Kakaku：299 saved$2.99
Arthaus Musik
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (A true pioneer) 『A great DVD for a Zawinul fan. I actually cried watching this! Some great performances with the syndicate. I especially like the in-studio footage when Joe plays on his synthesizers. I never knew Zawinul was into boxing! Five stars!』
(Joe Zawinal A Musical Portrait) 『Outstanding portrait of the legendary Joe Zawinal. I did get to see him perform live in a intimate surroundings of a Jazz club that I went years back ago and never forgotten the high level of intensity he and his band shower me with.Well this DVD captures Joe essences. It is like bing at the Jazz club all over again. Please here this on a 5.1 system it's worth it!!!! Joe you will be missed but never forgotten』
(Thank You.) 『This is one wonderful DVD. The sound of the band is amazing. What a gift to us all. Mr. Zawinuls thoughts and insight are a powerful experience.』
(Zawinul "Portrait" dvd a must-have for fans) 『I'm a big Joe Z. fan, and fortunately got to see him perform with Zawinul Syndicate three nights in a row in October '06 in Washington, DC. It was a special weekend, and I'm sad he's gone. This dvd is great. You can't really say it's a full documentary of his career, but it does touch on the various phases of his career, and has great interview segments with him from just a few years ago, including a "tour" of Vienna apparently right when his new jazz club was opened. There's a pretty amazing segment where he shows his childhood residence (apartment building) and he describes the bombing of the town when he was 12 years old. The musical segments are all with the recent Zawinul Syndicate (not exactly the lineup I saw in 10/06), and I believe it's in the studio, but still is great, with all the players enjoying themselves. I definitely think you should buy this whether you're a long-time Joe Z. fan or are just trying to get more Zawinul-educated.』
Kakaku：1200 saved$12.00
WALT DISNEY VIDEO
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Tinker Bell's review) 『This is a very interesting movie on how Tinker Bell got her start. But it was very well made. I especially liked the ending.』
(good movie good graphics) 『this was a good movie to watch on blu ray it really compliments ur high def tv. the movie was good for all those tinker bell lovers out there』
(happycustomer) 『Unbelievable definition!! Expensive, but this will be a DVD favorite among the litle ones, so worth the price.』
(Cute) 『This is a cute movie with a great message. And it looks amazing on Blu-ray!』
(Love the movie - sad about the misclaimer regarding the free coin from Walt Disney) 『The movie was great, but the misclaimer from Walt Disney never allowed me my free coin. False and misleading advertising on the part of the manufacturer.』 『Born into the fantastic world of Pixie Hollow, Tinker Bell thinks her fairy talent as a tinker isn t as special or important as the other fairies talents. But when Tink tries to change who she is, she creates nothing but disaster! With encouragement from her friends Rosetta, Silvermist, Fawn and Iridessa, Tink learns the key to solving her problems lies in her unique tinker abilities and discovers that when she s true to herself, magical things can happen.』
Kakaku：150 saved$1.50
Acacia
Not yet released 『 "Exhale’s Core Fusion will tone you from head to toe" --Prevention
A quarter of a million people have transformed their bodies at the exclusive Exhale Spa--now you can get these same results at home.
Named "Best Fusion Class" byNew Yorkmagazine, this unique program is one of the quickest, most effective ways to get a thin, sleek physique. In five segments of 10 minutes each, the Pilates-based moves deliver washboard abs, perfectly sculpted arms and shoulders, and a tighter, higher backside—fast.
The secret toCore Fusion Pilates Plusis that it works from the inside out, integrating your core with every move. The deep-toning approach goes far beyond the surface muscles, working hard-to-reach areas that traditional exercises can’t reach. Infused with yoga-inspired postures and core-conditioning exercises, this invigorating workout produces real results and will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Core Fusion creators Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp have over 50 years’ combined experience teaching Pilates, yoga, dance, and Tai Chi, disciplines that inform the Pilates Plus workout. They are founding team members of Exhale, a leading mind/body spa with locations around the country.』
Kakaku：949 saved$9.49
Warner Bros. Pictures
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Fanciful and fantastic) 『This one captures the magic of Dahl's book perfectly. Any kid would love the imagery. The original "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" has plenty of imagination, but there are moments where it gets overly tedious. For instance, it took way too long to get into the factory itself. Then there were the unnecessary musical interludes ("Cheer Up Charly"? Puh-lease.)
