Miracle on 34th Street

Amazon.com

Anyone skeptical of updated retreads of Christmas movie classics may be genuinely surprised by this 1994 version of Miracle on 34th Street. Based on the 1947 holiday classic, this new Miracle sticks close to the original's story, though it offers more contemporary, crisper pacing and a tone curiously more reflective--even sorrowful--than before. Richard Attenborough is charming and twinkly as Kris Kringle, the part that won Edmund Gwenn an Oscar. Mara Wilson is the little New York City girl who doesn't believe in Santa Claus until Kris persuades her otherwise. Elizabeth Perkins is her hardened mother, and Dylan McDermott plays the handsome lawyer next door who defends Kris during an insanity hearing. While screenwriter John Hughes has toughened up the dialogue a bit, and McDermott's intensity looks like a dry run for his then- future role on television's The Practice, this Miracle is as persuasively sweet as the one previous. --Tom Keogh

Description

Six year old Susan has doubts about childhood's most enduring miracle Santa Claus. Her mother told her the "secret" about Santa a long time ago, so Susan doesn't expect to receive the most important gifts on her Christmas list. But after meeting a special department store Santa who's convinced he's the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all something to believe in.

Customer Reviews:

some ways better than the original.......2007-08-21

My husband and I own both this version and the original and every year we watch both and every year we cannot decide which one we like best.
We prefer some aspects of the story in this version- like the courtroom scene and the final scenes. However, we prefer some of the original actors and certainly the original Santa.
Overall, a great movie and a must see.

Miracle on 34th Street.......2007-01-29

I love this movie. The DVD arrived quickly, I am very pleased.

Some Classics Are Best ..........2006-12-05

The 1994 version of Miracle on 34th Street does not bear comparisons or accolades to the original 1947 classic. The film had already been remade prior to this version, and one asks, why? And also, why change a bit of the storyline? John Hughes should be praised for his attempt at producing a holiday film, but it may be an attempt to compete with other films that came out in the early to mid 1990s, the Home Alone movies, Jingle All The Way, and the Santa Clause.

The unique trait about this version is its comic book-like quality. The film is fiction, and is based on Valentine Davies' book of the same name. Indeed, Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough) saves the day by substituting as Santa Claus for Cole's Thanksgiving Parade. However, there is a villainous quality to the film with the appearance of the antagonist character of the film, rival retail store president of Express Superstore, Shellhammer (Simon Jones III), who wants to engage in a Cole's department store takeover. Unfortunately, this is the unnecessary part of the film. For a moment, one may think this may be a period film, which takes place about the same time as the original -- the costumes of the characters, and the all too familiar New York City scenes.

However, that is not the case. This is a present day version, which emphasizes quite loudly the meaning of Christmas; look closely at the concluding courtroom scene. The main premise of the storyline is intact, but with minor changes. Yes, the store name has changed from Macy's to Cole's, Fred Gaily (John Payne) has changed to Bryan Bedford (Dylan McDermott), and the courtroom scene where Judge Harper (Robert Prosky) determines if Kris Kringle is exactly Santa Claus has slightly changed as well. And there are also the concluding scenes, which are questionable.

Miracle of 34th Street attempts to engage the viewer. The cinematography emphasizes much illumination, and the photography literally shows the characters, Susan (Mara Wilson) and Dorey Walker (Elizabeth Perkins), glowing like angels with the sun shining over them in order to depict a dream-like quality to the feminine characters.

For many who enjoy the original 1947 version of Miracle on 34th street, it is best to avoid this version unless you happen to see it on TV. It is deserving of three stars because of its holiday theme.

Grandma Carol.......2006-08-01

I don't usually like "remake" of the old clasic movies but this one is priceless. Don't discount the original one though. I have them both and love them!!

Excellent.......2006-07-02

Well.. I saw this one, before the "original". :) so.. for me, I liked this one better :) Elizabeth Perkins is beautiful and unlike the original movie character, she has a bit more softness to her, which I found beautiful.

The little girl who played her daughter was wonderful too. Actually the whole cast was :)

Definitely worth the money, and don't forget the original. I liked that one, but I loved this one &hearts;.

