Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace (Widescreen Edition)

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"I have a bad feeling about this," says the young Obi-Wan Kenobi (played by Ewan McGregor) in Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace as he steps off a spaceship and into the most anticipated cinematic event... well, ever. He might as well be speaking for the legions of fans of the original episodes in the Star Wars saga who can't help but secretly ask themselves: Sure, this is Star Wars, but is it my Star Wars? The original elevated moviegoers' expectations so high that it would have been impossible for any subsequent film to meet them. And as with all the Star Wars movies, The Phantom Menace features inexplicable plot twists, a fistful of loose threads, and some cheek-chewing dialogue. Han Solo's swagger is sorely missed, as is the pervading menace of heavy-breather Darth Vader. There is still way too much quasi-mystical mumbo jumbo, and some of what was fresh about Star Wars 22 years earlier feels formulaic. Yet there's much to admire. The special effects are stupendous; three worlds are populated with a mélange of creatures, flora, and horizons rendered in absolute detail. The action and battle scenes are breathtaking in their complexity. And one particular sequence of the film--the adrenaline-infused pod race through the Tatooine desert--makes the chariot race in Ben-Hur look like a Sunday stroll through the park.

Among the host of new characters, there are a few familiar walk-ons. We witness the first meeting between R2-D2 and C-3PO, Jabba the Hutt looks younger and slimmer (but not young and slim), and Yoda is as crabby as ever. Natalie Portman's stately Queen Amidala sports hairdos that make Princess Leia look dowdy and wields a mean laser. We never bond with Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), and Obi-Wan's day is yet to come. Jar Jar Binks, a cross between a Muppet, a frog, and a hippie, provides many of the movie's lighter moments, while Sith Lord Darth Maul is a formidable force. Baby-faced Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) looks too young and innocent to command the powers of the Force or wield a lightsaber (much less transmute into the future Darth Vader), but his boyish exuberance wins over skeptics.

Near the end of the movie, Palpatine, the new leader of the Republic, may be speaking for fans eagerly awaiting Episode II when he pats young Anakin on the head and says, "We will watch your career with great interest." Indeed! --Tod Nelson

Description

Feature-Length Audio Commentary
The creators of Episode I give you insight into the film like no one else can. Hear from: writer/director George Lucas, Producer Rick McCallum, sound designer and film co-editor Ben Burtt, ILM animation director Rob Coleman and ILM visual effects supervisors John Knoll, Dennis Muren and Scott Squires.

"The Beginning"
Making Episode I Documentary Film
Culled from over 600 hours of behind-the-scenes footage, this all-new hour-long documentary film takes you inside Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic during the making of The Phantom Menace. Sit in on the film's production process including: pre-production, casting, principal photography, editing, rough-cut reviews, visual effects meetings and other events that few people have had access to before.

Exclusive Deleted Scenes and Documentary
All-new documentary featuring George Lucas, Rick McCallum and guests discussing the painstaking process every director must go through in determining what scenes make the final cut. View seven exclusive deleted sequences that were created specifically for this DVD and learn why they were eliminated from the final version of the film.

Multi-Angle Animatics
Discover the amazing techniques used to create two memorable sequences (Submarine and Podrace Lap 1) from storyboards to animatics to final composites.

Featurettes
Five mini-documentaries give you an insider's look at The Phantom Menace's Storyline, Design, Costumes, Visual Effects and Fight sequences through behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and filmmakers.

Web Documentaries
Originally released on starwars.com during the production of Episode I, this award-winning twelve-part web documentary series gives you a fly-on-the-wall perspective into the making of the film as it was happening.

Exclusive Production Photo Gallery
Scroll through a never-before-seen gallery of candid cast and crew shots, each with captions.

"Duel of the Fates" Music Video
One of the most popular music videos during its release in May 1999, the "Duel of the Fates" video intertwines live footage of John Williams conducting the London Symphony Orchestra with behind-the-scenes clips and dramatic footage featured in Episode I.

Posters and Print Campaign
Examine the Episode I theatrical posters (Teaser and Launch) and the International Outdoor advertising used to support the release of Episode I around the world.

Trailers and TV Spots
Watch the theatrical teaser and launch trailers, plus seven TV spots (including the five original "Tone Poems" along with "The Saga Begins" and "All Over Again").

"Star Wars: Starfighter-The Making of a Game" from LucasArts
This featurette offers insight into the making of the popular flight action combat game along with information on other Star Wars games from LucasArts.

Exclusive DVD-ROM Content
Your Episode I DVD is a key that unlocks exclusive Star Wars content only available through a special DVD-ROM website.

Customer Reviews:

A small review of the DVD image quality, not the movie.......2007-09-10

After putting off this purchase for years, I finally walked to the store and got my copy. I was disappointed.

