Collecting Movie Reviews

When I was working in the suburbs south of Paris I would drive past the Prison de la Santé on my way out of the city, never caring much about what went on inside. Then I saw this film, which gave me an idea of what French prison life was like. As it is pictured in this film it is more communal than what one sees in American prison films, with four or five prisonners amiably sharing a large cell. Compared to the American cinematic counterpart, in fact, prison life at La Santé seems almost genteel. I'm sure it wasn't.

Jacques Becker's film tells the story of five men who attempt an escape from the Santé Prison. The men dig their way through the cell floor until they break through a ceiling of the Paris sewer system through which they can reach freedom. The main character is a young man of the upper class who is sentenced to prison after his wife falsely accuses him of assault and who arrives in the cell as the escape is being planned. He is invited by his cellmates to join the escape; they fear that otherwise he will give them away. And then things begin to happen. I won't tell anymore, because I don't want to give the story away, but trust me, you will be at the edge of your seat.

This film came at a turning point in French cinema. It opened in Paris in 1959 in the same week as "Breathless," Jean-Luc Godard's great first feature film. Like the early films of the French New Wave "Le Trou" made a major break with French films of the past. The sets are austere in the extreme, the actors were all unknowns, and the film was about people down in their luck. This is the first great French film noir. Had Becker not died a few months after the film opened, he might have become one of the pillars of the French New Wave. The New Wave directors, in fact, revered him. "Le Trou" is a great film, one that Americans should feel especially close to, because it is so close in temperament to American gangster films of the '40s. And it is not just an important film, but wonderful entertainment as well.

I thought I had seen (or been aware of) every great film made. Then I saw THE HOLE.

If you love WAGES OF FEAR, you'll love LE TROU.

Comparing this masterpiece to other escape movies like THE GREAT ESCAPE (yes, Bresson's is an exception) is like comparing TAXI DRIVER to MANIAC COP 3 (Maltin,...).

A wonderful film, made my christmas. is a bit hard to add anything that hasn't been said in these eloquent reviews already but this is the most perfect film about camaraderie ever made. realistic is an over used word but when the guard cuts through the prisoner's sausages with a knife that has just been used to cut soap it gives one a frisson of the restrictions prison puts on a human being, when the four prisoner's are sitting eating said sausage in their cell it feels like you are sitting right next to them. When one character talks about his wife another asks him if she squeezed his blackheads after sex, its these details that take this hypnotic escape drama to another level, for the mechanics of the film the other reviews are more informative, i do not have enough time to do them justice here.

there is one breathtakingly surreal shot towards the climax of this film, gave me a thrill like all great suspense pictures and its effect is heightened by the fact that the camera until this point has been relentlessly trained on the 4 characters for the entire movie, it comes like a bolt from the blue.

Brilliant movie, deserves to be ranked with Bresson's a man escaped, i can't think of any english language escape films that come close to these two. And of the two the more accesible is this one

As I wrote an extensive build up of these movies, prior to thier release. I am now pleased to say that about 98% of my anticipation was not misguided.
Overall, these are the clearest and sharpest versions I have seen in my lifetime.
In comparison to some of the non Key Video versions that were out on VHS these offerings from MPI are stunning.
My only letdown was, as others have mentioned, is that there could have easily been more additional material offered.
A short commentary was offered on the restoration of Orson Welles' "The Third Man" by Criterion and was fascinating.
Something similar to this would have been easy to produce and Holmes fans like myself who have put up with public domain trash copies for decades would have eaten up such a documentary.
I also have wondered for years if there are any out-takes from the films that still exist.
How fascinating that would have been, and would still be....hint....hint.
At the very least, Filmographies of Rathbone and Bruce, or trivia facts about the series or the actors, or the productions, or at least even the trailers should have been included.
Little things, such as pointing out the appearance of a young dark handsome Milburn Stone in "Faces Death" who later became "Doc" on Gunsmoke.
There are several instances where the Captioning is lazy. Such as in "Faces Death" when Holmes says "anno Domini" in a sentance and the caption writer just put "Domino."
Even with occassional lapses in the captioning, it was indeed nice to have them captioned.
Of all the films in this Volume, the one I found most curious was "Faces Death."
Even after reading the liner notes, I still wonder why some of the extreme deterioration marks on individual frames could not have been repaired by computer.
Much worse deterioration existed on the "Third Man" and it was restored flawlessley. And oddly, there are a few sections of the Key Video version of this Film that are clearer than this MPI restored version.....?....
Was this a real case of Wet vs. Dry printing or laziness on the part of those in the restoration process?
All that said, the other three films are near pristine, especially Holmes in "Washington". I think there will never be another version of these prints released that will surpass the quality of this offering.
Lastly, for the snobby Holmesian purest who nearly worship the Brett/Granada versions of the Holmes stories, I think this offering will go a long way in explaining to many why Rathbone is beyond doubt the nearset thing to Holmes incarnate that has or ever will exist.
The Granda versions are draining, dripping with overcharachterization and forced melodrama...did I mention contrived?
Brett often behaves like a nerotic narcasisstic snot who sees and loves his own image off a distance in a mirror somewhere.
These films with Rathbone and Bruce are timelessly engaging, underplayed, entertaining, perfectly moody and just downright fun in every aspect. Rathbone and Bruce had a chemistry that so completely complimented each other.
Rathbone especially....you never catch him playing Sherlock Holmes...he just "is" Sherlock Holmes.
Now, if we can just get the first two Rathbone and Bruce films restored and captioned and in our libraries....well what's next...Peace in the Mideast?