Average customer rating:

No one said life was pretty
Not Enough
Forced Coitus loves hardcore...
Moby??? Who will they beat up next?
Waste of destrucitve energy

Boston Beatdown, Vol. 2
Starring: Blood for Blood , and Death Before Dishonor
Manufacturer: Crosscheck Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00026L89Y
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Product Description

BOSTON BEATDOWN VOL.2 (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Amazon.com

Boston Beatdown, Volume 2 is either a shocking testament to the history of Boston's ultra-violent harcore community or raw material for an anthropological study of rock territoriality. Not exactly a documentary--a documentary has a point-of-view--Boston Beatdown is a rough compilation of amateur footage of young males (and some females) beating each other to a pulp, time after time, as hardcore enthusiasts wage war against anyone who isn't them at clubs and private gigs. Somewhere in the relentless bloodletting we hear the churning rage-rock of Blood for Blood, Death Before Dishonor, and Ten Yard Fight, and there are (academically speaking) fascinating interviews with past and present members of Boston's F.S.U. gang, which formed a decade or so ago to cleanse their turf of just about everybody. Among the horrors here is the film's palpable delight at footage of Moby being assaulted by several cretins on a Boston sidewalk. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

No one said life was pretty.......2007-08-22

Fallacy #1: Hardcore music is for everyone

Fallacy #2: Hardcore culture is for everyone

Fallacy #3: Hardcore music/culture should be like everything else (packaged and safe)

People are in two camps when it comes to this DVD; the people who get it, and the people who don't. This DVD is for the people who "get it."

Not Enough.......2007-01-11

Although very real, it felt incomplete. It only gave a glimpse of the real hardcore culture and was riddled with bull about society. The real hardcore scene is very violent but with reason and logic behind each punch. Hardcore is ultimately about living life the best you can, the purest you can, and fighting for and adoring friends and family. There in lies the fallacy of the film, they show the crew (FSU)but not the motive. They are made out to be, well gang bangers, and in fact FSU may have turned that way that is not where the roots are that is not where it started, what it is, or what it used to be. Friends Stand United, not this jump an old man stuff but fight for beliefs. SIN crew forever (strength in numbers) no fooling around with gangs but having fun and protection those who cant do it themselves or those who are overwhelmed

Forced Coitus loves hardcore..........2006-03-25

As many people realize, Forced Coitus is zealously opposed to the very existence of hardcore. Unfortunately, there is already an abundance of this debauchery out in the world. One can only wait for hardcore to follow the sorry route that nu-metal and metalcore have tread. Sadly, with bands like Hatebreed, Madball, Agnostic Front, and Comeback Kid out in circulation, it may take a little longer for this style of music to dissipate. But ranting against hardcore is difficult, simply because there is so much to rant about. It is hard to know just where to begin. So for my first installment, we decided the best place to start would be with a movie review.

Boston Beatdown Vol. 2 is probably one of the lamest documentaries ever made. Most people would say in its defense that this film is very low budget (which it most certainly is), and that is why it seems so crappy. However, that does not excuse the fact that there are very few interviews, all of which are uninteresting and uninspiring, and the repetitive concert footage is really quite annoying. Most hardcore kids we have met rave about this documentary, using the unoriginal defense that if you don't like the music or the scene, it is because you don't know enough about it or don't understand it properly. They go on to say that this movie will give you a better picture of what hardcore is all about. Even the DVD cover exclaims, "See the world through our eyes." Then again, the cover also has a picture of a hardcore kid with a gun to his head and someone decked out in camouflage and a ski mask. Another quote by someone who sucks at life is, "Most people are afraid of what they don't understand," and basically nobody understands hardcore.

Quite frankly, we don't see what there is to be understood about a group of pussies who use violence as an excuse to get respect without earning it, all the while bitching about how bad life is for them and literally blaming corporations and middle-class Americans for all their troubles. As if being successful without punching someone in the face is a bad thing. Whether you are scared of it, misunderstand it, or are just plain fed up with it, this DVD will not help your view of hardcore in the slightest. But why should it? There is nothing to be understood about monotonous interviews with Neanderthals who have no IQ talking about how much they love violence or by watching the same footage of idiots jumping of ledges, crowd surfing, or, supposedly, attacking Moby for no reason except that he exists (we don't remember Moby being hardcore, or ever doing anything to "disrespect" the hardcore community in any way). These people act like they are the most persecuted group in the world, thereby creating the need for them to rebel against society. Unlike other oppressed individuals in France or Lebanon though, hardcore kids hilariously shy away from causing any commotion as soon as the authorities show up. So, in the end, the hardcore kids either know enough to realize that they haven't a pot to piss in, or they are just cowards who feel that beating up their "inferiors" justifies their lame attempt at class warfare.

For more anti-hardcore, visit www.myspace.com/forcedcoitus

Moby??? Who will they beat up next?.......2006-03-07

I love Boston Beatdown 2, especially the extended footage of that huge gash being sewn up. OMG that was so awesome. The best part though is the footage of them beating up Moby. I hope that Boston Beatdown develops into a series of videos documenting the guys beating up celebrities. How great would that be?? My vote is Justin Timberlake haha

Waste of destrucitve energy.......2005-10-23

This claims to show the vibrancy of the Boston hardcore scene. Actually it teeters between being silly and incongruous (ie Why are 99% of these fights outside posh Lansdowne Street nightclubs? What's with the footage of the 2004 Red Sox riots at UMASS AMHERST?) and downright chilling (shot of a bathroom floor with 4 or 5 pairs of complicit stationary feet and a kid getting his face kicked in). Kudos to the FSU for "cleansing" the Boston scene of Nazis 10 years ago, but it's time to move on.

