Collecting Movie Reviews

It's wonderful to finally own a boxed set of Sorceror Hunters. This is a loveably goofy show with no real point to it, but who cares? It's too fun watching the interaction between the five main characters.

My one complaint with the box set is, the sub/dub choice seems pretty messed up. At first when I popped the disk in, it wouldn't allow me to select Japanese w/English subtitles. So I went directly into the settings and chose Japanese audio, English subtitles. Well, I could get the audio but not the subtitles. Finally, I stopped the disk completely, opened it, put it back in, and this time I could select Japanese w/English subtitles, but after hitting "play all" I discovered that it automatically switches back to english audio (although it keeps the subtitles) after every flipping episode. *sigh* Oh well, it was nice and cheap, for the entire series, but it is annoying.

The extras aren't much - some ads for other stuff by the same company, original trailer for SH, and profiles (which are strangely incomplete - they profile Tira and Chocolate but the boys don't get included, and then they go on to profile a couple of villains and, well, that's it).

In the end - yes, I'd buy it again. But keep in mind I had a $10 off coupon and got the free shipping.

I may have only seen the first three episodes of the series, but I know about some of the later episodes, would like to see them, and bought this out of curiosity. I'm sure I will love them as much as I loved the first three episodes. Plus, MEGUMI! I will update this review once I get it.

This DVD is a compilation of seven of the best titles from a six volume VHS set that was issued in 1996 and 2000 by Thanhouser Company Film Preservation Inc. of Portland, Oregon which is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of films made by the Thanhouser Company of New Rochelle NY between 1910 and 1917. I had heard of Thanhouser before but I knew nothing about them and I had not seen any of their movies. The films proved to be an eye opening experience. I was suprised by the quality of the twenty six films in the six volume set. They more than hold their own against the Biographs made by D. W. Griffith and those of the Edison studio which are the primary films that survive from that time. The Thanhousers are generally better acted and have better production values than either Edison or Biograph. This DVD makes for an excellent introduction to the Thanhouser films. The most famous offering is the 1912 DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE with James Cruze who would become one of the major directors of the 1920's (THE COVERED WAGON, OLD IRONSIDES). However CRY OF THE CHILDREN about child labor and PETTICOAT CAMP with its feminist point of view are truly remarkable while A DOG'S LOVE can still move the most jaded of hearts. THE EVIDENCE OF THE FILM provides an intiguing glimpse into the Thanhouser studios and the practice of moviemaking at that time. ONLY IN THE WAY deals with the problems of an elderly relative and THEIR ONE LOVE has some outstanding nighttime photography. The films are transferred from archive prints from a variety of sources and have new musical accompaniment. If you're a fan of silent movies and especially the history of them then you need to get this DVD. Volume One would indicate that they plan to release another DVD in the near future. Let's hope so.

This collection of seven classic silent films were produced between 1911 and 1915 by the pioneering Thanhouser Company of New Rochelle, New York. Recently discovered, The Evidence of the Film was selected by the Librarian of Congress, Dr. James Billington as one of 25 films added to the National Film Registry in 2001 for special preservation status. These digitally processed transfers are accompanied by original music composed and performed exclusively for this special edition.
Only in the Way (1911) - Family disharmony with a happy ending featuring Marie Eline, "The Thanhouser Kid."
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1912) - Early film production of this classic tale starring James Cruze and Florence LaBadie.
The Cry of the Children (1912) - Critical pre-WW I film on child labor reform starring James Cruze and Marie Eline.
Petticoat Camp (1912) - Early "women's lib" film with a comedy twist with William Russell and William Garwood.
The Evidence of the Film (1913) - Crime tale with film making as a subject starring Florence Labadie and Marie Eline.
A Dog's Love (1914) - Fantasy about the love between a young child, Helen Badgley, and her collie dog, Shep.
Their One Love (1915) - Civil War drama with spectacular night-for-night battle sequences with the Thanhouser Twins.

This is all the Nitional Geographic DVD's in one box. If you plan to get them all or want to give as a gift it's great. A little ... but still a good value.

