Cereal Movie Reviews

Very good factual study inside the minds of the most prolific Serial Killers. Deliciously Disturbing. Truth is always stranger than fiction.

Don't plan on eating meat or sleeping for a while.

I owned the VHS of REAL LIFE HANNIBAL LECTERS for a while and was thrilled to see that it'd been upgraded to DVD format. For anyone interested in learning more about the criminal cannibals in the world, and the twilight zones in which they reside, this documentary is a MUST-have. Features the infamous Jeffrey Dahmer and Albert Fish cases, among several other "well-knowns". Discussed is the serial killer mentality in general, as well as possible explanations as to why some people choose to cannibalize in such a brutal fashion. For instance, Dahmer ate pieces of his victims so he could feel closer to them. Other career cannibals engage in anthropopaghy (technical word for humans consuming humans) in order to completely CONQUER the victims (as was the situation with the Russian cannibal killer Andrei Chikatilo). Very well produced, I think, with some cool haunting music and a variety of eerie quotes (some anonymous, which makes it even creepier..."IF YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT, I COULD BE YOU TOMORROW" is a chilling example!). Be warned, however, this one is NOT for the faint of heart. Afterall, this does indeed go into details of these human-flesh consumers...Do you REALLY know your neighbors?

My husband and I watched this together. It's not long enough to keep you enthralled, but it is intriguing to delve into the minds of some of these psychos and see what makes them tick. NOVA does a good job as a documentary, but doesn't really go into depth about the makings of a serial killer, or the profiling of a serial killer. The film would have been much better had it been better researched and lengthier, but it is still a fascinating review of some of the famous serial killers of our time.

This dvd is just extraordinary, so very interesting and extremely well done. Once again, you have John Douglas in it and that's such a treat for anyone interested in profiling.
This dvd is so interesting that you'll be upset when it's over, buy it without hesitation.

NOVA: MIND OF A SERIAL KILLER examines the horrifying reality of serial killers. This video, narrated by THE X-MEN's Patrick Stewart, looks at how law enforcement (FBI, etc.) deals with this type of criminal. The video examines different types of serial killers (organised, disorganised), the makings of a serial killer, case histories, and the process known as criminal profiling. Criminal profiling has been used to track down & convict serial killers like Wayne Williams & others.

The video also tracks down the investigation of murdered prostitutes in the Rochester area. The investigation led to the capture & conviction of Arthur Shawcross. Shawcross was a recently paroled sex slayer who was found responsible of at least 10 murders. Using criminal profiling along with other evidence, the FBI successfully imprisoned Shawcross to a term of life imprisonment.

NOVA: MIND OF A SERIAL KILLER is a must-have for true crime afficionados. Highly recommended.

By this point in the series, the viewer knows that this is not an adventure story about a waif-like girl who falls though a hole into the Internet. The crisis that builds over the three episodes is Lain's loss of her sense of reality. This starts as disruptions in her friendships, continues into her family and the fragmentation of her personality. Confronted, she goes on to challenge a God that cannot be. In counterpoint to the human story, we are presented a history of the Internet that makes X-files seem totally reasonable,

Beyond any doubt, Lain is about the destructive breakdown of barriers. Lain's family falls away from her, the suppressed part of her personality acquires a life of its own, her friends mistrust her... nothing is preserved. The deeper question is what are symptoms and what are causes, and, at the end of ten episodes, we are left with an uneasy feeling that the process is not over.

If I am surprised by the end of the series, it will not be for lack of thinking and guessing. And that is the true art of 'production 2nd' and director Ryutara Nakamura. Lain always invites the viewer to look a little deeper, connecting the visual and textual dots to create our own monsters in the same way that The Wired is an intensive abstract for real life. Trust nothing, we are told. The truth is nowhere.

Once again, credit has to be given to the artistic staff that takes the plot and gives it its stunning visual and aural presentation. Emulating what life is like in The Wired believable is no trivial task, and this is so well done that it sets a new standard. Reflecting it with a reality that is even stranger is far more difficult.

This series is simply the best. I have all four DVDs and a special edition, but this one remains my favorite. Everything begins to make more sense. If you havent seen the series from the beginning, DONT buy this DVD and start with it. You'll be so confused you'll get a headache. You might want to find a resident computer nerd to have handy though for some questioning.