Average customer rating:

On the Grind
Starring: Webbie , Lil' Boosie , Dell , and Digum
Manufacturer: Street Law
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ASIN: B000LXHGQW
Release Date: 2006-12-26

Terrifying Girls' High School: Lynch Law Classroom

Average customer rating:

Erotically Disturbing
They are taking this school over-stand back!
Brutal and beautiful

Terrifying Girls' High School: Lynch Law Classroom

Manufacturer: Panik House
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000HEWGSS
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Description

Terrifying Girls' High School opens with a female school clique bloodletting a fellow student amidst verbal abuse and harsh accusation. The terrified girl breaks free of the life-draining vacuum syringe and races to the roof, where her tormentors force her off the ledge and stomp on her fingers until she falls to her death. This is all before the main titles! And that clique? They aren't even the real bad girls! This is reform school, and the new crop of inmates (whose apprehension we witness) includes Miki Sugimoto and Reiko Ike. This is like Mean Girls via Caged Heat as written by Jess Franco and directed by Russ Meyer. All those Takashi Miike fans need to check out this film.

DVD Features

• Fully Restored from Vault Materials with Brand New 16x9 transfers with completely re-mastered video and audio.
• Audio Commentary with Chris D author of Outlaw Masters of Japanese Film • Original Theatrical Trailer
• Poster & Still Galleries
• Filmmaker Bios
• Production Notes

Customer Reviews:

Erotically Disturbing.......2007-04-20

Terrifying Girls' High School Stars Miki Sugimoto and Reiko and directed by the guy who filmed Sex and Fury. This film is about a Japanese reform school for bad girls, and Miki and Reiko are sentenced there only to discover that the female students have killed one of their own and cover it up. There is a lot of nudity and sex but plenty of the strong graphic violence that the movie would have not been shown on Cinemax or Encore. In all of the top 20 classic Japanese bad girl movies, this would be ranked at No. 3.

They are taking this school over-stand back!.......2006-12-17

Brilliant film in the tradition of "Reform School Girls" but with the Japanese code of honor twist. Definitely a different film and a different take on the role of women in society (consider: The Theory of Practice) and the importance of honor and the code of conduct as social contract. Also a very heavy piss-take on the puffed up effrontery of the bureaucrat and the corrupt business man so prominent in modern countries.
It is also strange that when female nudity is the subject, pubic hair is like Kryptonite to the Japanese auteur. Considering the scenes of rape, inappropriate adult-child/student intercourse, torture and murder, a few black curly hairs would have been a problem. Very interesting.
This film is a hoot but very not for kids. Definitely of a tradition with anime, though, for those who can handle it.

Brutal and beautiful.......2006-10-30

Living up to the Pinky Violence moniker in ways you couldn't imagine, this film packs in more brutality before the opening credits than most films of this genre. You can read (and probably have) read the plot synopsis before reading this reviews, and you may ask yourself: Is this as good as it sounds? Yes.

Sure, there are moments that are hokey, and there are cultural differences (as to be expected in a 1970s Japanese film), but it is one of the best of the Pinky Violence series, and it wears its vileness proudly. There's also a social message here, too, but don't think it detracts from the film's exploitation angles. It doesn't.

This is a fine film overall. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the genre. It is not, hwoever, for the squeamish, as there is plenty of blood, violence and nudity -- and they're often combined.

Average customer rating:

A cut above the usual vigilante film
An innocent banking customer training himself as a vigilante
"...and when the law is unjust it's not only your right but your duty to rebel!"
Third Time's A Charm
Great film, lousy DVD

Street Law
Starring: Franco Nero , Giancarlo Prete , Barbara Bach , Renzo Palmer , and Nazzareno Zamperla
Director: Enzo G. Castellari
Manufacturer: Blue Underground
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ASIN: B000EQ5U9Q
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Description

ROBBERY. ASSAULT. MURDER. ONE MAN HAS HAD ENOUGH!

The legendary Franco Nero (of DJANGO and DIE HARD 2 fame) stars as Carlo Antonelli, an average citizen until the day he is brutally beaten during a violent robbery. But when the police drop the case and the suspects remain free, Carlo is pushed beyond his breaking point. Now one man will launch an all-out war against the criminal scum who plague our cities, where justice has its own rules, vengeance needs no badge and the only force that matters is STREET LAW.

