The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

Amazon.com

Quiet patience and an observant eye turn a seemingly unpromising subject into a rich and fascinating movie. The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill captures the life of Mark Bittner, a gentle homeless musician who's befriended a flock of wild parrots in a neighborhood of San Francisco. Following Bittner, the

camera zooms in on individual parrots, revealing their individual personalities and the traits of their species. This leads to Bittner's own life, the network of friendships that support him, and the ways in which the parrots--a non-native species--interact with both the natural ecosystem and the city government; just about every topic opens up another until a flock of colorful birds represents a microcosm of nature and society.

Filmmaker Judy Irving has created an exemplary documentary simply by paying attention to the details of the world around her subject.

Everything you expect from a Hollywood blockbuster--romance, violence, humor, sorrow, strong personalities in conflict--is here in spades, except that the heroes and heroines have bright red and green feathers. Utterly rewarding. --Bret Fetzer

Product Description:
An "engrossing, delightful film" (The Washington Post), The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is the bonafide sleeper theatrical hit of the year. The film's endearing guide is Mark Bittner, an aging bohemian, but the supporting cast members, a rambunctious flock of urban parrots, are the true stars, and their surprisingly humanlike behavior makes for a wondrous and rare experience. The film follows the ups-and-downs of these wild birds within the green niches of San Francisco as Bittner befriends, feeds, and names the members of the flock. Along the way, we meet many unforgettable characters: among them Connor, the grouchy yet lovable outcast of the flock, crying for a mate but luckless in his pursuits, and "the lovers," Picasso and Sophie, inseparable until Sophie is forced into mourning when Picasso disappears. More than a mere birdwatcher, Bittner finds solace in his immersion with these strikingly beautiful creatures - but how will he cope when he's evicted from his sanctuary and forced to live away from the parrots? Packed with romance, comedy and a surprise ending that "makes you feel like you could fly out of the theater" (San Jose Mercury News), The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill shows just how wondrously similar the human and animal worlds really can be.

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Description

An "engrossing, delightful film" (The Washington Post), THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL is the bonafide sleeper theatrical hit of the year. The film's endearing guide is Mark Bittner, an aging bohemian, but the supporting cast members, a rambunctious flock of urban parrots, are the true stars, and their surprisingly humanlike behavior makes for a wondrous and rare experience. The film follows the ups-and-downs of these wild birds within the green niches of San Francisco as Bittner befriends, feeds, and names the members of the flock. Along the way, we meet many unforgettable characters: among them Connor, the grouchy yet lovable outcast of the flock, crying for a mate but luckless in his pursuits, and "the lovers," Picasso and Sophie, inseparable until Sophie is forced into mourning when Picasso disappears. More than a mere birdwatcher, Bittner finds solace in his immersion with these strikingly beautiful creatures - but how will he cope when he's evicted from his sanctuary and forced to live away from the parrots? Packed with romance, comedy and a surprise ending that "makes you feel like you could fly out of the theater" (San Jose Mercury News), THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL shows just how wondrously similar the human and animal worlds really can be. DVD Features: Origins of the Flock; Urban Legends; Update: Mingus at the Oasis; Parrots Music Video; Mark Bittner's Home Movies; Flock Updates; Deleted Scenes; Theatrical Trailer; Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; California Quail Bonus Short; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Customer Reviews:

This is wonderful film and will be known as an enduring classic........2007-09-03

Mark Bittner shares his unique world and bond with seemingly wild and xenophobic parrots in the middle of one of the most densely populated cities.
The whole film is an honest capture and telling of dichotomy's by Judy Irving.
Irving ignores any special effects or CGI because the subject matter, the parrots, are beautiful to behold in San Francisco or their native S. American countries.
A truly poignant (and not lightly used description) of a kind hearted man who befriends wild parrots at first to nurture them but discovers they've nurtured him in a spiritual way that no other person could.
The sharing of experiences, especially of Tupelo will move you to tears and joy, this is a film that will become a well worn classic in your collection.
Thank you Mark.

A Love Story.......2007-08-27

This story really touches the heart. The birds are personalized,
you become friends with them and fall in love with them just as the main
character does. Share their joys and sorrows.

I don't say this often about any movie..........2007-08-11

I'm often disappointed in watching movies, because many r predictable and lack meaning & sincerity. Because of this, I don't often BUY movies. This movie gave me FAR more than I expected it would...When I saw this film in the theatre, I went from laughing and Aaawwwe-ing, 2 hyperventaling thru my tears. This documentary has many of the best things of life wrapped up into the ~80 minutes but it also didn't spare the cruel truths of life either. There is a suprise twist 2 the plot (all of us in the the theatre crowd cheered out loud) which, especially 4 a documentary, wrapped it up quite nicely.