The image was transfered from film, which makes no sense to me. It has the typical dust, scratches, overexposure and over-sharpening problems of a scan from film. I guess back in 2001 when everyone had small TVs no one noticed, but I have a 70" screen and, compared to the Episode III DVD, the image quality in this one sucks.

I know Episode I was the last Star Wars flick shot with film instead of digital cameras, but, come on, it was edited in computers! It makes no sense to further degrade the image by transferring it from digital to film and then back to digital... unless you are planning to re-release it as a "Digitally remastered" version for the 10th anniversary (Which I hope they do, along with the HD DVD and Blu-ray versions)

Use The English Subtitles - It Will Help Make The Movie Better.......2007-09-05

I believe George Lucas said he was inspired by the chariot race in the 1959 epic Ben-Hur, and thought of it often when he staged the big pod race scene in this movie.

So, when I watched the film again the other day, the third or fourth time I've seen it, I kept looking for comparisons. Well, suffice to say nothing will surpass that chariot race, which had no benefit of any special-effects while this was almost all computer-generated. Nevertheless, the pod race in here was a lot of fun to watch, had excellent surround sound, was exciting and the highlight of the film. Oddly, in this movie instead of a man you have a small boy as the good guy- driver, so to speak. Young Jake Lloyd who plays "Anakin Skywalker." He's the key character in this Star Wars saga, the boy who later becomes the father to Luke Skywalker and winds up being revealed as Darth Vader. But....this is long before that

This movie, the first Star Wars movie after a long hiatus (16-years) disappointed a lot of fans but I thought it was entertaining overall. My main complaint was trying to understand "Jar Jar Binks," but on the DVD I can use English subtitles and thus understand all the strange things he says with his Caribbean accent. It makes the movie more enjoyable and I strongly recommend doing that.

As usual, there is a ton of astounding visuals in here, all kinds of strange characters and excellent "effects." Yes, the action gets hokey in spots, especially near the end, but what modern-day action film doesn't?

People who are really "into" this Star Wars saga, and take it seriously, were, as mentioned generally let down with this movie. I guess they expected a lot more after waiting so long for the next installment. I just watch it for the enjoyment of an escapist film and as someone who usually enjoys good visuals. I repeat: put on the "English subtitles." That helped a lot, believe me.

the child, Anakin Skywalker.......2007-09-04

This is a decent movie. it could have been better on a lot of levels but it is definitely a good movie to check out. If you're looking for A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, or Return of the Jedi, this ain't it.

It's a different movie. Not as action packed as those but definitely worth a look. I actually prefer this to Attack of the Clones, mostly because of Hayden Christensen, Jar Jar Binks is an annoyance but you'll learn to live with it. If he didn't talk as much it'd be a very good movie.

Alas, I still recommend this movie. The DVD is great. A commentary from George and others and a few features on the second disc make it all the worthwhile. The deleted scenes are a must watch. Definitely for the fans. If you aren't a fan, you won't appreciate it as much.

It's not my favorite, but still very enjoyable........2007-08-29

It's not my favorite, but still very enjoyable.

I enjoyed 'Star Wars' (a.k.a. Star Wars IV: A new hope) when it came out and I was 7 yrs old and I still love all the Star Wars Movies today. My son has loved all the Star Wars movies as well

MST3K Fans Rejoice -- Rifftrax is Here!.......2007-08-09

Of all the many Binks in the world, who is the most skull-crushingly annoying? Is it the Binks Company, the Canadian insurance brokers? Is it the U.S. manufacturers of spray guns, paint booths, and electrostatic spray equipment? Or is Jar Jar, the mouthy horse-lizard from the 4th Star Wars movie, appropriately titled Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace? If you said anything but number three, you are imprisonably insane! That's right, Mike Nelson and Kevin Murphy take on the franchise-ruining Star Wars that everybody loves to hate but nobody loves to watch! Only we make you want to watch it again, and laugh instead of kill! Finally, Jar Jar gets what he deserves!

