Kakaku：199 saved$1.99
Koch Vision
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (real WW2 action on video) 『This DVD is based on multiple reels of film shot by US Army Signal Corps camermen in 1945 during the drive into Germany. The material is all black and white, well exposed and well reproduced. The story starts with the crossing of the Roer River and moves through the end of the war. For the mlitary equipment buff there are many scenes of tanks in action, of artillery, and a lot of footage of the infantryman in combat. There are many scenes of the German death camps and of the suffering and destruction that the Nazis brought to Germany, but the real value to many of us are the scenes of the American GI in action. No glory, just a dirty, nasty job that was done by a generation now in their eighties. It is fascinating to look back at the young men, the average infantry, carrying heavy loads, always in danger, but working towards the victory.』 『In the spring of 1945, American troops had begun to conquer the Third Reich from the west– town by town, village by village. Embedded with these troops were cameramen capturing the action on over 1,000 reels of film recently unearthed in the U.S. National Archives. The images captured are astounding – previously unseen footage from the Arnoldsweiler concentration camp, the U.S. Army’s advancement through German cities including Cologne and Frankfurt and captured German POWs. It documents the victory and defeat, the death and the desperation, the liberation and the ruin left behind.』
Kakaku：900 saved$9.00
Warner Home Video
Not yet released IPhone 3G used's review (Speedy and Up To Par) 『Dumb and Dumber arrived within four days. It is in prime condition and exactly as specified. Excellent!』
(i like it a lot) 『Jim Carrey is probably my favorite comedian. In this one, as usual, I had to pause the movie several times so that I could finish laughing. Even now I'm having to pause because I'm remembering him screaming in frustration "our pets' heads are falling off!" Jeff Daniels is pretty funny too. Great movie when you don't want heavy and thought-provoking, just dumb and funny.』
(UNRATED?? Nope, it's cut ! Scene missing !) 『4 stars because this is a great movie. I watched it first in 1994 when I was 19 and now with my kids, 14 years later. Jeff Daniels, back then a rather serious actor, delivers a brilliant performance. Carrey is a mastermind as usual. There are so many improvs that are not in the script. Don't listen to others. This movie was a gem back then and still is. The Farrelly Brothers are genuisses.
BUT only 4 stars because this so-called "unrated version" is missing a scene. A scene that has been removed! It's the scene where Jim Carrey asks the nice old lady wo watch his stuff while he breaks a dollar. The missing scene is when he comes out of the store and finds his stuff missing and he calls for the nice old lady. Why has this been cut out?』
(Even two idiots can deliver a briefcase across America when they put half their brains together!) 『Imagine the two dumbest people you've ever met. Now imagine those two in charge of returning your lost luggage. Wow, what a feat it would be if you ever received your luggage back. This film shows that even two idiots can deliver a briefcase across America when they put half their brains together. One of the underlying themes is that this is a love story, plain and simple. It's what really drives Carrey, and Daniels across country to deliver the goods. Most of today's pure comedies tend to have a cast that isn't half as strong as Dumb and Dumber. Thankfully Time Warner made this movie in the early stages of several of the cast members careers. Names like Jim Carry who plays Lloyd Christmas, Jeff Daniels as Harry Dunne, these guys are lead actors equally sharing half the movie, and it's directed by the Farrelly Bros. to boot! It's hard to have a bad movie with those names on the scene, and this is no exception! They say never do business with family, but that couldn't be less true for the Farrelly Bros. Very few first or second time directors have been able to produce terrific films in the same vein as Dumb and Dumber, so early in their careers. A few directors that have had similar movie success are Robert Rodriguez, Manoj Night Shyamalan, and Orson Wells. I can only interpret that we're on the cusp of a lot of laughs and more great movies by the Farrelly's. Several slap stick movies tend to drag but this one continues to keep the audience moving. This is an Airplane, Naked Gun type film that has the viewers just itching to find out what these two numbskulls will say next. It's 101 continuous minutes of unbridled childish laughter. In order to deepen the secondary love theme, the Farrelly's used two techniques music and symbolism. In one scene Carrey goes into a daydream-like state thinking about what life would be like with Lauren Holly, she plays Mary Swanson the beautiful `out of reach' woman who lost her baggage. Carrey tilts his head back, the camera moves in closer, and The Love Affair by Dick Walter starts playing. The audience knows that they are in the dream state because for the entire song they show continuity clips of Holly and Carrey having a wonderful life together. Great use of editing to music, even the proverbial beach running scene even makes a cameo. One attempt at symbolism is in the same dream sequence, Carrey hugs Holly and about ten doves fly out of nowhere from behind them. The doves symbolize the innocents and immaculate cleanliness that is most typical of a dreamy love sequence. Face time, ego and money rule the silver screen when it comes to big Hollywood names. Every once in a while you can find two lead characters split everything in the film, including jokes, mishaps, and adventures. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels share the screen and script perfectly. This is a movie that left the audience wondering, who's funnier, and who's dumber?』
(Unrated=Unecessary, but nice extras) 『The unrated cut of the film is nothing special, but the retrospective interviews with most of the cast are very entertaining (especially Jeff Daniels).
