Home Movie Reviews

It helps that Modern Times is one of Chaplin's best films, period, running a close second behind City Lights (I hope that's next on the re-release list). And happily, unlike The Gold Rush, which was ruined by awful sound choices, the Modern Times DVD offers a clean transfer of the film with all the beloved original elements intact as far as I could see and hear, plus a host of extras.

The film itself is the most briskly paced of Chaplin's feature-length films. And his writing is sharp, unhindered by the sermonizing which permeates his last works. The dilemma facing our Little Tramp this time is something all of us can relate to: For the first time, we see him thinking ahead, wanting to have a future, to form a family, and working towards that end. Chaplin's physical-comedy skills are at their peak: Witness the extended takes of the rollerskate scene, and the factory assembly line. Even if the 18fps (sometimes 16fps) film speed made everything look faster than it really was, it's still impressive physical co-ordination requiring flawless execution, since Chaplin rarely edits using coverage.

In Modern Times we see one of the first truly well-rounded Chaplin heroines. The radiant Paulette Goddard was Chaplin's best leading lady, her high spirits and lively presence being a much better foil for Chaplin than the starry-eyed icons of perfection that were Georgia Hale, Edna Purviance, or Virginia Cherrill. She just has more star quality and brings a quirkier, more animated personality to Chaplin's films, balancing them nicely.

And the gags -- some of the best in the Chaplin canon. The eating machine always has me rolling on the floor; the nonsense song is terrific (the DVD offers a "karaoke" version which, though a novelty, does tell us finally what the lyrics actually are); and all the machine gags are fast-moving gems.

The bonus materials include a long outtake and several documentaries. "Chaplin Today" features guests Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, the French filmmakers behind the film Rosetta, and though their film-historian banter is not entirely to my taste, they do bring up some insights that I hadn't observed about Modern Times.

In all, a great release, and a great DVD to have for movie nights. It's a wonderful presentation of a comedy classic.

I love old movies and own several Criterion Collection DVDs from the 1930s, but in terms of picture quality, none compare with the new Chaplin Collection restoration of "Modern Times" (1936). The restoration looks pristine, with no graininess whatsoever and only the very occasional artifact. They even have a remastered Dolby 5.1 soundtrack. My only complaints about the first disc: no audio commentary to accompany the film, and more than five minutes of warnings from FBI, Interpol, etc. in every language. I didn't sit all the way through, but my "Forward", "Next" and "Menu" buttons were disabled. I had to hit "Stop" then "Play" again to get back to the main menu.

The second disc has an introduction by biographer David Robinson documentary, in which Robinson explains that Chaplin was very concerned with and educated about economics and the role of industry in causing the Great Depression. His ideas became the driving force behind "Modern Times".

The documentary features a commentary by two French directors. I didn't find it particularly insightful. However, there is also footage of Chaplin (without his Tramp costume) with Gandhi and talking to a camera. Though brief, it gave me my first look at Chaplin the man (I had only seen him as the Tramp).

Overall, an excellent work, and highly recommended. Oh yeah, the film's good too.

This Feature is Chaplins last silent movie. Even though the title is Modern Times chaplin wasn't so easy on letting silent movies go.
This is a movie thats great for all ages and should not be resented at any cost.
This is a movie about a factory worker being fired and gone to jail. A lady that lives with her Dad starts to live with the factory worker after her dad has been shot. The two fall in love. Through the movie the two find themselves looking for work,food,and shelter. They also get in trouble with the law. I have one real big piece of advice abut this movie watch it.

Well, I noticed that after SpongeBob and Patrick jump off the hook, there is a clip of two fishermen at the surface-have you noticed that one fisherman had a cigarette in his hand? Could this be edited so that the fisherman has a bubble pipe instead? Not only is a bubble pipe more politically correct, but it would certainly have more connection to a fisherman than cigarettes(many other pictures of fishermen show them with pipes as opposed to cigarettes).

If you liked the episode, "Shanghaied", it's in this DVD. Better than on Nickelodeon, the episode can be seen with 3 different endings. The DVD also has the episode, "Hooky" which sounds like an undersea version of Peter Rabbit, the episode, "Pickles" and "No Free Rides" when Mrs. Puff tries to take back SpongeBob's license. The "Jellyfish Jam" episode is in this DVD too.

