Collecting Movie Reviews

This collection is essential viewing for anyone interested in this subject.

I live in England and had heard of these DVDs but was never able to find them. I finally found them... and ordered them. Boy was it worth it.

The images of the detonations are spectacular, beautiful, and absolutely terrifying. Couple this with superb narration, research, and extra features, and you have probably the best all-round documentary on the history, science and politics of nuclear warfare around.

In what is probably the most dramatic look ever at the U.S. atomic weapons program, the Atomic Bomb Collection is a stunning and oftentimes frightening realization of what man can create. Using declassified footage from government archives, you can now view material never shown or reported to the public.

The material shown on all the discs is remarkably clear, well defined, and visually impressive. The audio for all programs are in Dolby 5.1 surround sound and, believe me, will give your home theater system a serious workout. Each disc also contains a large amount of special features that make this set a very worthwhile value.

Trinity And Beyond is the starting point of it all. You are treated to the inside story of our atomic program from it's infant stages at the Trinity site in Alamagordo, New Mexico and continuing on to designing, making, and producing hydrogen thermonuclear weapons. The footage of hydrogen bomb testing in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific ocean is truly astonishing and disturbing both at the same time.

Atomic Journeys: Welcome to Ground Zero is probably the most outstanding of the lot showing dozens of bomb detonations in startling detail. Much footage is relegated to the Nevada Test Site which was openly known in those days to conduct such tests. What wasn't widely known to the public is that subterranean detonations were also performed in Mississippi and Alaska and some other areas. This footage is featured also and is quite unbelievable. One subterranean detonation in Alaska was so large (incredible footage here), it permanently changed the landscape of the surrounding area.

Lastly, we have Nukes in Space: The Rainbow Bombs. This is the least interesting of the 3 discs but still has good material to offer. You are shown nuclear detonations, performed by the U.S. and Russia, in our upper atmosphere. Whatever the intentions were by our scientists, this was probably not the best of locations to test atomic weapons especially considering the bombs affected radiation belts around our planet. Pretty scary.

If you're interested in the entire history of our atomic program from start to finish, look no farther than here. This is the premier collection that won't ever be matched. Highly recommended to everyone.

As expected, this flim does cover the high-altitude explosions like Argus and Starfish. I thought the picture works well on a TV screen, and the footage is suitably presented. It puts the tests in their proper context, and gives credit to the people who did it. However, the movie was more of a history of ICBMs and (towards the end) ABM systems than a focus on high-altitude nuclear bursts. That is the right context to put the programs into, but I was surprised at what a nice documentary it is of the Missile races of the 1950s/60s. That story has not been very well told, and is one of the great technical achievedments of history. Even if it now seems a little mad, it's impressive what people did in such a short time. I would recommend this for anyone interested in the history of the time, or in the development of ballistic missiles. I wish it could be required watching for new teams working on BMD.

As many others did, I purchased the first box, then each individual release in the Judy Garland TV series. And I was pleased that Pioneer and all the people who worked on this project saw it through to completion.

When I heard the second box set was being released I faxed Pioneer Entertainment and asked if I could purchase the cardboard box by itself to house my collection of discs. I offered to pay any reasonable shipping and handling fees also. Their silence was deafening.

Considering that Pioneer has released many of its Anime series in ways that have allowed ongoing collectors to obtain a box with a first or final disc purchase, I found it odd that in this case they didn't offer that option for this collection. I'm sure that by just offering the box for sale it would eliminate what few complaints there were in the release of this otherwise exemplary project.

