Koine 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.

Princess Nine - Strike Zone (Vol. 4) (2002)
ASIN: B00006672D

this is probably the best volume in this series up to now. in terms of story, it captivated my heart and makes you feel sorry for what happened to ryo hayakawa. very heartfelt story in my opinion. also you get to see the legendary lightning ball(like i wasn't expecting that). LoL pretty predictable story line. still a definite must see for baseball fans and anybody with a heart will have tears in their eyes. got to admit ryo's my favorite character in this cause she overcomes all these tragedies and i hope she continues to do so in the next volume. this dvd was a little shorter than i expected, but its filled with a lot of action and important story line.

this is probably the best volume in this series up to now. in terms of story, it captivated my heart and makes you feel sorry for what happened to ryo hayakawa. very heartfelt story in my opinion. also you get to see the legendary lightning ball(like i wasn't expecting that). LoL pretty predictable story line. still a definite must see for baseball fans and anybody with a heart will have tears in their eyes. got to admit ryo's my favorite character in this cause she overcomes all these tragedies and i hope she continues to do so in the next volume. this dvd was a little shorter than i expected, but its filled with a lot of action and important story line.

I believe that the fourth DVD of the Princess Nine series is awesome! All the episodes have everything from drama, sports, girl power, love, hate, action, suspense, and more. My whole family loves it and the series is appropriate for everyone. The fourth DVD totled Strike Zone is agreat piece of the Princess Nine collection. CHECK IT OUT!

i've exercised with denise austin's TV show for a long time, but i wanted something that focused solely on pilates. unfortunately, i bought the stott pilates advanced matwork tape and i ended up hurting my neck and back.

then denise came out with this new dvd and i wanted to give it a try. after doing this program, i realize i never should have veered away from denise. her exercises are always completely safe but extremely effective (you'll feel it and see it!), she has an interesting background, fantastic music, and she looks stunning as always.

when you start this workout your mind will be preoccupied, but after a few minutes you are completely engrossed in following the routine. denise takes you through exhilarating, lengthening stretches (mind); standing pilates that work your arms, chest, butt and legs without hurting your neck and back (body); and invigorating, refreshing flowing motions (soul). incredibly, she kept my abs engaged throughout, which is exactly what i wanted in a workout routine. the best part is that the 40 minutes fly by and then i can't wait till the next time.

i recommend this dvd for any level of fitness: the more advanced you are, the more you'll be able to engage your different muscles while doing the exercises. working out with denise is the fastest and most enjoyable way to a good body.

Power Zone by Denise Austin is a very original workout. Denise combines yoga postures, pilates, and a cardio aerobic workout to give you a full body workout that connects the mind, body and soul. At a total of 40 minutes I have found this to be a perfect evening workout video.

Mind-here Denise focuses a lot of breathing and a variety of yoga postures. This is to relax you and get you prepared for a more dynamic workout to come. It's a great opener to the DVD!

Body-This is Denise's standing pilates workout. Standing pilates, your probably wondering what that is. Denise has modified some of J. H. Pilates workouts so that you can do them from a standing position. Some of these can be tough but they all work your core just like standard pilates. This is a great core workout.

Soul-Denise finishes her program with a little salsa dancing routine that will pickup your heart rate but not stress you out. This section might be a little difficult to follow at first but stick with it. It's worth it and is really fun but most importantly completes the full body workout.

I highly recommend this DVD from Denise. It's one of my favorite programs now and one I like to do 2-3 times a week. It truly is a great for in the morning to help wake you up or in my case in the evening to unwind you from a stressful day. 5 Stars!

