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Super Troopers Description:

Always looking for action, five over-enthusiastic, but under-stimulated Vermont State Troopers raise hell on the highway, keeping motorists anxiously looking in their rear view mirrors. Between an ongoing feud with the local cops over whose you-know-what is bigger and the state government wanting to shut them down, the Super Troopers find themselves patrolling the boundaries of good taste as they hilariously and unwittingly skid towards solving the crime of their lives.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14969 in DVD
• Brand: TCFHE
• Released on: 2002-08-06
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English, French
• Subtitled in: Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 100 minutes

Customer Reviews:

Cops Rock!
In classic, Animal House style, this movie about a squad of bizarre state highway troopers is sure to entertain. While it appears to be what some may call “frat boy” humor, I find that many different kinds of people with a good sense of humor can enjoy this film.
Super Troopers is about a group of Vermont State Troopers, led by Capt. John O’Hagen (Brian Cox) whose department is in danger of shutting down. The governor (Lynda Carter) doesn’t have a big budget to spend on police work, and the more professional local cops, lead by Chief Bruce Grady (Daniel von Bargen), are the more likely candidates to get the money in the upcoming budget overhaul. And, to the casual observor, it would be the right choice. The state cops have a tendancy to play games with the people they pull over; one game involves one cop repeating everything his partner says, while another has one of the troopers saying “meow” instead of “now” in an attempt to drive the pulled-over motorist crazy. And when dealing with stoned teens, they really have a blast. While officers Ramathorne (Jay Chandrasekhar), Foster (Paul Soter), Mac (Steve Lemme), and “Rabbit” Roto (Erik Stolhanske) do everything in good humor, the force’s black sheep, Officer Rodney Farva (Kevin Heffernan) tends to go too far and get himself suspended and give the department a bad name (he jumped a fast food clerk for messing with him).
But when a murder on the highway is connected with a drug ring, the Super Troopers find a way to redeem themselves and get back in the governor’s good graces- as long as the meddling local cops don’t solve the case first.
This film is hilarious. While most of the humor is pretty “dumb”, there are a few intelligent things here and there, but it is the sheer wackiness of it all that makes it great. The romance between Foster and local cop Ursula Hanson (Marisa Coughlan) is great, especially the prank call sequence. Although, for people who aren’t into crude humor, this won’t be your kind of movie. There is a lot of drug-based humor, some nudity, and gratuitous use of the f-word. If you can get past that, I highly reccomend this movie.

A Complete Surprise
When I first saw the previews to this film, I felt like I stepped into a time warp back to the 80’s. Was this movie trying to be Cannonball Run? Police Academy? Why? WHY?

On the recommendation of a friend, I swallowed my fears and my dislike of so-called “wacky” comedies and shelled out the cash to see Super Troopers. I was almost embarassed to even walk into the theater, but I’ll tell you what…it was the best $7 I’ve spent in a long time.

All the other reviews of this film seem to emphasize that the movie is “slapstick,” and “brainless.” I’d actually disagree with that diagnosis. On the contrary, I think this is really a very smart film. Why? Beacuse it doesn’t rely on formulaic plot devices, or try to squeeze in a contrived family-friendly moral(like the wretched “Orange County”). Rather, it just presents some of the most original, unexpected, laugh-out loud comedy I’ve ever seen. It’s just plain funny–Funny beacuse you don’t see the jokes, punchlines, or plot twists coming from a mile away.(Hey, “Orange County.” Once again, I’m looking at you!).

If you’re a fan of Kids in the Hall or the Upright Citizens Brigade, see this film. See it now. You won’t be disappointed.

Who wants a mustache ride?
If you have a sick sense of humor like me, you’ll definitely appreciate Super Troopers. It’s a very off-beat and funny little movie that shows us into the lives of a state trooper’s department somewhere in Vermont. To protect and serve has no meaning here…it’s about making us laugh. The plot is about this department trying to save themselves from being shut down due to budget constraints. They desperately need to prove that they are still needed so they don’t lose their jobs. So they write lots of speeding tickets, but a drug bust could be their ticket to job salvation. However when you go along for the ride with these troopers, you’re in for much more than car chases (yes, you get those too). You get stoned college kids (and I won’t ruin it by detailing more…awesome), the repeater, meows, speeding Porsches, syrup chugging, and a ton of wacky little pranks along the way. I could go on all day about Super Troopers but I feel it’s a total disservice to someone who has never seen it. I absolutely love this movie and recommend it to anyone who needs a little more silliness in their lives, who loves to laugh and who wants a different comedy than the mainstream things you typically see mass produced by Hollywood where they practically beg of you to find things funny. Super Troopers is just one of those movies I wish they made more of. Enjoy!

Amazon.com
The fine art of handing out a freeway speeding ticket gets a deviously funny twist in this smart-alecky farce written and performed by the comedy troop Broken Lizard (consisting of Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, and Erik Stolhanske). These pranksters in patrol cars (led by their long-suffering commander Brian Cox) are little more than overgrown frat boys in a campus rivalry with the brawling Vermont bullies of the local police force, and they know how to have fun on the highway patrol. This skit-like collection of comic moments clumps from one scene to another like a variety show, but the gags are more hit than miss, thanks largely to terrific ensemble work and inspired motorist mind games. With a nod to such 1970s comedies as Animal House and Caddyshack, this “boys in blue just wanna have fun” farce is hardly sophisticated, just clever, raucous fun. –Sean Axmaker

Quitting Smoking Cigarette

Starman Blu-ray Product: Starman Blu-ray Review. List Price: $28.95 Amazon Price: $20.99 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

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Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: PG
Release Date: 11-AUG-2009
Media Type: Blu-Ray

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19988 in DVD
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2009-08-11
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
• Formats: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, French
• Dubbed in: French
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 115 minutes

Great movie–revised review for Blu-ray. Looks great but lazy effort from Sony in every other area
Movie-5 stars, extras 0 stars, tranfer for Blu-ray (anamorphic widescreen I might add) 4 stars

Really what is Columbia thinking? “Starman” is one of John Carpenter’s finest films with an Oscar nominated performance by Jeff Bridges, a moving score by Jack Nitsche and a clever, thoughtful script that takes the same themes as Spielberg’s “E.T.” and develops them better. We get no extras. Nada. Nothing. We also get to pay a fairly hefty amount for the Blu-ray (it’s retailed at $29.00). Warner does a better copy of releasing their Blu-rays. Heck, even Fox and Universal have been making an effort to do a decent job with their films and TV shows on Blu-ray of late. “Starman” on Blu-ray is at least in widescreen and has a nice presentation with nice detail.

Sony didn’t really have to do much. England got a DVD edition of this with a commentary by John Carpenter. All they had to do was port that version over for this edition and throw on the original promotional featurette made back in the day. It wouldn’t have been hard. Don’t get me wrong, this is a terrific movie and it looks great but it’s a LOUSY effort on behalf of Sony. That’s surprising given that they won the format war. You’d expect a better effort than this truly lazy package.

What can you do? I suppose write Sony or wait to see if the UK version has the commentary track and other extras ported over to the Blu-ray. Since it’ll be region free buy that. If you must buy this cheap edition of the film try and pay as little as possible as this nearly bare bones (it has BD Live capacity and-whoopee!–trailers) editon of an exceptional film SHOULD retail at about $15.99 for what we get.

“This Film Has Been Formatted …( yadda yadda)”…What’s Up With That?
This review refers to the DVD edition of “Starman”(Columbia/Sony)….

