The Little Mermaid (2-Disc Platinum Edition)

Amazon.com essential video

From the moment that Prince Eric's ship emerged from the fog in the opening credits it was apparent that Disney had somehow, suddenly recaptured that "magic" that had been dormant for thirty years. In the tale of a headstrong young mermaid who yearns to "spend a day, warm on the sand," Ariel trades her voice to Ursula, the Sea Witch (classically voiced by Pat Carroll), for a pair of legs. Ariel can only succeed if she receives true love's kiss in a few day's time and she needs all the help she can from a singing crab named Sebastian, a loudmouth seagull, and a flounder. The lyrics and music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken are top form: witty and relevant, and they advance the story (go on, hum a few bars of "Under the Sea"). Mermaid put animation back on the studio's "to do" list and was responsible for ushering Beauty and the Beast to theaters. A modern Disney classic. --Keith Simanton

Description

THE LITTLE MERMAID, one of the most celebrated animated films of all time -- and winner of two Academy Awards(R) (Best Music, Original Score; Best Music, Original Song, "Under The Sea," 1989) -- splashes onto an exciting 2-Disc DVD with an all-new digital restoration. Ariel, a fun-loving and mischievous mermaid, is off on the adventure of a lifetime with her best friend, the adorable Flounder, and the reggae-singing Caribbean crab Sebastian at her side. But it will take all of her courage and determination to make her dreams come true—and save her father's beloved kingdom from the sneaky sea witch Ursula! Dive into a world of music and adventure in this new 2-Disc Platinum Edition your family will enjoy again and again!

Customer Reviews:

Terrible movie - don't waste your money or your time.......2007-09-03

Our family enjoys many Disney movies (Mulan, Peter Pan, Fox & the Hound, Robin Hood, Sword in the Stone, etc.), but Little Mermaid is terrible! I can't believe this plot was developed anytime after 1950. 16-year-old mermaid "falls in love" with prince after seeing him once (never actually speaks with him), gives up everything (family/talent/etc.) to see him again. If you are looking for a strong female role model, watch Mulan - it is amazing. If you are looking for a girl-gets-prince movie, watch Cinderella - it is a classic.

The Little Mermaid.......2007-08-24

Disney never seems to let us down with the classics. Great movie and songs.

How can anyone not like this?.......2007-08-23

This is an all-time classic. I dont know anybody who hasnt seen it. Its a magical, beautiful film that you can watch over and over. And who doesnt know the words to every song? It doesn't get any better than this.

The Little Mermaid.......2007-08-21

Like all the other "Disney Princess" movies, The Little Mermaid is great. The DVD came with all kinds of cool bonus features. Some people have said that the restoration was good, and if that is your case: get a new tv, i had no problems with it whatsoever, the work they did was incredible.

Cheated. I Got The Region 3 DVD. Only 1 Disc. "Jumping Jellyfish.".......2007-08-18

Walt Disney's classic under-the-sea coming-of-age film "The Little Mermaid" (loosely based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen) gets the 2-Disc Special Platinum Edition DVD treatment.

When I ordered this movie, I specifically ordered the 2-Disc edition, but I recieved the wrong one. I got stuck with the Region 3 DVD, which has only 1 disc and only several special features. As Sebastian would say,
"Jumping jellyfish." I was very disappointed.

On to the movie itself, however. The film is a classic, with songs by the Academy-Award winning team Alan Menken and Howard Ashman (who would go on to score "Beauty And The Beast," my all-time favourite movie) and wonderful characters (Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian and Scuttle, among others), the movie is a timeless classic your little girl will treasure forever. Rated G.

Average customer rating:

Fantasic pic
Mel Gibson
Outstanding
Best movie of the year.
Apocalypse!

Mel Gibson's Apocalypto [Blu-ray]
Starring: Raoul Trujillo , Fernando Hernandez , Gerardo Taracena , Rudy Youngblood , and Dalia Hernandez
Director: Mel Gibson
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Touchstone
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

Action & Adventure | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

General | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000NQQ4ME
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Product description

From Mel Gibson, director of The Passion Of The Christ and the Academy Award® winning Braveheart (Best Director, Best Picture, 1995) comes the thrilling historical epic Apocalypto. This intense, nonstop action-adventure transports you to an ancient South American civilization, for an experience unlike anything you've ever known. In the twilight of the mysterious Mayan culture, young Jaguar Paw is captured and taken to the great Mayan city where he faces a harrowing end. Driven by the power of his love for his wife and son, he makes an adrenaline-soaked, heart-racing escape to rescue them and ultimately save his way of life. Filled with unrelenting action and stunning cinematography, Apocalypto is an enthralling and unforgettable film experience.

Customer Reviews:

Fantasic pic.......2007-09-09

Fantastic movie, so great looking in 1080p, but very short on features. I assumed with it being blu ray the extras would be great, but nothing like my hd dvd's.