I LOVE THIS DVD IT IS SO FUNNY AND GREAT.THATS THE THING ABOUT SPONGEBOB, IT IS FOR ADULTS AND KIDS.THIS DVD HAS 10 GREAT EPISODES THAT WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH TILL YOU CRY. I GOT THIS DVD FOR CHRISTMAS AND IM STILL WATCHING IT AND LAUGHIG.

A spectacular ending to an unspectacular movie. The ending sent electric tingles down my spine.

Horrible acting and magnificent photography lead us to one of the most explosive endings to a movie ever filmed.

The casting director should be fired. This is an almost perfect movie with some very wooden actors in it. The writer shows a big range of emotions and keeps us guessing till the end. What counts is the impactful last scene. And here the acting jumps up a hundred notches to accommodate the twist, the photography and the music, and forces us to forgive every mistake made earlier on in this film.

First, a disclaimer: it's really tough to watch a movie, let alone review it, objectively when you've just finished reading the excellent book upon which it was based. Upon reflection, this was actually probably a pretty good movie, for what it was, and I do agree that Paul Newman deserved his Oscar nomination. It's just that the book was so real, so convincing in its portrayal of its characters, that I couldn't help feeling that the movie was, well, wrong. Though I know the book was a fiction, I couldn't help feeling that the movie was betraying the truth that the book presented. As the scenes in the movie pieced together the highlights, I kept having two thoughts: "wow, this is going by too fast; are we there already?" and "but that's not how it happened!" At any rate, I'd like my review to be something a little more meaningful than just the self-important cliche, "The book was way better." Whether or not I will succeed is up to you. [end disclaimer]

The book was 550 pages long and rich in description, so I don't fault the movie for trimming story lines and collapsing others (e.g., Bruce Willis's character was a composite of at least three distinct characters in the book). In fact, this technique works surprisingly well for much of the movie; the story feels a little flatter, but the meaning is left pretty much intact. And I suppose that the filmmaker can be forgiven for softening up the title character and sentimentalizing him a bit in the very way that I pointed out the book did not. This is a Hollywood movie, after all.

I do find fault, though, with distorting the essential truth. Minor variations hurt the movie a bit throughout, but in one particular instance, near the end, a major breach significantly changes the whole point. I won't give it away, because it might ruin both the book and the movie (hint: it involves Melanie Griffith's affections), but it gives Sully more credit than he deserves, takes away something important from his son's character, and generally turns a fairly dark personality study into a warm, snuggly, feel-good moment. Eech.

As I expected I would, I have focused on the negative aspects of the movie, but, as I mentioned in my disclaimer, I think it was probably a good movie for what it was and I would still recommend it to people who have no intention of reading the book. The acting of the entire cast is strong (even Melanie Griffith and Bruce Willis are bearable), with especially high marks for the always-incredible Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jessica Tandy (in her final role), and Paul Newman, who is particularly good in the title role. And of course it had an excellent story to work with, which was, for the most part, told quite well. I guess that's the problem with reading books. They ruin otherwise perfectly good movies.

This review refers to the Paramount DVD edition of "Nobody's Fool".....

The irresistable Paul Newman, in a role that was tailor made for him and the always wonderful Jessica Tandy(in her final feature film performance) will steal your heart(as if they haven't already)in the life affirming dramadey, "Nobody's Fool". The rest of the cast are no slouches either. It includes Bruce Willis, Melanie Griffith,Josef Summer, Phillip Seymour Hoffman,Dylan Walsh and a performance by youngster Alexander Goodwin that will have you in awe of his extraordinary talent.

Wintry upstate New York is the setting for the story. "Sully"(Newman) is an aging down on his luck, jack of all trades(master of none),regular guy. He just can't seem to get a leg up... figuratively and literally(arthritis is getting the best of him).His life seems to be in a shambles. Abandoning his wife and son years earlier, still trying to eek out a living for himself,constantly seeming to have minor run-ins with the local police are his day to day exsistence. Yet with all these dark clouds over his head,there doesn't seem to be one person in this little community who could get along without him. When his now adult son and young grandson come back into his life, he now has a chance to do something right.It's a heartwarming and funny view and Newman will charm you right out of your socks!

