Kakaku：849 saved$8.49
Universal Studios
Usually ships in 9 to 12 days IPhone 3G used's review (A Classic Dystopian Film. Sadly underappreciated) 『I remember seeing some previews for this film, and thinking that it looked interesting. I'm a big Clive Owen fan, and aside from what I saw in the trailer, I didn't really know much about it. Had never read the book, hadn't seen any promo for it aside from the aforementioned trailer.
As I was watching it I found myself realizing I was watching something special. I viewed it on the train ride from the east coast to the West coast, and was thoroughly captivated and drawn into this well made film.
Clive Owen is great in this, as is just about everyone in here. How this film got overlooked for Best Picture is beyond me. Three of the best films of 2007 were all made by Spanish Directors (Children of Men, Pans Labyrinth and Babel), and in my opinion Children of Men was definitely given the shaft when it came to Oscar time, only being nomimated for screenplay and cinematography, winning neither.
If you like good movies that are intelligently made, and have a lot of replay value, buy this movie. You won't be sorry.
』
(Possibly the best SF movie in a decade) 『I really can't think of a better science fiction movie in the last decade. It isn't about the standard story of how we bring about our own demise, or the immediate aftermath. In fact, we don't even know why people stop having children. Instead, we look at the world twenty or so years from now, and see how people have learned to deal with it.
What really makes this a superb movie is the way in which the story is told. Long, single shots make this a beautiful movie in its own right. Most things are shown, not told, and whenever I watch it I see something new (watch for the worn out London Olympics 2012 sweatshirt!). Technology has progressed in a believable way, and is there not to show off the latest in special effects but to draw you in to the realism. Each little thing sums up to an amazing movie.
Every time I watch this movie, I imagine how it might have been as done by another director. And every time, I'm very, very thankful.』
(A medieval miracle tale cast in the year 2027, with a fine performance by Clive Owen) 『I suspect that if one agrees with what appears to be director Alfonso Cuaron's premise, that humankind's basest instincts for selfishness, fouling its own nest, violence toward each other and the acceptance of authoritarianism when faced with fear can be met by the redemptive power of hope and love, then one will accept Children of Men as a film of emotional power.
For me, Children of Men is a movie in which Cuaron tries to stuff in far too many actions. He seems to aiming for the kind of allegory that can change the way we feel about our lives, but he winds up making many of the compromises that movies force upon some directors as they find themselves with big budgets to work with and the need to sell tickets to justify the investment.
The story, as has been pointed out by others, is one big Macguffin. It's 2027 and civilization has fallen to its knees. The world is nothing but chaos, terrorism, a rotting environment and death. Britain has managed to survive as a nation state by becoming a horrendous dictatorship, needing immigrants for menial work and turning them into outcasts, periodically rounding them up along with the fugees, the refugees from the world's chaos who managed to slip past Britain's barriers. Concentration camps are filling up, laws are enforced with ferocity, there are no civil rights and the government has become the greatest killer of them all. In exchange, the British have order.
And it has been 19 years since a baby was born, anywhere in the world. Humankind has mysteriously become sterile. The point of the movie is that a frightened young woman is discovered to be pregnant. In an instant she becomes the center of the movie...will she be used by rebels to try to undermine the government? Will she find a way to escape by sea to some almost mythical group of scientists who are searching for peace and an answer to humankind's infertility? Will she and her baby be killed? Will they survive? It seems her only hope will be a burned-out, used-up functionary who once tried to change things, years ago. From the time this man first meets this scared girl-child and realizes that she's pregnant, to the end of the movie in a small rowboat waiting to see if mankind has a future, we're on a medieval journey through the terrors of hell as the girl and her protector deal with hatred, avarice, brutality, imprisonment, death and war.
The question for me was: Is all this Macguffining well done enough to be interesting? If it is, is the story itself worth it?