Fantasia (60th Anniversary Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Best Disney Movie Ever!
fantasia
Fantasia is fantastic....
Beautiful
A child's memories

Fantasia (60th Anniversary Special Edition)
Starring: Leopold Stokowski , Bela Lugosi , Mickey Mouse , Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra , and Walt Disney
Director: Walt Disney , James Algar , Samuel Armstrong , Ford I. Beebe , and Graham Heid
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
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Fantasia 2000 (Blisterpack)

ASIN: B00003CX9W
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Amazon.com essential video

Groundbreaking on several counts, not the least of which was an innovative use of animation and stereophonic sound, this ambitious Disney feature has lost nothing to time since its release in 1940. Classical music was interpreted by Disney animators, resulting in surreal fantasy and playful escapism. Leopold Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra provided the music for eight segments by the composers Tchaikovsky, Moussorgsky, Stravinsky, Beethoven, Ponchielli, Bach, Dukas, and Schubert. Not all the sequences were created equally, but a few are simply glorious, such as "Night on Bald Mountain," "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," and "The Nutcracker Suite." The animation ranges from subtly delicate to fiercely bold. The screen bursts with color and action as creatures transmute and convention is thrust aside. The painstaking detail and saturated hues are unique to this film, unmatched even by more advanced technology. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

Best Disney Movie Ever!.......2007-07-19

I loved this movie as a child and it still holds my interest today. Its a wonderful masterpiece of music and animation. I am disappointed its not the actual "uncut" movie (see other reviewers reviews), but its still a great movie.

fantasia.......2007-07-17

The Fantasia vhs movie played as good as new. It has been and will continue to be a family favorite.

Fantasia is fantastic...........2007-07-15

I had the pleasure of seeing FANTASIA on the big screen, when I was a little girl. I was enchanted by the imagery and the beautiful classical music soundtrack, from the opening credits, all the way to the last sequence. This was Walt Disney's way of bringing classical music to the younger generations, the children who went to the movie theaters to see his cartoons. This presentation of cartoons with classical repertoire succeeds brilliantly on many levels. For starters, the imagery compliments the mood of the musical pieces.

Some of my favorite sequences include: Nutcracker Suite by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky with a look at the changing seasons, featuring animated fairies, fish, flowers, mushrooms, and leaves, Symphony No. 6 by Ludwig van Beethoven with a mythical ancient Grecian world of centaurs, centaurettes (a Disney studio creation), a pegasus and his family, the gods of Mount Olympus, fauns, cherubs and other creatures and characters of classical mythology, and the Ave Maria by Franz Schubert, with subtle sunlight and naturalistic color. I should mention that the sequence with Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky is a vision of hell. It features a wicked demon, whose likeness was based on the features of Bela Lugosi (yes, the original Dracula in the 1930s films). I was pretty scared, as an eight year old, when watching it. Keep that in mind when watching it with really small children.

My verdict? This film is a beautiful introduction to classical music, for young viewers, and compelling enough for more mature ones. This is a throwback to another time, before the age of computer-generated graphics, and you will appreciate the great lengths the animators took to hand-draw every cell in this beautiful film.

Beautiful.......2007-04-04

While it is not plot based or known for a memorable and charming story, it is a wonder to watch. Music creates images in most of us, whether they be memories of something prior, or something conjured up from the sound. Fantasia is based on that idea. Listening to this classic music, set to such elegant and wonderful images is a treat. One of the best of it's kind. Enjoy.

A child's memories.......2007-03-09

This is the first movie I remember seeing as a child. I was probably about 7 years old at the time. I've never forgotten it, and now, after 59 years, I'm viewing it again. It's just as wonderful as it was when I saw it the first time, although there are a couple of "bits" that I don't remember from my first viewing. It keeps me company during my treadmill walks. It does a wonderful job of helping me to pass the time. It's a beautiful combination of art and classical music.

Average customer rating:

The most midgets you will ever see in one movie!
One of my faves
willow
A Timeless Classic!
Fantasy - Supreme

Willow (Special Edition)
Starring: Billy Barty , Tony Cox , Warwick Davis , Joanna Dickens , and Phil Fondacaro
Director: Ron Howard
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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ASIN: B00003CXDD
Release Date: 2001-11-27

Amazon.com

This epic Lucasfilm fantasy serves up enough magical adventure to satisfy fans of the genre, though it treads familiar territory. With abundant parallels to Star Wars, the story (by George Lucas) follows the exploits of the little farmer Willow (Warwick Davis), an aspiring sorcerer appointed to deliver an infant princess from the evil queen (Jean Marsh) to whom the child is a crucial threat. Val Kilmer plays the warrior who joins Willow's campaign with the evil queen's daughter (Joanne Whalley, who later married Kilmer). Impressive production values, stunning locations (in England, Wales, and New Zealand) and dazzling special effects energize the routine fantasy plot, which alternates between rousing action and cute sentiment while failing to engage the viewer's emotions. A parental warning is appropriate: director Ron Howard has a light touch aimed at younger viewers, but doesn't shy away from grisly swordplay and at least one monster (a wicked two-headed dragon) that could induce nightmares. --Jeff Shannon

Description

From legendary filmmakers George Lucas and Ron Howard comes one of the most beloved fantasy tales of all time. This groundbreaking film features stunning special effects, dazzling action and a classic battle between good and evil.

