Mad Men: Season Four (2010) Review

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(More customer reviews)When I think about Season 4, one word comes to mind -- "dark". This is the season of Don's discontent -- indeed, his comeuppance, if you will -- and as the season opens we find him living in a seedy Greenwich Village apartment, where his rendevous with the ladies end all too often in rebuffs rather than ravishings. On the work front, Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce has all the trappings of success. They have nice offices, a corral of secretaries, and a big client list. Don is being interviewed by a magazine asking the question "Who is Don Draper?" and further on into the season, we see him accepting a Cleo for his talents. The only problem is, he's drunk when he's accepting it. In fact, he's drunk most of the time. Dead drunk, and his decisions and fine-honed genius with words suffer for it.
Of course, being Don, he looks good. Hard to believe a man can drink that much and still not show the wages of sin. But as the season progresses, we see him losing his grip more and more, on the business as well as the personal front. He blows up at clients, neglects his children, and uses his women to get what he thinks he wants. At the same time, he is watching himself, from a distance, deconstruct. He starts keeping a journal and swims every day to clear his mind. You keep thinking he's going to get a grip on it. He has to. He's Don Draper.
The supporting staff is suffering too, all the with exception of Peggy, who seems to have really come into her own this season. She is confident, perky, and looks great. She's even dressing the part. Joan Holloway is given more to do this season, thankfully, and her character only gets more intriguing. There's really no telling what Joan can pull off, because no matter what happens to her, she keeps on going. As for Betty Draper, she isn't present too often, but when she is, she is still very much the Mom you love to hate, and she doesn't seem to have learned a thing.
I can't reveal too much more without spoiling the season. In fact, I probably should have put spoiler alerts in the beginning of this, but I don't think I've ruined anything for anybody. This is great stuff, amazing stuff for television, and no matter how painful the journey, you've just got to watch Season Four. All of it.


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Welcome to a Mad New World. Season Four of Mad Men, 3-time Emmy winner for Outstanding Drama Series and winner of 3 consecutive Golden Globes, returns for a new year rife with possibilities. Last season stunned fans with its cliffhanger finale, as Don Draper's professional and personal lives unexpectedly imploded. In Season 4, Jon Hamm and the rest of the breakout ensemble continue to captivate us as they grapple with an uncertain new reality.

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Fox 75th Anniversary Collection Review

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(More customer reviews)It's like Fox looked at the DVDs they had lying around in their warehouse, scooped some of them up, and made a collection out of them. And don't get me started on how bad the packaging has been on their big classic collections the last couple of years. I shouldn't single out Fox too much, since Warner Brothers has been doing this too, minus the packaging issues. The point is, the big studios are largely done with classics on standard DVD. At this point they are only interested in re-releases of their tent-pole classics on Blu.
There is already a summary of all of the movies in this set at the top of the page, so I won't go through that again. The important thing to point out is that all of the films here have been released individually and sometimes in overlapping box sets repeatedly with one exception - Cavalcade. That film was the Best Picture of 1933, and along with Paramount's "Wings" these were the only films to win the Best Picture Oscar to never be released on DVD. With Cavalcade's release, Wings will stand alone in that category. Cavalcade was a British release, and looks back on thirty years of British history through the experience of one wealthy family. Thus, don't be expecting a precode or anything remotely similar to what was released in the U.S. in 1933.
The actual press release states that Fox does not plan to release Cavalcade individually, so I guess the question you must answer is this - is having Cavalcade worth several hundred dollars?
I'm actually giving this four stars because the movies here are good ones, and it might be a good buy if you don't already have any of them. Let me also point out that a well-packaged and more economical choice for the classic movie fan might be the Fox classic quads. These are four packs of the Fox Studio Classic films that were released individually on DVD several years ago for as low as ten dollars. If you're looking for odds and ends to complete your Fox classic collection, that might be a better buy.