The transfer to DVD is excellent. It is presented in widescreen(you won't miss a bit of the scenery),with a nice crisp, clear picture and beautiful colors. For sound you have a choice of Dolby Digital 5.1, or stereo surround and has English subtitles for those that may need them. I had a little technical problem with my copy. I could not seem to delete the subtitles no matter what I did. Although this is something that didn't bother me too much, if this happens it may be annoying if you are not used to watching with subtitles.I'm pretty sure though that this is probably a fluke and my copy only because I haven't seen any other complaints on this issue.Maybe the next reviewer can mention whether or not their copy was also affected.Other than that, it's a great view. There are no special features,but a film that will leave you smiling the rest of the day(that was bonus enough for me).

Directed and written for the screen by Robert Benton("Kramer vs Kramer"/"Places In The Heart"), with engaging music by Howard Shore, this captivating film is a must have for Newman fans.His superb performance garnered him Best Actor awards from the Berlin Int. Film Fest.(Silver Bear), the National Society of Film Critics and the New York Film Critics as well. It's a feel good story that's great to watch anytine life throws you a little curve! It is rated "R" for language and some nudity.

Definitive, Delightful, Delicious!
Thanx and enjoy....Laurie

I have been waiting for years for this gem to be released on DVD.
Nobody's Fool is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's one of those timeless, priceless "slice-of-life" movies you can watch again and again and never tire of (like, for me, Grumpy Old Men, Driving Miss Daisy, Love Story, Starman, Waking Ned Divine...).
Sully (Paul Newman) is one of those people you wish you knew in real life. An absolutely great movie.

Marilyn Monroe in some of her best films. SHe doesn't star in all of them, but her contribution to the films is unforgettable.

Take "There's no Business like show business"(a completely awful movie which showcases marilyn's voice and body while the rest of it bores the heck out of you) out of this great collection of MM's films, and you have got quite a nice set of movies to feast upon. Also, the documentary, which originally aired on AMC, "The Last Days", is outstanding. Marilyn looks stunning in the footage of her last work on film that was never shown until now.
"The Seven Year Itch", "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, "How to Marry a Millionare", and "Bus Stop"(yippee!! finally back and looking fantastic on dvd) are all great movies of Marilyn's and throwing that monstrosity I mention above in was in bad taste.
I still think it's worth buying. I got it as a gift. It is a perfect gift for the Marilyn lovers like myself.

This review refers to the "Marilyn Monroe-Diamond Collection" DVD Collectors Edition(20th Cent Fox)...

Okay you've been warned. If you watch these films back to back your mouth muscles will tire from smiling so much! They are, like Marilyn herself, simply irresistable. They are also jammed packed with lots of other wonderful stars, fabulous music, snappy dialouge, and they are restored beautifully in the original widescreen and glorious technicolor.The set includes five fun films from the 50's, a captivating documentary, and an edited, reconstructed version of her final but unfinished project.

You'll find Marilyn and pals Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable foraging for rich husbands in "How To Marry A Millionaire"(1953). The men they set their caps for include David Wayne, Rory Calhoun, Cameron Mitchell and even William Powell.
Marilyn and Jane Russell sail for France and declare "Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend" in the delightful romp "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"(1953). This one co-stars the wonderful Charles Coburn.
Next up from 1954 Marilyn shares the spolight in "There's No Business Like Show Business" with Ethel Merman, Donald O'Connor and Mitzi Gaynor. This one will delight musical lovers with it's lavish song and dance numbers, and wait till you see some of Marilyn's outfits!
Even happily married Tom Ewell is not safe from Marilyn's charms in "The Seven Year Itch". The wife's away for the summer and poor Tom must find a way to cool off poor Marilyn from the hot weather! Hmmm....Delightful....and of course, this one has the famous skirt scene.
Can a girl with a past and a naive rancher find love? It's a pleasure finding out in this poignant tale of "Bus Stop"(1956). it also stars Don Murray, Arthur O'connell, Betty Field, Eileen Heckart and a very young Hope Lange. Marilyn shows us her tremendous dramtic skills in this one.
And then there's the very touching "Marilyn Monroe: The Final Days". Narrated by James Cobourn, it's an open and honest look at what took place in the last few months of Marilyn's life, and the problems she was having while filming her final film. Immeditaley following the documentary there is an edited, reconstruction of the scenes shot for the film. This film, also starring Dean Martin, "Something's Got To Give", which was to be a remake of the Grant/Dunne film "My Favorite Wife", finally saw an audience as "Move Over Darling" with James Garner and Doris Day.