Mel Gibson.......2007-09-05

The movie is very intrigue and realistic of a time not talked about. The action and storyline is tremendous and thought provoking and graphic. Definetly not for the young at heart.

Outstanding.......2007-08-17

Mel does it again. Although I'm not a big fan of blood & guts nor english sub-title movies, I'll make an exception here in view of the subject matter. This was a great movie. Perhaps the only problem is there is just was not enough time for character development and historical perspective. As with most movies, that's left to your imagination and your knowledge of history. Considering the subject matter of the movie though, historical data is largely conjecture. And character development with english sub-titles is challenging.

Best movie of the year........2007-08-14

This movie is fantastic. Do not read too many of the reviews because they seem to give away too much of the plot. Yes it is violent, but done well. Hats off to Mel and his crew for making a great film with no spoken english, yet very easy to follow and even easier to get wrapped up in. I did not want it to end.

Apocalypse!.......2007-08-06

Although Mel got critisized by the media for this one, this film is well worth the price. Be prepared for some ultra violence but it has a great story. Yes this story has been done before but you've seen nothing like it in a way. The cinematography is grade A and should've won an oscar. The sound and picture of the blu ray is pristine and this film is great eye candy. If you like action and heart, this movie delivers on both aspects!!! The story of a man who's trying to save his family.

Average customer rating:

A little Predictable, Great Performances
me please
Wings of Desire is better by far
The Original Is Better
City of Angels

City of Angels
Starring: Nicolas Cage , Meg Ryan , Andre Braugher , Dennis Franz , and Colm Feore
Director: Brad Silberling
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs as Low as $6.49 | The Big DVD Sale | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0790737345
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Amazon.com

Some critics complained that City of Angels could never compare to Wim Wenders's exquisite German film Wings of Desire, which served as the later film's primary inspiration. The better argument to make is that any such comparisons are beside the point, because Wings of Desire was a much more deeply poetic, artfully contemplative film, whereas City of Angels is an enchanting product of mainstream Hollywood. Meg Ryan stars as Dr. Maggie Rice, a heart surgeon who is grieving over a lost patient when an angel named Seth (Nicolas Cage) appears to comfort her. She can see him despite the "rule" that angels are invisible, and Seth's love for Maggie forces him to choose between angelic immortality and a normal human existence on earth with her. Featuring heavenly roles for TV veterans Andre Braugher and Dennis Franz, the film liberally borrows imagery from Wings of Desire, but it also creates its own charming identity. Cage and Ryan give fine performances as lovers convinced they are soul mates, and although the plot relies on a last-minute twist that doesn't quite work, this earnest love story struck a chord with audiences and proved to be one of the surprise hits of 1998. The Special Edition widescreen DVD includes audio commentary by Nicolas Cage, producer Charles Roven, and director Brad Silberling in addition to deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes documentary, a featurette about the film's special effects, and the theatrical trailer. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

A little Predictable, Great Performances.......2007-09-03

For you Meg Ryan fans [10 years ago], this may well be the best performance of her career. She is utterly believable as a young heart surgeon who falls in love with a haunting Nicholas Cage [her angel]. I found Cage's performance strong [because he is a strong actor], but in this case, not strong enough to maintain my suspension of disbelief. The script is a little heavy-handed on the metaphors, like Ryan's "heart surgeon" role, and the fact that angels must literally "fall" out of their protective, celestial perches in order to experience what humans feel when they "fall in love." I dunno. Maybe thse are minor points, but they seemed a tad hokey to me. What happens as we follow the foibles of Nick's coming to terms with human frailty - as well as the conclusion - are also a little predictable. I did, however, love Dennis Franz's performance as a fallen angel who learned to accept - and adapt to - his new role as a human being. He brought some much-needed levity to a script that might have otherwise found itself drowning in self-indulgence. In the end, this is a film about true love, and about how much we're willing to give - or let go of - in order to feel it in the first place. In a world where everything is over-analyzed, and caution is at an all-time high, it was a welcomed relief to visit this over-the-top look at romantic love one last time...before we forget it ever existed. Maybe that's why I gave it 4 stars.

me please.......2007-06-27

Found the item to be of good quality what was said was what I got found them to be reliable and effficient. Thank You.

Wings of Desire is better by far.......2007-05-16

"Wings of Desire" (the movie that "City of Angels" is loosely inspired upon), is a masterpiece and "City of Angels" is...is... how could I explain it not being too rude? It is just a piece of junk in comparison. Somebody wrote that he didn't like "Wings of Desire" because he didn't feel the same as he felt watching "City of Angels". I agree in the "feeling" part, because I felt nausea watching "City of Angels" and that didn't happen to me watching "Wings of Desire"!! I own "Wings of Desire" and have seen it and enjoyed it many times. Regarding "City of Angels", well I rented it and barely could see it once!

