Always

Amazon.com

Considered by many to represent a low point in Steven Spielberg's career, 1990's Always did suggest something of a temporary drift in the director's sensibility. A remake of the classic Spencer Tracy film A Guy Named Joe, Always stars Richard Dreyfuss as a Forest Service pilot who takes great risks with his own life to douse wildfires from a plane. After promising his frightened fiancée (Holly Hunter) to keep his feet on the ground and go into teaching, Dreyfuss's character is killed during one last flight. But his spirit wanders restlessly, hopelessly attached to and possessive of Hunter, who can't see or hear him. Then the real conflict begins: a trainee pilot (Brad Johnson), a likable doofus, begins wooing a not-unappreciative Hunter--and it becomes Dreyfuss's heavenly mandate to accept, and even assist in, their budding romance. The trouble with the film is a certain airlessness, a hyper-inventiveness in every scene and sequence that screams of Spielberg's self-education in Hollywood classicism. Unlike the masters he is constantly quoting and emulating in Always, he forgets to back off and let the movie breathe on its own sometimes, which would better serve his clockwork orchestration of suspense and comedy elsewhere. Still, there are lovely passages in this film, such as the unforgettable look on Dreyfuss's face a half-second before fate claims him. John Goodman contributes good supporting work, and Audrey Hepburn makes her final screen appearance as an angel. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Always.......2007-08-16

Not only was this item in excellent condition, delivery time was at it's best. The product was received in less then four days. I would definately order from this murchant. Thank you.

Reminiscense.......2007-04-11

I leanded how to pilot a plane at Hemet Ryan Field in Hemet, CA and I know that the PBY in this film belonged to Venable Flying Serive and that MAKES this film more special to me than anything........

Fantastic score... wish they left the oldies stuff off.......2007-03-20

I would have preferred more of the etherial Williams music and less of the oldies and country stuff. It's a very good score... very sedate stuff for the most part (and hushed, too... you have to crank the music to hear some of Williams' music)

Always.......2007-03-11

Wonderful movie. Great flying scenes and a love story the ladies will love!

Always.......2007-03-11

This movie is a great story of love and loss. If you liked Ghost, then you'll love this flim its the aviator version of that story. This film has an alstar cast Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter, John Goodman,Audrey Hepburn. Always is about daredevil firefighter pilots that fly planes to help put out forest fires.

Average customer rating:

Yet Another Great Film from Albert Brooks
A movie I watch every time it's on TV
DEFENDING ALBERT BROOKS
A Pleasant Comedy
Heavenly

Defending Your Life
Starring: Albert Brooks , Meryl Streep , Rip Torn , Roger Behr , and Beth Black
Director: Albert Brooks
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000056WRG
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Amazon.com

Albert Brooks proves there's laughs after death with this almost heavenly comedy--almost heaven as in Judgment City, where recently perished Daniel Miller (Brooks) learns whether he is worthy of advancing to a higher plane of existence or will be sent back to earth for another incarnation.

His fate will be determined in a very special trial, during which scenes from his life are replayed on a giant screen. "Isn't it realistic?" a judge asks. "It makes some people nauseous." While the steely prosecutor (Lee Grant) will try to prove that Daniel failed in life to face his fears and insecurities, his glad-handing, reassuring defender (Rip Torn) will argue on behalf of this hapless "little brain" (a Judgment City term for residents of earth).

As Woody Allen did for the future in Sleeper, so does Brooks create an original vision of the afterlife. In Judgment City, white-robed residents can eat as much as they want without guilt or fear of gaining weight. They can also visit the Past Lives Pavilion, where they are greeted by a hologram of--who else--Shirley MacLaine.

Daniel finds himself touched by an angel. Meryl Streep gives an enchanting performance as Julia, whose exemplary life is in stark contrast to his. During her trial, the court watches in rapture as she saves not only children, but a cat from a burning building.

Daniel and Julia are a match made in Judgment City, but first Daniel must summon up the courage to express his true feelings for her, or she will surely advance without him.

Defending Your Life is Brooks's most ambitious film and, with Mother, his most accessible. --Donald Liebenson

Description

Immediately following his death by bus, Daniel finds himself in the afterlife facing his past. If you can't make a case for having lived a full and fearles

superb music score won an Academy Award.s life, you must go back to Earth and try again. But Daniel doesn't want to go back after he meets Julia in this heavenly fable written and directed by Albert Brooks.

Customer Reviews:

Yet Another Great Film from Albert Brooks.......2007-08-22

Albert Brooks may be compared to Woody Allen as film director/writer. But, I find that his style to be a little different. He is the smart talking guy who tries to show his strength with sarcasm and big talk. Yeah, we have heard this guy before. It's probably us in many situations but Brooks plays this exactly on the dot. Meryl Streep just sticks around for the ride since this is Brooks' act. Well, Streep is wonderful and makes acting seem effortless. The idea of Judgement City is just pure genius when you consider that everyone expects to go to heaven for just being a good samaritan. Brooks places this assumption upside with court like drama.

With this DVD, it's disappointing to just have the trailer. In this comedy, I expected outtakes and deleted scenes. Considering that this film was a sleeper, I guess it's not a surprise that Warner Brothers decided not to invest more into this film. Well, I am glad that other films like The Accidental Tourist gets the royal treatment from Warner Brothers.

A movie I watch every time it's on TV.......2007-07-17

I rarely watch movies I own on DVD, but if they come on TV, I'll watch it. This is one of those movies that every time it's on TV, I'll watch it.

I love the whole concept of the movie of moving on to a judgement period after you die, to decide to move on. Very original twist on the afterlife. Brooks is great as the somewhat hapless man who must defend his life's record. The real beauty of this movie is his time spent exploring Judgement City and his encounters with Meryl Streep. Brooks writing is very witty. I love the Hall of Previous lives where one can see what they were in previous lives. One of the best quotes is when Julia (Streep) asks Brooks what he was as they are each watching their own lives. Brooks previous life happens to be a native running from a lion. His answer is "Lunch."

