft touch and using a stellar cast of mostly French actors. A very young Genevieve Bujold makes one of her earliest appearances in a major picture. The English subtitles aren't the best I've seen (and unlike the VHS version, are distractingly present even during English dialogue), but far better than the awful English-dubbed version of "King of Hearts" that is sometimes broadcast or sold. (The best subtitles I have ever seen were on a print that circulated around theatres during the 1970s and 1980s, but I've never seen this version used for home video.) The score by Georges Delerue is one of his best.

Quelle Surprise! This DVD version has, without fanfare, at least two entirely new scenes in the film that I have never seen before (and I first saw this in 1977). The first is a lengthier "homily" by Monseigneur Marguerite (aka Bishop Daisy) in the church before Charles' coronation. But the real grabber is an added scene at the very end of the movie that offers a parting glance at the primary players and a final bittersweet twist. Where on earth did this footage come from, and why has it been missing from this film for so long? Does this DVD version offer a "better" ending than the familiar one? It's debateable. But it's certainly intriguing.

So long.....I have waited so long for this movie to be released on DVD. Last year, I was forced to buy a well used and badly warn VHS copy on Ebay. Forced, you say? Yes, Forced. This movie is goodness. That's all there is to it. I saw it on cable when I was a kid and it quickly became one of my favorite movies of all time.
Please, do yourself a favor and buy this movie. As some people have said above, they really do not make them like this anymore. It's got that special something that modern movies lack...and I'm not just saying that because I'm older now, and that's what older people are supposed to say about things from their chldhood. It's a fact. My praises cannot do this movie justice. You have to watch it to understand. Band of the Hand is hidden and forgotten treasure. Those who call it corny, or say the acting is "bad" simply do not get it. I get it, and I hope you do too.

Let me start by saying I love this movie. I first saw this film in the theatres during it's original theatrical release. I have this film on vhs. I have been waiting for the past few years for this film to be released on DVD. Finally it has arrived. I wish they had preserved the original theatrical aspect (widescreen), but at least they remastered the audio and video. The film itself stands as one of the best and most entertaining action films of the 1980's. This largely overlooked classic embodies the look, the feel and the attitude of 80's cool and features the most memorable soundtrack of this era. The story centers around a group of juvenile delinquents who have committed serious crimes and are given one last chance at rehabilitation.
This last ditch effort begins in the Florida Everglades and culminates in the "program" relocating to Miami. Once in Miami the ever reforming juveniles have to learn to work together, resist the temptation of their former lives and also confront the harsh realities of their past. Each character undergoes personal growth and ultimately they decide on their own to wage war on the local ... cartel and the action really heats up. I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes action movies with humor and substance. Band of the Hand has excitement and flair to spare, considerably more than the standard fare.

This is a great movie. At the time, Miami Vice was king (still is to me)and this has the same flavor, just with a coming of age storyline. The charachters are kind of like a group from the Magnificent Seven and the Dirty Dozen combined. All in all, a fun action movie with some good messages just under the surface. Biggest thing about this movie is the incredible soundtrack! Used to have the tape, and would kill for a cd.

"The Song of Bernadette" is a film that by all accounts should be distilled into a religious pot boiler. And yet there is something haunting, awe inspiring and yes, even stirring about this tale of a child who, after witnessing visions of the Virgin Mary, begins to have miracles performed in her small French town. Jennifer Jones is the lead and her angelic visage tenderly conveys the warmth, tenderness and poignancy of the tale. Anne Revere, Vincent Price, Charles Bickford and Gladys Cooper give vivid performances that really enhance the story. As far as entertainment value goes, "The Song of Bernadette" will enthrall, captivate and move you.
THE TRANSFER: Fox gives us a poor looking DVD that, while improved from previous VHS and Laserdisc versions, still has a long way to go to be just as jaw-dropping as the film's subject matter. Though the B&W scale and sharpness of the image is much improved, botth digital and film grain are excessive and distract. Aliasing and shimmering of fine details is evident throughout. Pixelization is another down fall of this transfer. The audio has been cleaned up and is well presented.
EXTRAS: The Jennifer Jones Biography, an audio commentary, a Movietone trailer, some Fox promotional stuff for other movies in their classic series, a restoration film to video comparison that proves that at least some work was done on the transfer before sending it out to DVD and this film's original theatrical trailer.
BOTTOM LINE: Fox really didn't look after their library of classic films and the deterioration in their camera negatives or fine grain print masters shows. But digital technology has made it possible to all but reverse the ravages of time. All a studio need do is take the time, effort and money to meticulously restore a movie back to its original brilliance. Remember what Paramount's Sunset Blvd. looked like before its complete restoration? - That's right; painful. And now, a vision of loveliness. That sort of committment is needed to make films like "The Song of Bernadette" truly live again on DVD. Sadly, Fox doesn't seem to be taking the hint!
ASIDE: Other Fox titles to steer clear of: Heaven Knows Mr. Allison, The Ghost & Mrs. Muir, The Towering Inferno and all of the Rodgers and Hammerstein titles. Most of these are available in review form by me at this sight. Check listings for specifics.