If you've seen the previous DVDs in the Serial Experiments Lain series, you know that Lain is an intricate, complex, and breathtaking series. It doesn't go downhill, I can assure you. "Dues" is a mindblowing continuation of Lain, and by the end of the DVD, wou'll not only be more drawn in than ever, you'll be eager to see how Lain can possibly finish out in the upcommming final volume

Recently I remarked that I keep imagining alternate outcomes to this series. Too many, in fact, to count. It presents a reality whose boundaries with the web keep degrading until, for those like Lain the separation is completely lost. In Lain's world, history can be erased and rewritten, and identity is a matter of perception. And the vision is deeply disquieting.

The underlying structure of Lain's life has eroded. She has no place at school, her parents have left her, and secret agents spying on her confess their love. Against this backdrop Lain persistent questions her own identity - innocent waif or adolescent hoyden. She hopes against hope that she is the true persona.

One can read this as a coming of age story. The powerless Lain of the first episodes gradually coming into a power that is nearly impossible to control. In the previous DVD, Lain attempted to kill God, now she must seek for it among a kaleidoscope of visions. Can she stand the answer? Or will the truth wash her away.

Serial Experiments Lain presents an interior apocalypse. From the chaotic opening sequences of this DVD to the hollow victory of its conclusion the world changes - not with a bang, but a whimper. The Wired is a place where closure is elusive, and loose ends the rule of the day. Where there is no existence without memory.

It is fair to remark that this series gets progressively stranger and stranger. It creates its atmosphere by testing the borders or our own minds. And it doest a pretty remarkable job of carrying it off. The artwork remains capable to producing striking images. Episode 11 'Infornography' is a striking attempt at an e-visualization of the erosion of Lain's well-being. Indeed, the whole series will remain imprinted on the minds of its viewers for some time.

Wonderful. I love the conclusion of the Lain series; it wouldnt have been better, had I made it up myself:) I love anime that makes my brain excersize while it is being entertained, and this is the highest quality out there.

Serial Experiments Lain doesn't begin or procced as one would frequently expect, it doesn't end that way either. The story behind Lain continues in it's own way, a style of anime that is unique to Lain, and I don't think could ever be replicated. I reccommed this to anyone who wants to free themselves of mindless entertainment, and watch something that you actually have to think about.

If you approach this series expecting the ordinary, or even a somewhat imaginative approach to the theme of where the line between real and virtual are you are in for a shock. There is little about this story that is comfortable, and much that is deeply disquieting. Ryutaro Nakamura is intent in placing the viewer in Lain's experiences, intentionally creating the same perceptual and intellectual confusion.

The question probed in this DVD continued to be who or what is the real Lain. These episodes fracture the appearance of waif-like innocence that Lain wore in the first DVD. Not completely, though. Only enough so that it is clear that a much brasher and more forward young woman exists in the same mind. Even this simplifies her personality boundaries, as her sister is also consumed by the changes within Lain.

Sharing the 'wired' with her are desperate geeks trying to gain admission to the 'Knights,' a closed hacker society that is driven by secret, and perhaps deadly purposes. And in the 'real' world men in dark suits follow her and question her very existence. While her Navi grows into a water-cooled monster that swallows her entire room. Time and again, we have to wonder whose perceptions are we following, as our vision fragments and then heals in kaleidoscopic patterns. Into this strangeness step parents, strangers and friends who seem to only stop by to pronounce philosophically and then vanish back into the surfaces.

The artwork continues to be remarkable. This isn't so much an animated series as it is a designed film. By which I mean that rather than a flow of action, we are presented with images and symbols that glue themselves like wallpaper on the inside of our minds, returning repeatedly to haunt us. This is creative, experimental work, which draws the viewer forward despite forebodings of a final bleak vision that will never leave. This is a demonstration of anime's real potential as an art form, rather than simple entertainment.

Serial Experiments Lain never ceases to both amaze me and make me think. I love anime that does that. It tops Evangelion, which I thought, for a while, impossible. But beware, those of you who are otaku just looking for cute girls in sailor suits. This anime is intelligent and addictive.