I love this film. It’s a film I can view often and never tire of it.Beautifully directed by John Carpenter, wonderfully photographed with great music, and stars Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen have a terrific on screen chemistry. It’s got something for everybody. Great Sci-Fi, Romance, some Action/Adventure, Drama and Comedy as well. It’s a film that the entire family may enjoy together(may not be suitable for the very young, as there is mild language and violence). The story of a romance between an Earth woman and an alien that looks just like her dead husband, and the ensuing chase as the government tries to capture him, is one that captivates and will keep you under it’s spell, time and again. But Sony..what’s up with this DVD????

“This film has been modified…, and formatted to fit your screen”..UGH!! Don’t ya hate that? The buying info here shows the aspect ratio of this DVD to be 2.35:1, which is the original specs. But beware, it also says full screen and does not say widescreen or letterbox anywhere. On the back of the DVD box it says 1.33:1.This is a film that really should be seen in it’s original form. The way the director and cinematographer wanted you to see it. There are some spectacular scenes of the alien ship coming down, an explosion, and some wonderful scenery that begs to be seen from edge to edge. I even checked over at the Internet Movie Data Base, and they also show the DVD with both the original aspect ratio and full screen, but I could not locate a DVD like that anywhere. Maybe it was available once and has gone out of print, but if that is the case, a new edition needs to be released in widescreen, and Sony..some commentary or one or two bonus features for Sci-Fi fans on the “making of” might do nicely too.

That being said, the rest of the transfer to DVD of this fabulous film was well done. The picture is crystal clear,colors wonderful, and the sound in Stereo Surround(2.0) was actually very good. There are subtitles in English Spanish, and French and may be viewed in those languages as well. Or any combination of the languages and subtitles.

I love the film enough to go 5 stars for it, but taking off one for not even having a choice as to how I want to view it.
Sony….Puhleeese! Reissue this film in the original widescreen format. Thanks!….Laurie

also recommended:

Sci-fi Channel Trivia Book. The Ultimate Trivia Challenge

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Edward Scissorhands

Impossible not to like–a love story with a twist.
This film is simply impossible not to like. Jeff Bridges is unforgettable as an alien from an incomparably advanced race who is stranded on Earth (after taking human form) and seeking to return to his own civilization, and his excellent performance as such earned him an Oscar nomination. He really gets into the role, and plays it to perfection. His gestures and mannerisms as the alien trying to understand human beings are uncannily plausible. Karen Allen is also superb in her role as an ordinary human being caught up in the struggle between Bridges, seeking to escape the Earth, and those darned nasty Big Government agents who fear the alien and seek to capture and destroy him. Darned gummint, isn’t that just like them?

There are few special effects in the movie, and none are needed–this is a movie that gets through by sheer excellent storytelling and wonderful acting by Bridges and Allen. It manages to be touching without being sappy, and although our human government is viewed as being narrow-minded and overly paranoid, the alien in the end forms a high and joyous opinion of mankind, which I found uplifting and optimistic.

Well worth watching and owning.

Repossession Cars

Phineas and Ferb, Vol. 2: The Daze of Summer Product: Phineas and Ferb, Vol. 2: The Daze of Summer Lowest Price! List Price: $19.99 Amazon Price: $17.49 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

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School’s out and each day is the beginning of a brand new, side-splitting, outlandish adventure! Anything is possible when Phineas & Ferb plot their next fun-filled day. Join these step-brothers as they journey around the world… even out of this world for a visit to Mars, defy gravity in their magical acrobatic cirque and then head back in time to Ancient Greece as they Roman Around on chariots. This all new DVD comes with Googolplex Mall Science Fair games where you can create your own experiments! So get ready for a wild ride through the days of summer with Phineas And Ferb: The Daze Of Summer!

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2536 in DVD
• Brand: Buena Vista Home Video
• Released on: 2009-02-10
• Rating: G (General Audience)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 112 minutes

Features

• Summer fun lasts forever when you’re with Phineas and Ferb, so pull up a beach chair and get ready to laugh yourself silly with 10 hilarious episodes from the smash-hit Disney Channel Original Series. Plus, get in on the fun with the exclusive Googolplex Mall Science Fair Games where you can create your own experiments! Super-smart and seriously funny stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb come up with

Let’s do the timewarp again!
Other than a penchant for inspired madness and mad scientists, there is no overt relation between Disney’s “Phineas & Ferb” cartoon series and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. But you’ll see a backstage connection if you read the credits at the end of the five two-cartoon episodes on the this new DVD, “The Daze of Summer,” the second in the DVD series.

Comprised of shows selected from both seasons, almost every cartoon in the collection features a very impressive cast of voice actors and others known for their on-camera work. But series creators Jeff “Swampy” Marsh and Dan Povenmire (who also voices the neurotic, insecure Doofensmirtz) must be big-time Rocky Horror fans because the voice of P & F’s clueless dad is none other than Richard O’Brien, one of the “Rocky Horror” creators as well as “Riff Raff” in “Rocky Horror” (and the Childcatcher in the London stage version of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”). Performing other voices in various shows are Rocky Horror alums Tim Curry and Barry Bostwick.

There are also many young actors from various Disney Channel TV series doing voices, most prominently “High School Musical’s” Ashley Tisdale as the Dr. Bellows/Mrs. Kravitz-like Candice, the tattletale sister who is never believed my mom (Caroline Rhea). She even gets a solo song, “Queen of Mars,” in a two-part episode. Other Disney Channel faves include Mitchel Musso, Alyson Stoner, Brenda Song and Brian Stepanek, as well as top Hollywood voice actors Corey Burton (narrating a film about platypuses) and Tom Kenny (best known as the voice of Spongebob).

Every episode of “Phineas & Ferb fulfills” the wishes of many pre-pubescent boys: it’s always summer vacation, the two brothers can create practically anything, visit almost anywhere and always outwit their sister. There is always a parallel story in which their pet platypus, Perry, saves the world from destruction. Both plots usually somehow tie together. I know it doesn’t make sense, but you have to see it to get it. The show’s creative team really pulls off a rich, gag-filled maze of story in every show, which makes them fun to re-watch.

The episodes are as follows:

JERK DE SOLEIL
Candice’s allergic reaction to parsnips gives her an “Audrey II” voice.

TOY TO THE WORLD
The boys create a new toy. There are references to Willy Wonka and searing, sad-but-true jabs at corporate “yessing.”

A HARD DAY’S KNIGHT
The family takes a London vacation.

I, BROBOT
Phineas and Ferb create an army of Phinadroids and Ferbots.

IT’S A MUD, MUD, MUD, MUD, MUD WORLD
The brothers try to cheer up their sister with a monster truck show.

THE BALLAD OF BADBEARD
On a camping trip, the boys sail for adventure while Candice hallucinates after touching moss and becomes part of a Perry mission. (Parents note: Candice has the grooviest 60’s-style psychedelic experience since Jackie Gleason in Skidoo.)

GREECE LIGHTNING
Candice is again compared to a hideous beast and Doofensmirtz unleashes an urbane robot monster named Norm.

LEAVE THE BUSTING TO US
Candice enlists a TV reality show crew to expose her brothers’ latest creation: a theme park in the backyard.

UNFAIR SCIENCE FAIR / SCIENCE FAIR REDUX
Two carttoons edited together, with Candice eventutally being crowned Queen of Mars. A fitting finale.

The DVD also includes a series of interactive games themed to a science fair.

