Collecting Movie Reviews

The streak of brilliance that turned depictions of the paranormal to explain man to himself into a true American classic is as evident in this collection as in the others. The excellent DVD reproductions enhance the pleasure of watching it. TZ is uncanny in many ways, including in its ability to focus one minute on the distinctive bond between man and dog, and the next on the danger, ever present then as now, of nuclear annihilation. Seriously consider this item as a gift for those who "have everything" or are hard to buy for. If you like, see also my further comments on TZ collection 1 as they apply here, too.

This is hands-down my favorite television series, and now it's on DVD in superlative form. You can't go wrong with any of the five collections.

Having had a partial collection on video for many years now, I anxiously awaited the release on DVD. Finally! The complete series (156 episodes) has finally received the treatment it truly deserves. This series has held up well for 40+ years, and I have no doubt it will make it for at least another half century. Television writing was at its peak with this show, and the evolution of television filming (and videotaping) techniques is obvious over the course of this series. And the trademark twists at the end of each episode still take me by surprise!

Technically, the digital remastering to DVD has brought new life to Rod Serling's brainchild. The video presentation is crisp and well defined, bringing out the subtle details so well, that you will find yourself completely absorbed in the nuances of Serling's vision, and the outstanding production values for this early 60's series (just keep in mind that this is pre-Computer Generation era). The audio was clear, and blissfully noise free, but a bit low on the volume when compared to the title and menu audio tracks (both on the 'geyeball'h version of the earlier disks, and the intro sequences on the later disks). The shows are presented in their original format, so no widescreen version is necessary. And television always translates well to...well, television. Although the extras include a Rod Serling bio, a brief synopsis of each of the 5 seasons that the series ran, and a Twilight Zone history, these features are identical on each disc. The true gem of the extra features is the episode synopsis and review. Each disc is unique in this respect, with a plot summary and some background "inside info". Although mostly taken from the book "The Twilight Zone Companion," I found this feature to be the most interesting.

Each collection has its 'ghits'h and 'gmisses'h, but the series is, overall, a rewarding experience. The only "disappointments" that I found were the collection's lack of a subtitles option (which I really would have appreciated), and the fact that the episodes are not in order (which slightly detracts from observing the actual progression of growth within the series). That makes this more of a 4 1/2 star rating (but you can't do that, can you?). If you have ever enjoyed even one episode of this legendary series, you will not regret buying these collections. And if you've never seen it, give it a try...you'll be hooked.

This collection is in many respects similar to the other 4. But it contains more than its share of the very best episodes, as well as an interview of Rod Serling conducted by Mike Wallace just before TZ began its highly successful run. The interview frankly addresses the practical issues of using TV as a medium of serious expression. Even more disturbing, in my own view, is Serling's chain smoking as a manifestation of the stress inherent in being a creative artist in a society that neither understands nor warmly receives them.

In any case, this collection is excellent for TZ aficionados, for new fans sampling it, and for those on your gift lists who are hard to buy for. If you like, see also my reviews of the 4 previous collections.

This is hands-down my favorite television series, and now it's on DVD in superlative form. You can't go wrong with any of the five collections.

Having had a partial collection on video for many years now, I anxiously awaited the release on DVD. Finally! The complete series (156 episodes) has finally received the treatment it truly deserves. This series has held up well for 40+ years, and I have no doubt it will make it for at least another half century. Television writing was at its peak with this show, and the evolution of television filming (and videotaping) techniques is obvious over the course of this series. And the trademark twists at the end of each episode still take me by surprise!

Technically, the digital remastering to DVD has brought new life to Rod Serling's brainchild. The video presentation is crisp and well defined, bringing out the subtle details so well, that you will find yourself completely absorbed in the nuances of Serling's vision, and the outstanding production values for this early 60's series (just keep in mind that this is pre-Computer Generation era). The audio was clear, and blissfully noise free, but a bit low on the volume when compared to the title and menu audio tracks (both on the geyeballh version of the earlier disks, and the intro sequences on the later disks). The shows are presented in their original format, so no widescreen version is necessary. And television always translates well to...well, television. Although the extras include a Rod Serling bio, a brief synopsis of each of the 5 seasons that the series ran, and a Twilight Zone history, these features are identical on each disc. The true gem of the extra features is the episode synopsis and review. Each disc is unique in this respect, with a plot summary and some background "inside info". Although mostly taken from the book "The Twilight Zone Companion," I found this feature to be the most interesting.

