The Truman Show (Special Collector's Edition)

Amazon.com essential video

The whole world is watching--literally--every time Truman Burbank makes the slightest move. Unbeknownst to him, in this hauntingly funny film by Peter Weir, his entire life has been an unending soap opera for consumption by the rest of the world. And everyone he knows--including his mother, his wife, and his best friend--is really an actor, paid to be part of his life. In this intriguing and surprisingly touching 1998 film, writer Andrew Niccol imagines an ultimate kind of celebrity, then sees it brought to life with comic intensity and emotional honesty by Jim Carrey in what may be the performance of his career. Carrey has exceptional support from Laura Linney and Ed Harris, but it's his show, in a portrayal that demonstrates just what kind of range Carrey is capable of. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

Inspired by the Video Age.......2007-09-16

The Truman show is a 24/7 TV show, starring Truman. Problem is he does not know it. He was adopted by a TV producer from about 1 or 2 months of age, and from that time they created a town in a bubble and aired his "artificial" life as a TV show. There are those on the outside who think it is unethical and attempt to get inside and warn Truman. Excellent concept. Excellent story. You develop a fondness for Truman, and want to see him come to reality. This is the first performance by Jim Carey that was Oscar worthy.

The Ultimate Comic Tale.......2007-08-10

The Truman Show became Peter Weir's sixth project in the States and could be arguably, his greatest work since the beginning of his career. Working alongside New Zealander Andrew Niccol, this appealing, likeable and self-panning satire just occured, prior to the big boom of reality television. The title, The Truman Show is known as a play-on-words, since it is supposed to be poking fun and putting him in deep scrunity at the same time. His name, Truman Burbank is a pun. Truman really is an apprevation of True Man and Burbank is the name of the famous Warner Bros studio lot, hence the town in the studio he lives in.

Truman Burbank is an ordinary man, unaware of his existance twenty-four hours a day on an American television channel, broadcast around the world on a so-called inhabitated island called Seahaven enclosed in a studio complex. Burbank slowly unveils the truth of life on the island when a camera falls from the sky.......

The Truman Show was a strange project for Jim Carrey, but one that suits his physical crazy-man style of comedy, so many favours. You can understand why Carrey took a part like this which relates to his personality through little clues more than anything else he has done. His performance as Truman Burbank reveals him to be a man who experiences restrictment from the time he was very young in many forms seen so vividly. Carrey makes him invisiable and skeptical. Laura Linney is brillant as his commerical engrossive all-50s American housewife. Noah Emmerich protrays his best friend, Marlon, who reministic of their childhood memories and his obbession to keep him safe always, don't prove to the answers nor the person, Burbank thinks he is looking to up and should trust. Christof, the rarely seen reclusive creator comes across as a distinct loner, prone to angry stares and shows a lack of humour. Also, note how the personalities on screen, are just minicks of the real people, who couldn't care less about the main attraction.

Peter Weir's direction shows the view of the world; the sudden close-ups; the cheesy humour and repetitive behaviour as well making Christof's studio seem fascinating, but very domineering and grey. The editing work gives an appropriate parrallell life towards Truman's eyes and the world in which Christof lives in as well which emphasises the main themes of lonliness, reclusion, the media's intrepretion and self-esteem.

The Truman Show is a candid look at an over exaggerated idea, that people know "could" never prosper, but with the things that reality television is capable of doing like trapping people in a forest or house, we may never know what the risks they are more than willing to achieve for audience interest.

Great metaphor for religion.......2007-07-28

The Truman show was filmed in beautiful Seaside, Florida. Great place to visit if you get a chance.

The movie is a pretty obvious metaphor for religion. A lot of people live their lives believing that their version of "God" created them, and in a sense watches over their lives the way Christoph (coincidence about the controlling character's name? I think not) does Truman's life.

Truman realizes something ain't right several times. In the end, he stands at a door cleverly hidden in what he has always thought is his reality. The door is marked "Exit".

The message is that it's OK to exit your religion. You can still believe in "God" in your own way, but there's a complete reality waiting for you that isn't defined by your life long religious belief.

It's up to Truman (and you) whether to continue in the relatively safe, but maybe fake reality, or find a true reality outside of "The Truman show" or religion.

I suspect "hell" doesn't lie at the other side of that exit door.

The Story Of A Lifetime.......2007-06-03

Jim Carrey wanted to prove,like Robin Williams,that he could do drama just as well as comedy. Well he did it in a big way.

How funny is it that this film almost shows what the stars of Hollywood go through? Carrey was wonderful as the lead character Truman,showing the world he can do both comedy and drama.

I'm still pissed off the that Oscars didn't even give him an nomination he deserved. Another great proformance in the film was by Ed Harris as the creator of the show, showcasing Truman's life 24/7.

This is probably my all-time favourite proformances by Carrey (note I haven't seen Spotless Mind yet) and I recommand it to anyone who's a fan of the actor and of the gerne.

True Man Show.......2007-05-02

The Truman Show (1998) directed by Peter Weir is a story of an ordinary man who does not know that he is a star of a long running show that started on the day he was born and depicts every smallest detail of his life in a picture perfect small town of Seahaven for all world to see. Everything and everybody around him is not real, including his family, his friends, his job, and the whole world that seems so friendly and familiar. The ultimate irony is in his name - he is the only TRUE man among the actors.

Jim Carrey's performance is a revelation and it is still a mystery for me why he was overlooked by the Academy of Motion Pictures that year and was not rewarded for his superlative work. He's been helped by Laura Lynney and Ed Harris (great performance). The true star of the movie is Peter Weir's directing - he is the real Creator of this "theater of absurd".