The main premise revolves around Mark, a peaceful dreamer who lives an alternative life style, a path less traveled. He decided as a "failed musician" he would not sell out 2 have just any career and so chose 2 work odd jobs, leaving him much time on his hands. He was on a spiritual quest 2 find his niche, which led him 2 want 2 get more connected with nature. As fate would have it, he noticed the resident Wild Parrots (cherry headed conures, blue crowned conure-who stole my heart-& some visiting parakeets)& took an interet in them. Before he knew it, his interest grew and so did his knowledge & research efforts on them. He even ended up fighting in the courts 4 the birds when their survival was threatened by us "wonderful" humans, trying 2 control things.

Mark's view on animals from this whole experience (& perhaps others), parallels mine; so it was very refreshing 2 see thru a kindred spirit's eyes. The respect he had 4 each individual is very tender and-I HOPE-thought provoking 4 those not able 2 SEE animals in the same light, at least as of yet. This film teaches of the interconnectedness of all living creatures and yet highlights and celecbrates the fact that we r all individuals.

In short: it will b educational 4 most, inspiring, emotional, meaningful, happy and sad. Get your tissues & heart ready. EASILY 1 of THE BEST MOVIES Out there. I bought it 2 treasure & support the cause. I hope it finds a larger audience as it's truly a rare gem.

Mark found his niche :O)

PS This DVD has an extra: an interesting interview w/ a woman who had contact w/ some of the birds as well, which gave more insite and background. 4 those further interested...The book also has muuch more detail of Mark's life w/ the birdies! Happy "bird" watching!

amazing and better than fiction.......2007-07-23

I rented this and I was so enchanted that I had to buy it to share with all my family and friends. Everything about it is so well done, the narration, photography and Charles Mingus is my new hero! It's so refreshing to watch a true story that has all the elements that make for a truly fascinating adventure. The extras were just as great too.

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.......2007-07-16

This is probably the best "bird film" I've ever seen. Very engrossing and fascinating. The photography was lovely - the birds are quite spectacularly colored - and the story was a moving one.

Average customer rating:

Born Yesterday
Another classic to love
What Learning Will Do to You
Great Performance
A Revival of Sorts.

Born Yesterday
Starring: Judy Holliday , Broderick Crawford , William Holden , Howard St. John , and Frank Otto
Director: George Cukor
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00003L9CI
Release Date: 2000-02-15

Amazon.com

Judy Holliday's Oscar-winning performance is just one of the reasons to watch this terrific 1950 comedy, which is equally acclaimed for its deliciously witty screenplay (based on Garson Kanin's long-running Broadway hit) and George Cukor's silky-smooth direction. Holliday plays Billie Dawn, the floozie fiancée of a junk-dealer millionaire (Broderick Crawford), who is trying to make a good impression among the Washington, D.C., politicos he's hoping to influence. To ensure that Billie gets properly "culturefied," the corrupt Crawford hires a D.C. journalist (William Holden) to give the seemingly dim-witted blonde a crash course in politics, history, literature, and--you guessed it--true love. Billie's not nearly as dumb as she seems, of course, and before long she's graduated from pawn to sassy queen on her husband's political chessboard.

Watching Born Yesterday is a crash course in itself--an object lesson in how low American screen comedy has fallen from these delirious heights. The movie's funny even when there's a pause in the golden dialogue, such as when Holliday tests Crawford's patience in a sublimely comedic round of gin rummy. There's not a single scene in which Holliday (reprising her Broadway role) isn't simply perfect, the cogs turning smoothly behind her dim expressions and coarsely high-pitched squeal. Suave as ever, Holden is her match made in heaven, and Crawford is a brute who's too stupid to be genuinely malevolent. Put 'em all together and you've got a timeless classic, so flawless that a 1993 remake was instantly doomed to pale comparisons. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Born Yesterday.......2007-06-25

New York-born comedienne Holliday had her first real film break the prior year as the wronged wife in the Tracy-Hepburn comedy "Adam's Rib" (1949), and her solid supporting turn helped her clinch the role of Billie, a role she'd done on Broadway. With its witty screenplay and "Pygmalion"-like story, the result was pure gold, netting Holliday the Best Actress Oscar for 1950, and jump-starting her film career in earnest. Broderick is wonderfully crude as her pre-occupied husband, and Holden performs the unheralded job of straight man with finesse. And Judy is fantastic. Smoothly paced comedy from master George Cukor.