Great Show, Great Episodes, Great Dvd!!!!!!
If you are wondering what episodes are included in Phineas and Ferb: The Daze of Summer, Wonder no more. I own the dvd, and here are the episodes:
1. Jerk De Soleil
2. Toy To The World
3. A Hard Day’s Knight
4. I,Brobot
5. It’s A Mud,Mud,Mud,Mud World
6. The Ballad Of Badbeard
7. Greece Lightning
8. Leave The Busting To Us
9. Unfair Science Fair
10.Unfair Science Fair Redux
The last two listed episodes( Unfair Science Fair, and Unfair Science Fair Redux) are two episodes which I had never seen before. The episodes are about Phineas and Ferb helping Baljeet build a Portal to Mars, meanwhile Perry is fighting Dr. Doofensmirtz as usual, but it is interesting, because they show Dr. Doofensmirtz first (inator) invention!
Also Candace is trying to get a job with Jeremy.
Also included as a bonus feature on this dvd is THE GOOGOLPLEX MALL SCIENCE FAIR GAME/ACTIVITY. If you are a fan of Phineas and Ferb as I am, I highly suggest that you purchase this AWESOME dvd!!!

Best New Kids Cartoon I’ve Seen in Ages
There’s something so deliciously ridiculous about Phineas and Ferb. Even if the writing didn’t possess a startling self-awareness of its cartoon nature (which it does) the unending series of classic cartoon hijinx would’ve pushed it over the edge for me. A combination of two genius kids, their sister (who’s also aware of the formula that comprises each episode), a pet platypus and all of the adventures you never got to have as a kid makes Phineas and Ferb a wild ride for any child with an imagination. Phineas and Ferb: The Daze of Summer on DVD features five episodes which will do a pretty good job of entertaining the children without annoying the parents with squeaky animals - all of whom, you must apparently catch.

“Jerk de Soleil” / “Toy to the World”

Taking full advantage of the knowledge that their parents just don’t seem to ever catch on to their wildest stunts, Phineas and Ferb decide to host a Big Top performance in their backyard. In the second half, Phineas and Ferb go on to create the world’s most popular yet pointless toy: a toy platypus which does nothing. Both of these stunts happen much to the chagrin of their sister. The fake toy commercial at the beginning of the second half has a few dependable monkey/platypus laughs.

“A Hard Day’s Knight” / “I, Brobot”

A trip to the grandparents’ place leads Phineas and Ferb to an adventure of medieval proportions. Meanwhile, Perry the platypus goes up against his evil scientist nemesis Doofenshmirtz who feels, most of the time, like someone straight out of the Tick. In the second half, Phineas and Ferb realize that their ambitions far exceed their ability - until they remember one of their ambitions involves creating robotic duplicates of themselves. It’s hard for me to condemn any cartoon that breaks out into a techno dance mix.

“It’s a Mud, Mud, Mud, Mud World” / “The Ballad of Badbeard”

To help Candance gain confidence in her driving, Phineas and Ferb create a monster truck - obviously. Unfortunately, their monster truck inclinations attract the attention of the evil Doofenshmirtz leaving Perry to save the day without anyone being the wiser. After hearing the ballad of Badbeard around a campfire, the boys decide to set off in search of the long lost treasure.

“Greece Lightning” / “Leave the Busting to Us”

After a trip to the museum, Phineas and Ferb decide to recreate the ancient Roman chariot races - much to Candance’s unfortunate surprise. After countless episodes of her brothers getting away with crazy shenanigans, Candace hires an investigative busting service to spy on her brothers and reveal their activities to her parents.

“Unfair Science Fair” / “Unfair Science Fair Redux”

When a friend of the boys finds himself in dire need of a grade A science fair project, Phineas and Ferb pitch in to make a special two-part episode which involves Mars, Bollywood dance numbers and of course Perry and Doofenshmirtz.

DVD Extra Features:

“Googolplex Mall Science Fair”:

With three neat little puzzle games, the extra feature gives children developing their reasoning skills a run for their money…and more so. “WDCTMM (What Do Candace’s Text Messages Mean)” gives the viewer an encrypted, abbreviated text message and asks you to figure out which of the 3 supplied choices is the right message. Unfortunately the design of this game needs rethinking. Not only are the kids expected to decrypt the ridiculous text message, but they’re timed and given a ribbon based on how quickly they can guess. “The World’s Biggest Baking Soda Volcano-inator” brings the challenge down a notche simply asking you to work on your timing skills. Can you aid Dr. Doofenshmirtz in kicking the vinegar and baking soda into the volcano at just the right moment? Probably. The third game “Phineas and Ferb’s Microscopic Zoo That Fits on the Head of a Pin” gives you a highly zoomed piece of a picture which you must match to one of the five, unzoomed versions before you.

The voice acting is great (Caroline Rhea, Ashley Tisdale - with J.K. Simmons as a guest), the writing is easily above par (reminiscent of Strong Bad at times) and the animation has a top-class studio behind it. Personally, I have a secret love for the cartoon thanks to it being animated by Rough Draft Studios (they do Futurama). Couple that with a theme song by Bowling for Soup and - as previously mentioned - guest appearances by the likes of J.K. Simmons and you’ve got a remarkably smart kids cartoon that parents will appreciate as much as the kids.

Smokeless Cigarette

Locked Up Product: Buy Locked Up At Amazon! List Price: $19.99 Amazon Price: $16.99 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

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Love behind bars! Dennis is sent to prison when he is caught using stolen credit cards. While trying to serve his time without the interference of the prison gangs, he meets Mike, a muscle-bound fellow prisoner, and the two begin a steamy romance. This German-style “OZ” features frontal nudity and sexual situations.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21177 in DVD
• Brand: TLA RELEASING
• Released on: 2004-11-16
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: German
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 96 minutes

Fairly HOT soft core prison flick!
Erotic content good (requisite shower/rape scenes with ample full frontal footage). Dramatic content NOT very good or believable. Do German prisons really allow inmates to choose their cellmates and to set up housekeeping as lovers? Attractive actors. The “special features” interview with the 2 lead actors is very “honest” and worth listening to to hear their views on porn. Apparently the sex scenes are “hardcore” according to the actors, although the scenes appear to have been edited–perhaps for the US release?

They deserved to be locked up!
Locked Up opens with Dennis (Marcel Schlutt) going to prison for 2 years for credit card fraud and while in prison he falls in love with Mike (Mike Sale) who is serving 15 year for murder. The supposing dilemma comes from Dennis leaving before Mike’s time is up.
This movie is flat out laughable soft porn that has many beautiful faces and bodies and really nothing more. The cells are the size of dorm rooms and have funishing like lamps, radios, televisions and coffe makers to name a few. Some of the prisoners are wearing uniforms and some are not, not to mention I think most prisons would have you remove your piecings both the belly and the penis. The movie only becomes more ludicrous as the two fall in love after having five minute quikies in a cell. Several scenes were diturbing like the guy that was drenched in spit and the shower rape scene. If all this wasn’t bad enough when you get to the last scene of this movie, and see how it ends you’ll want the writer, director and producer locked up and the key thrown away.

But Is It Art Or Porn?
German Caucasian Dennis (Marcel Schlutt) gets sent to a German prison for credit-card fraud and falls for Mike (Mike Sale), an African American (?) who is serving a sentence of fifteen years for murdering his wife. What you expect in a prison movie is here: the gang cliques, the drug activity, the violence, the crooked guards and of course more sex than on a Saturday in a New Orleans House of Prostitution.

Although this film is not rated, there is frontal and backal nudity galore, some S & M activity– for instance, a scene where the bigger, stonger inmates line up and spit on one of their “punks”– visual masturbation and a gang rape. So is the movie pornographic? You be the judge. Pornography, for my money, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. A supreme court justice once said he couldn’t define pornography but he knew it when he saw it. The photographer Tom Bianchi would say that whether or not something is pornographic depends on the artistic ability of the artist. Certainly Robert Mapplethorpe photographed and exhibited in world class galleries images that make some of these look tame by comparison.