Average customer rating:

Can We Please Give Sir Roger A Break?
"Allow me to introduce the infamous Simon Templar..."
The Saint - Colour Series
Simon Templar
Fun spy stories for 007 fans or non-fans

The Saint Megaset
Director: Anthony Bushell , James Hill , Peter Yates , Michael Truman , and Jeremy Summers
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
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ASIN: B00009M9DL
Release Date: 2003-07-29

Amazon.com

Nineteen actors have portrayed Simon Templar, the gentleman adventurer created by Leslie Charteris in 1928. Among the most memorable incarnations were George Sanders (in a series of 1930s films) and Vincent Price (who voiced the character on radio in the 1940s). But for baby boomers, there is only one Simon: Roger Moore, who starred in this classic 1960s British TV series. Moore makes a better Templar than he did a Bond (and he is certainly better than Val Kilmer, who stared in the 1997 feature film), and the inside jokes include guest appearances by Lois Maxwell, best known to 007 fans as Miss Moneypenny. Except for the gadgets, The Saint has all the pleasures of the Bond films: a real international man of mystery impeccably dressed (these entertaining adventures are "more cloak than dagger"), exotic locations, cold war intrigue, sparkling bons mots, and beautiful (albeit chaste) women, and the highlight of any episode is the devilishly funny prologue, in which, no matter where he is, someone always identifies our hero as "the infamous" Simon Templar, prompting him to cast his eyes heavenward as he is crowned by his signature animated halo. This 14-disc set includes all 47 original color episodes presented in their U.S. broadcast order. --Donald Liebenson

Customer Reviews:

Can We Please Give Sir Roger A Break?.......2006-10-03

OK this is not the 70's or 80's anymore so can we please give Roger Moore a break about not being the best Bond? God, I come here for the Saint and the Amazon reviewer slams him for his Bond! As a matter of fact if Moore had not played Bond so good the franchise would have died in the 70's! He made the character entertaining and I remember as a teen seeing Moonraker in the movies and than later as an adult seeing other people play Bond and I got to tell you I was more entertained when I saw Moore, so give it a rest! Connery is my favorite but he didn't want to do it anymore so Moore came in and added a new element to it, and I think he did a great job. The Saint is a cool show, and the colour of that day was really oversaturated so it looks cool. It's mindless stuff really in these colour episodes, I actually prefer his next series "The Pursuaders", that was a great show! Thats a show that really didn't take itself too seriously and he and Tony Curtis ham it up in class.

"Allow me to introduce the infamous Simon Templar...".......2006-07-03

And so these words open each episode of this popular series. Leslie Charteris', "The Saint" was a role well-suited to Roger Moore's athleticism, good looks, and whimsical sense of humor that would eventually serve him well as none other than Ian Fleming's cold war icon, James Bond, for over ten years.

This A&E set contains all the color episodes in their original broadcast order and the transfers look quite clean; however if you have a multi-region DVD player like I do, I recommend the Amazon UK Network DVD 14 disc boxed set for the true fan; completely remastered from the original 16 mm prints and chock full with extras, including a full, hour-long live interview (not just a commentary, although several are included as well) with Roger Moore and the principals from the ITC production team who produced this popular series.

Also included are added tracks from Edwin Astley's theme music, television bumpers, alternate credit and title sequences, and the two feature films (with trailers) 'Vandetta for the Saint" and "The Fiction Makers." Nonetheless, this A&E set is perfect for the casual fan, however, no extras are included. Some of the better and more colorful episodes include "Interlude in Venice" and "The Man Who Liked Lions" starring a pre "Jason King" Peter Wyngarde. This A&E set would earn 5 stars, however I find the Network DVD set a better deal for those of us who appreciate the commentaries, feature films, and extras with our complete set.

The Saint - Colour Series.......2006-02-24

The original B&W set were based on the Charteris stories and it shows. The colour series loses some of the charm of the 1st series. However the restored versions here and the colour are superb and the humour is always dry! A good buy.

Simon Templar.......2005-11-22

I was brought up on TV series such as "The Saint" (late 60's). If you enjoy light-hearted adventure/detective stories, set in different countries and exotic capital cities, this is for you. Anybody who enjoys James Bond may be able to see some of the inspiration and original ideas for this hatching out in "The Saint". Roger Moore is fantastic in this role and didn't really do anything better. He goes from one episode to the next rescuing beautiful women in distress, and it's a great opportunity to view some great actresses of the sixties. This series covers all of the episodes which were produced in colour -very highly recommended.

Fun spy stories for 007 fans or non-fans.......2005-09-07

Like most in my generation (i.e., not the generation that was over-drugged and pretended to be liberals in the 60s and now entirely corrupt and materialistic in the 21st century) I too think Roger Moore is the perfect 007 James Bond -- a true British gentleman with the true British good looks and unmatchable humor. I watched one (color) episode of the "The Saint" before and have wanted to watch the whole series ever since. Finally I find this set! I haven't seen the B&W original series, also starring Moore, but I just placed an order for that and definitely am looking forward to it.

"The Saint" is kinda like a mini-007 mini-series. Each episode is about 45 minutes long, perfect for watching over dinner -- and rewatching anytime you want. The stories are more comic than thrilling -- but most of the them have enough twists to keep you watching. Acting is very 60s, esp. with the supporting cast. If you like 007, esp. Moore's 007, you'll love this. Even if you don't -- like my significant other -- you may still like this, esp. as "The Saint" is much less reliant on gadgets and beautiful women. (In fact, my s.o. keeps saying how "un-pretty" the actresses are -- but that's not a criticism by any means!) There's definitely less of the artificial "sexiness" of the 007 series -- and none of the annoying stubborness and arrogance (and stupidity) of Sean Connery's 007.