The movie is just plain funny which has everything to do with the chemistry of the two stars. They play off each other perfectly and bring stupid, yet endearing characters to the screen.
Rated or Unrated, the film belongs in your collection.』 『Delivering exactly what its title promises, this celebration of stupidity was Jim Carrey's 1994 follow-up toAce Ventura: Pet DetectiveandThe Mask. The film pairs the rubber- faced wacky man with Jeff Daniels as the not-so-dynamic duo of Lloyd and Harry, dunderheads who come into the possession of a briefcase containing ransom money that is intended for Mob-connected kidnappers. Lauren Holly costars as the woman who lost the briefcase, and with whom Carrey falls in love (both in real life and as his moronic on-screen character). As Lloyd and Harry make a mad dash to return the briefcase (never aware of its contents), the bumbling buddies attract Mobsters, cops, and trouble galore. This lowbrow laugh-a-thon scores some solid hits for hilarity, but with gags involving ill-fated parakeets, buxom bimbos, and an overdose of laxatives, be prepared to put your brain--and good taste--on hold.--Jeff Shannon』
Kakaku：4499 saved$44.99
WB Television Network, The
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Excellent season) 『Season two of Gilmore Girls is great. We have Rory's feelings for Jess which begin to grow and the love triangle with Dean is here. Season two is a lot of fun as Rory meets Jess and they begin their romance as Rory has to choose between her long-time boyfriend and her new love interest. This season has a lot of great episodes. It gets even better when Rory is dating Logan in the later seasons and things get even more exciting. Rory firsts begins a relationship with Jess this season.』
(Very pleased) 『I am very pleased with this product, and will not hesitate to buy from this seller again. Thanks!』
(Great season) 『Season 2 is a really fun season, and the dvds came in a timely manner in "new" condition.』
(Family Program) 『This is a fabulous program to watch with your kids. My daughter simply LOVE it as she identifies herself with one of the characters, Rory, who is a very nice and sweet girl.』
(Arrived quickly) 『I ordered this for my daughter to receive as a surprise in her mailbox at college and she received it quickly. Her advice is that you not watch the last episode of the season though until you order the next season's set because the cliffhangers are torture!』 『Those acclaimed Gilmore Girls are back for a second season of warmth, charm, zingy repartee and heart-stopping moments of drama. In this 6-disc set are all 22 irresistible year-two episodes about the people you've grown to love: young single mom Lorelai, her super-achieving daughter Rory, her elitist parents Emily and Richard, and a whole town of dreamers and eccentrics. New faces also come to Stars Hollow, including Luke's nephew Jess, whose rebelliousness offends the town, but whose passion for books attracts Rory. Hearts break and mend, careers end and begin, folks stumble and pick themselves up in a series that's "blissfully brilliant" (Ken Parish Perkins, Fort Worth Star-Telegram).』 『Love was in the air at the beginning of the second season ofGilmore Girls, as both Gilmores found themselves in the midst of perfect, giddy relationships--or so they thought. Lorelai (Lauren Graham) had accepted the proposal of English teacher Max (Scott Cohen) and was excitedly planning her first wedding; Rory (Alexis Bledel) was back on happy footing with townie hunk Dean (Jared Padalecki) after a dust-up near the end of season one that prompted a mini-break for the teen twosome. However, series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino had anything but smooth sailing on the horizon for her heroines, giving Lorelai a severe case of cold feet and Rory a major distraction in the form of Jess (Milo Ventimiglia), the bad boy newly arrived in town. Soon, Rory found herself extremely attracted to Jess, while Lorelai rekindled the flame of passion that once burned long ago with Rory's father, Christopher (David Sutcliffe), who made his way back into her life despite a girlfriend in the wings.