The movie is full of wonderful dialogue, and clever little twists. There is a reason I watch it every time it's on. It's just fun and heartwarming.

DEFENDING ALBERT BROOKS.......2007-07-01

This is Mr. Brooks at his side-splittingest and most sardonic as he prepares to enter the afterlife and must defend the decisions he made in life. This film is clever on all levels. Casting Meryl Streep as someone who has nothing to defend was a stroke of genius. Watch for Shirley MacLaine in a howlingly funny cameo. I have watched this again and again to make up for all the people who didn't see it in the theaters. I have given it as a gift many, many times to people who have never heard of it. I hate to use the term "feel-good" as it is overworked with regard to film, but when this one ends, I'm happy that I watched it.

A Pleasant Comedy.......2007-06-27

I agree with most of what good things everyone says about this movie - I saw it in the theatre when it came out and bought it on DVD, although I'm a tad disappointed there aren't any extras on the DVD. Albert Brooks has always made me laugh but it's nice to see Meryl Streep possibly enjoying a film role for once - it seems like a good pairing of two cerebral actors - you may laff when you hear Brooks' name and the word cerebral in the same sentence but his movies have always made me think he has a good insight into the human psyche. The middle of the film where Lee Grant shows his various mistakes is hilarious and make you think that Brooks' character is just outside of being passed on to Heaven, until the last part of the movie - Rip Torn is his usual funny self, and his ambiguity and vagueness comes off as funny.

Heavenly.......2007-06-10

A good look at The Other Side a.k.a. Heaven. Eating whatever you want, past life regression, moving on. A movie I believe gives people some real good insight into the afterlife. A positive outlook for paradise.

Average customer rating:

Heart and souls
Heart and Soul has heart.
Heart and Souls
A chic flick my husband watched and enjoyed
Heart and Souls DVD

Heart and Souls
Starring: Robert Downey Jr. , Charles Grodin , Alfre Woodard , Kyra Sedgwick , and Tom Sizemore
Director: Ron Underwood
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
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ASIN: 0783230079
Release Date: 1998-11-17

Amazon.com

Robert Downey Jr. has never been more charming than in this comedy about a yuppie who is revisited in adulthood by the spirits of four people who had been his friends as a child. The ghosts (Kyra Sedgwick, Charles Grodin, Alfre Woodard, Tom Sizemore) all have unfinished business in this world before they can move on to the next, and Downey's character agrees to let them inhabit his body while they sort it all out. The appealing cast alone strongly recommends this movie, but Downey's remarkable facility for physical comedy--manifesting the personalities of his supernatural pals as they possess him--is a riot. Elisabeth Shue makes the best of her part as the hero's girlfriend; Leaving Las Vegas was still ahead of her, but one can see her talent straining to get out here. The DVD release has a widescreen presentation, production notes, theatrical trailer, biographies of the cast, closed captioning, an optional French soundtrack and Spanish subtitles, and Dolby sound. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Heart and souls.......2007-09-03

A perfect romantic movie which had tears welling up in my eyes, A classic tear jerker, cry when you should be laughing, pulled my heart strings and played my tune. Execllent film.

Heart and Soul has heart........2007-05-09

This movie is a must for any Downey fan. It has a little of everything comedy, drama, and romance. The story is basically about 4 individuals all killed while on the same bus. Their souls are connected to the nearest baby being born(downey's character). The little boy grows up having "imaginary friends". Of course, once he's in school this poses a problem for him. He's seen talking to himself, etc. His school begins to think he's in need of therapy. The souls do the selfless thing and disappear(though they are still with him). The man he becomes is a bit of a jerk. Eventually the souls reveal themselves when they find out that he is their corporeal being to be used to tie up their loose ends here on earth. Along the way Downey's character learns a few lessons and becomes a better person for it.

Heart and Souls.......2007-02-21

One of my wife's favorite movies and now on DVD! Puts a smile on her face and lifts her spirit every time she watches it. It's the first DVD she lends out when someone needs a care package.

A chic flick my husband watched and enjoyed.......2007-01-13

This is an oldie but goodie. Robert Downey Jr is great! He plays a man who assist 4 dead people to find peace and move on. I was surprised when my husband sat down and watched it with me. I even caught him laughing more than once. (It was odd because he NEVER watches chic flicks!) I would recommend this movie to anyone.

Heart and Souls DVD.......2007-01-10

I purchased the DVD "Heart and Souls" from Amazon.Com. I looked for this movie everywhere and could not find it. Sure enough Amazon had it !!!! Ordering was easy and delivery was fast.
Thank you Amazon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating:

THIS MOVIE HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
Low Expectations, Great Impressions
Funny, Suspenseful, and Soooo Romantic
Living with a lost loved one!
The 3 Stars Is Because I Am Extremely Skeptical About This Disc

Ghost
Starring: Patrick Swayze , Demi Moore , Tony Goldwyn , Stanley Lawrence , and Christopher J. Keene
Director: Jerry Zucker
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000059TEP
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Amazon.com essential video

Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze are the passionate lovers whose romance is undone when the latter is murdered during a bungled hit arranged by a rival. The clever concept by screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin (director of My Life) extends outward into comedy (Swayze's character communicates through a sassy medium played by Whoopi Goldberg, who won an Oscar for this role), horror (the afterlife is populated by hell-bound demons and the like), and romantic complications (a handsome suitor, played by Tony Goldwyn, comes on to Moore while Swayze's spirit is still hanging around). Directed by Jerry Zucker, previously best known for codirecting Airplane! and similar broad comedies, Ghost is a careful balancing act of strong commercial elements, but at heart it is a timeless Hollywood tearjerker that easily gets under one's skin. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

THIS MOVIE HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!.......2007-09-04

I was one of those people who did not run to see this movie in theaters and waited many years to see it on video. I watched it again recently in my home theater and it holds up amazingly well. It has elements of romance,action,comedy,suspense and even horror! Yes horror! It may not be the gorefest we see now-a-days, but demons dragging their victim to hell after being impaled by a huge plate glass window falling like a guillotine through their chest qualifies in my book. The story is ingeniously written and Whoopi Goldberg steals the show and won a well deserved Oscar for her role as a "psychic medium" in this classic tale of greed, betrayal, revenge and unbound love! I have the older edition and the transfer looks excellent.

