Kakaku：998 saved$9.98
Mti Home Video
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Like Curse of the Komodo) 『Tom Savini is the star of this tale of military science gone wrong. A general has the idea of creating monsters as weapons. Tom is supposed to be testing a subject near one of their bases. But Tom has his own ideas. Instead of just putting the creature through its paces, he has been feeding it. Three guys on a fishing trip, and a tag-along girlfriend, wind up in the danger zone. Back at the base, the General is coming under fire because of Savini's lack of following orders. A special team is sent in to eliminate Savini.
This part looks like it was written for Savini. He is the true star. The monster is a major force but we see very little of it (this seems to be a current trend). The rest of the cast is OK. There are a few little problems with the script such as setting off at 2 PM for a long hike to a fishing location and expecting to be back soon but it doesn't really get in the way as the film is driven by action and not dialogue. If you want your monster films to have victims torn asunder then this is not for you as this type of action is mostly off-screen. But if you are looking for action and like to try and guess who will survive, then this one is for you. Check it out.』
(okay low budget horror film) 『I have a five dollar copy of this movie and I don't think it's that bad. I really enjoyed Tom Savini's performance.At least it's better than The Ripper.』
(A much better horror movie...) 『This is Matt Green's second directorial effort, and it's light years ahead of "Severed". The technical work is sharper and the script is much better. Sure, it's a formulaic horror story, but aren't they all, at this point? I picked this up at a local video rental store, and it was worth the $3. I also enjoyed a few of the DVD special features. This is a low-budget horror movie, so keep that in mind when you watch it. Matt, I take my hat off to you. You've done an outstanding job.』
(THE WAY OF THE HORROR FILM) 『When I was just a wee lad several thousand years ago, I spent most of my weekends at the local theater, basking in double features of such classic horror films as THE TINGLER, HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, DEMENTIA 13, THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, so on and so forth. Over the years, I have maintained my affinity for horror films and sadly in the past five years, many of the horror films have gone the way of mindless drivel like VICIOUS. It's gotten so that I am extremely surprised when I find a really good horror film (don't even think of films like THE VILLAGE or THE GRUDGE as good horror films). So when one decides to either rent or buy some of these films from studios like MTI, FULL MOON and God forbid DEAD ALIVE PRODUCTIONS, one must not set expectations high. In VICIOUS, we once again get a government controlled mutation going awry, this time with kind of a zookeeper who gets food for the mutant beast. We hardly get a good look at the monster in this one, and it's probably for the best, because the few times we even get close to a glance, it looks pretty awful. Horror "legend" Tom Savini plays the unusually sane psycho, and the rest of the cast, well don't hold your breath for Oscar nominations for any of them. Even the usually interesting Brinke Stevens (one of those awful scream queens like Linnea Quigley and Debbie Rochon) is wasted in a brief cameo at the beginning of the film. Marco St. John who plays the colonel got his start years ago on the AS THE WORLD TURNS soap opera, and I'm sure he would rather be remembered for that than his awfully performed role in this one. But then again, since this is the kind of film we get these days, VICIOUS isn't as bad as some of the other terrible films I've viewed recently (TAIL STING, THE VAULT, etc.). Be warned---this is not a great horror movie.』
(Oh the humanity!) 『Tom Savini holds a reputation in the horror film genre many filmmakers envy. His primary occupation is that of special effects artist, and a register of the movie's he has worked on reads like a greatest hits list: "Maniac," "The Burning," Romero's Dead Trilogy, "The Prowler," "Cutting Moments," and a host of other wonderfully gory projects. The shotgun blast to the noggin effect he created for "Maniac" ranks as one of the most gruesome head scenes ever, with only that horrific scene in Cronenberg's "Scanners" coming anywhere close to topping it. Aside from his bloody creations, Savini occasionally steps in front of the camera too. His most notable performance, excluding the aforementioned "Manic" head scene, is a critical role in the Quentin Tarentino/George Clooney film "From Dusk to Dawn." He also appeared in Romero's "Dawn of the Dead" as an outlaw biker. Good stuff all around, especially when realizing that the guy has directed a film or two as well. He lensed the 1990 remake of George Romero's "Night of the Living Dead." Is there anything this guy can't do well? Sad to say, the answer is yes. His appearance in "Vicious" does nothing to save the movie from utter mediocrity.