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Better than the later color episodes.....
The Saint - The Early Episodes - Set 1: episode listing
Pleasant light entertainment
Saint: Set 1

The Saint - The Early Episodes, Set 1
Director: Anthony Bushell , James Hill , Peter Yates , Michael Truman , and Jeremy Summers
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007D4MRC
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Product Description

Fearless, debonair, and determined to see justice, Simon Templar, aka The Saint, took the world by storm in 1962. Now, the dazzling black-and-white debut season of this modern-day Robin Hood is on DVD for the first time. Sympathetic to those in distress, especially when they're wearing a dress, The Saint circles the globe in his trademark white Volvo, deploying lethal charm as his weapon of choice. Based on the best-selling novel Meet the Tiger by Leslie Charteris, Roger Moore's portrayal of this glamorous mystery man with a heart of gold created a television legend. With impeccable taste for the finer things in life, Templar dashed through one heart-pulsing adventure after another, forever chased by Scotland Yard's peppermint-chewing Inspector Teal. Action-packed, stylish, and dependably sexy, this three-disc DVD set features all 12 black-and-white episodes from the debut season of The Saint .

System Requirements:

Running Time 612 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Better than the later color episodes............2006-08-11

The first series of black and white episodes of the Saint apppear to be more gritty and realisitc compared to the later color series also available thru A&E and Amazon. In this set Simon Templar is less the cocky, errant playboy and more akin to a hardened private investigator outswindling the swindlers and working for the little guy.

This was Roger Moore's first starring role in a series that earned him a place in movie history as the longest-playing actor to portray Ian Fleming's 007. It has been said that the first series represents Leslie Charteris' protagonist more accurately than the later color episodes.

As with other series produced by ITC, expect to see many of the same fine English supporting actors from other popular programs like "Secret Agent," "Man in a Suitcase," "Gideon's Way," and "The Baron." It is astounding how many quality programs were produced thru the ITC Network in the UK during the 60's.

The episodes in both sets I and II are nicely remastered and the audio quality is excellent--A&E has done a fine job here as usual. Sadly, some extras would have been more welcome. The Carlton DVD set (in Region 2 encoding) of the b&w episodes offer interviews with Robert Baker, the director of the series, as well as original publicity documentation from ITC promoting the series.

The Saint - The Early Episodes - Set 1: episode listing.......2006-01-05

A&E doesn't list the episodes on the outside of the Set 1 box, or on their website, so here goes:

DISC ONE
The Talented Husband
The Latin Touch
The Careful Terrorist
The Covetous Headsman

DISC TWO
The Loaded Tourist
The Pearls Of Peace
The Arrow Of God
The Element Of Doubt

DISC THREE
The Effete Angler
The Golden Journey
The Man Who Was Lucky
The Charitable Countess

Pleasant light entertainment.......2005-04-24

These are fun. A remarkably young Roger Moore takes on a variety of villains in this crisp black-and-white set. The video transfer is excellent and the monophonic sound good. Now, nobody has ever accused The Saint of being highbrow entertainment, and these early episodes are no exception. "Danger Man" is more intelligent, while "The Avengers" are more offbeat. I enjoy them all for what they are.

Saint: Set 1.......2005-03-07

If you enjoy The Saint and Secret Agent Man/Dangerman, you will love this B&W first season of The Saint. Roger Moore is at his best. I love the way he talks to the viewer at the beginning and end of every episode. Very personable.

If you are a fan of the B&W, gritty, 60's spy genre, you will enjoy this series better than the later "color" Saint episodes. These earlier shows are based on the Leslie Charteris, creator of The Saint, original stories. You also get to see the famous white Volvo.

I watched this and the second set both on DVD in three days (released earlier on another website). This is the good stuff. Please release more of the early episodes.

Average customer rating:

Great Adventure!
The Saint - The Early Episodes - Set 2: episode listing
A SINFULLY PACKED DVD SET THAT DESTROYS THE SERIES !
Finally! About time

The Saint - The Early Episodes, Set 2
Director: Roger Moore , James Hill , Peter Yates , Michael Truman , and Jeremy Summers
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007D4MRM
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Description

The suavest saint this side of trouble is back in black and white!

Always attuned to those in distress, as well as to those in dresses, Roger Moore's portrayal of THE SAINT is the stuff of television legend. Circling the globe in his distinctive white Volvo, charm was Simon Templar's weapon of choice. Bringing with him an impeccable taste for life's finer things, THE SAINT dashed through one heart-racing adventure after another, forever chased by Scotland Yard's peppermint-chewing Inspector Teal.

Fearless and debonair, with a rogue's eye toward justice--Simon Templar, otherwise known as THE SAINT, embarks upon 16 dazzling episodes of intrigue!

DVD Features: The History of THE SAINT; Roger Moore Biography and Filmography; Photo Gallery; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Customer Reviews:

Great Adventure!.......2007-05-09

The early Saint episodes were some of the best television ever produced. I'm only sorry that The Saint-The Early Episodes, Set 1 and Set 2 cover just the first 28 of the seventy something black and white shows. Set 2 takes us only through episode 16 of the 27 that were made for season two.

Where oh where, is the rest of season two as well as seasons three, four and five!!!

In any case, if you like adventure, comedy, and/or mystery then you should quickly buy both of these early episode sets. You won't miss the lack of color and you won't be sorry!

The Saint - The Early Episodes - Set 2: episode listing.......2006-01-05

A&E doesn't list the episodes on the outside of the Set 2 box, or on their website, so here goes:

DISC ONE
The Fellow Traveler
Starring The Saint
Judith
Teresa

DISC TWO
The Elusive Ellshaw
Marcia
The Work Of Art
Iris

DISC THREE
The King Of The Beggars
The Rough Diamonds
The Saint Plays With Fire
The Well-Meaning Mayor

DISC FOUR
The Sporting Chance
The Bunco Artists
The Benevolent Burglary
The Wonderful War

A SINFULLY PACKED DVD SET THAT DESTROYS THE SERIES !.......2005-09-17

If you love Roger Moore and appreciate The Saint then this DVD set a serious let down thanks to the lazy recording team.The sound is terrible it's almost annoying to listen through the amp or even without it.The menus are designed in a rather amaturist style where the whole plot is revealed while you play start as the chapters show the images.How could they be so careless.I bought series one from Amazon UK and it had much better sound and menus.