After the minor romantic speed bumps of the first season, the introduction of actual conflict into the second season ofGilmore Girlshelped give the happy-goofy atmosphere of Stars Hollow a decided tension, as Rory tangled with her emotions over Jess and began the first tiny steps away from her good-girl persona. The episode "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," centered around the annual town auction of picnic baskets, was a wonderful portrait of Rory's conflicting adolescent feelings for both Dean and Jess. However, it was Lorelai's simmering chemistry with former flame Christopher, only hinted at in the first season, that gave the show its energy as well as its heartbreak, culminating in the stellar season finale "I Can't Get Started." But lest you thinkGilmore Girlswas centered only on romance, the second season also gave the expansive ensemble cast many hilarious moments, ranging from the hallway politics of Rory's private school to the town antics that shaped the Gilmores' daily lives. Through it all, the appealing Bledel and the radiant Graham exuded wit, charm, and a way with snappy patter not seen since the golden days of '30s screwball comedy.--Mark Englehart』
Kakaku：598 saved$5.98
Warner Home Video
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Finally - An Official 2 Disc Release Of A Classic Epic -) 『"Nothing do I see that is not perfection".
At last one of the great classic Hollywood blockbuster epics of the early fifties has finally found its rightful DVD home with this exceptional release from Warner Home Video!
Produced by MGM in 1951 "Quo Vadis" was Hollywood's first wallop in the fight against the onslaught of television. Available at first and for many years only on VHS tape it then began to appear on a plethora of foreign DVDs and with varying quality - it has to be said. One such unfortunate issue, which originated in Korea, was released without any opening credits whatsoever! I kid you not!
That said, we now, thankfully, have it in our possession and a superb and pristine double disc issue it is! With perfect colour resolution Robert Surtees' brilliant Acadamy Award nominated cinematography comes across with well defined and plush imagery. With gorgeous colours for the costumes worn by the various cast members particularly dazzling is the golden uniform as worn by star Robert Taylor as he proudly bears himself aboard his chariot during his Triumphal March through Rome. Also of note is, of course, Miklos Rozsa's Acadamy Award nominated score. His main Roman motif, bold and strong, dominates the scenes in the Forum and in the arena. In gentler mode is his beautiful love theme for the scenes with Marcus and Lygia. Then there's the frenetic bacchanal-like Hymn of the Vestal Virgins immediatly followed by the robust and heroic Triumphal March. Also heard on this issue, and for the first time since the original Roadshow release 56 years ago, is Rozsa's Overture and Exit Music. The great composer would barely eclipse the "Vadis" score eight years later with his Oscar winning music for "Ben Hur".
The assembled cast are uniformly excellent except perhaps the syrupy and simpering performance of Deborah Kerr as Lygia. But Robert Taylor is fine in what is probaly his best known role as the Legion commander Marcus Vinicius. Outstanding is British actor Leo Genn as Petronious - the sardonic and sarcastic confidante of the tyrannical Emperor Nero. And of course there is the great Peter Ustinov chewing up every bit of scenery there is as the totally crazed and looney Nero. Both Ustinov and Leo Genn were nominated for Acadamy Awards. The picture is also buoyed by some elaborate and colourful set pieces - the vestal virgins singing and wildly dancing in homage to the goddess Vesta, the spectacular Triumphal March of the Roman legions passing Nero's palace, the exciting Chariot Chase and the brilliantly staged burning of Rome. And not forgetting the harrowing arena scenes as the lions are released on the hymn-singing christians. These scenes all come across extremely well on this excellent DVD which comes with a trailer, an excellent 45 minute featurette "Quo Vadis&the Genesis Of The Biblical Epic" and a commentary by one F.X.Feeney who neglects to tell us that the opening narration is by MGM favourite Walter Pidgeon (uncredited) and persists in calling the leading lady's character Lega instead of Lygia. But it's still a DVD that every devotee will have to have in their collection!