I just wanted to say Thank you to the team at Pioneer for giving Judy fans like myself, this remarkable treasure - all your efforts, as Im sure you have discovered, payed off in the hearts of many souls who have purchased these collections and DVDs. I feel truly fortunate to have these episodes to watch and experience. And to whomever came up with the LOOK of these box sets knew exactly how to capture the essence of Judy in the overall design of the two sets as they are just gorgeous to look at. They practically need a display case all their own. ( I wish I had POSTERS of the two covers!)Hat's off to you! I also would like to thank Steven Sanders for posting his comment, which contained information helpful to me, and I'm sure others (I myself was wondering why some {and very few} scenes weren't restored). Everyone should be grateful for these DVD releases being available to the public as people have spent months restoring these to the best that present technology can allow, and any whining or bickering in the way these were released should cease to exist because they did't have to be released at all- remember that! The only words that should be coming out of anyone's mouth are, Thank You. I'd rather have bought every singular DVD released before the box sets than nothing. But I for one, thank Steven Sanders (great book, by the way) and the team he worked with for their outstanding restoration and presentation in the releasing of The Judy Garland Show. Your work is greatly appreciated and will always be regarded as one of the most important and finest projects ever to be tackeled and completed, for anything else could never do when one of the most important and finest women is at hand, Judy Garland.

I first saw these shows in the basement of our home 2 inches from a lousy black and white TV set while my parents watched "guess what" on our color TV upstairs. I was 16 years old at the time, and remember that I was depressed when the show was cancelled. I haven't seen any of them since, until now! I hope Mr.Sanders is reading this, because I want to publically thank him, all the experts at Pioneer, and everyone else involved with the remastering and release of these shows. Also, for years, I thought that Mel Torme's book was the definitive story on what went on behind the scenes leading to that cancellation. That is, until I read Rainbow's End. His (Torme's)book had actually slightly turned me off to my admiration of Judy, which is now restored. Each time I read it (Rainbow's End) I find out some tidbit that I didn't know. Thank you! Now to the DVD's themselves. They are fantastic! She was fantastic! I saw her in person in Chicago once, and this is as close as it comes to that excitement. I only have a couple of things to add to the comments that have already been written. With a little research I was able to determine that I could get the DVD's as they were released, and then wait and be a little patient. When I read that volumes #7 and #8 would have the last 5 shows, I snatched them up when they came out last month. The restoration is remarkable not only because of how old these tapes are, but how much they moved around (garages?). Thank you so much, Pioneer!! I wish you had gotten a hold of the four DVD's that Sid Luft had Kultur do. They could have used your expertise. Finally, much has been written about the hold and effect Garland had on her audience. I only have a couple of observances to add. I believe her respect for her audience was unique to a performer. I can think of no other performer that played to everyone as she did. The TV shows demonstrate this in the trunk spots, as she makes eye contact with every inch of the studio, and bows and blows kisses to all-front row and rear, left and right. Secondly, as intelligent as she was, she never talked down to her audience, but was informative, and enlightening. At almost every trunk spot she introduced her song with a mini history lesson- who wrote it-what movie or play it was in- what year it was written. Then she would sing it like no one else before or since! Again, thank you Pioneer, Mr. Sanders and everyone else involved

Melville created a cold-hearted masterpiece with the Red Circle. There is little sympathy felt for any of the characters. Rather, this is a dark meditation on human corruption - all the characters locked in an ultimately futile game. The brilliance of this movie is Melville's portrayal of how the game is played. Alain Delon and Gian Maria Volonte play criminals who possess a surreal ability to anticipate their opponent's next move. Andre Bourvil, the dispassionate inspector, is locked in the same chess match. So for those that thrill at the chase - this movie comes recommended. And this newly restored and uncut version is the perfect showcase for this detached work of art. Melville creates the mood of a winter train-ride through the French countryside impeccably, and conveys the stifling atmosphere at police headquarters with equal skill. Yet the detechment of the film also creates a problem, which I think is the biggest drawback: no emotional context is given for these men (there are almost no women present in the entire film). So even though the film is a meditation on the human condition, it really doesnt look into the characters experiences. But if you're looking for a terse, rugged crime film you can't do better.

Jean-Pierre Melville, in many ways, shares some of the brooding
and fatalistic tendencies of his colleagues Marcel Carne (Jour Se
Leve, 1939) and Henri-Georges Clouzot (Quai des Orfevres, 1947).
Yet Melville's ethos is one which, unlike theirs, often delineates character almost entirely through action and gesture.
This makes for compelling viewing, particularly in the case of Melville's late, exquisitely crafted thrillers "Le Samourai" (1967), "Un Flic" (1971), and of course "Le Cercle Rouge" (1970).
A picture of this quality deserves the success it had in limited theatrical runs during the Stateside reissue this past Spring;
Criterion has done a marvellous job with it. I can only encourage anyone with a taste for the sheer visceral pull of
a great film to spend two evenings with the disc: one with
the picture itself, and another to view the special features
on the second disc, many of which are documentary materials that
give a wonderful glimpse of the modest, self-effacing director's
M.O. Another winner from Criterion, which I would give ten stars if I could. Let's hope for "Le Samourai" next!