"Vicious" is a film so bad on every level that it boggles the mind. Savini stars as Kane, a top secret military operative currently out in the field serving as an overseer for Project Carnivore. What does his job entail? Riding around in the woods in a souped up, rigged with explosives van monitoring a biological monstrosity's bloody activities. The Army, in this instance represented by some loudmouthed Colonel, wants to keep the very much successful project going despite a few niggling setbacks. Sadly, some high level suit orders the officer to close down the operation by terminating the monster and Kane. It's probably just as well considering Kane appears to have snapped somewhere along the line and is now actively helping the creature kill innocent people. The Colonel responds to this grave threat by dispatching tanks, planes, attack helicopters, and thousands of troops armed with the latest technology available. Sounds like a plan, right? Not exactly since the Colonel doesn't do any of this. In order to close down a project as dangerous as this one, he sends in TWO Marines armed with rifles. Wow! I understand trying to keep the mop up operation under wraps, but at least give these guys some flamethrowers or something. No chance. Predictably, Kane and the beast make quick work of these two unfortunate wretches.
Even worse, a bunch of innocent civilians end up running head first into the snafu that has become Project Carnivore. Enter a fishing expedition consisting of Doug (Brian Bremer), his soon to be wife Barbara (Melanie Parker), and his two buddies Steve (Robert Pralgo) and Hal (Ted Huckabee). Right from the start the group experiences tensions, mainly revolving around the issue of Barbara joining the guys for a trip into the sticks. Hal and Steve resent the fact that she insists on an alcohol free jaunt, and they also strongly disapprove of Doug's spinelessness in the matter. It isn't too long before veiled comments turn into open warfare, with Hal and Steve slinking off to pick up a load of beverages from a nearby village. While nursing a few cold ones in the local pub, Kane ambles by to inform them of a really great fishing spot. That said lake sits securely inside the area where Project Carnivore is rocking and rolling is a fact he conveniently omits. Steve and Hal head over to check the area out, much to their lasting detriment. Doug, noticing his pals never returned, insists on going out to look for them. Soon Doug and Barbara are in a struggle for their very lives with the wily Kane and his vicious pet.
Good god is this a cruddy picture! First, the movie looks like it was shot on video, the kiss of death for any serious horror effort. Second, with the exception of Savini the acting uniformly tanks. The worst offenders in "Vicious" are without a doubt the two thespians in the roles of Steve and Hal. These guys are so annoying that I felt like taking a sledgehammer to my DVD player every time the two lunkheads appeared onscreen. I have to say these two characters present the most formidable argument in favor of prohibition seen in years. Compared to these two, the Doug and Barbara characters turn in Oscar worthy performances. Third, and easily the most damaging component of "Vicious," is the atrocious CGI effects used to simulate the monster. In all the films I have watched since the inception of computer generated effects, the design of the monster here ranks as the worst. The color scheme consists of gray with these cheesy looking red streaks all over the place, a truly awful combination that will make your jaw hit the floor in disbelief at the inanity of it all. I can look past a shot on video format and poor acting some of the time, but the presence of this lousy CGI effect is impossible to move beyond.
Surprisingly, a bountiful supply of supplemental materials awaits your inspection after viewing the film. A lengthy behind the scenes feature includes interviews with the director, Savini, Brian Bremer, and Melanie Parker. The commentary track, which all the makers of bad movies seem to love putting on their discs, allows us to listen to Savini and the director try to talk some sense into a senseless movie. Trailers for "Detour," "Slaves of the Realm," "Lucky," and "Sleepless Nights" round out the "Vicious" DVD experience. I recommend skipping the extras as well as the film--that way, the viewer can maintain a high opinion of Tom Savini. I wish I had.