National Geographic is the best company for geography lovers like myself. National Geographic takes us in life-risking settings in real places all around the four corners of our world. A lot of children and adults still don't even know that there is a National Geographic. And to see that only one person reveiwed this exellent set of spellbounding places frightens me. People should take National Geographic more seriously and start respecting the people who make these features. For this collection, the camera angles inside the films are exellent. The cameramen and photographers are obviously professionals. If you want your child to start liking geography or learn something while watching television at the same time this is just for you. If you child dosn't like experiencing it by watching the movies they can learn by playing fun and educational games and quizes as special features. This is a must have collection. It is quite expensive, but it is worth the money.

The matches on this DVD are pretty good. My favorite match is the 6 man tag match with Dick The Bruiser, The Crusher, and little Bruiser vs. The Blackjacks and Bobby Heenan. The other matches will keep you interested as well, good DVD to own if you like old wrestling.

Wrestling Gold Collection 2: The Maim Event, part II of a V part series, collects vintage wrestling matches from the 1970s and 1980s. This particular volume contains 12 matches.

Besides the matches this volume also contains two biographical sketches, one for the late Bruiser Brody, the brawling legend, and one for Jim Cornette, the legendary wrestling manager (promoter/announcer) who co-hosts this video series.

Here's a rundown of the featured matches:

1.The Rock N' Roll Express (Ricky Morton/Robert Gibson) vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage and "Leaping" Lanny Poffo (w/ Angelo Poffo): The RnRs were one of the top teams of the 1980s. Savage is a modern wrestling legend. Lanny was his underrated brother who had some success in the late 80s/early 90's WWF. Great match with tons of brawling and high spots. Savage and Lanny look awesome!!! Plus, a great post-match brawl and table spot (in the early 80s)!!! The match was definitely ahead of its time!!! 4 ¾ stars.

2.Manny Fernandez vs. Nick Bockwinkle (champ): From Texas (SCW) for the AWA Heavyweight Title. An awesome back and forth scientific classic that went all the way down to the wire between two major stars of the 70s. 4 ¾ stars.

3.The Sheik vs. Mark Lewin: For the US Heavyweight Title/Loser Leaves Town Match. The Sheik is the uncle of ECW/Indy legend Sabu. Decent brawl notable for its "fiery" finish. 3 stars.

4.David and Kerry Von Erich vs. Gene Yates and Killer Krupp: From Texas. The Von Erichs were the tragic Texas/wrestling legends from the 80s. An okay match from their rookie season (and it shows). 3 stars.

5.The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn and Stan Lane) vs. the PYT Express (Koko Ware and Norval): From Memphis. Lane went on to greater fame as 1/2 of the (definitive version of the) Midnight Express w/ Bobby Eaton. Koko Ware went on to superstardom in the 1980's WWF as "Birdman" Koko B. Ware. Above average match. 4 stars.

6.The Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal w/ Paul Ellering) vs. Jerry "The King" Lawler and Austin Idol: From Memphis for the tag titles. The Road Warriors (the greatest tag team of the 1980s and early 1990s) in their rookie season and they were MASSIVE. Lawler, a Memphis legend, is most known as the former "pervert WWF Raw commentator." Decent match. 3 stars.

7."Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Jerry "The King" Lawler: From Memphis for the Southern Heavyweight championship. Vintage Macho Man. Both men looked awesome. Too bad it had a crappy finish. 4 ¾ stars.

8.The Samoans (Afa and Sika w/ "Big Cat" Ernie Ladd) vs. Ted DiBiase and Bob Roop: From Shreveport, LO, Mid-South Wrestling. The Samoans were tag legends during the 70s and early 80s. DiBiase went on to become a top star of the 80s and early 90's WWF as the "Million Dollar Man." Roop was an "Olympic Hero" and Louisiana legend. Solid match between the brawlers and scientific wrestlers. 4 stars.

9.Bruno Sammartino, Dick the Bruiser vs. Baron Von Raschke and "Big Cat" Ernie Ladd w/ "Pretty Boy" Bobby Heenan: 1970s style star-studded match. Bruno is the legendary Heavyweight champion. The 3 others were top superstars of the 70s. Heenan is a legendary manager/announcer. From Indianapolis in 1973. Okay match. REALLY hot crowd (REALLY into Bruno). 4 stars.