The Original Is Better.......2007-05-13

Back in 1988, on a friend's recommendation, I saw "Wings of Desire" in the theater and loved it. Subsequently, I was interested when Hollywood made its own version of Wim Wender's film with Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan, both actors whose work I've enjoyed. I saw "City of Angels," and for the most part I liked it -- that is, until the very end. What a DOWNER!! No matter that the movie gets all psedo-warmfuzzy-philosophical and time-to-get-out-your-handkerchiefs, it misses the point of the original film, which was a celebration of Human Life and Love. I own the DVD of "Wings of Desire." One viewing of "City of Angels" was enough for me.

City of Angels.......2007-05-09

this is a great movie, a must have. Beautiful music. Two wonderful actors with very expressive eyes. upgrade to DVD

Average customer rating:

Erin Brockovich
Erin Brockovich
A New Kind of Role for Julia
True story of David and Goliath in modern terms
LM McMillin

Erin Brockovich
Starring: Veanne Cox , Peter Coyote , Conchata Ferrell , Albert Finney , and Marg Helgenberger
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( E ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00003CXFV
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Amazon.com essential video

Much will be made of Julia Roberts's wardrobe in Erin Brockovich--a brash parade of daring hemlines and Wonderbra confidence. Roberts is unabashedly sexy in the title role of this fact-based comedy-drama, but she and director Steven Soderbergh are far too intelligent to rely solely on high heels and cleavage. Susannah Grant's brassy screenplay fuels this winning combination of star, director, and material, firing on all pistons with maximum efficiency. With Ed Lachman, his noted cinematographer from The Limey, Soderbergh tackles this A-list project with the fervor of an independent, combining a no-frills look with kinetic panache and the same brisk editorial style he used in the justly celebrated Out of Sight.

Broke and desperate, the twice-divorced single mom Erin bosses her way into a clerical job with attorney Ed Masry (Albert Finney), who's indebted to Erin after failing to win her traffic-injury case. Erin is soon focused on suspicious connections between a mighty power company, its abuse of toxic chromium, and the poisoned water supply of Hinkley, California, where locals have suffered a legacy of death and disease. Matching the dramatic potency of Norma Rae and Silkwood, Erin Brockovich filters cold facts through warm humanity, especially in Erin's rapport with dying victims and her relationship with George (superbly played by Aaron Eckhart), a Harley-riding neighbor who offers more devotion than Erin's ever known. Surely some of these details have been embellished for dramatic effect, but the factual basis of Erin Brockovich adds a boost of satisfaction, proving that greed, neglect, and corporate arrogance are no match against a passionate crusader. (Trivia note: The real Erin Brockovich appears briefly as a diner waitress.) --Jeff Shannon

Description

A real woman. A real story. A real triumph. Julia Roberts stars as Erin Brockovich, a feisty young mother who fought for justice any way she knew how. Desperate for a job to support herself and her three children, she convinces attorney Ed Masry (Albert Finney) to hire her, and promptly stumbles upon a monumental law case against a giant corporation. Now, Erin's determined to take on this powerful adversary even though no law firm has dared to do it before. And while Ed doesn't want anything to do with the case, Erin won't take "no" for an answer. So the two begin an incredible and sometimes hilarious fight that will bring a small town to its feet and a huge company to its knees.

Customer Reviews:

Erin Brockovich.......2007-08-09

This movie is a must have. This true story makes you think about things and helps you realize that you can change things if you put your mind to it.

Erin Brockovich.......2007-07-17

This movie had a real STORY to tell and what one person can really do, if they're committed to doing something about a company who thinks it's above anyone and anything else! I enjoyed it because I thought it was very well done and was also a TRUE story.

Very course language (probably for authenticity) and not for anyone under 17 or 18, I would suggest. Anyone younger probably wouldn't get anything out of it anyway. Its geared for adults anyway due to the subject matter (chemicals seeping into private wells, etc.).

A New Kind of Role for Julia.......2007-05-10

This movie is worth seeing for a lot of reasons, and for Julia fans, it's a movie that definitely isn't Julia playing Julia, as she has so many times. I have a feeling she had to stretch to portray the brassy, pushy, rude Erin, and she did so brilliantly.

Erin is one of those ladies you love to hate, until you see the goodness and intelligence that may not be the first thing that most people notice about her. And she's a bulldog. Once she gets moving in one direction, there's no stopping her which is a good thing, at least in the true story that this movie portrayed.

This is a funny, heartwarming, and eye-opening movie that's really worth seeing.

True story of David and Goliath in modern terms.......2007-04-20

PG&E, Pacific Gas And Electric company, unintentionally polluted ground water for the town of Hinkley, CA, but tried to cover it up rather than admitting they had caused a major health problem to the residents. This cover up went on for a long time, until a barely-employable spitfire named Erin Brockovich, working for the lawyer Ed Masry, uncovers a strange file of real estate documents which include medical records. Curious as to why a real estate file would contain medical documents, she begins to research the case.