Kakaku：500 saved$5.00
Image Entertainment
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (A Peach!) 『If your a WW1 buff you'll really enjoy this series. Not the end of the rainbow but a good solid overview nicely presented.』
(Very satisfied) 『I found this documentary very informative. I claim to be a WW1 buff and it showed me a brand new perspective. The script is clearly researched well and includes many of the soldiers and civilians written words to enhance it, however, they use the same British for every person which was kind of irritating. This documentary can get a bit dry at times for someonewho shows little interest in the subject, especially in the Global War and Jihad episodes. What this series' crowning acheivement was is to relate the war to every country that fought in it. Battles such as Verdun, Tannenburg and the Somme were discussed but it focused on many other factors (much of which were behind the scenes) for the majority. I would highly recommend this video to anyone wanting to learn more on the subject.』
(DVD, is the gem!) 『If you've seen is on PBS or the military channel you know why it's perhaps the most important break down of events in the past century and while it doesn't cover WWII it explains it's roots, the cold war and the basis for issues in the world today. Outstandingly done history that you wish was how other things were presented. Better than perhaps Ken Burns' civil war series.』
(First World War) 『A very thorough documentary but a little dry. I was pleased with the film footage available and was impressed with the diaries of a few civilians who wrote a very accurate account of what took place. A couple of whom were only 10 or 11 years old at the time.
For someone who is interested in history, I would recommend this DVD set. 』
(Excellent product) 『If you are interested in WWI, this DVD set is amazing. All original footage. Extensive coverage. Highly recomended.』 『This definitive ten-part series offers insight and analysis to provide a coherent and strategic military narrative of the worldwide conflict that changed history.』
Kakaku：250 saved$2.50
Image Entertainment
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review ("What pleasure is it to be a tsar?") 『So asks a tormented Ivan in this second part of Eisenstein's "Ivan the Terrible." Ivan 2 is, I think, a better production than Ivan 1. The interplay of light and shadow that Eisenstein so masterfully achieves comes through here with splendid effect: Ivan, the out-of-control, lonely, isolated, and half-mad tsar is really a little man who casts a disproportionately large shadow. Eisenstein expresses this truth throughout the film with his camera shots and lighting. No wonder Stalin took such offence at the film, which didn't see the light of day until the Soviet Tsar of All the Russias died.
The Ivan in Part 2 is obviously crazy and power-hungry. But the viewer is able to sympathize just a little bit with him because he's so miserable. Nor are his adversaries much better. The religious authorities plot against him because they are jealous of his power--the Orthodox Metropolitan is described at one point as having a white cowl but a black soul--and Ivan's aunt Serifima, who's been his nemesis in both of the film's parts, is just as obsessed with power as Ivan.
Two magnificent scenes in Ivan 2 especially stand out: the accusatory skit in the cathedral, in which Ivan's excesses are "safely" denounced in a passion play, and the assassination of Ivan's half-witted cousin and the destruction of Serifima's schemes. They both really stand out as high points in the history of western cinema.
The theme throughout the film is that a sovereign should be good, but should be willing to take the path of evil if it's absolutely necessary for the survival of his nation--the "dirty hands" motif. Eisenstein's film is deliberately ambivalent in addressing the dirty hands issue, which was probably a coded criticism of Stalin.
The film is mostly in black and white. Towards the end, the film rolls over to color, and then in its final moments switches back to black and white. I don't think this is a deliberate artistic decision so much as a technical issue.』
(Ivan the Terrible Part 2) 『This is the last, and least significant of the three movies in the boxed set, "Eisenstein the Sound Years". Not a bad conclusion to "Ivan the Terrible Part I", but pretty much meaningless without it.
The other two discs in this set, "Alexander Nevsky" and "Ivan the Terrible Part I" are excellent examples of art in the service of propaganda. Eisenstein and Prokofiev team up to portray evil and self sacrifice in a way obviously intended to inspire the Russian people for the conflict they were about to have with Germany.
