The World's Fastest Indian

Amazon.com

A movie that exudes affection and goodwill, The World's Fastest Indian is an unabashed mash note to a lovely character from New Zealand's recent past. Burt Munro, played by Anthony Hopkins, is a cantankerous Kiwi with an obsession: he's been tinkering with his 1920s-era Indian brand motorcycle for years, pushing it to ever-faster speeds. It's the 1960s, and Burt has the utterly mad idea of taking the bike to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, site of world records for speed racing. The movie takes a while to get to the journey--and then the journey takes a while--but the genial atmosphere prevails. (People of a certain age, for whom the word "Bonneville" evokes pleasant associations with hotrods and world-speed records, will not be disappointed in the film's location shooting, or its sense of awe.) Hopkins is not quite on-the-money casting for the jovial, happy-go-lucky Munro, and his accent wavers, but he nails the emotional scenes and the fascination with speed. Smaller bits are well-filled by Diane Ladd and Christopher Lawford (son of Peter), who looks uncannily of the era. New Zealand director Roger Donaldson doesn't take any chances here, but the story clearly means something to him, and that sense of commitment carries the film through its sleepier moments. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Burt Munro: An Amazing Man.......2007-09-05

This was an interesting story of an older guy traveling all the day from New Zealand to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah to try to set a world speed record on his motorcycle. With Anthony Hopkins playing that man, you know it's not some hokey little B-film. It's also based on real-life character who did this back in 1969.

This film reminded me of "The Straight Story," starring Richard Farnsworth. That dealt with an old man taking a long tractor ride across the state of Iowa to see his dying brother. It featured a bunch of nice characters he met along his journey. This is much the same as we witness Munro's encounters with a variety of people in the United States. Like "The Straight Story," all the people are good people and help our man. That's nice to see.

Once he finally gets to the Salt Flats, however, his problems are far from over as he is unable to meet any of the minimum safety standards. It appears he made his trip for nothing, but, you'll see what happens if you view this movie/

Once again, having no villains was very appealing to me. New Zealanders say Hopkins did them proud, too, and they would know if he did a good job or not playing a man from their area of the world, whether he sounded and acted realistically. They say he did.

I enjoyed the first 35 minutes of this story the most. Maybe because that's the most innocent part of the film and features a young boy who looks up to Bert and encourages him when few others are willing to do so.

It's when Munro reaches America where the "nice, clean family film" goes south a bit. He hooks up with transvestites, one-night stands, profanes here and there and the PC angle gets a little overplayed. However, despite those negatives that make America a little too weird, everything is done is a tasteful way and it still was a wonderful story. It has to be an inspiration for older folks who might think life's challenges are over once they hit a certain age. Not so, as Mr. Munro shows us in this inspiring, well-photographed film.

This certainly is quite an unknown movie for one which has such a famous actor in the starring role. It's well worth your time, though, to check out..

Worlds Fastest Indian.......2007-09-05

If you like non-fiction movies that tell stories that are larger than life, this is a movie for you. If you liked "Beautiful Mind", "Insider", "Sea Biscuit", "Appolo 13" and "Hurricane" "Tucker" etc. then you would appreciate this story. It's about the endeavor of a single man to achieve something that was apparently so out of reach from the other side of the world. Without giving away the story it tells of a man who comes from New Zealand to the US to achieve his life long goal. It describes his travels and the people he meets and shows the wonderful side of many of these people. The cynic in me waited for some "bad stuff" but it never happened. Hopkins does a fantastic acting job and makes his characters very naive approach to life very real. It is well directed. The real life characters endeavor resulted in a record that still stands today.

Excellent "feel good" movie for the family.

295 Kph On That??.......2007-09-02

I had never heard of the 1920 Indian Scout, (which was not exactly a sports bike, as it turns out). Knowing that the Scout was a pretty puny little machine of under 600cc, I can appreciate more fully Burt Munro's achievements in getting it to got like lightning.

"The World's Fastest Indian" is the story of Burt Munro's journey to the Bonneville Salt Flats in order to see just how fast his Indian would go. I have to admit some scepticism with respect to Anthony Hopkins playing Munro, being English and somewhat heavier than Munro's build. In the end, I thought Hopkins was a marvelous choice and once again he has shown us what a great actor he is.

The movie is a charming one, one that highlights the quirky nature of the main character, and his zest for life. Danger was what kept him young and he had nothing but contempt for those who would treat him like an old man. Munro's adventures through the USA, meeting all sorts of people along the way, are a story in themselves. Even the build up to the Bonneville runs is a nice story of people just being people.

This movie is one of 2007's surprises for me, as I had not expected it to be so good. I really enjoyed every part of this movie and really warmed to Hopkins' portrayal of Munro. If you are into a good human story, then this might be just the ticket.

Excellent Movie.......2007-08-28

Anthony Hopkins is at his best in this one. A fantastic movie and is based on a true story - remarkable.

Must have.......2007-08-15

Must have for any motorcycle enthusiast or any gear head!