Trying to avoid an unhappy ending is the unifying quest of the main characters in the quartet of episodes found on Volume 25 of "The Twilight Zone" DVD series. "Execution," written by Rod Serling and based on an unpublished story by George Clayton Johnson, features Albert Salmi as Joe Caswell, about to be hanged for shooting a man in the back. Just before the noose tightens, Caswell disappears and then reappears in the laboratory of Professor Manion (Russell Johnson), picked at random by the scientist's time machine. Of course, escaping your fate is not that easy in the Zone. One of my all-time favorite character actors, Arthur Hunnicut, plays hillbilly Hyder Simpson in "The Hunt," a gem written by Earl Hamner, Jr. When his hound dog Rip dives into the water after a raccoon, Hyder follows him in, but only the raccoon emerges. The next morning it takes a while for Hyder to figure out he and Rip is dead. Eventually Hyder and Rip ends up at a gate. Fellah there 'splains hits the entrance to Heaven, but dogs ain't allowed. Hyder takes exception to that dang fool nonsense. "The Self-Improvement of Salvadore Ross," written by Jerry McNeely and based on the short story by Henry Slesar, has Don Gordon in the title role as an unpleasant whose romantic overtures are spurned by Leah Maitland (Gail Kobe). Ross then discovers that he can make some interesting trades: first a broken arm for a cold, and then 46 years of his life for a million bucks and a nice apartment. Ross buys back his youth a few years at a time from a bunch of young men, but Leah still refuses him. She wants a man with compassion, like her father. So Ross buys it from him for $100,000. "Number Twelve Looks Just Like You," written by John Tomerlin and based on Charles Beaumont's short story "The Beautiful People," tells of a future where at the age of 19 everyone voluntarily undergoes the Transformation, which makes them beautiful, but identical to everyone else. But Marilyn Cuberle (Collin Wilcox), rejects the notion of conformity and wants to avoid the treatment. Playing all the adults in the episode are Richard Long and supermodel Suzy Parker. This is an above average collection of Zone episodes, with a couple of personal favorites.

I try to give a tidbit about what I think about the packaging with each of my reviews. The episode navigation for the whole series is painfully slow. Sometimes I think I'd be better off watching a whole disc at once ... nah, I'd rather savor this series. Careful taking a disc out for the first time! These things tend to be seated in the case FIRMLY! OK ...

Execution***1/2 : I'd never seen this ep before buying this set. It showcases a very convincing performance by Gilligans "The Professor" and by Joe Caswell (Al Sami). The ending surprised me a bit and thats a good thing.

The Hunt***** : I suppose there comes a time when our personnal favorites win out over TRUE perfection. I had read a review of this ep once and the writer thought it was "eh". That surprised me. There is no real climax here but the loving hand applied by the two leads in the cast are very endearing to me. I bought this disc for this ep alone, and wasn't let down by my memory of it.

"Salvador Ross"*** 1/2 : Some may say Twilight Zone is all about great writing, I don't agree. The acting performanace by the lead here is tremendous even though the story by the time this ep was made was old hat. I had also, never seen this ep either before this disc, I'm learning that there are many gems out there yet undiscovered.

No. 12 Looks Just Like You***** : This has always been one of my faves. I have it in the TZ laserdisc box set and have viewed it MANY times. Perhaps a bit idealistic, but the dialogue written here is some of the best EVER in TZ.

In a word ... buy/this.

What's really frustrating nowadays is that a lot of directors think that they can satisfy an audience by throwing in a lot of sex,nudity,buckets of blood as well as body parts. But "The Twilight Zone" should serve as an example that you don't need all that [stuff] to make a good spine tingling,thought provoking movie or TV series!

My only complaint like eveyone else is that the episodes are not in chronological order and 90$ for 900 min is kind of expensive comparing the fact that you can buy each season of "24" starring Kiefer Sutherland which is 999 min long for 48$ and on 6 discs instead of 9 discs for the Twilight Zone. Apart from that, to have all 156 episodes on 5 collections is a dream come true!!!!!!!!

The Twilight Zone , The fugitive (1960) and 24 are my fav TV series!

The Twilight Zone's brilliance, innovation, and penetrating insights into man's nature and fallibility shine through as much now as when first introduced in the Cold War era. Whether an episode reflects man's confrontation with the fantastic, the known world but with a wrinkle, or himself, it comes across captivating if not in instances compelling. As with Mark Twain's stories, the hard lessons communicated are rooted in a positive orientation toward people, which makes them palatable. And the packaging into 25-minute episodes makes it very convenient to pop into the DVD player when that amount of free time presents itself.

The Twilight Zone can be an acquired taste. Try a sampler, then steer by your reactions as you go. Seriously consider this as a gift for those on your list who have everything and/or are difficult to buy for.

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.

There is as much strength in this group of episodes as in those packaged into "collection #1." (Please see my review of that.)

If you are a TZ fan, this merits your attention. If you are exploring TZ, try a small, inexpensive sampler, then step up to this when you are ready. Seriously consider this, also, for those on your gift list who have everything and/or are difficult to buy for.

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.

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.

This is the last volume in the series. For those of you still looking for episodes not in the numerical series, they may be on "More Treasures of the TZ" or "Tresures of the TZ" which were produced prior to Vol. 1.
While two of the episodes on this DVD are found elsewhere in the series, the other two are not. However, there are a couple of surprises on this disc which make it important to history buffs and die-hard fans. "A World of His Own" is one of my personal favorites. It has the most "unique" ending of any episode, as it should -- it was the final episode of the first season.