Those movies will blow you away!』
(Stalin's Favorite Role Model) 『Despite having been produced over 60 years ago, IVAN THE TERRIBLE remains one of the most bizarre and compelling movies ever made. It is filmed in an ultra-expressionist style, despite the fact that expressionism had long passed its heyday in the 1920's and early 30's. Nonetheless, the style fits this almost gothic film perfectly. Religious and other symbols of power and authority are exaggerated, transformed into grotesques. The powerless peasantry, mired in the darkest ignorance, is presented as a frightening presence of menace, ever lurking in the background, waiting to be harnessed by the next tyrant. Ivan himself is depicted as an elongated, Nosferatu-type character with a moral compass so convoluted as to be nonexistent. The mixing of "song&dance numbers" under the most monstrous circumstances toward the end of Part II only enhances the mesmerizing quality of the film. It is said that Stalin attempted to pressure the director to make this masterpiece more "Stalinist friendly," but that the filmmaker courageously refused. Unfortunately almost all other films made during the Stalinist Era reflect the justifiably maligned, dreary style called "socialist realism."
Nosferatu - Special Edition German Horror Classics (Nosferatu (1922) / The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari / Waxworks / The Golem)
』
(The final combat against the boyars!) 『This landamrk film keeps of course the acidity of his bitter significance around the brutal conflict, aroused by inner rivalries between Ivan and the Boyars who were directly involved with the assasination of his parents.
A monumental masterpiece that must be seen by all those who love the cinema.』
(Not for everyone) 『Right off the bat, it needs to be said that this is the older DVD version, not the new remastered Criterion Collection version. There are no extras in this DVD version by Image. The subtitles are black and white, and are difficult to read against the black-and-white film sequences. The excellent score by Prokofiev is tinny. The soundtrack was recorded in PCM, essentially a WAV file, which will not play on many older DVD players. The transition between the black and white sequences and the color sequences is not as smooth as it could be. The difference between the Image version and the Criterion version is one of quality and content, and price. The Criterion version comes as part of a boxed set, which is pricey if you already own Alexander Nevsky and/or Ivan Part I. If you don't already own Alexander Nevsky and/or Ivan I, the Criterion version is the way to go. If you do own it, then you have to decide whether to purchase the Image version and spend less money, or to replicate part of your film library with the 3 disk set from Criterion.
As to the virtues of this Eisenstein compared to other Eisenstein films or all other films, the pacing will be too slow and the posed acting will be too melodramatic for most American audiences raised on modern action flicks. Film lovers will get more out of it, however, because most of them will have the background to appreciate the preservation of the silent film acting style with all its posing, stance, pregnant pauses and charactured good guy/bad guy visual "leitmotifs." The historical background of the film will be missed by your average modern western audience, who would probably fail to sort the propagandizing of Soviet filmmaking from the dramatic touches and historical details. Overall, this is worthy film to watch because of its historical value, insight into the Soviet "social realism" school, hand-in-glove Prokofiev score and brilliant cinematography. The set-up for the final murder and the murder scene itself are great cinema, achieving the pacing and suspense that seem lacking in the first half of the film. Even though you know what is going to happen, the resolution is still satisfying and surprising. If anything, see this film for that. My three stars are really to rate this DVD version because of its tinny and grainy quality and hard-to-read subtitles. Better to spend you money to get the Criterion boxed set instead, even if you do end up replicating one or more Eisenstein's which you may already own.』
『Sergei Eisenstein's saga of Czar Ivan IV continues with the struggle for power and the use of secret police, a controversial segment that caused the film to be banned by Stalin in 1946 (the film was not released until 1958). The predominantly black-and-white film features a banquet dance sequence in color. Obviously the two parts must be viewed as a whole to be fully appreciated. Many film historians consider this period in Eisenstein's career less interesting than his silent period because of a sentimental return to archaic forms (characteristic of Soviet society in the '30s and '40s). Perhaps it was just part of his maturity.--Bill Desowitz』
Kakaku：1000 saved$10.00
Walt Disney Video
Not yet released IPhone 3G used's review (Kyle XY Season 2 - The long-awaited set is here!) 『For those who so thoroughly enjoyed Season 1 of Kyle XY, Season 2 continues the story with some new twists and new characters, while wrapping up loose threads from Season 1. After the death of his mentor, Adam Baylin, Kyle returns to the Trager family, who keenly felt his absence.