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Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment paints the town diamond white with the release of the Twentieth Century Fox75th Anniversary Gift Set, a 75-film, three-volume set, highlighting a remarkable, rich and unparalleled heritage of classic films, Academy Award winners and box office smashes.Each of the three volumes cover 25 years of the studio's legacy along with an exclusive hard cover book detailing the historic filmmaking of some of the greatest movie stars and directors from yesterday and today.The massive DVD set features a variety of genres and some of the finest films of all time from South Pacific to Star Wars, Alien to Avatar and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes to The Devil Wears Prada.Among its 46 Academy Award-winning features, the collection highlights seven Best Picture winners including How Green Was My Valley, All About Eve, The Sound of Music, Patton, The French Connection, Slumdog Millionaire and the DVD debut of Cavalcade.Volume One:1961-1985Cavalcade (1933):This Academy Award-winning film looks at English life from New Year's Eve 1899 to New Year's Day 1933 through the eyes of a well-to-do couple (Diana Wynyard, Clive Brooks). Steamboat Around the Bend(1935): Will Rogers stars in this comedy about a conman who enters a winner-take-all steamboat race, all while trying to clear his nephew of a crime. Directed by John Ford. The Little Princess(1939): Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Shirley Temple portrays Sara, the daughter of a British officer who is left in boarding school when her father goes off to war. The Grapes of Wrath(1940): Nominated for seven Academy Awards, this adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel tells the story of the Joads, a migrant family trying to get to California to escape the Dust Bowl. Blood and Sand(1941): Tyrone Power and Rita Hayworth star in this story of a matador torn between his loving wife and a beautiful, unscrupulous aristocrat. How Green Was My Valley(1941): Winner of five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director (John Ford), the film looks at the struggles of a Welsh mining family. Maureen O'Hara and Roddy McDowall star. The Ox-Bow Incident(1943): Henry Fonda stars in this story of two drifters who join a local posse to catch a local farmer's murderer. When they find the perpetrators, they are determined to see justice done on the spot. The Song of Bernadette(1943):Jennifer Jones stars as Bernadette, a peasant girl who sees a vision. When the news spreads, a town doctor (Lee J. Cobb) accuses her of insanity and the town prosecutor (Vincent Price) threatens her. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Actress. Laura(1944): Otto Preminger directs this story of the murder of a young woman (Gene Tierney) and the police detective (Dana Andrews) who becomes entranced by her portrait.Gentleman's Agreement(1947): A journalist (Gregory Peck) poses as a Jew, and soon discovers what is to be a victim of religious intolerance. The film won three Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director (Elia Kazan). Miracle on 34th Street(1947): Natalie Wood stars as a girl who has been taught not to believe in Santa Claus. But when a man who says he's Kris Kringle is put on trial, only true belief can save him. The film won three Academy Awards. Twelve O'Clock High(1949): Gregory Peck stars as a World War II general who adopts a crushing discipline to revitalize his demoralized troops. The film was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Actor. All About Eve(1950): From the moment she meets her idol, Eve Harrington (Ann Baxter) is determined to take the reins of power away from the great actress Margo Channing (Bette Davis). Nominated for 14 Oscars, the film won six, including Best Picture. The Day the Earth Stood Still(1951): When an alien lands on the planet, he gives a dire warning: either the people of earth live peacefully or they will be destroyed. Patricia Neal co-stars. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes(1953): Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell star in this musical comedy about two women who take a cruise to Paris only to be trailed by a private detective who is sure Monroe's character won't be faithful to her fiancé. The Robe(1953): Richard Burton stars as a man who receives Jesus' robe after he helps engineer his crucifixion. He's then tormented by nightmares, and decides to learn more about the man he helped kill.The film was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture. The Seven Year Itch(1955): When a married man (Tom Ewell) is left alone during a steamy New York summer, he discovers a tough temptation in the form of a new upstairs neighbor (Marilyn Monroe). The King and I(1956): An Englishwoman (Deborah Kerr) comes to Siam to teach the King's (Yul Brenner) children. This musical features a score by Rodgers and Hammerstein and choreography by Jerome Robbins.The film was nominated for seven Oscars and won four, including Best Actor. Love Me Tender(1956): Elvis Presley stars as one of three confederate brothers who, when he thinks his older brother has died in the war, marries the brother's true love (Debra Paget). An Affair to Remember(1957): Though Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr are engaged to other people, they fall in love and agree to meet six months later at the Empire State Building.The film was nominated for four Academy Awards. South Pacific(1958): Rodgers and Hammerstein's film tells the story of a young Navy nurse (Mitzi Gaynor), who falls for a plantation owner (Rossano Brazzi)on a South Pacific Island during World War II. The film was nominated for three Oscars. The Diary of Anne Frank(1959): After the Nazi invasion of Amsterdam, 13-year-old Anne Frank (Millie Perkins) and her family go into hiding in the confines of an attic, while Anne keeps an account of their lives. Nominated for eight Academy Awards, the film won three, including Best Supporting Actress for Shelley Winters. Volume Two: 1961-1985The Hustler(1961): Paul Newman stars as a down-on-his-luck pool player who meets his match in Sarah (Piper Laurie). But when a gambler (George C. Scott) decides to back the pool player, Newman learns what being a 'winner" entails.The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards. The Longest Day(1962): Nominated for five Oscars, this epic film tells the story of the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II from both the Allied and German points of view. Cleopatra(1963): Elizabeth Taylor stars as the woman who comes between Julius Caesar (Rex Harrison) and Mark Anthony (Richard Burton). The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards. Zorba the Greek(1964): Anthony Quinn stars as a boisterous Greek peasant with a love for life who befriends an inhibited English writer (Alan Bates). The film was nominated for seven Oscars. The Sound of Music(1965): Julie Andrews stars as Maria, a spirited young woman who leaves the convent to bring love and music to the home of Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) and his seven children. The film won five Oscars, including Best Picture. Fantastic Voyage(1966): When a top government scientist faces death from a blood clot on his brain, a group of scientists shrink themselves and their craft so they can perform emergency surgery from inside his body. Rachel Welsh co-stars. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards. The Sand Pebbles(1966): Steve McQueen and Candice Bergen star in these intertwining stories that take place in 1926 China about the Americans who are caught in the country's turmoil. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards. Planet of the Apes(1968): Charlton Heston stars as an astronaut who crash lands on a distant planet ruled by apes who use a primitive race of humans for experimentation and sport. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid(1969): Paul Newman and Robert Redford star as the title gunfighters who find themselves being chased by a mysterious posse. They decide to head down to Bolivia for a new life.The film was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture. Hello Dolly! (1969): Barbra Streisand stars as Dolly Levi, a young widow and professional matchmaker, who sets her sights on Horace Vandergeider (Walter Matthau). Directed by Gene Kelly, the musical was nominated for seven Oscar, including Best Picture. MASH(1970): Robert Altman directs this story of three Korean War army surgeons (Donald Sutherland, Tom Skeritt, and Elliott Gould), who use humor to get them through the horrors of the war. The film was nominated for five Oscars and won one for Best Screenplay. Patton(1970): George C. Scott won an Oscar for his role as one the 20th century's most controversial military geniuses. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won seven, including Best Picture and Best Director for Franklin J. Schaffner. The French Connection(1971): Gene Hackman stars as New York detective 'Popeye" Doyle who, along with his partner (Roy Scheider), sets out to break up a narcotics smuggling ring. Nominated for eight Oscars, the film won five, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director for William Friedkin. Poseidon Adventure(1972): Ten survivors struggle to escape from an ocean liner capsized by a tidal wave. Gene Hackman and Shelley Winters co-star in this adventure that was nominated for eight Oscars. Phantom of Paradise(1974): Directed by Brian DePalma, this film tells the story of a composer determined to seek revenge on the record tycoon who steals his pop cantana of the Faust legend. The film's music was nominated for an Oscar. Young Frankenstein(1974): Mel Brooks directs this comic tribute to Mary Shelley's classic. Gene Wilder stars as young Dr. Frankenstein, who discovers his grandfather's sinister experiments and decides to continue them. The film was nominated for two Oscars. Rocky Horror Picture Show(1975): Susan Sarandon, Tim Curry, and Meat Loaf star in this cult class about a couple who take refuge from in the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite made scientist from outer space. The Omen(1976): Gregory Peck stars as an ambassador who slowly comes to realize that his son is the antichrist. He decides to kill him to rid the world of evil. The film was nominated for two Oscars. Star Wars(1977): Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) must leave his home planet in order to save Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) from Darth Vader and the evil Death Star. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards. Alien(1979): Ridley Scott directs this story of a spaceship crew who stumble across an alien life form that is perfectly evolved to annihilate mankind.The film was nominated for two Academy Awards. All That Jazz(1979): Bob Fosse directs this semi-autobiographical story of his alter-ego (Roy Scheider), who struggles with booze, drugs, work, and women, all while fantasizing about death (Jessica Lange). The film was nominated for nine Oscars. Norma Rae(1979): Sally Field won an Oscar for her portrayal of a Southern millworker who revolutionizes a small town by organizing her fellow factory workers. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards. Cocoon(1985): Three old men (Wilford Brimley, Don Ameche, Hume Cronyn) find a fountain of youth when they go for a dip in a swimming pool filled with mysterious cocoons. The film won two Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor for Ameche. Volume Three: 1986-2010Raising Arizona(1987): Joel and Ethan Coen direct this comedy about a couple (Nicholas Cage and Holly Hunter) who steal a baby when they discover they can't have one of their own. Wall Street(1987): Michael Douglas won an Oscar for his portrayal of Gordon Gekko, a corporate raider whose motto is 'greed is good." Charlie Sheen co-stars as his naïve protégé.Big(1988): When a 13-year-old boy wishes he was 'big," he wakes up the next day as an adult, who must find his way in the world and winds up working at a toy company. Tom Hanks and the screenplay were both nominated for Academy Awards. Die Hard(1988): Detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) just wants to spend Christmas with his family, but when his ex-wife's building is taken hostage, it's up to him to save the day-in bare feet. The film was nominated for four Oscars. Working Girl(1988): Long Island secretary Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith) just wants to get ahead, so when her boss goes out of town, she pretends to have her boss's job. Sigourney Weaver and Harrison Ford co-star in this film that was nominated for six Oscars.Home Alone(1990): Macauley Caulkin stars as a young boy accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. His ingenuity helps him deal with two bumblingburglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). The film was nominated for two Oscars. The Last of the Mohicans(1992): Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Hawkeye, a rugged frontiersman and adopted son of the Mohicans, who falls in love with the aristocratic daughter (Madeline Stowe) of a British Colonel. The film won one Academy Award. Mrs. Doubtfire(1993): Robin Williams stars as a man who, in order to spend time with his children, pretends to be his wife's female housekeeper.The film won an Oscar for Best Make-up. Speed(1994): When a mad bomber (Dennis Hopper) threatens to blow up a bus if it goes under 50 miles per hour, it's up to a cop (Keanu Reeves) and one of the passengers (Sandra Bullock) to try to thwart his plan.The film was nominated for three Oscars. Waiting to Exhale(1995): Based on Terry McMillan's novel, the film follows the love lives of four African-American women (Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Lela Rochon). The Crucible(1996): Based on Arthur Miller's play, the film brings the 1692 Salem witch trials to life when a group of teenage girls is accused of witchcraft. Hysteria blankets the town and blameless victims are torn from their homes. Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder star in the Oscar-nominated film. Independence Day(1996): When aliens launch an all-out invasion against the human race, it's up to a military pilot (Will Smith), an ex-scientist (Jeff Goldblum), and the president (Bill Pullman) to unite for one last strike against the invaders. The film was nominated for two Oscars. The Full Monty(1998): Six out-of-work steel workers in Sheffield, England, decide to put on a Chippendale's-style male strip show in order to make money. The film was nominated for four Oscars. There's Something About Mary(1998): Ted (Ben Stiller) is still in love with his high school prom date, Mary (Cameron Diaz), even though it's been years after the humiliating incident that cut their date short. The Farrelly brother's direct this raunchy comedy. Boys Don't Cry(1999): Hilary Swank won an Oscar for her role as Brandon Teena, a transgendered teen who lives as a boy, but is biologically female. Chloë Sevigny was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Cast Away(2000): Tom Hanks stars as a Fed-Ex employee who must survive on a deserted island after his plane crashes into the ocean. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards. X-Men(2000): A group of mutants with super-human powers learn to use their abilities for good under the tutelage of Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart). They face off against another group of mutants led by Magneto (Ian McKellen). Moulin Rouge! (2001):When a penniless writer (Ewan McGregor) falls for a beautiful courtesan (Nicole Kidman), they put together a fabulous show and attract the attentions of a jealous duke. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards.Ice Age (2002): A sabertooth tiger (Denis Leary), a sloth (John Leguizamo), and a woolly mammoth (Ray Romano) try to return a young boy to his home in this animated adventure. Minority Report (2002): Tom Cruise stars as a cop in the future whose unit can predict crimes before they happen. But when he's accused of a future crime, he must try to change the future. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003): Peter Weir directs this adaptation of Patrick O'Brian novel about a brash British captain (Russell Crowe) in pursuit of a French ship during the Napoleonic Wars. The film was nominated for 10 Oscars.Sideways (2004): A wine-tasting road trip through California's central coast takes an unexpected detour as Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church) hit the gas en route to their mid-life crisis. Nominated for five Oscars, the film won one for Best Screenplay.Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005): Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie star as a married couple who don't realize that they are both spies. When the truth comes out, their marriage becomes spy vs. spy. Walk the Line (2005): Joaquin Phoenix stars as Johnny Cash in this story of his life and how he came to love and marry June Carter Cash (Reese Witherspoon). Witherspoon won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role. The Devil Wears Prada (2006): Based on the memoir by Lauren Weisberger about her time working for Anna Wintour at Vogue, the film tells the story of a cruel fashion editor (Meryl Streep) and her young protégé (Anne Hathaway). The film was nominated for two Oscars.Little Miss Sunshine (2006): A family is determined to get their young daughter (Abigail Breslin) to California for a beauty contest, even if they have to push-start their VW bus. Alan Arkin took home a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as a straight-talking grandpa. Night at the Museum (2006): Ben Stiller stars as Natural History Museum night watchman discovers a curse that causes all the exhibits to come to life after the sunset.Juno (2007): Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page) is a teenager who takes a nine-month detour into adulthood when she's faced with an unplanned pregnancy--and sets out to find the perfect parents for her baby. Diablo Cody won an Oscar for her screenplay. Slumdog Millionaire (2008):Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is just one question away from winning India's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? But the show's host can't figure out how this boy knows all the answers. The film took home eight Academy Awards includingBest Picture and Best Director for Danny Boyle. Avatar (2009): James Cameron directs this story of paraplegic marine (Sam Worthington) who gets a new chance at life when he's sent as an avatar to infiltrate the Navi tribe on the moon Pandora. But he comes to respect the Navi ways. The film was nominated for nine Oscars.

