The Universe: An Amazing Journey From the Sun to the Most Distant Galaxies

Description

The Universe is a spellbinding DVD journey from the Sun to the farthest galaxies.

Featuring incredible NASA images and original orchestral music, The Universe is a never-before-seen guided tour of the cosmos in widescreen anamorphic video and 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound.

Using images from SOHO, Hubble, TRACE and other orbiting space telescopes, The Universe is a dynamic excursion through over 200 magnificent astronomical objects. Beginning with video of the sun's broiling corona, the program proceeds through the solar system, traveling to the stars and nebulae of the Milky Way, and to galaxies as much as 14 billion light-years away.

The Universe is a mind-expanding trip into eternity. The viewer seems to travel through space, seeing grand panoramas, probing close-ups, and breathtaking vistas, all in full color.

An original score by Paul D. Lehrman and Tim Tully provides The Universe with a rich, Surround Sound tapestry combining symphonic and electronic timbres into a timeless musical experience. Renowned astronomers Alex Filippenko and Karel Schrijver offer insights into the world of contemporary astronomy.

A clear, concise narration names each object as it comes into view, giving its distance from Earth and the data astronomers derive from it. The overall effect is to bring the vast expanse of the cosmos into a clear overview.

The narration can be turned off so the viewer hears only the score: a rich suite of motifs, that weave through an array of variations, mixed in 5.1 surround sound, to take full advantage of the technology. A combination of ambient effects and instrumental placement richly evokes a feeling of being immersed in space with the flowing images of The Universe.

A VHS version is also available without DVD-specific features.

Customer Reviews:

An Awsome Universe, Hubble pictures explained .......2007-07-15

I have seen other documentary films on the Universe; this DVD by far explains the most clearly recent astronomical images. The narrator tells about star formation, arrangement, death and why astronomical pictures look the way they do. The production presents us with a profound sense on the shear immensity of scale of the most thought provoking images taken by the Hubble space telescope.

Alex Filippenko, reviews very recent observations about our expanding universe.

Karel Schrijver, comments about recent data from Solar Imaging satellites. With new data revealing how significant a role magnetism is within and around our sun.

Well worth the money spent, can be watched many times over.

Highly recommended for anyone that collects serious science DVD's

Uplifting.......2007-05-13

If only all films of this genre were as good, with great music, also!!

A much clearer universe.......2004-10-08

This DVD is without a doubt the best of it's kind on the market, in fact this DVD should be required in every science class, grade school, high school and college that is studying this "little old" universe of ours, the care with which the facts are laid to us makes the comprehension of the incredible size of "out there" the best I have come accross, the music fits perfectly, the naration talks TO us, not down to us and the photography is mind blowing! I'm not going to try to explain the contents of the presentation because it is too much for the untrained human mind to do, my advice to those who's interest is peaked by my review is, buy it! you can't go wrong! universedvd.com

An amazing DVD: educational, inspirational, and beautiful!.......2003-03-27

I'm not an astronomy buff, but I found this DVD to be simply fascinating nonetheless. There is a ton of information packed into the narrative that accompanies the most beautiful space images you'll ever see. It's mind-bending when you stop to appreciate that every image and video on this DVD is of our real world, not some sci-fi special effect. "The Universe" is awe inspiring! Buy a copy today to see for yourself.

The Universe DVD: Far more than I Imagined.......2003-03-08

Very impressive visually, sounds wonderful on Bose system. I liked it, my kids loved it! I'll be looking for more offerings from this talented director.

Average customer rating:

Voices of a Distant Star Rules!
up to Miyazaki's standerd? no. good on its own? definetly.
Short and sweet
A touching reminder of just how good anime can be
Poignent Voices, - A Love Story

Voices of a Distant Star
Starring: Donna Burke , Adam Conlon , Cynthia Martinez (II) , Sumi Mutoh , and Mika Shinohara
Director: Steven Foster
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00008G8QC
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Amazon.com

Although it looks like a studio work, Voices of a Distant Star is a personal film, made almost entirely by a single artist, Makoto Shinkai. Mikako and Noboru are separated at the beginning of high school in 2046. She's accepted into the training program for mecha pilots to fight the aliens who attacked human settlements on Mars. As she moves across the miles and, ultimately, light years, she sends messages that the forlorn Noboru patiently awaits. The animation is largely restricted to camera moves over still artwork and CG objects, but Shinkai is a skillful enough director to tell this melancholy sci-fi romance through the strong music and vocal tracks. Voices of a Distant Star packs more of an emotional punch than many elaborate studio films. (Rated 13 and older, but suitable for viewers 2 years younger: minor violence) --Charles Solomon

Description

When a mysterious alien force begins their annihilation of the human race, a young pilot feels called to join the resistance. But the danger of an interstellar battle is not Mikako's greatest concern. For she has left behind the one young man she loves. And as Mikako flies further into deep space, her only way to connect with Noboru is by cell-phone text messages. While Mikako risks her life to save mankind, Noboru waits. At first days, then months, then years for each new message that will let him know whether Mikako is still alive. And while she barely grows older in the timelessness of space, Noboru ages.