Average customer rating:

Probably one of the worst movies that I've ever seen...
"Is it my imagination, or are you just going through the motions?"
A Classic on par with Casablanca
OK
1970's New York- AND L.A.

Annie Hall
Starring: Hy Anzell , Colleen Dewhurst , Shelley Duvall , Russell Horton , and Carol Kane
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: 6304907729
Release Date: 2000-05-30

Amazon.com essential video

Annie Hall is one of the truest, most bittersweet romances on film. In it, Allen plays a thinly disguised version of himself: Alvy Singer, a successful--if neurotic--television comedian living in Manhattan. Annie (the wholesomely luminous Dianne Keaton) is a Midwestern transplant who dabbles in photography and sings in small clubs. When the two meet, the sparks are immediate--if repressed. Alone in her apartment for the first time, Alvy and Annie navigate a minefield of self-conscious "is-this-person-someone-I'd-want-to-get-involved-with?" conversation. As they speak, subtitles flash their unspoken thoughts: the likes of "I'm not smart enough for him" and "I sound like a jerk." Despite all their caution, they connect, and we're swept up in the flush of their new romance. Allen's antic sensibility shines here in a series of flashbacks to Alvy's childhood, growing up, quite literally, under a rumbling roller coaster. His boisterous Jewish family's dinner table shares a split screen with the WASP-y Hall's tight-lipped holiday table, one Alvy has joined for the first time. His position as outsider is uncontestable he looks down the table and sizes up Annie's "Grammy Hall" as "a classic Jew-hater."

The relationship arcs, as does Annie's growing desire for independence. It quickly becomes clear that the two are on separate tracks, as what was once endearing becomes annoying. Annie Hall embraces Allen's central themes--his love affair with New York (and hatred of Los Angeles), how impossible relationships are, and his fear of death. But their balance is just right, the chemistry between Allen's worry-wart Alvy and Keaton's gangly, loopy Annie is one of the screen's best pairings. It couldn't be more engaging. --Susan Benson

Description

Considered to be "Woody Allen's breakthrough movie" (Time), Annie Hall won* four OscarsÂ(r), including Best Picture, and established Allen as the premier auteur filmmaker. Thought by many critics to be Allen's magnum opus, Annie Hall confirmed that he had, "completed the journey from comic to humorist, from comedy writer to wit [and] from inventive moviemaker to creative artist" (Saturday Review). Alvy Singer (Allen) is one of Manhattan's most brilliant comedians, but when it comes to romance, his delivery needs a little work. Introduced byhis best friend, Rob (Tony Roberts), Alvy falls in love with the ditzy but delightful nightclub singer, Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). When his own insecurities sabotage the affair, Annie is forced to leave Alvy for a new lifeand lover (Paul Simon)in Los Angeles. Knowing he may have lost Annie forever, Alvy's willing to go to any lengthseven driving L.A.'s freewaysto recapture the only thing that ever mattered'true love. *1977: Picture; Actress (Keaton); Director; Original Screenplay

Customer Reviews:

Probably one of the worst movies that I've ever seen..........2007-09-04

Personally I don't like any of the films that Woody Allen has starred in. The only good film by Woody, would have to have been "Match Point". I have read and critics have felt that this film is by far Woody's best, it isn't. Winning the best picture award is beyond me! The performances were shallow.

After seeing the movie I caught a glimpse of what Woody Allen's personality is really like. His character, Alvy Singer is expressed as an OCD freak, on top of that he's extremely creepy. Diane Keaton won an undeserved oscar for this role. Why? I dont know. It isn't that great, I have seen mostly postitive reviews, however there has got to be someone who agrees with me. It isn't that good, and it isn't worth watching. IT is absolutely boring, and on top of that it has no sense to it. Basically the movie is about a self-concious man named Alvy, he falls for a woman who is just like him, and the movie just focuses on their on/off romance. It is indeed very bizarre. By the end of the film, I was relieved because it was finally over. There was no humor, and whatever humor there was, it was mostly dry.

So please if you are looking for a romantic comedy, try "Sleepless In Seattle" or "Hitch", this isn't worth watching.

"Is it my imagination, or are you just going through the motions?" .......2007-08-19

Not many filmmakers have chronicled the ups and downs of relationships as well as Woody Allen. Watching "Annie Hall" is to see the director-screenwriter in top-form.

New Yorker Alvy Singer's (Allen) break-up with Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) leads him to reminisce about their time together. He wonders if his efforts to expand Annie's horizons really was a worthwhile endeavor. Did those books, foreign films, adult education classes, and therapy sessions really lead to anything or did they just hasten the end of his time with her?

"Annie Hall" is the one film Allen has made that audiences can most relate to. Anyone who has even been in a relationship can see the universal truths he relates through his characters. Watching Alvy fruitlessly try to intellectualize his feelings for Annie not only proves to be a fertile source of laughs but also puts forth the notion that happy endings in life are dishearteningly elusive. Rarely has romance and misery been portrayed on screen in such an entertaining and sobering manner as in "Annie Hall."