In this new iteration, however, you will notice that they get to the factory as soon as possible. There are not even any songs until they finally arrive at the door of the factory. This helps further differentiate the imaginative, fantastical air of the factory from the monotonous drudgery of the "real world". When we first watched it in the theater (I went with my brother, his wife and their [then] two daughters) my brother admitted that he was so surprised that they didn't have a long unnecessary song in the scene where Grandpa Joe gets out of bed for the first time in years. The scene played out better for that simple omission.
Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy the Gene Wilder version, but this one has a charm and energy that is simply frenetic, while the other one got a bit too caught up in justifying certain aspects of the story-telling.
Wonderful movie. Imaginative and colorful. Even the elements that were added to the story (i.e. Willy Wonka's relationship with his father) have a very Roald Dahl feel to them.』
(Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Widescreen Edition)) 『This was a birthday gift for my 5-yr old granddaughter. She loves it! I would recommmend it to anyone!』
(Dark Chocolate) 『This a borderline disgrace of the original Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. It's as if someone zapped the soul out of every character in this film. Johnny Depp seemed like he was on vicodin or something. One minute he was up, the next down. His character went in and out of personalities. Most of his jokes fell flat after their delivery, leaving the viewer with an uncomfortable CREEPY feeling. His character of Willy Wonka was a cross between the church lady from Saturday Night Live and Jack from Will and Grace. Does that tell you anything? Some of the dialogue was almost identical to the original, the only difference is they edited out all the wittiness that made the original so special. All of the soul, intellect and attitude were missing from all of the characters portrayal's in this film. There was an all across the board lack of emotion that resonated like a plague throughout the entire film. Some of the special affects were cute but even the sets seemed to lack the magical quality of the original Willy Wonka. The musical numbers with the oompa loompas were surreal and did give a campy feel to the movie but overall this is a totally different movie than the original. It's very difficult to compare the 2 of them but I will say the first one is heartfelt and magical. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a sour imitation, a souless, dour, unfunny tragedy. A sign of the times of what kind of world we're living in now.』
(Sick and disgusting) 『This is a piece of excrement. Dark and dismal is the best to describe it. It is stupid, vulgar, and believe me, as a person who grew up on Caligula and other porn, this piece of filth is not worth buying.
Anyone who favors this over the earlier version is morally inept. I am ASTONISHED Disney Channel shows this.
No redeeming social value. None at all.』
(CHOCOLATELY DELICIOUS&DELIGHTFUL!) 『I really tried hard not to like this movie, believing it to be for the kiddies, but it turned out to be a really pleasant surprise. Gene Wilder's "Willie Wonka&The Chocolate Factory" was tongue-in-cheek delightful in 1971 and, here, Tim Burton creates another masterful rendition - without LSD!!
Young Freddie Highmore as Charlie Bucket is a refreshingly unpretentious child, with a wide-eyed innocence, a rarity among today's movie youth. I'm so sick of Haley Joel Osment (whose transformation from a child to a teen actor is as squeeky as his voice change) and Dakota Fanning (she's already developed the Hollywood Red Carpet fake-me-out "Opened Mouth Molar Exposing Smile" and "The Left Leg Crossed Over The Right From The Crotch" pose of her older contemporaries). The fabulous Helena Bonham Carter portrays a down-and-out mother with the same English grace and delicance as she does a noblewoman. But, it's under-rated actor Gordeep "Deep" Roy, cloned into a kazillion cavity-creating Oompa-Loompas, who really steals the show. He rocks more latex here than a Trojan factory!
It's obvious that Johnny Depp puts a lot of thought into the roles that he chooses and he's not ashamed to just act a fool as evidenced by "Ed Wood" and "Pirates of the Caribbean". But, in the wake of the Michael Jackson scandals, Johnny Depp's domino-toothed Willie Wonka is a tad disturbing. I mean, holding a contest to lure young children "to tour your playland" doesn't really work for me right now.