What follows is the true story of a woman named Erin Brockovich, who together with Ed Masry uncovered a major cover up of a health hazard resulting in one of the largest settlements in history. This film is extremely well done, dividing its time between Erin the worker, Erin the single-mom trying her best to raise her three kids, and Erin the human being. The movie skates over the fact that the real Erin got sick along with the rest of the town (although you can see some cut scenes of her illness in the "deleted scenes" feature).

The movie is definitely a dramatized reproduction of the true story, though it still manages to hold very close to the truth. A&E has done a special on the Erin Brockovich case which proves the movie stays true to form. Julia Roberts as Erin and Albert Finney as Ed Masry both give excellent performances. The movie isn't necessarily fast-paced but the dialogue is intriguing, intense at times, and funny at times, keeping the entertainment level high. The acting and dialogue alone are enough to carry this film.

If you're a fan of the little guy taking on the giant, or a fan of Julia Roberts, either way you won't be disappointed. Like Grisham's fictional 'The Rainmaker', you'll feel satisfied that sometimes the little guy can win ... in real life. I recommend a 'buy'. Enjoy!

LM McMillin.......2007-03-18

It was and excellent movie and the interviews with the real Erin Brockovich and Ed Masry made the movie even better.

Average customer rating:

Terrible movie - don't waste your money or your time
The Little Mermaid
How can anyone not like this?
The Little Mermaid
Cheated. I Got The Region 3 DVD. Only 1 Disc. "Jumping Jellyfish."

The Little Mermaid (Limited Issue)
Starring: Rene Auberjonois , Christopher Daniel Barnes , Jodi Benson , Pat Carroll , and Paddi Edwards
Director: Ron Clements , and John Musker
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

3-6 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

7-9 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Feature Films | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

Fairy Tales | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

All Disney Titles | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment | Stores | DVD | Video

Animated Movies | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment | Stores | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: B00001QEE7
Release Date: 1999-12-07

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Terrible movie - don't waste your money or your time.......2007-09-03

The Little Mermaid.......2007-08-24

Disney never seems to let us down with the classics. Great movie and songs.

How can anyone not like this?.......2007-08-23

The Little Mermaid.......2007-08-21

Cheated. I Got The Region 3 DVD. Only 1 Disc. "Jumping Jellyfish.".......2007-08-18

Average customer rating:

Simply Haunting
"That any god is evil I do not believe."
Powerful Performances / OK Technically
What happened before Troy
If Greek Tragedy is to be filmed...this is how it should be done.

Iphigenia (MGM World Films)
Starring: Irene Papas , Tatiana Papamoschou , and Kostas Kazakos
Director: Michael Cacoyannis
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000PMFS6E
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Amazon.com

A timeless classic of Greek tragedy is brought vividly to life in the Oscar-nominated Iphigenia, an engrossing and lavish adaptation of Euripides' play Iphigenia in Aulis. Director Michael Cacoyannis (Zorba the Greek) had previously adapted Euripides with his acclaimed 1962 version of Electra and 1972's The Trojan Women, but this 1977 production is widely regarded as the director's finest adaptation. In some respects the film is almost too ambitious; although generally well-received by critics and highly praised by literary scholars, its epic scale and larger-than-life performances threaten to diminish the story's emotional impact. For the most part, however, Cacoyannis succeeds in building palpable tension in retelling the gut-wrenching story of commander Agamemnon (played with theatrical grandiosity by Costa Kazakos), who is preparing to launch his legendary fleet of 1,000 army ships to retrieve the beautiful Helen of Troy. But the wind refuses to blow in the sails of the fleet, and Agamemnon is fatefully convinced that military victory can only be achieved if he sacrifices his daughter Iphigenia (Tatiana Papamoskou) to the gods. Faced with her husband's deception and betrayal, Clytemnestra (Irene Pappas) responds with vengeful wrath, and Iphigenia reaches a fever pitch of clashing agendas and devastating turmoil. Cacoyannis remains faithful to Euripides while making some smart decisions of adaptation; there's no need here for the theatrical tradition of a Greek chorus, and the play's tragic impact is greatly enhanced by epic-scale visuals and the fierce performance of Pappas in one of the best roles of her career. And while Iphigenia may lack the opulence of later epics like Troy and Kingdom of Heaven, it still ranks among the most impressive efforts to bring Greek tragedy to the screen. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Simply Haunting.......2007-09-09

Anyone who plans to teach The Oresteia should first show this film. The film establishes images of the characters that students can imagine as they read Aeschylus' trilogy, and the acting is superb, especially Irene Pappas as Clytemnestra and the young woman who plays Iphigenia. A marvelous film with haunting images and music. The shot of Pappas' eyes at the end tell the whole story of what is to come in The Agamemnon.