How can the love of two young people, torn apart by war, survive?

To what distance would you go...for your one, true love?

Customer Reviews:

Voices of a Distant Star Rules!.......2007-05-28

This Anime amazed me! I was shocked when I watched the interview with the director and he said that he did it all by himself over the course of seven months!

This was before ADV Films recorded the English Dub of course!

Cudos to the Director!

What an awesome film!

up to Miyazaki's standerd? no. good on its own? definetly........2007-05-05

Okay, first I would like to put to rest the lie that this movie is of the same standard as Miyazaki's films. It is not. It's a start for an upcoming director, but still not up to Miyazaki's greatness. This is not Miyazaki, so don't expect a Miyazaki type film.

The film itself is great. A young female joins the UN army to help fight off an alien race that has attacked a colony on mars, leaving behind her childhood friend and love. As her fleet moves farther and farther away from earth the time it takes for her messages to get to him take longer and lounger. First its six months, then a year, and then eight. Can their friendship and love survive as he gets older but she remains 15? Will she survive? Will they see each other again?

This isn't so much of a movie than one long dialoged with both characters reminiscing on how they miss each other and how they miss each other. They are they only two characters in this whole movie, a movie that is only 23 minutes long, and their dialogue is mostly them thinking to themselves. This isn't much of a problem however because the movie is so short and doesn't need secondary characters to help the flow of the story.

THE GOOD: first of all the artwork is really, REALLY good. For a guy that made this movie on his Mac, by himself, in his basement, this looks amazing. Whatever you have to say about this anime, good or bad, you have to admit that the animation is top notch. Another great part of the story is the fact that the characters are so well done. Even my none anime sister felt very sorry for the main characters in this film. They might not be as good as some characters in other amines I've seen, but I blame that on the fact that this movie is only 23 minutes long. Also the music is great. I love the music for Miyazaki's movies and I have to say that this music is almost as good.

THE BAD: well let's start with the obvious. It's too short. 23 minutes is not nearly enough time to make a great movie. If only it were lounger this could have been a truly great film, as is it's just a really good short. That's really the only complaint I have, everything else is top notch.

One bit of advice though. watch this movie in English and then watch the original Japanese version with subtitles. The reason for this is that the subtitles go so fast that it's hard to read them and watch the screen at the same time. if you watch it in English than you will know what the story is and then read the differences in the Japanese version. I think its better in Japanese, the dialog is more real and the text messages make the two characters seem more like long time friends, but i had a devil of a time keeping up and kept missing parts.

Overall this is a very good film that deserves to be watched but not up to Miyazaki's greatness. Maybe his nest film, The Place Promised in our Early Days will be a five star movie, but not this one.

Short and sweet.......2007-04-08

This anime has top notch animation and a great story. I found it to be really moving, in a Romeo and Juliet kind of way as one other reviewer put it. My sole complaint is the abrupt ending. It was like listening to a beautiful song, only to have the ending cut off.

A touching reminder of just how good anime can be.......2007-03-04

This short film is astounding, it touches you deeply and makes you really care about the characters' struggles and feelings. A must see for any anime fan, and even for those who don't like anime, this may just be the title to capture your interest.

Poignent Voices, - A Love Story.......2007-02-26

I have the English / Japanese version.. Hoshi no Koe (Voices of a Distant Star). I first rented this from a video shop, I watched it rather bemused the first time, but I was interested. I let it rest a day or two and watched it again, following the story easier the second time, also had the subtitles on and they helped "fill in the gaps".

I came to appreciate it was not a fun or action movie, more of a study in love and relationships, and on a concept that cant yet exist, but in the future could. Love over time and space and the paradoxs this could bring.
Its only a half hour movie and that is all it needs as a short story.