Also it would have been nice if some sort of running commentery or tributes to all the famous supporting stars of the Brithish cinema/tv.Most of these stars have appeared in some of the best films ever made.

The BW episodes are much better than the colour ones and also they have a better line up guest stars Oliver Reed, Julie Christie and Jackie Collins.The villians are also much more threatening here than latter episodes!!

One of the best episodes are 'The Saint plays with fire' and the weakest being the Sporting Chance. Most of the weak episodes directed by Jeremy Summers. He has no control over the charecters or the plot.

Finally! About time.......2005-03-24

I bought the entire set from Australia, not knowing they were not "region free" as stated. Been watching them on my PC. Fabulous! What can one say about Roger Moore that hasn't been said. Can't wait to finally watch them on my TV!!

Average customer rating:

Inspired by the Video Age
The Ultimate Comic Tale
Great metaphor for religion
The Story Of A Lifetime
True Man Show

The Truman Show
Starring: Jim Carrey , Laura Linney , Noah Emmerich , Natascha McElhone , and Holland Taylor
Director: Peter Weir
Manufacturer: Paramount
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ASIN: 6305252521
Release Date: 1999-01-26

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Inspired by the Video Age.......2007-09-16

The Ultimate Comic Tale.......2007-08-10

Great metaphor for religion.......2007-07-28

The Story Of A Lifetime.......2007-06-03

True Man Show.......2007-05-02

Average customer rating:

Why so expensive??
Templar, Simon Templar
Well done!
Roger Moore before he became Bond
Even Moore Saintly Than 007

The Saint, Set 1
Starring: Roger Moore
Director: Roger Moore , John Ainsworth , Robert S. Baker , Anthony Bushell , and John Paddy Carstairs
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005J74M
Release Date: 2001-06-26

Product Description

He's one of the most popular of all fictional heroes--Simon Templar, the daredevil SAINT forever immortalized by the legendary Roger Moore in one of the most beloved cult television series of all time. THE SAINT outswindles the swindlers for the good of the little guy. He's handsome, charming, suave and sophisticated, cool in a crisis and hot between the sheets. THE SAINT--an impressive character, a phenomenal series, an explosive blend of thrilling action and exciting adventure.Each VHS set contains 3 complete, uncut, and digitally remastered episodes, presented in their original broadcast order. We begin our collections with the 1966-67 season, the first season presented in FULL COLOR.SET 1 contains:THE QUEEN'S RANSOM, INTERLUDE IN VENICE, THE RUSSIAN PRISONER

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Nineteen actors have portrayed Simon Templar, the gentleman adventurer created by Leslie Charteris in 1928. Among the most memorable incarnations were George Sanders (in a series of 1930s films) and Vincent Price (who voiced the character on radio in the 1940s). But for baby boomers, there is only one Simon: Roger Moore, who starred in this classic 1960s British TV series. Moore makes a better Templar than he did a Bond (and he is certainly better than Val Kilmer, who stared in the 1997 feature film). This eagerly awaited boxed set contains three entertaining episodes, beginning with the gem "The Queen's Ransom," which launched the series' 1966 season and was the first episode in color. "The infamous Simon Templar" (who is also called "arrogant, smug, self-important, and impertinent") teaches a queen (Dawn Addams, who starred in Charlie Chaplin's last film, A King in New York) honesty and dignity as he accompanies her on a mission to sell her jewels to finance her deposed husband's coup. In the 1967 color episode "Interlude in Venice," Simon comes to the aid of an American heiress who becomes a pawn in a blackmail plot. Lois Maxwell (better known as James Bond's Miss Moneypenny) costars as her (wicked?) stepmother. In the 1966 color episode "The Russian Prisoner," Simon comes to the aid of a Russian scientist who has had "an attack of revisionism" and whom the KGB will stop at nothing to keep from defecting. Except for the gadgets, The Saint has all the pleasures of the Bond films: a real international man of mystery, exotic locations, cold war intrigue, sparkling bons mots, and beautiful (albeit chaste) women. --Donald Liebenson

Customer Reviews:

Why so expensive??.......2007-02-14

I love the Saint and I enjoyed watching the episodes contained on Set 1 of the Saint. However, I was terribly disappointed when I found out that Set 1 only contains 6 episodes. Effectively, the price for Set 1, is the same as an entire season of many other great shows. I think that this is a real rip off! I'm certainly not going to buy more Saint DVDs until the producer brings down the price to a more reasonable range.

Templar, Simon Templar.......2004-01-20

Roger Moore IS the Saint first and foremost his appearances both before and after only bracket this role. There had been others who played the roles before Moore and after but they are only imitators for those of us who grew up watching this series. Each week we watched waiting for the magical moment when the halo and the lilting theme appeared. With that much nostalgia involved I was a little concerned that this set could not possibly live up to my memories. I was wrong, they are just as good as I remembered. Yes the special effects are not up to today's standards, the 'exotic' locations I remembered as a child are now very obviously stock footage tacked onto scenes shot elsewhere but that doesn't even matter. Once Moore takes the stage he is the Saint, we are in those locations and delighting as he makes fools of the police, foils the villians and saves the day, all withough mussing his perfectly coifed hair.

This set includes the first six color episodes of the series. The episodes are: The Queen's Ransom - set in Monte Carlo; Interlude In Venice - set in Venice (featuring Lois Maxwell - Moneypenny in the Bond films); The Russian Prisoner - set in Geneva; The Reluctant Revolution - set in San Paul, Brazil; The Helpful Pirate - set in Hamburg and the Convenient Monster - set in Scotland.