Low Expectations, Great Impressions.......2007-02-21

I'm not sure why I never watched "Ghost" before until last night. For some reason, I didn't pay much heed to it when it was first released and never thought it was worth watching on TV. I'm glad I gave it a chance because this is a GOOD movie. What makes it good is its' skillful mixture of suspense, romance, comedy, and the supernatural. That would seem to be too much to tackle for one movie but we get it all in the right balance. I was drawn rather quickly into the movie and got to where I couldn't wait to see what was coming next. There were a few "convenient" capabilities that these ghosts had that were necessary for the story to work. I'm a rather pragmatic person but, by the time these things came up, I was so caught up in the story that I WANTED these things to be possible.

Obviously, the writer and director deserve accolades for their work and the actors do as well. I wanted to make note of the quality of acting because it was probably the cast that left me uninterested in watching "Ghost". I was prepared to be unimpressed in particular with Whoopie Goldberg so I want to confess that I thought her Best Supporting Actress Oscar was well-deserved. I figure that I was one of the last persons in America to see "Ghost" but if there are others of you out there who still haven't seen it, give it a look; it's well worth it.

Funny, Suspenseful, and Soooo Romantic.......2007-02-19

This definitely goes on my list of all-time-favorites. Demi Moore is beautiful as the grieving girlfriend, while Patrick Swayze projects the appropriate anger, sex appeal, and bafflement as the dead boyfriend, now a ghost. He badgers Whoopi Goldberg into helping him communicate with Demi.
Whoopi is funny! The scenes between the two lovers (before and after death) are quite touching and romantic. The action is dramatic and suspenseful as Swayze realizes who had him killed and that Moore is now in danger.
Great Movie!

Living with a lost loved one!.......2007-01-31

I thought this was a great love story, that I would love to have happen to me if I lost a love the way she did, don't get me wrong I would be so afraid a first,but I would adjust and be glad to have him back in any way that I can.

The 3 Stars Is Because I Am Extremely Skeptical About This Disc.......2006-12-26

I know it's a few months away (till this disc is released), but I have a lot of questions and skeptical thoughts surrounding this release. Didn't they already release this DVD a few years ago? What more could they add that the previous release didn't already have? Do they really think people are going to repurchase this film on DVD just for a couple of featurettes? For me, there better be a commentary by the actors (not the director & screenwriter...they already had their commentary). I'd like to hear Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, & Whoopi Goldberg sitting down watching this film and talking about the experience. I'd also like to see some deleted scenes and outtakes. I can't imagine the film was made without a couple of scenes excised (for pacing or otherwise). I'd also like to see some archival footage of awards shows (Golden Globes & Oscars...particularly Whoopi's acceptance speech and Bruce Joel Rubin's speech for Best Original Screenplay). Last but not least I'd also like to see every bad review written (and spoken) about this film compared with every good review (written & spoken) and see who was totally right and totally wrong (Eh hem...Siskel & Ebert...well, Ebert... Siskel's dead...can't fault him much...not posthumously anyway). Those would be reason to buy this film again on DVD. Not a couple of retrospective featurettes (most likely carried over from the previous release) and a commentary track from the director & screenwriter (also carried over from the previous release). That is not worth anyone's money or time. Paramount...are you listening? If you're not doing something along the lines of what I just described then scrap this project! It's the right thing to do!

Average customer rating:

Great Movie!
My father's all-time favorite!
All the elements of a great movie
A good movie for TV
Reviewing the movie, " Purgatory."

Purgatory
Starring: Sam Shepard , Eric Roberts , Randy Quaid , Peter Stormare , and Brad Rowe
Director: Uli Edel
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007OY2OO
Release Date: 2005-05-17

Amazon.com

Purgatory is a down-and-dirty Western with a twist The Twilight Zone's Rod Serling would have loved. A band of 19th-century desperadoes, led by the monstrous Blackjack Britton (Eric Roberts), takes a wrong turn while fleeing a posse and rides into an otherworldly, off-the-map town called Refuge. Sedate, almost repressed, and guarded by an unarmed sheriff (Sam Shepard), Refuge is a weird haven of hospitality with no jail, a literate shopkeeper (J.D. Souther), an erudite dandy of a doctor (Randy Quaid), a restless deputy (Donnie Wahlberg), and a beautiful young woman (Amelia Heinle) with no apparent family. In short order, Blackjack figures Refuge is his for the plundering. But the youngest of his gang, the innocent Sonny (Brad Rowe), slowly realizes the town's residents are, in fact, dead legends of the American West--Wild Bill Hickok (Shepard), Doc Holliday (Quaid), Jesse James (Souther), among others--spending a violence-free interim before being taken to Heaven (or Hell if they fail). A purely fun if slightly hokey piece of fanciful adventure, Purgatory's colorful cast plays the whole thing straight and gives this made-for-cable film (directed by Uli Edel of Last Exit to Brooklyn) some exciting, six-gun grit and emotional authenticity. --Tom Keogh

Description

Between somewhere and nowhere in the untamed West is the small town of Refuge. There, neither the sheriff nor his deputy carry a sidearm. There's no jail either, because shooting, carousing and bad blood are not in the town's character. What peaceful folks live there? Wild Bill Hickok. Doc Holliday. Jesse James. Billy the Kid. All long dead. All mysteriously given a chance to undo their violent pasts in Purgatory. All put to a stern test when Blackjack and his ornery gang ride into town.