Here's looking forward to the Blue Ray version promised for early 2009!』
(Great Film But the Dvd is a Rip-Off) 『Quo Vadis is one of those large scale biblical epics that has withstood the test of time. and as they did with special edition dvds of Ryan's Daughter, Dr. Zhivago, Mutiny on the Bounty, Grand Prix, Ben-Hur and How The West Was Won Warner Brothers Home Video has done a splendid job of restoring and remastering the film. but why the break??? a 2hr.52min.film can easily fit on one side of one disc.』
(NOT A WIDESCREEN FILM) 『It bares repeating that this film was made before the invention of Cinemascope or any widescreen process. So, I don't want to hear anyone complaining about this being a "Full Screen Version". That is the only way it can be viewed. Also, even though Miklos Rozza's score is not as dramatic as Ben Hur, or any others he composed during this time period, there is obvious similarities to Ben Hur. Close to the end of the film, the march he used at the end of the Chariot Race of Ben Hur is exactly duplicated note for note. Also, throughout the film, those with a good ear will notice other similarities to Ben Hur.』
(Big disappointment) 『I have been waiting for "Quo Vadis " on DVD for years to complete the " Ben Hur" , " King of Kings " trilogy. Considereing the stunning presentation of "King of Kings " I was sure "Quo Vadis was going to be on an equal par especially since it was remastered in an ultraresolution.
What a disappointment. Image appeared flat and the technicolor was pale and lackluster. A far cry from the "King of Kings" presentation. I hope the blu ray disc due out for Easter is an improvement.』
(A Superb Religious Epic Finally Restored.) 『Following a long-overdue restoration process, this 2-Disc special edition of MGM's epic Quo Vadis is finally available. Quo Vadis easily ranks among Ben-Hur, The Greatest Story Ever Told, and The Ten Commandments as one of the greatest religious epics ever. Adapted from Henryk Sienkiewicz's 1895 historical novel, Quo Vadis, the 1951 film stars Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Leo Genn, Peter Ustinov, with Finlay Currie, Felix Aylmer and Abraham Sofaer. The film's title refers to a meeting between St Peter and Jesus in the New Testament where Peter, fleeing from the persecution of Emperor Nero, asked Jesus, "Domine, quo vadis?" (Lord, whither goest thou?). Jesus replied, "Whither I go, thou can not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards." Peter returned to Rome where he was crucified at the foot of the Vatican Hill.
Set in Rome under during the reign of the Emperor Nero (Peter Ustinov) around AD 64, Quo Vadis chronicles the love story between a young slave girl Lygia (Deborah Kerr), and a Roman General, Marcus Vinicius (Robert Taylor), while also depicting the larger conflict between Christianity and the corruption of the Roman Empire. Lygia is a Christian convert, and Marcus Vinicius is a warrior. Their unlikely love story unfolds against a background of Nero's insane atrocities. Few would disagree that Ustinov sets the standard for film villains, and his performance as the Emperor Nero carries the three-hour film. He burns Rome and blames the Christians. He crucifies Peter upside-down. He throws the Christians to the lions. If Ustinov's performance isn't reason enough to experience this film, then the set designs, costumes, and musical score are.
Despite its DVD restoration, viewers deserve to experience Quo Vadis on the big screen. Although it did not win in any category, it was nominated for eight Academy Awards. Peter Ustinov won the Golden Globe Award Best Supporting Actor. Highly recommended.
G. Merritt』 『Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/11/2008』 『"Welcome to Nero's House of Women" greets a concubine to a slave girl, Lygia (Deborah Kerr). Later this self-same greeter reveals that she, too, like Lygia, is really a fellow Christian neophyte. And it's that mixture of tawdry Hollywood sex and a strong Christian message that makes this film an enjoyable "gentiles and gladiators" flick. Marcus Vinicius returns home after conquering the Britons to find that Rome is infected with a crazy new sect called Christians and that his beloved emperor Nero (Peter Ustinov, roly-poly and wicked) has become increasingly wacky. Marcus tries his centurion wiles on Lygia, and she's smitten, but she's also a Christian convert and begs Marcus not to force her to choose between him and her god. The Christians have a tough go of it, with martyrdom in the Coliseum as punishment for belonging to the new religion in town. Though three hours long, director Mervyn LeRoy's film always has something going on. It could help you enjoyably kill any rainy Sunday afternoon.--Keith Simanton』
Kakaku：199 saved$1.99
Gaiam
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Miriam Nelson minus the weight training!) 『I couldn't believe this DVD, with Dr. Miriam Nelson, the woman who has focused so much of her work on weights had NOTHING about using weights in this guide. It was ridiculous generic information and annoying aerobics and a few core exercises. Don't bother, the DVD is a waste of money, buy the books.』
(Easy, educational and entertaining) 『Weight loss...the eternal struggle for me and for many other people. I need all the help I can get to stay focussed, informed and motivated. This DVD is an quick way to keep me energized and on the right track! Plus the results are already starting to show up!!!!!』
(Great gift for mom) 『Wonderful DVD! We had the entire family doing the exercises together at our sunday get together. Now my mom (55) does the strength training exercises every day.』 『THE SECRET TO TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR WEIGHT For the past twenty years, Miriam Nelson a physical activity and nutrition scientist at Tufts University has been conducting research on the benefits of physical activity and proper nutrition for improving women s lives.