Each collection has its ghitsh and gmissesh, but the series is, overall, a rewarding experience. The only "disappointments" that I found were the collection's lack of a subtitles option (which I really would have appreciated), and the fact that the episodes are not in order (which slightly detracts from observing the actual progression of growth within the series). That makes this more of a 4 1/2 star rating (but you can't do that, can you?). If you have ever enjoyed even one episode of this legendary series, you will not regret buying these collections. And if you've never seen it, give it a try...you'll be hooked.

This is one of the cutest shows for young girls in a long time. I'm just sorry it got canceled. All the preteen girls (and teens, mind you)in my family are just crazy about it. It runs on a continual loop on HBO/family at 6:00 every night but it only shows the first two seasons. Mildred and her friends are not the most popular or the most athletic but they manage to be the best of friend and always come out on top. It teaches girls lessons that american tv doesn't show anymore. I just wish they would put the 3rd and 4th season on tv or sell them on disk. They're out there somewhere. Amazon.com help us find them.

I love this adorable cable series. This isn't the Fairuza Balk film version. Stars Georgina Sherrington as the cute bumbling witch-in-training Mildred Hubble (Always in trouble!)Georgina is wonderful as Mildred, & Emma Brown as her ever loyal friend Maud Moonshine. Based on the books by Jill Murphy, which came out before Harry Potter (I might add).

Heart-warming, great cast & excellent acting. All of them embody the characters so well. There are a few new faces, Jadu Wali and Ruby Cherrytree as Mildreds friends.

I also love the sets, very authentic. The castle is really brilliant, It makes me want to live there.

Kate Duchene is wonderful as the dreaded Miss Hardbroom. I think she has great comic timing and really embodies, and perhaps brings even more to the part. She seems to enjoy the role too. And Una Stubbs is so endearing and charmingly quirky as the eccentric Miss Bat.

Felicity Jones is the PERFECT match for Ethel Hallow! She is absolutely mean. Poor Mildred runs afoul of her on her first day. I also like Holly Rivers as Ethel's sidekick and partner in crime, Drusilla Paddock.

I wanted to point out that if you play the dvd on number four (British English) in the audio section, you hear a lot more than the "American English" audio track. In episode 4 (A Mean Halloween) for example, when Mildred creates a voice changing potion, in the American English version you really can't hear much of a difference, but in the British English version her voice is REALLY high-pitched and squeaky (it's a lot funnier), plus I'm POSITIVE they've removed lines on the American audio track, because it was filmed originally British English. Anyways...

THIS IS A FANTASTIC SERIES! Much, MUCH better than the Fairuza Balk film version! It gives me warm fuzzies...:-)Goes great with cocoa. ;-)

Both set one and set two of the Worst Witch DVDs are amazing! Not only are the episodes delightful, but the quality is fabulous! The author's words are truly magically spun into artistic splendor in these sets. All ages will enjoy the mischief and life lessons illustrated here.

The Main character, Mildred, is always in trouble, but manages to mantain her values and kindness towards all living creatures. She has a zest for battling the odds and coming through, even when she is prepared to truly give up. All of us have a little Mildred in us, hopefully, and the power to act and move forth. Bravo!

You can look up the individual reviews. Of course some individual titles will go out of stock. Others may not be your favorite. However you will have friends and relatives that will want to compare Al's various characters. A single case makes the movies easier to keep track of and look better on your video storage wall. Being DVDs this is a one-time investment. With the advent of multiple DVD changers you will be able to keep Al ready at a moments notice. I tried buying individual as I had the money and found shipping was getting very expensive that way. So bite the bullet and buy the collection. There is also the Al Pacino Collection (1999)

This is a perfect collection of Al Picino movies. Every one would recieve a 5 star rating from me. He is one of the greastest actors there ever was and on DVD the movies are better than ever. A must have for any fan of Al Picino.