When young Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis) finds an abandoned baby, he is suddenly thrust unto an adventure filled with magic and danger. According to an ancient prophecy, the sacred child is destined to end the reign of the evil sorceress Queen Bavmorda (Jean Marsh). Now, the only a single swordsman (Val Kilmer) at his side, Willow must overcome the forces of darkness that threaten to destroy anyone who stands in the Queen's way!

Customer Reviews:

The most midgets you will ever see in one movie!.......2007-08-24

I recently bought this and watched it. All I can say is "Wow". I remember watching this movie over and over as a child and now I know why. It's a great movie!

Warwick Davis and Val Kilmer do a great job and wow, Sorcia (Joanne Whalley) is smoking hot. There are a ton of great scenes, too many to count. It's a ridiculous but extremely entertaining movie. And it's something you can watch if you have kids

The only time I can recall seeing more midgets is on the TV show "Martin" where the midgets started a fight with Martin Lawrence at the bar. If you haven't seen this movie yet, add it to your shopping cart!

One of my faves.......2007-08-22

This movie just doesn't get old. I can watch it anytime and still feel wowed by it. I am not particularly fond of 80's films, but this one is not cheesy or poorly acted. It is actually very sweet with a pretty cool plot and awesome characters. I recommend it to anyone that is looking for a fun adventurous family movie to watch.

willow.......2007-08-02

this is great movie ever! this story focus on the baby named willow and 2 men who is protecting the baby. some evil want the baby dead because the baby is a threat to evil woman. evil woman has a daughter who will turn against her and save the baby.

A Timeless Classic!.......2007-07-07

If you grew up in the 80s and didn't see this movie, then where the heck were you?? This is a must see movie and falls into the category of a timeless, well loved classic that never expires. We never tire from watching "Willow". Infact, we named one of our daughters "Alora" after Ellora Dannon. "Willow" is a true family film, filled with adventure, action, humor, romance and magic! It's got everything in it and will bring out the child in everyone. And if you're an 80s Junkie like me (or not), it will probably already be in your DVD library (or pretty soon may well be) that you can pull out again and again to enjoy. You won't regret investing in this wonderful spell of entertainment.

Fantasy - Supreme.......2007-07-06

This movie was well done, a very good and rich fantasy story and something for the whole family. A fairy tale colorful told.

(Original review January 1, 2002)

The Sword in the Stone (Disney Gold Classic Collection)

Average customer rating:

A fun, classic Disney film
Great classic movie
Classic
A good example of early Disney DVD.
The Sword in the Stone

The Sword in the Stone (Disney Gold Classic Collection)
Starring: Sebastian Cabot , Rickie Sorensen , Karl Swenson , Junius Matthews , and Ginny Tyler
Director: Wolfgang Reitherman , and Les Perkins
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
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ASIN: B00004R9A0
Release Date: 2001-03-20

Amazon.com

Based upon T.H. White's beloved novel, this Disney-fied version chronicles the tutoring of the Once and Future King, Arthur, as handled by the magician Merlin. Sword was a portent of things to come, with slapstick upbraiding storytelling, and cultural in-jokes substituting for wonder. But there's much to enjoy here as Merlin shows Newt, the young Arthur, things that will help him become the ruler of the Britons. The transformation sequences, where the boy is turned into a fish, a bird, and a squirrel are vintage Disney. The oft-repeated scene of Merlin battling it out with the mean old Madame Mim still is worth a few chuckles, but it belies the problem with most of the film--the scenes are only there for the chuckles. References by Merlin to television and other items of modern life also mar the generally innocuous landscape. Children will like it, but they won't cherish it. --Keith Simanton

Description

Dazzling color and brilliant animation bring the medieval legend of King Arthur to life in THE SWORD IN THE STONE. With a forest full of charm, spectacle, and wizardry, Disney's classic tale conjures up delightful entertainment for all ages! England is in the midst of a dark age and without a proper king, Young "Wart," an orphan and squire-in-training, is content with kitchen duties in his foster home -- until he drops in on the extraordinary wizard Merlin and his articulate owl, Archimedes. Through three life lessons, Wart learns to set his "sights on the heights," armed with the most powerful forces on earth -- intellect, wisdom, and love. When it's time to contest who will be king, Wart must use his newfound knowledge to do what no mighty knight has done before! Join in all the magical marvels that make THE SWORD IN THE STONE a classic animated film and pure Disney gold!

Customer Reviews:

A fun, classic Disney film.......2007-08-23

I still know plent of people that have not seen this. Now, I know it is fairly old, but it is still a wonderful movie. I have seen it loads of times and I really wish more people would see it and not immedietly discard it. The animation is quite good and the voice acting is top notch. I love the story too, its pretty timeless and if you love the King Arthur Legend, then this movie is for you.