Lain is one of the best experiences with movies I have ever had. It is also my best experience with the subclass of anime cyberpunk and the entire class of anime. It's a superb story giving science fiction one more excuse to frighten us an excite us at the same time. What is the difference between the human mind and a computer? What is the difference between a running program and a personality? What is the difference between an application and a soul? What is the difference between the internet and god? This tempts you to believe the impossible is happening and the possible is all just an illusion. In English trippier than Alice in Wonderland. An amazing exciting epic where finding yourself isn't as easy as it may seem and finding yourself is much more dangerous than trying to kill yourself. If you love good anime, good science fiction, good cyberpunk, or just movies that will twist, strecth, and break your mind, you will LOVE Lain:serial experiment. By the way the best part: no nudity, very little offensive language, unfortunately there is some gore, but not throughout the whole thing just in specific episodes, and only one mention of the idea, it's only implied, of sex. (but note I only watched the subtitled version so I don't know if the english made for America version is any different.) Great Buy!!

Serial Experiments Lain has to be one of the most visually effective, original, and yet utterly confounding anime titles ever to be dreamed up. From the opening scene to the cliffhanger at the end of the fourth episode (all that has been released as of the time of this review), I was riveted by the simple yet fluid animation, dreamlike artwork and haunting music. However, the casual anime viewer may find this title a little on the...well...odd side.

The artwork was what first caught my eye. The character designs are fairly simple, but the work that went into making their movements and integration into the backgrounds fluid is immediately obvious. Judicious use of CG allows for some of this, while not overbearing the senses and detracting from the art itself. The backgrounds especially are striking, one moment being carefully detailed, spartan and surreal the next. Those with any memory of the 70s may find the brief dialogue screens that pop up now and then, with their kaleidoscope of rainbow colors, slightly disturbing, but the overall effect is dream-like.

This series lends whole a whole new perspective to the human condition. In a nutshell, it's a story about communication. How we are all connected to one another, yet separated at the same time, whether it's through a phone or across a computer connection. The characters, from our quiet Lain, to her computer otaku father, snotty older sister, and gossipy friends aren't very deeply explored, mainly because there is no need. They are all easily identifiable as someone you might already know, which helps the plot along even more nicely.

And what a plot it is. After watching the first four episodes, I felt like my brain had been taken out and turned around backwards before being replaced. This is definitely NOT an anime for your Dragon Ball-Ranma-Pokemon crowd. It's deep and cerebral and forces you to think about exactly what is going on at every step. Just when you think you have something of the story figured out, it'll tie another knot for you to unravel.

And pulling it all together is the music. From the hauntingly beautiful opening theme by British pop group, BOA, to the hard rock of the disco club, where all the "bad" junior high kids hang out, to the complete LACK of music or even sound in key parts, the whole experience is aural as well as visual.

Now I know you're saying, "Well darn, that was really informative, but is it good?"

Yes, yes it is! Watch it! Watch it! Watch it! Just keep in mind that this is not your daddy's anime. It's more like something you might see on Liquid Television, but infinitely cooler. And if you do watch it and figure out exactly what's going on, tell me please, I'm still puzzling it out myself! SE: Lain is an anime experience that is not to be missed by any hard-core fan of sci-fi or the surreal.

Take away one star if you don't like surrealism with your anime, but add one star if you have an M.C. Escher painting on your wall, like to watch Twilight Zone re-runs, and wear a shirt to work that just says "Be."

its pretty good if you seen it i mean it does have suicide in it but this series is good if you want some mind trip to experiance a new world

this anime is one of the most interesting animes that i have seen other than, Spirited Away, Akira, and ghost in the shell. something that you must have in your collection.

(dont be scared off by the wierd begining.)

I'm really sorry to say this, but this anime is simply BORING. I've seen a couple of other anime films before, some good, some bad, yet one more time, nothing SO boring. Just think, the picture on your screen stays exactly the same for about half a minute, without anybody saying anything...and on the length of the whole episode just nothing significant happens or is said... It's not thoughtful or philosofical or anything, just...boring :) I really wonder how people could compare this anime to Neon Genezis Evangelion, which is really high quality film by the way, or any other good anime...