They a young couple, but space war sees them separated, they communicate via text messages.
He Noboru, on earth, time moves normally,
She Mikako, a mecha pilot, travels into space, first a few minutes separate their messages. Then she space warps away and comunications take a month, The she again space warps - 8 light years away and of course messages take 8 years to travel one way!.
By the time Noboru gets the last message he is 25 years old.. Things have happened in space.. Things have happened on earth, They have one final message to each other transending space and time..

An interesting movie.. a movie to move the heart. I did not feel it was depressing as one reviewer put it, more a Romeo & Juliet type compassion and sadness for this couple. Some could shed a tear...
The animation and music are fine, but not all that important, its the story that get you, its really a dialog between two people, the sole characters are the couple, and thats it! no one else!

Probably not for every one, so try it before you buy it.. but dont be suprised however if you actualy do go and buy it! Its like that.

Intention, Belief, Emotion, and Will; Consciousness and The Scientific Basis for Magick and Miracles

Average customer rating:

Cheap video
Condemn Condemning

Intention, Belief, Emotion, and Will; Consciousness and The Scientific Basis for Magick and Miracles

Manufacturer: CustomFlix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000HEVARG
Release Date: 2006-08-07

Description

"Man is superior to the stars if he lives in the power of superior wisdom. Such a person, being master over heaven and earth, by means of his will, is a magnus, and magic is not sorcery but supreme wisdom." Paracelsus, "Magick is the art and science of causing change in accordance with the will by non-physical means. " Aleister Crowley "Everything is impossible.., untill you learn how to do it." Zachary James Miller, Ph. D It has been said that every known culture in the history of the world has described the existence of a life force energy within and around the human body that can be directed or manipulated by the mind. It has been called chi (Chinese), ki (Japanese), prana (Indian), mana (Hawaiian), pneuma (stoics), spritus (Roman), rlung (Tibetan), More recently we've heard the terms: subtle energy, the field, bioenergy, zero point field and the force. In this 90 minute lecture Dr. Miller explores this mysterious energy and the links between ancient wisdom and modern day science using his life long study of the esoteric and science as his basis. He explains his theory regarding manipulation of this energy through consciousness. Topics include : Consciousness, Energy Medicine, Direct and Distant Healing, Remote Influencing, Various Uses of Subtle Energy, Development and Maximizing of Bioenergetic Powers, and Expanding Human Potential Zachary James Miler, Ph.D is a therapist, parapsychologist, lecturer, and filmmaker. As director of The Enigma Group he has called upon his lifelong study and personal experience in examining the unexplained. The former psychotherapist and holistic health counselor has also since earliest childhood been interested in all things unusual, paranormal, supernatural and unexplained. He is a magus and bioenergetic healer and is a former member of the O.T.O. (Ordo Templi Orientis) magical order. His interest in the brain and the mind developed his interest in psychology but long before his work as a therapist he had a fascination for, as William James put it, "the uncharted realms of the human consciousness" which led him to look deeply at the work and life of some Hindu yogis and their remarkable powers and then begin his own intense study, training, and research. Zachary James Miller, Ph.D Director, The Enigma Group - Paris, FRANCE

Customer Reviews:

Cheap video.......2007-07-08

Being a lifelong student of metaphysics and occult philosophy, the title of this production intrigued me. I was very disappointed to see that it was a cheaply produced video done in a lecture hall. The speaker used an overhead projector with sloppily handwritten points on them. From the beginning, the points were glossed over, with the speaker reading directly from the slides on many occasions. Any serious student of magick will find no new information in this video, and in fact will be quite disappointed in the basic and superficial treatment of concepts such as intention and universal law. Beginners will be confused by the way the information is presented.

Condemn Condemning.......2006-12-28

This video is profound, and what I'd consider a must watch for anyone studying the way to their highest potential. It places much focus on the powers of intention at its highest and best, by highlighting the miracles and the mirages of intentionality.

If your spirit is a hungry sponge, soak this one up immediately.

Average customer rating:

Distant Drums
lost in the everglades
Good. VERY Good.
Great relived childhood adventure
Sound quality

Distant Drums
Starring: Gary Cooper , Mari Aldon , Richard Webb , Ray Teal , and Arthur Hunnicutt
Director: Raoul Walsh
Manufacturer: Republic Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001US6EG
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Customer Reviews:

Distant Drums.......2007-07-17

It was very good but it was billed as a western but my limited definition pre-revolutionary war does not classify as a western. I still liked it and would watch it again.

lost in the everglades.......2007-01-18

Let me first say this is a very good film,my complaint is with the quality of the film/disc.The film can stand with any of the action/westerns out of the 50's .Gary Cooper as always is in great form and the supporting cast is good.The film though has a grainy look to it and the disc quality is fair to low.I guess for the price you can't be to picky. Some extras or behind the scenes look would be nice.A plus with the film is the locations that were used, a great look at the wilds of Florida.