In StrongWomenTM Weight Loss, Dr. Nelson shares the alarming trends in weight gain and obesity during the past two decades, explains the three main reasons women gain, and demystifies why diets fail.
Changing behavior can be challenging, but with the support of this DVD, and Dr. Nelson s supportive, gentle, positive approach, you will be on your way to taking charge of your weight its never too late!
DVD includes: Introduction to Weight Loss Eating Plan Secrets to Success 35 and 45 minute exercise routines with fitness instructor, Tavia Patusky』
Kakaku：1201 saved$12.01
Decca
Usually ships in 24 hours 『Very likely the first film of Idomeneo, made at a time when the work was little known. Filmed at the Aldeburgh Festival, established by Britten and Pears. Britten used his own performing edition, sung in English. Each act begins with a spoken introduction by revered music historian John Warrack.』
Kakaku：599 saved$5.99
Warner Home Video
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (excellent) 『it is very nice to be able to get these old favorites on DVD and to be able to share them with my grandkids. The quality on the DVD's was great. Thanks Cathy』
(I love Peanuts) 『Peanuts has always been one of my favorite cartoons. I enjoy reading the 'reprints' in the newspaper even now. Charlie Browns Christmas is definately a must have in this household. I've enjoyed it repeatedly over the years. What's Christmas without a reminder of what Christmas is all about.』
(The Best Animated Xmas feature) 『Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas in a world besieged by commercialism. The story Charlie Brown's quest works on a number of different levels, making it worthwhile viewing for children and adults. This half-hour special hits the mark with its message, its wit, music and charm. 』
(Wonderful New Transfer of Classic Tale) 『I love it! This disc is such an improvement over Paramount's disc, both in video and audio, that I don't know where to start. So I won't. And, it appears that they did use the first-year version of the film as there were a few animation errors that were cleaned up for the second and subsequent airings, according to the creators. I'm assuming one of those errors is towards the end when the gang is standing around C.B,s tree and humming. For one split second, Pig-Pen's head disappears, revealing Patty's dress behind him. RIOT! A true American classic.』
(Ah, yes, a timeless holiday classic, but...) 『Warner Home Video now owns the Peanuts holiday specials, after years of ownership and video releases by Paramount. And it will sell - it's a perennial Christmas classic, and deserves every accolade. But...something is missing...
The original sponsor of this special was Coca-Cola, and, like many television programs and specials of the time, had sponsor bumpers in the program. Linus crashed into a "sponsored by Coca-Cola" sign, slingshotted his blanket at Coke cans, and the end credits wished us all a "Merry Christmas from your Coca-Cola bottlers". Due to broadcast regulation changes, children's programming could no longer include direct sponsoring, and the Coke references disappeared forever after the original broadcast. Therefore, unless somebody wants to pay Coca-Cola a huge amount of money, you will never see these portions, either restored or as extras for a true collector's edition. If you own a Paramount copy, don't worry about updating your disc.
Oh, and the greatest Peanuts holiday special is coupled with the very worst Peanuts holiday special - it has never aired on network television outside of its original broadcast. The more you know...