The cold, slow-paced and existential treatment of this crime story comes from a different world, Melville's world, where darkness is pure enlightment.

I have been a Robotech fan since the 80's when I grew up watching the shows on tv. I am estatic that I get to finally see the third generation of robotech. I own every single book, and have been waiting to see beyond the second generation for quite a long time. It is a must watch for any and all Robotech fans.

The Robotech Legacy Collection 6: The New Generation, a three disc collection, contains episodes 61 through 73 (the first half of the ULTRA-INTENSE third story arc, The New Generation) of the legendary anime series Robotech from the mid 1980s. Also included is the sixth installment of the Elements of Robotechnology special features DVD which includes a TV pilot, animation galleries and more video clips.

Robotech was the most popular of the Americanized Japanese anime series to hit American TV in the 1970s and 1980s. Known for its cutting edge animation, high-tech battle scenes, futuristic weapons (planes, tanks, motorcyles that transform into robots), cool alien invaders, and realistic and compelling storylines, Robotech swept an entire generation and put Japanese Anime forever on the map of American pop culture.

THE STORY:

Several years after the events of the Robotech Masters saga, the earth is conquered by a deadly alien race called the Invid. Out of the ashes rises a resistance movement of Robotech freedom fighters committed to reclaiming earth and vanquishing the Invid conquerors...

This collection marks the beginning of the New Generation story arc and chronicles Scott Bernard's freedom fighters' deadly journey across the world in search of the Invid's Reflex Point as they battle not only the merciless Invid, but also the perils of a lawless Earth full of cutthroat humans looking to survive at ANY cost....

THE CONTENTS

Here's the rundown of the episodes and content on each disc:

Disc 1: Next Wave

Episode 61 - Invid Invasion: The lone survivor of a REF contingent sent to reclaim Earth from the Invid invaders, Scott Bernard sets out on his lone quest to destroy Reflex Point and the Invid. Along the way he meets another young fighter named Rand.

Episode 62 - Lost City: Scott and Rand travel to a strange town that does not seem to want them around. Plus, they meet two new allies, a young girl named Annie and a mysterious Red Cyclone warrioress.

Episode 63 - Lonely Soldier Boy: Scott, Rand and Annie come across a lawless town overrun by bullies and set out to bring back a little justice. In the process they make new allies with Rook - the Red Cyclone Warrioress, Lancer - the singer, and Lunk - a former solider.

Episode 64 - Survival: Constantly hunted and hounded by Invid patrols seeking to exterminate them, can the gang evade the Invid while maintaining their dwindling supply of Protoculture that powers their weapons?

Episode 65 - Curtain Call: The Great Protoculture Heist!!! The gang, using a Yellow Dancer concert as a cover, pulls off a daring Protoculture Heist from an Invid fortress.

Episode 66 - Hard Times: A look into Rook Bartley's past as the gang makes their way through her hometown.

Episode 67 - Paper Hero: A look into Lunk's past as the gang takes a side mission to help Lunk fulfill the last request of a dead friend. All is not as it seems though in this mysterious villa...

Disc 2: Counter Strike

Episode 68 - Eulogy: The gang arrives in a strange town full of VERY happy-go-lucky soldiers. Here Scott meets up with one of his idols, Colonel Jonathan Wolfe, a hero of the Robotech Wars. Like elsewhere though, not all is as it seems here...

Episode 69 - The Genesis Pit: Scott, Rand and Annie stumble into an underground cavern full of prehistoric creatures, revealing the Invid's diabolical plans for genetic evolution!!!

Episode 70 - Enter Marlene: While searching through the ruins of an REF base, the gang finds and salvages more weapons and gain a new member, the mysterious amnesiac girl whom they dub "Marlene."