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Deadwood: The Complete Series Review

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(More customer reviews)Of all the TV series I have watched beginning to end, Deadwood is the one I keep coming back to. Even though I've seen every episode countless times, I still pick up something new with each viewing. It still makes me laugh. It still makes me think. It still gives me chills, and it still makes me cry. It is a brilliant man, executive producer and head writer David Milch, at the peak of his powers as a storyteller. Watching Deadwood is like reading a 1200 page novel from 150 years ago. Broad themes in a small setting, complex and conflicted characters, and detailed scenery make for a completely immersive experience.
The plot of the series revolves around where order and community come from. Deadwood was settled outside of U.S. territory in the 1870's after a gold rush, thus leaving it in complete anarchy. Each of the three seasons is well-structured in terms of conflict. The first season deals with how the inhabitants of the town arrange themselves in this lawless town. The second season has the varying factions band together to thwart an invasive government. The third season pits the now-legitimate town against the hyper-capitalism of mining magnate George Hearst. Within that structure is several smaller stories that both manage to stand alone and meld with the larger themes.
The real strength of Deadwood is the characters. Milch has created perfectly fleshed-out portrayals of historical figures and some made-up ones, too. Saloon owner Al Swearengen is a ruthless operator who cannot help but long for an easier, more peaceful way. Sheriff Seth Bullock demands justice from those around him, but constantly surrenders to his temper and his libido. Calamity Jane is a many layered character, tough and kind, offensive and caring, vulnerable and impenetrable all at the same time. These are only a sampling of the many deep and conflicted characters in the show. By the third season, there were nearly 30 cast regulars, all of which were people you genuinely cared about.
The only thing that could keep people away from Deadwood is the language. Milch is a lover of dialogue, and he writes in complicated verse. More than one viewing is required to even catch the most basic plots and motivations. What can be equally off-putting is the vulgarity. Those with sensitve ears can expect to be bombarded with f-bombs on a semi-sentence basis. If you're having a hard time getting through the first couple episodes, check out the extras on the first season. Milch explains why he wrote the way he did in a way that made perfect sense to me, both from a creative and an historical sense. In those extras, he will divulge a lot of spoilers, but it's far better to experience the series than be turned off by its profanity.
The Complete DVD set, in addition to the many commentaries and extras included in the original single season releases, contains new material that makes the upgrade worth it. Milch explains where he would've taken Deadwood had he been allowed to continue it in the most valuable addition. A lengthy roundtable discussion with the actors is very entertaining. Also included is actor Titus Welliver giving a handful of convincing impressions of actors auditioning for the part of Swearengen. The size of this set also equals one single season release, so if your shelf space is limited, the complete series set gets another plus.
In closing, Deadwood affected me more than any TV show I've ever watched. I jumped out of my chair to cheer on Dan while he fought Hearst's man Captain Turner in a brutal fight to the death. I quote Calamity Jane's beautiful description of a revealing dream. I cried when Jewel asks Doc to "give her a whirl." I could feel the joy in the town after Tom Nuttal's big ride. For anyone who wants the most out of their TV shows, Deadwood is truly perfect.

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In an age of plunder and greed, the richest gold strike in American History draws a throng of restless misfits to an outlaw settlement where everything--and everyone--has a price.Welcome to Deadwood...a hell of a place to make your fortune.