Barbara Bach (BLACK BELLY OF THE TARANTULA, THE SPY WHO LOVED ME) co-stars in this vicious DEATH WISH-inspired crime thriller (also known in Europe as VIGILANTE II) directed by Italian action maestro Enzo G. Castellari (THE HEROIN BUSTERS, KEOMA) now presented uncut and uncensored - including all of its infamous violence - for the first time ever in America.

Customer Reviews:

A cut above the usual vigilante film.......2007-06-19

Enzo G. Castellari's Street Law aka Il Cittadino si Ribella is surprisingly entertaining and not quite the Death Wish clone the marketing promises, largely because Franco Nero's would-be vigilante is so hapless that he spends much of the film getting beaten up by the crooks he's trying to track down after being humiliated in a bank robbery. He's also a far from admirable figure who constantly breaks his word no matter how many times he gives it and frequently behaves like an out and out coward completely out of his depth. It's a long way from a great film, but it's shot with some style and imagination and an interesting use of derelict or decaying locations, among them a ship in dry dock - the ill-fated Achille Lauro, no less!

Blue Underground's DVD only offers the film in a dubbed English version, but it's a good transfer with a few decent extras - commentary by Enzo G. Castellari and Franco Nero, who both turn up in the retrospective featurette Laying Down the Law (which prominently features Nero's ego!), a US TV spot and dubbed Italian theatrical trailer

An innocent banking customer training himself as a vigilante.......2007-05-17

Il Cittadino si ribella,or Street Law, by Enzo G. Castellari
filmed in 1974, will appeal above all to the director's fanbase,
as well as those who have a modicum of fascination with the
sociological and historical aspects that are shown in the movie.
e.g. there are extensive high speed car chases despicting the core
of major cities in Italy. The FIAT model cars from the 70's, are
comical, such as model 127, or 125, Morris Mini, Mercedes, Ford
compacts, Alfa Romeo, etc. There are other aspects that are also
interesting, such as the European aspects to the scenes, the
interiors to Italian homes that were typical of the time, somewhat
dated in terms of construction made today.

Giancarlo Prete is at his best, in this movie, as compared to his
other one New Barbarians, with the humor, optimistic aspects to
his dialogs, while Franco Nero, brings the more physical,
intellectual and deeper mood to the acting. Barbara Bach brings
feminine and much visual appeal, especially by constituting a
contrast to the other actors, and one-dimensional aspects to this
film's story. She had not yet hit the bigtime, later as a Bond
girl, of course, when this film was shot.

There are a number of positive aspects to cover, not the least of
which is the amazing crystal clear digital transfer to DVD 30
years after the movie was made, coupled with the adrenalin pumping
action scenes, ranging from a stolen purse by a motorbiker, a
store heist, a bank robbery, a car jacking, molotov cocktails
setting building ablaze, etc.

The soundtrack is a mixed bag, some great elements inspired from
the Animals's Eric Burdon, to Rolling Stones (Coming Down Again,
Goat's Head Soup, or Black and Blue's Memory Hotel), to Doors,
etc. combining superb lead and base guitar work, and also on keys.
The vocals are the sore spot, as the singer clearly was short on
experience, training and range from his dead-pan delivery,
something also sorely seen in Day of the Cobra.

The plot is about an innocent banking customer who loses his
deposit during a heist, is unable to get it back or win any
cooperative with police, and resolves training himself to become a
police detective, and to purse his agressors on his own time and
dime as a vigilante.

Nero admits having rushed Castellari in filming this movie, and
unfortunately, it shows, considering the leaps of logic and holes
in the story that the public will perceive, as well as the lack of
fully mulling over how realistic it was to have a double-agent in
the underworld team up with Nero, to bust up the bad guys, and
become his best pal, for reasons not fully explained in the
narrative. Those downsides surely could have been worked out, had
the director been allowed the 3 or 4 months he had anticipated vs.
the 2 weeks Nero allowed to start shooting.

"...and when the law is unjust it's not only your right but your duty to rebel!".......2006-07-14

A vigilante is just a man lost in the scramble for his own gratification. He can be destroyed, or locked up; but if you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal, and if they can't stop you, you become something else entirely.
Henri Ducard - Batman Begins (2005)

I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore!
Howard Beale - Network (1976)

Can't you people take the law into your own hands? I mean we can't be policing the entire city.
Chief Wiggum - "The Simpsons"

Street Law (1974) aka Il Cittadino si rubella aka Vigilante II...directed by Enzo G. Castellari (High Crime, Keoma, Bronx Warriors 2), the film stars popular Italian actor Franco Nero (High Crime, Keoma, Force 10 from Navarone, Die Hard 2: Die Harder). Also appearing is Giancarlo Prete (Mister X), Barbara Bach (The Spy Who Loved Me, Caveman), Nazzareno Zamperla (Ballad of Death Valley), Massimo Vanni (The New Barbarians), and Romano Puppo (The Heroin Busters).

