Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series

Amazon.com

As of its release in early 2007, Planet Earth is quite simply the greatest nature/wildlife series ever produced. Following the similarly monumental achievement of The Blue Planet: Seas of Life, this astonishing 11-part BBC series is brilliantly narrated by Sir David Attenborough and sensibly organized so that each 50-minute episode covers a specific geographical region and/or wildlife habitat (mountains, caves, deserts, shallow seas, seasonal forests, etc.) until the entire planet has been magnificently represented by the most astonishing sights and sounds you'll ever experience from the comforts of home. The premiere episode, "From Pole to Pole," serves as a primer for things to come, placing the entire series in proper context and giving a general overview of what to expect from each individual episode. Without being overtly political, the series maintains a consistent and subtle emphasis on the urgent need for ongoing conservation, best illustrated by the plight of polar bears whose very behavior is changing (to accommodate life-threatening changes in their fast-melting habitat) in the wake of global warming--a phenomenon that this series appropriately presents as scientific fact. With this harsh reality as subtext, the series proceeds to accentuate the positive, delivering a seemingly endless variety of natural wonders, from the spectacular mating displays of New Guinea's various birds of paradise to a rare encounter with Siberia's nearly-extinct Amur Leopards, of which only 30 remain in the wild.

That's just a hint of the marvels on display. Accompanied by majestic orchestral scores by George Fenton, every episode is packed with images so beautiful or so forcefully impressive (and so perfectly photographed by the BBC's tenacious high-definition camera crews) that you'll be rendered speechless by the splendor of it all. You'll see a seal struggling to out-maneuver a Great White Shark; swimming macaques in the Ganges delta; massive flocks of snow geese numbering in the hundreds of thousands; an awesome night-vision sequence of lions attacking an elephant; the Colugo (or "flying lemur"--not really a lemur!) of the Philippines; a hunting alliance of fish and snakes on Indonesia's magnificent coral reef; the bioluminescent "vampire squid" of the deep oceans... these are just a few of countless highlights, masterfully filmed from every conceivable angle, with frequent use of super-slow-motion and amazing motion-controlled time-lapse cinematography, and narrated by Attenborough with his trademark combination of observational wit and informative authority. The result is a hugely entertaining series that doesn't flinch from the predatory realities of nature (death is a constant presence, without being off-putting), and each episode ends with 10-minute "Planet Earth Diaries" (exclusive to this DVD set) that cover a specific aspect of production, like "Diving with Pirahnas" or "Into the Abyss" (the latter showing the rigors of filming the planet's most spectacular caves, including the last filming ever officially permitted in the "Chandelier Ballroom," a crystal-encrusted cavern found over a mile deep in New Mexico's treacherous Lechuguilla, the deepest cave in the continental United States.)

With so many of Earth's natural wonders on display, it's only fitting that the final DVD in this five-disc set is devoted to Planet Earth: The Future, a separate three-part series in which a global array of experts is assembled to discuss issues of conservation, protection of delicate ecosystems, and the socio-economic benefits of understanding nature as a commodity that returns trillions of dollars in value at no cost to Earth's human population. At a time when the multiple threats of global warming should be obvious to all, let's give Sir David the last word, from the closing of Planet Earth's final episode: "We can now destroy or we can cherish--the choice is ours." --Jeff Shannon

More Planet Earth

Planet Earth on Blu-ray
Planet Earth on HD DVD
More BBC DVDs

Stills from Planet Earth (click for larger image)

Description

With an unprecedented production budget of $25 million, and from the makers of Blue Planet: Seas of Life, comes the epic story of life on Earth. Five years in production, over 2,000 days in the field, using 40 cameramen filming across 200 locations, shot entirely in high definition, this is the ultimate portrait of our planet. A stunning television experience that captures rare action, impossible locations and intimate moments with our planet's best-loved, wildest and most elusive creatures. From the highest mountains to the deepest rivers, this blockbuster series takes you on an unforgettable journey through the daily struggle for survival in Earth's most extreme habitats. Planet Earth takes you to places you have never seen before, to experience sights and sounds you may never experience anywhere else.

DVD Features:
Other:110 minutes of behind the scenes footage - one 10-minute behind the scenes program for each episode (SD release only)
Documentary:Planet Earth - The Future: This 3-part, 2 1/2 hour series looks at what the future may hold for endangered animals, habitats and -- ultimately -- ourselves. Following the environmental issues raised by Planet Earth, it asks why so many species are threatened and how they can be protected in future. (SD release only)

Customer Reviews:

Awesome!.......2007-09-17

I bought the dvd set as a gift for my husband and he loved it. We enjoyed watching the series together on T.V. and now we can watch it whenever we want. Makes a great gift!

Monumental achievement.......2007-09-17

I wasn't crazy about the narration but the photography is over the top. Especially on a large screen. Definitely one of the best series in our collection, cutting edge photography. A nice Christmas present for a family.

my 2 cents.......2007-09-13

My son (4 1/2 yr) loved the DVD. He watched it a lot. Worth the money and an excellent collection to be added to the library.

