Kansas City Confidential (MGM Film Noir)

Amazon.com

Tightly plotted and perfectly cast, Kansas City Confidential is film noir at its finest. An obvious influence on Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs, this riveting 99-minute potboiler builds its escalating suspense on the fate of reformed ex-con Joe Rolfe (John Payne), whose floral delivery truck matches a duplicate truck used in a Kansas City bank heist. Joe's been randomly framed by disgruntled, double-crossing ex-cop Tim Foster (Preston Foster) who masterminded the robbery, and in an effort to clear his name, Joe follows a trail of suspicion to a Mexican hideaway, where Foster's accomplices (a sublimely hardboiled trio played by Lee Van Cleef, Neville Brand, and Jack Elam) have gathered to split their $1.2 million haul. Under Phil Karlson's skillful direction, this nerve-twitching scenario unfolds as a clever case of hidden and assumed identities (having worn masks during the heist and getaway, none of the robbers knows the others' identities), and Payne gives a smart, sweaty-browed performance as a hard-luck case who finds time for romance with Foster's daughter (Coleen Gray) as he struggles to turn his fate around. For noir lovers, this movie's pure bliss as Brand, Van Cleef, and especially Elam fill the screen with slimy greed and infectious mistrust. As an iconic example of gritty film noir, Kansas City Confidential remains exciting, unpredictable, and thoroughly entertaining. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Kansas City Confidential.......2007-09-04

If you love the old movies of the Silver Screen era you will probably like this movie. The movie has several well know supporting cast "Bad Guy" type actors. If you are lookng for high tech action forget this one.

A fool-proof heist...A framed man...Falling for the beautiful "dame": The suspense of Film Noir .......2007-09-02

This is a film noir. Made in 1952 in Black and White, it has the cynicism, it has the interesting plot twists that draw you into the story, it has the lead male in desperate circumstances beyond his control, but no femme fatale, no chiaroscuro, no stylishly odd camera angles. This is one of the heist-themed noir films. I found it very engaging and satisfying. The story was believable, the acting was at times inspired, at other times just a bit lackluster, possibly due to a few weak spots in the script. The DVD picture and sound are both excellent, and the disc has no extras. Strange, but I found the leading male resembling Kevin Spacey at times, Jimmy Stewart at times, and Robert Mitchum at times...fun, but a bit distracting. There are three "heavies" who stand out: Lee Van Cleef, Neville Brand, and Jack Elam are all famous for work they did in the 1950's through the 1970's, and it is very interesting to see them here as young men (without cowboy hats, too!) These men have all brought their characters to life with great performances. This film is in the second tier of its genre: Very good, but not essential. Overall, I can strongly recommend it to fans of 1950's crime movies and film noir. 4 1/2 to 5 stars.

KC OK.......2007-08-27

A good,clever plot.John Payne,usually playing light leading men,ys very convincing as a desperatr ex-con trying to proove his onnocence.excellent suppoert from Lee Van Cleef,Neville Brand snd Jack Elam as a trio of justifiably paranoid heavies.My only cavil is the Hollywood happy ending,whish forsed the character played by Payne to allow himself to become a better person via the love og a good,and un-necessary(for this filn) good woman.

True Grit.......2007-08-13

Before larger budgets put a kink in his style Phil Karlson was in a class with Sam Fuller and Don Seigel. His crime films were gritty, low-rent and when people got slugged you winced. "Kansas City Confidential" gave him a dream cast to work with. He had already helped affable song-and-dance man John Payne to re-invent himself as an embittered proletarian hero in "99 River Street," and here Payne is joined by one of the best line-ups of heavies ever to grace a 50s crime film--Jack Elam, Lee Van Cleef and Neville Brand. Karlson ultimately lacked the pessimism to be a great noir stylist. He likes happy endings, and even his ex-cop mastermind proves to be a stand-up guy at heart, all set to turn his three stooges over to the law in exchange for a shot at redemption. (Quite the opposite of the similar character played by Ed Begley in "Odds Against Tomorrow.")
While "Kansas City Confidential" falls short of being a true film noir, it certainly delivers the goods as a tough, tense crime thriller. Well worth seeing for its cast alone.