You'll have to make up your own minds. Simply as a story, I think whatever success Children of Men has had has depended on Clive Owen. He's the protector and he's in just about every scene. Owen is a fine actor. Unlike many actors who have made it to the top, he is most effective reacting. He seldom indulges in flashy heroics in his movies and doesn't do so here. At first, he's uncertain, confused and cautious. When he commits himself to the journey, he doesn't have all the answers, just a willingness to take advantage of opportunities and to risk his life because he's come to believe in what he is doing. It's a first-rate performance.
But then we have Julianne Moore as a rebel leader and Owen's former wife. In my view, she's too big a name for the size of the part, and the part is too large for the story. Michael Caine has a juicy role as Owen's older friend. He's gotten up to look like Brent Spiner in Independence Day. Caine does a nice job, but both he and Moore infect the movie with "star" presence. I think both roles would have been better for the movie if played by little known but good actors. Chiwetel Ejiofor is excellent as a dedicated and even ruthless rebel leader. But the movie only needs Owen, and he delivers.
Cuaron, in this medieval miracle tale, has given us a great look at the hell humanity has made for itself. At times, for me, he lingers on and expands this view the better to sell tickets. The whole extended urban battle at the end of the movie seemed to go on and on for no great purpose than to show us how a well-crafted urban war can be presented. Most of the movie's horrors, in fact, are so carefully framed and photographed, so well and ingeniously lit, that I was always aware I was watching a movie. Most movie-ish of all was that heavenly voice wafting down on us as humanity's redemption is resolved by a young mother and her baby.
This is one of those movies that, for me, needs to be taken seriously simply because a talented director with serious themes has made it. In this era of endless comic book movies and films with the old ultra violence, Curaon deserves our respect. So does Clive Owen.
Try Owen in Croupier. To see Julianne Moore at her finest, try Vanya on 42nd Steet. And for a taste of near sighted ur-dystopia not to be missed, read David Macaulay's Motel of the Mysteries.』
("You look good. The picture the police have of you doesn't do you justice.") 『The dark future of Alfonso Cuarón's "Children of Men" is a stifling one. Bleakness so pervades every corner of this world that the light of hope cannot help but be extinguished.
Theo Faron (Clive Owen) is drawn into the web of rebel group who have an important task for him. He is told by his ex-lover, Julian (Julianne Moore), that he must accompany a woman named Kee (Claire-Hope Ashitey) out of England and deliver her to a sanctuary run by "The Human Project." What makes Kee so special is that she is pregnant - a miracle in a world where the female population has become sterile. Yet, Theo's task is far from easy as government factions and a rogue element within the rebel group want Kee for their own purposes.
"Children of Men" does have its share of positives. It does not shy away from addressing many hot-button issues regarding immigration, assisted-suicide, and totalitarianism. Also, the cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki is astonishing. The future world he captures on film is frightening and is all the more disturbing because it could easily be seen as prophetic in light of the numerous troubles plaguing the real world at this moment. Yet, the film overall is ultimately unsatisfying. The story turns out to be uninvolving and even borders on the boring after the film's premise is established. As it unfolds, "Children of Men" devolves into nothing more than a prolonged chase that tries to keep matters interesting by sneaking in some social commentary every now and then. Cuarón undoubtedly set out to make a film with higher aspirations but only succeed in making one with squandered potential written all over it.』