Great classic movie.......2007-05-13

My boys loved this movie. Most of the older Disney movies are about Princesses and this was nice for my boys who love knights and castles.

Classic.......2007-03-19

I grew up with this film, now i bought it for my 3 and 5 yo nephews and they watch it over and over. Classic Disney.

A good example of early Disney DVD........2007-03-19

When Disney released The Sword In The Stone onto DVD in 2001, Disney had only really gotten into releasing their movies onto DVD within the last two years, starting with their failed Limited Issue line. The Gold Collection followed, with some of the Limited Issues repackaged as Gold Collection titles, and more titles released. Most of these had decent, if not somwhat problematic DVD transfers and few, if any, bonus materials. However, a few of Disney's Gold Collection titles were given decent releases. Among those are the 30th Anniversary Edition of Bedknobs and Broomsticks (Although not officially a Gold Collection title by many people's standards, it says Gold Collection on the spine.) and this 2001 DVD release of The Sword In The Stone.

First off, the film is given a nice transfer here. The DVD case boasts that it's ''fully restored and remastered.'' Although it's not up to par with the Platinum Edition restorations or the Masterpiece Edition of Alice In Wonderland's transfer, it IS far better than many of the other Gold Collection transfers. It's nicely cleaned up, although it's a bit grainier than one would like, and there's still a bit of dirt in the transfer. The colors have been punched up nicely, though. The video transfer here is very satisfying, as is the audio mix.

The disc also includes quite a few good bonus materials. A Sword In The Stone scrapbook features concept art for the film, production photos, character design, concept poster art, official poster art, and more. Two sing-alongs lifted from Disney's Sing-Along Songs video series provide fun captions for two of the film's more memorable songs. Film Facts is...well, basically that. Two animated shorts, ''Knight For A Day'' and ''Brave Little Tailor'' are very entertaining. ''Music Magic: The Sherman Brothers'' has the Shermans talking about songs they wrote for The Sword In The Stone, including a couple that were deleted. (The Shermans also did a Music Magic featurette for Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and that one WAS better, because it also gave a little info on the making of the film, as well as its 1996 restoration.) Finally, an episode of Walt Disney's Disneyland TV series is included - ''All About Magic'' from 1957. Although this isn't directly related to The Sword In The Stone, its inclusion is to be praised nonetheless.

My only disappointment in this DVD is the lack of any sort of theatrical trailer or TV spot. Come on, Disney!

Nonetheless, The Sword In The Stone is a fine example of Disney's earliest attempts to give their movies the deluxe treatment on single-disc DVD releases, reserving their 2-Disc DVD releases for Platinum Editions (This was the year that Snow White's Platinum Edition DVD was released.) and the DVD releases of their most recent animated features. I wholeheartedly recommend this DVD for fans of the film.

The Sword in the Stone.......2007-01-29

Recieved quickly, good condition, thank you for the great service

Average customer rating:

Old-School Animation for the Whole Family
What's up with the chapters
Fresh, Lovely, Humorous, Uplifting: Another Miyazaki Delight
One of the VERY rare movies I can watch over and over
worth 50 stars!

Kiki's Delivery Service
Starring: Lewis Arquette , Corey Burton , John de Mita , Fay deWitt , and Kirsten Dunst
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
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ASIN: B00005JM2O
Release Date: 2003-04-15

Amazon.com

In Hayao Miyazaki's magical Kiki's Delivery Service, a 13-year-old girl meets the world head on as she spends her first year soloing as an apprentice witch. Kiki (Kirsten Dunst) is still a little green and plenty headstrong, but also resourceful, imaginative, and determined. With her trusty wisp of a cat Jiji (a gently subdued Phil Hartman) by her side she's ready to take on the world, or at least the quaintly European seaside village she's chosen as her new home. Miyazaki's gentle rhythm and meandering narrative capture the easy pulse of real life (even if his subject is a girl flying high upon a broomstick) and charts the everyday struggles and growing pains of his plucky heroine with sensitivity and understanding. Beautifully detailed animation and the rich designs of the picture-postcard seaside town of red-tiled roofs and cobblestone streets only add to the sense of wonder. This charming animated fantasy is a wholesome, life-affirming picture that doesn't speak down to kids or up to adults. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Rarely does a film touch so many hearts or reach such artistic heights as the highly acclaimed KIKI'S DELIVERY SERIVCE, the magical adventure of an enterprising young girl who must follow tradition to become a full-fledged witch. Venturing out with only her chatty black cat Jiji, KiKi flies off for the adventure of a lifetime. Landing in a far-off city, she sets up a high-flying delivery service. Here begins a wonderful experience of independence and responsibility as she finds her place in the world. The breathtaking animation of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and the star voice talents of Kirsten Dunst (KiKi), Phil Hartman (Jiji), Matthew Lawrence (Tombo), and more make KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE soar with an energy, excitement, and the kind of imagination that entertains again and again!

