Dirty Dancing (20th Anniversary Edition)

Description

The summer of 1963 innocent 17-year-old Baby (Grey) vacations with her parents at a Catskill's resort. One evening she is drawn to the staff quarters by stirring music. There she meets Johnny, the hotel dance instructor, who is as experienced as Baby is naive. Baby soon becomes Johnny's pupil in dance and love.

Customer Reviews:

Dirty Dancing at it's best........2007-08-23

Everyone knows the movie by now. It is a great story with a terrific group of actors that experienced a magic thing that few experience. As for the DVD, the sound quality and picture is the best of any of the DVDs that have came out. The widescreen ratio aspect I believe is 16:9 which is about as good as it gets. My daughter and I enjoy the movie so much that it rivals the Rocky Horror Picture Show crowd interaction when it is on at our house. I hope you enjoy this DVD as much as we have.

My best,
Gordon Huff
Louisville, KY

Review of Dirty Dancing.......2007-06-27

This is such a classic! Who doesn't love this movie?! I've watched it many times. Great love story, wonderful dancing, and excellent cast!

I was hoping for a little more.......2007-06-23

While I can't claim to have seen this movie more than a couple of times, I did look forward to all the extra features of this dvd. I was a little disappointed in the outtakes and deleted scenes, etc, in that they were quite brief given the enormous amount of material that must have been filmed and not used. I do highly recommend the real dirty dancing scene with "Johhny and Baby"-its the most erotic thing I have ever seen in clothes. I did enjoy the commentary and trivia as well. Recommended.

Finally the edition fans have waited for..........2007-06-11

What child of the 80s doesn't remember Johnny pulling Baby out of that corner and letting the whole world know that real men do dance?! Well, we can all breath a sigh of relief because the wonderful people over at Lionsgate have finally put out a version that includes lots and lots of extras including deleted scenes, alternate scenes, extended scenes, outtakes plus more that haven't been included in any edition before. My only complaint is that they left out Dirty Dancing Live in Concert...which means I'll probably hang onto my Ultimate version but nonetheless I'm thrilled with the new extras. If you loved this movie 20 years ago, be sure to pick it up for the next 20.

A Wonderful Ode to a Lost Time & Place.......2007-05-31

Great music, great dancing, great atmosphere, great romance, and enough schmaltz to make this a wonderful DVD to own (even if you have forgotten about the charm of the Catskills)>

Dirty Dancing (20th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-Ray]

Average customer rating:

How NOT to master a bluray
GOOD MOVIE
Dvd does not work
Dirty Dancing (20th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-Ray]
This Blue-Ray disc does not work on my Samsung Blue-Ray Player

Dirty Dancing (20th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-Ray]
Starring: Kelly Bishop , Jane Brucker , Max Cantor , Charles "Honi" Coles , and Jesus Fuentes
Manufacturer: Lionsgate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000NIVJGI
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Product Description

Lionsgate Dirty Dancing 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-Ray)
It's summer, 1963. Baby (Grey), 17 years old and innocent, is vacationing with her parents in theCatskills. While exploring the resort grounds late one evening, she is drawn to the staff quarters by stirring music. There she meets Johnny (Swayze), the hotel dance instructor, who is as experienced in life as Baby is naive. Mesmerized by the sexybeats and uninhibited movements of "Dirty Dancing," Baby soon becomes Johnny's prize pupil - in dance and in love.

Customer Reviews:

How NOT to master a bluray.......2007-08-23

I had high hopes for this Bluray as I love this movie. I figured a new AVC transfer would bring this disk back to life after suffering the SD DVD bad transferrs I already have.

It was not to be. The movie is soft and washed out. There has been a large amount of electronic grain reduction undertaken that has bascially destroyed the PQ by sofetning the entire image and crushing the blacks in some scenes to the point where the picture look posterized.

While still better than a DVD it is a disaster. Lionsgate should chastised for failing to use this bluray as an opportunity to present this movie as it should have been.

If you take a look at the deleted scenes, you will see how good the transfer could have been. These are much better than the movie itself as the intense video processing to remove grain hasnt been done.

Liongate, You wrecked this movie and are now on my watch list for future transfers which I have to investigate closely before spending my money on your product. You should be ashamed.

On an up side note. The Audio quality is excellent with the PCM sound track.

It worked first time in my Samsung 1200 Bluray player.

GOOD MOVIE.......2007-07-30

THIS MOVIE HAS GOOD SOUND AND PICTURE. IT IS ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES I HAVE BOUT.

Dvd does not work.......2007-06-02

Dvd does not work in my samsung blu-ray player..... Just keeps trying to load... Very disappointed. Would have order a replacement, but saw that somebody else had the same issue. So why bother.

JUST WANTED TO LET EVERYBODY KNOW WHO HAD THIS PROBLEM THAT THE DVD DOES WORK. YOU HAVE TO GO TO SAMSUNG'S WEBSITE AND DO THE UPDATE FOR YOUR BLU-RAY PLAYER. AFTER WE DID THE UPDATE BLU-RAY DVD WORKED GREAT.

Dirty Dancing (20th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-Ray].......2007-05-30

La película es una belleza de las mejores que he visto en mi vida.