(Too many plot devices) 『Okay, I am the first to admit that the only thing I know about cinematography and its art is what I happen to like. That being said, I have to say that I was very much impressed with the visual side of this film. To my taste, it was a little dark, which worked quite well with the dark story line. I don't think I understood why the camera was always working as it was, but it was neat. Frankly, the first thing that drew me to the movie was its premise, and I still happily say that is the finest thing about this film--in opposition to the concern of overpopulation the film discusses what it would be like if this threat was very much gone and the end of humanity was instead looming over our heads. Then a miracle of a pregnant girl comes about and the situation of the story is how can she be protected. The story is a little extreme, but then again I bet society would crumble. The problem is that it's also contrived, with too many plot devices for my taste. I happen to prefer a character-driven tale rather than this example of situation upon situation. Still, this is a surprising poignant little film that should be appreciated by the right audience.』 『In 2027 as humankind faces the likelihood of its own extinction a disillusioned government agent agrees to help transport and protect a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea where her childs birth may help scientists to save the future of mankind. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 09/09/2008 Starring: Clive Owen Michael Caine Run time: 110 minutes Rating: R』 『Presenting a bleak, harrowing, and yet ultimately hopeful vision of humankind's not-too-distant future,Children of Menis a riveting cautionary tale of potential things to come. Set in the crisis-ravaged future of 2027, and based on the atypical 1993 novel by British mystery writer P.D. James, the anxiety-inducing, action-packed story is set in a dystopian England where humanity has become infertile (the last baby was born in 2009), immigration is a crime, refugees (or "fugees") are caged like animals, and the world has been torn apart by nuclear fallout, rampant terrorism, and political rebellion. In this seemingly hopeless landscape of hardscrabble survival, a jaded bureaucrat named Theo (Clive Owen) is drawn into a desperate struggle to deliver Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey), the world's only pregnant woman, to a secret group called the Human Project that hopes to discover a cure for global infertility. As they carefully navigate between the battling forces of military police and a pro-immigration insurgency, Theo, Kee, and their secretive allies endure a death-defying ordeal of urban warfare, and director Alfonso Cuaron (with cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki) capture the action with you-are-there intensity. There's just enough humor to balance the film's darker content (much of it coming from Michael Caine, as Theo's aging hippie cohort), and althoughChildren of Menglosses over many of the specifics about its sociopolitical worst-case scenario (which includes Julianne Moore in a brief but pivotal role), it's still an immensely satisfying, pulse-pounding vision of a future that represents a frightening extrapolation of early 21st-century history.--Jeff Shannon』
Kakaku：500 saved$5.00
Walt Disney Video
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Best Bear There Is!) 『We have a few of the "Bear" DVD's and I think this one is the best. I really like the songs and the subjects. My son also likes this one the best as well. If you want to try out this series or add one to you collection this is the excellent choice.』
(My Toddler Loves Bear) 『I bought this DVD because my toddler loves Bear in the Big Blue House, but it is no longer played on the Disney Channel. He sits throught the entire DVD with a smile on his face&laughing...especially when Bear "sniffs" him. After watching this DVD for the first time, my toddler started pointing out triangles&circles during other activities. A great buy!』
(Bear Rocks) 『Bear does it again teaching children the shapes, sounds,&colors while entertaining at the same time. This is a good way to keep you child busy while they learn. Bear teaches values and helpful information such as seasons, shapes, colors, potty training, brushing teeth, bathing, sharing, friendship, and alot more.』
(Excellent Learning Tool) 『I bought this for my son because he just loves Bear in the Big Blue House. Since he is so fascinated with Bear, I bought this video to help him learn his shapes and colors. He is only 1 1/2 but learns quick. Great DVD to help children learn.』
(Henson's Done It Again!) 『My son, Daniel, saw Bear for the first time when he was 13 months and we took a trip to Disney World (Playhouse Disney at Disney / MGM). Instantly, he was in love. We started recording Bear in the Big Blue House on our TiVo as soon as we got home and, once we realized he really loved the show, bought a couple of DVDs (since we were getting tired of watching the same 4 episodes over and over again). This is a GREAT series that, while explaining things to kids isn't talking down to them so parents aren't sickened by the sweetness quality. My husband and I enjoy watching these almost as much as Daniel.