A Classic on par with Casablanca.......2007-08-13

I've only seen this movie 17 times, and I am still "peeling the onion one layer at a time" of this deceptively simple adult romance. Incredible blend of joy and pain and "laugh-out-loud" silliness. Will never forget the scene of Woody trying to recreate the shared intimacy of boiling lobsters with Annie with a new, clueless girlfriend.

OK.......2007-08-05

This movie is rated # 31 on Newsweek Magazine's "Best 100 movies of the last century". I am collecting these. I would place this Woody Allen classic at # 75

1970's New York- AND L.A........2007-07-29

Hey, haven't I already reviewed this movie. No, sorry that was Manhattan another in the line of very witty Woody Allen movies. But the point is this it is the same subject that Woody addressed there even though chronologically Annie Hall came first by a couple of years and received the lion's share of kudos and awards. As virtually always Allen is intent upon commenting on New York life and its intellectual trends and the ups and downs of relationships, mainly with women. Here he adds a flourish by contrasting old New York (in the 1970's) to up and coming California as the cultural mecca of the American empire. And, as should be the case, New York wins. Add to that the perennial issue of Woody's struggle with `interpersonal' relationships and his angst-driven desire to understand the modern world and you have a very fine social commentary of the times. Needless to say Woody's love interest Annie Hall (as played by his then paramour Diane Keaton) keeps him hopping. As does an ensemble cast that works well together as foils for his ironic and savage humor. The only surprise in revisiting this film recently is how well Keaton played her role as an up and coming torch singer. Of course, I have always been a sucker for torch singers but that is another matter. Some of the humor may seem dated and very 1970's New Yorkish. Some of Woody's mannerisms and use of sight gags may seem like old news. But this is a film to watch or re-watch if you have seen it before.

The Woody Allen Collection, Set 1 (Annie Hall/Manhattan/Sleeper/Bananas/Interiors/Stardust Memories/Love and Death/Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask)

Average customer rating:

The best Woody Allen collection
The Woody Allen Collection - 8 pack
not able to run them in European dvd-s
It doesn't get much better than this...
Excellent Collection with a reservation. See Below!

The Woody Allen Collection, Set 1 (Annie Hall/Manhattan/Sleeper/Bananas/Interiors/Stardust Memories/Love and Death/Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask)
Starring: Woody Allen , and Mia Farrow
Director: Woody Allen
Manufacturer: Tcfhe/MGM
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0792846052
Release Date: 2000-07-05

Amazon.com

Starting with 1971's Bananas, Woody Allen's second film as director, this set of eight movies includes all of Allen's work as a director up to 1980, when he wrestled with his own popularity in the Fellini-esque Stardust Memories, showcasing the distinctive arc of a filmmaker who moved from lighthearted movies to more serious fare that still remains breathtaking after 20 years. In between those two movies, there are wonderful trips of comedy, tragedy and romance to be had. Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex but Were Afraid to Ask is a hilarious set of vignettes based on the popular instructional manual, the most notable a segment featuring Gene Wilder's infatuation with a female sheep. The futuristic Sleeper and the underrated Love and Death showcase Allen at his funniest, especially the latter, which tackles the weighty subjects of Russian novels and Bergman films with adroit parody.

Allen's Oscar-winning Annie Hall is one of the most joyous (and melancholy) romances ever made, with a star-making turn by Diane Keaton and a witty screenplay (cowritten with Marshall Brickman) that remains one of Allen's best. Allen did a 180 with the Bergman-esque Interiors, a sometimes stilted drama that nonetheless presaged the dysfunctional-family drama of films like Ordinary People and featured outstanding performances by Geraldine Page and Mary Beth Hurt, as well as unparalleled cinematography by Gordon Willis. The last two films in the set--the romantic Manhattan and the acidic Stardust Memories--are both gorgeously shot in black and white and represent Allen at the peak of his creative powers, as he wrestles with the meaning of life in terms of both love and art, albeit from different perspectives. Indispensable to any film fan, this boxed set represents nothing less than a landmark of American cinema. --Mark Englehart

Description

Disc 1: ANNIE HALL Disc 2: EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SEX BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK Disc 3: INTERIORS Disc 4: LOVE AND DEATH Disc 5: MANHATTAN Disc 6: SLEEPER Disc 7: STARDUST MEMORIES Disc 8: BANANAS

Customer Reviews:

The best Woody Allen collection.......2007-03-19

Enjoyed Annie Hall again last night - Best Picture, 1977? My husband loved Bananas and all of the earlier movies.