The film begins with a four and a half minute display of various criminal activities including breaking and entering, vandalism, arson, theft, armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder...seems the criminals are running rampant and the authorities can do little to stop them. After getting all that out of the way we see a well-dressed man entering a bank and proceed to engage in some sort of transaction. Shortly after a gang of vicious masked gunman make the scene, manhandling patrons and bank employees alike. The well-dressed man, named Carlo Antonelli (Nero) tries to grab his dough on the counter, but gets brutalized by the robbers, who then grab him up (presumably as a hostage) during their getaway to which they beat the crud out of him in the car. After a lengthy high speed chase sequence the robbers escape, leaving a bloodied Carlo behind, frightened and humiliated by his ordeal. The authorities give Carlo a hard time for defying the robbers, and when their efforts to catch the criminals comes up seriously short, Carlo decides to take matters into his own hands in bringing the offenders to justice, much to the dismay of his girlfriend Barbara (Bach). After some failed attempts to get information from any number of underworld types, Carlo eventually resorts to blackmailing another crook named Tommy (Prete) to help him in his obsessive quest (Carlo stalked the man and eventually took some incriminating photos). Eventually Tommy and Carlo catch up to the original crooks, which results in Carlo receiving another beating, but afterwards Carlo comes up with a convoluted plan to finger the crooks and cause a public stir, along with forcing the police to crack down on criminal activity in general. Eventually the crooks force a showdown with Carlo, one they'll make sure he doesn't walk away from...

While this film was most likely inspired by the popular Charles Bronson feature Deathwish (1974), it tends to follow a slightly different route in that Nero's character spends an awful lot of time stalking criminals for the purpose of collecting information to report to the authorities in the hopes they'll actually act (Bronson's character actively sought out to deliver some hot-leaded justice). This results in Nero's character grousing constantly about how the authorities are ineffectual (apparently a common sentiment in Italy at the time) and espousing how the common man needs to stand up to the lawless (the Italians seem to like to spell out as much as possible for audiences), receiving numerous beatings, eventually turning on his attackers only when they forced his hand. As a result, the film starts off quickly, slows down in the middle, and then picks up again in the last twenty minutes or so...there's a whole lot of time spent as Carlo sets up Tommy so he can use him as an underworld source, along with their setting up the whole scheme to force the authorities to put pressure on the thugs. I did learn quite a few things, though, including the following...

1. Franco Nero's got spooky eyes.
2. When robbing a bank, it's advisable to keep the getaway car nearby as if you have to run a quarter of a mile to get to it, that only eats up valuable escape time.
3. In Italy you can be arrested for insulting a public official.
4. Italians don't seem to be adverse to smacking women upside the head.
5. Franco Nero sure does like to smoke.
6. In Italy you can be arrested for simulating a crime.
7. The lines painted on Italian roadways designating lanes seem to be there only for decorative purposes.
8. In Italy, three time losers (criminals who are caught and convicted three times, of felonies, I'm guessing), are sent to prison for life.
9. Franco Nero is a master of expressing shock and awe, even when it's unwarranted.
10. Getting shot in the meaty part of the thigh is apparently infinitely more painful than getting shot in the kneecap.
11. Beating someone repeatedly about the face with a shovel causes a lot less damage than I would have expected.
12. You can actually score film that runs an hour and forty minutes with only two bits of music played over and over again (although I wouldn't recommend it).

As far as the performances go, Franco Nero emotes the hell out of his role, for better or worse...I'm not a huge fan of actors wearing every emotion upon their sleeve, but at least it was entertaining. He does deserve a lot of credit for his athleticism as he seemed to really take to performing many of his own stunts, some of them appearing quite dangerous. As far as the rest, they did all right (for an Italian made crime drama), although I'm unsure what the point of Ms. Bach's character was other than to provide a pretty face and continually harp on Nero's character like his conscience come to life. Castellari does manage to keep things moving along (the first fifteen minutes are a blast) and overall I thought this an entertaining entry into the vigilante genre, I felt it could have done with a little less character development around the middle. This is the original version that played in Italy before it was transported to the states with some of the violent bits removed. I did like the theme song used in the film, but after hearing about thirty times it tended to wear a little.