Good. VERY Good........2006-11-13

Like many of the other reviewers, I saw this at the theater as a kid...actually a toddler...and it has stuck with me ever since. Oh, there are some faults with the script, and it isn't HIGH NOON, but then it wasn't meant to be. Nor was it produced as an historical documentary. What the movie DID do for me as a kid was spur an interest in reading about the Seminole Indians and Florida history. It's a good, VERY good action flick.

Great relived childhood adventure.......2006-07-30

Five stars for time travel to childhood! It was as interesting reading the reviews as seeing the movie again. Many reported things I could relate to. The quality of the digital version isn't great, but then again neither was the quality of the projection in the motion picture theatres where many of us saw the original movie as kids. The low quality actually contributed to the memory--somewhat like listening to a Bob Dylan album on a turntable rather than on a CD-- screeches from scratches are as much a part of the 60's era music as the songs themselves. I too related to recalling this as one of my most memorable movies as a kid, because of the action and the terror of trying to escape from a fierce enemy that you did NOT want to be caught by. Seen again as an adult, the effect was different--just an engaging, action-packed cornball Hollywood fantasy typical of the era.

This is fiction. It was a great boys' adventure film in its time. I never even thought of it as factual as a kid, despite being impressionable enough to have nightmares afterwards.

I could not relate to any reviewers who panned this film as an excuse to launch into their "whites" versus native American issues. Those folks should read some history in Julius Ceaser's journals and learn what happened to the white forest-dwelling Germanic tribes at the hands of the Romans--it is not so very different from what happened to native American tribes centuries later. Tribes and cultures of humans, in general, have not treated or portrayed others different from themselves at all well or accurately. In this movie, the Seminoles are portrayed with far more substance than other "Indians" in films of the 50's era--as competent warriors and formidable enemies with their own code. Other than when the purpose of the producer is a painstakingly accurate portrayal, entertainment is about the best one can expect from Hollywood. No one should expect an accurate rendition of history from 50s "westerns."

Sound quality.......2006-03-05

I was very disappointed at the sound quality of this video. The sound goes up and down and buzzes in various places.Have returned for replacement twice and so I have to believe the problem is with the Master Disc.

Average customer rating:

City mouse, country mouse . . .
A revelation, an inocense found
Exellent
lost and alone in turkey
Man in his cave

Distant
Starring: Muzaffer Özdemir , Emin Toprak , Zuhal Gencer , Nazan Kirilmis , and Feridun Koc
Director: Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Manufacturer: New Yorker Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007939R0
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Amazon.com

The highly acclaimed, award-winning Turkish film Distant is a deeply compassionate and frequently amusing study of quiet desperation, prompting many critics to favorably compare writer-director Nuri Bilge Ceylan's subtly hypnotic drama to the films of Ozu and Tarkovsky. Watch closely and you'll recognize someone you know, or even yourself, and the quietest moments are the most enjoyably revealing. Muzaffer Özdemir and Mehmet Emin Toprak shared Best Actor honors at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival for their perfectly nuanced performances as (respectively) divorced, 40-something photographer Mahmut and his distant relative Yusef, who arrives in Istanbul looking for work, and quickly wears out his welcome. Tensions mount, revealing solitude as the natural (if not preferred) state of these lonely, melancholy men. (In the context of this film, it's tragically ironic that Toprak was killed in an auto accident, at age 28, six months before his honors at Cannes.) With understated humor, Ceylan observes Mahmut and Yusef's chronic isolation, but he never passes judgment. Distant could've been made anywhere and it would yield the same visually seductive study of detachment. Tune into its wavelength and you'll find it unforgettable. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

City mouse, country mouse . . ........2007-07-09

This languid, elliptical film set in Istanbul is a fascinating study of urban isolation, as a divorced, middle-age photographer reluctantly takes in a younger man from the country, who is looking for work. Not so much an odd couple, because they are two of a kind, they manage to grate on each other, a fact that comes across mostly in long silences until there is a final outburst between them. Sympathetic first with the older man, when his temporary house guest does little to take responsibility for himself, we unexpectedly shift our allegiance to the other man when a silver pocket watch disappears.