10.Tully Blanchard vs. Manny Fernandez: From SCW. Great match from two top-notch workers. Post match run-ins by Gino Hernandez and Chavo Guerrero Sr. 4 stars.

11.Rick Rude w/ Jim Neidhart and Angel vs. Jerry "The King" Lawler: From Memphis, 1984 for the Southern Heavyweight Championship. This is Rude's rookie season. Great match from both. Memphis star-studded post match brawl featuring Tommy Rich, Eddie Gilbert, and the PYT Express. 4 stars.

12.Dick the Bruiser, The Crusher and Little Bruiser vs. Blackjack Mulligan and Lanza and "Pretty Boy" Bobby Heenan: Special match where Heenan actually wrestles along with midget wrestler "Little Bruiser." Great match. Little Bruiser steals the show. 4 stars.

Wrestling wise, this is a GREAT DVD. Here's my rundown:

Awesome: The "Insider Match Commentary." If you listen to the matches in "Insider Commentary" mode (through select audio) you can hear Cornette and Meltzer give their match play-by-play and commentary. It's a fascinating listen/insight into the stars and the business. However, you lose the "natural" sound of the original matches (commentary, crowd, etc)...

Good: Seeing all the old-school superstars (Savage, the Road Warriors, Bruno, etc).

Bad: Only TWO biographies??? Brody's was great BUT, if they really wanted to immortalize the older legends, more of their bios should have been on here (as opposed to Cornette's). Plus, I HATE how the biography scrolls. It's very fast and difficult to keep up with...

Could Improve: The match intros by Cornette and Meltzer. They do a good job of introducing the matches and placing them in context of the feuds and time, BUT they neglect to mention important details (for most) such as the DATES of these contests. It's something they should mention, plus also put on the box. To get this basic info you'll have to listen with "Insider Commentary" turned on.

Overall, this is a great DVD if you are into old-school style matches and stars. The matches in this volume are great!!! You'll get a good mix of scientific (Bockwinkle/Fernandez), hardcore (Sheik/Lewin) aerial (RnR/Savage, Poffo), etc. There's something for everyone. Plus, you'll see legends like Bruno Sammartino and Dick the Bruiser. If you are a wrestling nostalgist THIS IS FOR YOU. Definitely give this a watch. You'll see many of the older stars of today back in their prime or as rookies. Also, you'll get to see some of the legends that older fans always reminisce about. Plus, if you want a great lesson in wrestling history, listen to it in "Insider Commentary" mode. It's a fascinating listen.

Highly Recommended (for nostalgia)

I didn't really know what this video was about. Glad I took a chance. Its full of CGI and cool grafix with good trance music. If your not a trance fan, its ok, just put any dance music you like on. R&B, Hip-Hop, House, what ever your in to.
A note to my fellow DJ's: This is a great DVD to use as video wall paper on your video projector.

First of all, THIS DVD IS 3 HOURS LONG! Many computer animation videos are only about 40 minutes. This DVD consists of three 60-minute videotapes from 1993-1994 that have been transferred to DVD. I don't really care for the first 10 minutes of videos 1 and 2 but the rest is great. The animation isn't as detailed as that from the Mind's Eye series, and there is a lot of repetition, but it has a stylish look and fast movement so it goes great with dance music in a video bar.

I honestly haven't listened to much of the music on the DVD since I only use the video portion while DJing, but I like what I've heard. DJs with video screens should definitely have this or something like it. Now I need to check the other DVDs in the series.

Don't take this film too serious, because obviously the producer/director didn't. This movie can't make up its mind if it wants to be a comedy or adventure. Maybe a cross between both is the best way to describe it. A comic bookish sci-fi that starts out pretty good with plot and decent special effects, but then it becomes funny...then excessively humorous...and ends up being just too darn silly. Someone must have brought laughing gas onto the set, and everyone involved overdosed. If you'd rather giggle than eat popcorn, then you might enjoy it.