The picture quality on this Blue Underground DVD release, presented in widescreen (1.85:1) anamorphic looks decent, but does include some flaws. There is a grainy quality throughout, one that ranges from slight to heavy at times, but I dealt with it telling myself it sort of corresponded with the gritty and sometimes raw material. The audio, presented in Dolby Digital mono, is a little uneven at times (the music often blares, while some of the dialogue is difficult to hear during the quieter scenes), but all in all came through well enough. As far as extras there's a commentary track with director Enzo G. Castellari, a featurette titled `Laying Down the Law' (17:27) which includes current interviews with both director Enzo G. Castellari and star Franco Nero, the latter who seems to have aged better than expected, a theatrical trailer, and a television spot. While watching the interviews with Castellari and Nero (these two seem to love on each other quite a lot), there's a really funny bit where Castellari talks about working with Barbara Bach, basically stating that while she wasn't a great actress, at least she was punctual...

Cookieman108

Third Time's A Charm.......2006-07-02

Alright, this is now the third time I've written a review for this film. My first two weren't posted and God only knows why, but hopefully this one will be. I'll be much more brief if that'll help. Street Law is an Italian(part of Blue Underground's Enzo Castellari triple feature) Death Wish inspired crime thriller. Franco Nero's a victim of a beating and decides to get revenge when the police end up being useless. Nero does a great job(some wonderful facial expresssions) as a far from perfect vigilante. Highly recommended for fans of the Italian style. Sorry this isn't a more detailed review, but frankly, I'm sick of writing it over and over.

Great film, lousy DVD.......2006-06-04

I'm really tired of the shoddy DVD manufacturing used by many studios and distributors.

This is a great film. I have it on tape. I was thrilled to see it'd been released on DVD. I love Italian knock-offs of American films (STREET LAW seems inspired by DEATH WISH), and I'm a Barbara Bach fan.

So I bought this STREET LAW DVD brand new, as soon as Amazon offered it, without waiting for the price to go down. I unwrap the pristine-looking DVDm pop it into the player, and after a few minutes it pauses.

Then it pauses again. It pauses constantly throughout the film. I mean at least once a minute, often several times a minute. Pause, pause, pause. Most of the pauses are brief, some last several seconds. I eventually took out the DVD, cleaned it, but it didn't help. I suffered through 50 minutes of this film, then gave up.

VHS was a decent format. Tape had problems, but nowhere near as bad as DVD, with all the skipping and scratching. (And Google "DVD rot" -- see what comes up.)

Still, changing formats is a great way for studios to resell us movies we'd already bought, so I guess it makes sense for them.

I don't know whether I got a bad copy of STREET LAW, or if this DVD is part of a bad batch, or how widespread the problem is. But beware.

Average customer rating:

Split decision very inspirational
Ages like wine
Split Decision Hits Home
Que lucha mas duro! Chavez's fight is worth a watch
Split Decision: A Must Buy!

Split Decision
Starring: Jesus Chavez
Director: Marcy Garriott
Manufacturer: First Run Features
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00013F2U4
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Description

The award-winning documentary "Split Decision" tells the compelling story of world champion boxer Jesus Chavez. As a young man, Jesus finds his rise to the world championship cut short when he is deported to Mexico for a youthful crime in his past. Once there, he must take on the two biggest battles of his life: the fight for the right to return to his family and career in the U.S., and the struggle to find acceptance in the country of his birth. "Split Decision" is the multi-layered and suspenseful telling of Chavez's personal story set against the a backdrop of important societal social issues that leaves the audience "to reconsider ideas about justice, redemption and a one-size-fits-all criminal justice system." (Austin Chronicle)

The Split Decision DVD features both English & Spanish language versions. It also contains bonus features including Epilogue: The Return of El Matador, in which Chavez talks about his long-awaited return to the U.S. and his new WBC superfeatherweight world champion title, as well as an interview with director Marcy Garriott.

CineFestival - Best Documentary!

Great Plains Film Festival - Grand Prize!

Customer Reviews:

Split decision very inspirational.......2007-01-10

This documentary is well worth the watch. It is a good example of what can be accomplished in America against what would seem unsurmaountalble odds. Reccommend highly for boxing and non boxing fans.

Ages like wine.......2004-04-03

Garriott did a phenomenal. All these years later, and I still enjoy watching it.

Split Decision Hits Home.......2004-03-28

What a great film to catch you up in a real story and make you stop and think twice about how cavalierly we make and apply laws that there's no chance will ever affect us personally.

Que lucha mas duro! Chavez's fight is worth a watch.......2004-03-11

Chavez's story is inspiring - how hard a person will fight just to be able to continue on a long, trying road to his goal is enough to make even the laziest want to get up in the morning and take on the day. Even if you are not a boxing fan, Split Decision will engage you on the most basic level: we were all immigrants once, but few of us had it this hard. You will root for Chavez as you watch a man caught between two countries and stopped short from grabbing the title he felt he deserved. An arrested development tale with a happy ending, this film is for anyone who loves boxing or cross-cultural issues.