Episode 71 - The Secret Route: A look into Lancer's past as the gang meets up with a woman from his past while battling a crooked politician in a town they pass through on their trek to Reflex Point.

Episode 72 - The Fortress: To get to Reflex Point the gang must first get past a near invulnerable Invid mountain fortress. Can they do it?

Episode 73 - Sandstorms: After falling into a pit of the Invid's Flower of Life, Rand slips into a hallucinatory dream world where he learns more about the Invid's diabolical intentions.

Disc 3: Elements of Robotechnology 6

This collection contains one of the better installments in the "Elements of Robotechnology" series. Here's a rundown:

1.Genesis Climber Mospeada English translation pilot: Attempts were made by Harmony Gold to launch each of the three series that made Robotech (Macross, Southern Cross and Mospeada) separately in the U.S. before the producers stitched all three together into Robotech. This is the pilot for Mospeada. Interesting to see how it played out originally, not bad

2.Toy line Presentation Video: Half hour demonstration/presentation video introducing the boy's toy line (characters and mecha) and a 12 minute demonstration/presentation of the girl's toy line (characters, costumes, etc).

3.Character and Mecha Gallery for the New Generation

4.Promotional Video for the Toyline: 10 minute promotional video introducing the Robotech toyline.

5.Comic Book Cover Gallery: 25 comic book covers for the 25 comic book adaptations of the New Generation's 25 episodes.

6.International Clips: Two scenes of Robotech in French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. Clip 1: Scott's first meeting with Rand, Clip 2: Lunk and Lancer joining up with the gang.

THE VERDICT:

Many feel that the New Generation story arc is the best out of all three of the Robotech story arcs, including the Macross Saga, and with good reason. The ultra-cool mecha and the ULTRA-INTENSE action as the freedom fighters literally run and fight for their lives against the Invid and make their way through a treacherous world is just awesome!!

If you've never seen Robotech, simply put YOU MUST. The action and the drama are compelling, clearly showing why Robotech became a pop culture icon. It is the series that forever put Japanese anime on the map in the US. If you did grow up with Robotech, give these a watch again. They're great for a trip down memory lane. You can't lose!!!

Highest Recommendation

This box set contains the following discs. Robotech: The Next Wave, Robotech: Counter Strike and Robotech Extra Disc 6. Since the first two discs can be bought seperately, my review will be on Robotech Extra Disc 6.

The main attraction on this disc is the never-before-seen Mospeda pilot. Completely unedited, original closing and original TV spots. However, the pilot looks like it was shot on 8mm film. Most obviously because of the countdown for the TV spots and soundless closing. Pretty good pilot though.

Moving on, we have a couple of promotional films. There are two different promotional films. There is one appealing to boys and one appealing to girls with reasons on why both genders will enjoy Robotech. The other special video is a special toy presentation featuring two people showing all the different toys and actually displaying how they work. Rather lengthy and fun to watch. And, yes, these people do have knowledge of Robotech. In fact, they actually spend a lot of time explaining Robotech.

Finally, we have your standard extras that you've come to expect. This ofcourse means animation sheets, comic book covers and international clips centering around The New Generation of Robotech.

After your done watching the pilot, watch the other two discs and see what they cut. One thing that was oddly cut is that Mint's name is Annie. However, they call her Mint as a nickname. Very strange, but not by much since she keeps whining about her love for pepermints.

Overall, theses extras are better than those of the extras in the Masters box sets, so I can easily recommend buying this box set.

I saw this movie during a documentary class and my whole class enjoyed watching this movie. However there are many who refer to this movie as a view of "eskimo" life, which it is not. We learned in class that this movie was actually representing a time about 10-15 years prior to the filming. Many of the things in this movie were contrived for the making of the film. Some examples of this were Nanook's name (and family) and the walrus hunt (they no longer used harpoons to get walrus', instead they used guns).

However, that said, this WAS one of the best fictional accounts of inuit life I have ever seen. It truely had the flavor of reality and I found myself numourous time pulling for the people in the film. It also had an essence of comedy that I had not expected. I found my self very satisfied with the movie in general.