5 Stars

Al Pacino is great in these movies and the movies are so masterfully acted out. I believe that Al Pacino is one the best actors alive along with Robert DeNiro and in "Heat" they show that there chemistry on the screen together is untouchable by any other duo. The Devil's Advocate is a great movie because it shows another side to Al Pacino's acting ability.

This series "All Creatures Great and Small" is special beyond a doubt. The Third season of episodes finds our friends concerned about the coming war and is contemplative about life changing soon among the dales. It is the most delightful of the 3 with wonderful flute music and genuinely funny plots that have Tristan taking over kitchen duties with his usual haplessness and we are also given another "dose" of Dr. Granville Bennett,a repeating character who constantly gets our heroes drunk. Another features a dog that is subject to "gas" straying into an afternoon tea party and stinks the place up while a stock character colonel is explaining the benefits of "curry powder" in the diet. Siegfried is distant at times and eventually reveals his feelings about the coming war to James. In the end, the obligations of duty summon them both while Tristan holds up the home vet practice (Finally passing his tests.)Things were never the same again after this season and for that and the reasons stated above I believe this to be the best. Well worth your time and investment. A sure tranquilizer for our hurried times.

This is the best series for family and entertainment. We watch at least one a night. It is a comforting step back into a more simple time. A delight for all! Can't wait for season 4 and 5!

Finally volume III. I have not viewed yet, but this collection has audio commentary by Hardy, Drinkwater, Davison and a few select directors on episodes 6, 7 and 13. Plus, a 5 minute feature on the James Herriot museum in Thirsk, and the Who's Who in the cast. 722 minutes on four discs. I hope volume IV is on the way on DVD. .................................................

My 4 year old daughter loves all of Henkes' books so when I saw there was a DVD out there with 3 of his stories I snatched it up. Talk about a 3 time winner in our home. My daughter LOVES this DVD, it's her favorite amongst all the other scholastic videos we own and I can see why. Meryl Streep and Sarah Jessica Parker do a wonderful job narrating. I would love to see Sheila Rae the Brave, Chester's Way and any other Henkes book compiled into another DVD.

You get 6 stories: Chrysanthemum, Owen, A Weekend with Wendell (all Henkes), The Picnic, Monty and The Wizard for an hour of enjoyable stories. I highly recommend the DVD for young kids.

Our family has all the Kevin Henkes books, mainly because they appeal to both kids and adults. When I saw that the books were read on DVD, I purchased them without hesitation. These wonderful books are even better when narrated by the likes of Oscar winner Meryl Streep (reading "Chrysanthemum")and Golden Globe winner Sarah Jessica Parker (who narrates "Owen"). Included are a few bonus stories (not Henkes) and an option to read alond with the story (in the same format as a sing-a-long show). A wonderful idea! Also look for books like "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" and "Goodnight, Gorilla" on DVD published by the same company.

My daughter Molly loved "Owen" when I bought it for her a year ago. Then I got "Chrysanthemum", then more and more of Henkes' wonderfully delightful, stupendously enjoyable, magnificently superb books. Molly liked them so much, she wanted to rent the video... just assuming EVERYTHING must be available as a video!! Good news, Molly. Now it is!

Of course, when I saw this DVD, I had to order it immediately. I was worried that it would just be pictures from the book with a big-name guest reading the story. I'm happy to say that I was wrong! The animation is simple, flowing gently like Henkes' illustrations. Meryl Streep's reading is a reflection of her well-known talent. She and Sarah Jessica Parker give the readings real heart.

5-year old Molly gives this DVD 5-stars, and so does 8-year old big brother. (And he's a Yu-gi-oh playing, GameBoy-toting, sports-playing "tough guy"!!! It proves that Henkes brings out a gentle humor in everyone!)

Sorry to gush, but this DVD is worth twice what I paid for it. In fact, I just ordered 2 more for gifts. I just hope they follow up with a "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse" DVD. Or--heaven forbid--a TV show! If you liked the "Little Bear" cartoons, you'll like these.