Another classic to love.......2007-04-02

I remember seeing this film when I was 12 or so with my Mom. It left an impression and I knew I would have to add this to my classic movie collection. How I enjoyed watching Judy Holliday's performance, she was unique with a wonderful sense of comedic timing. Anyone who collects classic comedies should add this to the list.

What Learning Will Do to You.......2007-04-02

Born Yesterday begins with a narcissistic junk dealer Harry Brock (Broderick Crawford) who is planning a major merger with his company to make loads of money. He uses his dizzy girlfriend Billie (Judy Holliday) as a middleman, though he really controls everything she "owns." She is just content to accept his lavish gifts and be pretty. That is until Paul(William Holden) comes along. He is hired by Harry to educate Billie; she embarasses him in front of sophisticated company. In the process, she learns just how corrupt her fiancee is and why her father has disowned her. She also develops eyes for her teacher.

Holliday won the Oscar for her performance in this film against such professionals as Bette Davis and Gloria Swanson. Indeed, her performance is wonderful. One can watch her character transform before one's eyes from a gold digging chorus girl to an intelligent woman. Her relationship with Holden is believable and powerful. In fact, all of the roles are well developed. The dialogue is conversational but intelligent, making this a very worthwhile film.

Great Performance.......2006-12-04

I'm not a big Judy Holliday fan. She seems to have played the ditzy but smart squeaky-voice role over and over. This said, Born Yesterday is easily her best movie. The script is smart and sweet and she and William Holden have a natural, believable screen chemistry. The performances are excellent as is the Pygmalion like transformation of Holliday's character from mouse to lionness. A great comedy of manners and morality.

A Revival of Sorts........2006-09-11

This original Oscar-winning movie starring Judy Holliday was clever, witty and wise. It was shown on TCM with Nick Clooney guiding us with his winning ways into the mood of the Forties. He couldn't have seen the original at the theaters, either, as he and I are the same age, so I know I didn't see it when I was only ten. I thought the moll was ditzy and pretty dumb with a silly-sounding voice. In Pulaski, Nate Street from Hickman County, a radio personality who liked to be thought of as a drama critic as he always attended dress rehearsal of the college plays, voiced his like for this crazy dame. So, I thought that if he thought she was so good, as she was in "Bells Are Ringing," maybe he was right again.

Today, I saw a revival of "Born Yesterday" with my favorite local actor as the genius, Paul Verrall. He was splendid as I expected, though he did not have the Washington, D.C. accent. The whole performance was professionally done at the Clarence Brown Theater here. Previously, I was lucky to have stumbled into a performance in which Terry Weber was a one-man play about Abraham Lincoln/John Wilkes Booth and have never enjoyed a performance of any play more. He has an unusual talent to be serious, musical, and sometimes funny.

The play centers around political corruption in which Billie becomes unknowingly involved. That is, until Paul tutors her on proper ways of thinking and talking so as to 'fit in.' Judy played to the camera and acted as a silly, dumb blonde. Today, the actress was unusually clever in adopting Judy's unique way of speaking but showing how easy it is to change practically overnight into an educated woman who can fall in love and not just be used by a rich man. She was smart enough to take her furs when she left him. Broaderick Crawford, known for "Highway Patrol" on television, could not have been as brutal as Neil Friedman from Chicago as Harry Brock. He didn't even use his Chicago accent. That was good acting to say the least. Terry was the star of this revival of sorts, a revolution against violence and money laundering of any kind.

Average customer rating:

Gorillas in the Mist
A Classic
In the mind of a gorilla
Wonderful acting by Sigourney Weaver
Murder in the Mist Solved?

Gorillas in the Mist
Starring: Sigourney Weaver , Bryan Brown , Julie Harris , John Omirah Miluwi , and Iain Cuthbertson
Director: Michael Apted
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
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ASIN: 0783233523
Release Date: 1999-04-13