This Blue-Ray disc does not work on my Samsung Blue-Ray Player.......2007-05-23

I bought this blue-ray disc, it keeps on spinning (with the logo of a few wheels turning with the word "Loading"), and never finish loading, and never get to the menu to play the content. Does anybody have the same problem?

Average customer rating:

Weird but extremely funny
Drag Queens at their Finest!
Girls will be girls
Girls Will Be Girls, Unless They're Boys
SO SO SO FUNNY!!! THIS IS ONE TO BUY!

Girls Will Be Girls
Starring: Richard Ahren , Kris Andersson , Mark Cirillo , Jesus Fuentes , and Dana Gould
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00019GHQQ
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Description

Absolutely nothing is sacred in this explosively funny and wicked comedy featuring award-winning* performances by three of Hollywood's funniest actresses: Jack Plotnick, Clinton Leupp and Jeffery Roberson! Nothing stirs up the competitive spirit in haggard Hollywood has-been Evie Harris (Plotnick) like having to share a house with a younger actress like Varla (Roberson). Especially sinceVarla happens to be the daughter of Evie's now-deceased rival! But even as their saner roommate, Coco (Leupp), attempts to keep the peace, Evie's jealousy over Varla's burgeoning infomercial career is about to explode in the most spectacular, showstopping way possible!

Customer Reviews:

Weird but extremely funny.......2007-07-09

First off, this movie has NOTHING to do with the subject of TS/TG. Even though men play the parts of women, they are playing the parts of REAL woman, not TS, TG, or drag queens. That said, I laughed throughout the movie. Some parts was just a little sick , but I have a warp sense of humor so, I found it funny. I recommend if you watch it, to skip the beginning credits. It's very annoying.

Drag Queens at their Finest!.......2007-04-13

It took me a while to ever check this flick out. I was at first a little turned off by what I later came to realize was Jack Plotnick's smirking visage on the cover. He really knows how to emulate an unattractive has-been movie actress!

Aside from that, the movie contained therein is funny and entertaining. It has great sequences and looks really slick. I wouldn't even consider this a "gay-themed" film in that the men playing the lead female characters are never revealed to simply be men in drag. They are able to whimsically pull off their protrayal of robust women trying to earn acclaim in a tarnished Hollywood. Yes, that certain drag queen wit and cynicism is here, but that is what makes the film stand out.

The story and arcs for all the characters are hysterical and don't rate as fluff. The movie, in all, has a mainstream look and feel, even though one might expect a title of dubious quality. Check it out if you love comedy, especially if it is elevated by men in fabulous dresses!!!

Girls will be girls.......2007-04-11

This movie is well written and is 80 hilarious minutes! It will be one of my classic funny favorites for years to come.

Girls Will Be Girls, Unless They're Boys.......2007-02-28

In the mood for some Drag Queens and a few laughs? Well, you're in luck--"Girls Will Be Girls" is a nutty confection that should satisfy your craving. Skewering many of the old-fashioned "weepies," this fast and loose film layers on the jokes so that even if some fall flat--others will hit their respective targets shortly thereafter. In the spirit of full disclosure, though, I have to admit that I was a neighbor and acquaintance of Clinton Leupp (Miss Coco Peru also featured notably in "Trick") for many years. That, however, does not affect my fondness for this silly and enjoyable romp. Like a Drag Queen updating of "Valley of the Dolls," but purposefully funny and campy, "Girls" definitely succeeds as entertainment.

I don't know how significant the plot will be to those who are checking into this film, but here's a brief synopsis. Washed-up and aging actress Evie (Jack Plotnick) and her put-upon roommate Coco (Clinton Leupp) take in a Hollywood newcomer. Varla (Jeffery Roberson) is the daughter of Evie's former rival, but that doesn't stop the ladies from being attracted to her rent money. Evie is happy to impart her wisdom on the young aspiring actress--that is until Varla starts to be successful in an infomercial! Reawakening Evie's jealousy, the film becomes a battle of wills as all three ladies are harboring secrets from the past that can destroy them. Having already referenced "Valley," you can also see hints of "All About Eve," "Sunset Boulevard," and a number of other pictures in this satiric homage to old school Hollywood melodrama.

The "actresses" do a great job throwing themselves into the material. It is their commitment to the story that propels "Girls" past its novelty and curiosity factor into a full blown success. Plotnick, in the film's showiest role, has a great comedic flair. A narcissist of the highest order, I think the film's funniest moments showcase her complete lack of regard for her lifelong friend Coco. Leupp actually surprised me, too. Coco is perhaps the film's most complex performance, and Leupp's decision to subtly underplay the material (especially in the hysterical flashbacks) makes it that much more hysterical. The deadpan delivery is spot-on. I also enjoyed Ron Mathews as Evie's son Stevie who becomes infatuated with Varla's ample......uh, charms.

While "Girls Will Be Girls" is a ribald and outrageous bit of nonsense--let's face it, we're not judging it along the same lines as "serious minded" or classic film. The 4 stars I've awarded the film reflect more of the entertainment value and laugh quotient contained within this brief 80 minute film than its artistic merit. For this film can be riotously amusing, trashy, and over-the-top fun. It doesn't aspire to be anything else, and that's why it is so successful. Check it out--it's particularly good with cocktails. KGHarris, 02/07.