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The Prisoner: The Complete Series (1968) Review

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(More customer reviews)Well not exactly Patrick McGoohan's opening from The Prisoner, but it did catch your attention :-). Seriously here they are, all 17 episodes plus the Prisoner Video Companion originally offered on MCI Home Video now on DVD compliments of our good friends at A&E. What's nicer is the episodes are arranged in what the fans believe to be the chronological order of the episodes in terms of Number 6's time in the Village rather than order of original airdate (although some of them are in airdate order). As a hint at this look carefully at "The General" and "A, B and C". Both star Colin Gordon as Number 2, but in the opening for "A, B and C" he says "I am number 2" rather than "The new number 2". Also this set contains something released on video previously but only in England, a special edition of the 5th episode of the series, "The Chimes of Big Ben". Definitely the best of McGoohan's 3 British Secret Agent types series, but also the quintessential scifi series as well. By the way, a special debt of gratitude to A&E Homevideo. When this series first came out on VHS on MPI Homevideo in 1990, they made a muff in the episode "Checkmate". In the "Where am I" segment of the opening sequence it started with McGoohan doing it with the fore mentioned Colin Gordon even though Peter Wyngarde played Number 2 in this episode. By the third line "That would be telling" the tape was ok. I can't speak for the new A&E VHS copy, but on these DVDs the muff has NOT recurred. Which means either A&E acquired a better copy of the episode to restore on DVD or someone told them about the flub from 11 years ago. So kudos to A&E Video for to repairing this decade old "blooper". This 10 pack is much better buy than the 5 sets of 2 DVDs individually. Get it now, return to the Village and escape at your own pace.

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Since its CBS debut in the summer of 1968, the masterful British TV series THE PRISONER has captivated American audiences. Now A&E presents a definitive aficionado's edition of the cult classic which is considered one of the most innovative TV series ever filmed, for the first time in breathtaking Blu-Ray. Fully restored from the original film elements with newly remixed 5.1 surround sound and featuring hours of bonus material never released in North America, THE PRISONER: BLU-RAY EDITION is a fitting tribute to the creative vision of the late Executive Producer and Star Patrick McGoohan.
After resigning from a top-secret position, a man (McGoohan) is abducted and spirited from his London home to a mysterious place known only as 'The Village.' Village Residents, known only by numbers, are held captive because each possesses valuable knowledge. The Prisoner, now known as Number Six, battles to protect his mind -- and his humanity -- while struggling to discover the identity of Number One and escape captivity.

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All-Star Superman (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) Review

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(More customer reviews)I never read the comic series of All-Star Superman so I didn't no anything about it except what I saw in the trailers. I saw Public Enemies and Apocalypse, the Superman/Batman team-ups, they were very good. The mood and the action in the story were driven by emotion and that was something I've never seen in a superhero story before, it was true to the character of who Superman is in my mind. It's heart felt, its funny, it has action and romance, its one of the best works from Dewayne McDuffie who recently deceased. The best Superman story I have ever seen a must for your collection.

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Fueled by hatred and jealousy, Lex Luthor masterminds an elaborate plot to kill the Man of Steel – and it works. Poisoned by solar radiation, Superman is dying. With weeks to live, he fulfills his life's dreams – especially revealing his true identity to Lois Lane – until Luthor proclaims his ultimate plan to control the world with no alien hero to stop him. Powers fading, Superman engages in a spectacular deadly battle with Luthor that could truly trigger the end of Earth's Greatest Protector. This startling and gripping DC Universe Animated Original Movie stars the voice talents of James Denton, Anthony LaPaglia, Christina Hendricks and Ed Asner.

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Lost: The Complete Sixth and Final Season Review

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(More customer reviews)Prior to season 6, I would have rated Lost as a 5 star show without question. Despite a few weak singular episodes from seasons 1-5, all in all I loved this show and was a HUGE fan. Perhaps obsessively so, I read all the episode recaps (Doc Jensen being my favorite), looked for spoilers and often debated/chatted with friends, family and co-workers over this amazing show. I defended its honor when people would question the direction or label it confusing. I had, up until "The End", a lot of confidence in Cuse & Lindelof as writers.
Despite my increasing worry throughout season 6, I kept the faith right up until the finale. I will say that "Across the Sea", did almost put the nail in the coffin, but I still wanted to believe there would come an "ah ha" moment when it would all tie together. I was even willing to allow a few things unanswered questions or things left open to interpretation, but I never expected them to end the show in such a cliché' manner. I also never thought they would end the series without telling us what the island was. "A Cork" is not an answer, it's a cop out!
I also felt the sideways world ended up being completely useless and I was baffled that our Losties would choose a multi-denomination church, instead of beach, as their final meeting place. Jacob and MIB ultimately, despite a lot of indication that they were, ended up to be of little importance to the overall story. Honestly, as it turned out these fine actors played out to be more filler then storyline. There we were at the end of the road and the whole story of these two is that their non-mother was crazy and one brother flushed the other down the golden island toilet, thus turning him into the smoke monster. Huh?
After a lot of careful consideration, I've drawn my own final conclusion in an attempt to provide some personal satisfaction. I believe the writer's either had another ending in mind and for some reason couldn't pull it off. Or they lied and never really knew how to end the show. But here is the kicker, if you didn't know how to end the series or how to answer questions that you posed in the first place, why not go for another season? I'm sure ABC would have loved to milk Lost for all it's worth. You didn't do your show or your legions of loyal fans any justice by wrapping it up so absurdly. We didn't need Dogan, Lennon or the sideways world at all. We didn't need Sun to stop speaking English for no apparent reason or Shannon to come back for ha ha's. What fans wanted was answers, conclusion and a little something to think about when it was all over.
And hey, if you wanted to go all religious, why not have the island be purgatory all along? Sure everyone guessed it in Season 1, but at least it would have made all the island nonsensical stuff somewhat believable. The audience could have chalked up the millions of unanswered questions as part of some ultimate soul test. Instead you ended the show with footage of the plane crash and then came back and said it was just for fun, no relevance, the island was after all, "real"! Jimmy Fallon said best during the 2010 Emmy's, "I didn't understand it, but I tried."


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It all comes down to this. Television's most innovative and compelling series comes to a stunning conclusion in ABC's LOST: The Complete Sixth And Final Season. The critically acclaimed epic drama will finally reveal the fate of the Oceanic 815 survivors and all who have joined their journey. Experience all the action as it bursts off the screen with a pristine picture and theater-quality sound, and uncover even more secrets with exclusive content available only on Blu-ray High Definition!In the aftermath of a monumental explosion, reality shifts for everyone associated with the mystical island. Discover their ultimate destiny in this amazing 5-disc Blu-ray collection, featuring LOST University: Master's Program, an immersive collegiate experience powered by BD-LiveTM where you can interactively examine the themes, stories and secrets of LOST. Complete your LOST Collection, and experience the final 16 episodes of a landmark in television history.

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Pawn Stars: The Complete Season One Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the only show I watch regularly because I learn about collectible items, about the pawn business, and negotiating. It is set in Las Vegas and is truly watchable and unique. The show is corny and unintentionally funny but the episodes are well constructed and edited which keeps your interest and the characters are genuine.

Rick Harrison is the main character of the show. He is a competent and likable guy who laughs at his own jokes. He has the most screen time each show. Often people have items that he does not know the value of, and they have to call an expert in to appraise it. Rick has a bunch of experts who probably wish they never met him because he constantly calls them, but that is what makes the show interesting. The funniest thing is that the expert then appraises the item right in front of the seller. Rick's negotiation style is to listen to what the customer wants and then counter with 40% of whatever they want. So if they want $100 he offers $40 and then talks about how the item is deficient, how he has to make a profit, blah blah blah. Then whether he buys the item or not they have a cut away interview with him and he'll say, "This time the price wasn't right so we couldn't make a deal."