Working with a small crew and more than a little under the influence of Chekhov, the writer-director walks the fine line between comedy and melodrama, letting the simple premise of the film unfold slowly, relishing its many moments without hurrying toward a resolution of the building conflict. Time passes, and no one changes. Meanwhile the cinematography (both interiors and exteriors) is striking, particularly as one sequence plays out in a day of heavy snowfall. The DVD includes a cinema-verite-style making-of featurette and a lengthy and illuminating interview the director.

A revelation, an inocense found.......2007-04-20

Alienation is a new experience in Turkish society, reflected in this film in an innocent way: there's no violence, no sexual extremes of the "Last Tango in Paris" kind, no murder revelations of the "Blow Up" kind - everything in this film is about innocence. The best illustration, in my humble opinion, is when Mahmut the photographer recognizes the beauty of innocent Anatolia landscape but gives up on photographing it, not being sure if it really was worth photographing it or not. In a word, he lost his roots - he couldn't discern them anymore and that exactly is what was the drama of the movie, expressed in a subtle way not familiar to us westerners. We, the westerners, need strong stimuli in order to be able to ponder and comprehend the world phenomena, to our own disadvantage.

Exellent.......2007-03-27

One of the best films to have been released in recent years and an exellent insight into post 1999 earthquake Turkey.

You will have to watch the film at least twice (I did) The first time you watch it you will be thinking "This film is awful" "The sound quality is terrible" "The acting is awful" It is only when you watch it for a second time that you start to appreciate it.

For a start the character Mahmut was not chosen because of his acting ability he was chosen due to his facial expressions and how well he fitted the character, the quality of sound reflects the realism of the film there is no background music (apart from those coming from chimes blown by the wind) There is a lack of light in the appartment again, to add to the realism of the film.

Turkey was going through a tough time when this film was made, the economic crisis made thousands jobless and those already without jobs even more desperate, everyone was looking for work and using whatever connections they had to find employmnet.

This film is no east V west or modern V traditional but rather the life of 2 ordinary Turks on screen. On the one hand we have Mahmut, from rural Turkey (as most of the population is) who had came to Istanbul many years before, made it good largely through his own hard work and made a decent life for himself. Sadly, his personal life has not been so fortunate. Divorced from his wife in spite of his numerous friends he is a lonely character seemingly finding solace in prostitutes and alcohol.

Then along comes Yusuf, straight from Mahmuts home village and seeking work after the local factory has closed down he arrives in Istanbul with no real idea of how to find a job and no comprehention that Mahmut has his own problems to deal with and the last thing he could possibly want would be a relative who thinks he is going to find work, a partner and a whole new life for him in the big city.

This film is perhaps the most accurate analysis of the tensions that go on every day in large cities in Turkey between those already settled there and those who have newly arrived. One point that is missing though, there is no mention of Yusuf being either invited to stay with Mahmud or just arriving without notice I would have been interested in the dynamics of that.

An exellent film, one to watch and watch again (Just wish more of this directors filsm were available!)

lost and alone in turkey.......2007-01-25

Mahmut is a man in mid-life who has lost all joy and passion for life. He is a professional photographer who insists to his friends that "photography is dead." He watches television for endless hours in his dark apartment, frequents bars and restaurants alone, worries about his mother who is hospitalized, chain smokes, and badly misses his former wife Nazan who is emigrating to Canada with her new husband. Then his relative Yusuf shows up on his doorstep in Istanbul, unemployed and unemployable. Yusuf upsets all of Mahmut's petty habits and routines, leaving lights on, smoking in the wrong rooms, not flushing, littering beer cans, and the like. The film explores the palpable loneliness and lostness of these two men, and how they interact. Truly, they are "distant" from any meaningful friendship with each other, the world, or even their own selves. In Turkish with English subtitles.

Man in his cave.......2006-10-07

The director of DISTANT reportedly used his own apartment as the primary set, his own belongings, e.g. his personal car, as props, and a friend and a cousin as the two principal characters. Such dedication to the creative impulse deserves more than I can bestow.

Here, a divorced professional photographer, Mahmut (Muzaffer Ozdemir) lives a reclusive life in an Istanbul suburb, his only contact with the rest of the species being an occasional tryst with a prostitute. One day, his cousin from the country, Yusuf (Emin Toprak), arrives in the Big City. Yusuf's father has recently been laid off from his job, and Yusuf is hoping to land a berth on one of the merchant ships that docks in Istanbul to help pay for his ailing mother's health care. Thinking that his relative will soon be set up on his own, Mahmut invites the young man to stay with him. But, as the latter's hopes for employment shrivel in a dried-up job market and his habitation with Mahmut is extended, the tension between the two increases due to Mahmut's smoldering resentment at the intrusion on his space.