Split Decision: A Must Buy!.......2004-03-10

Split Decision is one of the most compelling personal success stories of the past decade. You will fall in love with Chavez as you watch this well-done documentary. There are three stories in one: (1) the rise and fall and rise again of an American dream; (2) the story of many foreign-born heroes and the challenges that they have in dealing with family and roots that span different worlds - the unknown culture of their parents' world and the culture of their new lives - and (3) the classic success story of determination and hard work. Unlike many documentaries that only catch part of the story, this one gets the whole thing: having captured the high points by filming Chavez in United States, in Mexico and everywhere that counts. Split Decision awoke the same excitement that I had when I watched Rocky as a boy, but was much more powerful - because it is a true tale. I give this DVD my highest endorsement, you'll enjoy it immensely and you will want to share it with your friends and family. Further, for boxing fans who would like to entice their friends and family who may not have such a great view of the sport, this is a must buy, for it portrays an important human element. In fact, the recommendation for the DVD came to me from someone who was previously a die-hard anti-boxing fan, now a convert. I am a boxing fan and I had the same luck in showing the documentary to my wife. You'll love it, this is a guaranteed winner!

Average customer rating:

The Police Tapes
"Police Tapes" (PBS)

The Police Tapes
Starring: Charles Rydell , and Anthony Bouza
Director: Alan Raymond (III) , and Susan Raymond
Manufacturer: Docurama
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000FBFZ2C
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Description

South Bronx, New York. 1976. During one of the most chaotic periods in New York City's history, two filmmakers ride along with the police to document a city wracked by rape, gang warfare, murder, arson and petty revenge. Winner of three Emmys, a Peabody and the duPont Award, THE POLICE TAPES is a harrowing, real-life autopsy of the dangerous nighttime work of beat cops as they try to contain a community coming unraveled. In dramatically raw scenes, the officers of the 44th precinct let the camera "in on every secret of society," capturing explosive footage of a hostage situation, gangs strutting brazenly down the street, and murders impossible to solve. At the squad station and in the patrol car, cops speak candidly about their frustrations and fears in policing violent, crime-ravaged neighborhoods filled with angry, downtrodden people. From Hill Street Blues to Cops, the immediate and uncensored style of directors Alan and Susan Raymond influences a generation of police drama and reality shows. Perceptive and probing, THE POLICE TAPES is genius verité--a harrowing peek into the dark underbelly of society. DVD Features: Interview with the Filmmakers; Filmmaker Biographies; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Customer Reviews:

The Police Tapes.......2007-03-10

This is a must see for the Police afficianado. If you like the television series "Cops" you'll love this. This was filmed in NYC in 1976. There are no scripts and its the real deal.

"Police Tapes" (PBS).......2006-08-08

The "Police Tapes" was one of the first of its kind 'reality show,' which focused on the New York City Police Department in the Bronx, in the then-notorious 44th Precinct. It was done duing the 1970s in the South Bronx, in a police precinct that was not as well-known as the infamous 41st Precinct "Fort Apache," which was about four miles to the east of the 44 Precinct, but was suffering from the same human degradation as the 41 Precinct and the rest of the so-called South Bronx.

The Bronx Borough Commander at that time was Chief Tony Bouza, who was known for his articulate explanation of the 'theater of the absured' which was the Bronx. In his dialogue on the tape, Bouza attempts to put into real terms the issues which are affecting the Bronx...and the cops themselves...at that time, to the point where he says that maybe he shouldn't do such a good job, in order to let the problems be more exposed to the rest of the country.

This was to become one of the first of what was several TV shows and documentaries about the "South Bronx," which became a "city" forced to wallow in its own misery for years after the Police Tapes were made, despite its notoriety and the promises of many politicians.

The lack of 21st Century video technology shows, but enhances what you see.

Nothing like what was the "South Bronx" will ever happen again.

Average customer rating:

King of Kings
Director: Kevin Glover
Manufacturer: Phoenix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000G1R33K
Release Date: 2006-08-22

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Gangsta King
KEEP IT REAL BATMAN
West Side!

Gangsta King: Raymond Lee Washington
Starring: Robert Stack
Manufacturer: KOCH VISION
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00009V2K6
Release Date: 2003-07-22

Product Description

The social and racial upheaval of the 60's sparked the creation of politically and socially active clubs. Groups like the Black Panthers tried to protect their communities from the violence that was perpetrated against them in the name of racism. The demise of these groups led a young Raymond Lee Washingtonito create his own club with much of the same ideals and political ideologies that he admired. He formed one of the most infamous and feared L.A gangs, the Crips. In an exclusive first time interview, Gregg "Batman" Davis, an original member of the Crips, sheds light on the group and the man behind it all. Gangsta King: Raymond Lee Washington dares to dig deep into a world rarely seen by outsiders.