SO SO SO FUNNY!!! THIS IS ONE TO BUY!.......2006-12-21

I've shown this movie to every friend I have, and have bought it to give to others. It is just good fun! Watch the extras, and even each title on the DVD has something funny.

Average customer rating:

Dedicated to Harry Crews and Larry Brown
Sweet Journey
a mix of poor prisoners and religious folk just like them
How Did David Johansen Get In This Movie ?
quality

Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus
Starring: Rev. Gary Howington , Harry Crews , Johnny Dowd , David Eugene Edwards , and The Handsome Family
Director: Andrew Douglas (IV)
Manufacturer: Homevision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000E1OI8U
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Description

Take a captivating and compelling road trip through the creative spirit of the American South, a world of churches, prisons, coalmines, truckstops, juke joints, swamps and mountains. Along the way you'll meet musicians including the Handsome Family, Johnny Dowd, 16 Horsepower, and David Johansen, old time banjo player Lee Sexton, and novelist Harry Crews. This film is a collage of stories and testimonies filled with sudden death, sin and redemption... and all the while, a strange Southern Jesus looms in the background.

Customer Reviews:

Dedicated to Harry Crews and Larry Brown.......2007-08-29

If you want to watch an artsy Yankee with a European motif trying to pull himself off as a Southerner, then this is the film for you. No doubt, Floridian writers are all the time walking down country roads talking into car windows and electric guitar players are performing in the middle of a junk yard to an audience of one.
Why would you focus on Staten Island born David Johansen aka Buster Poindexter aka The New York Dolls frontman as an example of southern music?
The Chevrolet, which figures prominently in the film, sure sound like a Mopar when it starts up. Was that just a shout out to the Dukes of Hazzard or did you just think folks from the south "is too dumb to notice"?
Speaking of the south, the film seems to take place mostly in Appalachia, not the deep south you are led to believe. Of cource a chap from the BBC probably doesn't know the difference nor does a Californian or a New Yorker, which are the main players/producers.
All in all I liked it.

Sweet Journey.......2007-08-24

The film was searching in all the right places for Jesus, wrong-eyed or not.

Doesn't the Savior seek the contrite? The broken hearted? The honest and pure in spirit? Those who need and cry out for Him? This touching film takes you where the Lord may be found, if one were looking, as He would not be frequenting the million dollar glass-cathedral monuments to men's egos.

I found the film to be a spiritual journey of beautiful songs and stories.

a mix of poor prisoners and religious folk just like them.......2007-06-12

I was interested in the music, including a familiar banjo tune, but I was almost shocked by the last song in the extra features, which was just Harry Crews talking like I was right back in the movie and he had to explain how the South shaped his own quest to become a great novelist. Some speaking in tongues is very intense, so you might want to see this for more than the music and attempts to tell hard luck stories that most of the songs are about. Talking about hell, or "Participating in my own butchering," as Harry Crews puts it in that special feature, can be fascinating.

How Did David Johansen Get In This Movie ?.......2007-05-15

This is a very beautiful film. Although very staged at times, it still seems slice of life. Me being a 47 year old black man from a city in eastern North Carolina, i didn't see myself here, but i saw what goes on DEEPER off-roads than the comparitively regular off-roads i usually encounter.

i repeat. How did David Johansen get in this movie ?

quality.......2007-01-20

I have to say as a DP for the last twenty years and working on some very well funded projects, this documentary
has so much thought behind it, to make it different, from the tipacle talking head B roll format.
I really respect the film makers ideas to make this a "different type of documentary" and I love the staged segues of the musical pieces. You dont need 2 second edits to make an interesting documentary.

Average customer rating:

I'd rather watch 6 hours of Jesus of Nazareth
Truly, truly I say to you...
Worldly
Finally a movie that gives credit to Jesus being fully human as well as fully God
Makes Jesus Seem Like A Friend

Jesus
Starring: Jeremy Sisto , Debra Messing , Armin Mueller-Stahl , Jacqueline Bisset , and Gary Oldman
Director: Roger Young
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 1573629235
Release Date: 2000-07-25

Amazon.com

Tackling the story of Jesus for film is bound to incur controversy. Yet, in a bold move, CBS produced the television miniseries Jesus, which not only retells the biblical story, but takes a look at the more human side of the man. Jeremy Sisto stars, and although it takes a little while for him to gather enough momentum to have us believing him in this role, overall he is surprisingly convincing. While the movie does stray from strict scripture--Jesus is shown feeling conflicted over his feelings for Lazarus's sister Mary; Satan, portrayed by Jeroen Krabbé, works hard at convincing Jesus to stray from his path--most of the plot will be familiar to viewers. Beginning with an adult Jesus, who works with his father as a carpenter, the program traces his life and death through resurrection. The strong supporting cast, including Jacqueline Bisset as Mary, Gary Oldman as Pontius Pilate, and Debra Messing as Mary Magdalene, lends to the credibility of the miniseries. This is a satisfying retelling of the life of Jesus and will please those who want new ways to explore biblical stories, as Jesus not only reinforces the ideals of the New Testament but shows Jesus as a complex individual. --Jenny Brown

Customer Reviews:

I'd rather watch 6 hours of Jesus of Nazareth.......2007-03-23

This movie is an abomination to the story of Jesus. First of all, the actor who plays Jesus has a permananent flirtatious lusty expression on his face. The story is not all true to the bible. It was so horrid that my friend and I who decided together to rent it, had to shut it off halfway through. If you truly want a movie that pays homage to Jesus's life, watch Jesus of Nazareth instead!