Thank you Henson Productions for bringing yet another family-friendly series into our lives!』 『Give preschoolers their best start with BEAR IN THE BIG BLUE HOUSE! This award-winning series provides your child with valuable tools for growth in key areas of music, social skill development, and cognitive learning through integrated programs combining music, movement, and exploration. Get in shape with Bear(TM) and his buddies in three colorful tales, featuring four sing-along songs -- while teaching pattern recognition, listening, and creative self-expression! Prepare to be dazzled when Bear's friends turn his red wagon into a true work of art in "A Wagon Of A Different Color." Have fun with Ojo(TM), Pip(TM)&Pop(TM) as they watch their world take shape in "Shape Of A Bear," and "Listen Up" With Bear for the sounds of the great outdoors in three delightful stories sure to set your creativity free!』
Kakaku：799 saved$7.99
Warner Home Video
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnet - underdogs?) 『It's nice to see NBA Entertainment coming up with a DVD like this that focused on the unsung heroes of the NBA. Noteworthy are the little big men like Spud Webb and Mugsy Bogues, and other "6th man" overachievers in the person of Mario Elie, John Starks and Darrel Armstrong. They are the TRUE UNDERDOGS. Would have loved to see Robert "Big Shot Bob" Horry or Ben Wallace, an undersized and undrafted center that has become one of the NBA's fiercest defenders and perrenial all-star. Also included in the disc are the greatest upsets, namely Denver's demolition of 1st seed Shawn Kemp-led Seattle in the early 90s and New York's climb to the NBA finals depsite being an 8th seed and injury plagued. Must see for every sports fan.』
(NBA at its best) 『I expected the unexpected and got just that... NBA Video explores the greatest upsets and overachievers in NBA history. From the legendary championship run of the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers to the heroic tales of Scottie Pippen and Kevin Garnett, NBA Upsets&Underdogs recounts the NBA's most inspirational stories. Even with the odds stacked against them, these featured teams and players, including host Bill Walton, have managed to steal the headlines with their epic performances. I was truly inspired...』 『Expect the unexpected as this DVD explores the greatest upsets and overachievers in NBA history. From the legendary championship run of the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers to the heroic tales of Scottie Pippen and Kevin Garnett, NBA Upsets and Underdogs recounts the NBA's most inspirational stories. Even with the odds stacked against them, these featured teams and players, including host Bill Walton, have managed to steal the headlines with their epic performances. .』 『NBA Upsets and Underdogsis 53 minutes of pure fun and nostalgia as Bill Walton hosts an overview of unlikely triumphs over adversity and obstacles in the National Basketball Association. The anecdotal material goes back only to the late 1970s, but that's early enough to cover such inspirational chapters in sports history as the 1977 championship series between Walton's Portland Trail Blazers and the expected winners, the Philadelphia 76ers. The latter, strong on flashy individual talent, claimed the first two games in the series. But in the end it was the harmonious teamwork of the Blazers--and the inspiring passions of their "Blazermania" fans--that won the day. The 1994 Denver Nuggets were similarly underestimated going into their playoff round with the superior Supersonics, as were the 1999 New York Knicks all through their fabulous postseason. But miles of film clips in this program prove just how dramatically the tide turned for both teams once they hit their stride.
It's not only teams in the spotlight. Tim Duncan, Scottie Pippen, and Mario Elie share their moving stories of working hard and overcoming bad luck, though it's the section on Timberwolves superstar Kevin Garnett (who went straight from high school to the pros, proving himself a natural leader along the way) that is most affecting.--Tom Keogh』
Kakaku：798 saved$7.98
Navarre Corporation
Not yet released 『Romelia´s granddaughters have always believed that granny (Dolores Beristain) was a widow. But when they go on a journey to her hometown to look over a property she recently inherited, they are surprised to discover that she was separated years ago from her husband, Dr. Roman (Pedro Armendariz) who just died, and left everything to her.