Most of what I could say has already been said. It is an important historical document of a vanished way of life. It is a unique tribute to one man & his stand agianst the elements. Flaherty invented documentary as we now know it in this film. The filmmaker displays almost as much tenacity & courage in recording the material as Nanook does in his everyday life. A measure of the film's greatness is the profound effect it had on Orson Welles. After seeing the film Welles is said to have abandoned the editing of his 'Magnificent Ambersons' & taken on a journey to South America to shoot in documentary style.

Robert Flaherty's "Nanook of the North" is a true classic of ethnographic film. The principle behind anthropological film in the early days of its existence was to capture traditional societies in time, a sort of "salvage ethnography." In doing so, filmmakers like Flaherty and others particularly focused on Amerindian cultures, which were seen as a dying remnant of early America. In creating his silent masterpiece, Flaherty used actors of Inuit extraction, who still knew the traditional ways, and who could reproduce their culture for posterity through film. Though his methods have been criticized as contrived and retrogressive, post-modernist rhetoric has not succeeded in ruining this film in the popular or anthropological circles. "Nanook" remains a warm account of traditional Inuit/Eskimo life, despite their frigid setting. The DVD collectable edition contains some photo galleries and useful material about Flaherty and his subjects.

The Return Of Sherlock Homes is a five volume DVD series showcasing the return of the world's most famous detective as portrayed by Jeremy Brett. Assisted by Dr. Watson (the most famous sidekick in the world and brilliantly played by Edward Hardwicke) Volume 1 the series (DVD-1780, $14.98) begins with "The Empty House" with the return of Holmes who is being hunted by one of the late Professor Moriarty's chief henchman who has the great detective marked for assassination! The companion episode is "The Abby Grange" -- a very typical Holmsian adventure of startling discoveries laying out a mystery of love, violence, and deceit. Volume 2 (DVD1782, $14.98) features "The Second Stain" and "The Six Napoleons". Volume 3 (DVD1785, $14.98) offers "The Priory School & Wisteria Lodge". Volume 4 (DVD1789, $14.98) showcases three stories: "The Devil's Foot", "Silver Blaze", and "The Bruce Partington Plans". Volume 5 (DVD1781, $14.98) completes the series with "The Musgrave Ritual" and "The Man with the Twisted Lip". Each of the five individual DVD disks has a running time of 110 minutes. The entire series is hallmarked with beautiful location shooting, meticulously attention to details of set design, costuming, and an assembled supporting cast that is consistently excellent. The Return Of Sherlock Holmes is an inexpensive, enthusiastically recommended addition to community library Video/DVD collections.

I've seen a lot of adaptations of Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories and the series with Jeremy Brett is by far the best and most faithful adaptations to date. Brett is superb as Holmes. I can't imagine anyone ever playing the role better. Not even Basil Rathbone was as good as Brett at playing Holmes. Edward Hardwicke is just as good as Watson. The character is accurately portrayed and isn't made out to be an idiot like in some Holmes films. The episodes are also very faithful to the stories on which they are based, but not so faithful that they become boring. So if you're a fan of Doyle's original Holmes stories, then this set is a must have. The overall quality of the discs is pretty good as well. There are a few minor glitches but nothing major. The set is definitely worth buying.

Jeremy Brett was at his zenith in this batch of Granada Television's Sherlock Holmes episodes. His Holmes, though still eccentric and brilliant as ever, now seems to be having a bit more fun with his cases, as evidenced by his quirky humor and eagerness to take up the chase. Edward Hardwicke seamlessly replaced David Burke as Dr. Watson and the relationship between Holmes and Watson grew to new heights of understanding, caring and a lot more humor. Hardwicke, rather than trying to compete with Holmes as Burke's Watson did, brings a mature understanding to the role as well as a sharp sense of justice and decency.
As usual, the episodes are filmed in sumptuous locations and the guest cast is always outstanding. My favorites: The Prioriy School, one of the few cases we see Holmes actively interested in his paycheck, as well as finding the kidnapped boy. Wisteria Lodge, a odd little mood piece featuring a competition between Holmes and the local police inspector (Freddie Jones), who is just as stubborn and even stranger than Holmes can be. The Six Napoleons: a darned good mystery involving busts of Napoleon being smashed all over London. This episode is also one of the most humorous, as Colin Jeavon's Lestrade joins forces with the duo. The Devil's Foot: an ill Holmes is forced on holiday by Watson to Cornwall, and he becomes involved in a creepy murder investigation. Adding to his problems is his dependence on cocaine, which he finally dispenses of in this marvelous episode. Silver Blaze: another atmospheric piece regarding murder and a missing racehorse. It also presents a neat look at the kinder, gentler post cocaine Holmes. The Bruce Partington Plans where brother Mycroft makes a welcome return in a nifty story about missing submarine plans and murder.
There is not a bad episode in this collection. I highly recommend purchasing this set; you'll not find better Holmes stories anywhere.