Finally - The Official MGM DVD Release! Great Film Noir!.......2007-06-03

For years Kansas City Confidential has languished in the Public Domain Hell. Released in a woefully substandard version from Alpha (watch the video wiggle at the bottom of the screen every 10 seconds), and a much better, but still flawed version from Image (the picure is just a bit too dark and has some minor print damage), along with several "dollar" DVD versions that were even more flawed than the Alpha and Image releases, Kansas City Confidential was a movie that most Film Noir fans thought would never see an "official" DVD release by MGM (owner of the master print, and - presumably - the negatives).

But here it is - MGM is actually releasing (or has released, depending on when you read this) the "official" DVD for this fantastic Film Noir. Based on their track record of releasing official versions of movies previously relegated to public domain releases (see He Walked By Night as an example - MGM's DVD is flawless!), this should see a drastic improvement in both image and sound quality over all of the previous versions released to date.

The movie itself is a tightly written, well acted (John Payne is fantastic, and the supporting cast of Preson Foster, Lee Van Cleef, Neville Brand, Jack Elam, and Coleen Gray are all near perfect in their roles), and extremely well directed by Phil Karlson.

This is a classic crime/wrong man framed and sets out for revenge movie. For fans of Film Noir this is truly a, "Must Have," DVD.

Update - The DVD is, as expected, a HUGE improvement over the Image release, which istself is much better than the Alpha version. MGM/Fox have done a very nice job on the quality of this release - the print used is excellent. Even if you already have a previous version of Kansas City Confidential you still may want to get this one for the much improved picture and sound.

Average customer rating:

Great documentary about a terrible day.
Interesting
Excellent
A Time For Closure
hands down, one of the best

In Memoriam - New York City, 9/11/01

Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00006BS70
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Product Description

Four planes had been hijacked. One would crash into the Pentagon, one would be brought down in a field in Pennsylvania. Two would crash into the World Trade Center where thousands would lose their lives. No one could believe the devastation, over which a single flag would rise, in a place called Ground Zero.

Now In Memoriam: New York City, 9/11/01 draws on an incredible gathering of still and video material from more than 100 people in and around New York City who witnessed the day's events. The program presents a panoramic and unique historical record of the day, supported by a moving score performed by the New York Philharmonic, composed entirely of music by American composers.
Running Time: 60 min.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Originally shown on HBO on May 26, 2002, In Memoriam is one of the most vital documents to emerge after the events of September 11, 2001. Compiled from over 100 sources, this collage of audio, video, and photography will provoke tears, anger, and grief all over again... so why watch it? The title states the purpose: as disturbing as some of these images are, they are also bursting with tenacious and inspiring humanity, bolstered by the wisdom of New York City's then-mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who recalls--along with his executive staff--the horrendous events of 9/11 as he entered the chaos of Ground Zero. With its closing montage of numerous memorial services, this exemplary 60-minute film, supplemented on the DVD by an interactive timeline of pivotal events, makes it virtually impossible to forget the 3,047 lives lost to terrorist brutality. Despite the astonishing scope of coverage provided, this is not a journalistic endeavor, but a potent visual reminder that 9/11 was a day of unity, transcending the horrors witnessed here. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Great documentary about a terrible day........2007-09-10

9-11-01. Pretty much one of the worst days in American history. A day which we as a people should never be allowed to forget or become complacent about. This documentary serves as an excellent reminder, not only of the events of that day, but of the emotions which came with it. If you're anything like me, whatever feelings you felt that day will come rushing back after (and quite probably during) watching this.
I highly recommend this DVD.

Interesting.......2007-09-03

Thought it was well made, and impressed with the rare footage shown. A little bit dated looking, but overall good value.

Excellent.......2007-03-08

If you've never seen this HBO documentary, you haven't seen an important part of history. I teach at a private university in Tampa and I use this documentary in my 9/11 and the Media class. My students literally watch the movie in silence and there is not a dry eye in the room after 60 minutes. This is a compelling feature; it is probably one of thee premiere documentaries ever made and an almost unbelievable account of 9/11. Hats off to the producers; this is one of the documentaries that will be a timeless reminder of what happened that day.