Kakaku：498 saved$4.98
Good Times Video
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Fast and easy transaction.) 『It was a gift, so I cannot comment on the content of the video, but it was promptly shipped and as described.』
(Progress of Japanese Halted in Award-Winning Documentary.) 『Director John Huston, while a member of the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1943, creates an Academy Award winning documentary, which he narrates with assistance from his actor father Walter, treating of the Armed Forces' successful effort to prevent the fall of the Aleutian Islands to advancing Japanese troops who had captured several islets. Although no claim can be reasonably made that this location was of major strategic importance during the War, it presented enormous tactical and logistic difficulty for those assigned there, and Huston's color film demonstrates the determined ensemble work upon the outpost of Adak by a wide range of military specialists who combat loneliness and boredom along with notably severe weather conditions. The work was made over a six month period, and is climaxed by the preparations for, followed by an actual filming of, a bombing run over Japanese-occupied Kiska, wherein Huston nearly lost his life, and which is significant for its combat footage and for the atmosphere of suspense present in the viewer who wonders if all will return safely.
』
(In The Eye of the Storm) 『This is a fascinating film- a documentary of the Aleutian Islands campaign during WWII which focuses on a US bombing mission from Adak to Kiska- which was in Japanese hands. Remember this is a documentary- the real thing, and shot in color. We start off in Adak's central command base and get a sense of patriotic life in this harsh and forlorn corner of America. We meet brave young US Armed Servicemen at the forefront of the 'Ring of Fire' campaign. Then we are taken aboard a bomber and embark alongside a bomber squadron for the majectic but intense flight to Kiska. We are there during final onboard tactical considerations and through the entire bombing mission. This is very intense stuff- because it is real. There is a rattling of the plane and a whistling sound as we see the bombs falling onto the Japanese port base of Kiska and see anti-aircraft fire whizz by us in return. Phew!
I am not an alpha-male, 'go-get-em Rambo' combat freak by any means. That's not what this film, or WW II was about. This film captures the essence of true American struggle, risk, and heroicism, and, as a matter of fact, was up for the academy award for best documentary when it was firt released back in the 1940's. Its really that memorable.』
(Excellent Chronicle of Little-Known Theater of WWII Air War) 『As a historian with great interest in the air war in World War II, I found this to be a great movie about a facet of air combat in World War II that has never gotten much attention--certainly not as much as it deserves. The Japanese, in a grasp for control of the Pacific early in the war, attempted to take Midway and the outer islands in the Alaskan chain. They managed to take Kiska and hold it. This is the story of how the US military went up to Alaska, and, under terribly harsh conditions, built an air base out of aluminum to bomb the Japanese and eventually expel them from North America. It is a tribute to US ingenuity. Everything the US needed it had to bring in, except fresh water. Whe weather was awful. One to two feet of water sat on the runway most of the time. The wind howled. There was no entertainment or diversion for the men. And yet the US successfully built a base from scratch. The pilots successfully flew missions off a runway that was underwater in their B-24's, B-17's and support fighters, and the enemy was expelled. The most amazing shots in the video are of the big planes taking off and landing in huge spumes of water. How did they do it?! Also, great shots of low-level bombing raids of Kiska and of the bleak Alaskan landscape. This is a must-have video for any air war buff. Highly recommended! And for the price, how can you lose? Also available on DVD or in sets. This film is also shot in FULL COLOR, rare for WWII footage.』
Kakaku：1600 saved$16.00
Walt Disney Video
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Classic children's entertainment) 『Classic safe children's entertainment. Great for mixed aged kids. No violence. No potty talk. The gold standard for kids under 9.』
(I finally did it) 『I did it. I bought a Disney movie -- I mean a kids-oriented one. And then... I actually showed it to my kids (first I watched it again, just to make sure).
This is so totally out of character for me, that it *does* deserve a gasp of surprise.
Because Disney. DISNEY! No positive male role-models DISNEY! Every male character is a fool, a tool, a slob, or a villain DISNEY! Forget about little boys, because only girls are celebrated DISNEY! And yes, I still think that is the case for Disney. And I wonder who all those little girls will grow up to marry, when all the boys are fools, tools, slobs, or villains.