The story goes that director Luc Besson began writing THE FIFTH ELEMENT in his teens, incorporating all the Sci-Fi elements he loved into one over-the-top, grand space opera...sort of an "E.E. 'Doc' Smith 'Skylark' Meets Flash Gordon and Barbarella" hybrid with sex, intergalactic action, and even some pseudo-religious overtones tossed in...in other words, a teenage daydream come true! Critics panned the end result for this very reason, sneering at Bruce Willis' Earth-saving (yet again!) Korben Dallas, and Besson's then-girlfriend, clothing-optional Milla Jovovich, as the innocent demigod, Leeloo.

The critics were wrong!

THE FIFTH ELEMENT is, in the best sense of the word, a classic 'B' movie, a space opera where a prologue vaguely similar to STARGATE leads to a future Earth where traffic jams occur thirty stories above the ground, humanity is ruled by beefy 'Tiny' Lister Jr., and where the Ultimate Evil is served by everyone's favorite villain, Gary Oldman, sporting a Southern accent! If this DOESN'T convince you that this is a 'popcorn' flick, not to be taken too seriously, there is Chris Tucker, sporting a blond hairdo, as the Galaxy's favorite media personality, promoting himself as he hits on his adoring female fans; Ian Holm, as the monk who knows 'the Secret', forced, despite himself, to become an active participant in the adventure; and some of the most ... ugly alien mercenaries you'll ever see, terrorizing a space resort, until they meet their match in Bruce Willis' 'DIE HARD in Space' protagonist! Yippee-Ki-Yay, indeed!

The FX are astonishing, the comedy, broad and sly, the heroics, macho, and as Leeloo, sent to save Earth, Jovovich manages to be both naive and sexy, with broken English and a gymnast's grace.

Bruce Willis is a joy, as always, to watch, and he carries the film with charm and self-depreciating humor, whether dealing with endless phone calls from his mother, driving his sky taxi recklessly (cabbies change very little in the future!), taking on terrorists single-handed, or falling for the exotic Leeloo. When he blows away a roomful of hostage-holding aliens, then asks, "Does anyone else want to negotiate?", you KNOW Besson picked the right guy for the lead!

If you want Profound Science Fiction, watch 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY again...but if you want to kick back and just have fun, look not further...THE FIFTH ELEMENT delivers!

Absolutely fabulous. Dazzling scenery and effects. Amazing vision of the future. Stellar casting. Brilliant soundtrack. Wonderful story (when isn't love wonderful). Unless you look for the GErman release of this which has a number of documentaries on it and an English 5.1 track, you will not find ant extras whatsoever on the DVD's released in North America. For this reason you may as well get the Superbit version - especially if you have a home theatre. The DTS 5.1 track is stunningly brilliant!

To my opposing reviewer: When I reviewed Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas it was not my intent to be an autodidact by denouncing the film entirely. As you'll recall, I did enjoy the movie on the overall visceral level and did view the film with the understanding that it was bereft of any significant crux. To amend, I loved Gilliam's early and subsequent work (Fear and Loathing being the only one I have lukewarm feelings towards). Now as for the mentioning of Burroughs and Joyce, even good ol' Nietzsche...this was not done to impell intellectualization. Rather, I found the comparisons to be more than applicable. Joyce is announced because Ulysses is an excellent example of a story with no point, yet being hallucinatory and appealing to one's instincts (and it does genuinely coax one to think). Burroughs' work is juxtaposed simply because his style was relevent and contemporary to Thompson's. However, Naked Lunch struck me as a much more honest, acerbic, and insightful account of America. Nietzsche's Zarathustra is cited because of its egotism. The self-intoxication and hallucinatory affects the inner self can have on such a person. Visually the film is remarkable. I only criticize the film on the reputation it has earned on account of young people inflecting meaning into something that was without it. That is all. No painful meandering and dissection. And if dissection and analysis is wanted, I then prescribed the viewing of Eraserhead. That's it. The mentioning of all the aforementioned names is not cause for debate nor refutation. And please don't pander your idea of my intellectualizing every cavil detail of this movie. I enjoyed Freddy v.s. Jason for christ's sake. The movie is shallow, but fun. Just don't interpret it as prophecy.