"That any god is evil I do not believe.".......2007-09-07

Mikhali Cacoyannis is peharps the first film director to have successfully brought the feel of ancient Greek theatre to the screen. Cacoyannis' film was based on his stage production of the play, produced first in Greece then taken on tour, where it played at the Classic Stage Company in New York. His own screenplay, an adaptation of Euripides' tragedy was far from easy, compared to that of the other two films of the trilogy he directed. The text of the original play contains many inconsistencies resulting from the fact that the play is thought to have been put together after Euripides' death, by his own son, using rough drafts. However, Cacoyannis, in his transcription of the tragedy to the screen, seems to have done away with these inconsistencies and ambiguities. The story itself has been very carefully deconstructed from Euripides' version and placed in a logical, strictly chronological framework, better conforming to the modern methods of cinematic story-telling.

The most obvious of Cacoyannis' changes to the original play is the removal of the Chorus of Players traditionally employed to provide explanatory narrative before and after key scenes. These choral interludes would have been alien to the pace of the film, and made for cinematic nonsense. As a result of having eschewed the chorus, the drama moves forward in a seamless and coherent fashion. Cacoyannis also added some characters to his film who do not appear in Euripides' tragedy: Odysseus, Calchas, and the army. This was done in order to make some of Euripides' points regarding war, the Church, and Government clearer. Finally, Cacoyannis' ending differs remarkably from Euripides'. Cacoyannis chooses to leave the ending somewhat ambiguous: is Iphigenia supernaturally whisked away, as in Euripides' play, or is she sacrificed, in agreement with the tradition? Not having Agamemnon's eyes, we'll never know for sure.

The film was shot on location at Aulis. The Director of Photography, Giorgos Arvanitis, shows us a rugged but beautiful Greece, where since the Homeric days time seems to have stood still. He takes advantage of the bodies, the arid land, the ruins, the intense light and the darkness. The harshness of the landscape is particularly fitting to the souls of the characters. The camera uses the whole gamut of available shots, from the very long, reinforcing the vastness and desolation of the landscape, as well as the human scale involved, to the extreme close-ups, dissecting and probing deep into the soul of the tormented characters.

Cacoyannis opens the film with a bold, accelerating tracking shot along a line of beached boats. This shot is followed by an aerial view of the several thousands soldiers lying listlessly on the beach. This is a very effective means of communicating Agamemnon's awesome political and military responsibility -- quite a different way from Agamemnon's recounting of these events in Euripides' original tragedy.

No word but "sublime" can describe the stunning performances of Kosta Kazakos (Agamemnon), Irene Papas (Clytemnestra), and Tatiana Papamoschou (Iphigenia). Since my Greek is, as it is I believe for most of you, limited to only few words, I must refer to the subtitles 100% of the time. But are subtitles, letters at the bottom of the screen, what choke you and bring tears into your eyes? Most likely not. I believe instead that the amazing power and sincerity of the acting is the reason. Kazakos and Papas embody the sublimity of the classical Greece tragedy. Kazakos' character is extremely down-to-earth, and his powerful look into the camera, more than his words, reveals the unbelievable torment tearing his soul. Irene Papas is the modern quintessence of classic Greek plays. In Iphigenia , she is terrible in her anguish, and even more so for what we know will be her vengeance. Her career spans more than fifty years, during which she has appeared in more than seventy films, including all three of. Cacoyannis' Euripidean trilogy. Tatiana Papamoskou, in her first role on the screen, is outstanding in her portray of the innocent Iphigenia, which contrasts with Kazakos' austere depiction of her father, Agamemnon. She received Best Leading Actress Award at the 1977 Thessaloniki Film Festival.

Cacoyannis is faithful to Euripides in his representation of the other characters, and his chosen actors have lived up to the tasks: Odysseus is a sly, scheming politician, Achilles, a vain, narcissistic warrior, Menalaus is self centered, obsessed with his honor, eager to be avenged, and to have his wife and property restored.

The costumes and sets are realistic: no Hollywood there. Agamemnon's quarters resembles a barn, he dresses, as do the others, in utilitarian, hand-woven, simple garb. Clytemnestra's royal caravan is made up of rough-hewn wooden carts.

The music is by the prolific contemporary music composer Mikis Theodorakis. Theodorakis' score intensifies the dramatic and cinematographic unfolding, reflects on the psychological aspect of the tragedy, and accentuates its dimensions and actuality. Theodorakis uses the richness of motifs from the first movement of his seventh symphony ("of Spring"), but also the Byzantium theme from his third and seventh symphonies.

This film and the story it narrates offer considerable insight into the lost world of ancient Greek thought that was the crucible for so much of our modern civilization. It teaches us much about ourselves as individuals and as social and political creatures. Euripides questions the value of war and patriotism when measured against the simple virtues of family and love, and reflects on woman's vulnerable position in a world of manly violence. In his adaptation of Euripides' tragedy, Cacoyannis revisits all of these themes in a modern, clear, and dramatic fashion.