But Julie Andrews. JULIE ANDREWS! Mary Poppins!
So I cracked. And I bought it.
And I had a few twinges on my view-through -- the put-down of men as "rather stupid" in Mrs. Bank's first number; and the presumption that Mr. Banks' flying a kite with his children was somehow MORE valuable than his daily providing for them (I do appreciate the value of kite-flying, just not the value judgment); and the idea that the kids will respect a nanny who is sweet and pretty, but not one who smells weird.
But I went ahead and showed it to the kids, and I'm so glad, because we have been singing the songs like crazy and laughing a lot. The absolute fantasy of it is marvelous, and the songs are beautiful. I like how Bert treats Mary. I like how straight Mary is, as though she isn't magical, when she clearly is.
Very nice.
Now I'm wondering about Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Would anyone be so kind as to enlighten me about whether that one is as good? Thanks!
』
(The perfect children's movie) 『I have numerous happy memories of seeing Mary Poppins since the first time (on its re-release in 1980). I go back to it time and again and have never been bored yet! Highlights - the horse race and the dancing cartoon waiter penguins; Chim Chim Chiree and the acrobatic chimney sweeps; Mrs Banks (Glynis Johns) and her 'Votes for Women'; Reginald Owen's Admiral (with a ship on the roof of his house!); the gorgeous 'Feed the Birds'; the special effects in 'A Spoonful of Sugar'; Ed Wynn as the giggling Uncle Albert; and of course the brilliant performances from Julie Andrews as Mary, Dick van Dyke as Bert/Mr Dawes senior, Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber as the children Jane and Michael, Hermoine Baddeley as the maid, and David Tomlinson as Mr Banks. Absolutely brilliant and definitely makes you remember being a child with a big smile on your face. Those who don't like it possibly came to it too late in life, but I can't fault it.』
(Fabulous) 『Fabulous. If you like singing, dancing, life lessons, and have an imagination this is for you』
(Mary Poppins (40th Anniversary Edition)) 『Mary Poppins (40th Anniversary Edition)Excellent video; my granddaughter just LOVES it; she has been watching it repeatedly since she received it. Highly recommend this movie for 3 years and up.』 『Experience the extraordinary animation, dazzling special effects, and award-winning music of Walt Disney's MARY POPPINS in this fully restored and remastered 2-Disc 40th Anniversary Edition! Join the "practically perfect" Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) for a "Jolly Holiday" as she magically turns every chore into a game and every day into a whimsical adventure. Along the way you'll be enchanted by unforgettable characters such as the multitalented chimney sweep Bert (Dick Van Dyke). Unpack Mary's magical carpetbag full of bonus features, including an all-new animated short, games, and a never-before-heard deleted song. You won't need "A Spoonful Of Sugar" to love every moment of this timeless Disney classic!』 『There is only one word that comes close to accurately describing the enchantingMary Poppins, and that term was coined by the movie itself: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Even at 2 hours and 20 minutes, Disney's pioneering mixture of live action and animation (based on the books by P.L. Travers) still holds kids spellbound. Julie Andrews won an Oscar as the world's most magically idealized nanny ("practically perfect in every way," and complete with lighter-than-air umbrella), and Dick Van Dyke is her clownishly charming beau, Bert the chimney sweep. The songs are also terrific, ranging from bright and cheery ("A Spoonful of Sugar") to dark and cheery (the Oscar-winning "Chim Chim Cher-ee") to touchingly melancholy ("Feed the Birds"). Many considerMary Poppinsto be the crowning achievement of Walt Disney's career--and it was the only one of his features to be nominated for a best picture Academy Award untilBeauty and the Beastin 1991.--Jim Emerson』
IPhone 3G used's review (better than i thought) 『I went into seeing this movie thinking it would be just another dumb remake of a TV show. I was very wrong about that. The movie was entertaining and had good action from beginning to end. I mean the fight scenes were well coreographed as well as the explosions/special effects were well done. This is the first movie that Carrell had the leading role that I really liked. The supporting cast also meshed well to make this a good movie. I would recommend this movie for anyone looking for a good laugh and some action.』
(Great Movie) 『We bought this movie while on vacation and everyone enjoyed this movie (ages 7- 65+). We were all laughing and enjoying the humor with a dash of 'classic GET SMART' adventure. I loved the TV series but my kids had no reference and they loved it too. Great family movie, limited violence and no sex!』