Both my sister and my mother have read almost every mystery that Agatha Christie ever wrote, but I never thought to start. Then I sat down one evening to watch television with them, and I was at once enchanted. It was an episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot on A&E. The David Suchet Poirot films (both full length movies and short films) come from this series. I enjoyed that first show so much that I watched the series religiously until it went off the air.

I started reading some of Agatha Christie's mysteries this year, and I firmly believe that David Suchet is the best portrayal of Hercule Poirot that ever was. I have seen other notorious actors, such as Peter Ustinov and Tony Randall, play the part, but they do not achieve the full embodiment of the persona (both physical and psychological) that David Suchet does.

The five movies that come is this set - THE ABC MURDERS; DEATH IN THE CLOUDS; THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES; ONE, TWO, BUCKLE MY SHOE, and PERIL AT END HOUSE - are all excellent films. They exhibit Agatha Christie's wide range of talent with their variety in plot. In THE ABC MURDERS, someone is killing off seemingly random people and leaving railroad guides behind. In DEATH IN THE CLOUDS, the murder is committed in an airplane with Poirot on it. The list goes on, and I don't want to spoil anything for those interested in this set.

If you have never seen a Poirot before and are uneasy about spending so much money on something new, I would recommend any of the other David Suchet Poirot films to try out first. They are all incredibly interesting, exciting mysteries to watch.

YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT! I LOVE IT SO MUCH! I'M ALWAYS SO HAPPY WHEN I READ THIS! ITS WONDERFUL! YOU MUST BELIEVE WITH THE EPISODES: "DEATH IN THE CLOUDS", "THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES", "THE ABC MURDERS", "HICKORY DICKORY DOCK", "ONE, TWO, BUCKLE MY SHOE", AND "PERIL AND END HOUSE"
WITH POIROT, YOU CAN STEP OUTSIDE THE BOX

The person who got those poor quality DVD's should have returned them! Mine were terrific! David Suchet IS Hercule Poirot! The best of the best are these longer movies.

I think these two movies are a must have for any Divine or John Waters fan.Even if they are pretty commercial and not as original as "Female Trouble" or "Mutiple Maniacs"(hopefully the latter of the two will be on DVD soon)they are wonderful example of wonderfully talented and sometimes shocking director.The cast in "Hairspray" are great including Debbie Harry,Sonny Bono,Ricki Lake and of corse,DIVINE!! "Pecker" has its moments and will grow on you as any true John Waters will.If you have never seen a Water's flick,this is a good place to start.

"Hairspray" and "Pecker" are the tamest in the John Waters' collection. They are very enjoyable, even though they don't have the shock value that Waters earlier films had. I still absolutely adore both of these films and I'm thrilled that they are together on DVD. "Hairspray" is the last Waters' film that the late Divine appeared in. It showed the potential that Divine had in regards to his acting abilities. The movie is just flat-out fun, I would recommend it to anybody.

"Pecker" is one of John Waters recent films that I thoroughly enjoy. Its a ahppy little story that just floats along on screen, its really a pleasure to watch.

All Waters fans - this is a no brainer. Two of the master's films for the price of one with a great commentary and an offer for a bonus disc (if you buy all three of the "collection"). I can't wait for Multiple Maniacs and Mondo Trasho! I would love to see some of his early stuff (Eat Your Makeup, Hag in a Black Leather Jacket) if it exists somewhere. Don't hesitate to buy this disc if your a fan.