I purchased the first DVD mostly out of curiosity, then after watching the 1st 4 episodes, immediately went out and purchased the rest. The only thing missing is an ongoing plot that could spawn OVA's and feature films, as everything 'ends' in the last episode (no spoilers, you'll have to see what I mean, and I guarantee you'll be surprised). Since it seems to have preceded both 'The Matrix' and 'Ghost in the Shell' I expect that the writers of both would have been inspired by it directly. If you are into computers, if you are into the paranormal, or if you've ever questioned your own existence, it's a must-see. There seems to be at least some influence from 'Akira' and 'Roujin Z', especially in the last 2 episodes. No doubt this series was influential in '.hack/sign' as well.

Let me first say that if you are to watch this anime series you better have a extremely open mind, if you don't you wo'nt get through the first episode.
Lain was one of he first anime series I really seen all the through, before i really couldn' get into anime cause I thought if you've seen one you've seen them all, stupid right? But I was always searching for somthing smarter, because i don't like being treated like an idiot when i watch anything, when the plot, conflicts, relationships between the character are fully explained within the first few episodes, and the ending is just thrown in there at the last minute. This one really caught me by surprise, I first heard about it from one of my friends who is an anime freak. I decided to check it out and I was blow alway emotionly, I rented the first tape and I got so addicted to it that I just went out and rented he rest of the series and watched it all in one sitting, that is somthing you shouldn't do because I was so tired mentally that I couldn't watch anything for days cause it was to much to take in all at once. I am only recommending this to people who really like to think deeply about what their watching.

I always view earlier films with a different mindset than when I am watching modern films. While watching Jungle Girl, I put myself back in the 1940's when I was a kid watching the Saturday matinees. I also stretched this serial out (as it was originally intended) by watching no more than one or two chapters at each viewing session.

Under those conditons, I thoroughly enjoyed this serial. The resolution of the cliffhanger at the beginning of each chapter is handled in a credible fashion and the fist fights between the heroes and villains are well choreographed. (The gun fights aren't handled as well). Nyoka manages to appear unflappable even after several instances of being dunked in the water or tied to a pole. The key to this type of movie is the performance of the villains and here they are a credit to their class.

I feel Republic Pictures cornered the market when it came to serials.Jungle Girl ,in my opinion , was one of the 3 best that this studio released.The other 2 were " Perils of Nyoka " and
" The Adventures of Captain Marvel " While all 3 have been released on tape,this DVD version of " Jungle Girl " released by VCI Entertainment is superior in quality to the " Jungle Girl " tape. It was remastered from a 35MM master positive print from the British Film institute.Even if you already own a VHS tape of this serial I would recommend that you add this DVD to your library not only for the picture quality but also for the extras.The scene selection brings you with a click to the start of each individual Chapter so when returning to see the film for the umpteenth time you can pick and choose your chapter rather than view the whole 15 chapters at once.The extras also include biographies of some of the cast members and a gallery of theatre posters and still shots.This DVD also has trailers of other serials released in the heyday of the serials ( mostly from Universal Pictures ) and a beautiful color photo of Frances Gifford riding her elephant on both disks.The menu treats you to a solo of Jungle Drums while you are waiting to click on your selection. My only negative thought is why did they put 10 chapters on the 1st disk and the remaining 5 on the second instead of the whole 15 chapters on the one disk.

This serial scores in every way imaginable with
creative cliffhangers, quality production values
and fast paced action. The only weak points:
"white" african natives and the goofiest gorilla costume
ever seen in a film. You'll watch this one over and over again.
Freakin' amazing.

This film is hillarious. Every part of it is so well written and superbly acted - especially by the fabulous Kathleen Turner.

So the movie is great. The features are surprisingly high considering the fashion of vintage film's features on DVDs.... spanish subtitles and one film commerical. Though I couldnt find the director's commentary (and still cant) I found alot of features that you can only see once you've seen the film trailor/teaser.

Now as for the problem that goes unaddressed and isnt really shouted out in Bold type face by amazon.... the DVD box is a carbboard board with a plastic clasp. Not only do these Warner Brother's style DVD boxes fail to fit in to a standard DVD rack or fit snuggly in your collection of other normal boxed DVDs, but the whole case doesnt work after repeated use over a short period of time. And this is the sort of film you'll be watching over and over again.