(Have a couple of martinis and laugh till it hurts!) 『Hello,This is Get Smart at it's best.Hippies and anybody that's anti establishment won't be able to get past the authoritative look of the film. The rest of us though were rolling in the isles. Not for hippies. If you don't think it's funny then well your a hippie.』 『Maxwell smart agent 86 for control battles the forces of kaos with the more competent agent 99 at his side. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/04/2008 Starring: Steve Carell Dwayne Johnson Run time: 110 minutes Rating: Pg13』
Kakaku：1199 saved$11.99
Universal Studios
Not yet released 『After the dark brilliance ofNo Country for Old Men,Burn After Readingmay seem like a trifle, but few filmmakers elevate the trivial to art quite like Joel and Ethan Coen. Inspired by Stansfield Turner'sBurn Before Reading, the comically convoluted plot clicks into gear when the CIA gives analyst Osborne Cox (John Malkovich) the boot. Little does Cox know his wife, Katie (Tilda Swinton, riffing on herMichael Claytoncharacter), is seeing married federal marshal Harry (George Clooney, Swinton'sClaytonco-star, playing off hisSyrianarole). To get back at the Agency, Cox works on his memoirs. Through a twist of fate, fitness club workers Linda (Frances McDormand) and Chad (Brad Pitt in a pompadour that recallsJohnny Suede) find the disc and try to wrangle a "Samaratin tax" out of the surly alcoholic. An avid Internet dater, Linda plans to use the money for plastic surgery, oblivious that her manager, Ted (The Visitor's Richard Jenkins), likes her just the way she is. Though it sounds like a Beltway remake ofThe Big Lebowski, the Coen entry it most closely resembles, this time the brothers concentrate their energies on the myriad insecurities endemic to the mid-life crisis--with the exception of Chad, who's too dense to share such concerns, leading to the funniest performance of Pitt's career. IfLebowskirepresented the Coen's unique approach to film noir,Burnsees them putting their irresistibly absurdist stamp on paranoid thrillers fromEnemy of the StatetoThe Bourne Identity.--Kathleen C. Fennessy』
Kakaku：2999 saved$29.99
Walt Disney Home Entertainment
IPhone 3G used's review (For my CA granddaughter's collection!) 『We are collecting favorite movies for my CA granddaughter. This was one I found on amazon and had shipped to her. It was a great find and a good price. Shipped quickly and she loves it!』
(Cinderella) 『This movie is a classic and a great movie for little kids to watch. The sounds and visual quality are really nice in this edition. I would definitely recommend someone upgraded to this edition from vhs.』
(cinderella) 『11/12/08 - I have been waiting for my order over a month. If I don't get a reply in the next day or two, I will cancel this order. Never again will I order anything from this vender.』
(Better on DVD) 『We had the VHS of this movie, but it started to wear out. So, we got the DVD from Amazon and it is wonderful! The pictures are markedly improved. It is worthwhile to step up to DVD. My 3 year-old loves Cinderella and sings along to all of the songs.』
(Classic) 『A classic tale just as I remember it. Beautiful muscial scores. A must have for any little girl.』 『The most celebrated of all the Disney classics, CINDERELLA, is also known as one of Walt Disney's all-time favorite films. CINDERELLA has enchanted generations with its spellbinding story, charming music, and endearing characters that live in your heart forever. The beloved fairy tale becomes pure Disney magic as beautiful Cinderella shares her dreams of romance and a better life with the lovable mice Gus and Jaq. When Cinderella's cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball, the delightful Fairy Godmother appears! With a wave of her wondrous wand and a bouncy "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," the Fairy Godmother transforms a simple pumpkin into a magical coach -- and Cinderella's rags into a gorgeous gown. At the ball, Cinderella falls in love with Prince Charming, but must flee before the stroke of midnight breaks the spell! Now with an all-new digital restoration, Disney's Enhanced Home Theater Mix, and all-new games and music videos, this 2-Disc Special Edition of Cinderella is the perfect fit for everyone who believes dreams really do come true. Also available on Video.』 『Worry not, Disney fans--this special edition DVD of the belovedCinderellawon't turn into a pumpkin at the strike of midnight. One of the most enduring animated films of all time, the Disney-fied adaptation of the gory Brothers Grimm fairy tale became a classic in its own right, thanks to some memorable tunes (including "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes," "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," and the title song) and some endearingly cute comic relief.