A great special, but somebody needs to step up and do this program up in a true collector's edition.』 『Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 10/07/2008 Run time: 128 minutes』 『This half-hour Christmas show is one of the truly lovable animated specials in TV history, a status proved by its annual network telecast since 1965.A Charlie Brown Christmaswas the first, and best, of a series of programs based on the Charles M. Schulz cartoon strip "Peanuts." Hapless hero Charlie Brown finds himself depressed at Christmastime, searching for the true meaning of the holiday amidst the glitz and commercialism of the modern age. Appointed director of the school holiday pageant, Charlie Brown ventures out with Linus to buy "a great, big, shiny aluminum Christmas tree." Instead they bring back a miserable tree--a real one.A Charlie Brown Christmasshows off the "Peanuts" gang doing what they do best: Lucy is bossy, Snoopy is crazy, Linus is sweet, and Pig Pen is, well, filthy. Instead of using adult actors trying to sound like kids, the production features real children providing the voices, an endearing effect. The jazz music score, composed by Vince Guaraldi, has become a classic in its own right; like so much about this program, it's an unexpected but perfectly right choice.--Robert Horton』
Kakaku：1500 saved$15.00
Dreamworks Animated
Usually ships in 9 to 11 days IPhone 3G used's review (WHY WATCH SHREK AGAIN: Shrek as Imperial Critique) 『Shrek is an Ogre. A monster. Something to be feared. Those who are hunting for him with torches and pitchforks have their fantasy-projections of what ogres are like. But is he really as bad as his pursuers think? Perhaps monsters are mere projections of our prejudices and fears onto those who represent the unknown. In this way, 'the other' is part of our mythologizing, whose identity is constructed by the dominant story-tellers of society. Toward the beginning of the movie various 'others', the defected fairy-tale characters, are bought, sold, and rejected. The motif of colonialism arises as the fairy-tale creatures are relocated to the mirky swamp by the orders of Farquad, and thus disrupting the ogre's peace. (Recall the ginger bread man calls Farquad a "monster").
King Farquad represents the ruling elite. He is a white male with a Napolean complex - that is, he is short and often tries to appear taller than he actually is. This is an indication of shame and part of his fabricating identity by bullying others; rising to power is not merely compensation but is a contrived way of affirming his significance. This is part of a very important theme: Farquad is a pretend king. He is playing make-believe, and whether he knows he is or not is a worthy conversation. He seems to deceive himself by his making-believe forcing the others to participate. Notice his control of the authentic. During a festivity his servants are made to display cards reminding the crowd to "Applause" or "Boo". The magic mirror tells him what he wants to hear, but under threat. He maintains his image with violence. His power and glory are a fabrication that is established by a play of fear and of prejudice. Most noteworthy and more central is his ongoing struggle to establish the "perfect kingdom" - and so he attempts to capture the "happily ever after" for himself. Yet this "perfect" kingdom - with no ambiguity and perfect conformity to his liking - is really a utilization of social construction with which he manipulates his reality. In this way the movie is suggestive of how people see themselves as within a story.
There is a general understanding among anthropologists that we interpret our world through story, allowing our expectations to be shaped by them. We assume the stories are prescriptive and so we live by them, when really they may confine our interpretation of lived experience. Hence, the princess was waiting to be rescued by the prince. The dragon was 'supposed' to be killed. This is how one is "supposed" to find "true love" - a fixation the princess sees within a narratival framework. The story isn't 'perfect.' She learns that along the way.
Within the theme of the imperial pursuit of the 'perfect' and its corollary dehumanizing of the other, a feminist critique can be found. Notice the chivalry of Robin Hood. Hood believes he is saving a damsel in distress. This reflects the chivalrous will to establish identity in relation to the damsel by conquoring evil - the "threat." Every classic horror film where a beautiful woman is victimized by a gothic creature serves to a particular perspective of good and evil through a particular construction of women. According to the script, it is a scandal for a woman to be with an ogre. This points to the complication of gender construction in an imperial context. It is widely recognized by sociologists that the constructions of gender-relations are integrated with other social constructions such as 'race' and 'class'. In general, the 'other' plays a role in the construction of power and privilege through its contradistinction from a construction of authentic humanity ('white', 'male', 'middle-upper' class). Hence chivalry is part of a narrative construct of how masculinity is established in its distinction to the 'other.' But this depiction of chivalry seeks to affirm adequacy or power in battle against an other - defining its power in terms of defeat and conquest, and restoration of a well-defined order.
Moreover, in its presumption of the weak and passive role of the woman, there is suggestive here a weakness in patriarchy itself. Both Robin Hood and Farquad need to fit themselves in a defining narrative whereby it is easy to manipulate their identity. Robin Hood is insecure because he needs to define himself in just this way. The Robin Hood scene nicely upsets the imperial/patriarchical assumption of chivalry. The princess doesn't need Robin Hood's help. In fact she sees herself as a victim of his presumed heroism. Robin Hood's sing-and-dance routine reveals his motives are really not really pure at all. He is using the role of chivalry and its play on otherness (the ogre) to placate his desires (which may include remaining a hero of sexual conquest and earning or keeping the respect of his band of merry men). Princess Fiona proves to be stronger than Robin Hood, revealing his weakness and deconstructing his facade.