Say what you will about how the movie was made, it is one of the few movies that holds true to the book (yes, it was a book first) Hunter Thompson's brief cameo alone is a good enough stamp of approval for me.

What is going on with Amazon's review of this movie? This is single-handedly the funniest movie of all time, with Depp easily turning in his greatest performance to date. What do critics know? This movie blows Gilliam's previous efforts out of the water, constructing Thompson's drug-induced recollection to a T. You can basically follow the book word for word while watching the movie; very accurate. And why wouldn't you adapt the book word for word? The book is hilarious, the movie is hilarious, and I might argue it is the greatest movie of all time. What does the Godfather have on this? Nothing!

I bought this version thinking that it was going to be an improvement on the original DVD version...I was wrong. I have what I would consider a pretty sooped-up home theater and I could tell no difference in picture quality between this and the regular version DVD. Furthermore, the only audio track you get is the Mandarin version. If you want to understand what is going on and you don't understand Mandarin, you're forced to turn on the subtitles...I HATE SUBTITLES!!!

While I see what "Superbit" is trying to accomplish, I don't think there are many folks who will be able to tell a difference. Buy the regular DVD. You'll thank me later.

This is one of those good movies nobody should miss! (unless you're not into martial arts fighting, or unless you're one of those like my husband who finds reading subtitles a chore)

I've watched enough Chinese "wuxia" films and TV series throughout my childhood to get tired of them, so when this movie came out I refused to spend money on watching it in the cinemas even though probably everyone I knew in my life had already seen it one way or another. Eventually when I caught this on video, I was thoroughly impressed. The storyline was so good, although it was somewhat similar to what a typical Chinese "wuxia" flick would be, I guess it was still kind of different because this is a Hollywood flick with all those better quality special effects and filming thrown in.

With an enigmatic, very intelligent, yet sweet-looking actress like Zhang Zi-Yi acting as a secretly-trained in martial arts, yet rebellious only child of a rich diplomat... falling in love with the leader of a barbarian tribe from Northern China... set against the backdrop of a dusty, sandy desert in China and a somewhat dream-like story, dialogue and screenshots littered throughout the movie to illustrate the budding love between these 2 - this was the main focus and highlight of this movie for me. This love story was so beautiful, quite touching really. Compared to the other love story that's going on in this film, this really stole the day.

Chow Yun-Fat has aged a lot and looks kind of tired, so I can't say that I think he's great in this because he used to be better when he was younger. Michelle Yeoh - another somewhat tired-looking, aged actress who I think has lost most of her youthful looks suits the role she plays - as an older, mature, experienced "aunt" that Zhang Zi-Yi can look up to and learn something from. Nevertheless, the 2 older actors Chow and Yeoh played their parts well because they are such experienced actors, so I can't fault them.

Overall, I loved this movie. Lots of quick and skilfully executed fighting scenes, a dreamy love story... I can't imagine watching it in English dubbing though cos it'd be too weird an experience.
If you hate reading subtitles, well you can watch the dubbed version but you'd probably not enjoy this as much.
If you want to watch it, watch it in the original with subtitles.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon opens with decorated warrior Li Mu Bai deciding that it's time to hang up his sword. Not just any sword, mind you, but the legendary Green Destiny, a 400-year-old weapon that's the Far-East equivalent of Excalibur. Li Mu Bai entrusts his Ginsu-sharp blade to Shu Lien, the promised bride of his deceased brother (the two share an unspoken attraction, but forbid themselves to act upon it so as not to dishonor the dead man's memory). Once in Peking, Green Destiny is stolen by a masked martial artist who nimbly scales walls and skips across rooftops like Peter Pan. Battles over the custody of Green Destiny are fast-paced, stylized kung-fu exhibitions that defy the laws of physics.