Amazon.com essential video

Sigourney Weaver more than earned her Oscar nomination for Best Actress in Gorillas in the Mist, dominating every frame of Michael Apted's biopic about primatologist Dian Fossey. Tenderly mothering an orphaned gorilla infant or terrorizing an African poacher with a staged lynching, the statuesque star is never less than fiercely focused, a glamorous warrior for animal rights. As the amateur scientist who researched and spotlighted Rwanda's endangered mountain gorillas in National Geographic, Weaver is the passionate heart that keeps an otherwise flaccid film alive--whether bracing anthropologist Louis Leakey to forcibly offer her services as census-taker of the mountain gorillas; or hanging out with the noble animals until she becomes the first person on record to make friendly physical contact with them; or waging sometimes-physical war on natives and Europeans who decimate the gorillas for trophies or zoo fodder. Unfortunately, the film's stodgy script and direction simply document Fossey's magnificent obsession, offering no insight into what lonely impulse of the soul led this extraordinary woman to climb up an African mountain to bond so strongly with gorillas. Cardboard characters include an eternally smiling, sexless African soulmate (John Omirah Miluwi), a perfect boyfriend (Bryan Brown) who has to be dumped in favor of gorilla-love, and stereotypical villains. Still, the African scenery is spectacular, and who can resist the cross-species thrill when the huge dark hand of Digit, Fossey's favorite, first rests in her outstretched palm? Gorillas in the Mist will please those who savor Sigourney Weaver's Amazonian fervor and the pure fire of her physical and spiritual passion--and harbor a slightly misanthropic fondness for liaisons between beauties and beasts. --Kathleen Murphy

Customer Reviews:

Gorillas in the Mist.......2007-07-06

Set in the 1970s, Michael Apted's reverential biopic about the life and murder of primatologist and animal-rights activist Dian Fossey is compelling for one reason only: Sigourney Weaver's Oscar-nominated, force-of-nature performance. Fearsome in her dealings with people, Fossey couldn't be gentler or more nurturing with her beloved gorillas, and Weaver is compelling in portraying these contrasting moods. Bryan Brown offers able support as Fossey's lover, photographer Bob Campbell.

A Classic.......2007-06-27

My thirteen year old wants to be a zoologist. She watched this movie with her mouth open. A great movie then - a great movie now.

In the mind of a gorilla.......2006-09-23

We must thank the director and salute Sigourney Weaver's beautiful performance: this movie gives us a rare insight into the lives and minds of the gentle, yet ferocious, giant mountains gorillas. It is also the amazing journey of an extroardinary woman who went to live by herself in a remote mountain of Rwanda, secluded from the world. She lost much of her sanity, as well as her life, in the process of saving the lives of a few hundred remaining gorillas. Without her work, who knows who could have saved them from savage murder and total extinction? Thanks to her work and dedication, a "lost cause" had been heard at last.

The struggle for the survival of the "Great Apes" is not totally over though. One must hope that the abject poverty and the political unrest that still affect the region, as well as the illegal poaching and smuggling of goods and animals across borders - that happen with or without government officials' approval in each country involved - and the continuing deforestation and fauna's loss of habitat, can one day all come to an end so that the survival of these amazing creatures can be achieved.

One must recognize the sacrifices and thank people like Diane Fossey, conservationists around the world, and the Rwandese people in particular, who have made it possible so far despite great internal economic and political pressures. All hope is not lost!

Wonderful acting by Sigourney Weaver.......2006-08-18

Sometimes you see a movie with such great acting in it, you can never forget it. I can't imagine anyone playing Dian Fossey other than Sigourney; throughout the whole movie, you can feel her rage, her loneliness, her determination. I also think this movie did a good job in not making Dian look like an angel, because as devoted as she was, she had her flaws. Years of isolation in the remote mountains of Africa hardened her. Sometimes I think it would have been better if instead of endlessly fighting with the hunters, she had changed her approach and helped give them job oppurtunities so they had other ways to make money besides hunting. However, despite her flaws, Dian Fossey still deserves to be recognized and remembered for her selfless efforts to protect gorillas. This movie does just that.

Murder in the Mist Solved?.......2006-07-11

After more than 15 years, the mastermind behind the gruesome and infamous murder of renowned gorilla researcher and protector, Dr. Dian Fossey whose life was portrayed in the 1988 movie "Gorillas in the Mist," may finally be in custody in Belgium. Protais Zigiranyirazo, the former Governor of the Ruhengeri province in Rwanda, brother-in-law of the assassinated Rwandan president, and one of the country's most wanted criminals for his creation of "death squads," which killed 800,000 in 1994, was captured by Belgian police while trying to flee Kenya on June 9, 2001.

Dr. Fossey observed the gorillas for 18 years in the Ruhengeri province when she was brutally murdered in her hut on December 27, 1985. Known for her vigilant pursuit of poachers, Dr. Fossey had made many enemies including Zigiranyirazo, who, it was reported, she was about to announce publicly as being behind poaching and smuggling rings of endangered species and gold in and out of Rwanda. Soon after her murder, Rwandan officials arrested one of her trackers for the murder. He then "apparently" committed suicide while in prison, but diplomats in Kigali believe he was secretly hanged before he could talk. Several months later, Wayne McGuire, her American research assistant, was accused by the Government of her murder but escaped capture when the US embassy warned him, enabling him to leave the country.