A Time For Closure.......2007-01-06

9/11 was a terrible day for all free people. I know that the ramifications of it have affected me, as they have all of us, ever since. Finally I feel my emotions are healing from this horrendous loss and carnage. This film, to me at least,is not unlike attending a wake for a loved one who has died.
It has been a real part of my personal journey, to put this event behind me and go on now in the present. No, I did not say forget. We must always remember the thousands of people who died so needlessly, and the 343 FDNY firefighters, the EMT's, cops and even some civilians, who rushed in to help rescue the others who were rushing out, to provide medical aid to the injured, and to give comfort to the dying. Let them inspire us all.

hands down, one of the best.......2006-09-17

If you want to remember that day that you rushed to the television as I did and if you want to watch the horrible events unfold before your eyes and the feelings you felt that inspired you to act, then this is the video to watch.

Are you a conspiracy theorist, or are you a follower of patriotism and the men who led this country after the events that happened that day? Or are you one of millions that would just rather not remember at all and want to go on with your life? No matter...

This was ground zero, and if you want to see the world that it is today and all the events going on then you need to relive the horror of that day. Because this is the root of what is happening. There are no clear answers yet. I've heard the conspiracy theorists and as someone who knows air travel, aircraft, the aviation system, I can tell you their conclusions are so full of holes that they make themselves look silly to people who live aviation on the scale it was exloited that day.

Or are you a patriot blindly following the people who lead in order to prevent another disaster? Then I can tell you that their stories and actions are just as full of holes as the conspiracies. They paint a misrepresented picture also.

Or are you that complacent person who either doesn't want to remember at all or doesn't care?

Ground zero was where it started. Before you get set into following one side or the other, it's best to revisit the events of that day and remember the innocents who died and those who suffered. Watch it then ask yourself if you are so willing to jump on one bandwagon or the other?

The greatest tragedy of all right now is that all these years after, citizens have stood by and let a government of bickering and self servicing interests coast by with not having laid a single stone on top of another to memorialize the events of that day. That in itself is a statement of a country of apathy. If we are all that apathetic, then perhaps it's time to go back to ground zero and feel the pain once again. This is the video that will make that happen....

Average customer rating:

Good story with good values.
Better Than the first
Good Fun for a Father and Son
Bionicle 2=Star Wars Episode two
I don't follow

Bionicle 2 - Legends of Metru Nui
Starring: Christopher Gaze , Michael Dobson , Paul Dobson , Tabitha St. Germain , and Brian Drummond
Director: David Molina , and Terry Shakespeare
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0002IQG2G
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Amazon.com

Following the exciting, 2003 animated spectacle Bionicle: Mask of Light, Bionicle 2: Legends of Metru Nui extends Lego's movie franchise based on its Bionicle line of robotic warriors. Legends is actually a prequel to Mask of Light, which focused on the Toa, six guardians of the Matoran tribe on the island of Mata Nui, and the imminent arrival of a seventh member to their ranks. Legends tells the story of how the Toa came to be, chosen from the pool of Matoran youth in the great city of Metru Nui and, though physically transformed, hardly prepared for increased size and superheroic powers. In short order, the Toa--who babble and bicker like agitated adolescents--have to master their new gifts, impress their leader, and prepare to protect their home. Sprawling adventure, nonstop action, and real emotional complexity make this computer-generated universe a continually viable source for endless story possibilities. --Tom Keogh

Description

Experience the awesome action-packed adventure in BIONICLE 2: LEGENDS OF METRU NUI, the all-new, full-length CGI-animated movie that goes deeper into the legendary world of BIONICLE! When mysterious dark forces threaten the glorious city of Metru Nui, Toa Lhikan gives six Matoran the tools and responsibilities of new Toa. These guardians must quickly master their new powers, demonstrate their worth to their honorable leader Turaga Dume, retrieve the hidden Great Kanoka Disks, and rescue the inhabitants of their island city! Will they succeed before time runs out, or will darkness prevail? BIONICLE 2: LEGENDS OF METRU NUI features new allies and new adversaries -- including ruthless Vahki Enforcers and mysterious Dark Hunters! Experience the nonstop action and adventure as Vakama and his five courageous companions set out to prove they are heroes worthy of their own legends!