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie!.......2007-09-12

If you like westerens you will like this one. It has a twist that keeps it interesting. You will watch it more than once.

My father's all-time favorite!.......2007-08-14

I bought this for my Dad when he was home undergoing radiation treatment for cancer...I think he watched it six times the first week!

It's one of his all-time FAVORITE movies. A morality-play western with a plot- what's not to like?

All the elements of a great movie.......2007-05-10

I must admit that I was pleasently surprised at the quailty of this movie, which features all the elements that make up a great movie. Starting with an interesting story line, great acting and action sequences, and a number of special moments wonderfully esentuated with moving music.

A good movie for TV.......2007-05-07

It would be hard for me to give this movie more than a three, since it is in the movie category and thus is competing with truly classic westerns such as, The Good the Bad and the Ugly. That being said, it is a good movie when you consider that it was made for TV. An entertaining western which has some great actors and an amusing plot. If I was to compare it to other TV movies, only, then I would say that it rated a strong 4.

Reviewing the movie, " Purgatory.".......2007-03-23

Interesting movie with a bit of Romance.., of course, as in most westerns, the heroes. Wild Bill Hickock, Doc Holiday, Jesse James, and of course, Billy the Kid. And of course the villian, Black Jack...
Very good movie. I've watched it several times already.

Thanks!

Average customer rating:

Good, but...
One Of The Best Films From A Broadway Musical
Carousel
Carousel gives you a catharis
Life is like a "carousel"

Carousel (50th Anniversary Edition)
Starring: Gordon MacRae , Shirley Jones , Cameron Mitchell , Barbara Ruick , and Claramae Turner
Director: Henry King
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000HT3PFG
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Amazon.com

Like its immediate predecessor, Oklahoma!, this 1956 screen musical boasted then state-of-the-art widescreen cinematography, stereophonic sound, a starring romantic duo with onscreen chemistry, and the Rodgers & Hammerstein imprimatur. Adding to its promise was a source (the venerable Ferenc Molnar play Liliom) that had already been filmed three times. Yet unlike the original Broadway production, and despite evident craft, Carousel proved a box-office disappointment. Why? Hindsight argues that '50s moviegoers may have been unprepared for its tragic narrative, the sometimes unsympathetic protagonist, and a spiritual subtext addressing life after death.

Whatever the obstacle, Carousel may well be a revelation to first-time viewers. The score is among the composers' most affecting, from the glorious instrumental "Carousel Waltz" to a succession of exquisite love songs ("If I Loved You"), a heart-rending secular hymn ("You'll Never Walk Alone"), and the expectant father's poignant reverie, "Soliloquy." Top-lined stars Shirley Jones (as factory worker Julie Jordan) and Gordon MacRae (as Billy Bigelow, the carnival barker who woos and weds her) achieve greater dramatic urgency here than in the more successful Oklahoma!, with MacRae in particular attaining a personal best as the conflicted Billy, whose anxiety and wounded pride after losing his job are crucial to the plot. It's Billy's impatience to support his new family that drives him to an ill-fated decision that transforms the fable into a ghost story. Adding to the luster are the coastal Maine locations where 20th Century Fox filmed principal photography. --Sam Sutherland

Description

Gordon MacRae is Billy Bigelow, a smooth-talking carny barker who falls in love with a millworker (Shirley Jones) on the colorful coast of Maine. Filmed on location, with a beautiful seaside setting as a backdrop and a thrilling score for accompaniment, their romance unfolds. But right before the birth of his daughter, Billy is killed while committing a robbery. Now in heaven, years later, he returns to earth for one day to attend his daughter's high school graduation and teach her one very important lesson.

Customer Reviews:

Good, but..........2007-08-23

The film had some wonderful performances, but they really softened it up from the stage version. They cleaned up some of the language, but the worst part is how they changed Billy's death from suicide to an accident. Totally changes the impact of his death. When he screams out "Julie!!" and then stabs himself on stage, it is truly hearbreaking. Regardless, the ending still gets to me.

One Of The Best Films From A Broadway Musical.......2007-07-21

CAROUSEL is one of the best of the many Broadway musicals made in to movies that came out in the 1950's and 1960's. Alas it is not one of the most successful or widely seen possibly because it opens with its weakest scene - Billy in some after life "polishing the stars". I almost gave up on the movie after seeing that both surreal and corny set despite having seen and loved the stage production but thankfully the rest of the movie is much much better. Though it has dark themes the movie is quite beautiful to look it with much of it filmed on location at the Maine coast with many colorful costumes and of course the songs are both memorable and well performed. Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae are perfect as Julie and Billy a couple who should have never gotten together romantically but tragically somehow did. Some have felt that the movie condones spousal abuse because Julie excuses Billy's violence toward her but I saw his hitting as just another example of his many character flaws and her acceptance a part of her dangerously sweet nature and the audience should be smart enough to connect the dots that this is a BAD way to behave. The other characters in the play are shocked by it and I believe we are supposed to be also. The movie is quite long and though well executed the long dance scenes don't play as well on film as they do in live theater and could have used some pruning. There is some comic relief from the well played Carrie and Enoch Snow and their eventual nine children and practical Cousin Nettie and slimy Jigger also add interest. The closing scene where Billy's spirit somehow forces Louise's spirit to listen to the wise words in the graduation speech is very moving. Wise words for us all to live by in that no one can change what their parents might be or have been and that instead of worrying about whether people like us we would do better worrying about liking people.