First off, this series is Japanese with English subtitles - and that is the best thing ADV could have done. No dub would capture the frequent changes between tone the characters all use. But don't fret people City Hunter is a very visual anime with regards to plot and humour - even if you're slow at reading you'll keep up with this. Previous dubs have all been terrible changing Ryo's name to Joe anyway...

Second the boxset features an introduction to words or phrases used in the show before each episode which really helps.

Thirdly the music in this show is great (the later boxsets of the series gets even better) and fourth this boxset is great value for money - it's half the price of a season of Tenchi or Trigun and less than Ranma or Slayers too.

There's no reason not to go after this boxset of the Mokkori maniac City Hunter's exploits.

All 140 Episodes of City Hunter (CH.1,CH.2,CH.3,CH.91) and the 6 City Hunter Movie / Special (Goodbye my Sweet Heart,357 Magnum,Bay City Wars,1000000 Dollar,Secret Service and The Death of Ryo Saeba) are Perfect for each Anime fan !!!!!!!!!!!
I saw City Hunter.1 and 2 at the German Pay tv and I loved it from the first minute (I hope that there will be a German dvd with it soon )if you believe,City Hunter.1 is good then wait on City Hunter.2 (Episode 52-114) 1000% more City Hunter Action !!!

The bigest Episode at CH.2 is (Ep.100)Goodbye cold City 1/2 Ryo must save Tokyo from a group of Terrorists wiht a Atomic bomb but his real problem is the Boss of the Terroists it is a woman and her name is Kaori Makimura !!!!!!!!!

Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy BUY BUY Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy

Now, allow me just this little bit of time to open to flood gates of my ego, I promise you I won't be long. When it comes to anime, I tend to think of myself as more learned than the average otaku. I mean, I've been around this anime block several times over the course of several years and I've seen several titles come and go, sometimes for the best. Then there are the familiar faces, you know them all, the ones that have been here longer than most, they know the game better than any recent title. And you're glad that you know them. "City Hunter" falls into this category. In short; this is (say it with me class) classic anime.

Created in 1985 by famous manga-ka Tsukasa Hojo, the story focuses on Ryo Saeba, a "sweeper" (sort of an urban mercenary, or a...city hunter! Aha!) who takes on all sorts of dangerous jobs. A cool-as-ice fighter with marksmanship skills that could rival Vash the Stampede. With his .357 Colt Python, mini cooper, and a host of partners in the business, he's the man you call when you are out of options and desperately need the job done. It would help a lot more if you were a pretty woman though. You see, Ryo is what we like to call a "sex-fiend," very much in the same vein as Golden Boy or Lupin III. Although Ryo works hard to get his man, he works even harder to get his woman. Which is both his skill and his undoing.

The series was one of the better action animes to grace the screen when it first arrived circa 1987-88. The series enjoyed mass appeal by the Japanese public. Hailed by many critics as "The worthy succesor to Lupin III," the series went on to produce 100+ episodes, several movies, TV specials, and manga. The manga and the TV specials are available stateside and belong in any otakus collection. Right, now with that short history lesson over, let's move onto an actual review.

"City Hunter" is a fun series. However, like most series that go for 100 episodes, it doesn't follow one plot as it does several tiny stories. Most of these stories are great, some are good, and there's a small batch that is kinda boring. Luckily, since this DVD box features the first 26 episodes, repetition isn't given any time to settle in.

The animation is a bit dated, but it really doesn't detract from the action or the story-telling of the series. The art is enjoybable because it manages to remain true to Hojo San's original drawings and maintains his style of story-telling. It might irk some newbie otakus, but that's how you seperate the "men from the mice."

Speaking of action sequences, this anime has manged to combine all the best elements of some of the greatest action movies. From wild car chases to insane gun fights, every episode boasts its own thrill ride.

The music is filled with an 80's kind of cool. Sort of "Miami Vice" but much better. This is 80's j-pop and j-rock, which is pretty much anykind of 80's music you can think of but with Japanese voices and lyrics.