At the end of the movie, the princess kisses Shrek, the spell is broken, and she remains an ogre - only permanently. It's actually as if her day-time identity as a fairy-tale depiction of a fair-maden is the fake - the curse. It's not so much that Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but rather escapes social construction. King Farquad is exposed as a fraud, and his kingdom built on inauthentic and is itself truly anti-human. The Shrek story effectively deconstructs the fairy-tale narrative - but does so in the formation of another narrative. What I come away with is a sense that to live by a pre-scriptive narrative, and to mediate one's identity through it, is to be fake, inauthentic, and to transcend; only in transcending the expected can we find what is true, good, and beautiful.
Now, by explicating these themes, I don't mean to imply that there are no race or gender typology being used here. For instance, all people in this movie are white. Some may see the donkey character as resembling the stereotypical non-white side kick, for instance. The hero is still a male. At very least, I would like to suggest that these stereotypes serves the movies critique.
In summery, Shrek is a commentary on empire. The power of empire is its story. It is in story that people interpret their role, through which they mediate identity and are predisposed in an interpersonal and political trajectory. Story gives meaning. The empire controls the story-telling of a society, and manipulates it in order to type-cast itself into the heroic and the salvific.』
(The Best) 『Must have watched this 1000 times. makes me laugh every time. Will be a classic if not already.』
(Shrek) 『I have attempted to purchase this item twice from to seprate vendors and have not received either.』
(All Good) 『The disks were both clean and scratch-free and the case was pristine. I would buy from this seller again in a heartbeat.』
(Shrek, is the best.) 『This DVD was hard to find in my area. I had to have it!』 『Relive every moment of shreks daring quest to rescue feisty priincess fiona with the help of his lovable loudmouthed donkey and win back the deed to his beloved swamp from scheming lord farquad. Enchantingly irreverent and monsterously clever. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 01/17/2006 Starring: Voice Of Mike Meyers Voice Of Cameron Diaz Run time: 93 minutes Rating: Pg』 『William Steig's delightfully fractured fairy tale is the right stuff for this computer-animated adaptation full of verve and wit. Our title character (voiced by Mike Myers) is an agreeable enough ogre who wants to live his days in peace. When the diminutive Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) evicts local fairy-tale creatures (including the now-famous Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and the Gingerbread Man), they settle in the ogre's swamp and Shrek wants answers from Farquaad. A quest of sorts starts for Shrek and his new pal, a talking donkey (Eddie Murphy), where battles have to be won and a princess (Cameron Diaz) must be rescued from a dragon lair in a thrilling action sequence. The story is stronger than most animated fare, but it's the humor that makesShreka winner. The PG rating is stretched when Murphy and Myers hit their strides. The mild potty humor is fun enough for 10-year-olds but will never embarrass their parents.Shrekis never as warm and inspired as theToy Storyfilms, but the realistic computer animation and a rollicking soundtrack keep the entertainment in fine form. Produced by DreamWorks, the film also takes several delicious stabs at its crosstown rival, Disney.--Doug Thomas』
Kakaku：300 saved$3.00
Bayview Entertainment/Widowmaker
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Excellent Reference For Iaijutsu!) 『This video is an excellent reference for anyone studying Iaijutsu! It does not however replace the proper instruction of a qualified Sensei. See www.jikishin-kai.com to find a qualified instructor in this style of Iaijutsu in your local area today!
NEWS FLASH!
Shimabukuro Sensei will teach a seminar in Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu in Pensacola,FL on March 6, 7 and 8, 2009. The seminar will be held at the dojo (Big Green Drum Japanese Martial Arts.)
We will have more details up on our web site soon.
Contact: patty@aikidowestflorida.com For more information about Shimabukuro Sensei, see www.jikishin-kai.com
』 『Samurai Swordsmanship from Black Belt Magazine features Black Belt Hall of Fame member Masayuki Shimabukuro (Weapons Instructor of the Year, 2006) and his senior student, Carl E. Long, demonstrating and explaining the history, construction, rituals and techniques associated with the samurai sword. Volume 3 covers advanced concepts and features interviews with both instructors. Topics include mat cutting, forms, uniform care, sword etiquette, cleaning your weapon, thrusts, drawing and sheathing the sword and much more.』