Had DISTANT been written as a comedy, such as the American film THE ODD COUPLE, or had it been made edgier with a violent end, it would've been worth the viewing time. Rather, it's a slow-moving, unengaging exercise that peters out to an unremarkable conclusion.

The only surprise in this film for me was the revelation that Istanbul, at sea level in a temperate clime, experiences snow in the winter. Who would've thought?

Average customer rating:

Distant thunder with no healing rain.
Incredibly moving and provocative!
A Must See - And Believe !
More than thought provoking
Exceptional

A Distant Thunder
Starring: Deborah Flora; Peter Renaday and Selah Victor
Director: Jonathan Flora
Manufacturer: Vision Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BT030M
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Product Description

Things are not always as they seem... especially when entering the halls of a desperate mind in this gripping supernatural thriller. Struggling to keep her fragile sanity from unraveling, Prosecutor Ann Brown is offered a murder case that will challenge everything she believes to be true. Uncertain at first whether to accept the assignment, a harrowing encounter with Defense Attorney Tom Condan convinces her to meet the challenge. The deeper she investigates, reality and tormenting delusions collide as she encounters an evil force as unnerving as it is foreboding. In this award-winning movie, terrifying secrets are exposed, and you'll discover the shocking twist which reveals the chilling and unforeseeable truth. THIS SPECIAL EDITION DVD CONTAINS: Original Version (parental discretion advised for pre-teens) & Edited Version Spanish Language Version "A Conversation with the Filmmakers" featurette "A Conversation with the Experts" featurette Commentary with Writer/Director Jonathan Flora-Commentary with cast: Deborah Flora, Peter Renaday and Selah Victor "Behind the Thunder" -- The Making of A DISTANT THUNDER Trailer

Customer Reviews:

Distant thunder with no healing rain........2007-07-11

I rated this 5-Stars on the issue the film was intended to depict, however I don't think it went far enough. The "whatever" is was that was "getting closer" and causing the visions experienced by and tormenting the prosecuting lawyer was never identified--and these took a large part of this all too short film. Then, the relationship of the prosecuting lawyer to her obviously mentally disturbed and largely unresponsive mother--who in the film was also experiencing horrific visions--could have been resolved in a way that would have further covered the subject of partial birth abortion, but this was apparently not the director's purpose. We're given the detailed gross aspects of the procedure which I found disgusting (the director's goal?) and at the very close of the film, another vision(?) assaults the daughter when her mother is called to the stand as a witness for the defense and after that's over, the daughter walks off hand in hand with the senior principal of her firm and the film fades to black. The film--for me--was too disjointed, and leaves too much up in the air with no meaningful resolution for the characters portrayed or the issue it documents. I feel that the subject of partial birth abortion deserves better treatment than this film provided.

Incredibly moving and provocative!.......2006-10-21

This is a short but powerful film about a legal case involving partial-birth abortion. Very well made and suberbly acted, this movie easily stands up to anything produced by mainstream Hollywood. Though genuinely apolitical, the film forces the viewer to consider their own views about the horror of partial-birth abortion in a very meaningful way. It may be helpful to view it more than once or to see it in a group and discuss it afterwards, as subtleties may be missed the first time around. It's no surprise that many people have never even heard, let alone seen this film. But I would bet that anyone who does, cannot help but be moved.
I would not recommend to most children under the age of 15, as some scenes are intense and may be frightening, however, I would not hesitate to encourage any high school or college-age student to watch, especially as it is likely to spur discussion.

A Must See - And Believe !.......2006-06-04

This is one of the most moving (and frightening) films you may ever see. In a mere 35 minutes it cuts through the political rhetoric, shows you what the Planned Parenthood crowd keeps so secret, and goes to the heart of the matter - morality in our country, our courts, and in our own lives.

Jonathan Flora (writer, director, and cameo performer) and wife, Deborah Flora (Ann Brown), two of the finest Chriatians I have ever met, bypassed the leftist Hollywood establishment to produce this film on their own. Not only does this speak for their courage, but it gives reason for hope that once again we can become a nation that respects not just the lives of some, but of all.

You will love the surprise ending!