Carousel.......2007-06-25

The score's the thing in the bittersweet musical "Carousel," based on yet another Rodgers and Hammerstein play. Though on release the film's darker themes played less well with audiences than jauntier predecessor "Oklahoma," time has been kind to this picture. Once again MacRae and Jones make a winning, handsome couple, and their mellifluous voices do full justice to timeless classics like "If I Loved You" and "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Carousel gives you a catharis.......2007-05-13

This movie is full of joy and love and pain. It is the story of the life of a man who is a Carousel barker - a good one, too, but who doesn't know who to earn money any other way. He meets a sweet and independent, beautiful young woman, who works at a mill. They soon find themselves out of work, married and with a baby coming.

And it's about second chances. The Carousel barker gets a second chance to set things right after he dies trying to find a way to get money to support his family.

The movie is the origin of one of my favorite songs of all times - You'll Never Walk alone. "When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high, and don't be afraid of the dark. At the end of the storm is a golden sky and the sweet silver song of a lark...."

Life is like a "carousel".......2007-04-19

Ok, so some of the songs didn't hit the top 40, but the ballads don't belong there. . .they belong in your heart. Soft ballads sung by some of the most talented voices to hit the screen none other than Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones, together again in "Oklahoma." The story is simple: local girl falls for good for nothing carousel barker bum and sees only the good in him, whereas most folks just see the bad. Fine songs include, "You'll never walk alone", "If I loved you", "June is busting out all over", and the tremendous "Carousel anthem." The best thing about this musical are the scenic Maine lakes and coastal areas, plus the final musical splash number with excellent choreography. Soundtrack with deleted songs is additional plus!

Average customer rating:

Great, but a little depressing for a child's movie...
A luciously animated but unpleasant and inconsistent misfire from a fine animator.
GREAT SERIES of DVD... ALL Dogs...
Good but dark
So much more than a cartoon!

All Dogs Go to Heaven
Starring: Loni Anderson , Judith Barsi , Kelly Briley , Earleen Carey , and Dom DeLuise
Director: Bluth, Don , and Goldman, Gary
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: B000056H26
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Amazon.com

All Dogs Go To Heaven is a musical, animated exploration of the fundamental conflict between good and bad and of the notions of caring and friendship. While all dogs may be welcome in heaven, the open admission policy doesn't necessarily ensure that a dog is worthy of, or even ready to accept his heavenly blessing. When criminal dog Charlie Barker (Burt Reynolds) and his sidekick Itchy (Dom DeLuise) escape from the dog pound, it isn't long before they realize that former business partner-in-crime Carface (Vic Taybak) has turned against them. Carface puts a permanent end to the partnership by killing Charlie, but Charlie ascends to heaven only to spurn his promised life devoid of surprises and fight to return to a life of vengeance, danger, and adventure on earth. When Charlie realizes that Carface has been using the animal-talking talents of young orphan girl named Anne-Marie (Judith Barsi) to further the success of his gambling business, Charlie steals her away and starts his own lucrative business venture. Charlie and Anne-Marie begin to become friends, but Anne-Marie's strong sense of what is right conflicts with Charlie's complete lack of moral standards and puts their friendship at risk. Worse, Charlie's quest for revenge threatens his own life as well as the lives of his friends Anne-Marie and Itchy. (Ages 6 and older) --Tami Horiuchi

Description

Set in 1939 New Orleans, this colorful, song-filled story centers on Charles B. Barkin, a roguish German Shepherd with the charm of a con man and the heart of a marshmallow. Out for revenge against his double-crossing former partner, a cigar-chomping pit bull known as Carface, Charlie finds himself guardian to a lonely little orphan named Anne-Marie. Her astounding ability to talk to animals leads this unlikely pair on an adventure packed with thrills, laughs, tears and true love.

Customer Reviews:

Great, but a little depressing for a child's movie..........2007-08-05

I watched this movie as a little girl and really liked it. I remembered that it was a little sad, but I forgot how much as the years went by. i recently bought it for my daughter and decided to watch it again before she did, and I'm glad I did. It's a wonderful movie with a good message, but she's only 2 and I think I won't let her watch this until she's 5 or so. I'll also watch it with her and talk to her about it afterwards.

A luciously animated but unpleasant and inconsistent misfire from a fine animator........2007-05-17

Around the late 1970's, animator Don Bluth, frustrated with the output his company, Disney was churning, defected from the Mouse House to form his own studio. His first production, THE SECRET OF NIMH, was a brilliant feature that still holds up well to this day. This was followed by AN AMERICAN TAIL and THE LAND BEFORE TIME, both of which were made under the involvement of Steven Spielberg and were commercially successful. Although none of those two films had the dark adult appeal of NIMH, they still are very charming, enjoyable features for both children and grown-ups. But before long, Don Bluth had his first major misfire with ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN; critics were especially harsh on this film, and matters weren't helped by the fact that it opened alongside Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID.

Considering that the movie has such a friendly-sounding title, one would expect ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN to be pleasant family fare. Instead Bluth provides a surprisingly dark story involving gambling, deceit, crime, mistreatment, and murder. That itself is not a problem for an animated feature per say, but it does call into question over whether the film is for children. On the other hand, it's hard to say whether adults will find much to enjoy in ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN. In short, it's a movie with a major identity crisis.

Set in a dreary junkyard of New Orleans, the movie starts out when Charlie B. Barkin, a rough-and-tumble German shepherd, is run over by a car courtesy of his former gambling casino partner, a nasty, cigar-puffing pitbull, Carface. Before you know it, Charlie finds himself in heaven, albeit by default. Here a whippet angel, Annabelle, tells him that "all dogs go to heaven because unlike people, dogs are usually loyal and kind." This line represents the confused nature of the movie, since the dogs in the movie, the whippet aside, are presented as anything but.