Customer Reviews:

Old-School Animation for the Whole Family.......2007-08-02

The American release of Kiki's Delivery Service contains two great movies: the American version with superb new voices by Dunst, Garofalo, Hartmann, et al. and the original Japanese version. Common to both is the beautiful old-school animation and a story that will delight adults as well as 13-year-old girls. But the two differ in the way they portray the characters and set the tone of the story, most notably in the way Hartmann and Sakuma play the cat in their respective versions. I recommend this film to anyone who enjoys animation and especially to parents to watch with their daughter. Try watching it first with the English voices, then with the Japanese voices and no subtitles to experience the original version.

What's up with the chapters.......2007-07-15

Lovely movie about a 13 year old witch leaving home to complete her training. Nothing to add beyond what has already been said.
However, I have found that on my primary DVD player, the last chapter (Gonna Fly and End Credits) will not play at all. It will play on other players, just not on mine.

Fresh, Lovely, Humorous, Uplifting: Another Miyazaki Delight.......2007-07-03

Kiki's Delivery Service has the same sort of optimistic delightfulness as that other much-beloved and much-praised Miyazaki offering, My Neighbor Totoro. It has a way of making you not only wish you were young again, but it actually makes you feel as if a few years (or decades) have fallen away and the world is all shiny again, and so are you.

There is no villain. There is no terrible abuse or viciousness. This is a totally sparkly story of a young witch who is sent from home to get her training, which means traveling to a new town and living there for a year. (To some, that might sound rather harsh, like child labor or a dangerous lack of parenting wisdom.) You have to surrender yourself to the idea of this rite of passage, and that Kiki will be all right.

She ends up with her cat, her radio, her purple witch's dress, her mother's trusty broom, in a new city, where she befriends a kindly bakery shop owner who lets her live in the attic. From there, Kiki embarks on a delivery service, taking packages on her broom. The story follows that journey in setting up her business and learning about her capabilities and flaws, as wella as her new city world.

The magic is in the details of both the story and the artwork. The city is beautifully done, and the city feels like a welcoming European city, with some buildings as stately and rich as Viennese jewels and others having a more Mediterranean seaside feel. It's a city that you'd want to visit, and the artwork makes it accessible. The sky takes on astounding colors and depth at times. Small details of characterization in expression and movement--in both humans and animals--or in the setting--a bit of grocery that falls to the floor, the way toes are depicted--add to the richness and are so charming.

And Kiki's a typical 13 year old of a more innocent age--she can be hasty, emotional, enthusiastic, helpful, worried about fashion, respectful of elders, and she is inately good and kind and industrious. (Miyazaki's films seem to uphold the value of kindness, compassion, and hard work quite a bit.) She finds out things about her own abilities, and she makes friends.

Kirsten Dunst does a terrific job of voicing Kiki, and the tone has the ebullience and girlishness that's perfect for the characer. The late Phil Hartman is an amusing black cat familiar.

It's a gentle story, but it's never boring. Even my 47 year old engineer husband found it a fun, sweet, watchable tale.

There is this enveloping magic that I've found in Mr. Miyazaki's movies, whether it's My Neighbor Totoro or Spirited Away or Howl's Moving Castle, there is something in the combination of story and character and artwork that makes you feel the wonder again of being young and diverted by the adventures in magical worlds where good, ultimately, wins out over bad.

This is the sort of film parents and kids can treasure together. And if you've seen or read or heard too many dark and terrible things, this is the sort of movie that restores a bit of youthful innocence.

Highly Recommended.

One of the VERY rare movies I can watch over and over.......2007-06-03

Other reviews go into great detail about the plot, and how the voice casting and dubbing are great (they are!), and how Hayao Miyazaki is great (also true!) so I'll skip all that.

The main point I'd say to prospective buyers of any age is that this is a NICE movie you will enjoy for years, no matter your age. Kiki has troubles and setbacks, but this is not a dark disturbing movie at all, and the animation itself has a kind of light tone.

After viewing this with my kid for I think the 11th time, I'm compelled to observe that not only do I not get tired of this movie at all, but each time I notice new things and enjoy it all over again. I believe you will too.

worth 50 stars!.......2007-04-06

This is by far my family's favorite movie. It is a tender yet exciting story that is full of adventure. My kids like it because it doesn't have any "bad guys". Beautifully animated!!