Not everybody acts in this film. Some of the men obviously got cast, not for their acting prowess, but for their bodies or perhaps only men with buffed bodies go to German prisons. Marcel Schlutt as Dennis has his moments. The ending, however, is a quite a stretch. This movie probably is one for watching on a cold, winter night.

Repossessed Cars

Biography - Johnny Cash AAndE DVD Archives Product: Buy Biography - Johnny Cash AAndE DVD Archives At Amazon! List Price: $24.95 Amazon Price: $22.49 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

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Hear his biggest hits and explore the remarkable life of the pioneering performer known as “the Man in Black.”

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33474 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-07-26
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 50 minutes

Very Good
This is a great DVD to add to a Johnny cash collection. This is an A&E program that dates back to 1998 (before Johnny’s death). It features interviews with Rosanne Cash, Tom Petty, Johnny’s brother and sister, ect… There are alot of footage and pictures I have never seen before. A&E really put alot of effort into this DVD. The content is mostly his early stuff then they briefly talk about the late 70’s and 80’s but still very informative.

This is a great portrait of Johnny Cash that anyone can enjoy. I have a learned a few new things about The man in black that I never read about in both his autobiographies.

A lifetime of Johnny Cash….
It is a privilege for a Cash fan from way back to share this story of Johnny’s life from his humble beginnings to the present! This is the most wonderful biography and, if you love Johnny Cash, you’ll love this video. It is a tribute to a man who has given so much pleasure to so many people and who, despite his success, has not lost his deep faith or the common touch. To have fulfilled his dream from the hardships and struggles endured by his family in his childhood is amazing and kept me enthralled.

Great Biography
I saw this A&E biography on its release back in 1998, and it is what made me become a huge Johnny Cash fan. This is a terrific DVD that was well put together and thorough in its research. Whether you are just curious about Johnny Cash or are already familiar with him I think this DVD is a great document of his life and is something that can be appreciated even after multiple viewings.

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Biography - Carol Burnett AAndE DVD Archives Product: Biography - Carol Burnett AAndE DVD Archives Lowest Price! List Price: $24.95 Amazon Price: $22.49 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

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She struggled to break into comedy. But after years of waiting, she became one of the most successful and acclaimed performers of all time. She grew up wanting to be a writer and a cartoonist, but when she got her first laugh in acting class, her life changed overnight. Carol Burnett headed to New York for a shot at the big time, and the rest is show biz history. Explore the remarkable life of the legendary comedienne through interviews with friends, family and costars, including Tim Conway and Harvey Korman. See clips of her breakthrough appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Jack Paar Show and Broadway. And take a long look at the masterful Carol Burnett Variety Hour, which cemented her place in comedy history. Laugh along as BIOGRAPHY profiles America’s queen of comedy, the legendary Carol Burnett.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32673 in DVD
• Brand: A&E
• Released on: 2005-07-26
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 50 minutes

Biography - Carol Burnett
An excellent life story of one of the greatest queens of comedy. I throughly enjoyed learning more about Carol Burnett. Her struggles in life make her comedy that much more appealing. For anyone who enjoyed the Carol Burnett show, A&E once again does a wonderful job in their biography video.

Carol Burnett Biography
This DVD Biography of Carol Burnett is the greatest. I have loaned this DVD to many friends. Two liked it so much that they bought their own copies.

CAROL BURNETT BIOGRAPHY
This is a very interesting overview of the professional life of Carol Burnett including some of the personal aspects of her marriage and interactions with friends.

Anti Wrinkle Creams

Carrie Special Edition Description:

Based on the best-selling Stephen King novel, Carrie “catches the mind, shakes it and refuses to let it go” (Time)! Starring Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie (in OscarÂ(r)-nominated* performances), John Travolta and Amy Irving, this ultimate revenge fantasy is “absolutely spellbinding” (Roger Ebert), “outrageously witty” (Los Angeles Times) and one of the all-time great horror classics! At the center of the terror is Carrie (Spacek), a tortured high-school misfit with no confidence, no friends…and no idea about the extent of her secret powers of telekinesis. But when her psychotic mother and sadistic classmates finally go too far, the once-shy teen becomes an unrestrained, vengeance-seeking powerhouse who, with the help of her ’special gift,’ causes all hell to break loose in a famed cinematic frenzy of blood, fire and brimstone! *1976: Spacek, Actress; Laurie, Supporting Actress

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9941 in DVD
• Brand: SPACEK,SISSY
• Released on: 2001-08-28
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English, French
• Subtitled in: Spanish, French
• Dubbed in: Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 98 minutes

Customer Reviews:

Truly horrifying and scary… makes you think.
Seeing this movie on cable is nothing compared to actually seeing it uncut and rated R. Unlike the ludicrously-conceived sequel, which hit theaters in 1999, this movie does not have a strong emphasis on blood or gore, and there is an evident emotional factor as well. The viewers can actually sympathize with Carrie White as she goes through her adolescent period, endures the hardhips of being the center of ridicule and banter, and her feelings of happiness when Tommy asks her to the prom. Sissy Spacek plays her character to a T, making the emotions believable and realistic. Piper Laurie, who plays her mother, is the pinacle of the tight-fisted parent who allows for nothing degrading to enter into her child’s life or mind. Brian de Palma has truly done a marvelous job in recreating the Stephen King classic, and while some factors of the movie and the book differ at different times, there is still a remaining quality of justice done to the novel. This movie will also make some people think twice before making fun of anyone again. To all who see this, I hope you enjoy it.

You can’t just look at this as a horror movie anymore
This is one of my favorite films. If you’ve never seen it how lucky you are to still have it ahead of you! If you haven’t seen it for years, and remember it as just a dumb teen horror movie, you have the pleasure of discovering how well made and acted it is.

I was one of those who just thought this was a dumb teen horror movie, and was thus surprised when it was the first film we studied in one of my college film courses. Learning how deftly layered and brilliantly directed this movie is was in large part my first awakening to how interesting and well-done horror and other dismissed genres can be.

Although this film was considered horror when it came out, now, more than 20 years later, I think you have to look at it as more of a macabre tragic drama, because certainly no one will be scared by it. Many on the IMDb complain that “nothing happens” in the first hour, which I blame on its continuing place in the “horror” genre. Unfortunately, those people are missing all of the character development and thematic content that makes the ending so moving to those who have followed it.

The film is unflinching in its portrayal of female jealousy and sublimated sexual rage. The appearance of Carrie’s powers coincides with her first period, i.e. the onset of sexual maturity. The following events are all about sexual attraction and jealousy, following Carrie’s emergence as a woman, the dynamics of the other girls at school and their sexual/romantic intrigues, and the White family’s bizarre sexual mores. The drama with the girls at school is all about dates and sex and going to the prom. Carrie’s sympathetic gym teacher tries to get her to wear makeup and pay more attention to her hair. Meanwhile, Carrie’s mother equates her menstruation with acceptance of sin, and later refers to her breasts as “dirty pillows.” Once you start to look at it this way, you’ll be surprised at the number of incidents and bits of dialogue that relate to this theme, and how carefully focused the entire screenplay is.

Sissy Spacek’s performance really is multi-layered and heartbreaking, and gets better the more you get into the film. The early scenes at the prom, when you see her trying her best to get out of her shell, and how scared she is of being hurt, are all the more tragic knowing what is going to happen to her a few minutes later. When she is announced as Prom Queen, you see from the look on her face that she has finally come to believe that she has been accepted and liked. That the image of her walking silently through the burning school still remains so iconic and startlingly creepy is testament to her performance and this film’s power.