Very Fun.......2007-09-13

After watching several of the issues on TV I knew I really wanted this series. My whole family enjoys it.

Amazing and revealing. .......2007-09-12

The images on the documentary are incredible, nature as it is. And shows new animal behaviors never seen before.

Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series [HD DVD]

Average customer rating:

Awesome, so far beyond anything I have seen in it's genre.
what's missing
PLANET EARTH-THE COMPLETE BBC SERIES
incompatibility issues
GET THIS RIGHT NOW

Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series [HD DVD]
Starring: David Attenborough
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

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ASIN: B000MRAAJW
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Amazon.com

At a time when the multiple threats of global warming should be obvious to all, let's give Sir David the last word, from the closing of Planet Earth's final episode: "We can now destroy or we can cherish--the choice is ours." --Jeff Shannon

More Planet Earth

Planet Earth on Blu-ray
Planet Earth on DVD
More BBC DVDs

Stills from Planet Earth (click for larger image)

Description

Customer Reviews:

Awesome, so far beyond anything I have seen in it's genre........2007-09-16

In short it is very rewatchable and I would buy it again at more than double it's price.

what's missing.......2007-09-14

Enjoy the footage, but purchased the regular (not HD) for step-father at Father's Day, and the HD is missing some of the footage available, especially the extras. Also, some of the episodes are different ~ the snow leapord scene is missing bits . . . still a great experience in HD!

PLANET EARTH-THE COMPLETE BBC SERIES.......2007-09-11

This is an incredible product. It puts you right in the middle of things. I just love it!

incompatibility issues.......2007-09-07

i did not understand, and possibly it was naive on my part, that the hd/dvd will not play on most dvd players. i tried it on 5 different dvd players before i investigated further and found only a couple of manufacurers of these machines. i was able to return the dvd to amazon though without any problems for credit.

GET THIS RIGHT NOW.......2007-09-06

This is the reason why HD-DVD exists. If you have a TV that accepts 1080p and has 1080 vertical pixels, then it's sinful to be watching and yes--it's good to be a sinner.

Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series [Blu-ray]

Average customer rating:

HD Eye Candy
Planet Earth
Amazing in 1080p
Great!
Absolute must see series

Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series [Blu-ray]
Starring: David Attenborough
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000MRAAJM
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Amazon.com

More Planet Earth

Planet Earth on HD DVD
Planet Earth on DVD
More BBC DVDs

Stills from Planet Earth (click for larger image)

Description

Customer Reviews:

HD Eye Candy.......2007-09-16

Yup, worth every buck I spent on this documentary. Besides the awesome visuals and sights you get to enjoy, its pretty great to show to friend too. Slip it into your player and watch their eyes pop out... finally you are able to justify shelling out more than $3000 on your HD set up!

Planet Earth.......2007-09-15

This is by far the best planet earth mini series i have ever seen. Great shows and stunning camera footage.

Amazing in 1080p.......2007-09-15

Got a new hdtv and a blu-ray (or hd dvd) player? Then this MUST be your first purchase. Just bought a Sony Bravia KDL-40W3000 40" 1080p LCD HDTV
from Amazon and I love it. You really get what you pay for. I found myself trying hard to concentrate on the commentator but I was so amazed by the picture.... Stop reading reviews and buy the thing already.

Great!.......2007-09-14

I have purchased this DVD and its great!
Very nice picture.
Unfortunatly I don't have a HD TV.
The sound, commentary is a little bit poor.

Absolute must see series.......2007-09-13

Everyone should see this series. Planet earth is absolutely outstanding. There are places on this earth that you never thought existed and this series takes you to all of them. The blu-ray picture quality is beyond compare and every scene is as if you are seeing it with your own eyes.

Average customer rating:

Take a cab ride with Jim Jarmusch...
Jarmusch Masterpiece on DVD for the First Time!!!
Outrageous-Irreverent
Five Taxis. Five Cities. One Night.

Night on Earth - Criterion Collection
Starring: Gena Rowlands , Winona Ryder , Lisanne Falk , Alan Randolph Scott , and Anthony Portillo
Director: Jim Jarmusch
Manufacturer: Criterion Collection
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000SFJ4IQ
Release Date: 2007-09-04

Description

Five cities. Five taxicabs. A multitude of strangers in the night. Jim Jarmusch assembled an extraordinary international cast of actors (including Gena Rowlands, Winona Ryder, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Béatrice Dalle, and Roberto Benigni) for this hilarious quintet of tales of urban displacement and existential angst, spanning time zones, continents, and languages. Jarmusch's lovingly askew view of humanity from the passenger seat makes for one his most charming and beloved films.