Average customer rating:

Micro fantasy film
This dragon is the BEST!!!
Spears, Scales, and Spells; The Best Way to Watch a Dragon
Dragonslayer
Imagine "Jaws" in Medieval Times, except with a Dragon

Dragonslayer
Starring: Peter MacNicol , Caitlin Clarke , Ralph Richardson , John Hallam , and Peter Eyre
Director: Matthew Robbins
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000AUHOM
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Amazon.com essential video

Despite its box-office failure in 1981, Dragonslayer was gradually recognized as one of the finest fantasies to emerge from the post-Star Wars boom in special effects. It's still one of the best adventures of its kind, featuring one of the most fearsome fire-breathing serpents in movie history. Ominously named Vermithrax Pejorative, this ill-tempered monster terrorizes the peasantry of sixth-century England, feeding on maidens sacrificed by a duplicitous king until a sorcerer's apprentice named Galen (Peter MacNicol, long before Ally McBeal) is recruited as a reluctant hero. Aided by a tenacious beauty (Caitlin Clarke) and his resurrected mentor (Ralph Richardson), Galen confronts the soaring beast in a breathtaking climax. Employing a then-innovative technique called Go-Motion to animate the dragon, the special effects are still dazzling, and stunning locations in Scotland and Wales allow director Matthew Robbins (cowriter of Steven Spielberg's feature debut, The Sugarland Express) to maintain a vivid atmosphere for the wealth of movie magic. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Micro fantasy film.......2007-08-27

I have admitted previously that I am not a big fan of fantasy films with magic, fairies and unicorns in them. However, this being the first of the genre I was exposed to as a child left an impression on me. It was one of those movies they ran all the time on HBO when we first got cable. Seeing it as an adult is another matter all together.

Nearly 30 years before Ally McBeal, Peter McNichol plays an ernest peasent boy / sourcerer's apprentice who is approached by a group of equally concerned peasents in a neighboring village. Twice a year on the summer and winter equinox, they sacrifice a virgin to appease a dragon. They are looking for help so they don't have to keep giving up their damsels and hope to emplore the skills of the sourcerer. Peter McNichol joins the group in their trip back to their home village, and discovers quite by accident that the leader of the group is a woman disguised as a boy. She said since she was born, her father has dressed her as a boy to keep her from the virgin lottery. It's given her many opportunities that she otherwise would not have had, let alone increase her chances of staying alive.

What I liked about this movie best was the relationship between the crown and it's subjects, and the struggle of the haves and have nots. Like the masquerading boy says to Peter, her father is poor and cannot afford to pay the bribes to say out of the lottery. They have to resort to other means of avoidance. Their king is arrogant and uncaring, saying only a few of their children are being sacrificed and it's not really a concern. When his own daughter, Princess Elsbeth, learns that her name is not on the list of possible sacrifices, and some of the townspeople are paying bribes to stay out of the lottery, she altruisticly puts herself as the one and only in the grab bag. When the king witnesses this, he is of course terrified, but she announces that she will give up her own life to appease for the risk they have taken and she had not due to her status. The dragon, of course, is then slayed by our hero. But, the damsel in distress (Princess Elsbeth) is not rescued, but still gives up her life. She's the real hero of this story.

This dragon is the BEST!!!.......2007-08-26

So what if the special effects didn't cost $200 million. Did you see 'Hulk'? It was horrible. Some silly looking 'video game Hulk' bouncing around the city'. Ridiculous. Did you see 'Spider-Man'? A good film, but the CGI effects showed exactly what 'Spider-Man' is: a special effect. 'Dragonslayer' doesn't have those highly expensive CGI effects. What it does have (way back in 1981) is a fine cast, lead by a sorceror's apprentice (regardless of what some say about Peter MacNicol's casting, I thought he was perfect), and Sir. Ralph Richardson, perfect as the sorceror, a good supporting cast, and a 'model' dragon that easily puts the dragons in 'Dragonheart', 'Reign of Fire' and the silly 'Eragon' to shame. Frequent Spielberg/Lucas visual effects man Dennis Muren ('E.T.', 'The Empire Strikes Back', 'Jedi', 'Jurassic Park', etc.) also worked on this film, and it shows. This dragon is the real thing. Ancient and scaly, bitter, terrifying, and unsympathetic. It's simply menacing. This is a beast that nightmares are made of. And this dragon was shot WITHOUT the aid of computers. Yet the effects look BETTER than today's CGI monstrosities. This dragon is truly a work of art. The bar has been set with 'Dragonslayer', so another filmmaker is going to have to do it better than Matthew Robbins' excellent fantasy, and that won't be easy. I do hope Paramount and Disney (they co-produced the film) put out a 2-disc set. A documentary about the making of the film featuring Dennis Muren, Matthew Robbins, and some of the cast members would certainly be entertaining, and well worth the purchase.