Along the way, Shu Lien befriends Jen, a teenager promised in marriage to a man she doesn't love (a flashback reveals that Jen's real main squeeze is Lo, a thieving thug who ambushes rich folk cameling through the desert). Meanwhile, Li Mu Bai has second thoughts about forsaking his violent past, at least until he avenges the death of his master at the hands of the evil Jade Fox. So when this elusive Fox makes the scene in connection with the stolen sword, hold onto your wontons! Identities and loyalties soon become clearer and the battle lines are drawn (using very nice calligraphy). Li Mu Bai realizes that Jen has a special gift that demands his tutelage. But will she become his disciple or be swayed by Jade? Who has the girl's best interests at heart anyway? This critically acclaimed martial arts tale from Taiwan (with English subtitles) has a distinctly feminine core, focusing most of its attention on the relationships of its women. Blades clank. Fists blur. Emotions are shared. It's Bruce Lee meets The Joy Luck Club.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon set a record in 2001 for Oscar nominations by a foreign film. Its 10 Academy nods, arriving in the wake of Golden Globe wins for Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film, have caused moviegoers in the United States to take notice (it is on pace to gross $100 million during its U.S. run). The Presidents' Day matinee I attended was quite full-mainly of art loving baby boomers. One might naturally assume that an Asian release without a single word of English (unless you count "Aiyaaaaaah!!!!") wouldn't appeal to teenagers. But there may be pockets of adolescent interest. The character who becomes the film's focal point is an angst-ridden 18-year-old, a self-trained Ninja bound by matronly honor and parental authority who longs for romance and adventure. She's Mulan with an attitude. Also, the fight sequences play out like a live-action video game. Think Mortal Kombat on the big screen enhanced by the mid-air choreography and production value of The Matrix. Visually engaging stuff.

An idiotic film about the Middle Ages set at the pace of modern music, fashion, and values: at least Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure never pretended to be anything else than absurd. This film seems to be nothing more than a clumsy and desperate attempt at presenting a sober portrayal of life in the Middle Ages. The fashion and mannerisms are as far off from reflecting the period as the music; why bother making a movie about that time then? Perhaps a movie suitable for teen-age girls who need a hero to throb over but not much else.

there's a lot of great jousting scenes in this one, a great cast and a very funny part by Alan Tudyk(28 Days, TV's Firefly) who is just great. though it lacks with its music choices and the signing and dancing really hurt my corneas. otherwise its enjoyable for its time.

Okay, like some others here let me stress...THIS IS NOT MEANT TO BE A HISTORICALLY ACCURATE MOVIE.

After reading the first 80 reviews I feel compelled to add my own 2 cents. We rented this and I have to agree that in the first few minutes I was revolted by the rock music, being a big fan of historical pieces set in the middle ages. Despite my initial feelings, I stuck it out. Too soon I found myself again annoyed by the styles worn by the Lady Jocelyn. Yuck! "What is going on", I wondered. But already I was finding myself involved in the story line and enjoying the humor, especially the interactions among the main characters. By the end I was willing to admit I'd been entertained and I was in love with all the characters with the possible exception of Jocelyn.

Then we watched all the extra bonus material and I was amazed at the thought and work that went into this movie. I just had to watch it again, having gained a new perspective on WHY things were done the way they were. What I discovered was an extremely entertaining romp.

For those of you who only saw the theatre version or are concerned about the rock and roll references in these reviews, try to see the director's point of view. Throughout history parents have strived to understand their youngsters. Or do we assume that the generations have always perfectly understood one another until it came to the 20th century? Language, music, clothes...isn't it likely that different generations differed as much in opinions then as now? If not then how did the culture ever evolve into something completely different? Notice that I have avoided the term "teens". Well, face it, back then the teens WERE adults. But there must still have been generational gaps. Did they say "wow" in historical times? No. But it's probable that there was a word that conveyed a similar meaning from a "slang" perspective. Language is not static, it is ever-changing. What we speak today would not even be understood by those who lived in England almost 700 years ago, so how can anyone complain about accents and language? Do they really think that anybody from England today would have been understood back then? Please.