The other amazing thing is DePalma’s direction. The sequence beginning with the announcement of Carrie as Prom Queen is a masterpiece of building tension — notice the music and editing as the sequence gathers speed, culminating with the spilling of the blood. You will also notice that this entire sequence is dialogue-free. It is so tight, audacious and over-the-top that you have to admire it. I know DePalma later expressed regret over the split screen effect, but I remember how effective it was when I first saw the film — it left me feeling like so much is happening at once that you couldn’t possibly take it all in. It’s really overwhelming and distancing at the same time — as opposed to most horror films that try to bring viewers INTO the terror.

The mere fact that this movie is still around almost 25 years later is a testament to its brilliance. It is much more respected now than when it first came out– in part I think because the “horror” label worked against it. Look at the horror aspects the way they should be — as a metaphor– and you’ll start to get into it. The closer you look the better it becomes.

I Can See Your Dirty Pillows!!!
Stephen King’s first novel that was adapted into film version is quite true to the author’s words. While Stephen King was less than pleased with the film version of his malevolent masterpiece, “The Shining”, King was quite happy with Brian De Palma’s direction and his vision with “Carrie”.
Sissy Spacek in her debut role as the freakish, shy and telekinetic Carrie White. Sissy beat out Melanie Griffith and Carrie Fisher for the title role that launched her career.

The beautiful Piper Laurie is cast as the ravenous religious fanatic, stark-raving, bible beating, madwoman and Carrie’s mother, Margaret White who chastises Carrie relentlessly and has a penchant for locking her daughter in the closet with a really creepy, crucified Jesus statue and candles so that Carrie may repent of her evil, sinful and womanly ways.

Amy Irving as the well-to-do town doctor’s daughter Sue Snell and Amy’s real-life mom, Priscilla Pointer as the “cocktails at five socialite”, Mrs. Snell.

William Katt plays Tommy Ross who asks Carrie to The Bates High School Senior Prom, the butch, Betty Buckley as the ultimate in P.E. teachers from Hell, Miss Collins, Nancy Allen , Brian De Palma’s wife as the horribly cruel and self-absorbed, Chris Hargensen, John Travolta as the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, Billy Nolan and P.J. Soles, the “whore” from Halloween as Chris’ best friend and partner in crime, Norma Watson.

Even a young Edie, (Grace from Ferris Buehler’s Day Off and the car rental lady from Planes, Trains, and Automobiles) has a bit part.

The real star here, however, is Brian De Palma’s direction and the cinematography in “Carrie”. The opening shower scene rivals “Psycho”, the Senior Prom dance scene makes the viewer dizzy no matter how small a screen you watch it on, the split-screen King and Queen and ensuing bloodfest is masterfully directed and shot along with the dream sequence that was filmed backwards in the end. However, my favorite scene is where Margaret White is crucified a la “creepy Jesus statue” style, by her own daughter!

A Top 10 Horror Film In My Book!

Happy Watching and Unpleasant Dreams!

Amazon.com essential video
This terrifying adaptation of Stephen King’s bestselling horror novel was directed by shock maestro Brian De Palma for maximum, no-holds-barred effect. Sissy Spacek stars as Carrie White, the beleaguered daughter of a religious kook (Piper Laurie) and a social outcast tormented by her cruel, insensitive classmates. When her rage turns into telekinetic powers, however, school’s out in every sense of the word. De Palma’s horrific climax in a school gym lingers forever in the memory, though the film is also built upon Spacek’s remarkable performance and Piper Laurie’s outlandishly creepy one. John Travolta has a small part as a thug, De Palma’s future wife, Nancy Allen, is his girlfriend, and Amy Irving makes her screen debut as one of the girls giving Carrie a hard time. –Tom Keogh

Nail Fungus Treatments

Stronger Seniors Chair Exercise Program - Developed by Anne Burnell, Continuing Education Provider for Older Adult Populations for the American Council on Exercise ACE and Faculty for The National Council on Aging. Description:

The Stronger Seniors Workout Program is designed by Certified Fitness Instructor Anne Pringle Burnell to help seniors develop strength and to enhance the ability to function in daily life. These two fitness DVDs work together to improve your ability to be stable and balanced, to stay mobile, to go up and down stairs, to squat and pick something up, and to play with your grandchildren!

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2496 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-12-01
• Formats: Full Screen, NTSC
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 95 minutes

Features

• Special 2-DVD set
• Developed by Certified Instructor and Faculty with the American Council on Exercise
• Improve Quallity of of Life
• Reduce Chance of Chronic Illness
• Live Longer Live Stronger

Customer Reviews:

EXCELLENT exercises for those who need it most
After my father’s passing last year, I moved my 85 year-old mother in with me. She’s active for her age, but recently started having trouble with balance, getting out of her recliner, and out of the tub. I did a search on Amazon for chair exercises and came across this set. I ordered it a couple of months ago and it has made a tremendous difference in Mom ’s mobility and comfort.

The set comes with two DVDs; one has a stretching routine and the other has strength and balance exercises. Each routine is about 45 minutes long and are mostly done in a sturdy kitchen chair. Although I got these for Mom’s benefit, my partner and I (both in late 50’s) have taken to doing the exercises with Mom. We alternate the two DVD’s 5-6 days a week and we’ve all three noted that we feel much better. I’ve bought other exercise DVDs, but they tend to have young contortionists leading the program. The routines are usually too hard and we end up hurting something and quitting. With this set I feel like I get about 70 percent of the benefit of a more intense stretching and arm strength workout with about 5 percent of the pain and injury. For example, for the weightlifing section, Mom uses 3 pound weights and I use 5 pound weights. We’ve both seen significant improvements in arm and shoulder flexibility and strength. The most important gain has been in Mom’s balance and stability. She can now get out of her recliner easily, and she’s much less tottery when she walks.

I’ve been so impressed with the gains we’ve all made that I’ve ordered the set for my older sister and the mothers of several close friends. I’ve also shown the set to my physician and Mom’s physician. They’re both going to recommend to other patients. Given the high prevalence and serious consequences of falls in the elderly, I urge you to invest in this for any elderly loved one. My partner and I do other weekly excersises (walking, kayaking, Wii Fit, biking), but still find a lot of benefit in the exercises on these DVDs. My Mom likes the fact that the folks doing the exercises on the video are more like her than in most videos.

The only issue you might have is helping an elderly person set up the DVD player and change the discs every day. Mom couldn’t get the hang of the TiVo and DVD remotes, so it’s good that she has me here. Also, you might watch your senior the first time or two to make sure they are doing the exercises correctly so as to not strain anything. Mom took a little coaching on some of the forms. Now she’s a pro.

I ordered two other DVDs in the Stronger Seniors series (Yoga and Pilates). Neither of those worked as well for us. The yoga was too hard for Mom and we didn’t like the second instructor as well as the original instructor. The Pilates DVD uses stretch bands, but the exercises seem less intense and helpful. Surprisingly, Mom didn’t like it as well because the workout is a few minutes shorter.

Sorry for the long review, but I can’t over emphasize how pleased our family is with these DVDs. I urge you to get this for your own health or for any senior you care about. FYI, I had never heard of Anne Pringle Burnell before I found these DVDs in an Amazon search. Now she’s a hero at our house.

Too long
I purchased the two-disk Stretch and Strength set. Iam a 71 year old woman who has osteoarthritis.I am ambulatory, but unable to walk for exercise or do strong aerobics. I have used the Stretch disk once and found the exercises to be comfortable and invigorating for the most part. Most of the stretches were doable for me except for one where you put you leg out to the side. I had to adjust the leg position on that one.

However, I thought 44 minutes of nothing but stretches was too long. There is no logical break in the routine so you have to finish it at one sitting. In addition, the exercises were performed very very slowly, which is good for some, but I found it boring after a while. I kept watching the display to see how much time was left - thought it would never end.