For years the FBI was unable to approach its prime suspect, Zigiranyirazo, because of his political connections, but that all changed when he was arrested in Belgium for war crimes.

The saga of Dian Fossey's murder may soon be resolved, but her work for the gorillas she fought so hard to preserve still goes on. The following story, reprinted from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, is of Beetsme, one of the original gorillas observed by Dr. Fossey over 25 years ago.

Average customer rating:

Rubbish!
One of my top 10 movies
Love this Movie
Strong Language
Review and Prospective From a St. Helens Movie Extra

St. Helens
Starring: Art Carney , David Huffman , Cassie Yates , Albert Salmi , and Ron O'Neal
Director: Ernest Pintoff
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
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ASIN: B00008W2RF
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Customer Reviews:

Rubbish!.......2007-06-28

This movie completely disrespects the people living in and among the areas of Mt St Helens. The only thing that's good about it is that you get to see the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Art Carney does a fair job of portraying the salty Harry Truman, but if this is based on a true story, why didn't they use David Johnston's real name? This film does not do justice to being there -- watching my friends' houses float down the river, having two inches of ash spread like snow all over the landscape, having to wear masks for weeks to prevent inhaling it, listening to the radio wondering if they found my sister's teacher, which they never did. We Pacific Northwesterners were all deeply affected by this experience. The least the film makers could have done was an accurate presentation of the facts ... names included.

One of my top 10 movies.......2007-05-13

A very believable movie of the events of the Mount. St Helen's eruption. I ordered it for my Mother and had a chance to watch it. Now I will get a copy. Art Carney played the old man on the mountain that would not leave and with reason he played the character very well. I enjoyed it very much.

Love this Movie.......2007-03-24

This movie was very well done. I enjoy watching this over and over again.

Strong Language.......2007-01-04

Purchased this DVD because of my family vaction to Mt. St. Helens. I liked the movie, but it seemed that every other word out of Art Carney was "g** d***".

Review and Prospective From a St. Helens Movie Extra.......2006-07-10

I thought a word or two from a guy who was running through the flying simulated ash while cameras rolled in downtown Bend, Oregon might help you enjoy this great movie even more. The producers decided on Bend for the fall 1980 filming because of the resemblance to Cougar, Washington which was the real life town near Mount Saint Helens. The ash you see flying in the movie as people scramble to safety is actually Bentonite shoveled in front of a large gas driven fan, I remember having to squint as my real life 4 year old son and I scurried through a makeshift swap meet supposedly fleeing the eruption. Set back with your popcorn and watch vehicles flip and collide, fireballs overtake cars trying to flee, and the old stubborn mountain man Harry Truman, not the President, played by Art Carne arguing his point with experts over why he should stay at his secluded mountain cabin in spite of the imminent danger. Awesome! I also set idle in line, setting in my blue VW Squareback for what seemed like hours waiting for welders to fabricate a small launching ramp to flip a car in an intersection.
I recommend this movie because it builds great suspense as the dedicated scientist David Jackson, played by David Huffman studies the mountain as it continually rumbles and bulges with tremendous pressure build-up, and ends with some very sobering facts about the power of nature and the consequences of ignoring official warnings and restricted areas. It's actually quite educational. Be sure to see this entertaining semi-docudrama, and look for this then 23 year old Oregonian in a brown patch leather vest running from right to left with my own 8 mm camera and case around my shoulder, I had originally traveled the 10 miles to town to film a movie being filmed and ended up in it, I still have that memorable home movie footage. My son was nearby, but it's pretty tough to spot him on screen unless you pause and search. THINK I'LL GO WATCH IT NOW FOR OLD TIME SAKE. Happy watching!

Average customer rating:

Semi-bore
Very funny movie.
It Got Soul!
Humor at its finest
Electrifying Inner-City Comic Thriller

Cotton comes to Harlem
Starring: Godfrey Cambridge , Raymond St. Jacques , Calvin Lockhart , Judy Pace , and Redd Foxx
Director: Ossie Davis
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: B000053VB9
Release Date: 2001-01-09

Amazon.com

Based on Chester Himes's novel, this film marked actor-writer Ossie Davis's directing debut. Godfrey Cambridge and Raymond St. Jacques play Himes's volatile police detectives, Gravedigger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson, who are on the trail of white men who pulled an armed stickup at a Back to Africa rally in Harlem. The money belongs to the poor people who paid for a chance to return to the motherland--but was it really a stickup? Or is the flashy preacher at the center of the Back to Africa movement (Calvin Lockhart) involved in a scam to rip off his own people? The plot drags; the best part of the film are the performances (as well as spotting cameos by such actors as the then-unknown Cleavon Little) and the on-location shooting in parts of New York where a camera had rarely ventured previously. Redd Foxx shows up in a small part as a ragpicker that led to his role in TV's Sanford and Son. --Marshall Fine