In spite of the shortcomings mentioned above the shows are enjoyable to those who do not have fond memories of the original airings. What was lacking in special effects what made up for in writing and acting. The stories all have an O'Henry like twist, just when you think it's over or you have solved the problem something else pops up and changes everything. In addition many actors who appeared here went on to other larger roles, so there is the bonus of seeing them 'when'.

I think that anyone who remembers enjoying these shows when they ran on broadcast TV will enjoy they again those who are much younger, ie under 25, may not get so much out of it.

One additional note - these hour long episodes are just over 50 minutes long, not today's 42!

Well done!.......2003-06-19

Roger Moore is a stud, debonair and chivalrous. Knowing that these are over 30 years adds to the fun. Interesting mysterys that take you around the world still work.

Roger Moore before he became Bond.......2002-08-12

I have been a fan of Roger Moores since I was in grade school and saw him in the tv series "Ivonhoe" followed by "The Alaskans" and then "Maverick" when he replaced James Garner and finally "The SAINT" I all fairness to those who came before and after Moore, RM was the best saint...just as he was the best Bond. Moore portrayed a coolness along with the comic cockiness of the character-Simon Templar. The theme song was also outstanding. Although these are in color and very good, a lot of the story and adventure is missing from the original b&w series. Every episode, Templar is in a different part of the world, beating up and outwitting the bad guys while rescuing the damsel in distress. Roger Moore is outstanding in this role. He was one of Ian Flemings original choices for the role of Bond along with Richard Burton, John Wayne,David Niven, Sean Connery and Steve Reeves. Moores contract with the British producers of "The Saint" may have been the reason he didn't start the series off. In any event, "The Saint" is a great series. The dvd quality is good and I a looking forward to seeing the origial b&w episodes come out. They were the best.And Roger Moore, if you read this, why not come back one final time as the dashing, debonir, cool and witty Simon Templar. If James Garner can still do Rockford Files episodes (and a fine job), you can still play the Saint. Nobody does it better.

Even Moore Saintly Than 007.......2002-01-03

As much as Roger Moore was a fantastic James Bond, he was an even better Saint. In fact, he was the best. Moore took the pulp hero, created by Leslie Charteris, to new heights in the 1960's and this DVD collection is a perfect collection for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Roger Moore's portrayl of "Simon Templar" was suave, debonair, and comedic at times (much like The Saint was in the books). In fact, his sarcastic humour with Inspector Teal and other policeman is spot on with the novels. He loved to walk a tightrope between law and crime, but always had an alibi. Moore captures his buccaneering attitude deliciously. Upon watching these episodes, you can see how much of The Saint he put into his Bond role. While he may never have been as violent or ruthless as he was in the books, you really get a sense of the Saint's carefree, adventurous nature.

Finally available in America and in series order (based on when the episodes appeared on American television that is). These collections contain the episodes filmed in color, and they look fantastic. As the series continues to see new releases, perhaps they will include the earlier black and white episodes as well.

Edwin Astley's loungey score has never sounded clearer. As part of the bonus material, you get the original U.S. trailers for each episode and a nice photo gallery. "The History of The Saint" section, is just some text, and hardly a bonus. You'd be better off picking up the Saint film collection (Turner Classic Movies) with a nice 30 minute Saint history documentary if you really want to learn about the famous "Simon Templar." Better yet, go to (website) and learn everything there is to know.

Product Description

Leslie Charteris The Saint first appeared in the popular 1920s mystery magazines Black Mask, Double Detective, and Ellery Queen s Mystery. Then came a slew of books before George Sanders donned the halo for a string of B-movies in the 1940s. Vincent Price was the voice of The Saint on the radio and a newspaper strip ran alongside Dick Tracy. But it was Roger Moore who truly immortalized Simon Templar in the 1960s British television series. From 1962 to 1969, Moore completed 71 black & white, and 47 color episodes. These are a prime selection.Simon Templar. The legendary Saint whose reputation always precedes him. Charismatic, ingenious, charming and utterly elusive. International jetset buccaneer, The Saint defends against injustice.DVD SET 2 contains:Volume 3: The Angel's Eye giThe Man Who Liked Lions giA Better MousetrapVolume 4: Little Girl Lost giPaper Chase giLocate And Destroy

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Whether it's toppling a corrupt government or capturing the Loch Ness monster, Simon Templar is "just waiting for an invitation" to fight injustice and meddle in other people's affairs. This three-volume boxed set contains three 1966 color episodes from the classic British series starring Roger Moore in his breakthrough role as the gentleman adventurer. In "The Reluctant Revolution," Templar becomes embroiled in a tangled plot of revolution and revenge. Barry Morse (Lieutenant Gerard on the original Fugitive TV series) guest stars as the president of San Pablo's right- ("and left-") hand man whose past returns to haunt him in the form of the daughter of his former business partner. Next, it's off to Hamburg, where Templar uses his "unique talents" to find a missing laser scientist in "The Helpful Pirate," which is based on an original story by Saint creator Leslie Charteris. Last stop, Scotland, where something--or someone--is terrorizing the residents of Loch Ness in the atmospheric "The Convenient Monster," which is also based on an original story by Charteris. Though somewhat dated, The Saint is time-capsule Brit-cool that will have fans wanting Moore. --Donald Liebenson

Customer Reviews:

Roger Moore is just great, as "The Saint"..........2001-11-18

As I was introduced to "The Saint" via the 60's TV program, I will always associate Roger Moore with the character. He was absolutely perfect for the role, being the right age, and possessing the requisite class, charm, and athleticism. But beyond that, Moore had an air of irreverence that is so essential to the character. "The Saint" was never comfortable with accepting authority. Rules were for others. His life was about living on the edge, taking on all the excitement life had to offer.