The Woody Allen Collection - 8 pack.......2007-02-08

Great collection of early Woody Allen titles. Nicely presented in slip cover box. Great value for money. Can't wait to get started on them!

not able to run them in European dvd-s.......2007-01-23

Totally disappointed!!!
I love Woody Allen, love his films
BUT - dvd-s are coded for US market and are not possible to be viewed on our European dvd -s
total waste of money
you should have warned me on that

Barbara Kalas, architect from Croatia

It doesn't get much better than this..........2005-06-18

No one will doubt that Woody Allen is the only director who has consistently mastered the art of writing and directing intelligent, funny, unforgettable stories. These films are great examples of that. Fromk Annie Hall to Sleeper [I haven't viewed Stardust Memories yet], you will be completely satisfied with your purchase. Here's an overview of the films:

Annie Hall: Allem's best film, hands down. The story of a couple who meets in a New York tennis club. Allen plays Alvy Singer, a carbon copy of Allen's stereotypical self [neurotic, clumsy, "suave"], while Keaton, who gives a stunning performance, plays Annie Hall, a country girl from Wisconsin trying to find a life in New York. A great story about relationships. The last paragraph that Allen narrates is fabulous. Don't watch this film first, or you may not appreciate Allen's other work as much!

Bananas: On the sillier side, this film is about Fielding Mellish, another character based on himself. Mellish works for a large corporation. Testing products. If you are at all familiar with Allen, you already know that there is a witty scene coming up. Mellish travels to the small Latin American country of San Marcos to find something to do. He ends up becoming the communist dictator there, and that is all I will say.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* *But were afraid to ask: A great satire on the popular book. This is a series of seven small sex stories, varying from Gene Wilder's affair with a sheep to a giant, deadly mammary. Watch for Allen's coolest role as Fabrizio, the Italian.

Interiors: A stunning film [very serious] about a wealthy Long Island family that steers away from the mother. This film is beautifully shot, and it really pays a lot of attention to showing every aspect of every character. Tension builds quickly, and it stays until the end.

Love and Death: One of my personal top five Allen films. This one is about Napoleon trying to take over Russia. Allen plays Boris Grushenko, a Russian Catholic, who falls in love with his distant cousin, Sonja [Keaton]. This one is nonstop laughs, but only if you are familiar with the war and the works of Russian writers. It is still very funny otherwise, but not as deeply funny.

Manhattan: Similar to Annie Hall, but a little different. Allen plays Isaac Davis, who falls in love with a seventeen year old [Mariel Hemingway], and also with Mary [Keaton], an overly pretentious New Yorker at the same time. This story is again about relationship, but this one is extreme. Shot in black and white, and accompanied by a George Gershwin soundtrack, many Allen fans consider this film his love letter to New York City. It is also considered his best by many people. I think he has made better, but this is a stunning film.

Sleeper: Sleeper is 'Love and Death' set in the future. A great film about Allen, who is frozen in 1973, and defrosted 200 years later. Great jokes, chase scenes, and more. In one scene, Diane Keaton and a leader of a revolutionist underground organization re-create scenes from his childhood. Another joke about the NRA. Sleeper is probably the best film to see if one wants a good introduction to Allen's style.

All in all, this collection is a must-own. Also, at less than ten dollars per DVD, no fan should pass this up. Separately, they cost more. Buy this today and you will be granted a good taste in motion pictures!

Excellent Collection with a reservation. See Below!.......2005-04-30

This collection of Woody Allen written and directed movies is well chosen in that it begins with his second writer / director effort and includes all eight in a row from that point on. The included films are:

Bananas
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex but Were Afraid to Ask
Sleeper
Love and Death
Annie Hall
Interiors
Manhattan
Stardust Memories

This selection is great for a complete Woody Allen fan, but it has some drawbacks to people who are entertained by his comedies, but find nothing of interest in his other movies. And, there is no more `other movies' film than `Interiors', which has not a single joke, gag, laugh, or snicker. That is not to mean it is not pure Woody, as all of his most popular themes such as sex, death, creative freeze-up, parents, and relationships between partners.

`Stardust Memories' is also an `other movie', however, it is on more familiar ground as a parody with jokes. If fact, one can say that the object of parody in `Stardust Memories' is the earlier seven movies and Allen himself.

The one other movie worth noting in this context is `Love and Death'. Amazon's published review of the collection describes this movie as underrated. I think it is more accurate to say that it is much less well known, almost totally overshadowed by the earlier comedies and the great success of `Annie Hall'. In fact, I am almost inclined to guess that some of the changes toward more serious characters and plot may have come as a result of critical ennui with `Love and Death', even though these are by far two of Allen's most pregnant topics. I believe it is not `Love and Death' but `Stardust Memories' which is underrated.

For Allen fans and wannabe Allen fans, this is a great collection. For people who just happen to like his funny movies, do the math to see if the discounted price for the collection means you are getting `Interiors' and maybe `Love and Death' for free. Personally, I feel there are no losers in this collection, but that's me. I just don't know why they didn't bother to start with the first movie, `Take the Money and Run', since it is distributed by MGM, just like all the others.