Music....hello? Orchestral is better for periodic pieces why? As another reviewer mentioned...it's no more periodic than rock. The director was wanting to portray a fresh perspective and succeeded hugely. I'm sorry but when you're trying to convey a sense of excitement such as one feels at a football game (yes, that's the analogy used to try bringing jousting to a more modern perspective), chamber music isn't likely to get anyone in today's world fired-up.

And folks, that's a big part of what this whole movie is all about. Jousting was a major sporting event that was very exciting to the people of the time. How does one convey that excitement to a modern audience? The drama is easily done...but the intense emotion, the exhilaration we associate with a favorite sport? I feel that the director found an exciting new way to bring the medieval world alive for modern viewers.

As to Jocelyn. She's a bit shallow and the costumes are starting to bother me less. But her character (or lack thereof), allows for some very comedic lines that I think add to the overall fun of the movie.

I could go on but other reviewers have hit most of the other key points. The bottom line is: if you've seen it once...try it again...and watch the extra stuff. If you haven't, then get it...rent it first if you must but watch this movie. It is now one of our favorite movies and just the other night we watched it again with tremendous enjoyment and I wanted to see each and every single extra feature again. It's family-friendly and a romantic comedy that you won't mind at all having the teens and youngsters watch.

As one reviewer said, "suspend your belief from the start"...and then settle down to enjoy this story. It's fun, it still portrays a medieval "flavour", and the music ROCKS!

There was a lot of promotion and positive reviews for this movie here in the Australian street press. I don't know why though.
This movie reminds me of Ghosts Or Mars; what with the train.
The storyline has been done before to death and much better in Terminator 3.

The DVD is value - the audio commentary is different and daring. The cast and crew/directors talk on it and they cover a lot of issues some controversial. But the volume isn't even. Sometimes loud and sometimes soft. And it has nearly 50 minutes worth of featurettes.

There was some redeeming points in the movie. I could understand the anti=technology anti-artificial intellegence messages - but even that ain't original (but it did brood well with me). The lead female Jacovich was sexy. The kid's voice as the Mother Computer was eerie and deep, insightfull. There was some truly Generation X stylish single second scene shots reminscent of The Matrix and The Cube scattered, all be it scarcely, througout the film, where you think, girl that looks cool.

But apart from those four or so good points the movie has been done to death by Hollywood. When can they come up with something new? BTW I Agree with the amazon, editorial review above - Event Horizon was better - dare I say it CLASSIC film previously done by the director of RE.

Resident Evil undoubtedly works far better on the small screen than it did at the cinema. There is no way any director (no matter how experienced) can bring a video game to life without sacrificing art in the process. Anderson has been here before with Mortal Kombat but injected into both movies enough competency and style to make them respectable in their own right.

With Resident Evil he has given us a decent story with a touch of complication and a fair amount of suspense. My main gripe is the fact that the movie looks far too slick to be as truly disturbing as the grainy and filthy Zombie movies of the '70s. Plus the violence isn't all that graphic but there is still plenty of fun to be had in watching a bunch of office workers turn into the living dead and it's scary how cheaply their lives are considered by the Umbrella Corp. they work for. I'm certainly not going to work in an office for a company like that if that's what they're going to do to me.

The characters are thin but not entirely one-dimensional. You do end up siding with some of them and feel urgency in their futile escape from the underground skyscraper (shouldn't that be 'Groundscraper' then?). Milla Jovovich is cuter here than she was in Fifth Element or Zoolander but Michelle Rodriguez just plain annoys me. All I've ever seen her play is a moody Latino who frowns all the time. It's time for here to try and expand her range a bit and I wish someone else played her character.

Video games will never make for classic movies. They can be mind-numbingly terrible (Super Mario Brothers, Double Dragon) or competent, such as this. Just turn a blind eye to the really, really bad FX at the end when a CGI monster goes on the rampage. My old Commodore 64 was capable of better graphics.

The DVD is in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and a choice of Dolby 5.1 or DTS 5.1 soundtracks which sound great but, as a result, also serve to highlight he meaningless and clichéd Marco Beltrami/Marylin Manson 'score'.

A decent translation of the Playstation game onto the silver screen. Good acting, good special effects, and compelling story move this film along.

Recommended.