The character, the literary creation of Leslie Charteris, has a somewhat nebulous origin. It is said that Simon Templar, motivated by his own sense of justice, took whatever action he deemed necessary, to correct what he perceived were injustices in the world. This usually involved one of the "ungodly" being robbed, or somehow taught a lesson. Somewhere the victim would usually find a note, containing a short message warning them to learn their lesson. Instead of a signature, there would be a drawing of a stick man figure with a halo, the familiar finger pointing "Saint" logo. While Templar was suspected of committing these acts, his guilt was apparently never proved. In eluding his victims and all manner of law enforcement, he achieved a notorious reputation, and the nickname of "The Saint".

"The Saint's" image was cleaned up for television, where he appeared as basically a virtuous character. While his questionable past is often alluded to, specific reference to any criminal activity was avoided. He is presented as a noble figure, to whom committing a criminal act for mere personal financial gain would be simply unthinkable. Crime must not be seen to pay.

"The Saint" does not fit nicely into any particular category, blending the qualities of an adventurer, a detective, and a secret agent. Without a fixed setting, or any regular supporting cast, it falls squarely on Roger Moore to capture and hold the viewers' interest. And he comes through with flying colors, almost single handedly carrying each episode, and maintaining the continuity of the character, no matter what the location, or the situation he finds himself in. This is actually quite an achievement, and one that is easy to overlook, because Moore does it so smoothly.

DVD Sets 1 and 2 contain the program's first color episodes, supposedly presented in the order they were originally broadcast. These collections are a good representation of typical "Saintly" adventures. We find Simon Templar cavorting throughout Europe, and also appearing in Latin America. Being such an adaptable fellow, he becomes involved in adventure in a variety of ways. Part of the fun, is trying to figure out exactly what kind of trouble old Simon has gotten himself into this time.

Favorite episodes from Set 1, are "The Russian Prisoner", with Simon involved in intrigue with the KGB, and "The Convenient Monster", where "Nessie" figures in the conclusion of a story of involving murder and deception. The best from Set 2, would be "Paper Chase" featuring "The Saint" on a rescue mission in East Germany, and "Locate and Destroy", probably the most violent episode in the collection, with Simon on the trail of a ruthless ex-Nazi.

If you are not familiar with this series, you may not find it to be your cup of tea, for "The Saint", like "The Avengers", is something of an acquired taste. If you are a fan, then these sets should be part of your collection, with Set 2 grading out a bit ahead of Set 1. While they may not the best "Saint" episodes, they are the first available on DVD. Picture quality is excellent, colors are true to the original quality, and the images are sharp. A TV series set in a different location each week presents special challenges, and production values are pretty good considering this. The difference between location and studio shots are obvious, but typical for the times. The audio level however, could stand to be cranked up a bit, to match the music level.

One negative is the lack of substantial bonus materials. No printed matter, not even a booklet with a detailed series retrospective. All you get are episode previews, and a few stills. Not much, considering the premium price. This is basically the same minimalist treatment given to "The Avengers". Lacking extensive bonus material, I wish A&E would maximize the medium and package at least four episodes per disc, instead of just three. The studios should remember that the predominant audience for these collections, are the dedicated fans of the program. This is often a niche market, and the faithful really do deserve their best effort.

Finally, one oddity is that actor Ivor Dean, who was wonderful as "Inspector Teal", is listed as being part of the "regular cast" on both sets, but does not appear in any of the 12 episodes. Hopefully we will actually see "Claude Eustace" in future releases.

Give Me Moore Please!!!!.......2001-10-31

Finally available in America, this is the second collection released thusfar, in series order (based on when the episodes appeared on American television that is). Both collections contain the first episodes filmed in color, and they look fantastic.

This collection is a must have for any Moore fan. Keep buying them up so that they will release more in America.

The one and only.......2001-07-26

Roger Moore is The Saint to me, and these beautiful A&E VHS tapes are a great addition to my collection. Watching Roger race around in his gleaming white Volvo 1800 is a joy to behold!

The one and only.......2001-07-26

Roger Moore is The Saint to me, and these beautiful A&E DVD's are a great addition to my collection. Watching Roger race around in his gleaming white Volvo 1800 is a joy to behold!

The Saint - Set 2.......2001-06-20

The Saint is great! We need more quality shows like this to be offered to the public. I watched it all the time when it was offered on the Encore Mystery Channel. When they took it off the air, I haven't watch the Mystery Channel since. I guess that was their choice of programming. Shows like that are worth watching and I hope A&E plans on offering the whole Saint series available on DVD and VHS video tape. I'll buy them all. Maybe A&E can offer the the Saint on their channel and promote to sell the DVD and VHS video tape at the end of each Saint show? What do you think A&E. I wished that you would put back the Rockford Files and Columbo on the air.

Lord Peter Wimsey - The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club

Average customer rating:

"Waiter take away Lord what's-his name"
Ain't it just a good movie!
The best transfer yet!
Solid entry
Solid entertainment for anglophiles and sleuths....

Lord Peter Wimsey - The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club
Starring: Ian Carmichael , Derek Newark , Sheila Fay , Ralph Truman , and Arthur Hewlett
Director: Ronald Wilson
Manufacturer: Acorn Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

Television | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Mystery & Suspense | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0000687BP
Release Date: 2002-07-16

Amazon.com

"I'm investigating when a man died of natural causes," states aristocratic sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey, "but it's beginning to look more interesting everyday." So it is in this impeccably mounted 1972 BBC miniseries, which would make Dorothy L. Sayers's peerless literary creation proud.

Ian Carmichael stars in his signature role as the stylish, cultured, and erudite Wimsey, whose investigation into the death of General Fentiman is as irresistible as "poking sticks into a peaceful and mysterious-looking pond to see what was on the bottom." Fentiman died in his favorite chair at the staid Bellona Club. Oddly enough, his sister died the same day. Wimsey agrees to try and determine when Fentiman died ("I shall enjoy it," he exults). In a nutshell, as one character states (which is always helpful in increasingly complicated cases like this), dispersion of the inheritance will become "uncommonly awkward" depending on who died first.