Upon realizing that he's been murdered, Charlie steals his way back to Earth and plots to get even with Carface. With the reluctant help of his dachshund pal Itchy, Charlie "rescues" Carface's prize, AnneMarie, a human girl who can talk to animals (in order to predict who will win the rat races). Charlie claims that he will help the little cutie find her a family, but in reality he is using her skills to win fortunes at the race so that he can build a more elaborate casino of his own to bring Carface down. Although he refuses to admit it, Charlie does grow to love AnneMarie...

The concept of the story isn't as problematic as the execution. Aside from the human girl AnneMarie and a flamboyant musical alligator who appears about three-quarters through (with the vocal pipes of Ken Page), none of the other characters emerge as likeable, nor frankly, are even worth caring about. Unfortunately, that also applies to Charlie; in trying to make him an anti-hero, the script (composed by more than ten writers) only succeeds in rendering the character TOO unlovable. As such, the audience feels no empathy for Charlie, and worse, his redemption at the end of the movie does not come across as convincing. (Further damaging to the character is the disappointingly uncharismatic vocal performance from Burt Reynolds.)

Besides the lack of an endearing lead, the movie's other problem is in the structure of the story. The slowly-paced plot jumps all over the place and makes a habit of throwing in extra scenes which serve no purpose but to pad out the movie's running time. The aforementioned musical alligator (who resides in a danky sewer infested with native rats) seems to have been thrown in from nowhere, as does a scene where Charlie tries to show his generosity to AnneMarie by feeding a pack of pastel-colored pups pizza. The whole screenplay feels like a rough first draft; a bit more polish could have made this a tighter, impactful story.

Matters are not helped by the lackluster musical numbers by Charlie Strouse and T.J. Kuenster (AnneMarie's song and the gator's ballad are the only good ones; the latter in particular benefits from Ken Page's mellifluous vocal) or the uneven voice cast. As mentioned, Burt Reynolds' stiff and lifeless Charlie detracts from his already unlikeable character even further (the only exception is a fiery confession to Itchy about his true intentions toward the end). Dom DeLuise as Itchy is pretty good, but he's had better roles, notably Tiger in AN AMERICAN TAIL and Jeremy in THE SECRET OF NIMH. Ken Page, as mentioned, is awesome in anything he does, but his character has such a small part that his overall contribution is unremarkable at best. Similarly wasted are Loni Anderson (as a collie who once sired a litter with Charlie), Melba Moore, and Charles Nelson Reilly. Judith Barsi as AnneMarie is probably the only voice that comes across as truly memorable, partially because her character is the sole legitimately likeable one in this depressing and joyless show.

Barsi aside, the only real positive about ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN is the animation. Technically, this film has some of the most imaginative visuals from Bluth's team (by 1980's standards, that is), particularly a frightening scene where Charlie has a nightmare about ending up in a fiery underworld ruled by a gargantuan satanic canine-demon. If anything, the movie is more of a triumph of animation than storytelling.

On the whole, however, I cannot recommend ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN as good entertainment. Even though I recognize that the movie has its fans and the climax does admittingly provide some energy and a moving conclusion, the overall package is not in the same league as Bluth's better efforts. Animation buffs will marvel at the lush artistry, but by the time it's over, ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN could very well leave a bad taste in your mouth.

GREAT SERIES of DVD... ALL Dogs..........2007-03-13

Overall the DVD was good and very much appropriate for young children. However, after a couple of weeks it had fallen to the back of his preference list. We've not watched it in over a year now. I guess this isn't so different from any other DVD we have.

I would recommend this for young children. It does have quite a few concepts that are not appropriate, but are presented in a way that is way over the heads of children adn does have a few scenes that very concervative parents may term violent.

Good but dark.......2007-01-13

I first saw this movie when I was about 8 years old. Even though it was rated G there were several parts in this movie that scared the daylights out of me and gave thousands of nightmares for several years after I saw it the first time. This movies content has several impropriate content stuff in it for those under thirten. This includes contents of gambling drinking, lying, stealing, revenge, murder, kidnapping and other. I don't recomend leting any under thirteen watch this movie unless there supermature or super supervised. The two most intense parts in this movie were the dream seqeunce when the main characters a German shephard Charlie dreams he is pulled down into hell by a Tornado. The other part that scared me the most was when Charlie and Ann Merry are captured by these native mice and for reasons never explained are offered as scarfices to a Shamu size alligator. For those of you that have young sibglings under 13 the All dogs Christmas charol maybe the only all dogs movie they may be able to watch. You don't have to listen to what I say but I thought I'd just warm you so you might not have nigtmares until you are in your mid teens. I must go now have a nice day.

So much more than a cartoon!.......2006-12-22

As a child, there was no better cartoon than `All Dogs go to Heaven', since I was such a dog lover. As a child you watch a cartoon for the animation not for the story. As an adult though you tend to get more out of films like this because, while being a cartoon, `All Dogs go to Heaven' is so much more. With a moral that is so profound films of today tackle it over and over, this film succeeds mainly because we are given a timeless lesson in the most unlikely of places.

The story revolves around Charlie (voiced by Burt Reynolds) and his partner in crime Itchy (voiced by Dom DeLuise) who are murdered by crime lord Carface (voiced by Vic Taybak). After ascending to heaven only to return back to earth in order to live a life of crime, Charlie comes across Anne-Marie (voiced by Judith Barsi), a young girl who is being used by Carface to further his gambling efforts. At first stealing her away for his own selfish gain, Charlie begins to form a strong friendship with Anne-Marie that is soon compromised by not only his own morally corrupt tendencies, but also the growing dangers of Carface and his bloodlust towards Charlie.