System Requirements:

Starring Robert Stack

Produced by David McKenzie

Running time: 60 minutes

Customer Reviews:

Gangsta King.......2006-02-17

Given the subject matter, one could hardly expect a high budget production but what Gangsta King delivers is little more than a modern day blaxploitation docu-flick. Understandably Greg "Batman" Davis is seeking to portray Raymond Washington in a favorable light but putting it out that Raymond was totally against guns and never carried one is taking it abit far. Contrary to legend, the crips were violent from day one as were the L.A. gangs which pre-dated their emergence. The most interesting thing about this documentary is Batman's photographs beyond that this is one documentary you would be best served renting or borrowing from the library. The historical recreations of past events is terrible due to poor acting and this sums up the rest of the video. Low budget, low quality, low class.

KEEP IT REAL BATMAN.......2006-01-23

I ENJOYED GANGSTA KING THE INTERVIEW WITH GREGG BATMAN WAS NOT EXCLUSIVE .I ORDER THE DVD FOR MY 11 YEAR OLD SON. MY SON MALCOM WANTED TO SEE HIS FATHER GREGG BATMAN DAVIS.GREGG REQUESTED A DNA TEST WHEN OUR SON WAS 2 YEARS OLD THE TEST WAS POSTIVE . I FEEL GREGG BATMAN DAVIS DID NOT TELL ALL THE TRUE FACTS ABOUT HIS LIFE.

West Side!.......2005-10-23

This movie doc. was all that and much more! I really enjoyed this Doc. I aften wondered why WEST COAST hip hop heavy weight BIG SNOOP DOGG. Stood with one foot pointing forward and the other foot pointing east. This movie will explain!!

Average customer rating:

GREAT
what a boss thinks.
It was alright
Pretty good.
True story of the movie Paid in Full

Game Over
Starring: Troy Reed , and AZ
Director: Various Artists
Manufacturer: Maven Entertainment, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000C1W4I
Release Date: 2003-09-16

Description

You saw the movie "Paid In Full", now see the uncut documentary of the rise and fall of Richard Porter, AZ, & Alpo in their pursuit of the American Dream. Living by the code of the streets, they became major players in the New York drug trade by the ages of 16 and 17. Flambiyant and ruthless, they made street history and millions of dollars while becoming role models to many. However, ultimately, their greed and treachery led to kidnapping, betrayal and death. Narrated by Jadakiss.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT.......2007-01-11

THIS PRODUCT WAS GREAT I CANT COMPLAIN ABOUT IT, EXACTLY WHAT I EXPECTED. MY BOYFRIEND LOVED IT! MADE HIM SMILE AND HE IS REALLY PICKY ESPECIALLY WITH INTERNET SHOPPING, BUT DIDNT REGRET IT AND WILL DEF PURCHASE MORE FROM HERE.

what a boss thinks........2005-10-06

this is a must see if you into that hustlin n g shit

It was alright.......2005-10-02

The reason the I think this dvd was just alright is because its kind of one sided. Its suppose to be about AZ, Alpo, Rich Porter, the three drug king pins who ran Harlem, The people who was mainly telling the story was AZ and Rich porters sister, but what about Alpo I wanted to here more of his side in his own words on why he killed his good friend. All they had of Alpo was him saying he was sorry for the murders but I wanted to no more, im sure it was much deeper than what the movie "paid in full" portrayed. But over all it was a good documentary and I think everyone should see it.

Pretty good........2005-09-05

I had to admire the entrepreneurial sprit. Yes, they did cuse much havoc up in harlem, but if the energy they had was only channled in a more positive way, damm, they could have given billy gates a run for his money. These brothers were that smart. This documentery was told mostly by Rich Porters sister, she does a decent job in recalling the birth of her brothers drug empire.Worth a look. But i could not give it 5 stars becuse the sound was a bit shabby at times. Over all good work, interesting story.

True story of the movie Paid in Full.......2003-10-04

This is the true story of three Harlem drug kingpins (AZ, Alpo & Rich Porter) in the 80's and documents their rise and fall in the drug game. AZ (Azie Fasion) went to write the story that became the movie Paid in Full. To get the full picture of what happened, it is best to view these two movies together. If you are a fan of hip hop, you will learn more about many of the things and people many rappers talk about in their music because this story has influenced many of them. This is a gripping documentary that shows the real side of the drug game, not some romantic view of what happens with money, violence and betrayal. A true picture of America. While this is not the greatest documentray ever made it does give you that "slice of life." A definite must-see.

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