The relationships governing the political machinations are clearly demonstrated: war corrupts and destroys the human soul to such an extent that neither the individual nor the group can function normally any longer. With the possible exception of Menelaus, whose honor has been tarnished by his own wife's elopement with her lover, everyone else has his own private motivation for going to war with Troy: the thirst for power (Agamemnon), greed (the army, Odysseus), or glory (Achilles). And so in a real sense, Helen became the WMD of the Trojan War. The War, stripped of all Homeric glamor and religious sanctioning, was just an imperialist venture, spurred primarily by the desire for material gain, all else being a convenient pretext.

Another conflict raised in the film is that between the Church and the State. Calchas, who represents the Church, feeling the challenge to his priestly authority and wishing to destroy Agamemnon for the insult to the Goddess he serves, tells him to sacrifice his daughter. In consenting to the sacrifice, the King comes closer to his moral undoing, but in refusing, loses his power over the masses (his army), who are brainwashed by religion. Of course, for Agamemnon, it's a game. The King must go along with the charade whether he honestly believes in the Gods or not. At first, he agrees to the sacrifice because, blinded by his ambition, he trusts that the winds will eventually blow. When he realizes he has ensnared himself into committing a despicable filicide, it is too late: he is trapped.

Is it a sacrifice or a murder, and how can we tell the difference between the two? By focusing on the violent and primitive horror of a human sacrifice--and, worst of all, the sacrifice of one's own child--Euripides/Cacoyannis creates a drama that is at once deeply political and agonizingly personal. It touches on a most complex and delicate ethical problem facing any society: the dire conflict between the needs of the individual versus those of the society. In the case of Iphigenia, however, as in the Biblical tale of Abraham and Isaac, the father is asked to kill his own child, by his own hand. What sort of God would insist on such payment? Can it be just or moral, even if divinely inspired? Finally, does the daughter's sacrificial death differ from the deaths of all the sons who are being sent to war? These are many deep questions raised by a two-hour film.

Euripides' Iphigenia is a tragedy for all time, and deserves a special place in the modern repertoire. Cacoyannis' film recreates for the modern audience that overwhelming, excruciating assault on the emotions that was Euripides' special talent, which made him, in his own time, a poet greatly loved but also feared.

Iphigenia received Best Film Award at the 1977 Thessaloniki Film Festival, and the 1978 Belgian Femina Award.

Powerful Performances / OK Technically.......2007-09-01

Competent in its technical aspects, considering its age. The main weakness is the audio, which is much improved from the VHS release but still overemphasizes "ambience" -- background noises. Some may like it that way; I suspect, however, that it was as simple a thing as poor mike placement. And again, the musical score is sparse: Some may like the stark quality that suggests, but for my tastes a little Hollywood-ization -- a little, not a lot -- would have added to the production.

Please do not hear this as a bad review of this great performance, to which others have accurately paid tribute. But this is not a big-budget production and it looks and sounds like a 1970s foreign film . . . which is exactly what it is.

And like others, I use it in the classroom to introduce Greek tragedy, but I caution the students not to expect "Troy" or "300." Most of them can deal with the fact that there isn't a car chase or gunfight at the end.

What happened before Troy.......2007-08-26

A well acted retelling of the prequel events to the Trojan War. Well worth the purchase.

If Greek Tragedy is to be filmed...this is how it should be done........2007-07-25

Stunning, profound, expressive. This is Michael Cacoyannis' greatest masterpiece of three Euripidean tragedies. His first was "Electra" which was a stark drama in Black and White shot at the actual ruins of King Agamemnon's palace at Mycenae in Southern Greece. The second was in color - "The Trojan Woman" - a disturbing portrait of men's cruelty to the vanquished in war. The third, my personal favorite, is this film. While it involves the sweep of historical events, it remains focused on a highly intense family drama - a heart wrenching decision between duty versus love.

What is the story of Iphigenia? Agamemnon assumes the honor,duty, and responsibility of leading the troops of Greece to war with Troy so as to avenge his brother's mistreatment by a Trojan prince. Having killed a sacred deer of the goddess (Artemis), the King discovers the winds will not blow for the Greeks. That means his battle ships cannot launch. To persuade the Gods to give him the wind to victory, the King learns he must sacrifice that person most dear to him, his innocent and
virginal daughter, Iphiginia. Agamemnon's reaction when he discovers the terrible choice he must make is a frightful anger. He clearly does not want to lose his flesh and blood, his innocence, but he is also realizes he is asking his troops to risk death in the upcoming war. Ultimately, and reluctantly, he chooses death for his daughter. Eventually she discovers her terrible destiny...as does her mother Clytemnestra. The mother refuses to allow it, but Iphigenia sees the honor of being martyred and chooses to die...and therefore to live for Greece.

The last moment of the film is everything Greek tragedy should be. We see the knife, Agamemnon's stark reaction to the horror, and the wind blows at long last.