Variety is what I am looking for - 5 minutes of stretching combine with strength and mild aerobics and cool down for a total of 30-35 minutes for one disk would be perfect for me. I don’t have time to spend longer at one stretch (no pun intended).

I haven’t used the strength yet, but I’m guessing I’ll have the same problem with it since it is 51 minutes long.

The best elderly exercise DVD out there
My Mom was a 73 year-old, bound to a wheelchair, not able to do most of the things she loved to do. Her doctor suggested exercise. I decided to purchase an at-home video. I first bought one with a lady who did the exercises on a beach, which seemed ridiculous. Plus she couldn’t stand looking at the bleached hair and the fake smile on her face. She then tried one where a woman waved paper plates around. It was OK, but the horrible computer-generated music drove her crazy.

I decided to do some research for the next video I would get so she would actually do the exercises on a regular basis. I came across Anne Burnell. She is not only a Certified Personal Trainer, but she is certified to train other trainers in many disciplines of exercise, including Senior Exercise. She teaches at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the University of Illinois in Chicago. The program is recommended by some very prominant health professionals.

I then went to the Stronger Seniors website and was able to watch clips of her senior exercise DVDs. They are GREAT! They are done in a group setting with other seniors, to music that is both relaxing and motivating. Anne explains each exercise, the proper body position, and why it is important to do.

My Mom does them every day, often with a friend and sometimes by herself. Since starting the program, I have returned her wheelchair to the hospital store and she only uses her walker when taking long walks. She is gardening again and feeling wonderful. Our family and her doctor are thrilled.

I have since bought Anne’s other chair exercise DVDs, the Pilates one and the Yoga. Both are terrific, and Mom thinks the yoga is so new and an absolutely wonderful experience every time she use it. I do the Yoga one with her!

Review
About Anne Burnell

Anne Pringle Burnell created the Stronger Seniors® Chair Exercise Program. Her program is offered by ACE and AFAA for CECs, and Anne has trained hundreds of personal trainers at workshops across the country.

Ms. Burnell is a Continuing Education Provider for the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA), training Certified Personal Trainers in the special needs of Senior Citizens

Ms. Burnell is aslso Faculty for the National Council on Aging.

Anne is one of only 150 Master Trainers worldwide for Stott PilatesTM, and am fully certified on all apparatuses.

Her other certifications include: Nia Technique, Kickboxing, Cycling, Aquatics, Seniors Instruction, and Pre- & Postnatal exercise.

Ms. Burnell has been a guest instructor at resorts throughout the U.S. and Carribean, and an educational presenter for the National Council on Aging/American Society of Aging and the American Cancer Society.

Anne is educator at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the University of Illinois at Chicago, the Center for Older Adults, Peninsula Spa, and Elements in Motion, a Stott PilatesTM Certification Center in Chicago.

Ms. Burnell also developed the Peyow® Aqua Pilates program which premiered at the prestigious Peninsula Spa Chicago. The course is certified for CECs by the Aquatic Exercise Association.

The Stronger Seniors® Workout Program is designed by Certified Fitness Instructor and Faculty Provider Anne Pringle Burnell to help seniors develop strength and to enhance the ability to function in daily life. These two fitness DVDs work together to improve your ability to be stable and balanced, to stay mobile, to go up and down stairs, to squat and pick something up, and to play with your grandchildren! –Stronger Seniors® Chair Exercise Programs Live Strong, Live Long

Review
About Anne Burnell

Anne Pringle Burnell created the Stronger Seniors® Chair Exercise Program. Her program is offered by ACE and AFAA for CECs, and Anne has trained hundreds of personal trainers at workshops across the country.

Ms. Burnell is a Continuing Education Provider for the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA), training Certified Personal Trainers in the special needs of Senior Citizens

Ms. Burnell is aslso Faculty for the National Council on Aging.

Anne is one of only 150 Master Trainers worldwide for Stott PilatesTM, and am fully certified on all apparatuses.

Her other certifications include: Nia Technique, Kickboxing, Cycling, Aquatics, Seniors Instruction, and Pre- & Postnatal exercise.

Ms. Burnell has been a guest instructor at resorts throughout the U.S. and Carribean, and an educational presenter for the National Council on Aging/American Society of Aging and the American Cancer Society.

Anne is educator at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the University of Illinois at Chicago, the Center for Older Adults, Peninsula Spa, and Elements in Motion, a Stott PilatesTM Certification Center in Chicago.

Ms. Burnell also developed the Peyow® Aqua Pilates program which premiered at the prestigious Peninsula Spa Chicago. The course is certified for CECs by the Aquatic Exercise Association.

The Stronger Seniors® Workout Program is designed by Certified Fitness Instructor and Faculty Provider Anne Pringle Burnell to help seniors develop strength and to enhance the ability to function in daily life. These two fitness DVDs work together to improve your ability to be stable and balanced, to stay mobile, to go up and down stairs, to squat and pick something up, and to play with your grandchildren! –Stronger Seniors® Chair Exercise Programs Live Strong, Live Long

Review
About Anne Burnell

Anne Pringle Burnell created the Stronger Seniors® Chair Exercise Program. Her program is offered by ACE and AFAA for CECs, and Anne has trained hundreds of personal trainers at workshops across the country.

Ms. Burnell is a Continuing Education Provider for the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA), training Certified Personal Trainers in the special needs of Senior Citizens

Ms. Burnell is aslso Faculty for the National Council on Aging.

Anne is one of only 150 Master Trainers worldwide for Stott PilatesTM, and am fully certified on all apparatuses.

Her other certifications include: Nia Technique, Kickboxing, Cycling, Aquatics, Seniors Instruction, and Pre- & Postnatal exercise.

Ms. Burnell has been a guest instructor at resorts throughout the U.S. and Carribean, and an educational presenter for the National Council on Aging/American Society of Aging and the American Cancer Society.

Anne is educator at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the University of Illinois at Chicago, the Center for Older Adults, Peninsula Spa, and Elements in Motion, a Stott PilatesTM Certification Center in Chicago.

Ms. Burnell also developed the Peyow® Aqua Pilates program which premiered at the prestigious Peninsula Spa Chicago. The course is certified for CECs by the Aquatic Exercise Association.

The Stronger Seniors® Workout Program is designed by Certified Fitness Instructor and Faculty Provider Anne Pringle Burnell to help seniors develop strength and to enhance the ability to function in daily life. These two fitness DVDs work together to improve your ability to be stable and balanced, to stay mobile, to go up and down stairs, to squat and pick something up, and to play with your grandchildren! –Stronger Seniors® Chair Exercise Programs Live Strong, Live Long

Wrinkle Cream Reviews

The X-Files - The Complete First Season Slim Set Description:

Get reacquainted with Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), and all the clever plots dealing with the occult, monsters, urban legends, conspiracy theories, and the rest that made this show an uncanny hit.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3851 in DVD
• Brand: TCFHE
• Released on: 2006-01-31
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC, Full Screen
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 6
• Running time: 1089 minutes

Customer Reviews:

Finally–A Collection Well-Suited for DVD!
“The X-Files” is an excellent fit for DVD—beautifully shot, a mythology deep enough to keep teenagers buying background material, and a rabid fan following noted for their penchant to purchase anything “X”.

Having collected several of the collector’s sets on VHS, like many I was frustrated by the lack of completeness in each release, with a season represented by only 25% of its episodes. While this is acceptable for the casual fans, it proved exruciating for the true X-phile, as invariably favorite episodes were left out of the mix.

This situation has been rectified with the release of the entire first season of the show on DVD in a seven-disc collection. It is now possible to watch each episode commercial-free and in sequence in a digital-quality medium. In addition, an extras disc has been added (details are listed above), including a DVD-ROM computer game.