If you are a Big Fan of MM or are considering this as a gift for some who is, this set is definatly the way to go. If you are like me, you know that eventually you will put out the money for all of them anyway!. Also I did not see "The Final Days" for sale separatly. This boxed set is an absolute bargain!. All the films look fabulous. All wonderfully restored. Each Disc has it's own bonus features, including comparisons of the restoration, and some theatrical trailers. There is a "Movietone Newsreel" relating to the cinemascope process on the documentary disc. The technical info here says that these discs are in 5.1, and although the sound on all the discs is excellent, they are not 5.1. Bus Stop, Millionaire and Show Business are all in 4.0, Seven Yr Itch is in 3.0, and Gentlemen in Stereo and full frame.That is what they say on the box and that is exactly how my DVD player decoded them. As I said they sound wonderful, but I thought I would mention that for those that it may make a difference to.

20th Century has put together a wonderful must have package, that you'll enjoy time and time again....enjoy ...Laurie

I thank each and every reviewer who took the time to add their comments and thoughts to a film memorial of 9/11, World Trade Center Towers tragedy. I treasure each and every one of you!

My spouse and I resided on the Lower West Side, Battery Park City, Gateway Plaza, So. End Ave. As survivors of the 9/11 World Trade Center Towers tragedy... our story is one in a basket of billions. From our Gateway Plaza apartment, facing the street and 300 yards from the Towers, we helplessly witnessed all from our apartment windows. The closeness of the Towers viewed from our windows - gave an illusion that one could reach out and touch the Towers; their beauty with night lights reaching toward the sky promoted a contemplative emotion.

We viewed the planes entering the Towers, the overwhelming inferno, individuals jumping, the collapse of the Towers, the darkness as debris hit our windows with a fury. What occurred over a period of hours, seemed like a much shorter time span. The darkness was darker than an eclipse, darker than the darkest night; and then a momentary hush after the air cleared. Viewing the roof garden one floor below, with the human reaction of looking out to see if someone might be on that roof garden and in need of help. Debris strewn everywhere, recording tape and paper hung from the trees of the garden and oh, so much ash. The momentary hush, whether real or imagined, then the viewing of debris for a second, fantasized that a parade had just passed by on our short street. I experienced anger not fear - anger that factions could bring such evil deeds to our wonderful country. I now really understand the expression a feeling of helplessness, I couldn't fix what had just happened.

We stayed in our apartment until 5:15 p.m. that day, waiting for someone to knock on our door to advise us to evacuate, with nothing but a battery radio to keep us abreast of happenings. "In a New York minute", we evacuated via the stairwell touched with ash, the result of a first floor door left open. With a few belongings, gathered with a tad of thought of what was being left behind, we stepped out of the door onto the pavement, seeing and standing in ever so much ash and debris, I wanted to turn around and go back to our home. It was one of many moments of reality I carry to this day.

At first thought, we planned to walk up the East Side, but opted to pass through the building in back of the apartment complex. We gained access to the Esplanade walking the short distance to reach the Hudson River dock - North Cove. We were escorted to the New Jersey shore via New York Police boat. From the boat deck, we viewed even more damage to the Manhattan skyline, especially noting the zigzag shape of the side of the American Express building, housed in one of the World Financial Center buildings along with the glorious Winter Garden, as well as the fall of World Trade Center Building 7. We were taken to the Jersey City Hospital, attended to by compassionate staff. Then traveled by National Guard truck to Hoboken, NJ where we were housed by a wonderful family who welcomed, with great trust, strangers to their home.