More than thought provoking.......2006-04-21

My sister-in-law recommended this film to me. It's laced with brilliant subtle dialogue and sci-fi effects, while building to a very thought-provoking climax. It's one of those films I had to watch again to get the clue-filled conversations. I have fun convincing my friends to watch it without revealing the underlying message. I recommend with whole heart.

Exceptional.......2006-02-02

A legal thriller that handles a politically divisive subject well. Better-funded than most "independent" "Christian" films, this is a must-see for all thinking Americans. If by end of the first act you aren't sure where you stand on partial-birth abortion, check yourself again during the end credits. You may be surprised to find you see the issue more clearly than before, and without the spin of politics. Where you find "right and left", there is also and always "right or wrong". Right or Wrong should be what inspires you in life.

Average customer rating:

Great movie...
A Fair Portrayal
A Viewer
Lithgow is great the film... is not

Distant Thunder
Starring: Ralph Macchio , John Lithgow , Kerrie Keane , Reb Brown , and Janet Margolin
Director: Rick Rosenthal
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00062IDLU
Release Date: 2004-12-07

Description

A troubled Vietnam veteran goes into self-exile shortly after the war, leaving his wife and young son to wonder if he will ever return. After 10 years of living in Washington's rainforest, he comes back and tries to salvage his relationship with his son.

Customer Reviews:

Great movie..........2006-05-26

Ussualy you see John lithgow in funny roles but he twist his funny side for this dramatic 1988 movie called "distant thunder" and Ralph macchio plays his long lost son that he didnt even kne he had after lithgow comes back from vietnam with his troubled godawfull nam memoris. I highly recommend.

A Fair Portrayal.......2006-05-22

As a registered nurse on a VA psych unit that has an in-patient PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) unit, I have to say this film does a pretty good job of portraying the extreme end of the spectrum of veterans who returned from Vietnam. Most civilians can't begin to understand how difficult it was for veterans to be trained and then expected to kill without remorse, expected to withstand the trauma of fearing death on a daily basis, and seeing death on a daily basis, especially of friends, of men they knew. Trying to live a normal life when they could not live with the guilt of having taken life, with the guilt of having survived when others they were close to did not, was often impossible for many surviving vets. Add to that the treatment many received when they returned home, being reviled and spat upon, and you have a recipe for alienation and dysfunction. It took almost thirty years for society - and the VA - to realize these men needed the help that PTSD programs (too few) across the country provide.

Lithgow's character attempts to "come out of the cold", to reintegrate into society, and finds it more difficult than he can bear. He is unable to deal with his son's need to understand, however, when his buddies in "the bush" turn violent in response to an intrusion into their territory, he finds the resources to cope, to do what needs to be done, but then crumbles under his load of guilt. When his son refuses to let him take his own life without his son dying as well, he is forced to make a choice. The film ends with an indication that he has taken a step back into the World, and has made enough of a connection with his son to continue to re-engage. All in all, a pretty fair story.

A Viewer.......2001-06-10

I strongly disagree with the common perception of people's opinion with this film. To me, this about a psychological side to the "Rambos," and other one man army type soldiers of war. It shows how deeply troubled they are with the world, and other dilemmas that have occurred with their private lives. I think this story is more of a tale between a son with a father who is mentally ill. I think the Vietnam War is just a story that occurred and had a part of the drama. It's something that just makes this man more interesting in his character. The fact that he was a former Navy Seal unfortunately makes him much more dangerous to the rest of society

I think people dislike films like this the most because they feel uncomfortable being in the face of mental illness. I assume it's much more comfortable for them to turn their back.

Lithgow is great the film... is not.......2000-09-27

John Lithgow gives a good performance in this highly rehashed film. It is not new or refreshing.. it is a typical 'nam movie. If you are a die hard Lithgow fan I would suggest watching some third rock from the sun re runs no one should be subjected to this schlock/

Distant Voices, Still Lives [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Spain ]

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Distant Voices, Still Lives [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Spain ]
Director: Terence Davies
Manufacturer: Divisa Red
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

Spain released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. LANGUAGES: English (Dolby Digital 2.0), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0), Spanish (Subtitles), WIDESCREEN (1.78:1), SYNOPSIS: Autobiographical film of working class life in Liverpool, dealing with the Davies family. The marriage of their eldest child and the funeral of their father both evoke memories of the family's past, including their lives through the war years. SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu,

Average customer rating:

My mental health was damaged as a kid by this movie
Hard to find movie in great shape. "Distant Thunder"
A Very Effective Sequel To "Thief In The Night".
Abysmal but not as bad as the first one
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to church...