The "whendunit" becomes a whodunit when it is revealed that the general was poisoned. The unflappable Wimsey has a colorful gallery of suspects to consider, including the increasingly unhinged George, one of the general's grandsons (why is he smashing a bottle of digitalis?), and Ann Dorland, who stands to benefit most if the general died first (what's the deal with the books on chemistry and poisons she has recently purchased?). Other memorable characters further enliven the proceedings, among them the Munns, George's bickering (and at one point blackmailing) landlords.

As the very British title suggests, this is not a crime thriller to set the pulse racing (the discovery of Fentiman's body is referred to as "something rather unpleasant"). But as the mystery unfolds over the course of 180 minutes (and 4 volumes), it is as captivating as a good late-night read. --Donald Liebenson

Customer Reviews:

"Waiter take away Lord what's-his name".......2006-04-05

"He's been dead for two days..."

We are introduced to the Bellona club were young Captain George Fentiman (John Quentin) and Lord Peter Wimsey (Ian Carmichael) two war survivors are talking a little too loud about General Fentiman (Ralph Truman), Georges grandfather. General Fentiman is not responding and for good reason he is dead. Upon further investigation we find that the general's sister Lady Dormer has also died the very same day. Poor George will only inherit 2000 pounds. However who gets the lion's share of the estate all hinges on who died first. Lord peter as a friend and a snoopy armature sleuth must ascertain the answer and if there is foul play the perpetrator. In any case this is a most unpleasantness at the Bellona Club.

I think sometime these programs are made for those that have already read the book because you can not put everything from the book into the series the highlights and major information is all there but some of the how they got to the information is missing in obvious gaps. Still the essence is captures quite well.

Ain't it just a good movie!.......2003-02-11

I've read this series. I held off watching this because, frankly, Ian Carmichal doesn't fit my mental picture of Peter Wimsey. Now I'm glad I got it! It's four episodes on two DVD's. Ian Carmichal is terrific! He may not have the face or the figure I pictured (for some reason I think Peter is blondish, misplacing his hair in front, and much-much leaner) but he has the character down perfect. He's an extremely skilled actor and it's a delight to watch him. These are quite funny, the characters are all very individual, and I'mm looking at getting all the others in the series.

The best transfer yet!.......2002-07-09

This has got to be the best transfer to DVD yet for the Carmichael Wimsey series. It is very crisp and clean. All you Wimsey will be thrilled! Buy it now, you will be pleased!

Solid entry.......2001-08-15

An excellent entry in the Peter Whimsey series with all of the clever dialogue, twists and turns on expects from a Sayers yarn. I only knock off a star because the sound is a bit dodgy in places and I had to keep the remote at hand to continually adjust the volume up and down. It's also a bit pricey for the lenght; it could just as easily have been fit on to two videos instead of four and sold for half the price.

Solid entertainment for anglophiles and sleuths...........2001-02-21

Okay these are tapes, and I prefer DVDs and usually I will not give a VHS recording five stars but THE UNPLEASANTNESS AT THE BALLONA CLUB is excellent. I read the book and enjoyed it enormously and was pleased to see this dramatization.

Dorothy Sayer's plot is clever and the characters well developed and the actors and staging are surpurb. This BBC film version was made in the "olden days" (early 1970s) when live tv was more the norm than not and shown on PBS Mystery series. I have an idea the original enactment was recorded before a live audience.

Ian Carmichael plays Lord Peter Wimsey, Sayers upper crust sleuth, graduate of Oxford and friend of copper "Parkerbird" who works for Scotland Yard. But Wimsey is no lightweight Bertie Wooster (not that I don't love Bertie too!!). He's a returned veteran from WWI, as are several of the other characters in this story. Bunter, Wimsey's man-servent was his sergeant during the war, and many of the members of the Bellona club are ex-military, some of whom experienced years in the trenches and madness. General Fentiman, found dead in his favorite easy chair by the fire place, is also a war veteran, though his war was the Boer War.

When George Fentimen, the hapless grandson of the deceased goes "bonkers" after the General is found dead, Wimsey understands. He too had a nervous breakdown and Bunter nursed him back to health. Wimsey knows George spent many nights and days living in the trenches and saw his best friend hung up on barbwire and mowed down by the enemy. George is not unlike the sad veteran in another tale about life in England after WWI--MRS DALLOWAY.

A major clue to the events surrounding the General's death (was it murder?) is tied to the day the General's body is discovered, Armistice Day 1922. Many old timers will "get" this clue, but some younger folks may not "have a clue" about its significance. Never mind, this is a great way to learn more about "war to end all wars." The film is a wonderful period piece and if you love faithfully recreated history like BRAMWELL (with a tad more sophisticated humor) you will enjoy this film.