Truly, truly I say to you..........2007-01-17

I really like this movie! Jeremy Sisto is a wonderful Jesus and really captures me. I have watched this movie at least 10 ten times and bought it as gifts for my mom and boyfriend. If you like viewing Jesus in an unorthodox way, you will enjoy this movie for sure. Jesus is depicted as a real person (like you or me) before he becomes Jesus as most of us know him today. This movie seems so real to me that when I watch it, it's as if I'm really watching Jesus. So lovely!

Worldly.......2007-01-13

The Gospels are always a challenge to adapt to screen, but this time they didn't even try. The beginning was pretty typical: Lots of flash and color with Roman soldiers, Priests and Scribes, and, of course, Herod with Herodias and the inevitable Solome (odd that she's often given a central role, since she isn't even named in Scripture, and only mentioned once). So for about ten minutes I sat tight, waiting for the good stuff, like Jesus' baptism, the calling of The Twelve, and the Sermon on the Mount, but the when Jesus finally shows up, he's in Bethany making sheep-eyes at Mary. Blasphemy! The Bibical Jesus would never for a moment have contemplated a different path than the one He knew His Father wanted for Him, even when He was as young as twelve years. We turned it off right away, knowing the rest couldn't be much better. Don't buy this.

Finally a movie that gives credit to Jesus being fully human as well as fully God.......2006-12-13

There have been few media representations of Jesus life that are worth the film they use- this one is worth it. While there are some things that seem a bit out of order or not perfectly correct historically, this movie allowed the human side of Jesus to come out. Often we forget that Jesus was fully human and fully God. What does it mean to be human? to have doubts, to have joy, to have fears and to have hopes. We can only surmise what it means to be God!
As a pastor I seek to find good material to introduce Jesus to kids and adults alike. A group of 15 year olds sat for the entire 3 hours watching this movie and really liked it. That, my friends, makes this a fantastic evangelism tool. I highly recommend it.

Makes Jesus Seem Like A Friend .......2006-12-10

I enjoyed the movie. I think that it was a good movie to introduce my younger children to Jesus, making him seem like a person who could be a friend. Now that does not mean that I think it is accurate. No one really knows how Joseph and Jesus got along, the Bible is silent on that issue, probably because it is not that imporatant. He was probably devoted to Joseph as most sons would be with their fathers, so they took a little liberty, but I don't think that it was a bad thing. No it does not follow scripture (no evidence Jesus was interested in Mary, John the Baptist knew full well who Jesus was before he baptized him etc...) but any movie that will get people interested in the Lord is good as long as it does not desecrate him (having sex, girlfriends etc, being a mook etc). I liked it, but if you want more accuracy look to Jesus of Nazareth, King of Kings etc..., this movie is more kid friendly.

Average customer rating:

Bread and Roses
One-dimensional fluff.
Bread And Roses--a film ever more relevant for our times!
Be wise, Unionize!
Brody's Appeal Perks Up This NORMA RAE for Hispanic Janitors

Bread and Roses
Starring: Pilar Padilla , Adrien Brody , Elpidia Carrillo , Jack McGee , and Monica Rivas
Director: Ken Loach
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005OSLC
Release Date: 2001-11-27

Customer Reviews:

Bread and Roses.......2007-07-18

The conflict between principle and practical reality is deftly explored by British director Loach in this affecting drama set in present-day Southern California, and features earthy performances by Brody and formidable newcomer Padilla. An intense, authentic depiction of our most vulnerable workers' struggle for a decent life, the film underscores the importance of taking a stand, however daunting. Shedding light on the desperate lives of people largely ignored in contemporary times, "Roses" is a tense, moving story about those still seeking--and being denied--the American Dream.

One-dimensional fluff........2007-06-26

Bread and Roses (Ken Loach, 2001)

I'm honestly not sure how to approach this movie. I am a huge fan of the movie that comes directly before it in Loach's corpus, namely My Name is Joe, which made me a Peter Mullan fan for life. Bread and Roses, on the other hand, was--to put it mildly--a trial to get through, and much of what I've read makes me place the majority of the blame on Loach's shoulders; this could have been a fairly amusing comedy-drama with a compelling storyline, but instead comes off as a piece of propagandist trash aimed, if anything, at preaching to the choir; it's certainly not going to move anyone from the other side, even if they can see the validity in the arguments spouted here. The Motorcycle Diaries this is not.

The story concerns Maya (Pilar Padilla), a new, and illegal, immigrant to America, who lands a job with the Angel Cleaning Company, for which her sister works. Their boss, Perez (George Lopez), is, to put it mildly, a sexist, racist brute who likes nothing better than making his employees terrified of him. During her first day on the job, Maya encounters a fleeing Sam (The Pianist's Adrien Brody), being chased by her boss, his boss, and a security guard through the building; she, fond of neither Perez nor the security guard (with whom she had an altercation before getting the job), smuggles him to safety. The two form a tentative friendship, and she learns he's an activist who's fighting Angel, a non-union janitorial service little better than a sweatshop that happens to contract out. The rest of the movie deals with Maya and Sam's clashes with Angel.