Having completed my viewing of the entire 1st set, several observations came to mind: - The “X-Files”, almost unique in episodic television, hit the airwaves fully-formed. There is precious little difference in tone or execution between the pilot and subsequent episodes. - Whereas some of the 3rd and 4th season episodes saw a noticeable decline in quality (due to the loss of key writers and Chris Carter’s focus elsewhere), the 1st season episodes are generally superbly-written.

Unfortunately, my cut of this collection did suffer from noticeable editing problems. Nothing major, typically just a couple of misaligned frames at chapter cuts, but let’s face it–for this kind of money, it should be flawless.

Nonetheless, I highly recommend this collection.

The way TV should be released on DVD
Remember back when The X-Files was still fairly easy to understand?

Relive those magic (and sometimes goofy) moments with this new box set. Sure, half of it has already been released on VHS - but this set includes some gems that the first couple waves of home video ignored.

Remember the eternally creepy “Young At Heart”, or a few unintenionally silly episodes like “Space” or “Ghost in the Machine”? Or Nicholas Lea’s first X-Files appearance (although not as Krycek)? How about “Roland” or “Born Again”, which represent some of the finest moments from the first season? They’re all here, alongside other popular episodes like “The Erlenmeyer Flask”, “Deep Throat”, “E.B.E.”, “Darkness Falls” and “Ice” (which is essentially a remake of John Carpenter’s The Thing - but the X-Files does it better)!

For the first time in the U.S., you can finally buy a TV program season by season. And plus - these discs give you trailers, interviews and even some cool DVD-ROM content.

If only Paramount would do their Star Trek discs this way!

14
This set of 24 episodes from the third year of the X FILES represents what I think is the best overall season to date. Of course, when discussing a television show of the unprecedented high quality of the X FILES, “best” certainly is a qualified term. Every season, with the possible exception of the current one ( the jury is still out ) has maintained a high level of artistry and craftsmanship. In fact, I believe the X FILES is the single greatest show ever to be aired on television. In so many areas, whether it be writing, acting or the shear beauty of the production, this show is truly a miracle occurring in medium which, in truth, doesn’t often rise above mediocrity. The credit for this phenomenon is shared amongst many dedicated individuals, most working behind the scenes ( Chris Carter obviously deserves special mention, as the creator of the show).

For many seasons Carter maintained the integrity of an artistic vision that the Fox executives were smart enough to take a gamble on. Given the “franchise” nature of the X FILES, their gamble certainly paid off. And, if parts of the last 2 seasons have been rough ( a portent that the show will not necessarily fade gloriously into the sunset ) that does not take away from Carter and company’s magnificent achievement.

Although a casual awareness of the X FILES may bring to mind government conspiracy, aliens, “spooky” supernatural phenomenon, the core issues in the show are that of truth, faith, love, good and evil; those issues that have captivated mankind’s imagination for as long as it has had the capacity to record its artistic, philosophical and revelatory reactions.

Another very strong part of the X FILES’ appeal is obviously the complex relationship between Fox Mulder and Dana Scully; one needn’t be “married” ( pardon the pun ) to the notion that the show revolves COMPLETELY around some sort of nascent romantic relationship; it’s sufficient to acknowledge the respect, camaraderie and genuine love ( whether it’s romantic or platonic ) the two share. Mulder and Scully, two deeply serious ( however witty ) people help “ground” each other in their respective “quest” (s).

As good as the actors and production team are, the writers are the bedrock of the X FILES. And, if irony constitutes one of the primary elements in the work of great writers, the core writing staff can at least be described as striving for greatness. The self-reflexive humor constantly on display in the central characters of Mulder and Scully, superbly acted by Duchovny and Anderson, fleshes out the nuances appropriate to the background of these committed and eccentric personalities. Also, the 1013 team delights in a playful, “embedded” concepts that recur time and time again in the background of the show. Without going into ridiculous detail ( which others can document better than I can ) there is a certain archetypal X FILES “iconography”, which has developed more and more with each successive season. A fondness for neon lights or flashing sirens of ambulances and police cars; a humorously morbid fascination with the bathroom as a crime scene ( etc. ). One of the true beauties of the X FILES is that it so “layered” that one can appreciate it on any one of a number of levels. This is why it’s possible to watch these episodes over and over again and not be bored.

As far as this DVD box is concerned, the 3rd season’s consistency episode to episode is magnificent. The “mythology” two-parters are tightly written, beautifully produced ( amazing stunts and cinematography ). “NISEI / 731″ and “PIPER MARU/APOCRYPHA” are really “mini movies”. I’m still flabbergasted that these episodes could actually be prepared for television.

The “stand alone” ( or “monster of the week” ) episodes are equally well done. “OUBLIETTE” has a tremendously strong performance from David Duchovny and the guest actress; a real heartbreaker, this superior episode strikes me as a precursor to the more acclaimed 4th season “PAPER HEARTS”.

The ongoing exploration of Scully’s conflicted inner feelings ( manifested in her two “contesting” traits, scientific rationalism and religious faith )are nicely portrayed in “REVELATIONS”.

“PUSHER” deserves its reputation as one of the most popular “stand alone” episodes. Its famous villain, Robert Patrick Modell, has a favored place among the most memorable evil characters from the show ( Eugene Victor Tooms and Donnie Pfaster also come to mind ).

“QUAGMIRE” fits into a sort of outdoor or “forest” X FILES sub-genre ( first seen in Season 1’s “DARKNESS FALLS” and continuing in Season 5’s “DETOUR” ). All these “forest” episodes were hellishly difficult to film in Vancouver’s rainy woods but the results are yet another of the series’ delights; the location shooting is spectacular. In particular, the scene in “QUAGMIRE” with the “stranded” Mulder and Scully is priceless.

Then there are writer Darin Morgan’s three masterpieces, quirky and self-mocking yet at the same time strangely touching. In particular, “CLYDE BRUCKMAN’S FINAL REPOSE” and “JOSE CHUNG’S `FROM OUTER SPACE’ are two of the finest individual episodes in the entire history of the X FILES.

Inevitably, even in such a strong season, there are “clunkers”. To a certain degree, “DPO” and “2 SHY” fit this category but I consider “HELL MONEY and especially “TESO DOS BICHOS” as the worst of the 3rd season ( however, these two episodes, judged by the standards of other television programs, would be graded more leniently ).

The season closing cliffhanger,. “TALITHA CUMI”, displays the type of writing, acting and production strengths exhibited throughout most of the glorious third season. This was from a time when the myth arc was fresh and excitement among fans at a fever pitch waiting through the summer for the next developments.

Fnally, while it is legitimate to argue that Season 4 offered more opportunities for Gillian Anderson to develop the character of Dana Scully, Season 3 still ranks at the top for me. I’m partial to the variety and freshness of the stand alone episodes and the excitement of the mythology arc was never topped.

Amazon.com
In the first season of The X-Files, creator Chris Carter was uncertain of the series’ future, so each of the episodes is a self-contained suspense story; they do not delve deep into the ongoing X-Files mythology or turn to self-parody and humor as do episodes in later seasons. Yet, these episodes display the elements for which the show would become famous: the cinematic production values and top-notch special effects, the stark lighting of the Vancouver sets, the atmospheric halo of Mark Snow’s score, and the clever plots dealing with subjects ranging from the occult, religion, and monsters to urban legends, conspiracy theories, and science fiction. Most importantly, season 1 introduces FBI agents Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox “Spooky” Mulder (David Duchovny), two of the most attractive government officials around. Scully is the serious-minded medical scientist assigned to join Mulder on the X-Files, a division of the FBI dealing with the paranormal. Mulder is the intuitive thinker with a dry wit, a passionate believer in the existence of paranormal phenomena and one of the few characters on television smart enough to figure out who the bad guy is before the audience does. Their muddled relationship, a deep friendship laced with sexual tension, provides the human heart in a world where the bizarre and horrible lurk in everyday society.