Product Description

There's a man who lives a life of danger,To everyone he meets he stays a stranger He rarely carries a gun. He doesn't indulge in frivolous affairs. He's agent John Drake (Patrick McGoohan), and his top-secret missions for the British Intelligence Agency M9 are the stuff of legend. Drake's reluctance to resort to violence and his rigid moral code set him apart from the crowd of small-screen super sleuths. The unforgettable adventures of SECRET AGENT (shown originally as DANGER MAN in the U.K.) shine like never before in this exclusive DVD set from A&E Home Video. Each episode of the rarely-seen series has been digitally restored and is presented complete and uncut in its original U.S. broadcast order.VOLUME 3: The Professionals giA Date With Doris giThe Mirror s New giColony ThreeVOLUME 4: It s Up To The Lady giWhatever Happened to George Foster? giThe Galloping Major giThe Colonel s Daughter

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Before he was the title character in The Prisoner, Patrick McGoohan was the suave, smooth British intelligence agent John Drake in Danger Man (Secret Agent in the U.S.), Britain's cool and clever cold war espionage series. The eight episodes on Set 2 dabble in darker themes than the shows in the more playful Set 1: the coercion of a defector to return ("The Professionals"), the destabilization of a Latin American government ("Whatever Happened to George Foster"), and a conspiracy surrounding an attempted coup on the eve of elections in an African nation ("The Galloping Major"). For Prisoner fans, however, the highlight is easily "The Colony." This spy school behind the Iron Curtain has a twist: it's an exact replica of a British town with captive citizens. In this episode you can see the inspiration for "Your Village" (as well as an unusually ambivalent conclusion). The spy game is no longer lighthearted gentleman's sport. Also features the episodes "A Date With Doris," "The Mirror's New," "It's Up to the Lady," and "The Colonel's Daughter."

The uncut episodes feature the complete British versions, with the Danger Man title and bouncy spinet theme song. But if you miss the Johnny Rivers theme song from the American version of the show, just click to the supplements and you can enjoy the U.S. credits as well as a still gallery and a biography and filmography of star Patrick McGoohan. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Good Set. Fun for the whole Family........2002-09-03

There are eight episodes on this DVD, of seeming various length. They're certainly entertaining, in black & white, which is part of the charm. McGoohan himself is very appealing and fun to watch. The sets are a bit cheesy, and recycled. The hotel in one episode, is, with minor alterations, the hospital in the next and the German apartment complex in the next. The plots don't really make much sense if you think about them for more than five seconds. The third world episodes all seem to be set in Banana Republic #43. But the visuals are fun, from footage, some stock, some not, of London and Paris, and make-up and fashion styles of the sixties, complete with the occasional semi-fashionable thug. And of course, there's the obligatory set of fisticuffs almost every episode. But the atmosphere is nicely paranoid, and, somehow, John Drake, the hero, emerges as slightly less adolescent than his main screen rival. There are some "upsetting" or "ambiguous" endings, though Drake seems more invigorated than drained by the paranoia. And there's funny dialogue like when an adorable Latin American Minister of Culture, a babe in uniform, says "I have read all of your great writers, your Shakespeare, your Dickens, your Upton Sinclair." I wouldn't exactly call this show intelligent, but it is very entertaining, and, by today's standards, remarkably wholesome. And, yes, the episode 'Colony Three' is certainly a precursor to the Prisoner. But Danger Man stands on its own merits.

Danger Man Set 2: The plots need some work..........2002-04-01

Patrick McGoohan is back as British secret agent John Drake in further episodes of Danger Man. Here are summaries and/or comments for the episodes in this set. Episode ratings are on a scale from one to five (best).

Volume 3: (Disc 1)

The Professionals (3): An agent in Prague has suddenly vanished. John Drake arrives in Prague, posing as a member of the embassy staff, his mission is to locate the missing man. Very quickly he is taken in, and compromised by a crafty operative, and his lovely accomplice. Drawn into their trap, Drake learns the fate of the missing man, and then takes steps to save him before it is too late.

A Date With Doris (2): Drake is in an unspecified Latin American location to extract an agent in jeopardy, and then rendezvous with the submarine "Doris". His cover is as a reporter sent to interview a prominent General. Things just do not go smoothly for Drake, and he always seems off balance. He barely concludes this messy affair, and is only successful because of luck, and some very fortuitous assistance. He is also guilty of a major error, when he foolishly allows himself to be followed to his "safe house". Count yourself lucky this time, John.

The Mirror's New (3): This one keeps you guessing. Edmund Bearce, a member of the British Embassy staff, chooses murder as a way to cancel a personal debt. Preparing to dispose of the body, he has an accident, and is knocked unconscious. Upon waking, he has a dead body on his hands, and a lost day to account for. Bearce reappears, but can't explain what happened. A suspicious Drake investigates and uncovers a secret life, and much more.

Colony Three (5): Easily the most thought provoking episode on the disc. The plot is similar to an episode of "The Prisoner" or "The Avengers", skirting the edges of credibility. Drake takes the place of a communist sympathizer, just prior to his defection to the Soviets. After arriving in Soviet territory, Drake and two other defectors take a long train ride to a secret location. They arrive at a place named "Hamden", also known as the "village" (sound familiar?). The phony English town is actually a training ground where Soviet agents learn to assimilate into British culture. Drake penetrates security, gathers as much information as he can, and then it is time to leave. This one has a bit of everything, torture, gadgets, death and a tragic end.

Volume 4: (Disc 2)

It's Up To the Lady (2): Sometimes Drake is just not on his game, and this is one of those times. A British diplomat intending to defect vanishes. A rendezvous with his wife (Sylvia Syms), will take place in Greece, near the Albanian border. Drake is on the scene, to try and get the wayward diplomat to return to Britain. Underestimating the local opposition, he is nearly drowned, loses his charges, and carelessly gets himself shot. Topping it all off, he learns once again what it is like to be a pawn in the game.

What Ever Happened to George Foster? (3): Bernard Lee ("M" from the Bond films) guest stars, as Lord Ammandford, a wealthy industrialist who seeks to destabilize the government of a fictitious South American country. In addition, the Lord is a man interested in keeping a mysterious past a secret from a probing John Drake. This is more of a straight detective story.

The Galloping Major (2): Sent to Africa, at the request of the President (Henry Marshall) of an unnamed country, Drake finds himself the pawn in a political power struggle. Makes interesting viewing in light of historical events, but not a great story.

The Colonel's Daughter (4): In India, classified information is being leaked to the enemy. Drake is looking into the activities of a butterfly collecting Colonel, and his daughter, living in a house in the country. Soon, Drake is up a tree, in the middle of the jungl