Customer Reviews:

Good story with good values........2006-02-01

I really enjoyed this movie, even moreso than the first. This story has great rolemodels for kids and shows the importance of believing in oneself and standing up against evil. Vakama, the main character, is especially interesting because he's just this normal Matoran thrown into a position in which he has to save his homeland. One of the morals of this movie is that there is a hero in all of us. This movie is about doing what's right, even when everyone doesn't support you or think it's possible.

I also admire the fantasy world that the creators created. There are six different villages (one Toa or hero is from each one), and each have their own culture. Another topic that the film touches on is that of racial prejudice and how in spite of each group's differences, they can still form friendships and overcome problems together. There is some interesting interplay between the three Toa that are in prison and a wise elder tells them, "Your duty is to ALL Matoran, regardless of village."

The movie is actually kind of deep after you watch it a few times and get the characters and plot straightened out. The movie is also funny. Matau is probably the funniest character in the film.

I highly recommend this movie.

Better Than the first.......2005-08-06

It makes me wonder why they didn't make this the first movie instade of the second. But I should I care it was still Great graphics were better this time. great action in this movie . If you're a Bionicle fan get this DVD. Hopefully the Third movie has a great story line has the First two did.

Good Fun for a Father and Son.......2005-07-27

My son and I both enjoyed this tape and can't wait to see the next in the series.

Bionicle 2=Star Wars Episode two.......2005-06-25

This movie is great! It's just as good as SW Episode 2!Some parts were downright hilarious, now thats true.This is a good movie to watch, I should say. I rate this......5 stars!

I don't follow.......2005-04-29

Our boys enjoy bionicles more than you think a 4 & 5 year old could, so they loved this movie and asked to see it over and over again. Any kid who loves bionicles will love this movie.

That said, this movie is almost impossible to follow. You find yourself asking, "Who is that?" and "What just happened?" While we watched it, the adults turned to each other and asked "Did I miss something?"

This movie was obviously edited to keep it short (for one reason or another), and almost all explanatory scenes have been cut out. Only when we read the book with our boys did we understand what was actually going on in the movie. Watching the movie, all you could understand was that Makuta is evil, and the Toa must save the Matorans.

The animation is nothing to "wow" over, but gets the job done.

Average customer rating:

It was pretty good to me
it's just ok
More "F" Bombs you can shake a stick at
one of my first anime
A classic anime film

Demon City Shinjuku
Starring: Hideyuki Hori , Hiromi Tsuru , Kiyoshi Kobayashi , Yûsaku Yara , and Ichirô Nagai
Director: Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Manufacturer: Us Manga Corps Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00007K019
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Amazon.com

This 1988 OVA reunited author Hideyuki Kikuchi and director Yoshiaki Kawajiri of Wicked City (1987). Ten years after his father Genichirou was killed battling the evil Rebi Ra, teen-aged Kyoya Izayoi is called to stop Rebi from releasing demons from hell onto the Earth. Demon City borrows heavily from Star Wars: Ag'ni Rai, Genichirou's teacher, tells Kyoya that he must learn to harness the web of spiritual energy that flows among living things. This minimal training, plus his father's sword and the love of beautiful Sayaka enable Kyoya to destroy Rebi Ra. The film is oddly paced, with a long build-up to a disappointing climax, problems that are exacerbated by the very stiff vocal performances. Kawajiri uses color with his accustomed skill, especially in the monochromatic opening duel, but Demon City hardly ranks among his important works. (Unrated: suitable for ages 16 and older: violence, violence against women, grotesque imagery, brief nudity) --Charles Solomon

Description

In a city beset by demons, Kyoya must avenge his father, a great warrior who died at the hands of a diabolical psychic. Kyoya must discover his latent powers and finish the battle his father started, before humanity is destroyed forever.

Customer Reviews:

It was pretty good to me.......2007-06-03

Demon City Shinjuku is far away from a classic and nowhere near unwatchable. The animation shouldn't be compared to todays anime. For the time it was made I say the animation is pretty good. The character development is good and the story is straight forward. I'll speak on it without adding to many spoilers.

A pretty powerful man with demonic powers wants to bring demons to earth and plunge the world into total darkness. The main character is summoned by a spectre to fight this threat. Along the way he encounters several characters who actually add to the story. The battles with the demons are pretty good and the character designs aren't bad at all.