There are a wealth of supporting characters who had the possibility to be interesting, but their stories are, for the most part, abandoned in Loach's quest to drive his message home. There are two avenues that are explored--Rosa's husband, Bert (Jack McGee), off work on disability because of his diabetes, and Juan (Eloy Mendez), who works as a janitor in order to save money for his law school tuition--but the pieces we see of their stories are there, as everything else, to drive the plot. When even your three-dimensional characters come off as two-dimensional, there's a problem. The others don't even merit the term "cardboard cutout." Which is a shame, as there's some talent within the ranks here, Lopez especially. The movie, however, is unconcerned.

Bread and Roses is the thinnest of veneers over boring political screed; even if you're of the same mindset as the film's writer and director, you'll have to overlook the film's glaring lack of characterization, threadbare plot, oddly cheap-looking film stock (though I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and assume a bad DVD transfer), episodic formulation, and glacial pace in order to get anything out of it. (half)

Bread And Roses--a film ever more relevant for our times!.......2007-02-11

Bread and Roses exposes the everyday life of poor Latin-Americans and their friends and family who are not living legally in this country. Many reviewers correctly point out that this movie highlights the brutal mistreatment of these human beings as if they were pieces of garbage or trash. The film also explores the high price of surviving in America for both legal and illegal immigrants. Bread And Roses accomplishes all this with a sensitivity that I rarely see in a motion picture; and it should be mandatory viewing for college and high school students so that they can better understand the complex issues regarding immigration that our country now faces.

Bread and Roses starts out with a fast paced action scene in which Maya, played so ably by Pilar Padilla, and other Mexicans are running across the US-Mexican border to get a better life for themselves. They want to be with their family members who have already come to America; and they also want jobs so that they can send money back to their starving families in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Maya, a rather street smart young lady, manages to escape the Mexican scoundrels who help her purely because they expect intimate favors from her. Maya takes a cab to her sister Rosa's house to live with her. Soon Rosa gets Maya a job in a cleaning company. Unfortunately, however, the cleaning company, supervised by a Hispanic himself, treats its employees with brutal intimidation and constant degradation.

The action speeds up even more when Maya and the other workers are encouraged to unionize by a labor activist Sam Shapiro, who is played by Adrien Brody. Initially the janitors hesitate to let Sam Shapiro lead them because they fear unemployment or deportation. With time, however, the janitors begin to realize they have the right as human beings to a living wage and at least a half-way decent lifestyle. Although Maya joins the people who want to unionize, she also does something else that is definitely not so honorable and the film gives us a bittersweet ending as a consequence.

The cinematography shines strong in the initial moments of this film when the people are running at breakneck speed to cross the border. I liked the views of Los Angeles; and the camera frames its subjects nicely. The scenes in which the camera pans upward toward the sky are breathtaking as well. The color is crisp and clear; and so is the sound.

The choreography displays much forethought. There are numerous scenes in which many actors on the set all have to do their own acting while surrounded by other performing actors; and they all manage to do this convincingly with great direction. The scenes in which the workers march are equally well done; and the party where Rosa's husband falls ill is very well choreographed.

The Latin-American characters speak in a mixture of English and Spanish; and this enhances the believability of this story. In fact, speaking in a mixture of Spanish and English is commonplace amongst lesser educated Hispanic people like the ones portrayed by the actors in this picture. They have not been to school long enough to learn each language fluently so they speak and understand parts of both languages. This reflects meticulous attention to detail--I love it!

I highly recommend this film for those of us who want to increase their understanding of what impoverished Hispanic persons have to endure in order to stay in this country both legally and illegally. Oftentimes they must do things they would ordinarily never do just to be able to send money back home so that the children can eat. What Rosa, Maya's sister, had to do to send money back home highlights the extremes people sometimes have to go to in order to keep their families well fed.

In sum, Bread and Roses reflects a sensitivity more people need to have toward the issues surrounding the controversial topic of Hispanic people flowing into America. Even if you don't agree with everything I wrote here; I hope that you will see this film to try to see where the other side "is coming from." Bread And Roses deserved much more credit than it ever received but it remains a brilliant film nonetheless.

See it!

Be wise, Unionize!.......2005-08-09

A very rare movie, in any nation. I've never seen one like this before. At the local video store, few customers rent it out, because it doesn't look like your typical fun puff-piece or thriller/chiller. Political movies usually do poorly. The actors are not incredibly sexy, don't have witty remarks, and the atmosphere isn't breathtakingly beautiful. As a matter of fact, the opposite is largely true. Even I, a political junkie to some extent, was reluctant to rent it out. One day, however, feeling more than usually virtuous, I decided to give this movie a try. The movie covers the labor struggle of illegal immigrant janitors in Los Angeles being paid $5.45 an hour with no benefits, no vacation, no lunch break, no rights and subject to sexual harassment and arbitrary abuse and firing. The struggle is marked by a romance between the union activist and a worker, and the bitter betrayal of one sister against another. Cheap labor from abroad is being used today in the United States and other developed countries to diminish and eliminate the gains made by unions in the 19th century. The answer, of course, is for unions to proliferate among the immigrants and among people in all nations, and for workers to unite world-wide regardless of nationality, race or religion. That is a monumental task to say the least; but consider the alternatives. The union organization depicted in the movie is called "Justice for Janitors," and their web site offers information about this great film at (...) The movie is a map for workers showing how to fight against exploitation by business. Be wise, Unionize!