However, in the spirit of the 1964 book by British writer Roald Dahl, I decided not to be too literal in watching this. I just got out a pint of Haagen-Dazs ice cream, added a double-dose of hot fudge and a whole can of whipped cream, put on my bunny slippers, and enjoyed the ride.』 『Fantasy Adventure. Acclaimed director Tim Burton brings his vividly imaginative style to the beloved Roald Dahl classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, about eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka (Depp) and Charlie, a good-hearted boy from a poor family who lives in the shadow of Wonka's extraordinary factory. Long isolated from his own family, Wonka launches a worldwide contest to select an heir to his candy empire. Five lucky children, including Charlie, draw golden tickets from Wonka chocolate bars and win a guided tour of the legendary candy-making facility that no outsider has seen in 15 years. Dazzled by one amazing sight after another, Charlie is drawn into Wonka's fantastic world in this astonishing andenduring story.』 『Mixed reviews and creepy comparisons to Michael Jackson notwithstanding, Tim Burton's splendidly imaginative adaptation ofCharlie and the Chocolate Factorywould almost surely meet with Roald Dahl's approval. The celebrated author of darkly offbeat children's books vehemently disapproved of 1971'sWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory(hence the change in title), so it's only fitting that Burton and his frequent star/collaborator, Johnny Depp, should have another go, infusing the enigmatic candyman's tale with their own unique brand of imaginative oddity. Depp's pale, androgynous Wonka led some to suspect a partial riff on that most controversial of eternal children, Michael Jackson, but Burton's film is too expansively magnificent to be so narrowly defined. While preserving Dahl's morality tale on the hazards of indulgent excess, Burton's riotous explosion of color provides a wondrous setting for the lessons learned by Charlie Bucket (played by Freddie Highmore, Depp's delightful costar inFinding Neverland), as he and other, less admirable children enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime tour of Wonka's confectionary wonderland. Elaborate visual effects make this an eye-candy overdose (including digitally multiplied Oompa-Loompas, all played by diminutive actor Deep Roy), and the film's underlying weirdness is exaggerated by Depp's admirably risky but ultimately off-putting performance. Of course, none of this stops Burton'sCharliefrom being the must-own family DVD of 2005's holiday season, perhaps even for those who staunchly defend Gene Wilder's portrayal of Wonka from 34 years earlier.--Jeff Shannon』
Kakaku：1200 saved$12.00
Lightyear Video
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (2.5-3 stars) 『This movie was a bit low budget, but it doesn't do too bad overall. The actors, for the most part, stink. The twist is pretty neat and there are some really cool and different style kills. There's certainly an element of gore and the movie kept my attention for the most part. I guess if you could find this DVD for 5.00 or under it'd be a justified slasher movie to own.』
(A warm cup of slash) 『What is with the harsh reviews for this film? I do not get it. This movie is one of my personal faves. Why you ask? Well it is so comforting I know its a slasher but on a rainy day this movie is perfect. It takes no brains and the movie is never boring. The acting is a mixed bag but the main characters do a very good job. The best thing about this film is how good of a job they do of hiding the killer. Bravo filmakers. Overall a fun ride.』
(Surprisingly good) 『It doesn't have the slickness of a Hollywood movie. But, for a little low-budget film, it works. Fun, gory, entertaining, just what it should be. A fine effort.』
(Not worth watching...been there, done that!) 『I was very disappointed with this movie, and very sorry that I wasted 15 bucks on it. I had read a couple of reviews (that I am thinking must have been written by the producers or directors) that stated it was "gripping" and "full of twists". Excuse me? Not sure we were watching the same movie! Murder Game is all stuff we horror fans have seen before, and it's not even done well. I can put up with watching a movie that is similar in plot or feel to a previous one, but it at least has to keep me interested, or offer something new. This was just plain stupid (and that's being polite). The acting was atrocious....and the characters decisions were just plain dumb. Very disappointed, I am all over independent, low-budge horror, but it has to be worth my time. This, my friends, was not. NOT recommended.』 『A group of teenagers invent a game in which one of them is secretly chosen to be a "killer," while the others remain innocent victims. Armed with prop weapons, the "killer" must eliminate the other players before being found out. To enhance their experience, the teens sneak into a large self-storage warehouse during its closed, late-night hours to hold their game. At first, it's better than ever. But, things take a shocking turn as one by one, the players begin dying...for real.