On Friday 9/14, our eldest son & daughter-in-law drove from New Hampshire via New Jersey routes to Hoboken for transport us to New Hampshire for temporary residence with our daughter, who along with her friend and our youngest son, greeted us with open arms & the overwhelming feeling of not wanting to let go with each hug that followed. {I sometimes wonder what the count of hugs were given from day 9/11 and long thereafter? Billions.} Our daughter and son had spent that Friday in New Hampshire collecting items of clothing and necessities which the Concord community generously opened their hearts and donated by churches, stores, individuals, employers, American Red Cross, et al.

One of our grandchildren -- he was 8 at that time - arrived home from a few days with his Dad. He hugged us so tight, understanding the depth of 9/11 events for someone so young and yet so wise. He told Grandpa & Babcia (Polish for Grandma) that he had something for them... his Mom was not even aware of his gift. He had spoken to his classmates about his grandparents' closeness in location of the World Trade Center Towers. Presented to us was a large envelope full of hand-made cards from each of his classmates. And if that isn't love and caring, I don't know what is - from the hearts and minds of children!
Residing now in New Hampshire, not because of 9/11 drove us away, but circumstances just went that way as we continue to put our lives into perspective.

We Miss - New York City deeply; events found nowhere else in the USA, the introduction to & interaction with so many wonderful cultures. There isn't a day or night in the past two years, that we do not think of 9/11... the Lady of Liberty & Ellis Island both on the confluence of the East River and the Hudson River, viewed from the lower part of the Esplanade. And that Lady of Liberty wept, I just know it, and she still stands with pride and remembrance that the USA is a democracy that will prevail.

We Remember - the victims, the survivors, their friends and families, the workers from the public and private sector, the volunteers, our neighbors in Gateway Plaza and staff in the small group of stores on South End Avenue, Battery Park City.

We Remember - the places we visited, the book signings attended, the celebrities we met, the concerts and theater plays, the movies, the arts, the parks, the strangers we talked with, on streets, on subway and those while standing in line for an event... yet there are so many places we didn't get to.

We Remember - Always In Our Hearts, Forever In Our Souls, Heroes, Victims, Survivors One and All... We Were There.

Painfully, the lump in my throat and the twist in my stomach, the tears in my eyes and the pain in my heart, to the depth of my soul, forever go on.

"God, teach me to laugh again,
but never let me forget that I cried."
Katy Fisher

I resisted watching this documentary until recently. Having lost several friends who were members of the NYFD as well as two neighbors it was hard to get to it. It is a numbing expierence to watch. Although almost an hour long I felt as if time was standing still. It is sheer understatement to call In Memoriam a unique and emotionally devastating piece of work. It truly stands alone.

The producers choose not to have a narrator. Instead people closely involved in that day's horror provide the narrative thread through the story. City officials, regular people and members of the uniformed services are the voices who guide us. The one constant throughout is former Mayor Giuliani. Perhaps the most gut wrenching the widow of the Fire Captain who commanded Rescue 1. You will probably have to stop after that sequence to pull yourself together. Other voices are heard that bring even more pain. They are those of recorded telephone calls made by those trapped and later lost in the Towers.

The filmed footage comes from some 150 video and still photographers both professional and amateur. Be warned that moving and still images of those who leapt from the Towers is included. Some say it should not be. I gentley disagree. For all I know one of those I am seeing may be one of my neighbors who was lost but the full horror of that day should never be hidden. The producers let the cameras have their say and it is a powerful statement that they make. For the music works by several American classical composers such as Aaron Copland, William Schuman and Bernard Herrmann are used and are performed by the New York Philharmonic under Leonard Slatkin. It is never obtrusive but provides a subtle under current. Narrative , images and music are all deftly blended to form an unforgetable look at a day that paradoxically showed humanity at its worst and at its very best. Having watched it once does not make it easy to watch again. I know I will eventually but one showing burns in images that will last a long time.