Brody's Appeal Perks Up This NORMA RAE for Hispanic Janitors.......2004-11-19

Ken Loach's kitchen-sink drama about the hardships of illegal aliens under the thumb of exploitative employers is driven by excellent performances, particularly the three leads. Pilar Padilla and Elpidia Carillo give bravura portrayals of long-suffering Mexican sisters in L.A.; Maya (Padilla) is feisty and cunning, while her self-sacrificing older sister Rosa (Carillo) has grown resigned to her own and her family's lot in life. As Sam Shapiro, a labor activist who helps Maya and her fellow Hispanic janitors in a high-rise office building to form a union, Adrien Brody's blend of earnestness and mischief really livens up this well-meaning, often moving, occasionally didactic film. Brody's beard and bedhead make him look especially cuddly; no wonder the engaging Padilla eventually drags him into a closet for some hot and heavy nookie! :-) (My husband also remarked that all that hair made Brody's prominent proboscis look, well, less prominent -- not that Brody's noble nose ever bothered me, thank you very much! :-).

Average customer rating:

A great resource for believer and non-believer alike

Faith Under Fire 1: Faith & Jesus
Starring: Lee Strobel
Manufacturer: Zondervan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0310268281

Book Description

Using video clips from the popular PAX-TV program Faith Under Fire, this cutting-edge curriculum features spirited discussions between well-respected Christians, people of other faiths, or people with no faith at all on important spiritual and social issues. Host Lee Strobel, best-selling author of The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith, provides additional comments to guide small group discussion.

Customer Reviews:

A great resource for believer and non-believer alike.......2007-07-13

"Faith and Jesus" is the first of a four-part DVD set meant to help answer some of the most pressing questions asked about the Christian faith. This particular edition is designed for small group use. Each of the four DVDs contains four individual sessions, making 16 sessions altogether. Each one deals with a particular question or objection to the Christian faith.

Taken together they provide an important Christian apologetic, dealing with the common difficulties people have with Biblical Christianity. Lee Strobel is well placed to host this serious, based as they are on his television series, Faith Under Fire. Strobel was an atheist and an investigative journalist who came to faith after an examination of the evidence.

He has penned three best selling books about his examination of the evidence: The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, and The Case for a Creator. Each book featured interviews with recognised experts in their fields, be they theologians, philosophers, scientists, or academics.

This DVD series also features experts, but this time in debate format. Thus 13 of the episodes feature one-on-one debates, with another one being a three-way debate. Two remaining episodes feature simply a single presenter, dealing with tough questions asked about Christian faith.

The 14 actual debates are hardly one-sided. Not only are the best Christian thinkers and apologists featured - such as J.P. Moreland, Gregory Koukl, Ben Witherington, Albert Mohler and William Lane Craig.- but their opponents are first class in their fields as well, be they atheist, skeptic, Muslim or Jew. Thus leading atheist Sam Harris is featured, as is the director of the Skeptic Society, Michael Shermer. Liberal theologian John Shelby Spong is there, as are leading Muslim and Jewish apologists.

So the heavy artillery is wheeled out on both sides, and Strobel allows both camps to duly make their cases. All the sessions are brief, lasting no more than 15 minutes each. What is presented here is edited for time considerations, but the gist of each argument is featured, and time is left for group discussion about what was featured in the debates.

Study guides are included with the DVDs, and Strobel offers a concluding thought after each session. Taken together, the 16 sessions offer thought-provoking and stimulating debate and conversation. Most of the major objections to faith are covered here.

The problem of suffering and evil is covered, as is the question of the Bible's reliability, the doctrine of the Trinity, the reality of hell, and the resurrection of Christ. Other issues include: do all roads lead to God?; is the supernatural real?; do Muslims and Christians worship the same God?; and is Christianity arrogant?

Biblical Christianity never shies away from dealing with the hard questions, and those vexing questions are here in abundance. Strobel is not heavy-handed, and allows the viewers to make up their own minds on the difficult issues being addressed here. Thus this series is great for non-believers and spiritual seekers, as it is for those already in the Christian camp, looking to strengthen their own faith.

In an age where truth is frowned upon, vigorous debate is avoided, and a mushy tolerance is encouraged, these robust and challenging debates are all the more needed. It is hoped they will have a wide audience, in both Christian and secular circles.