Part of the power of the film comes from the stark locations...Here we don't see sumptuous palaces in, let's say, Richard Burton's "Helen of Troy." Instead, the action is filmed in the rough landscapes of Greece reflecting the tough, untamed ancient world. And the cast...the cast is magnificent. Tatiana Papamoskou is beautiful and fair...yet she radiates something more...a real heroism. The King, played by Kostas Kazakos, is vital, brutal, charismatic, and surprisingly protective of his daughter. His wife, Irene Papas, plays the profoundly strong Greek woman to the core.

I cannot imagine anyone who won't be moved by these stirring performances. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Erin Brockovich [HD DVD]
Starring: Veanne Cox , Peter Coyote , Conchata Ferrell , Albert Finney , and Marg Helgenberger
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

General | HD DVD | Formats | DVD | Video

Comedy | HD DVD | Formats | DVD | Video

Drama | HD DVD | Formats | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000RF1QDS
Release Date: 2007-08-14

Average customer rating:

WOW
Happy to have used it in my Intro. to Writing class at college
Comes across as either a soap opera or a movie on Lifetime
Excellent in an unintended way
Not Like The Movie I Saw In School!

The Lottery
Starring: Keri Russell , William Daniels , and Dan Cortese
Director: Daniel Sackheim
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Drama | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Horror | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B0000UHFBC
Release Date: 2003-02-04

Customer Reviews:

WOW.......2007-09-10

THe stoning sequence was the funniest I have ever seen ! ! ! great success

Happy to have used it in my Intro. to Writing class at college.......2007-01-09

I coupled the DVD up with Jackson's short story. I had the class read the story in class--which is always interesting to see the reactions. The next week I played the movie much to their delight. I had viewed it first and wondered how the class would react. It's exactly what a made-for-tv movie would expect to be--set in the 90's it includes action,romance and simple dialogue. It was a different take on the story with only some references to the original story but interestingly enough it held all of my student's attention. So much so, they were yelling at the screen. But, I feel that if I they had not been introduced to the story in print firs they may not have had that same passion for the movie. To paraphrase the student's take on the movie, a majority of them said they thought it was "cheesy" at first but then they got really into it.
I ended this lesson with having them compare and contrast certain aspects of the movie with the short story.

Comes across as either a soap opera or a movie on Lifetime.......2005-11-01

My suggestion is that you read the short story because it is more effective at telling a "horror" story than this movie can possibly depict. This film just does not capture the eeriness that Shirley Jackson's work tried to show.

Sometimes filmmakers try overly hard to "modernize" a novel (or in this case, short story) and, in doing so, take out the power of the work. This film does just that, coming across more as a cheap B-movie than creating any type of creepiness. Not only this, but the acting and story are really hollow and wooden, coming across as something you might find at 8 or 9 on Lifetime. It just seems like some type of soap opera fluff, with amateurish actors.

Another problem with the film is that, unlike the short story, there is too much information given, which seems to plague most of today's horror movies. Sometimes what is left to the imagination creates much more suspense, but with the constant "flashbacks" we can only guess what is going to happen in the small town of New Hope, where our protagonist goes in search of answers to his mother's death. What we don't know, the subtle information that is lacking makes a story keeps its suspense intact. This movie seemingly gives it away within the first 10 minutes of the film, whereas in the short story you are kind of hit all of the sudden when it dawns on you what "the lottery" really is. A better imagination might have helped this film, but I guess that can't be expected with most films that are "adapted" to meet a work of fiction.

If there is anything that is redeeming it is the last half hour of the film. This is the only part that really identifies with Shirley Jackson's short story, and some of the parallels are drawn here. Otherwise, it is mediocre at best.

Excellent in an unintended way.......2005-05-20

I gave this movie a high rating not for its intended qualities, but as an illustrator of what happens to a (formally)simple story when it meets audience expectations of what a popular film must do. I teach a university literature course in which we read literature texts and then view their adaptations. We read and discuss "The Lottery" and then discuss some of the common, expected features of a hollywood blockbuster: hunky main man, sexy,muscular, yet accessible, an attractive female; a smirking villain; a quest; difficulties in both the romance and the quest; a chase scene, an exploding car, violent physical conflict, etc etc. Even the soundtrack smacks you in the face with its sheer obviousness.
Although the movies has its shortcomings, I try to not be evaluative or judgmental. I only ask my students to see how audience expectations shape an adaptation. You couldn't ask for a better pairing than the short story and the movie of The Lottery.