Average customer rating:

Great gift item
Great DVD!
TRES CHARMANT!
Do you want to move to France?
A Delight in Provence

A Year in Provence
Starring: John Thaw , Lindsay Duncan , Jean-Pierre Delage , Jo Doumerg , and Marcel Champel
Director: David Tucker
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005NKCN
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Amazon.com

A Year in Provence, the made-for-TV version of the bestselling book by Peter Mayle, captures a year in the lives of Brits Mayle (John Thaw) and his wife Annie (Lindsay Duncan) in southern France. The Mayles both revel in and endure what for most would be a fantasy experience: leaving dull jobs, acquiring an old farmhouse in Provence, and (for Peter) attempting to write a novel in the midst of bucolic countryside, gourmet food and drink, and interesting people. With an Agatha Christie-meets-To the Manor Born sensibility, the Mayles brave mistral winds, truffle season and the Mafia that surrounds it, exasperating neighbors, constant summer guests, an attempt at old-fashioned winemaking, and a Father Christmas drama--all while trying to renovate their kitchen.

This is not an in-depth look at expatriate living; rather, Mayle gives us a pastiche of the comedic situations he and his wife find themselves in. Some viewers may yearn for more shots of the scenic locations and a more serious treatment of Provençal culture, but most will find this a whimsical adventure and an entertaining slice of fantasy meets reality. --Stefanie Durbin

Customer Reviews:

Great gift item.......2007-06-14

My Sister loved Peter Mahle's books so I got her the DVD moive they made of it. She was very pleased!

Great DVD!.......2007-06-12

My wife and I watched both DVDs in the set this weekend. It was great! Very funny and very interesting. It should be required viewing for anyone considering moving overseas, regardless of the country. Your move will be what you make of it and how much work you're willing to do to try and "fit in". The Mayle's did their best to learn the language and culture, to make friends, to attend and have parties, etc. They also learned what true friendship is all about along the way, and that patience truly is a virture. The story about the "big house" and the rooster will floor you!

TRES CHARMANT!.......2007-04-07

This DVD is loosely based on Peter Mayle's books starting with "A Year in Provence". I have read some of his books and it was interesting to compare the characters and the stories. It seems that the characters in the DVD are somewhat exaggerated and many of the stories do not even derive from Peter Mayle's books. I also noticed that for some reason, Peter Mayle wife's name was changed. I loved seeing the Provencal scenery. I have visited this beautiful region and it's intoxicating. Although this DVD is in English, I felt that there were too many instances where certain characters would only speak in French (with no subtitles) leaving the viewer wondering what exactly they were saying. Although I know some French, I was lost once they started speaking fast. But regardless, it's very entertaining and a great value purchased on Amazon.

Do you want to move to France?.......2007-03-09

I bought this without ever having heard of it before. I really love some of the older British series, like All Creatures Great and Small, and The Irish R.M., so I thought I would try this one. It was worth it. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to move to another country, without being able to speak the language very well, this will give you a little insight. The show is slower paced, which doesn't appeal to everyone; but it has some good comedy at times, and made me wish I lived in a less hectic world like in this show. One of the best things I liked about it was how you could understand the basics of what a person was saying in French, without understanding a word of it. Sometimes some basic words would be said in English by the English actors, other times it was a matter of figuring it out. This is a great program to watch when you just want to sit and relax for a little while. It is divided into 30 minute segments, one for each month of the year.

A Delight in Provence.......2007-03-08

Except for the title and the two main characters, A Year in Provence is nothing like the book. But put that aside and take it for what it is, a delightful look at adopting a place and its people. It's a story that makes you laugh at the different and sometimes smelly people in this small town. And it will touch you when they open their hearts to the Brits. The hacking in combining the French & English languages is truely outrageous, and make sure you listen to the way the Parisian pronounce the word house. Salute & enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Burt Munro: An Amazing Man
Worlds Fastest Indian
295 Kph On That??
Excellent Movie
Must have

The World's Fastest Indian [HD DVD]
Starring: Anthony Hopkins , Iain Rea , Tessa Mitchell , Aaron Murphy (II) , and Tim Shadbolt
Director: Roger Donaldson
Manufacturer: Magnolia
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000MX7V4I
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Amazon.com

Description

Academy AwardÂ® winner, Anthony Hopkins stars as Burt Munro, a man who never let the dreams of youth fade.

In the late 1960's, after a lifetime of perfecting his classic INDIAN MOTORCYCLE, Burt sets off from the bottom of the world, Invercargill, New Zealand, to clock his bike at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. With all odds against him, Burt puts his irrepressible kiwi spirit to the test, braving the new world on a shoestring budget. Burt's quest culminates in an unlikely conclusion and remains legendary within the motorcycle community to this day.

Special Features*: BONUS FILM: The original Documentary (1971): "Offerings to the God of Speed" featuring historical footage of the real Burt Munro (Also directed by Roger Donaldson); Southland: Burt's Hometown of Invercargill; The Making of "The World's Fastest Indian", Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Roger Donaldson; Deleted Scenes

Customer Reviews:

Burt Munro: An Amazing Man.......2007-09-05

Worlds Fastest Indian.......2007-09-05

295 Kph On That??.......2007-09-02

Excellent Movie.......2007-08-28

Anthony Hopkins is at his best in this one. A fantastic movie and is based on a true story - remarkable.