A Distant Thunder
Starring: Patty Dunning , Sally Johnson , Sandy Christen , Thom Rachford , and Maryann Rachford
Director: Donald W. Thompson
Manufacturer: Russ Doughten Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00006JDTM
Release Date: 2004-12-28

Customer Reviews:

My mental health was damaged as a kid by this movie.......2007-03-01

A Baptist babysitter took me to her church meeting without my parents' permission when I was 8 (1979) and this film was shown. I was scared out of my wits. Shortly after this I began to have extremely disturbing religious nightmares to the point that I had to start seeing a child psychologist.

I don't know what it's like to watch it as an adult, but children should NOT be allowed to watch this movie. And churches should make sure they don't. I am a Christian DESPITE this movie, not because of it!

Hard to find movie in great shape. "Distant Thunder".......2007-02-20

This is a real good VHS tape in real good condition. The title is getting real hard to find. the seller was excellent and very prompt in delivery.

A Very Effective Sequel To "Thief In The Night"........2007-01-15

Sometimes, when a movie is successful, one feels they need to make a sequel to it. At times, that sequel is worth it, and it is so in this case.

Have you seen the first movie yet? If not, please immediately stop reading this review, and go see the first movie. The first has its effective moments and ending, and reading this review might spoil it.

This picture picks up where the former left off. There are some tributes to the original, such as Patti stealing the bad guys' van, but it is not a formula picture as many sequels do.

Again, this movie is taken from a pre-millennial, pre-tribulational view. This means that Jesus will return after seven years of tribulation to set up His kingdom on earth, and the church will be raptured before the seven years start.

There is some creative directing in this movie. And the end is just as thrilling as it is in the original.

Abysmal but not as bad as the first one.......2006-03-28

This is a terrible film,mainly as it has the same wooden cast as the first film. It is of course like the rest in the series christian fundie scare tactics/propaganda & as such should be treated with contempt.I thought the colour scheme of the UNITE vans in the first films was better.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to church..........2005-12-06

A Distant Thunder is the second in a series of four low-budget suspense films made in the 70s by fundamentalist Christians in an attempt to scare people into accepting Jesus. Its subject matter is the mainstream protestant interpretation of biblical prophecies about the Earth's last days. This one is by far the best and the creepiest in the series, but keep in mind that I am using the word "best" very loosely here. The only reason I am a fan of these films is because they played a very significant role in my ridiculous upbringing. Those people who were not raised in radical fundie households will most likely think that this movie is stupid, which is understandable. Still though, this series was much MUCH better than the more recent Left Behind movies, if that's any sort of recommendation.

In order to get some perspective on the thrilling experience that is A Distant Thunder, imagine a long Brady Bunch episode set in a totalitarian state and filled with some godawful acting. Now add a good hearty dose of Christian Fundamentalist dogma, the urban paranoia of Rosemary's Baby, and a few beheadings and, BINGO!, you've got A Distant Thunder! If this sounds like your idea of fun, but would prefer to hang on to your money, HigherPraise dot com graciously allows you to download and view this movie (along with A Thief in the Night and The Image of the Beast) free of charge. Hallelujah!

Distant Shores Volume 4:Greek Islands & Turkey

Average customer rating:

Distant Shores Volume 4:Greek Islands & Turkey
Starring: Sheryl Shard
Director: Paul Shard
Manufacturer: Shard Multimedia
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0004IXFGY
Release Date: 2004-05-21

Description

Sail with Paul & Sheryl through the Greek Islands! After entering Greece in Corfu visit Ithaka, Homer's home for his hero Odysseus. Then sail through the dramatic Corinth Canal to begin a fall cruise in the Aegean Sea. Explore Turkey starting at Bodrum and sailing north along this enchanting coastline, then through the Dardanelles and on to legendary Istanbul. From Greek shepherds to a turkish barber and shopkeepers in the raucous markets of Old Stamboul - meet interesting local people and experience life in this enchanting area.

Contains 8 X 30-minute episodes:
Episode #23 - Ionion Islands (Greece)
Episode #24 - Corinth Canal (Greece)
Episode #25 - Greek Islands of the South Aegean
Episode #26 - Dodecanese Islands to Turkey
Episode #27 - West Coast of Turkey
Episode #28 - Passage to Istanbul - Dardanelles
Episode #29 - Istanbul (Turkey)
Episode #30 - Lesvos (Greece)

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DVD

DVD