DVD Features: Audio Commentary Deleted Scenes Gag Reel Other
Kakaku：199 saved$1.99
2l/Qualiton
Not yet released IPhone 3G used's review (A Little Clarification 2) 『SONAR is another one of 2L's Blu-Ray music discs. Magnar Am is the composer of the works heard on this disc. There is also an SACD Hybrid disc included for those who do not have a Blu-Ray player capable of playing the Blu-Ray disc. The artists on this recordig are Ellen Segersted Bodtker who plays on the harp,Hildegrunn Riise, Grex Vocalis who are the singers, the Oslo Kammersolister who are the istrumentalists. There are Three works on the disc all by Magnar Am a contemporary composer from Norway. As usual the 2L label delivers a stunning recording. Magnar Am's works are modern, but quite accessible. The only video you will find on this disc in the menu guide. The recordings are done in DXD, and will test the limits of your sound system. This recording really should be listed under Music, not Movies and T.V., after all there is so much more to Blu-Ray than just movies.』 fetish『 No Country for Old Men 』
『 There Will Be Blood 』
『 Michael Clayton (Widescreen Edition) 』
『 American Gangster (2-Disc Unrated Extended Edition) 』
『 I Am Legend [Blu-ray] 』
『 Gone Baby Gone 』
Kakaku：1600 saved$16.00
Miramax
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Well-made but blood-soaked and depressing mood piece from the Coens) 『The Coens return to "Fargo" territory with a blood-soaked tale of local yokels coming up against big city criminals, however, this time the result is completely reversed. Javier Bardem is creepy as a "grim reaper" type and Josh Brolin is excellent as an opportunist who gets in way over his head. Tommy Lee Jones and Woody Harrelson have small but telling parts as an old cop and "fixer", respectively. The only thing that detracts from this film - and the same is true of all Coen films - is the frequent and unnecessary brutality that the Coen's enjoy wallowing in.』
(One of the WORST movies of ALL time!!!) 『This movie had so much hype and looked like it should be a great movie! I can't believe I sat through the whole thing! I just kept telling myself "oh it will get better this is just the boring begining." But it just never happened and I now lost 2 hours of my life that I would have rather spent in prison. This is one of those artsy fartsy movies that is so bad that people think it is good. There is no soundtrack at all and most of the time your TV will be silent except for the wind or gravel crunch of someone's shoe as you watch them walk for 5 mins towards a deer. So if you like mild action scenes mixed with a lot of conversations that have absolutly nothing to do with what is going on with the movie, than this is the summer lackluster for you!』
(Violence, violence, evil and violence) 『This was a well told story, with excellent acting and enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, but from start to finish, this movie is loaded with violence, so much so that I actually had nightmares after watching it.
Outstanding performances were given by Josh Brolin as Llewelyn Moss who stumbles upon a drug deal gone bad, also by Tommy Lee Jones as Sheriff Bell, and Kelly MacDonald as Llewelyn's wife. However, of special note was the Academy Award worthy performance by Javier Barden who absolutely personified evil as Anton Chigurh, the cruel, sociopath with his own twisted sense of honor, hired as an assassin to recover the stolen drug money.
You won't get very far into the film before you begin to lose count of the murders, and the bloodbath continues for about two hours in high def blu-ray clarity. It's a bit overwhelming.
I almost gave this a rating of 3 stars due to the extensive violence, but the acting was so well done I had to bump it up to 4.