Yes, as some have mentioned this cartoon borders on the dark overtones, but remember that the reason this is so `scary' if you should so call it is because as adults we can see the truth inside the sad story, but as children they will miss that entirely and will be absorbed in the animation and the `cute little puppies'...I guaranty it. I watched this almost everyday when I was a toddler...and I slept fine. It's only now that the story really haunts me.

Average customer rating:

BEATTY HAS NEVER BEEN MORE LIKABLE!
A classic.
One of my favorites
Beautiful Funny Movie...Great Grusin Score!
A love story that makes you think

Heaven Can Wait
Starring: Larry Block , Hamilton Camp , Frank Campanella , Dyan Cannon , and Julie Christie
Director: Buck Henry
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 6305495238
Release Date: 1999-07-27

Amazon.com essential video

A gung-ho and merciful angel (Buck Henry) pulls Joe Pendleton (Beatty), a football star, out of his body before his time, forcing the higher powers to come up with a substitute host. Joe settles on a vicious multimillionaire whose wife and partner are trying to kill him. Light, breezy, with not a mean bone in its body, Heaven is based on the 1941 film Here Comes Mr. Jordan. Beatty is wonderfully daft and innocent as Joe, Jack Warden is on top of his form as Joe's trainer Corky, and Julie Christie appears to be playing a diaphanous summer dress. Great comic relief is provided by Dyan Cannon, Charles Grodin, and the notion that the 1978 Los Angeles Rams could go to the Superbowl. --Keith Simanton

Customer Reviews:

BEATTY HAS NEVER BEEN MORE LIKABLE!.......2007-07-12

I recently watched this film after not seeing it for at least a decade. It is just one of those movies you can watch whenever it comes on. Beatty is likable as the football pro who dies before his time and Julie Christie looks as good and as sexy as ever! Jack Warden is always welcome in any film. It still holds up today as a very good romantic/comedy. I guess I'm going to have to revisit Shampoo now. ;-b

A classic. .......2007-05-01

Some films have that magical ability to cleanly entertain the viewer, and make us feel good. Some do not. This one does, in Spades. Sadly, this film also shows how good an actor Warren Beatty could have been if he had stayed away from politics and stuck to acting. Because this film really shines with an entertaining plot with a moral lesson, a touching love interest, superb acting by the entire cast, a touch of class, and yes, a touch of that magic that some films manage and some don't. Again, this one does.

I shan't bother to rehash the plot--others here do that very well. Suffice to say I think that almost anyone with a pulse will be touched by, and entertained by, this excellent film. Highly recommended.

One of my favorites.......2007-01-29

No matter how many years go by, no matter how many times I've seen this movie in both VHS and DVD, it remains one of my top 3 feel good movies of all time (along with Cousins and My Big Fat Greek Wedding). Excellent performances by all. The chemistry is special, and I'm a sucker for a real happy ending with a lesson. When I'm down, this is guaranteed to lift my spirit and make me smile.

Beautiful Funny Movie...Great Grusin Score!.......2006-12-14

After revisiting this Beatty masterpiece, I agree with everything in the other reviews. This is in my top 10 movies and definately number 1 or 2 in romantic comedies.

I must mention the musical score by Dave Grusin. Although Grusin has done tons of great stuff, for some reason the haunting melodies of Heaven Can Wait have always stuck with me through the years. Absolute perfection! I don't believe a soundtrack CD is available, but Grusin has revisited the themes from Heaven Can Wait on his "Cinemagic" (full orchestra) and "Now Playing" (solo piano) CD's. I highly recommend both.

Beatty hit a home run with this one...the writing, acting, directing and cast all perfect. The great soundtrack is just icing on the cake. Enjoy!

A love story that makes you think.......2006-07-12

The last scene when He says don't worry and She says so your the Quarter back is great, they say do I know you. You just have to wonder do we really have soul mates? A very special movie for couples in Love.

Average customer rating:

fine Ethel Waters vehicle with more stars than there were in the heavens to support her...
Cabin In The Sky
Excellent package of a piece of history
Historical Gem
Old Time Religion

Cabin in the Sky
Starring: Ethel Waters , Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson , Lena Horne , Louis Armstrong , and Rex Ingram
Director: Vincente Minnelli , and Busby Berkeley
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BNTMAA
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Amazon.com

The first film directed by Vincente Minnelli (who directed the original Broadway version), this musical offers its pleasures, but also may make you squirm at the racial stereotypes that were considered both acceptable and entertaining in 1943. A story of the struggle between good and evil for the soul of a man named Little Joe (Eddie "Rochester" Anderson), the film plays with the same kind of racial notions that made Stepin Fetchit a star. Still, there's much to recommend it, particularly performances by some of the greatest musical stars of the day: Lena Horne, Ethel Waters, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington, among others. The film also includes a terrific score, a combination effort by Ellington, Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke, and E.Y. Harburg that includes the song "Taking a Chance on Love." --Marshall Fine

Description

Hollywood's first all-black film since The Green Pastures tells the vibrant fable of rascally Little Joe, torn between the love of his good wife Petunia and the wiles of good-time bad girl Georgia Brown...and caught in a tug-of-war between emissaries from the Lord and Satan. How can virtue triumph over evil? Well, as Petunia says, "Sometimes when you fight the devil, you gotta jab him with his own pitchfork." Debuting movie director Vincente Minnelli (An American in Paris, Gigi) and stars Ethel Waters, Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, Lena Horne, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington are more than a match for the devil in this musical treasure. With a soundtrack of dazzling standards including Taking a Chance on Love and Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe, Cabin in the Sky is a joyous classic.