Description

One of the most influential Soul Cinema pix ever to shoot onto the screen, Cotton Comes To Harlem spawned the blaxploitation boom by delivering a "refreshingly different detective action yarn with soul and humor" (Cue) and an unbeatable mix of "fast-paced adventure [and] comic lunacy" (Pacific Film Archive). Detectives "Gravedigger" Jones (Godfrey Cambridge) and "Coffin Ed" Johnson(Raymond St. Jacques) are on the case and in everyone's face when they investigate Rev. Deke O'Malley (Calvin Lockhart)a brother whose "Back To Africa" campaign is nothing more than a big scam forbigga' bucks. But when $87,000 of O'Malley's laundered cash gets stashed in a bail of cotton, Gravedigger and Coffin find they're not the only dudes suddenly interested in soaring cotton prices! Trailing the bale all over Harlem, the detectives come up against the mafia, the police, black militantsand more in an all-out dash to nab the $87,000 cashand to 86 anyone who stands in the way!

Customer Reviews:

Semi-bore.......2007-07-19

Pauline Kael was raising this film to a pedestal, claiming that it was a milestone of a so called "soul movies", exited with its humor and gusto.
Well, one thing is sure: Afro-American ladies are really good-looking,
guys are more interesting than ugly, there is some announcement of a
"Super fly - Shaft" rocking gimmicks, but overall,it is semi-bore movie
despite some surprising scene-solutions I've never seen before.
Three stars with effort.

Very funny movie........2007-07-11

One of those 70's classic films that is a must have in your dvd collection. It would be nice if they could release the sequel to this movie. "Come Back Charleston Blue" was just as good. I wonder what are they waiting on?

It Got Soul!.......2006-02-18

Cotton Comes To Harlem is a movie produced in the time of Black Exploitation films. Fortunately, this movie doesn't fit the mode. It got a lot of soul and laughter. A very good cast.

Humor at its finest.......2005-12-23

This is the funniest movie I have ever seen in my life. Only Richard Pryor ever made me laugh harder. Rex Reed, the movie critic whose tongue was sharper than a sword, said that you needed to sit through two showing in a theatre so you could hear the lines you missed because people were laughing so hard. He was right.

Electrifying Inner-City Comic Thriller.......2005-02-27

Director Ossie Davis delivers not only a taut police thriller but a film that inserts the concerns of the civil rights movement circa 1970 in a fascinating way. Filmed on actual locations the film just exudes authenticity and atmosphere. For a film that keeps it real I found it interesting that the film's score was composed by Galt McDermott of "Hair" fame(?!). Another minor quibble is that the violence in the film was at times over-the-top. Godfrey Cambridge as Gravedigger Jones and Raymond St. Jacques as Coffin Ed Johnson make an engaging pair. They assume their duty as New York police detectives is to protect their people from predators whether they be black or white even if at times they are at odds with their white captain. Calvin Lockhart is deliciously smarmy as Reverend Deke O'Malley who bilks his congregants out of cash for a bogus back to Africa scheme. Judy Pace is seductively evil as Iris, O'Malley's main squeeze. Redd Foxx is underutilized here as a junk dealer but his character does prove integral to the film's plot.

The Eruption of Mount St. Helens (Large Format)

Average customer rating:

Some interesting historical footage, no science, poor quality film
Poor Eruption Footage
noneruptive
A mixed bag
A reasonable DVD but a little short.

The Eruption of Mount St. Helens (Large Format)
Starring: Robert Foxworth
Director: George Casey
Manufacturer: CAV Distribution
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ASIN: B00003ETHK
Release Date: 2000-05-23

Amazon.com

This documentary on the May 1980 eruption of Washington's Mount St. Helens volcano does a fine job of explaining why the mountain exploded, but what distinguishes this production is its spectacular cinematography. Originally shown in IMAX theaters, this film presents highly detailed and lavish views of the gorgeous scenery of the Pacific Northwest, both as they appeared before the top 1,300 feet of Mount St. Helens was blown into the sky and during the disaster's dramatic aftermath. When the first eruption occurred on the morning of May 18, 1980, the entire region was showered with gray ash, and the footage of towns that took on a wintry appearance in the springtime is truly eerie. For weeks after the mountain blew, it created its own unstable weather system, but when the clouds finally cleared and camera crews could fly near the volcano, the footage they brought back was stunning. Shots of what had been wooded mountainsides made utterly desolate are terrifying, and they dramatize how powerful and deadly a volcano can be. More recent footage showing the landscape after it recovered is inspiring and reassuring, and this film, which was nominated for an Academy Award, will leave viewers in awe of both the beauty and violent fury of Mount St. Helens. --Robert J. McNamara