Old Man is the patriarch of the family and by far the best negotiator. It does not matter what price the seller wants for an item, Old Man acts like he is offended, surprised, and automatically says "no way." He is such a tough bargainer that I don't think I have ever seen him actually buy anything. If it wasn't for Corey and Rick they would have an empty store. Also, he keeps a big calendar by his desk so we know exactly the month of the show, so the Christmas show was going on and his calendar said "October".

Corey is the youngest and likable enough because he has so much disdain for the people who come in his pawn shop. He is perpetually buying things that need massive restoration. A guy will come in with a big block of aluminum with fiber glass sticking out of it and say it was an expensive plane that caught on fire and that if restored will be worth major money and he wants $4000.00 for it. Then Corey will buy it for $5,000 and then we get the drama with his dad, Rick. Then Rick will be in a cut away interview and act upset and be like "Corey needs to learn that he can't buy crap like this." And then Corey will say, "But it will be worth a million dollars once we get it restored." Lulz. I like the restorers though especially if it's a boat because then we see Bill the boat restorer who talks funny. He will say: "Dish boat ish a clashick, back in da day dish was cutting edgish."
Chumlee is reality TV comic relief driftwood. People will bring in an item that is old like a record player or something and he will make the same Old Man is Old joke. "Hey Old Man, this guy has..um... your ... um.. childhood ipod here...huh huh." Anyway, best show on TV, check it out.


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It s one of the oldest forms of banking, and until the 1950s, it was the leading form of consumer credit in the U.S. See the fascinating past and present of the pawning business in Pawn Stars, an inside look at the only family-run pawn shop in Las Vegas, where three generations of men grandfather, father and son use their sharp-eyed skills to carefully assess the value of items ranging from the obscure to the historic. From a 15th-century samurai sword to a Picasso painting, there isn t much the Harrison family hasn t seen or heard, inevitably making Richard, Rick and Corey experts in rare collectables and negotiating. Each episode of Pawn Stars features an array of quirky characters attempting to sell, purchase or pawn items that the Harrisons must carefully appraise, determine if they re real or fake and then reveal the often surprising answer to What s it worth? Everything and everyone has a story and it s the Harrisons job to decipher fact from fiction, because in this business the customer isn t always right.

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Nature's Most Amazing Events (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)There will inevitably be comparisons between "Nature's Most Amazing Events" and Planet Earth. While I can't say that this new series is quite as groundbreaking, it is still pretty great and has some amazing footage.
As its title suggests, "Nature's Most Amazing Events" focuses on some of the most amazing events in the animal kingdom. I actually like the fact that each episode stays in one location (as opposed to the way Planet Earth jumped around the world). However, I thought it could have gone beyond Africa and North America. I also thought this series had some amazing footage of birds and whales, particularly of birds underwater. Those scenes alone make the series worth buying.
One note: I originally watched this series on the Discovery Channel. For some reason, Discovery used another narrator (Hasani Issa), not David Attenborough. As viewers of nature documentaries know, Attenborough's infectious enthusiasm makes his programs truly a joy to watch. As such, this DVD will be much better than the televised version for simply having Attenborough as the narrator.
Now, onto the episodes:
1) Arctic Summer:
This episode focuses on Arctic environments and includes many of the usual suspects, such as Polar Bears. There was a great scene with baby Gillymots learning to fly. The birds essentially jump off a huge cliff and try to land in the ocean. Many miss and bounce along the ground - but survive! This scene evoked the infamous scene in Planet Earth with the ducklings jumping out of the tree - but many times higher, with Arctic foxes waiting at the bottom to eat any unlucky baby Gillymots.
2) Grizzly Wilderness:
This episode follows the Salmon migration in the pacifc northwest - and all of the animals trying to eat them. There's some great shots of the Salmon swimming through the water. In one shot, a Salmon is swimming through a waterfall, jumps out of the water, and - in slow motion - flies toward the camera. There's also a cool scene of a dead Salmon decomposing in fast motion.
3) Surviving the Serengeti:
Unfortunately, there wasn't much new in this episode. It covers the wildebeest migration in East Africa. The wildebeest migration is certainly one of nature's most amazing events, but the Serengeti is also one of nature's most documented events.
4) Army of Predators:
This episode covers the army of predators that chase Sardines. I loved the footage of Gannets plunge-diving into the water to eat fish. The birds look like they're swimming underwater. I've seen some other documentaries trying to capture birds underwater (including Blue Planet: Seas of Life), but this scene was by far the best. The episode climaxes with a battle royale between Gannets, Dolphins, Fur Seals, Sharks, and Bryde's Whale all chasing the Sardines.
5) Kalahari Flood:
This episode focuses on southern Africa, with the drying up of the Okavango River in Botswana. The footage of the Termites up close looks great in HD. These scenes were even better quality than the Termite footage in Life in the Undergrowth. Also lots of elephants wallowing around.
6) Pacific Feast:
This is another underwater battle royale, with Stellar Sea Lions, Orcas, and Humpback Whales all going in for some Herring. This episode includes some of the best blu-ray footage of whales I've seen, with extensive footage of Humpbacks hunting using "bubble nets." The "whale song" that the Humpbacks use while "bubble netting" is haunting. After watching this, it is absolutely clear that these animals are intelligent - coordinating group action, using tools (bubbles), and taking advantage of the Herrings' weaknesses. There's also a great shot of a Humpback exhaling through its blowhole and catching a rainbow on its breath. The mist from the blowhole changes colors from blue to green to yellow to red. I can't describe what it looked like other than to say it was pretty amazing. This is easily some of the best Humpback footage ever.
In short, if you enjoy nature documentaries, don't miss out on "Nature's Most Amazing"! It has wonderful footage of birds underwater and whales. While there are some low points (notably the Serengeti), the best moments far exceed the ocean scenes in Planet Earth.

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Witness the planet's most breathtaking natural events, and follow the dramatic wildlife stories behind them. Combining the epic cinematography of Planet Earth, with all the emotion, intimacy and storytelling of a wildlife diary, this series charts the effects of global climatic phenomena which transform entire landscapes, drawing in thousands of animals and determining their fate. Each episode is set in a different part of the world - from the great flood of the Okavango delta to the plankton blooms of the Pacific Ocean, and from the Indian monsoon to the race for survival triggered by the annual Arctic melt - and shows how immense natural forces, often starting thousands of miles away, drive a chain reaction that culminates in a spectacular wildlife event. For some animals, it's a window of opportunity, but for others, it's the most dangerous time of their lives. Follow their emotional, involving stories to a dramatic climax where their fate will be revealed. Episodes: The Great Melt, The Great Salmon Run, The Great Migration, The Great Tide, The Great Flood, The Great Feast.