About 3 Months ago I bought this DVD. I have watched it about 5 times and every time I watch it it brings tears to my eyes. I really love the specail features on this DVD.

Here is a brief Description:

Bernadette (Jennifer Jones) is a poor orphan who's main goal is to meet Christ. It is really amazing at the trajedies, and the sacrifices she makes to be able to see jesus.

Great Movie. 5 Star Rating.

Finally, one of the greatest films from the 40s gets released on dvd and Fox has done a wonderful job here. I will skip the details about the film itself (which have already been written here) except to say that it is a very compelling film and features one of the best casts ever. You don't have to be religious to enjoy the film either (I'm not) and despite the length, it doesn't seem that long (it's that good). Jennifer Jones gives an inspired performance and is luminous in her Oscar winning performance.

The image quality is very good - there are a few noticeable nicks and scratches but nothing to be concerned about. A restoration comparison is provided and when compared with the older prints, it is excellent indeed.

Extras include a brief clip of a visibly nervous Jennifer Jones accepting an award from the GIs. Also, a superb A&E Biography titled "Jennifer Jones - Portrait of a Lady" which covers her life in detail and provides many excellent clips from her illustrous film career.

Commentary is provided by Jones biographer Edward Epstein, Hollywood historian Donald Spoto and Alfred Newman biographer John Burlingame. I was a tad disappointed with the commentary. Epstein is by far the most interesting with his commentary that discusses Jennifer Jones. Spoto is an expert on religion (as well as Hollywood history) and I found his thoughts on the relgious aspects of the film to be quite boring and seemingly pompous. Burlingame's comments on Newman are interesting but I would have rather heard about the film itself. What would have been wonderful - a commentary with Jennifer Jones! I wonder if Fox tried to contact her?

Overall, well worth the price and a valuable addition to your dvd library!

I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THE 'OUT OF TOWNERS' FOR ALMOST TWENTY YEARS. THE FIRST TIME WAS ON A LOCAL FLORIDA STATION WHEN THEY AIRED IT AS PART OF THE LATE LATE SHOW (FOR THOSE OF US WHO REMEMBER). THE VERSION WAS VERY OLD AND GRAINY. I WILL ENJOY SEEING THIS FILM, ONE OF THE FIRST I EVER SAW, IN DVD FORMAT AND IN WIDESCREEN. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT SEEN THIS FILM I URGE YOU TO SEE IT. ESPECIALY THOSE OF YOU WHO LIVE IN NEW YORK. THE WHOLE FILM IS SHOT ON LOCATION THROUGHOUT NYC. SO YOU GET TO SEE HOW THINGS WERE THIRTY YEARS AGO. IT'S ONE OF THE BEST AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FILMS IN MY LIFE.

I always loved, The Out Of Towners. I saw it first as a movie of the week when I was in high school or there abouts and I saw it as just plain funny and interesting. Gave me lots of insights into humans and their odd ways but thats all until I had my own first adventure on my own in a big city.

I recently had to visit New York City on my own for business after living a very sheltered life. OyVey the things the Out Of Towners prepared me for. That movie just means so much to me now that I have personally experienced the full weight of feelings as the characters in the movie. Of course I did not have the comedic bad luck at every turn they did thank you but, I sure had my moments. I guess I am saying once you have traveled this movie is even funnier as life in a new world not your own is a strange experience.

The movie is a light hearted fast paced rollercoaster ride of events that occur to a happless but far from helpless midwest couple visiting New York City. The city never turns a cold shoulder to them but never exactly warms up to them either. With relative good cheer and true midwest grit the intrepid couple deal with thugs, exploding man hole covers, rude hotel staff and one misunderstanding after another in a way both real and funny. The husband is just confused you know the way Lemmon plays it. The wife is just whiney enough to be real but never nerve wracking. There is lots of physical humor and running jokes throuhout the picture. The picture is not high art and does not pretend to be. This is a movie you watch just to laugh at the madcap humor that life sometimes can just spew out to hit the a first time traveler.

I loved it so much I brought it and do not regret my selection one bit. Its every bit as funny today as it was when I first set eyes upon it in prehistrotic times of my youth.

that movie was good.and 5 stars up.