Customer Reviews:

Some interesting historical footage, no science, poor quality film.......2005-11-11

Do not be fooled by the advertisement. This movie is only 26 minutes long! Although sold as a "former" I-MAX movie the footage was clearly shot on film of a much lower grade and quality. This DVD was released in 2000 but the original movie was actually shot soon after the eruption - most of the time you get the "hazy" 1980s TV-quality picture.

Other than a few great shots of the eruption (some repeats here) there is no science to speak about. Words like lahar, pyroclastic flow, or Plinian eruption are not used. This is a descriptive video without any background, analysis of processes, or scientific background. This video would never even be nominated for best documentary today - there simply isn't enough information in it. If you played this video in a classroom without the sound you wouldn't miss anything.

Am I the only one to notice the helicopter's rotor blades at the top of the screen on virtually every aerial shot?

If you want some nice historical footage of the eruption - this is a good video (though short) - if you are looking for a classroom tool loaded with good science and information - don't bother.

Poor Eruption Footage.......2004-10-20

I was really disapointed, for the price you pay you sure do not get much footage of the Eruption. I live in Seattle and was hoping to learn a lot about the Eruption and honestly didnt learn a single thing. Eruption footage only lasts maybe 1 minute of the entire movie.

noneruptive.......2000-10-19

My college graduation was cancelled when the eruption of Mount Saint Helens sent a boiling ash cloud east and covered Spokane, WA. This personal experience hightened my anticipation of the DVD release of "The Eruption of Mount St. Helens." I even put money down for an advance purchase. But, alas, the film is sorely lacking in 1) scientific explanation, 2) IMAX quality images, and 3) a decent script. Believe me -- I'm not picky! I love all the IMAX format DVD I've purchased. But this one was a big disappointment. There is so much more that could have been captured -- from the personal stories that collided with the eruption to the scientific/natural marvel of a volcano blasting away in the modern era. The eruption of Mount Saint Helens was an unexpected event, and I realize that the visual material available for this production is limited. But I did expect that, twenty years after the event, someone could edit the material with more skill, better interpretation, and a sharper sense of the drama of that terrible/incredible day.

A mixed bag.......2000-08-23

A mix of decent photography and before (1980) and after (1990) snippets, but overall, not very impressive. No character studies of those affected are included, and certain aerial shots seem to be repeated throughout. Although it was originally shown on IMAX, clearly much of the photography was not shot with IMAX cameras. The CD cover says "Academy Award nominee for best short documentary" - that was apparently a very slow year for documentaries...

A reasonable DVD but a little short........2000-08-05

I was disappointed to find that the documentary was only 34 minutes long.There is another documentary of similar time,but no other extras.It does have some spectacular footage from the air and some film on the ground.The "before and after" film footage of areas around Mount St Helens is amazing.The DVD also has a series of photos taken of the eruption which are quite spectacular and the documentary conveys the huge size of the explosion.Worth having just to see the might of Mount St Helens.

Classic Crime Collection - Street Justice (Murder Inc., The French Connection, The St. Valentine's Day Massacre, The Seven-Ups)

Average customer rating:

A great collection
classic crime collection

Classic Crime Collection - Street Justice (Murder Inc., The French Connection, The St. Valentine's Day Massacre, The Seven-Ups)
Starring: Stuart Whitman , May Britt , Henry Morgan , Peter Falk , and David J. Stewart
Director: Burt Balaban , Stuart Rosenberg , and Roger Corman
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000EMGJBI
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Description

Episode Description: GiftSet Includes the Following Titles:

**St. Valentine's Day Massacre **Seven-Ups **Murder, Inc. **French Connection (Single Disc)

Customer Reviews:

A great collection.......2006-09-06

Great collection. Good movies, high quality. Buy it ! An excellent production.

classic crime collection.......2006-08-08

i have not receive this product yet,was notified that would be delivered mid july,wondering what taking so long

Average customer rating:

[Three and-a-half stars] Take that, James Bond!
Our Man Flint......No 007
Coburn = Cool
cooler than bond, he's coburn, james coburn
Derek Flint - almost better than the original article.