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The Twilight Zone: Season 3 (1962) Review

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(More customer reviews)#1 Two
Charles Bronson and Elizabeth Montgomery play the sole survivors of a nuclear holocaust.
#2 The Arrival
An airline official tests his theory that a newly arrived but totally empty plane is imaginary-with startling results.
#3 The Shelter
A neighborhood panics when they believe they are under a nuclear attack and attempt to invade the only bomb shelter on the block.
#4 The Passersby
A wounded Civil War soldier starts to believe that he and the people around him have already died.
#5 A Game of Pool
A pool master returns from the dead to play one last game with an eager young hustler.
#6 The Mirror
A dictator discovers a mirror that shows the faces of his assassins.
#7 The Grave
A hired gunman defies a Western outlaw's warning that if he ever came near his grave he'd reach up and snatch away his life. Stars Lee Marvin, Strother Martin, Lee Van Cleef.
#8 It's a Good Life
A six-year-old boy holds a town in terror with his powers to change or destroy anyone or anything at will.
#9 Deaths-Head Revisited
A former Nazi is tried by a jury of his own victims. .
#10 The Midnight Sun
The inhabitants of Earth prepare to meet their doom as their planet heads toward the Sun.
#11 Still Valley
A Confederate scout is given a magical book that could guarantee their victory.
#12 The Jungle
A former prospector is haunted in Manhattan by an African jungle beast.
#13 Once Upon a Time
A janitor puts on a helmet that takes him 72 years into the future. Stars Buster Keaton.
#14 Five Characters in Search of an Exit
Five people - a ballet dancer, a major, a clown, tramp and a bagpipe player - find themselves trapped in a featureless enclosure.
#15 A Quality of Mercy
A racist World War II soldier experiences the war in the body of a Japanese counterpart.
#16 Nothing in the Dark
Gladys Cooper plays an elderly woman locks herself in an abandoned building in order to avoid "Mr. Death." Robert Redford also stars.
#17 One More Pallbearer
A rich man devices a scheme to get revenge on those who humiliated him earlier in life.
#18 Dead Man's Shoes
A man steals who steals the shoes of a murdered gangster finds himself living in the dead man's footsteps.
#19 The Hunt
A hunter and his faithful dog arrive at the gates of Heaven.
#20 Showdown with Rance McGrew
A cowboy star is haunted by the ghost of Jesse James.

#21 Kick the Can
A group of elderly people recapture their youth.
#22 A Piano in the House
A strange piano allows the listener's hidden character to be suddenly revealed.
#23 The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank
When a young man steps out of his coffin at his own funeral the townsfolk grow to suspect that the devil has assumed the man's body.
#24 To Serve Man
Apparently benign alien emissaries show mankind how to end the misery of war, plague and famine.
#25 The Fugitive
A magical old man delights the local children with his power to change his appearance.
#26 Little Girl Lost
A couple is awakened in the middle of the night by the cries of their six-year-old daughter who has fallen through a mysterious door into another dimension.
#27 Person or Persons Unknown
A man awakens one morning to find that no one recognizes him, not even his mother.
#28 The Little People
A space traveler terrorizes the tiny inhabitants of a space station into accepting him as their God, but when another space ship arrives the tyrannical man discovers everything is relative.
#29 Four O'Clock
To combat all that he considers evil, a cranky man decides to make every evil person two feet tall at exactly 4 p.m.
#30 Hocus Pocus and Frisby
No one believes a local story-teller who claims that he was kidnapped by aliens.
#31 The Trade-Ins
An elderly man has his mind transferred to a new body.
#32 The Gift
A small village becomes fearful of a crashed space traveler.
#33 The Dummy
A ventriloquist's dummy takes on a life of its own.
#34 Young Man's Fancy
A young bride is not happy when her husband attempts to win back the days of his childhood.
#35 I Sing the Body Electric
A widowed father buys his three young children an electronic grandmother.
#36 Cavender Is Coming
Carol Burnet plays Agnes Grep who gets a visit from an apprentice angel trying to win his wings.
#37 The Changing of the Guard
A teacher feels like his life is over when he is asked to retire.

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All 37 episodes of the third season of Rod Serling's classic, groundbreaking series, now presented in pristine high-definition for the first time ever, along with hours of new and exclusive bonus features not available anywhere else!
Episodes: Two, The Arrival , The Shelter, The Passerby, A Game of Pool, The Mirror, The Grave, It's a Good Life, Death's Head Revisited , The Midnight Sun, Still Valley, The Jungle, Once Upon a Time, Five Characters in Search of an Exit, A Quality of Mercy, Nothing in the Dark, One More Pallbearer, Dead Man's Shoes, The Hunt , Showdown with Rance McGrew, Kick the Can, A Piano in the House, The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank, To Serve Man, The Fugitive, Little Girl Lost, Person or Persons Unknown, The Little People, Four O'Clock , Hocus-Pocus and Frisby, The Trade-ins, The Gift, The Dummy, Young Man's Fancy, I Sing the Body Electric, Cavender Is Coming , The Changing of the Guard

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The Twilight Zone: Season 2 (1961) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Complete Second Season of Rod Serling's Twilight Zone is now on DVD. This second season contains all 29 episodes on 5 disks. It is full frame and is about 900 minutes.
I don't have a favorite season; there are great episodes from each. I am really enjoying entire seasons being released at once.1) King Nine Will Not Return - A World War II captain wakes up in the desert, next to his crashed plane.
2) Man in the Bottle - A shop owner finds an old bottle which contains a genie which grants him 4 wishes.
3) Nervous Man in a Four Dollar Room - A smalltime hood is ordered to commit a murder and when he looks into a mirror he sees himself with courage.
4) A Thing About Machines - A writer believes the machines in his home are against him.
5) The Howling Man - A man finds refuge in a monastery during a storm and finds an unusual prisoner.
6) The Eye of the Beholder - A woman goes through treatments to make herself normal so she can fit into society.
7) Nick of Time - A newlywed becomes obsessed by a fortune-telling machine when they are stranded with car trouble.
8) The Lateness of the Hour - A scientist creates robot servants and his daughter feels a little unusual.
9) The Trouble with Templeton - Templeton is an aging actor who longs for the old days when his wife was alive.
10) A Most Unusual Camera - A couple have stolen a camera that takes pictures of events just a few minutes into the future.
11) Night of the Meek - A drunkard Santa Claus discovers a bottomless sack of toys.
12) Dust - A peddler tries to sell a condemned man's father a bag of "magic dust".
13) Back There - A man goes back in time and realizes, he can't change the future by changing the past.
14) The Whole Truth - A "Model A" automobile compels its owner to tell only the truth.
15) The Invaders - An old woman in an old farmhouse encounters tiny aliens in her attic.
16) A Penny for Your Thoughts - A bank employee flips a coin and when it stands on its end, he is given the ability to read minds.
17) Twenty-Two - Miss Powell has a recurring nightmare ("room for one more") about room 22.
18) The Odyssey of Flight 33 - A commercial aircraft and its passengers travel back to prehistoric times.
19) Mr. Dingle, the Strong - Martians give Luther Dingle the strength of 300 men.
20) Static - Ed Lindsay hates television, so he gets his old radio out of the basement and it can receive programs from the past.
21) The Prime Mover - A man has the ability to control objects with his mind.
22) Long Distance Call - A boy finds he can communicate with his dead grandmother through his toy phone.
23) A Hundred Yards over the Rim - A man in the year 1847 moving west sets out to find medicine for his dying son and winds up in the future.
24) The Rip Van Winkle Caper - Three thieves put themselves into suspended animation for 100 years after stealing a million dollars worth of gold bars.
25) The Silence - A man is offered half a million dollars to remain silent for one year. The bet is taken and won but with a twist at the end.
26) Shadow Play - A man is trapped in a recurring nightmare where he tries to persuade those who are sentencing him to death that this is not reality.
27) The Mind and the Matter - After reading a book on the "power of thought" a man is able create the world exactly as he wants it.
28) Will the Real Martian lease Stand Up? - State Troopers follow the tracks from a frozen pond to a diner where they find a bus driver and his seven passengers but there were only six on the bus.
29) The Obsolete Man - In a state where religion and books are ban, a librarian is judged obsolete and sentenced to death.