Those unfamiliar with The X-Files often view all the fuss with the same skepticism with which Scully first regards her new partner’s ideas. But just as she comes to realize the uncanny accuracy of Mulder’s outlandish theories, newcomers to The X-Files who sample a few episodes in this boxed set will likely find themselves riveted to their television late into the night. And undoubtedly, the shadows and creaking noises in the house that evening will seem more menacing than usual. –Eugene Wei

Anti Wrinkle Creams

Night Gallery - The Complete First Season Description:

Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 08/24/2004

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7280 in DVD
• Brand: Universal
• Released on: 2004-08-24
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Box set, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 3
• Dimensions: .55 pounds
• Running time: 523 minutes

Customer Reviews:

A Review Based On Facts
I bought this today and just finished the Pilot Epsiode. So this review is based on the actual DVD release, and not speculation or hearsay. and yes, IT DOES INCLUDE THE PILOT!
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding this release for months. Some of which I agree with, but most of which seems to be based on unrealistic and even fanatical speculation. Is this a perfect Night Gallery DVD? No. Is it worth buying? Without a doubt.

The Picture Quality: Is quite good. The color is all there and has obviously been enhanced and corrected. No more grainy, magenta tinted episodes like we’ve seen on TV for years. The transfer is crisp and color well saturated. There are a few dust spots and hairs from time to time, but no long scratches. Could Universal do better? Sure. But let’s be realistic. Most of us watched these episodes on grainy TV sets with rabbit ear antennae 30 years ago. They look better on the DVD than I ever remember.

Sound Quality. This seems to have been much enhanced. Not quite Dolby Surround, but the musical score is clear and crisp, and lends a creepy layer of atmosphere the series never had back when we only had a crummy TV speaker. The sound is great, at least on the pilot.

Extras? Well, there are none, and here I agree with the critics. Would it have killed Universal to put the paintings on DVD? Or maybe include one interview with Serling or even Spielberg? This is barebones for sure.

Presentation: The box is a beautifully printed glossy gatefold with some cool photos of Rod Serling on N.G. set. It’s quite nice and well done. There are 3 discs.

If you’ve been waiting to see the full episodes of N.G. for decades, like I have, then buy this set and don’t listen to the carping from other reviewers and websites. Let’s be realistic; boycotting the release of this DVD because it’s not perfect is like going on a Hunger Strike at McDonald’s because they’re not a 5 star French Restaurant! Get real! Although I loved Night Gallery, it has always been considered the ugly stepchild in Serling’s oeuvre. It was not as highly regarded as Twilight Zone, nor as well known because far fewer epsiodes were made for Syndication. Hopefully this disc set will change that and N.G. will get the respect it deserves. Who knows? If enough people buy the set, maybe Universal will release season two with the goodies. If you sit on your behind, boycott this release, sulk or even harrass the studio, it’s likely the season two episodes will stay in the dark forever. I for one, will be enjoying this DVD set immensely. It’s a long time overdue.

Some good news and some bad news
I am the coauthor, with Jim Benson, of the companion guide to “Rod Serling’s Night Gallery.” We’ve been tracking this release pretty closely and are privy to as much information as we can squeeze out of Universal Studios. We’re grateful the series has been tapped for a DVD release, and the set has been struck from original, uncut prints–the same ones Columbia House used for its mail-order volumes–and not the butchered half-hour syndication version that played on the SciFi Channel for years. That said, the master for the pilot is 20 years old, and those for the series are 15 years old–acceptable, but a bit long-in-the-tooth compared to the up-to-date treatment other television series have received. Imbedded in a few of the episodes are some errors, mostly in the sound and music tracks, and it would have been preferable had Universal seen fit to correct these. We also fail to see why a series which featured the involvement of both Rod Serling and Steven Spielberg did not rate a budget that allowed special features. If Warner Brothers can load extras into DVD releases of such non-classics as “Wonder Woman” and “The Dukes of Hazzard,” then Universal is out of touch with current standards in the DVD business when they fail to properly document their own classic TV shows (such as “Rod Serling’s Night Gallery” and “Columbo”). However, Universal is new to the TV side of their property library and may need to get their feet wet before they finally catch up to their more forward-looking competitors.
As a caveat emptor, the first season is relatively free of errors compared to the second season. The most critical error is the crackling that runs through the soundtrack of Serling’s segment “The House” (found in Episode #3). Any further critique will have to wait until the release.
And who knows, if sales for Season One are impressive enough, maybe the studio will do right by Season Two and give “RSNG” a budget that more accurately reflects its classic status.

Second Season Much Better
No question that Night Gallery is a series that divides opinion and I’d agree with those who say Twilight Zone is more consistent in quality. Night Gallery suffers from far too many bad-to-outright-embarrassing segments that really do make you question the sanity of its creators. I assume a lot of drugs were being taken because even at its worst, NG has a kind of hallucinogenic quality that indicates the writers and directors were encouraged to be as experimental as they wanted to be even if the results didn’t always cohere. As much as I love TZ and acknowledge its greatness, I still prefer Night Gallery because at its very best, NG offers individual segments that are far stronger in content and more striking in presentation. My love for stories of the macabre may also explain my preference but even the most critical viewer would have to acknowledge that Night Gallery presented some of the scariest and most hauntingly original drama ever presented on television. The problem with the new Season One DVD set is that it contains very few of the best Night Gallery segments. If I were making a judgment based on this set, I’d be pretty disappointed. The Pilot is superb as are “The Doll”, “They’re Tearing Down Tim Riley’s Bar”, “The Dead Man,” and “Certain Shadows on the Wall” but the rest are forgettable. OK, the “Little Black Bag” is very strong until the final scene but the shock ending falls flat because it is rushed and explained away rather than shown or suggested (it could have been handled without showing gore) and the sudden cut to the future lab scene destroys the atmosphere. It’s a botched ending - one of many that ruined otherwise good segments. But I digress. Night Gallery really came into its own in the Second Season and it is here that you find so many brilliant segments (mixed in, of course, with the routine and those horrendous vignettes). The best Second Season segments include “The Caterpillar,” “A Fear of Spiders,” “A Question of Fear,” “Camera Obscura,” “Cool Air,” “Class of 99,” “Silent Snow, Secret Snow”, “Green Fingers,” “The Messiah of Mott Street,” “Satisfaction Guaranteed,” Pickman’s Model,” “The Boy Who Predicted Earthquakes,” “The Devil is Not Mocked,” “Brenda”, “The Dark Boy,” “Last Rites for a Dead Druid”, “Deliveries in the Rear,” “Dead Weight,” “I’ll Never Leave You, Ever”, “The Sins of the Fathers” and “Little Girl Lost.” Any of these segments compare favorably with anything Twilight Zone offered and I’d argue that no single season of TZ presented so many outstanding segments. I am hoping and praying that Universal gives us a Second Season DVD set that is digitally remastered and packed with all the extras that fans are clamoring for. The Third Season was a disappointment but there were a couple of really strong episodes including “Something in the Woodwork,” and “The Other Way Out” - the latter being perhaps the most nail-biting segment of all. Don’t dismiss Night Gallery until you’ve seen it’s brilliant second season and the best of the third season. Seen in its entirety, Night Gallery emerges as one of the most creative and entertaining series ever seen on television and a very worth follow-up to Twilight Zone.

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