Got all 43 DVDs (45 if you include the 2 "Treasures"). They are great and ALL 156 episodes are represented. The last reviewer somehow miscounted and thought two were missing. They are not missing. The "Passersby" is on DVD #6 while "Come Wander With Me" is on #41. Its terrific to finally have this great series on DVD, I just wish they appeared in order of release.

"Where Is Everybody?", written by Rod Serling, was the premier episode of "The Twilight Zone," so it makes perfect sense that it is on the last volume in the DVD series. Earl Holliman plays Mike Ferris, who finds himself wearing an Air Force jumpsuit in a deserted town and no clue who he is or why he is there. While this episode was obviously good enough to get the series on the air, it ends up being a lesser effort given what is to come. Compare it, for example, to the classic "The Eye Of The Beholder," also written by Serling, where we have the story of Janet Tyler, a woman whose hideously deformed face has made her an outcast all of her life. Now she faces her eleventh and final operation in a last chance to look normal. Maxine Stuart plays Janet under the bandages, and Donna Douglas plays her as revealed. This is one of the show's finest episodes and it is nice to see they saved a gem for this late in the DVD series. "A World of His Own" was the final episode of the first season, which was actually written by Richard Matheson despite the fact Serling makes an appearance IN the episode! Keenan Wynn is Gregory West, a writer who has a wonderful dictation machine: whatever he describes, from beautiful women to elephants, materializes. A cute little episode for which Serling's appearance is a fitting punch line. Finally, "A Thing About Machines" is a nice coutnerpart to the previous episode. Writtten by Serling it tells of Barlett Finchley (Richard Haydn), a man who really, really hates machines. What he fails to realize, however, is that they hate him back. However, there is really nothing special to this episode beyond that idea. So when all is said and done this is an above average volume in the DVD series, which probably deserves a 4.5, but gets rounded up because even if two of the episodes are average, one of them is historically important.

"Night Call" is one of the top 2 or 3 creepiest Twilight Zone episodes ever!! Superbly written script with excellent plot development (it gets more than the allowable number of "stars")! A great acting performance, and gradually mounting tension throughout! The other episodes are much less effective although "Piano in the House" is actually a very good script-- Unfortunately, superficial character development diminishes some admirable acting performances--It gets "2 1/2 stars" but the remaining two episodes are below average (by Twilight Zone standards). By today's standards, they are above average!

I have most of the TZ dvds and plan on getting them all. This one marks the 30th I've bought and I have to say it's the best so far. All four episodes are strong and good, and there's something for everyone. For the fun-lovers, there's "Rance McGrew" - a light-hearted TZ episode that's really funny in certain parts. For the child in all of us, there's "The Big Tall Wish", which tells us to never stop believing in the magic. For the more serious-minded traditional TZ lovers, there's two excellent episodes in "Piano in the House" and "Night Call" - both excellent in every way! While most TZ dvds suffer from a slow episode or two thrown in with a few strong ones, this dvd has nothing but goodies on here. A great one to start your collection with!

Magic makes its presence known in the four episodes from "The Twilight Zone" collected in Volume 26 of this DVD series. Ivan Dixon has a nice role as Bolie Jackson in "The Big Tall Wish," written by Rod Serling. Just about washed up as a prizefighter, Jackson wins his fight because little Henry (Steven Perry), used magic to help. But Jackson refuses to believe in the magic. In "Showdown with Rance McGrew," written by Serling and based on an idea by Frederic Louis Fox, temperamental television cowboy star McGrew (Larry Blyden) suddenly finds himself in the real Old West where the real Jesse James (Arch Johnson) has a complaint about the way he and his fellow outlaws are portrayed on television. "A Piano in the House," written by Earl Hamner, Jr., stars Barry Morse as Fitzgerald Fortune, a cynical theater critic who uses a magical piano player to get his party guests to reveal hidden truths about themselves. Fortune is an unpleasant man who meets a deservedly unpleasant fate. Gladys Cooper makes a return visit to the Zone as Miss Elva Keene in "Night Call," written by Richard Matheson and based on his short story "Long Distance Call." Miss Elva, who is crippled, keeps getting strange phone calls with a man's voice saying, "Where are you? I want to talk to you." She is already scared, but when she learns the phone calls are coming from a fallen wire lying atop the grave of her long-dead fiance Brian, who was killed in the car crash that crippled her. This episode is another minor masterpiece from Matheson. This is an above-average volume in the series, which just happens to have three of my favorite "non-classic" episodes of the Zone.