While I watched "Faces Death", I felt that it was a much lighter version than I what was used to. So, I paused a scene and went hunting for my Key Video of the movie. I put it on and went to the matching scene, then switched back and forth between the VCR and video images. The difference was very pronounced. The Key Video version was darker, moodier and had deeper shadows. I don't know which version should be considered the "better" one, but they are indeed quite different! I enjoyed the commentary and booklet, but, like others here, would have liked to see more (such as the trailers). Overall, though, I am thrilled to see the series on DVD and will buy the next two volumes.

Noted Sherlock Holmes Scholar, Andrew Kemp, was not kidding when he said that these are the best reproductions of these films since their original theatrical release. Digitally restored in 35MM from the UCLA Film Archives prints, they are a joy to behold for those of us who have had to make do with ratty and incomplete public domain copies. MPI has again done Holmes fans a great service by making this fine and popular film series available once more. I say "again," because they have also released the much respected Granada TV series featuring Jeremy Brett.

Previous reviewers have already commented on how Universal moved Holmes ahead into the WWII era, and had him chasing down Nazi's, spys, and assorted modern "evil-doers." Never-the-less, the series appeal lies not in the historical context, but in the charisma of Rathbone and Bruce as the series' Holmes and Watson.

These films are not great cinematic milestones, but they are great fun - pure entertainment, and as each new generation discovers Holmes, they always key in on this series as the all-time favorite. If you haven't seen these films before, or even if it's been awhile since you saw them on TV as a kid, do yourself a favor and pick this set up - you won't regret it.

My son is 15 months old. He is very active and enjoys the outdoors. When we want him to settle down or maybe he is not feeling that well, we put on Barney's Rhyme Time Rhythm. He watches this video like no other video we have found. We have four Barney videos and this by far is his favorite. The songs, colors, activities, and kids in this video are all top notch. This video keeps his attention, and he's always happy to watch it.

Our daugther does not stop watching it. And because it has the option of AUDIO in Spanish, she enjoys it more.

These shows are great fun! Me and me buds watch these shows all the time. It has a buzzzzzzing all day long! I learned how to count by watchin these shows! Hey hey!

The much-anticipated 1795 Flashback begins in DS DVD Collection 5 (VHS Volumes 29-36). In these episodes, Victoria Winters has trouble accepting the fact that she has travelled over 200 years into the past. Barnabas Collins' fiance, Josette duPres arrives, and the evil witch Angelique Bouchard vows to destroy their romance. She enslaves family servant Ben Stokes to assist her. Eventually she ruins the plans and sets a plague on the entire family, resulting in deaths. Abagail Collins and Natalie duPres begin to suspect Victoria of being the witch and the cause of all the trouble at Collinwood. The fanatical witch-hunter Reverend Trask arrives on a quest to find and destroy the witch. After discovering that Angelique is really the witch, Barnabas shoots her, however she places a vampire curse on Barnabas.

Bonuses include interviews with Jonathan Frid (Barnabas Collins), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Josette duPres), Jerry Lacy (Reverend Trask), and music composer Robert Cobert.

The 1795 Flashback continues in the next collection.

although all the dark shadows dvd collections so far are great,(a little concearn over collection 4 because of many kinescope recordings),but #5 has to be the best so far.set in 1795,the actors play their lines better,the plots are more suspensefull,and the period costumes are great.they are all a must if you are a true dark shadows fan,but don't miss this one,(collection #5).

Watching the origin of Barnabas was eerie and suspenseful, and I never felt more sorry for Barnabas as in the second to last episode of this set. Some may find that the first ten episodes are somewhat listless, with Angelique casting one spell after the other before finally deciding what to do. That's why I rated five stars instead of six.

An added note for non-US buyers: Although not stated, this set of DVDs and all the previous in the collection are code free (region code 0), meaning you can watch them on any dvd player in the world. Bravo to MPI Home Video for doing this!

A must-watch for political science majors, West-wing fans, Democrats and Washingtonians. This series, and its precursor, Yes Minister, are hilariously funny, educational, and show us why the US federal gov't needs to grant far more money to CPB/PBS...

oh for a BBC of our own... *sigh*

If you read my review of Yes, Minister, there is little I can add to that review to describe this series. Yes Prime Minister picks up where Yes Minister left off. The premise is that the PM resigns mid-term, and a new PM is needed. A recently promoted Sir Humphrey Applebee determines there is only one person who can project the image needed yet he can control... Jim Hacker! You will see many wonderful and new looks into the political scene - yet never stating any party affiliation.

Included in this set is what I feel is the funniest episode of the series where Jim Hacker is about to hold his first press conference. You would never believe that simply the way you sit could totally change the impression of what is being said until you see this! BRILLIANT!