Kyle continues to work on developing his abilities under the tutelage of Tom Foss (Nicholas Lea, Alex Krycek on "The X-Files"), while keeping his activities secret, which strains his relationship with his newly adopted family. He also pursues a relationship with Amanda, the neighbor girl he doted on in Season 1.
However, in Season 2, Kyle is no longer the only one of his kind. Shortly before a bomb takes out the laboratory where Kyle was created, a female like him emerges from her pod and runs wild in Seattle, until the company that created her reprograms her into Jessi, Kyle's friend/enemy. She is almost his complete opposite, unafraid to even kill.
The Trager family's lives remain interesting as well, as Steven is hired by the very company controlling Jessi, Lori and Declan's relationship is strained by Declan's keeping Kyle's secrets, Nicole provides therapy to Jessi, and Josh reaches the age of 16, and gets a girlfriend named Andy (yes, she's a girl!) who is suffering from a serious illness, which inspires Josh to do a lot of growing up in this season, while still maintaining his singular wit.
The longer season allows for more dramatic storytelling, leading up to a startling cliffhanger, which begins on TV in January. Interesting timing for the release, eh?
But for all that Kyle learns in this season, it seems clear that he has barely begun to scratch the surface, and may always be attempting to answer the tagline question: Who is Kyle XY?』 『He is not alone. Prepare for twice the excitement with the mysterious arrival of Jessi XX in the captivating sci-fi drama's jaw-dropping Season 2.0. What is Jessi's connection to Kyle, and might she carry the answer to the ultimate question: Who is Kyle XY? Breakout star Matt Dallas reprises his role as Kyle, the phenomenal young man with an enigmatic past. Unlock coveted secrets from Season One and delve into a new level of thrills inKyle XY: Season 2.0 -- Revelations. Experience 13 episodes on three discs, including a round-the-clock look at the worlds of Kyle and Jessi, and get an exclusive sneak peek into the show's future. It's a twisting, turning drama that will have you hooked from the very first episode!』
Kakaku：500 saved$5.00
Touchstone
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review ("O Brother, Where Art Thou?", says it all!) 『O Brother, Where Art Thou? I wasn't sure I was going to like this movie. I LOVED It! Once I started watching the movie I was glued to it in disbelief. I laughed so hard I was crying. To coin an old phrase, the movie is a scream!!! If you like movies that keep you laughing and on your toes, this is a definite winner. The movie really takes you back in time, the scenery, language, etc. The acting is the BEST! The actors were at their very finest. Highly recommended.』
(A Classic) 『In the late 60s, my husband and reviewed films as stringers for a syndicated critic. If you watch enough of them, you can recognize quality very quickly. "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" is the kind of motion picture that comes along only once in a generation. It is mythic, original, funny, warm, and touching. We enjoy watching it again and again. Even the soundtrack is a masterpiece.O Brother, Where Art Thou? In fact, we purchased a copy of the film after our twenty-something daughter played the CD for us. Highly recommended! 』
(Great family movie) 『After singing most of the songs from this movie in choir, my son suggested we watch it. I put it off for several weeks, thinking that this movie just wasn't my thing. So I finally gave in and was very surprised at how much I enjoyed it. My son did have to explain a few things for me (he had watched it in english class), but it really is entertaining. Plus it gave me some quality time with my 17 year old son. Another plus was the great music.』
(Depression-era Odyssey would do Homer proud) 『Excellent interpretation of Homer's Odyssey with a rare accurate portrayal of the South of the 1930s. Excellent character actors and outstanding music played in the period style.』