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All 29 episodes of the second season of Rod Serling's classic, groundbreaking series, now presented in pristine high-definition for the first time ever, along with hours of new and exclusive bonus features not available anywhere else! New, Blu-ray exclusive features: Rarely-seen, unofficial Twilight Zone pilot, "The Time Element," starring William Bendix and Martin Balsam. Written by Rod Serling and hosted by Desi Arnaz for Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse. New 1080p transfer from the original camera negative and magnetic soundtrack. 19 new commentaries, featuring The Twilight Zone Companion author Marc Scott Zicree, author and film historian Gary Gerani (Fantastic Television), author and music historian Steven C. Smith (A Heart at Fire's Center: The Life and Music of Bernard Herrmann), music historians John Morgan and William T. Stromberg, writer/producer David Simkins (Lois and Clark, Dark Angel), writer Mark Fergus (Children of Men, Iron Man), actor William Reynolds and director Ted Post Interviews with actors Dana Dillaway, Suzanne Lloyd, Beverly Garland and Ron Masak Tales of Tomorrow episode "What You Need" Vintage audio interview with Director of Photography George T. Clemens 1977 syndication promos for "A Stop at Willoughby" and "The After Hours" 18 Radio Dramas 34 Isolated Music Scores Episodes: King Nine Will Not Return, The Man in the Bottle, Nervous Man in a Four-Dollar Room, A Thing About Machines, The Howling Man, Eye of the Beholder, Nick of Time, The Lateness of the Hour, The Trouble with Templeton, A Most Unusual Camera, The Night of the Meek, Dust, Back There, The Whole Truth, The Invaders, A Penny for Your Thoughts, Twenty-Two, The Odyssey of Flight 33, Mr. Dingle, the Strong, Static, The Prime Mover, Long Distance Call, A Hundred Yards over the Rim, The Rip Van Winkle Caper, The Silence, Shadow Play, The Mind and the Matter, Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?, The Obsolete Man

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True Blood: The Complete First Season (HBO Series) (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Rabbit ears on pawn shop televisions are about my speed; needless to say, I don't watch television. However, kind friends mainline this series two or three shows at a time, and they got me hooked: were I to be completely honest, I might have to admit to giving serious thought to obtaining this by less-than-legal-means. It actually might be worth jail time.
Speaking as someone who was born in America's deep South, this series captures everything about Louisiana that is appealing. (Spanish Moss, vampires, latent racism and homophobia, the dichotomy between Christian Southern values and patriarchal, brutality-enforced poverty, sassy Southern women who know how to fight with chains, etc.)
What it makes it really stand out, though, is the casting: there isn't a bad actor in the bunch--and they are all believable as Southern archetypes. Nelsan Ellis as the short order cook/drug dealer Lafayette and Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin as the romantic leads give mesmerizing performances.
True Blood, or possibly the original series of books from which it arose, is an arresting set of stories: Faulkner says that the only thing really worth writing about (or thinking about, by extension) is the human heart in conflict with itself. The Southern United States depicted in True Blood is conflict embodied--you are a supposed to be a good Christian, and follow the rules of an established society, but you live in the middle of a swamp so dense and wild that it believably could be home to minions of Satan, like vampires.
It's a lot to think about. If you are one of those artistic/professional types with too much to do, don't start watching this; it becomes an obsession.
And Now: A Short Review of the Actual DVD--this is the regular, not Blu-Ray version, as my $100.00, cigarette-burned, pawn shop t.v. doesn't do Blu-Ray.
Price: $10.00 less than my local electronics store.
Extras: There is some very funny stuff here that was not on the original websites for the series: ads for lawyers for vampires; vampire hotels; vampire dating, all done with the appropriate levels of fake bad acting and camp.
Don't be afraid to look at the French language ad as well. It uses all of six French words which you probably already know.
There is also a short video parody of someone like Hugh Downs doing an in-depth report on vampires. Complete with bad video backgrounds for foreign locales and hokey vampire internet conspiracies, this is a well-done, satirical background take on some of the 'vampire movement's more glossed-over history.
One negative: the commentary tracks play over the original episodes; it's neat to watch for about five minutes, and then it's a little bit like dissecting a romantic relationship--the mystery dies once the magic involved gets out into the bright light of day.
However, overall, True Blood Season One is well worth watching again--particularly in the pilot episode, the acting, and the effort the cast and crew put into characterization and detail, is even more obvious the second time around.


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TRUE BLOOD chronicles the backwoods Louisiana town of Bon Temps... where vampires have emerged from the coffin, and no longer need humans for their fix. Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin, Academy Award®-winner for "The Piano") works as a waitress at the rural bar Merlotte's. Though outwardly a typical young woman, she keeps a dangerous secret: she has the ability to hear the thoughts of others. Her situation is further complicated when the bar gets its first vampire patron - 173-year old Bill Compton (Steven Moyer, "Quills") - and the two outsiders are immediately drawn to each other. Delivering the best of what audiences have come to expect from Creator and Executive Producer Alan Ball (writer of Oscar®-winning Best Picture "American Beauty", creator of the Emmy® Award-winning HBO® series "Six Feet Under"), TRUE BLOOD is a dark and sexy tale that boldly delves into the heart - and the neck - of the Deep South.

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Let Me In (2010) Review

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(More customer reviews)Let Me In is one of the most beautiful films of the year, and probably the best remake that I have ever seen. It is based on the Swedish film, Let The Right One In, which was released two years ago to monumental acclaim from both critics and art-house audiences alike. This touching story, concerning a young man's crush on a 12 year old vampire named Eli, captured the hearts and minds of everyone who was lucky enough to see it. If Ingmar Bergman were to direct a vampire-themed film, it would look a lot like this. However, one should not think of the film as yet another entry into the recent "vampire" craze. It is much more than that. This is the film that Twilight only wishes that it could be.
The remake deviates structurally from the original, only in that the opening is a bit different, and a few minor characters have been altered or dropped altogether. The integrity of the storytelling remains intact, and as a result, much of the remake resembles the original in all of its snow-drenched glory.
Kodi Smit-McPhee plays Owen, a lonely young man who is constantly bullied at school in the most brutal fashion. He spends his evenings at home playing with knives, and spying on the attractive neighbor next door. In addition to these disturbing quirks, he has an almost addictive fondness for Now and Laters, and constantly eats the candy throughout the film. Chloe Moretz plays Abby, a young girl who moves in next door with a man that we initially assume is her father. The two meet on the playground one night, and bond over the intricacies of a Rubick's Cube. Soon, Owen develops a crush on his new friend, oblivious that Abby is really a vampire, and that her "dad" is in fact a serial killer, who creeps out into the night, stalking and killing random victims in order to bring buckets of blood back to Abby, in order that she will survive.
Meanwhile, an older cop tries to figure out who the mysterious killer is, as the bodies continue to surface. As far as Owen is concerned, the bullying still continues at school, but with a little advice from Abby, and a little bit of weight training, Owen realizes that he can stand up for himself in one of the film's most shocking - and darkly comic - sequences. It doesn't take long for Owen to realize who and what Abby really is. In all of his fright and confusion, he decides to stay by her side, and as a result, Abby vows to protect Owen in the only way that she knows how.
As I said, this is one of the best films of the year. Both of the leads deserve Oscar nominations for their layered performances. The cinematography is breathtaking. The score is beautiful, although there are moments in the film that could do without a background score. This is my only criticism of this otherwise perfect film. Matt Reeves (Cloverfield) has crafted a worthy tribute with Let Me In.
It is worth mentioning that this film is rated R, and while the film centers on two adolescents, it is not a film for the 12 and under crowd. It is much too disturbing at times, and the language is pretty rough. I would also encourage Twilighters to see the film, so that they may have a clear example of a film (Let Me In) and a product (Twilight).