Must have.......2007-08-15

Must have for any motorcycle enthusiast or any gear head!

Average customer rating:

Probably one of the worst movies that I've ever seen...
"Is it my imagination, or are you just going through the motions?"
A Classic on par with Casablanca
OK
1970's New York- AND L.A.

Annie Hall
Starring: Hy Anzell , Colleen Dewhurst , Shelley Duvall , Russell Horton , and Carol Kane
Manufacturer: Baker & Taylor Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: VHS Tape

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Dewhurst, Colleen | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

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Kane, Carol | ( K ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

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ASIN: 6301963911
Release Date: 2000-07-05

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Probably one of the worst movies that I've ever seen..........2007-09-04

"Is it my imagination, or are you just going through the motions?" .......2007-08-19

A Classic on par with Casablanca.......2007-08-13

OK.......2007-08-05

This movie is rated # 31 on Newsweek Magazine's "Best 100 movies of the last century". I am collecting these. I would place this Woody Allen classic at # 75

1970's New York- AND L.A........2007-07-29

Average customer rating:

Don't go in the damn Closet!
so awesome.
Monster In The Closet
Wonderful Campy Horror Movie
Quick! Grab The Xylophone And The Kazoo!

Monster in the Closet
Starring: Donald Grant , Denise DuBarry , Claude Akins , Howard Duff , and Henry Gibson
Director: Bob Dahlin
Manufacturer: TROMA ENTERTAINMENT INC.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000009RBL
Release Date: 1998-11-10

Description

Claude Akins John Carradine Jesse White and Stella Stevens headline this humorous and skillful parody of 50's horror films. The monster (Kevin Peter Hall) hides out in closets and waits for victims to unsuspectingly grab a shirt or slacks before he reduces them to dead meat. After several closet deaths, a writer (Donald Grant) sent to cover the story soon teams up with a science teacher (Denise DuBarry) and her son, a super-smart child prodigy, and they set out to solve the murders. The plot thickens when the gruff, brash Gen. Turnbull (Donald Moffat) enters the picture. It seems the monster is bullet-proof, laser-proof and bomb-proof -- a challenge to capture, kill, or subdue. This 80's horror hit classic offers fun for all as America joins together to battle the monster in the closet. This DVD comes fully loaded with the premiere episode of the Toxic Crusaders TV show, production stills, an episode of Troma's Edge TV and the first ever tour of Troma studios.

Customer Reviews:

Don't go in the damn Closet!.......2007-08-30

This movie rocks. If you like cheese and monsters that look like poop, this one's for you. It has a good cast and a lot of laughs. The monster is one of the slowest moving monsters in cinema history, but everyone insists that it's going to kill all of mankind. The xylophone scene is classic. If you're looking for gore look elsewhere, but if you like cheesy 80's movies, you won't be diappointed. It is PG Troma at its very best.

so awesome........2007-03-11

as far as b-movies go, this one is an instant classic. The monster alone is too funny. If you are a collector or enjoy cheesy horror/sci fi nonsense you should pick this one up. Not incredibly violent, but very ridiculous.

Monster In The Closet.......2006-02-26

This is a hilarious low-tech movie that most people can enjoy. It is not overdone with loud unrealistic Special Effects that destroy the pleasure of current horror flicks. The movie is done in a straight-up CAMPY style, even the faint of heart will be won over. When I reflect on some of the scenes I still burst out with laughter!

Wonderful Campy Horror Movie.......2004-10-18

Let me first start off by saying this...do not see this movie if you are expecting a serious, epic horror film. It's not that at all. But for fans of campy movies such as those old monster movies, then you will love this! Also, Stacy Ferguson (Fergie, from Black Eyed Peas) has a short little part in the movie, she's in like the first scene. It's kind of weird seeing her so young, since I never watched Kids Incorporated. But, all in all, a good movie for campy horror film fans!

Quick! Grab The Xylophone And The Kazoo!.......2004-07-12

This rare film, made with lots of personal sacrifice from the cast and crew, is well worth the effort to seek out. "Monster In The Closet" is a satire of formulaic monster movies, and is done with great wit and charm on a low budget. The story concerns a mysterious set of serial murders in which all victims are killed in their closets. Early victims include the horror movie institution, John Carradine, this time as a cranky blind man who gets eaten.

A spittoon-toting Sheriff (Claude Akins) tries to defeat the monster while ignoring scientific counsel from scientists Denise Dubarry and Henry Gibson. Gibson is particularly entertaining as a half-baked forgetful professor who thinks he can communicate with the creature via a xylophone (he can, as it turns out, not that it does him any good), and is forever prattling on about a frog he once found. The male lead is Donald Grant, who does a great job as the naive 'Pretty Boy' reporter sent to cover the story as harassment by veteran reporter "Scoop" played by Frank Ashmore. I have never been as pleased in a movie as when Grant stands up to Ashmore.