(One of the funniest movies of all time.) 『This Movie is great on so many levels. The writing is hillarious and casting is spot on. Clooney's character is great. The music is great. I just don't know how to praise it any more. I've watched the movie multiple times and still laugh out loud every time. Thats why I had to add it to my collection.』 『Disenchanted with the daily drudge of crushing rocks on a prison farm in Mississippi, the dapper, silver-tongued Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney, THE PERFECT STORM) busts loose. Except he's still shackled to his own chain-mates from the chain gang -- bad-tempered Pete (John Turturro, SUMMER OF SAM), and sweet, dimwitted Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson, HAMLET). With nothing to lose and buried loot to regain -- before it's lost forever in a flood -- the three embark on the adventure of a lifetime in this hilarious offbeat road picture. Populated with strange characters, including a blind prophet, sexy sirens, and a one-eyed Bible salesman (John Goodman, COYOTE UGLY), it's an odyssey filled with chases, close calls, near misses, and betrayal that will leave you laughing at every outrageous and surprising twist and turn.』 『Only Joel and Ethan Coen, the fraternal director and producer team behind art-house hits such asThe Big LebowskiandFargoand masters of quirky and ultra-stylish genre subversion, would dare nick the plot line of Homer'sOdysseyfor a comic picaresque saga about three cons on the run in 1930s Mississippi. Our wandering hero in this case is one Ulysses Everett McGill, a slick-tongued wise guy with a thing about hair pomade (George Clooney, blithely sending up his own dapper image) who talks his chain-gang buddies (Coen-movie regular John Turturro and newcomer Tim Blake Nelson) into lighting out after some buried loot he claims to know of. En route they come up against a prophetic blind man on a railroad truck, a burly, one-eyed baddie (the ever-magnificent John Goodman), a trio of sexy singing ladies, a blues guitarist who's sold his soul to the devil, a brace of crooked politicos on the stump, a manic-depressive bank robber, and--well, you get the idea. Into this, their most relaxed film yet, the Coens have tossed a beguiling ragbag of inconsequential situations, a wealth of looping, left-field dialogue, and a whole stash of gags both verbal and visual.O Brother(the title's lifted from Preston Sturges's classic 1941 comedySullivan's Travels) is furthermore graced with glowing, burnished photography from Roger Deakins and a masterly soundtrack from T-Bone Burnett that pays loving homage to American '30s folk styles--blues, gospel, bluegrass, jazz, and more. And just to prove that the brothers haven't lost their knack for bad-taste humor, we get a Ku Klux Klan rally choreographed like a cross between a Nuremberg rally and a Busby Berkeley musical.--Philip Kemp』
Kakaku：700 saved$7.00
Image Entertainment
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review ('Snap Famous', But He's Here for the Long Haul...) 『Finesse Mitchell is the funniest cast member on Saturday Night Live since Eddie Murphy, or at least Garrett Morris.... No, I'm only serious. "Snap Famous" catches Mitchell performing his brilliant stand-up routine, and it shows a side of him that you don't get to see on Saturday nights. There are no skits here, no group performances - it's all Mitchell all the time, and he gets to stretch out a bit. If you watch the comedy channel, you'll see a lot of stand-up, but Mitchell is a cut above the rest. His style is conversational and he isn't afraid to make a fool of himself, but in a way that endears him to the audience. He discusses his move to NYC, and his experience as the new kid on the block of the longest-running comedy series on television, including encounters with Halle Berry, Brad Pitt and Prince. Also hilarious is his recollection of white people dancing, black names for children, transsexuals, and especially his stories about growing up with his teenaged mom (God help him when he goes back home to visit...). His closing bit - which happened to be his audition for Saturday Night Live - about a black crowd watching a movie with subtitles is one of the funniest things I've seen in quite a while. In a few years, Finesse Mitchell will probably be as famous as those stars who now left him tongue-tied. When you are this good, it's inevitable. If that happens, he will no longer be able to relate to everyman in the way that he does during this stand-up routine, so see this DVD before things change. I'm only serious. A- Tom Ryan』
(Practice Will Make Perfect) 『I'd never heard of Finesse until I read his advice column in a popular magazine. I thought it was funny, so when I was in a movie rental place, I hoped this DVD would be too.