Also included is a great tribute to Paul Eddington, a life cut short way too soon.

I have watched every single episode of Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister. The humor is unmatched and the english delicious. If only all of us had the wit of Humphrey Applebee, a boss as dense as Hacker and a subordinate as devoted as Bernard....wouldn't our professional lives be perfect? Strongly encourage anyone who loves the Queen's english and British humor to buy this DVD.

Alan is a Fantastic Motivator and he adds a Personal touch in his work-out that Energize you and make you work.His personality attitude and knowledge in fitness is phenomenon.

If you are looking for true cardio and want to really work up a sweat, this is it! Alan is a great motivator and is quite entertaining. The steps are simple and you'll catch on quickly. Don't miss this one!

Alan is a real motivator and his high energy is what makes this a terrific workout! Once you catch on to the step routine it is very easy to follow.

I think I have every US release of Capercaillie's CDs. They have been in my town years ago and I missed their appearances. I look forward to their delayed US tour. This is a fine group of musicians who just work so well together. Karen Matheson's voice and musical range has no peer. She can sing gaelic songs in such a way that I care not that I have no understanding of what is being sung. Her voice and artistry are more than enough to make her music worth listening to. The band's musical and vocal harmonies tell me that these performers work to make it's audience happy. As to what musical genre they belong to, I could not say. This makes listening to Capercaillie a new and refreshing departure for those who like musical exploration. See this one and share it with a friend.

i'm a die hard capercaillie fan, but sadly haven't seen them live before :(..cancelled australian tour... this dvd does not make up for a live performance, but its a good alternative... watch it, and u'll be a fan in no time!.. karen matheson's voice is pure magic!

If this were competing on original video content I would rate this possibly a three. It is well done but not cutting edge. But since this DVD covers Capercaillie, a band that Americans have virtually no visibility of, I rate this a five based on the fact that this item opens up a whole new world. The band has outstanding live performance presence. The experience reinforces the whole Capercaillie musical journey for me. The on-location shots are great and will remind you of visits to Scotland if you have ever been.

A masterpiece of the direct-cinema, the real life of an american bible salesman, brought to us by the Maysles brothers.

The Maysles Bros. did a wonderful job with this film. The b/w photography is sharp and smartly orchestrated making _Salesman_ a must see in my book. Shot with a custom made handheld camera and portable boom mic, _Salesman_ is the story of four door-to-door bible salesmen in the late sixties. The film falls in to the documentary category, though the Maysles have coined their own term for their style of filming: direct cinema.

The "salesmen" themselves are unforgetable; their performances in the homes of anyone who will let them get a foot in the door are fascinating and nerve wracking as you find yourself sympathizing both with the salesmen and the prospective buyers at the same time. It's this dynamic tension that gives the film some real drama. Better than what could have been scripted.

I never saw this film on video so I can't comment on any improvements in quality. But I will say this: the film looks and sounds beautiful on DVD. Also, with the DVD is an interview (mostly pretentious banter revolving around the distinction of "direct cinema"), commentary with the Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin (editor) and film trailers.

I bought this DVD purely our of curiousity---I never saw it until 30 years after it came out. This is pure Americana--it follows a group of bible salesman starting in Boston and ending in the Miami area. (You will see how much times have changed by the amount of smoking everyone in this film does from start to finish.) Although I never liked door to door salesman, you begin to appreciate the frustrations they encounter on a daily basis as well as their devotion to their craft. I don't think fellows like this exist anymore--they are from a time long gone. It might be an interesting film for students to watch and see a snapshot of America as seen through the eyes of these salesmen.

Like the first 3 collections, this one has a great variety of episodes, and its fair share of A+ ones which are as fine as anything that has ever been shown on TV. Unlike the first 3 collections, this one has several rarely seen and/or double length episodes, and is even more of an acquired taste. Die-hard fans and collectors will want to own this set. Those exploring TZ might try one of the other 3 collections first. If you like, read my reviews of those as well.

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.

An interesting mix of the struggles of an independent international filmmaker, combining surrealism and recent Egyptian history.
There are elements of "8 1/2" and "All That Jazz" in the story of a film maker who faces a trial in which the child and young man he was testify against the person he has become. The surrealist settings are cheap but fun and the central performance is nicely done. The many characters and switches in time are a bit complex and it helps to have a little knowledge of modern Egyptian history, but there is humor and insight worth your time.

eskinderia leeh? is simply one of the best, well made movies of all time, the movie shows different form of loves and how they all got stuck because of one thign, WW2. the movie also shows the life in the mother of the world, egypt....and how magical alexandria is....the movie is very well made with egypt's all star cast...a must c movie... ...BUY THE MOVIE

This is the second part of Chahine's Alexandria Trilogy. The first part "Alexandria, why?" is a biography and courageous self-examination of his adolescent years. This part moves on to examine his adult life. It is, again, a very courageous, honest, and insightful self-trial of himself as an adult and his choices in his professional life as a movie director, as well as in his personal and family life. His artistic talents as a director and his creative thinking are reflected in his representation of his turbulent relationship with his inner child. This is another distinguished piece of work by this talented movie director and a must-have for those who appreciate his art.