』
(Another Great From the Coens!!!) 『I always find the Coen Brothers films remarkably appealing. With "No Country for Old Men" they have again created another enjoyable and well made film which works on many levels. Both scary and funny, it is well acted and explores questions of human morality and mortality without becoming morose. The story combines with the visual metaphors and Tommy Lees character to provide some thought provoking material and make this much more than the simple story of good versus evil, though it works wonderfully on that level too. I find my own understanding differs from what some reviewers have written regarding the "meaning" but that ambiguity is expected. Good art is open to individual interpretation. I like the tag line from the box..."There are no clean getaways"!』
(Warning: This movie is missing an ending) 『This is two hours of your life that you'll never get back. Absolutely riveting until the credits roll and you realize the Coen brothers must have run out of money and said, "Just ship it. Whatever the last scene was that we shot, we'll call that the ending." I'm really surprised they bothered with credits at all. I wouldn't want my name on this pointless mess.』 『When a man stumbles on a bloody crime scene a pickup truck loaded with heroin&2 million dollars in irresistible cash his decision to take the money sets off an unstoppable chain of violence. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 12/26/2008 Starring: Tommy Lee Jones Josh Brolin Run time: 122 minutes Rating: R』 『The Coen brothers make their finest thriller sinceFargowith a restrained adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel. Not that there aren't moments of intense violence, butNo Country for Old Menis their quietest, most existential film yet. In this modern-day Western, Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) is a Vietnam vet who could use a break. One morning while hunting antelope, he spies several trucks surrounded by dead bodies (both human and canine). In examining the site, he finds a case filled with $2 million. Moss takes it with him, tells his wife (Kelly Macdonald) he's going away for awhile, and hits the road until he can determine his next move. On the way from El Paso to Mexico, he discovers he's being followed by ex-special ops agent Chigurh (an eerily calm Javier Bardem). Chigurh's weapon of choice is a cattle gun, and he uses it on everyone who gets in his way--or loses a coin toss (as far as he's concerned, bad luck is grounds for death). Just as Sheriff Bell (Tommy Lee Jones), a World War II vet, is on Moss's trail, Chigurh's former colleague, Wells (Woody Harrelson), is on his. For most of the movie, Moss remains one step ahead of his nemesis. Both men are clever and resourceful--except Moss has a conscience, Chigurh does not (he is, as McCarthy puts it, "a prophet of destruction"). At times, the film plays like an old horror movie, with Chigurh as its lumbering Frankenstein monster. Like the taciturn terminator,No Country for Old Mendoesn't move quickly, but the tension never dissipates. This minimalist masterwork represents Joel and Ethan Coen and their entire cast, particularly Brolin and Jones, at the peak of their powers.--Kathleen C. Fennessy』
Kakaku：4499 saved$44.99
WB Television Network, The
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Very pleased) 『I am very pleased with this product, and will not hesitate to buy from this seller again. Thanks!』
(Great Buy) 『ariived way faster than i expected it to. I am very happy with this purchase.』
(I finally have all 7 seasons) 『Each season is exceptional in it's own way. I'm very sad that the show ended, but now I have all 7 of the seasons to watch any time I want to keep Stars Hollow alive. I enjoyed this season because I had missed this entire season when it first aired on the WB; so I loved watching how Stars Hollow came to life. Then there is Max, wow he is an amazing guy. Now I know what the Friday night dinners are all about. The blind date was hilarious. There's Gran, wow what a character. Then Dean, yep the Dean, he is such a wonderful boyfriend to Rory (he is every mother's dream boyfriend for their daughter).』
(This Magic Is Forever) 『Whatever happened to Gilmore Girls in later seasons? I don't know. But whatever did was NOT a problem in Season 1. If you're thinking of giving the show a chance because you've heard so much about it, go ahead! Jump, take the dive, it's perfectly safe.
Season 1 is the story of the Gilmore family, Lorelai and Rory, mother and daughter, and all the people they include daily in their lives. Wether by blood or by experience, the Gilmore family is a big and fun one.
Season 1 deals with how Lorelai and Rory got to that point in their lives. It deals with Rory growing up, having her first boyfriend; with Lorelai slowly coming to terms with her parents and her expectations for her daughter and their world.