Cons: The audience was cracking up through all of his jokes, and I sat in front of my t.v. screen wondering if I was watching the same performance that they were. Too many of his jokes were similar to other comedians. He reminded me of Ricky Smiley with the sing-song jokes. He reminded me of Jamie Foxx when he kept making jokes about temporarily being gay when Prince walked into the room (as well as Brad Pitt). He reminded me of Cedric the Entertainer with the jokes that stopped cold and went into music. He showed out with being a Kappa, reminiscent of frat members Cedric (Kappa) and Ricky (who I believe is a Que) also. There were times when he elaborated on jokes for entirely too long (ex. the flat iron joke, the Prince joke, the movie theater joke with the girl chanting childhood songs). There were times when he missed the timing of the jokes (ex. "shim" should have been funny but he waited until the audience was laughing and they missed out on that one). I watched this slightly disappointed, because I really had high hopes for this comedian. His humor reminded me of the class clown in high school. I'm sure people around him found him funny, but this was not the best first impression. Then again, I didn't enjoy Jamie Foxx or Martin's live performance when they first started out, and practice makes perfect. So, it could be possible that over time, he will improve.
Pros: No matter what came out of the man's mouth, all I kept thinking was "This has got to be the finest comedian EVER!" Whew. Even though the jokes weren't funny, every single move he made was attractive. I know that's superficial, but it's the truth. He did have a couple of funny lines, like the wife beater/grab your neck joke; the homework joke; and the Cheney dance performance.
There is definitely room for improvement, but again, his advice column cracks me up, so I know he's funny. But this DVD did him no justice.
Update: I wrote this review before I saw the bonus features. Now I'm completely confused. The "Cribs" bonus and the "Streets of New York" were hold-your-side funny, so once again, I know he's funny. I've come to the conclusion that he's hilarious in regular conversation when he's not trying to be, but somehow the stage didn't work out. I have faith in him though. I bet he'll be better next time, especially after watching the bonus features. I'd give those two FIVE stars.』 『Atlanta-born Finesse Mitchell hooks you first with his Southern charm before he goes in for the comedic kill. In this live performance, Mitchell slays his audience with his hilarious takes on dating, being raised by a teen mom, movie theater etiquette and meeting Saturday Night Live celebrity guests Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston and Prince during his first year as an official cast member on the show. Endearingly candid, wildly funny and often downright raunchy, Mitchell is a hot young comic not to be missed!』
Kakaku：999 saved$9.99
Naxos DVD
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (stunning images of London and Oxford with wonderful music) 『As one who has been to London 21 times since 1994, most recently in March 2005, who also has taken hundreds of still photographs during my visits, this DVD is marvelous. Though I have been to nearly every location shown, most multiple times, the cinematography brillantly captures angles and juxtapositions that often show natural and architectural features in a new light. The images are crisp and the colors are vivid. In fact, I plan to revisit some attractions in November to photograph them after seeing this video. The music is excellent and I was glad to see that DTS is a choice as I prefer it to Dolby Digital. My favorite combination of images and music is a tour of Christ Church, Oxford, accompanied by Elgar's Enigma Variation IX, "Nimrod." I am sorry that a visit to Maritime Greenwich was not included; perhaps it is in another of this "Musical Journey" series. Availability is a problem in local stores. Even those such as Tower Records, Best Buy, Sam Goody, and Borders have a good selection of Naxos CDs, but I did not find one of the Naxos "Musical Journey" DVDs. I found this at Cutler's in New Haven.』
Kakaku：899 saved$8.99
BBC Warner
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (It makes you a better person to watch it) 『I just finished watching Cranford and was moved in all my emotions. It is a beautiful piece about friendship, sacrifice, loyalty, mercy, regrets, new hope, and romantic love at ALL stages of life. I can truly say this is a film that WILL stay with me for months and years. While I found it dark at times (a couple grim surgeries and the oppressive poverty of a major character) the film was a mix of sun and shade, just as life. Do not expect the lightness of Austen throughout, but the depth of story is tremendous. The acting was perfect, the production values were wonderful, and I consider this film a gem.』