This anime isn't for kids due to the very strong language. If you have some spare cash this is worth a watch for the cheap price. I dont mind this film in my collection one bit.

it's just ok.......2007-04-30

i watched it, kinda liked it, and kinda didn't. the story is a lil herky-jerky in places. but the art/animation is cool, dark and spooky, music was ok, voice actors did an ok job. if a buddy has a copy borrow it, if you see it at your rental place give it a try, find it used/cheap... go ahead. but i'd reccomend you save your new price $$$ for something else.

More "F" Bombs you can shake a stick at.......2007-03-02

I bought this movie thinking that it could have been a PG-13 Rated Urotsukidoji (Legend of the overfiend), which is to many otaku as the trailblazer to horror hentai such as La Blue Girl and Cool Devices...

Animation is exactly what I expected. From the Mid 80's, on par with Galaxy 999 and if your expecting quality animation, this is not it.

The dubbing is by part the worst dubbing I have ever heard (next to the Magic Knight Rayearth theme songs). These characters say the "F" word like 16 times, most of the time gratuitously. I was expecting so much more out of the plot, but it let me down.

This is truly the movie the never could - Put this on your rental list above "Crying Freeman" or any of those horrid MD Geist movies.

one of my first anime.......2007-01-04

its a very classic anime. horrible English dub, don't even waste your time with it, just go straight to the sub version. lots of violence towards anime, so be ready for that. it has some of the anime cliche's woven into it so be ready for those. some characters are under developed, but, still an anime i would recommend; but that might just be because it was one of my introductions to anime. but it is a great example of a raw classic anime.

A classic anime film.......2006-07-04

In exchange for the power to slay his fellow student and rival, Rebi Rah agreed to open a doorway into the demon world.

Years later, the time has come for him to honor his end of the deal. Knowing that his old teacher, Rai, could possibly stop him, he places a spell on the peaceful Federation President; without Master Rai's constant aid, the president will die.

Since he cannot leave the president, Rai asks for Kyoya, the son of Rebi Rah's dead rival, to do so. And with the urging of Sayaka, the president's cute and pure-hearted daughter, Kyoya agrees.

But Kyoya only has rudimentary knowledge of his father's fighting skills. To get to Rah, he must fight his way through the monster-infested streets of Shinjuku, protecting Sayaka along the way. The odds say he doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell...

About the only way I could see this movie getting any better is if it was longer.

Average customer rating:

A Hero Ain't Nothing But a Sandwich
Starring: Erin Blunt , Claire Brennan , Bill Cobbs , Arthur French , and Kenneth Green
Director: Ralph Nelson
Manufacturer: Sterling Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000FFJZA6
Release Date: 2002-04-30

Average customer rating:

It was pretty good to me
it's just ok
More "F" Bombs you can shake a stick at
one of my first anime
A classic anime film

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ASIN: 6305167257
Release Date: 1998-12-01

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

It was pretty good to me.......2007-06-03

it's just ok.......2007-04-30

More "F" Bombs you can shake a stick at.......2007-03-02

one of my first anime.......2007-01-04

A classic anime film.......2006-07-04

Average customer rating:

Borrowed Hero
Starring: Stanley Andrews , Alan Baxter , Paul Everton , Wilma Francis , and Mary Gordon
Director: Lewis D. Collins
Manufacturer: Alpha Home Entertainment
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ASIN: B000HEVZEE
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Product Description

A crusading district attorney suspects that a ""civic reform"" group is actually a front for crime and corruption.

Matchbox Hero-City Episode 1 - Rocket Park

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Matchbox Hero-City Episode 1 - Rocket Park
Director: Gary Hartle
Manufacturer: Mattel
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000BRR9MY

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Hero of City (Ws Sub)
Starring: Danny Lee , Michael Tong , Suet Lam , Felix Lok , and Sau Leung 'Blacky' Ko
Manufacturer: Tai Seng
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000687FI
Release Date: 2002-07-30

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Matchbox Hero City: 2 New Episodes

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

Episode 1: Rocket Park Episode 2: Haunted House

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DVD

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