Spears, Scales, and Spells; The Best Way to Watch a Dragon .......2007-08-12

A novice magician finds himself taking the place of his recently killed mentor to help a group of villagers do one thing they can't seem to manage on their own - they want him to help them carve up a dragon. Along the way he finds that not everyone is happy with this notion; apparently the king of the area has issued a lottery amongst the people and, as long as virgins are fed to the dragon at a decent pace, the dragon doesn't happen upon the kingdom or the towns and their wonderfully crafted straw roofs. This leads to other angles that come out of the proverbial blue, including love and treachery, the place where dreams go to die, and the cost of doing anything - even if you think you are ding the "right" thing.

One of the things I've noticed throughout the years is that movies can be deceptive in a number of ways. First of all the movie itself can be deceptive, secondly there can be deception on the part of the mainstream media when they talk about movies, and then there's the little lie that box-office sales oftentimes tells. Many times a person can be led to thnk that a movie isn't good because of the money it makes when, in act, it was simply overlooked by the public for one reason or another. That was the thing about Dragonslayer - it was overlooked when it was made and, sometimes, it still finds itself on the wrong side of memory.

While Dragonslayer is one of those movies that doesn't really get the credit it deserves, it really does deserve to be on the big stage with a lot of the better fantasy movies ever made. Not only are the effects beautifully-rendered and the story one that people will find themselves in love with, but it is also a tale that deals with the question of humanity and monstrosity and what, exactly, can change even the darkest hearts. When I first watched this movie I was six, not exactly a film critic then but still knowing a good movie when I saw it, and I was amazed by the things that existed in the movie. There was one scene in particular that stuck with me; in a cavern filled with fire, I saw a man that looked almost incapable of being infamous walk across liquid flame and explain the duality of what men oftentimes consider "good" and how it co-exists with "evil."
It was an amazing lesson to hear then; it is still an amazing speech to hear now.

Personally, I like movies that deal with dragons and I like those that deal with spells BUT I like both to be rendered well. In Dragonslayer you find both of them done in a way that lets even the movie layman fall in love with the visuals, and the plot simply strengthens that effect. These things, combined with the fact that the movie has never really cost that much to watch, makes this movie more than a common entry into the world of fantasy. It makes it part steal, part love affair, and something for all types of audiences.
I recommend it highly.

Dragonslayer.......2007-07-15

I loved The Dragonslaayer. It was a very intense movie. Lots of action and the acting was superb.

Imagine "Jaws" in Medieval Times, except with a Dragon.......2007-04-29

I caught about 10-15 minutes of "Dragonslayer" on TV a few months back, which was my first exposure to this film, and I determined right then and there to eventually purchase it. When I finally bought it I watched it TWICE, something I rarely do.

THE STORY: A medieval kingdom is harrassed by a dragon, apparently the last of its species. The people decide to appease the horrific beast with regular sacrifices of virgin maidens. The virgins are selected through a questionable lottery system. When the King's daughter is picked for sacrifice, the monarch employs a sorcerer's apprentice, Peter MacNicol, to slay the dragon.

"Dragonslayer" takes the "Jaws" route by not fully showing the beast until well into the second hour of the film. Prior to that revealing moment the film expertly builds up a heap of horrific anticipation concerning the creature. The first virgin sacrifice scene is particularly terrifying. When we finally DO see the monster it's definitely not a let down. Many viewers attest that this dragon is the best dragon to ever appear in film, even though the picture was made in 1981.

I've heard some complain that the protagonist, MacNicol, was wrong for the role. Nothing could be further from the truth. He's easy to relate to because he's a flawed human being with naive, boyish qualities, not a larger-than-life superhero (like, say, Conan or Beastmaster). I've also heard some complain that the heroine, Caitlin Clarke, is too "man-ish" looking. Well, duh, that fits into the whole sacrificial lottery plot. When Caitlin ultimately and uncertainly dons a dress and make-up she's woman enough.

The Dark Age sets/costumes/locations really impressed me. If you're in the mood for a top-of-the-line medieval flick with castles, dungeons, forests, villages, fair maidens, kings, sorcerers, etc. this is the one to see.

"Dragonslayer" was an inexplicable flop when it was released in 1981, perhaps due to the glut of similar-themed pictures at the time. Regardless, it can now be treasured on DVD. It took me over 25 years to witness its magnificence but I finally did.

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Leslie Cheung's defining role
Farewell My Concubine
Epic on any scale
$9.99 English only subtitles
good movie, but sad

Farewell My Concubine
Starring: Leslie Cheung , Fengyi Zhang , Li Gong , Qi Lu , and Da Ying
Director: Kaige Chen
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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