(Everything I Had Hoped) 『I always read the reviews posted before I make a purchase. So I am writing this to confirm the previous reviews stating what a fantastic movie this is. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Make the purchase! You'll not regret it!』
(Charming) 『Cranford is an unchanging village with traditions its loathe to part with. A lovely capsule of life in a small town.... Gossips, romances, traditions and grief, all in the life of the inhabitants of Cranford. Judi Dench and the cast are all wonderful.』
(WELL DONE LOVED IT) 『Loved this series. The values they believed in and lived. Hard to find nowadays. Much to be learned from their integrity. Well acted and beautifully filmed. Have lent it out to others who have never heard of it and they loved it to and don't want to give it back.』
(superb!) 『Set in rural England of the mid 19th century and featuring a group of gossipping women, this doesn't seem very likely, altho' several romances and deaths provide some interest. But this film is great viewing due to the excellence of its production. Script, performances (by a tremendous cast) and production values are topnotch: the BBC have not done so well since the 1995 Pride&Prejudice. A special is promised for Christmas 2009, so this dvd will have plenty of time for frequent viewing.』 『The BBC drama series adapted from Elizabeth Gaskell's classic novels of small town gossip, secrets and romance. 1842. Cranford, a market town in the North West of England, is a place governed by etiquette, custom and above all, an intricate network of ladies. It seems that life has always been conducted according to their social rules, but Cranford is on the cusp of change… For spinsters Deborah Jenkyns, the arbiter of correctness in Cranford, and Matty, her demurring sister, the town is a hub of intrigue - a handsome new doctor Frank Harrison from London has arrived; a retired Captain and his daughters have moved in to a house opposite and the preparations for Lady Ludlows garden party are underway. Everyone - from charming rogue Dr Marshland to mean Mrs Jamieson and her lap dog talks, and is talked about, behind closed doors. The town also has its secrets which it slowly reveals: Mattys encounter with an old flame at the garden party; Lady Ludlows gardener,Mr Carter, teaching a gypsy lad to read and write; the wild expectations of the May Day celebrations and - news that shakes the town when it is revealed - a railway line from Manchester is coming to Cranford.』 『Adapted from Elizabeth Gaskells' novels, the five-episode miniseriesCranfordfocuses on female characters in the 19th-century British town to thematically contemplate encroaching modernity in rural England. With the camera roving house to house, each drama within the grander story is constructed of scenes featuring dialogue between several gossipy ladies obsessed with moral code, romantic ideas about courtship, and social occasions. Three main characters, the ever-appropriate Deborah Jenkyns (Eileen Atkins), her sweet sister, Matilda (Judi Dench), and their younger, more savvy relative, Miss Smith, continuously weigh in on situations, providing a dependable view when other ladies, like the nosey Miss Pole (Imelda Staunton) are too judgmental. In fine period dress, the women ofCranfordremind the viewer of how little action was needed in their small-town lives to provide unceasing entertainment. The series' most intriguing aspect lies not in the ample female conversation but rather in its display of earlier technologies and ways of life. Part One, for example, quickly launches a main narrative thread that runs throughout the series, namely the arrival and assimilation of London doctor, Frank Harrison (Simon Woods), into village society. Dr. Harrison's medical practices, such as his refusal to amputate a man's arm because it's broken, are all the more radical because they are so fundamental by today's standards. In subsequent episodes, he recommends Miss Smith get spectacles to cure her headaches, and saves his love's life by cooling her fever after conservative doctor, Dr. Morgan (John Bowe), recommends the old school practice of burying her in blankets in front of a raging fire. In Part Two, Lady Ludlow (Francesca Annis) throws a garden party at her estate, treating all the women in their fancy hats to a new novelty: ice cream. This scene foreshadows Ludlow's future concern at a railroad plan involving her land that would connect Cranford to Manchester, symbolizing the ruin of this idyllic setting.
In fact, fluffy and clever as some scenes are, death and rebirth assert themselves in each showing, both physically and idealistically. Part Four shows an auctioning off of a deceased man's antiques, and focuses on issues of class and women's education, as Mr. Carter teaches a peasant boy to read while his assistant fumes at her trappings as a seamstress. Part Five ushers in a new period of medical emergencies, securing Dr. Harrison's shaky position in town. In total,Cranfordoffers a powerful, if sentimental, look at how death begets life, love, and passion.‹Trinie Dalton』