I was stunned after seeing this HBO special. The first half is shocking: never-before-seen stills and videos, agonizingly real, disturbing. The second half reminds us that 3047 people from 83 countries were savagely murdered, leaving behind 3251 children who lost a parent.

Yes, I was moved to tears. The cameras and video recorders were there, quietly filming planes flying into buildings, people jumping to their deaths, family members mourning. So painful to watch, yet required viewing for anyone who is starting to forget about what happened September 11, 2001.

All I could think of was the beast who planned this mass murder, and how he gloated and laughed about it afterwards. And the countries who were responsible for funding it...

America will prevail, and we will not forget.

I had this CD and sold it back to the used CD store. It's NOT bad, it's just, well, so-so. The Dead had begun their slow decline by this time and this CD reflects it. The setting is beautiful and some songs rise to the band's high standards, but overall this CD is aptly titled because, as much as I loved the band, after the late '80s it was ALL downhill from there...

This is certainly one of the top 10 "China>Rider"'s the band ever played. Holding its own against many from the holy era of '72-'74. The intro. by Bob, Jerry and Brent is excellent and intricate. The camera angle is perfect, though brief, in capturing Weir's intro. and is proof of how great a guitarist he is. He is often too underrated, sometimes venomously. He delivers his "sun gonna shine" line powerfully. But this is trounced by latter day Jerry nailing his "headlight" line and wailing away through out. There is plenty of JEF (Jerry emotional factor) on this one and the whole show in general. The jam between the two songs has Jerry shredding and making spiraling spaghetti notes on his Tiger guitar and wrapping them around any and all within earshot. Brent is sonically painting away. Lesh is thumping all along but finally begins to emerge out front with a pulsing "Rider" gallop and is in the Zone. The Rhythm Devils are clearly in sync. "It" is happening.

The song choice is excellent and well played. Even the obligatory show opening "Let The Good Times Roll" is nicely played. Other highlights include a rare, for the year, "All Over Now" and an ever increasingly rare "Cumberland". The "Deal", actually from two nights later, has a heaping scoop of cherry Garcia. A "Playing>UJB" is always nice no matter how many times you've heard it. This leads to another emotive performance by Jerry playing an excellent "SOTM". By placing his ballad in pre-drums this allows the band to rock out of drums with a "Wheel>Gimme Some Lovin'>GDTRFB>NFA" trainload of good ol' Grateful Dead. Then the band stuns everyone and brings them to their knees with the first breakout of "We Bid You Good Night" since 12/31/78. 'Nuff said. If you never saw the Grateful Dead and wish you had buy this DVD. If you can find the entire legendary three night run on CD get them too.

This was the first experience with the Dead and I'm glad it was because it led me to a whole new world of music. After watching this a second time after hearing much more of the Dead's music, I truly appreciate this great film. The Dead were never really known for their energy on stage, but rather for the music they played. This has some really decent music ("Built to Last", "Desolation Row", a great "Deal", "Drums", "Johnny B Goode", and "Not Fade Away"- just to name a few) but it also really great as far as the energy goes. Jerry was all smiles and was moving quite a bit. It's a great reminder of how great the Dead really were. This is an awesome DVD, although I can't seem to find it on Cd.........

This film is told mostly from Kevin Bacon's (Jake)perspective through narration, a funny & pretty honest look at early married life. Many subtle jokes here, along with laugh out loud sight gags. It isn't just a comedy it works on different levels. Elizabeth McGovern(Cristy)is an attractive, yet reserved wife who is grounded, unlike her husband. Jake has questions..many questions, trying to figure out his life..and his wife. There is a genuine chemistry between them. Alec Baldwin is very good as Jake's bachelor friend. John Ashton is hilarious talking about garden hoses & lawnmowers! I am surprised so many people missed or skipped this film. The music ranges from Gene Loves Jezebel's "Desire" to Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work". The ending credit sequence has cameos from: Cast of Cheers & Ferris Bueller, Ally Sheedy, Magic Johnson & Dan Ackroyd.