Our Man Flint
Starring: James Coburn , Lee J. Cobb , Gila Golan , Edward Mulhare , and Benson Fong
Director: Daniel Mann
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Crime | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000067J16
Release Date: 2002-07-16

Amazon.com

There's really been only one rival to James Bond: Derek Flint. That's because of James Coburn's special brand of American cool. He's so cool, in fact, that he doesn't care to save the world. That is, until he's personally threatened. He's a true libertarian, with more gadgets and girls than Bond, but with none of his stress or responsibility. Here he's totally unflappable as he thwarts mad scientists who control the weather--and an island of pleasure drones. Lee J. Cobb costars as Flint's flustered superior, and Edward Mulhare plays a British nemesis with snob appeal. For fans of Austin Powers, incidentally, the funny-sounding phone comes from the Flint films. However, Our Man Flint's best gadget remains the watch that enables Flint to feign death. There's a great Jerry Goldsmith score, too. --Bill Desowitz

Customer Reviews:

[Three and-a-half stars] Take that, James Bond!.......2006-06-24

James Coburn fans will love! The suave,
debonaire Flint parodies that unpercrust
Brit superspy in a very fine film! Leo K
Jacob (Lee J Cobb), who was outstanding
in Clint Eastwood's Coogan's Bluff co-
stars! Simply put - very good and funny!
Pick Up On It!

Our Man Flint......No 007.......2006-02-25

Our Man Flint is likeable. James Coburn is lacking the sophistication and suaveness that can only be the credentials of the one and only Sean Connery as James Bond. Coburn is good at what he does and he never lets anyone down. There is always plenty of action. It is not quite as intense as the car chases and death-defying stunts that James Bond not only attempts, but succeeds in making Spectre (007's bad guys) look and feel quite foolish. This is good entertainment. The language is bearable. Not a lot of advanced swear words. It is an appropriate length. Not a drawn out plot going nowhere situation. The clarity, color, and sound are amazing. I recently just purchased my first DVD/VCR and these three things really impress me. Although not as a polished as 007 it is still a very good movie. In the end the good guys win, and isn't that all we want anyway?

Coburn = Cool.......2006-02-04

For some reason I thought this film and In Like Flint were packaged together on one DVD. I like them both and don't agree that In Like Flint is as bad as some reviewers think (or maybe they simply mean it fails by comparison with Our Man Flint). Coburn is the essence of cool, and this film is a "cool" parody of James Bond films (not a "hot" one, to use the distinction made by Marshall McLuhan). It's not meant to be fall down funny like Austin Powers (which took as much from Derek Flint as from James Bond).

Think instead The Man from Uncle, Honey West and the '60s spy craze (later replaced during TV's heavy-handed obsession with "gritty" crime and cop shows). It's easy to pass over '60s films like this that are packaged in budget, no-frills versions with no extras, but don't miss the Flint films and Coburn's classic cool.

cooler than bond, he's coburn, james coburn.......2006-01-07

i saw these films when i was little and they hold up even better today than i had hoped. james coburn was such a cool guy that he didn't need a gun just a lighter. do your self a favor if you love bond watch this film and you will love it

Derek Flint - almost better than the original article........2006-01-06

Okay. Imagine a suave cross between James Bond and Spock. Now make him utterly unpatriotic and self centered. Funny, funny stuff, and much better than Austin Powers.

Fire Mountain: The Eruption and Rebirth of Mount St. Helens

Average customer rating:

Fire Mountain: The Eruption and Rebirth of Mount St. Helens

Manufacturer: Total Content
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000ARXFIM
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Description

Two hundred and thirty square miles leveled in moments… Five hundred and forty million tons of ash and volcanic rock exploded twelve miles high… One cubic mile of earth blasted from the crest of one of the world's most beautiful snowcapped domes… Captured in rare and spectacular aerial photography and survivor's own words and pictures, witness the terrifying fury of the worst volcanic disaster in American history. Then, behold the miraculous natural recover of the land and the new and awesome beauty of the volcano today, nearly two decades since it's devastating eruption. Guided by Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument geologists, learn the prehistoric secrets of the mountain. Now you can decide which is the most awe-inspiring story the mountain has to tell; it's cataclysmic eruption or it's incredible rebirth.

Average customer rating:

St. Martin's Lane/Wings of the Morning
Starring: Annabella , Henry Fonda , Leslie Banks , Stewart Rome , and Irene Vanbrugh
Director: Harold D. Schuster , and Tim Whelan
Manufacturer: Kino Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (book)	March of the Penguins	Grizzly Man
Winged Migration	Best Documentaries of 2005	Nature & Wildlife DVDs