Customer Reviews:

fine Ethel Waters vehicle with more stars than there were in the heavens to support her..........2007-09-04

Cabin In The Sky was only the third or fourth film to be made with an all African American cast after "talkies" were introduced. MGM bought the film rights to the stage play of the same name and gave the project to first time director Vincente Minnelli. Wow, how wonderfully it all worked out!

The action begins with Little Joe Jackson (Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson) and his wife Petunia (Ethel Waters) going to church on a Sunday morning. Trouble is, the very religious Petunia worries that Little Joe won't make it to heaven because of his gambling problems. Although Joe goes into the church with Petunia, he soon sneaks out to meet up with his old gambling buddies. They remind Joe of his gambling debts to them; and they convince Joe to come with them and gamble just one more time at Club Paradise.

Well, at The Paradise Club Joe is mortally wounded in a shooting; and then the action REALLY begins. Back at home, Joe fights for his life; but there's also another struggle beginning. Lucifer, Jr. (Rex Ingram), the son of the Devil who wants Joe to go to hell for gambling, becomes entangled with The General (Kenneth Spencer), an agent of the Lord, who wants Joe to get into heaven. It is decided that Joe can live another six months so that they can determine where Joe will go--heaven or hell.

The Devil's agents throw the "temptation" of money and the remarkably attractive Georgia Brown (Lena Horne, seen here in her screen debut) at Joe to make him gamble and womanize as he cheats on Petunia. Meanwhile the agents of God stay equally close to Joe, coaching him all the way to help him stay the course and be a good man.

Will Joe manage to prove himself to the Lord that he is worthy of heaven--or will he be sent to hell for his sins? What happens between Petunia and Joe when Petunia sees Joe with Georgia Brown? How will the agents of both God and the Devil fight amongst themselves over which side gets Joe? No spoilers here, folks; you'll just have to watch the movie to find out.

The choreography couldn't be better; the dancing and the crowd scenes are extremely well done. The cinematography is equally good. The plot moves along at a good pace; and the musical performances by Ethel Waters stun me with her sensitive delivery of each ballad. Look for Ethel to sing "Taking A Chance On Love" and "Happiness Is Just A Thing Called Joe." Duke Ellington also happens to perform at The Paradise Club; they make awesome music! Louis Armstrong makes a brief cameo appearance as one of the devil's agents; his talent was completely wasted in this movie. Butterfly McQueen, who plays Lily, a friend of Petunia's, also gets a role much too small for her. Sigh.

The film has many talented actors and performers in it; but truthfully it belongs to Ethel Waters who gives a riveting performance as Petunia Jackson.

The DVD extras include commentary and audio outtakes with still photos while you listen to what was left out of the movie. You also get outtake footage of Lena Horne performing "Ain't It The Truth."

Cabin In The Sky remains a fantastic motion picture jammed full of remarkable talent from an all African American cast. The morality concept of the struggle between heaven and hell is somewhat dated; and the racial stereotypes that were considered "OK" when this movie was made are practically embarrasing.

Despite the flaw regarding racial stereotypes, I still highly recommend this film for fans of African American cinema because it is one of the first movies to have an all black cast. In addition, people who enjoy classic MGM musicals will love the numerous musical numbers in this film as well.

Enjoy!

Cabin In The Sky.......2007-08-26

So, what do you do when the cable goes out on a stormy night? Pop in the DVD of one of those old movies that has been sitting on your shelf for months, collecting dust and just waiting to be watched. A wonderfully done tale of a man's struggle to get on and stay on the straight and narrow while being tempted into the ways of the wicked and evil. Ethel Waters and Eddie "Rochester" Anderson are perfectly suited as Petunia and Little Joe, Rex Ingram is great (as always) in the role of Lucifer Jr. Lena Horne, stunningly beautiful but underused in her role as the temptress Georgia Brown.

An all Black cast, interesting dialogue, great performances - a really good film for its time.

Excellent package of a piece of history.......2007-08-26

The merits and weaknesses of this film are documented thoroughly - the merits include the legendary performers, a couple of superb Harold Arlen songs, stylish direction from Vincente Minnelli and great black and white photograpy; the weaknesses include a plot of painful piety and a rich display of black stereotypes; but this is the 21st Century and the preservation of this film is important, weaknesses included.

The DVD contains a superb print and a very good commentary which explores all the subtexts and the context of the film. The commentary correctly summarises the value of the film - preservation of the performers at their peak and a visual document reflecting a period in the evolution of the Afro-American. The commentary includes Lena Horne herself adding a few observations - invaluable. Only Drew Casper grates with his usual breathless repetitive delivery.

The DVD also contains a lengthy audio outake of Louis Armstrong which is great listening, an MGM short which contains Horne's version of "Ain't it the Truth" sung in a bubble bath (far too sexy for public consumption at that time) and the original theatrical trailer. This is an excellent package.

Historical Gem.......2007-05-07

Thank God this film has been saved as a historical reference for African-Americans in film. It is a treasure, a gem and a legacy.

Old Time Religion.......2007-04-09

This is a sweet and funny tale about the dangers of sin and the way of redemption.

Average customer rating:

Ingenious Plot!
Brad Pitt as the Devil!?
Fantastic film
Thoroughly enjoyable
Excellent movie for all

Meet Joe Black
Starring: Brad Pitt , Anthony Hopkins , Claire Forlani , Jake Weber , and Marcia Gay Harden
Director: Martin Brest
Manufacturer: Universal Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0783233477
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Amazon.com essential video

Meet Joe Black seemed almost fated to fail when it was released in 1998, but this romantic fantasy--a remake of 1934's Death Takes a Holiday--deserves a chance at life after box-office death. Although many moviegoers were turned off by director Martin Brest's overindulgent three-hour running time, those who gear into its deliberate pace will find that Meet Joe Black offers ample reward for your attention.