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From Matt Reeves – the director of Cloverfield – comes the new vampire classic that critics are calling 'chillingly real" (Scott Bowles, USA Today), 'one of the best horror films of the year" (Cinematical) and 'a haunting, touching and unforgettable thriller" (Pete Hammond, Boxoffice Magazine).In bleak New Mexico, a lonely, bullied boy, Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee of The Road), forms a unique bond with his mysterious new neighbor, Abby (Chloë Grace Moretz of Kick-Ass), who moves from town to town with the man who appears to be her father (Oscar Nominee Richard Jenkins of The Visitor).Trapped in the mind and body of a child, however, Abby is forced to hide a horrific secret of bloodthirsty survival.But in a world of both tenderness and terror, how can you invite in the one friend who may unleash the ultimate nightmare?Based on the Swedish novel, Let the Right One In, 'Let Me In is a dark and violent love story, a beautiful piece of cinema and a respectful rendering of my novel for which I am grateful." (John Ajvide Lindqvist, author)

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Star Trek: The Original Series - Season 1 Review

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(More customer reviews)The Program:
If I could find something new to say about Star Trek, that would be a feat in itself. Let it suffice to say that it's the most successful TV sci-fi franchise of all time, was a pioneering show in many respects, and is just darned entertaining to watch, whether you're a "true believer" or not.
Season One of the Original Series is a great place to start for newbies and fanatics alike. We are introduced to the Romulans, Klingons, Khan, Starfleet, the Federation of Planets, and the whole crew short of Chekov, who appears in Season Two. We are presented with 29 episodes, at least 6 of which are absolute masterpieces, and another 10 of which are really, really good. In this package, you'll get classics such as "The City on The Edge of Forever," "Where No Man Has Gone Before," "Balance of Terror," "The Menagerie," "The Devil In The Dark," and "Space Seed." Overall, it's the Original Series' strongest season, and it only has two real clunkers in the group ("Shore Leave" and "The Galileo Seven").
There's really not a whole lot to be faulted in this season. It's an absolutely rock solid item for any Trekkie, and indeed any sci-fi fan, to own.
The Blu-Ray:
So the question becomes, how is the presentation?
Well, it should be said right off the bat that the HD transfers of these shows are absolutely sparkling. Detail is through the roof, making every smile line, button and dial, star, and ship detail just pop right off the screen. Black levels are rock solid, especially in space scenes. Color saturation is deeper than deep, and bright colors are radiant in a way that the previous DVDs just can't replicate. The show is presented in its original 4:3 aspect ratio - thank goodness CBS/Paramount didn't try to stretch these shows in a manner similar to many "HD" rebroadcasts of older shows on cable.
The Original Series was shot on 35 mm film stock, which has more detail than any 480i TV broadcast can resolve (or 480p DVD for that matter). Thus, it is truly benefited by a high definition transfer. This isn't a release where you look at it and say "well, it looks pretty good for what it is." In fact, it has just as much fine detail and the same superior color as the newest shows currently broadcast on TV in HD. And it really does blow away the previous DVDs, too. There are, of course, a few shots here and there that betray their age. This is just the nature of the beast when dealing with 40 year old celluloid elements. But all told, a good 90% of the shots are competitive with modern HD. So as far as a video rating goes, this is 5 star material all the way.
Audio is a tad problematic. Some of the sound balancing seems to be a bit off - dialogue can have a tough time keeping up with music and sound effects. It's perfectly clear, don't get me wrong. But I found myself fiddling with the volume controls more than I'd like throughout an episode. On the other hand, the audio in general is great. The re-recorded theme song is breathtaking - especially when the Enterprise "wooosh-es" by from the front speakers to the rear surrounds. Red Alert klaxons and atmospheric sounds generally are mixed towards the surround channels. It's very cool.
Special effects sequences have been redone with modern CGI and in high definition. For the most part they look great, and it is quite refreshing in the era of the "Lucas-ing" (or is it Abrams-ifying?) of old material that the producers of the new effects went to such great lengths to respect the original design aesthetic of the 1960's material. I will say I kind of wish they had done new model work, as CG still just isn't to the point where it looks "real" (setting aside the fact that this is inherently unreal stuff being filmed...). But I understand that it would never have been done in that case, since it costs so much more these days to do model work as opposed to CGI. On balance, having new effects is much more good than bad.
But the kicker, and the reason it would be no big deal even if one hated the new effects, is the fact that the original effects are on the same disc. You can watch an entire show with the old or new effects, or, if you'd prefer to irritate your friends and significant others, switch between them in real time with the "angle" button on your remote. Are you paying attention, George Lucas? This is what we want in a Star Wars Blu-Ray! The beautiful new with the respected old, side-by-side. Big kudos go to CBS/Paramount and the Trek team for the job they've done here.
Also included are several extra features. Mini-documentaries, mostly reprised from the previous DVD set, are included one on each disc. The "pop-up" text commentary from the DVD has been retained as "Starfleet Access," a combination video-text commentary. The videos are nice, but they talk over the audio from the episode, whereas the older text commentary did not interfere with the audio. I wish both could have been included. New features include a mini-doc on the HD restoration and effects, and a set of "home movies" from an extra on the Trek set. Especially cool is an interactive "tour" of the original series Enterprise, showing many nooks and crannies not often seen or discussed, on the same gorgeous HD CGI model that the new shots use. All in all, a healthy set of extras.
The packaging is nowhere near as bad as some previous DVD Trek seasons, but it still has its issues. Why can we not be presented with episode titles on each disc? The discs are just blank silver paint, with loads of empty space that helpful titles could have occupied. Instead, the episodes are listed on the INSIDE of the Blu-Ray insert, and are covered by both the filler material in the front, and by a disc in back. Being required to pop out a disc to see the contents of three more is really not convenient.
*****
The audio niggles and the packaging stupidity might be enough to make some downgrade this to a four star rating. I am swayed however, by the astounding HD clarity of the video, and the wonderful options for old and new special effects. The other things are minor issues in the scheme of things. This is a tremendously good presentation of an absolutely seminal television show and science fiction saga. The respect with which the "restoration" was handled is truly commendable.
Any Trekkie/Trekker who has a Blu-Ray player should own this set. It's just that simple. If you are just a general sci-fi fan, you also should give this serious consideration.

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Space. The Final Frontier. The U.S.S. Enterprise embarks on a five year mission to explore the galaxy. The Enterprise is under the command of Captain James T. Kirk. The First Officer is Mr. Spock, from the planet Vulcan. The Chief Medical Officer is Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy. With a determined crew, the Enterprise encounters Klingons, Romulans, time paradoxes, tribbles and genetic supermen lead by Khan Noonian Singh. Their mission is to explore strange new worlds, to seek new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.

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