Secrets of the Serpent: In Search of the Sacred Past

Average customer rating:

Thought Provoking
Explore the Serpent Cult
Poor.
The next Graham Hancock
Wish I had seen it first

Secrets of the Serpent: In Search of the Sacred Past

Manufacturer: CustomFlix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000JJR0QO
Release Date: 2006-10-09

Description

Across time and across the world, an ancient serpent cult once dominated mankind. Then a great battle ensued and Christianity stamped it's authority on the face of the planet. Now, after years of research, the real religious history of the world can be told. In Secrets of the Serpent, Philip Gardiner for the first time reveals the world's most mysterious places were once sacred to the Serpent Cult. The history and mythology of the so-called reptilian agenda and alien visitation in ancient times now has a solid opponent - giving answers for the many symbols and myths often confused by those who believe in such things. In Secrets of the Serpent, the author reveals the real "bloodline" spoken of by Dan Brown in the Da Vinci Code- it was in fact a serpent bloodline. Philip Gardiner is the international best selling author of The Shining Ones, The Serpent Grail, Gnosis: The Secret of Solomon's Temple Revealed and Proof - Does God Exist? He has appeared on hundreds of radio and televisionprograms worldwide speaking on religion and propaganda. He has infiltrated various secret societies and has been initiated into orders many people had thought were long forgotten. Committed to the constant struggle to uncover the real history of mankind and the unraveling of manipulative propagande he has come up against many obstacles and yet in his book, The Serpent Grail he reveals a truth about the Holy Grail that gained the backing of academia and scholars. The truth shall be found in the Secrets of the Serpent. Now, after years of research, the real religious history of the world can be told. In Secrets of the Serpent, Philip Gardiner for the first time reveals: + the world's most mysterious places were once sacred to the serpent cult. + the secret of the Holy Grail and Elixir of Life + the history and mythology of the so-called reptilian agenda and alien visitation in ancient times now has a solid opponent - giving answers for the many symbols and myths often confused by believers.

Customer Reviews:

Thought Provoking.......2007-09-11

In Secrets of the Serpent, Philip Gardiner explores the Serpent Cult while explaining their many symbols and myths which are often confused by believers. Well presented and thought provoking.

Explore the Serpent Cult.......2007-08-29

Did you know that the serpent symbol predates every major religion? Revealed in this DVD, we find reference to serpent worship all over the globe including in the US! Really good stuff, fun DVD.

Poor........2007-06-22

This DVD is a poor representation of stories.Baseseless and without sustance. Apart from the content the quality of the picture is sub-standard.

The next Graham Hancock.......2007-02-28

Gardiner's books and dvd's are the cutting edge of the body/mind/spirit genre. Gardiner is ahead of the digital curve. Uniquely incorporating original music, modern graphics, and the most current research and data available. The author has actually been to the places he writes about for long periods of time enabling him to uncover things that others have missed. You'll like this dvd.

Wish I had seen it first.......2007-02-06

This DVD was a huge disappointment and waste of money. I wanted to rent it first, but could not find it anywhere. I took a risk based on the reviews on this site. The heavy metal that is on half of the DVD is irritating, loud, and hard to get past. The visuals are superimposed one on top of another. They also melt from one scene into another or are moving up or down the screen through out the majority of the documentary. It is difficult to focus on any one scene before it is blended into the next overlay. There may be some great scenes, but I feel like I never got a decent look at anything. The information sounds like it would be interesting, if there were supporting sources behind it or explanation of how it was come to. The commentary jumps from one place to another, as though it were an obvious, conclusive leap.

It would be difficult to get through this DVD for the music alone. Perhaps his books are better.

The 24/7 Experience: A DVD Curriculum on Following Jesus Every Day

Average customer rating:

Awesome DVD

The 24/7 Experience: A DVD Curriculum on Following Jesus Every Day
Starring: Evangelical Covenant Church
Manufacturer: Zondervan/Youth Specialties
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

ASIN: 0310269873

Book Description

In an episodic, reality-TV style, The 24/7 Experience brings your students on a journey to learn what it means to follow Christ in the 21st century. With seven episodes (each 18 to 22 minutes long) and discussion questions for small groups, you can help your students learn about following, love, justice, unity, spiritual gifts, and being “in the desert.”

Customer Reviews:

Awesome DVD.......2007-05-01

This was a very inspiring account of a random group of teens traveling across the nation obseving how others have spent their life following Jesus in radical ways. VERY interesting. Perfect for teen ministry. Great challenging material with leader guide and discussion questions.

Average customer rating:

Soul Food
"Do You Think The World Is Going To End Tonight?" ~ Apocalypse Just Isn't What It Used To Be
Take a deep breath and jump!
Mercy In The Hour of Our Death
An amazing postmodern film

The Book of Life
Starring: Martin Donovan (II) , P.J. Harvey , Thomas Jay Ryan , Miho Nikaido , and Anna Köhler
Director: Hal Hartley
Manufacturer: Fox Lorber
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Satire | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00004Y7D4
Release Date: 2000-11-07

Customer Reviews:

Soul Food.......2007-06-29

As far as writing is concerned, The Book of Life is another Hartley masterpiece. Aesthetically, however, it falls a little short. You get the feeling that Hal was only able to scrape up about half of his usual budget for this one. It also bears many of the video-like qualities of early digital filmmaking.

Otherwise, we get strong performances, an eclectic soundtrack and lots to chew over after a viewing or two. It asks difficult questions and points to some intriguing ironies. Hartley constructs an arena where the Evangelical and the Pragmatist can duke it out. The outcome is left entirely to the viewer.

So if you feel like getting into a good theological cage match, oil the old brain gears, invite some friends over and see this movie.