The Gilmore girls are not perfect, but they're charming and quite interesting. One of the highlights of the season is Rory's developing relationship with Dean Forester. I think Dean is usually underrated, but to me, he was Rory's best boyfriend and in this season, while they're still so young, they're still a romantic and warm couple.
There are little DVD extras and the ones included are not exactly riveting or revealing. I would have loved a few commentaries and a gag reel, but you buy this set for the episodes, because they're wonderful.
It is a beautiful season. It is a beautiful show.』
(gilmore girls first season) 『This show is amazing!! I didn't watch it when it was on television, but picked it up on netflix and watched all 7 seasons that way. I loved it so much that I had to own it! My husband watched a few episodes with me and enjoyed it so much, now he has started the series over with me and our plan is to buy all 7 seasons. We laugh so much and completely enjoy the witty banter as well as the quirky characters. Awesome show! My new favorite!』 『People often mistake Independence Inn's manager, headstrong single mom Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her equally willful teenage daughter, Rory (Alexis Bledel) for sisters. Lorelai and Rory cope with the same emotional ups and downs, including Lorelai's overbearing, old-money parents and the joys and frustrations of the male gender. But when Rory's attention turns from dreams of private school and Harvard to thoughts of boys and adolescent self-reliance, single mom Lorelai begins noticing more of her own rebellious youth-only 16 years ago-in Rory. This heartfelt, humorous drama appeals to young and old alike with its blend of traditional family issues and hip, contemporary attitude. Reacquaint yourselves with television's most appealing mother-daughter duo in this collectible six-disc DVD set, which contains all 21 episodes from the first season including the pilot episode.
Gilmore Girls has been honored with an AFI Award and two Viewers for Quality Television Awards, and it was named New Program of the Year by the Television Critics Association. Series star Lauren Graham ("Townies," "NewsRadio," and "Bad Santa") was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series and received two consecutive nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series from the Screen Actors Guild. Graham has also won two Family Television Awards. In addition, series star Alexis Bledel ("Tuck Everlasting") has won a Young Artist Award and a Family Television Award. The series, Gilmore Girls, won a Family Television Award for New Series and was named Best Family TV Drama Series by the Young Artist Awards, which also honored series star Keiko Agena in the supporting young actress category.
Gilmore Girls is the first series to make it to air supported by the Family Friendly Forum's Script Development Fund. An initiative between some of the nation's top advertisers and The WB, the program is intended to offer a greater array of compelling family programming on network television. The strong, loving, mother-daughter relationship portrayed in Gilmore Girls reflects the growing reality of this new type of American family.』
『Averyatypical mother-daughter relationship is at the center ofGilmore Girls, a comedy-drama that immediately set itself apart from the herd with smarter-than-smart dialogue and an endearing mix of whimsical comedy and family drama. Set in the Capra-esque burg of Stars Hollow, where everybody knows everyone and eccentrics abound,Gilmore Girlswas less a mother-daughter show and more of a screwball buddy comedy in which the two buddies happened to be parent and child. Pregnant at 16, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) left her rich parents to bring up her daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) on her own terms; when Rory herself turns 16, Lorelai wants to send her academically gifted daughter to the prestigious Chilton school. The catch is, Lorelai can't afford it on her own, and rather than let Rory go without, the elder Gilmore girl brokers an uneasy truce with her parents (Edward Herrmann and Kelly Bishop), who finally get a chance to bond with their granddaughter while financing her education.