The DVD: It is 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen, with 5.1 Dolby sound. I would rank the picture quality a Solid 4 and the sound a 5. Unfortunatly no extras, a Trailer. (Would have loved to hear a Bacon/McGovern or John Hughes commentary!) If you are a fan, don't hesitate picking up this DVD.(Plastic Keepcase)

This movie was and has been one of my favorites from the 80's. It is a true classic... I love all of the classic 80's movies and now that I am at the age of being in a marriage and babies a part of my life... every time I watch it brings great joy of what I always wanted. This movie I can watch over and over when there is a down time and it brings me back to my growing years.

This is the the sweetest, most touching romance movie that I personally have ever seen. Contained within this comedy-romance are some profound truths about men, women and relationships that I have never seen talked about in any other movie in such a dead-on way.

Christie's 3 or 4 sentence explination of why she won't cheat on her husband contains more truth than I have ever seen in a movie about why you don't cheat on your mate. Many marriages would not end in divorce if the people in them understood what Christy demonstrates in this film.

This is a movie which I feel does a near-perfect job of conveying what is really important in life. I think every married couple should see it. This video could be better marriage therapy than counseling. While there are a few corny jokes in the movie, they don't get in the way of what is really trying to be conveyed: That when you find that one special person, you hold on and never let go. That there is more satisfaction than many people imagine in an 'ordinary life,' and that true love really is worth it.

The most wonderful romance movie I have ever seen.

The enemy below is one of many movies that set out after the end of the second world war to reverse what America and their allies thought of Germans. After having to de-humanise them (as they did to us) for a decade or so to enable our young men to fight, kill and eventually defeat them, by 1957 we had new bad guys, (Boris and natasha cartoons) the Russian Communists to contend with. Also West Germany was now our staunch ally and so the need to reverse public opinion about the hated Hun.

This movie does a remarkable job in starting to reverse anti German feelings. It's a good yarn, tense and sells us that really the beasts were not beasts but just good men pitted against each other. Most of them anyway. It must have went a long way towards achieving it's goal of re-conciliation between two former enemies, now allies.

The singing of the rousing song "The Dessauer Marsch" written in 1706 with words no doubt written for the u-boat crews is a bold adventure as they refer to "Nazi fellowship".

First of all, this was not an American story, the original novel the movie was based on is written by a retired British Navy Commamder. The destroyer was a British destroyer, and the destroyer captain is a British Officer. Dick Powell's movie changed them all to American. However, this change does not shadow his brilliant performance in his direction of the movie. Two experienced sailer, crossed line of each other on the high sea, one desperately tries to evade the other, the other desperately tries to pursue his target, each uses his best effort to frustrate the other's attempt. Aside from the seamanship, leadership, and technical knowledge of enemy vessel's performance ability, both charactors have also demonstrated chivary in a war of nasty. The ending scene dramatically shows the war can be romantic, chivarious, regardless the regime he represents. In wars like today when a nation vows to assassinate the oposing country's leader, this movie is refreshingly clean and non-violent, even peaceful. If there is any shortcoming in this otherwise excellent film, I would say it is the unnecessary cheap addition of Anti-Nazi propaganda. So if we have to praise a German soldier, we must also say he is anti-nazi, otherwise he is not worth our praise. This is a common mentality of some of Hollywood's best directors. A mild insult of the reader or watcher's intellience.

There are very few war movies I have not seen. Of those close to hundred or so that I have seen this is in the top ten. The psychological battle that takes place in each captains mind and in fighting the enemy is very well done. Yes it is true that neither wants war but they must do their duty and in doing so they are clever adversaries. If you like war movies that give both sides perspective like "Tora Tora Tora", "The Battle of the Bulge", and "Hell in the Pacific" you should enjoy it. The key roles by Robert Mitchum and Curt Jergens are superb and the supporting cast is quite good as well. The battle sets are professional and look great even compared to todays standards. The music adds to the suspense throughout the movie. The director does a fine job of pulling us into the movie and keeps the pace brisk. One for anyone that enjoys good war movies to add to their collection. I can't wait till my pre-order of the DVD arrives 5/20/03. Did I say pre-order? Something has now happened so that you can not order this movie. After three months I am beginning to wonder what happened to foul up the release.

"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!