Not Like The Movie I Saw In School! .......2004-10-19

This made-for-TV movie, while of necessity having a story woven around Ms. Jackson's original short story (I guess in order to justify its 90-minute length), fell short in more than one way. The events leading up to Jason's trip to Maine and the town his dying father wished to have his ashes scattered in were less than convincing, as was the ending of the movie. We have Jason, the would-be hero, Felice, the fair damsel, the evil mayor who seemed to exercise God-like control over all the village's inhabitants (he forbade young Henry Watkins to go to a ball game the day of the lottery, and also persuaded Felice not to leave town with Jason on the eve of the lottery-though how he got into her home, much less her bedroom as she was packing is never really explained), the snotty sheriff's deputy and the villagers themselves. The only part of the movie worth watching was the lottery itself, although even that didn't follow the short story as well as I would have liked. The movie I saw in school was only about 40 minutes long, followed Ms. Jackson's story line exactly and was frightening to the point that I distinctly remember my blood running cold even though I was only in the seventh grade when I saw it. This TV fluff didn't really do justice to the horror I remember as a kid seeing that the woman who drew the marked ballot was about to be stoned to death so the corn would give a good harvest. The premise of the TV movie was that the stoning was a talisman against unemployment, crime, illiteracy and other social ills. Jason winds up in the state mental institution upon discovering the horrid truth of New Hope and its annual rite when he tries to report the stoning of Felice's mother. His father had wound up there for life for the same reason: his own wife was a victim of the rite and he consequently was banished from the village when he tried to save her. That Jason's father, then Jason himself winds up in the mental ward speaks of a conspiracy too large for credibility, in my view. I guess even a good storyteller isn't immune to the forces of political correctness.

The Night of the Sorcerers (Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Finally!
Poorly plotted but somehow erotic

The Night of the Sorcerers (Special Edition)
Starring: Simon Andreu , Kali Hansa , Maria Kosti , Jack Taylor , and Barbara King
Director: Amando De Ossorio
Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000SAD8MO
Release Date: 2007-08-21

Customer Reviews:

Finally!.......2007-08-25

I must thank Deimos DVD for finally making this sexy horror favorite of my youth available in such a beautifully preserved and presented form. It's taken awhile, but I knew it would happen eventually and now it is here.

If you grew up in Southern California, Night of the Sorcerers (aka La Noche de los Brujos) was a regularly run Spanish origin horror film, usually popping up on channel 13 or 9. I have even seen it more recently on the spanish language channels. Yes, the plot is silly. Yes, the dubbing is atrocious. It's even kind of dull in spots. But if you've ever seen it, I doubt you can forget it.

Written and directed by the late Amando de Ossorio (Tombs of the Blind Dead, Fangs of the Living Dead), this voodoo/vampire hybrid is gory, sexy, stupid, scary, dream-like and unintentionally funny all at once. Ossorio often references his other films in his movies, and here it's no exception (the ending will remind many of the finale in Fangs). However, I don't mean to say the film is derivative. It's actually very unique. Certainly, it's wonderfully trashy, even after all these years.

The full-screen image quality is outstanding- the HD transfer is flawless. Bright, vivid color and crisp, clear, sharp detail. You can either pick dubbed english sound or original Spanish with or without subtitles. Extras include a theatrical trailer (!), alternate scenes, spanish language titles and a still gallery. I'm a little aware of some online controversy regarding the "uncutness" of this new Deimos/BCI release. All I will say, having seen the other versions, is that I am very happy with this edition.

While I doubt this will be appearing on the Oxygen network anytime soon, it is certainly a must buy for any Euro-horror buff. What are you waiting for?!?

Poorly plotted but somehow erotic.......2007-07-06

A Spanish vampire filem (La Noche de los brujos), set in Africa, it has a touch of voodoo and S&M about it.

Starting some years earlier, the film has a woman attacked by an African tribe where she's whipped and then beheaded and then returns as a vampire.

Jumping to the present a small group of people camp near-by and one by one the women of the group are drawn to the same sacrifice area where they are tied up, whipped until their clothes are in tatters and then bitten to become vampires.

As a vampire, the pale woman skips about in poorly lit jungle wearing a tiger-fur bikini (see woman on front cover)... where they got these from is not known.

That's pretty much the film there. One by one women become bikini-wearing paled vampires leaping about in slow motion.

Average customer rating:

SEEING IS BELIIEVING...

From Beyond the Grave
Starring: Wendy Allnutt , Rosalind Ayres , Ian Bannen , Ian Carmichael , and Peter Cushing
Director: Kevin Connor
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000TUDBGG
Release Date: 2007-09-25

Description

Anthology film adapted from four short stories by R. Chetwynd-Hayes strung together about an antique dealer who owns a shop called Temptations Ltd. and the fate that befalls his customers who try to cheat him. "The Gate Crasher" with David Warner who frees an evil enity from an antique mirror; "An Act of Kindness" featuring Donald Pleasence; "The Elemental;" and "The Door."

Customer Reviews:

SEEING IS BELIIEVING..........2007-09-03

WELL, I AM PREORDERING THIS ITEM FOR THE SECOND TIME. I HOPE I DONT GET NO LAST MINUTE SURPRISES THIS TIME.......

DVD:

DVD

DVD