It sounds like a premise potentially fraught with angst and trauma, but in realityGilmore Girlswas one of the freshest, airiest, most enjoyable shows to air on the perpetually melodramatic WB network, critically praised once viewers got hooked on its unique brand of humor. Rory's growing-up adventures, including her acclimation to snooty Chilton and romance with townie dreamboat Dean (Jared Padalecki), gave the show a teen-friendly feel, butGilmore Girlswas anchored in the adult by the luminous Graham, a brilliant comedic leading lady who could turn dramatic on a dime and never break stride. The show's hallmark was its rat-a-tat, whipsmart dialogue, delivered perfectly by Graham and Bledgel, as well as a host of wacky supporting characters who would go on to become invaluable cast members. The first season allowed the show--and its lead actresses--to bloom gracefully and establish a deep, humorous rapport that lent itself perfectly to weekly travails both comedic and dramatic.--Mark Englehart』
Kakaku：199 saved$1.99
Bfs Entertainment
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Vigilante Justice) 『The meaning of the titles of the 33 episodes is usually not obvious as to their relationship to the story - with this episode the title is an excellent choice. Cain was a murderer, and it follows, if he had off spring, they could very well be murderers too; an author's literary privilege. The three "daughters" are Brenda Brooks, her daughter, Kay, and Julia Stevens; all three are heavily involved in the plot. Morse must sort through many tangents: suicide, drugs, spousal abuse, on call ladies, a terminally ill character and the tangled world of university fund raising versus morals and academics. Back at headquarters Superintendent Strange has his hands full with a massive budget cut which affects Lewis' pending promotion. Strange assures Lewis how valuable he is - which is small solace for Lewis. The tale involves many participants and is quite involved but results in a first class mystery. This is a five star addition to the series. At # 30, chronologically, its rating is on a level with most of the later episodes. Listen for strains of the prelude from the first act of La Traviata which seem to run as thematic material when Julia Stevens is present.』
(Daughters of Cain) 『Great one, that I don't remember having seen before. They just don't make them like that anymore!』
(Charming. Intricate. Brain-Teasing. Fun.) 『Our loveable curmudgeon, Inspector Morse, finds himself outsmarted in this intricate, twisting story of love, intrigue, and revenge. An abused housewife, a stunningly beautiful step-daughter, and a smart friend with a terminal brain tumor combine wits to give Morse and Lewis a run for their money.
The backdrop of the story is Oxford, England and Oxford University, in particular. But the ivy covered halls of academia are home to murder. Ted Brooks, the bad-tempered, abusive lout was sacked by the University amid hushed-up scandal involving drugs and a student suicide. Now he is bitter and vile tempered, beating his mousy wife.
In one of the more alluring side stories, Kay Brooks, the winsome step-daughter charms Inspector Morse and he finds himself captivated by her dalliances. She is the most beguiling young lady and expert in her line of work.
Poor Sergeant Lewis is aching for a promotion but the budget-conscious bureaucracy has tightened up and there is little encouragement for him. In fact, in this episode, he faces a dilemma of honor versus pragmatism.
A wonderful mystery and delightful show.』
(justice frustrated) 『This entry in the series focuses on the conspiratorial efforts of three women to exact vengeance upon Ted Brooks, a thoroughly repulsive character who is a murderer, drug dealer, and abusive husband. The mystery opens with the murder of a popular academic who was particularly adroit at fundraising for the colleges. In fact, university fundraising is repeatedly satirized in this episode, as one aspect of this drama involves the tendency of college officials to conveniently abandon higher principles (such as an obligation to report suspected criminal activity) if it might discourage potential financial donors. In any event, the professor's murder acted to cement an alliance among the three women, an alliance undertaken for the purpose of ensuring that Ted Brooks paid for his transgressions. The organizer of the conspiracy is a terminally ill teacher, who realizing she has very little to lose, resorts to various measures (including seduction of a teenage student) to accomplish the trio's objectives. Predictably, Ted Brooks is murdered during the course of the episode; however, the viewer is presented with several possible combinations of suspects before the crime is solved. This episode includes numerous details (student suicide, an allegedly stolen bicycle, and an apparent museum theft) which add interest to this mystery and facilitate plot development. The teacher who organized the conspiracy was described as "clever." Just how clever she was is illustrated by the manner in which this drama ends-- with two of the three conspirators escaping justice. Despite (or perhaps because of) the unusual ending, this entry in the Morse series is very entertaining and satisfying.』
(More than just a who-done-it) 『The highlight of this episode is Phyllis Logan. She does a good job of being an ordinary person. You never "see" Lady Felsham in her character. One amusing part of the story is the ceaseless lampooning of academia using the theme of fund raising at Oxford. The basic detective story involves multiple murders and the ways the murderers use to escape justice or receive it themselves by what could be judged as divine guidance of the affairs of mortals.』