When the creature finally does show up it is a gross looking kind of excrement monster with a second sub-head in a spoof of "Alien", which actually can be communicated with. In the end not only does Gibson get to chat with the creature via the xylophone, but Grant gets to chat via kazoo, as well. The Army seems powerless to do anything, a romance subplot flourishes, and we get to what would seem to be the climactic scene of the film. There is a great twist in the last 15 minutes, which I did not see coming, and probably most other people won't either. Suffice it to say, it is silly, involves a lot of property mutilation that I would not want to explain to my Homeowner's policy issuer, love, self-sacrifice (sort of), and hope springing eternal. (And ultimately a lot of expensive remodeling.)

The film is a great, cheesy, fun movie to watch (best with friends) and I highly recommend it. Troma distributes it, but did not produce it, so it is not typical Troma fare. It is not particularly violent (except the scenes of violent closet disruption and some Army efforts at the grade school) or gory (well, OK, the monster mouth is pretty nasty), has little objectionable except one fairly gratuitous scene of Stella Stevens in an excellent "Psycho" parody, and is just plain fun.

Description

The Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary, directed by Maximilian Schell. After years of public silence, the legendary Marlene Dietrich personality selected Schell to make an interview film about her. "Marlene" is no standard movie star documentary. It is a mystery story, a discourse on truth and fiction, a battle with a sacred monster, a caustic comedy of errors, and the story of the making of a film, all rolled into one.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Documentary.......2005-09-09

Marlene Dietrich was a recluse in her later years. According to her daughter's memoirs, she spent most of her time withering her famous legs away in bed, not leaving for days and weeks at a time. It is amazing that she let Maximillian Schell into her home to interview her for a documentary, even if she did not allow him to film her. She knew she was being difficult, but she also felt she was doing him a favor.

Faced with a difficult predicament, Schell artistically filmed a recreated home filled with Dietrich memorabilia, look-alikes, and footage from Dietrich movies. It does not go in sequence; when Schell tells Dietrich this in the movie, she seems pleased. The ending is insane and well edited. Everything blurs together and sort of serves as an outlet for Schell's frustrations during creating the documentary, I'm sure.

Half of the interviews were conducted in German and half were done in English, so one must read subtitles unless one speaks both languages. It is nice to hear Marlene speak in her native tongue; she often says "quatsch," or "nonsense" in German. She is stubborn and opinionated, sometimes contradicts herself, but is always interesting. She speaks against feminism, being critical of her, and anything kitschy.

Dietrich did not want the film released when she saw it. She thought it made her look bad and tarnished her legend. In fact, it made me love her more. Dietrich is not a sugary sweet figure and never has been. This documentary emphasizes that point. She was insanely stubborn and opinionated, often comically and always respectably. However, the finale of the film shows Dietrich in her last film singing "Just a Gigolo" quite emotionally. Then she recites a sad poem along with Schell and breaks down in the middle of it. It is obvious that Marlene Dietrich was not the hard-as-nails figure she always wanted herself to appear to be; she had a heart. It is revealed in this film.

If you like Marlene - you must have this documentary.......2003-08-09

A very special documentary made by actor/director Maximilian Schell. Marlene herself didn't agree to let her be filmed so you only hear her voice taped in her apartment in Paris. Doesn't matter. Hear when she sings and tells, hear her anger when Maximilian insist on filming her or want her to look at her films, hear her gently, sentimentally crying over her "Heimat" Berlin. And see for your self how Schell have succeded to make a great motion picture without beeing able to photograph the leading lady. Nominated for Academy Award.

Scheen!!!.......2002-04-17

It's a really nice film and if you like it, you have to see the german film called "Marlene". ... Marlene is played by Katja Flint. Of course it's all in german, but you can understand all, even if you can't speak one word! ...

Scheen!!!.......2002-04-17

It's a really nice film and if you like it, you have to see the german film called "Marlene". It`s only to get at amazon.de! Marlene is played by Katja Flint. Of course it's all in german, but you can understand all, even if you can't speak one word...

The Lowdown on Maria Magdalene von Losch.......2001-05-17

It's illustrative of Marlene Dietrich's clout that nearly all English speakers pronounce her name more or less correctly. (OK, so my own father did not: he made it rhyme with "Darlene," but I suspect he was in the minority.) As a former German teacher myself, this fact has some significance to me. I used to struggle to teach my students that a final "e" in German was nearly always pronounced as a "schwa" sound (an unemphasized "uh"). Somehow though, even people who knew how to pronounce "danke," "bitte," "Rilke" and even "Goethe" would still seem to remain puzzled by an orthography that is actually more consistent than our own.

When you're a true star, though, you get to insist on people pronouncing your name right. In that Marlene had a (shapely) leg up on such other prominent German performers as Elke Sommer, Lotte Lenya or Ute Lemper. You also get to pull stunts like agreeing to allow someone to do a documentary on your life and work (that "someone" being Maximilian Schell) and then utterly refusing to let him put you on camera. Or for that matter, to let his crew film ANYTHING in your apartment.