Those, like myself, whose quest was to see every episode of AYBS? on PBS only to have a time change, slot change, or telethon get in the way, will be relieved to finally have all 69 episodes of this hilarious series in two convenient box sets to watch anytime (take that, PBS). Yes, in this second box set Mr. Grainger is replaced by a string of, mostly unmemorable, characters, and Mr. Lucas will eventually be replaced by the more mean-spirited and less tactful Mr. Spooner; however, there are still many excellent episodes in the last half of the series, including some personal favorites. In "Grounds for Divorce" it seems almost every female member of Grace Brothers is enamored with Captain Peacock. "The Erotic Dreams of Mrs. Slocomb" are about you know who. "The Hero" with Capt. Peacock developing a boil on his bum is another of my favorites. It also includes Trevor Bannister's last episode "The Punch and Judy Affair" which, although I find to be boring and repetitive, is a fan favorite.

"The Best of..." extra was disappointing. I thought John Inman would provide commentary to AYBS? clips. Actually, it is just a bunch of random clips (some quite long) that any fan of AYBS? has seen many times before. The piece on Molly Sugden looked as if it was going to be the same clip show but, fortunately, ends up with more interviews with actors and a look at Sugden's life in her own words which makes for a very welcomed extra. Grace and Favour was a cute series and I hope that the other episodes will be released on DVD soon. Yes, if you are only going to buy one set, buy the first but, if you're going to own the first, why not the second as well?

1. The picture quality is outstanding. Seeing more details makes one a little bit more intimate with our friends at Grace Brothers. The excellent sound quality allowed me to catch jokes I missed before. The overall picture and sound quality made me feel as though I was watching the episodes for the first time although I've seen them hundreds of times before.2. The interviews with cast members are a treat.3.The pilot of "Allo, Allo" included as a bonus. (I can assure you the subsequent episodes slated for DVD release 1/20/04 get wackier and wackier!)I cannot wait for the DVD of the Holiday AYBS episodes.

This is an execllent set of dvds that complete the Are You Being Served? Series.
It includes "Roots?" an episode I've never seen on PBS - It's Mr. Grace's 90th Birthday and the staff decide to research Mr. Grace's roots and do a song/dance number to honor him. After doing three song and dance routines they dig up some more info about Mr. Grace's roots....The cast do a Minstral show number dressed in black face- in questionable taste? You'll have to decide for yourself. But it's obvious that's why this episode has not aired on my local PBS station. The high point of the episode is that the both young and old Mr. Grace are together in this episode AND we see Mr. Rumbold's twin brother!.
Also included is the first episode of Are You Being Served Again?
ALSO - Inside the case for disc 14 is a special separate preview disc of my all time favorite Britcom - "Allo, Allo" - It's the pilot episode of that series..with the promise that series 1 of that show is coming to DVD in Jan '04. Don't miss this one!

I don't own any of these, although they are all great flicks. Unfortunately, this collection isn't a great deal compared to buying them individually. It doesn't offer any substance beyond the individual DVDs, only the convenience of buying them all at once.

My suggestion would be to mix and match your own Arnie favorites rather than buying this collection. This collection leaves out the Terminator series, the Conans, Raw Deal, et al.

I'm a big fan of action films and in this pack are two of the all time great action films: Predator and Total Recall. those films are classics. though total recall completely changed Phillip Dick's short story into a bloodfest, the story was still kept rather complex. in the end you still don't know if he was dreaming it or not. and predator is the best jungle film ever made, with some wonderful music creating a creepy atmosphere.

on the other hand, the other two films in this pack are weak and contrived.

Commando is a poorly done film that is just too violent. you can also see how small the budget was in this film when you can see the spring boards launching stunt actors during some bomb scenes.

and i have not been a fan of the Running Man movie at all. i used to like it, but that was before i read the book by Stephen King. Boy what a difference! the book actually felt exciting and full of suspense. boy if someone could make a film out of that, following the book closer, that would be a wonderful film. howerver the arnold version just felt contrived and very weak in both story line and acting.

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 Arnold(s). 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 Arnold ready at a moments notice. Buying them individually can add up in shipping and handling. So bite the bullet and buy the collection.