In all... Love the film, hate the box. This is a HBO studios release and they've followed the trend of those horrible card and clasp cases.

I can not believe how well Kathleen Turner played her role in this movie. The story of a very charming, sweet, and easy going housewife and mom to those all around her has a little dark side..She's a Serial killer. She sets her revenge on those who either are hurting the environment, her family, or those who simply steal her parking spot at the local grocery store. (keep in mind this movie is a comedy) definitely worth renting or Purchasing. Kathleen Turner is Magnificient, and so is the rest of the cast!

SERIAL MOM is John Waters at his delightfully darkest. Kathleen Turner plays a soccer mom who harbors secret psychopathic longings and begins acting them out in the most bizarre ways. Ever seen anyone killed with a turkey leg while singing a song from ANNIE? If you've seen SERIAL MOM you have! Wow! Kathleen does a great job, but also look for Ricki Lake, Traci Lords, and a before he was famous Matthew Lillard throwing in great support. Oh, and who can forget Suzanne Sommers? She's awesome too! Waters regular Mink Stole steals her pussy willow scene as well. This is a great one!

The DVD contains a commentary with John Waters, and as usual his track is every bit as entertaining as the movie. There are featurettes with all the leads talking about making this farce! It's a great package. DVD presentation is striking - good picture and sound of one of John's highest budget features.

These two western "B" movies from the 40's are typical of the westerns of the war years. The second movie, "Cheyene Wildcat" is the best of the Elliott "Ryder" movies. A big plus is Robert Blake (Baretta) playing Little Beaver! Another big plus, is Roy Barcroft as the mean villian. As with all the old movies coming out in DVD, the quality is very good.
If you are over 60 you'll enjoy the memory-if you are under 60 you get to see a time when good triumphed over evil!

I don`t believe this one ever got to the U.K. when i was riding the range at Saturday cinema. One word. Wonderful. My memories of serials in the early 50`s here in U.K. were Blackhawk. Possibly the best ever. Jungle Girl, Captain Video,SirLancelot,Superman,and White Eagle. Now at almost 60 years old to be able to relive those happy years once again with a serial like Red Ryder plus a TV episode with one of my favorite cowboys Rocky Lane is beyond words.The D V D transfer is very good its a treat to be able to see a good quality picture at last. I`ve had enough of poor quality slow speed video copy`s and as for some of the material some people get away with on the net. I urge you forget the rubbish and go for D V D and make Red Ryder your first choice. Come on company`s lets have some more...

Many now only relate to "Red Ryder's Genuine Carbine Action Two-Hundred Shot Lightning Loader Range Model Air Rifle" made famous in the 1983 Christmas movie, "A Christmas Story". This story was about a 10 year old boys obsession with getting Red Ryder's air rifle for Christmas.

Well now, we can all see this famous no-nonsense cowboy and his little sidekick Indian boy, Little Beaver in action. This was a perfect pair & their complete honorable taming of the west.

Red Ryder & Little Beaver adventures dominated the comic strips in the 1930's - 1950's. Late in the 30's REd Ryder came to the screen in a 12 action packed episode serial. Pretty good stuff and a sample coming attraction of this early Red Ryder serial is included on this double feature DVD.

The 1940's Red Ryder introduced the most popular Red Ryder with Wild Bill Elliot and Robert Blake an Little Beaver. This duo went on to make over a dozen Red Ryder movies in the 40's.
This Double Feature remastered DVD Full Screen Black/White includes 2 of thier movies.

An Antonio Kid (1944 / 52 minutes) - greedy outlaws pursuit of the coveted "Black Gold" by terrorizing ranchers.

Cheyenne Wildcat (1947 / 50 minutes) - Red becomes the object of desire of 2 ladies while he & Lil' Beaver pursue outlaws.

This is wholesome fun family entertainment. Red & Lil' Beaver compliment each other and there is genuine onscreen friendship chemistry between them. This is fun stuff. Nice addition to the old western DVD library. Also included is a movie billboard & comic strip montage extra.

Also, now we see why Ralphie Parker from "A Christmas Story" obsessed over Red Ryder!!! Enjoy.