The famous slipper (click for larger image)
We all know the story--the wicked stepmother and stepsisters simply won't have it, this uppity Cinderella thinking she's going to a ball designed to find the handsome prince an appropriate sweetheart, but perseverance, animal buddies, and a well-timed entrance by a fairy godmother make sure things turn out all right. There are a few striking sequences of pure animation--for example, Cinderella is reflected in bubbles drifting through the air--and the design is rich and evocative throughout. It's a simple story padded here agreeably with comic business, particularly Cinderella's rodent pals (dressed up conspicuously like the dwarf sidekicks of another famous Disney heroine) and their misadventures with a wretched cat named Lucifer. There's also much harrumphing and exposition spouting by the King and the Grand Duke. It's a much simpler and more graceful work than the more frenetically paced animated films of today, which makes it simultaneously quaint and highly gratifying.--David Kronke
DVD Features
For another of its classic films, Disney delivers another dazzling DVD with a gorgeous, razor-sharp picture and 5.1 sound. (Note: the 1949 film is properly presented in full-screen format, 1.33 aspect ratio, because widescreen films weren't made until the '50s.) The best part of the supplemental features is the archival material, the absolute highlight of which is two unused songs, "Cinderella's Work Song" (in which Cinderella imagines multiplying herselfà la the Sorcerer's Apprentice) and "Dancing on a Cloud."
Bippity-boppity-boo! (click for larger image)
Because these numbers were never animated, they're accompanied by stylish illustrations from the Disney artists, and they're simply marvelous to look at. The artist of much of that material, Mary Blair, gets her due in a 15-minute featurette, while the better known "Nine Old Men" are the subject of a round-table discussion among some of today's top animators. In addition, a 38-minute documentary covers their contributions to specific characters ofCinderellaas well as the film in general and the vocal cast. Also on the historical side is "TheCinderellaThat Almost Was," tracking the development of the project through decades of original Disney concepts, characters, and songs, including the 1922 silent "Laugh-o-Gram," which is also included in its entirety.
The pumpkin transformed (click for larger image)
Additional musical material includes three radio programs and a short promo of the movie by Perry Como, in which he summarizes the plot amid some songs by the Fontaine Sisters, star Ilene Woods, and the host himself. Seven other unused songs (17 minutes total) are available in audio-only. The material for kids is on the sparse side, consisting of two music videos, Disney Channel personality Sally (from "Mike's Super Short Show") learning how to become a princess with the help of theExtreme Makeover: Home Editioncrew and others, a minor dancing-princess feature, and a DVD-ROM design studio. Oddest extra: ESPN's "top Cinderella stories," including the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team and Joe Namath's New York Jets, although stories on Mia Hamm and tennis's Williams sisters should appeal to the film's primary target audience of young girls.--David Horiuchi
CinderellaThroughout the Years
Rodgers&Hammerstein's Cinderella(1957 Television Production)
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