The characters are endearing and easily likable. Ryo and his cohorts in crime(?) all have this sense of sly coolness and unbridled siliness. A little bit of recognition has to go to Akira Kamiya, Ryo's voice actor. He has been hailed as one of the greatest male voice actors of any anime and his extensive list of characters include Piccolo in "DragonBall," Kenshiro in "Fist of the North Star," Shun in "Maison Ikkoku," and Roy Fokker in "Macross." Just so you know.

"City Hunter" is a delight for any anime fan, old and new. It resonates with a timeless quality that few anime titles are imbued with today. And since ADV will be releasing future episodes of this classic series in similar box sets, you can tell it is a very good investment.

In closing, spend a viewing with "City Hunter" and you will get way more bang for your buck.

-RW

I purchased this collection and all of the movies are terrific. They are well acted, beautifully portrayed, and the transfer to DVD in most cases is very good. One drawback is that only Pride & Predjudice comes in Widescreen, however. All of the other films are in Full Screen. There are not a lot of extras included with this set, save a few documentaries, but the movies themselves are so well done and enjoyable to watch that the set is very much worth having. If you enjoy grand period films of classic literature, then you will probably very much enjoy this excellent collection of A&E films. I especially enjoyed Pride & Predjudice, Lorna Doone,and Tom Jones.

Loved them all ... found Victoria & Albert and Lorna Doone a bit lacking. Wondered about having more of The Scarlet Pimpernel offered - he's so smooth! Tom Jones is very special - loved Sophie's father, he truly made the film. As much as I liked him - hated Lizzie's mother in P & P - what a ninny! This is a great collection, would have liked to see Vanity Fair and Persuasion offered also!

Pride and Prejudice makes it worth it... The ability to watch and rewatch Colin Firth on DVD; simply wonderful... Lorna Doone is an extremely good story... Victoria and Albert was great... However, Tom Jones isn't the best and if you are used to Jeremy Northam in Emma, then it is a bit hard to watch. Jane Eyre is very well done too. Looking forward to finding the time to watch the rest!!! This collection is great for long weekends or when you are sick. Well worth it.

In 1995s FRIDAY Craig (Ice Cube), and Smokey (Chris Tucker),Two pot heads who get into a lot of trouble because Smokey is supposed to sell bully Big Worms (Faizon Love)weed,while Craig is dealing with another bully named Deebo(Tommy "tiny" Lister).In 2000s NEXT FRIDAY,Craig moves to the suberbs with his cousin Day Day(Mike Epps),and his Uncle Elroy(Don "DC" Curry) to hide from Deebo,who he ends up getting in another fight with,also with 3 guys called the joker brothers,who end up going to prison with Deebo. And than around Christmas 2002,he introduced the world to FRIDAY AFTER NEXT,where Craig,and Day Day,get robbed by "Santa Claus",who they get in a fight with at the end. They also get jobs at a mall as Christmas top flight unarmed security guards,and end up getting fired,this movie introduces a new bully named Damon and a small pimp named Money Mike(Katt Williams)and his girlfriend Donna(KD Aubert),and Elroy,and Willie(Craigs Dad)(John Witherspoon)have thier own BBQ chicken and ribs reastraunt. Get theese three movies now.
You definetly wont be dissapointed with these 5 star hit movies.

it's a great day for da hood. i loved all three of em but unfortunately only own friday.

These movies are excellent. Classics in the eyes of some people. Friday was more serious than the other 2, but it was still a hilarious movie. Next Friday changed things up a little bit and took Craig into the suberbs to live with his cousin Day-Day. This one introduced Mike Epps, instead of Chris Tucker, but it was still a great movie. Then in Friday After Next, Craig and Day-Day get their own place in the hood. It was a very funny movie no matter what the critics say. These 3 movies are definetely worth the buy, especially the DVD's. I have all 3, and they have some very interesting extras, as well as superb audio and video quality. Get this collection! You won't be disappointed

Steven Seagal is one of the greatest action heroes. I would buy this collection in a second if it included his third movie "Marked for Death". How could they not include it? It's one of his best!