Well, if life hands you a lemon, you make lemonade, right? And so Maximilian Schell wound up making a documentary less about Marlene Dietrich than about the near impossibility of making a documentary with a cantakerously uncooperative subject.

Schell ends up reconstructing Dietrich's Paris digs in the studio. Her taped interviews are played over scenes from her films, from performance clips and from shots from various newsreels. The effect is haunting. The viewer shares Schell's exasperation with his temperamental subject. Is it possible to ever truly fathom this woman's character? It's more than a matter of a former beauty refusing to be photographed: she refuses to let herself be truly known at all. Any penetrating question or observation is dismissed as "Quatsch" (nonsense). Her life, her films, her status as a cultural icon--none of that interests her anymore, or so she claims. Ostensibly, the reclusive screen legend is more accessible than a Garbo, say, who would never even allow herself to be interviewed. But in her steadfast refusal to reveal herself in any significant way, she remains as remote and impenetrable as Garbo ever was. Maybe more so.

I watched this film recently, right after viewing the documentary "Nico Icon"--about another enigmatic German-born singer-actress. It made for a fascinating double bill. Nico, of course, was of a different, more jaded era, but she was once labeled "another cooler Dietrich for another cooler generation." Of course, the Andy Warhol "Superstar" (always meant as an ironic appellation anyway) never actually achieved the level of fame that her countrywoman did in her time. The younger woman, in fact, totally lacked the drive and ambition that Dietrich possessed in spades. Ironic then, that both ended up (pretty much at the same time in history) as recluses in Paris. Of course the Hollywood star lived there in splendor, while the former "Superstar," now a junkie, lived in absolute squalor. Both women withdrew into the shadows, while living in the City of Lights. The difference, of course, is that Dietrich could afford to pay her electric bill. Perhaps the one image that best sums up the difference between these two iconic German women--and, to some extent, the generations that they came to represent--is the stock footage of bombed out Berlin that is used in both films. For Dietrich it represents the world she was fortunate enough to be able to leave behind: for Nico, it was the world in which she grew up. (Both "Marlene" and "Nico Icon" are available on DVD and are highly recommended.)

Average customer rating:

OK if you don't mind old single-disc versions of the films

Academy Awards Best Picture Collection, Vol. 2

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Genres | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
ASIN: B000RKPSR8
Release Date: 2007-07-03

Amazon.com

This DVD collection contains six Academy Award-winners for Best Picture, including: Platoon, Rocky, The Silence of the Lambs, West Side Story, Annie Hall, and Midnight Cowboy.

Customer Reviews:

OK if you don't mind old single-disc versions of the films.......2007-08-31

If all you are interested in is collecting the films with no extras then this pack may be for you. It has value as long as the fifty-percent discount holds. However, realize that most of these films are not only single disc editions of films that are available in double-disc editions, they are also very old editions of these films. It seems to be an attempt to eliminate the overstock of the older editions that MGM/UA may be stuck with. The following is a film-by-film run-down on what you are getting and what you are missing:

West Side Story (1961)
What you get - This is the single-disc fullscreen edition. Why anyone would want to watch this film in fullscreen is beyond me.
What's available - There is a double-disc widescreen edition available as of 2003. The second disc has a 1-hour retrospective documentary containing Natalie Wood's original vocal recordings and interviews with the cast and crew, including Robert Wise and Stephen Sondheim, original film intermission music, restored and remixed in 5.1 surround, storyboard-to-film comparison, original release trailers and behind-the-scenes photos, plus production design and storyboard galleries. There is a collectible scrapbook that comes with the newer edition.

Midnight Cowboy (1969)
What you get - You get the single-disc widescreen version released in 2000.
What's available - There is a double-disc version that was released in 2006. The newer edition includes audio commentary by producer Jerome Hellman, three featurettes, and a photo gallery.

Rocky (1976)
What you get - You get the single-disc widescreen version released in 2005. This edition had some extras, but they are carried over into the current 2006 edition.
What's available - In 2006 a 2-disc edition was released along with multiple commentary tracks, a three-part documentary, and five featurettes that can only be found in the 2006 version.

Annie Hall (1977)
What you get - This is a single-disc widescreen 2000 version of the film, and there have been no updates that I am aware of. Woody Allen's films usually come without extra features, and this one is no exception.

Platoon (1986)
What you get - You are getting the single-disc widescreen special edition released in 2001. The extras on this special edition include commentary by director Oliver Stone and a documentary entitled. "Tour of the Inferno".
What's available - There is a double-disc widescreen edition available that was released in 2006 that is a 20th anniversary edition. The features from the 2001 release are carried over into this one plus there are new interviews with Stone, plus there are four new documentaries and a new featurette and an eight-page journal pamphlet included.

Silence of the Lambs (1991)
What you get - Here you get the 2007 double-disc edition, which is the latest and greatest made.

The films themselves are all excellent - I really like all of them. I just think if a studio is going to put together a best picture pack they should include the latest and best releases they have available, and this bundle doesn't do that. Thus my three-star rating.

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