"Do You Think The World Is Going To End Tonight?" ~ Apocalypse Just Isn't What It Used To Be.......2007-04-30

Synopsis: It's a New Years Eve unlike any other. The date is December the 31st, 1999 and spiritual forces are afoot in the affairs of man. Jesus (Martin Donovan), looking like any other normal 20th century businessman has arrived at JFK airport accompanied by a lovely female assistant (P.J. Harvey) named Magdalena (aka: Mary Magdalene). He has come to fulfill what has been foretold, open the final three seals locking the Book of Life and judge the living and the dead, thus ending time and beginning eternity. No one recognizes this new arrival for who he is except for a crazy or two and of course the Devil who knows his time is short and is busy trying to gather one more soul before the curtain falls.

However Jesus surprises everyone with his ambivalence towards his Father's instructions. He likes humans, being half-human himself, and doesn't see the need for petty retribution. Will he carry out the will of his heavenly Father or make his own deal with the Devil so that mankind can continue into the new millennia?

Released in '98, the film captures all the angst and personal torture of a generation lost and unable to cope with the impending transition. Will the next millennia be better than the last? Will we even survive long enough to experience the next thousand years? Hartley has created for our viewing pleasure a highly provocative tale complete with a well-conceived script, taut and pointed dialogue and a mesmerizing soundtrack ranging from urban, industrial sounds to bittersweet melancholy. `The Book of Life' is truly a cinematic meditation of the highest order.

Take a deep breath and jump!.......2007-01-07

I just saw this movie, and after seeing Trust and Unbelievable Truth, I am convinced that Hal Hartley is well worth following. This is one of those movies that makes your eyes grow wider and your breath come a little faster, as you watch in facination.
The filming is very edgy, using a lot of camera movement, overexposed shots, and some interesting angles. The story of Jesus returning to begin the apocalypse is now told in a manner that is truly original, with almost continual tongue-in-cheek humor, and situations that are so absurd as to be believable. While others have dealt with the end of the world in dark and dismal ways, Hartley leaves us with hope. Hope for mankind, and just as importantly, hope for the future of film. That someone can continue to make films that challenge the mind like this makes me feel better in the wake of the crap that Hollywood continues to spew.
I would recommend this film to those who are not afraid to see something that will push your comfort zone. If you are adventurous enough, then you will enjoy this one. If you do not like going out of your comfortable little world, then do not, under any circumstances, see this film.

Mercy In The Hour of Our Death.......2006-03-03

"Do YOU believe you have a soul?" Comparatively, Hal Hartley's apocalyptic "The Book of Life" seems far more relevant today than it did just several years ago reflecting late 90s Y2K hysteria as we approached the end of the millenium. An illusory state of grace? Hey, God only knows.

In this retelling of the Apocalypse, PJ Harvey as Magdalena, and Jesus and Satan, played by indie actor extraordinaires Martin Donovan[Trust, Saved!, Hollow Reed] and Thomas Jay Ryan[Henry Fool], gather to contemplate and debate God's endtime wrath as Jesus opens the remaining few of the Seven Seals, unleashing his father's final fury on mankind - by way of computer, naturally.

Luckily for mankind, however, ole peacenik Jesus doesn't quite share the same zeal for divine vengeance as his Old Man, and threatens ultimate rebellion by refusing to engage in such dirty work. "Panicked by both the legitimacy and hopelessness of their cries, I rose to the occasion, and lied."

Much like the compelling and disturbing movie "The Rapture," this unique telling relies heavily on dialogue, while using visuals to imply our perception of reality blending into a stream of familiarity which blinds us to elementary truths. We're given what we interpret to be the human aspects within the conversations, inner reflections, and cut-away monlogues of Jesus and Satan...

Satan: Are you saying what I think you're saying?
Jesus: I won't judge the living and the dead. I hate this exclusive "closed door" policy. Who do these "christians" think they are anyway?!
Satan: My friend, you speak heresy...worse, revolution.

As one might expect, some of the more substantive dialogue is attributed to Ole Scratch, done with the appropriate undertones and dramatic flourishes of Thomas Jay Ryan [if you haven't seen Henry Fool, by all means, do], illustrating his simultaneous melancholic sympathy for, and mocking resentment toward mankind.

His sights are set on claiming a final soul before The Big Day, and settles on a man who, in seeing a large commerical airliner pass overhead in NYC, sees a sinister omen of things to come. They go into a diner, strike up a conversation, but it's merely child's play for Lucifer; some thinly veiled maneuvering as he tempts the man. Yet, as the two debate Big Issues, how odd it is to hear Satan arguing *against* the concept of Love as a basic survival mechanism of our species:

"So if we're all just biological accidents, how do you explain Love?" ..."I can imagine all too well, that's my problem. I can imagine everything too well; a person's capacity for sacrifice, someone's life ruined by a simply misunderstanding, the possibility of disaster in just reaching out to shake somone's hand, the crippling of a person's self esteem by an overheard remark....how can I be responsible for all of that?
Every intimacy engenders expectation, and every expectation, some unknown disappointment."

That's some pretty good stuff. Definitely a metaphysical intriguer to be enjoyed, if you're in tune at all. It's also funny seeing Martin Donovan as a reflective Jesus in this, compared with his recent role in the satirical "Saved!;" "...Let's get our Christ on!" Likewise recommended viewing.

An amazing postmodern film.......2005-05-12

I must admit at first I didn't enjoy the film, but after having watched it 4 times I managed to understand the film and derive meaning - the dialogue is just as important as the other film production techniques in the book of life - characterisation is superb and story development was commendable
I recommend this film greatly

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