His 2 best movies, Under Siege 1 & 2, make this an awesome collection by themselves even if they were paired with his 2 worst. But to include his debut, Above The Law, which was action packed and Hard To Kill which was my first Segal flick and I believe it was his 2nd movie which was just as action packed. He more recent movies have seemed like he was bored making them and some of the action was lacking (I haven't seen Exit Wonds yet) but these 4 are probably his 4 best (Marked For Death was good also).
I would reccommend this to any Segal fan.

Everyone has seen a Steven Seagal movie, and yeah you could say he is not the best actor... But what he lacks in acting skills, he makes up for in the action department... And Steven Seagal being one of the most known action superstars, needs to be able to break someone's neck, and not recite a love poem...The Steven Seagal Collection offers the best of the best, starting with.. Above The Law, you have Steven Seagal's first action adventure, directed by arguably the best action movie director, ranked up there with John Mctiernan (Die Hard 1 & 3) or maybe surpassing him... Andrew Davis would later go on to direct Under Siege, Seagal's best and most known movie... But getting back to Above The Law... Seagal plays Nico Toscani, a tough cop that was trained for vietnam, holds a sixth dan black belt in aikido, along with several marksmanship awards, and he has a strong italian bloodline and a supportive family in the Mob... Co-stars Pam Grier as Delores Jackson (coffy), Ron Dean as Lukich (the fugitive), and even a young Sharon Stone as Sara Toscani(Basic instinct, Gloria)... When a convicted drug dealer is let out on the streets, Nico suspects something is up, he's right... Mr. Zagon, a CIA agent is using drug money to finance personal obligations... He has come to chicago to kill those who know about him... He will come, kill, and leave unharmed and as free as a bird... He thinks he is Above The Law, but he ain't above Nico's and he'll find this out the hardway... In Hard To Kill Seagal plays the rough tough Mason Storm, father and husband...This time around a corrupt politician pays off thugs to permamnently erase all of his competion in the run for mayor... There's only one problem, Mason is hot on his trail... Mason cover is blown and he is shot numerous times with a shotgun, trying to save his wife he gives the attackers one more beating before he is left for dead... He's dead, but not for long..Mason Falls into a deep coma and with the help of his close buddy LT. Ommaly, he sleeps undiscovered and safe in a seven year coma, upon waking up Mason has one thing on his mind and thats veangence, he hooks up with a sexy woman(kelly labrock, then his real life wife), his thought to be deceased son, and he is out for revenge, and he gets it. In Under Siege Seagal plays Casey Ryback ex-navy seal, counter terrorist expert, expert in martial arts, tatics...And to top that all he is also a damn good cook. On the USS Missouri's final journey, Commander Krill (Gary Busey{Predator 2}) arranges for a killer party... A killer party is the best word for it, for when the party host William Strannix (Tommy Lee Jones{The fugitive}) and the super georgeous Jordan Tate(erica eleniak).. The party starts and the lives end... The mercenary group take over the grand battle ship, and its up to one man to save the ship, save the hostages, save Hawaii and save nuclear weapons from falling into the wrong hands... Who? Well the cook of course...In Under Siege 2, the one and only Casey Ryback(Seagal) is back, when he misses his brothers funeral, his neice and him take a ride in the grand and sleek grand continental train to pay tribute to there deceased family member who was slain in a plane crash... Upon arrival on the train, a mercenary army group takes over the train, they are undetectable, they are smart, they are strong, but this train is very different then most trains, because the man who saved the day in Under Siege is back and it looks like he has a double dose of bad luck... But fear not, this time Ryback has someone to help him, the unlikely duo of a Cook and a Train Porter... The renegade electronic wiz (Eric bogosian) has seized control of a top secret military satellite that can destroy and area of land, at any time... Its up to Casey Ryback the cook and Bobby Zachs the Train Porter to save the day...The satellite is locked onto its target, the grand continental is barreling toward a freight train hauling tons upon tons of gasoline, Ryback's neice Sara is being held hostage with hundreds of innocent commuters... Can he save the day? All aboard...