Customer Reviews:

Take a cab ride with Jim Jarmusch..........2007-09-10

Jim Jarmusch began the 1990s with Night on Earth and would go on to produce some of his strongest work with Dead Man and Ghost Dog. However, these two films don't quite have the warmth and the humanity abundant in Night on Earth. While he does avoid major Hollywood studios, Jarmusch has no problem collaborating with well known actors. His first experiment was with this film, which featured famous movie stars, Winona Ryder, Gena Rowlands, and Rosie Perez. Jarmusch returned to the structure he used so well in Mystery Train, but expanded its scope. Night on Earth is broken up into five stories that all occur at the same time but in different cities all over the world with the action restricted to taxi cab rides. Jarmusch uses these encounters as springboards for interesting, often hilarious, sometimes tragic discussions ranging from acting in movies to circus clowns to inappropriate acts with farm animals.

After Night on Earth, Jarmusch's methodically paced, dry-witted comedies were no longer en vogue, only to be replaced by a louder, flashier wave of new filmmakers with overt pop culture sensibilities. This film manages to avoid the hackneyed cliché of the world weary cabbie to present touching insights into the human condition with situations that run the entire emotional spectrum.

"Q&A with Jim" features Jarmusch answering questions submitted by fans from all over the world (this was also done on the Down By Law DVD). Among the highlights include him telling an anecdote about a scary moment during the filming in Helsinki. Jarmusch talks about his movie-watching habits and about how he works with actors.

"Alice: Magazine Europeen" is a brief interview with Jarmusch on Belgian television in 1992. The interview mostly takes place in the back of a moving car as the filmmaker talks about the origins of his film.

Finally, there is an audio commentary by the film's director of photography Frederick Elmes and sound mixer Drew Kunin. The two men talk about the challenge of moving from city to city and how they had to train a new crew in every place. Elmes and Kunin recount many filming anecdotes, like how no actual cabs would stop for Giancarlo Esposito in the NY segment. They provide fascinating insight into making an independent film all over the world.

Jarmusch Masterpiece on DVD for the First Time!!!.......2007-08-07

So it only took 16 years for it's first USA release on DVD, but I think it will be worth the wait. I only recently parted with my VHS copy of this film when Criterion announced it's release. While obviously I've not seen the release, there is no reason Criterion will disappoint. For those who haven't seen the film (and I've met dozens of people who still haven't) I believe it to be Jarmusch's best for many reasons.

With five stories (five cabs, five drivers, five cities in the world), all occurring simultaneously, it examines Jarmusch's fascination with the crossing and meeting of cultures and classes. The film is jammed packed with humor, pathos, sadness, thought provoking stories of people that you actually care about after only 20 minutes and so much more. Tom Waits (a regular contributor to the work of Jarmusch) does not appear in the film, but wrote the soundtrack instead (so in some ways is in the entire film!). I would have loved to have seen a 6th story with Waits as the cabbie!!

Every actor is awesome, some giving a career highlight performance, including Winona Ryder, Gena Rowlands, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosie Perez, Roberto Benigni (who was mostly unknown at the time), and several European actors that I've never seen elsewhere, but have never forgotten all these years later.

It's hard for me to pick a favorite story, because like a great short story collection, my favorite keeps changing. The Italian story (with Benigni) is the slightest story with none of the serious subtext the other stories have, but it is also the funniest, so it's hard not to love it. Benigni, for me, has never been better.

The final story is almost "too" sad, with almost no humor, but the silence, the snow, the heartbreaking story that the cab driver tells, seems to transcend the sadness that shrouds the scene (I could definitely see Bergman doing this story).

The first story is great, with our notions of these two great actresses (Rowlands and Ryder) turned upside down. Who is vulnerable? Who is charge of their life? Who is truly happy? I'm not sure Jarumsch has ever been called a "feminist", but these two women are strong, smart, funny and I can't think of a female writer/director that has written two better characters? I might have to pick this as my favorite on most of my dozen viewings, but each story has something unique to offer.

For those who have seen Jarmusch's latest films (Broken Flowers and Coffee & Cigarettes), this one is closer to the latter film, but far surpasses it. While the five stories are diverse (of location, language, style), they are held together with Waits slippery and mysterious music, the passing landscapes outside the taxi cab's windows, and Jarmusch's themes of alienation, existentialism and the basic goodness of people trying to relate to each other even when the odds are against it.

For those who haven't seen this film the wait is, thankfully, almost over. Thank you Criterion!

Outrageous-Irreverent.......2007-08-06

This movie is a strange melange of several stories that take place in a taxi cab over the course of 24 hours
around the world. The first is with Gena Rowlands and Winona Ryder... a bit uncomfortable as the previous reviewer said.. but appropriate to the subject. Each story has a bit of pathos as with Paris & Helsinki, or a bit of over the top humor as with the stories in New York and Italy. If you are a Jim Jarmusch, or Roberto Begnini fan.. you will enjoy this. If you go for more "conservative" types of movies steer clear.. this is a cavalcade of black humor mixed in with some very touching moments. Particularly Helsinki.... a quiet but thoughful ending to this Fellini-esque romp across the globe. If you have a soft spot for the rude and ridiculous bordering on the incomprehensible this is the one for you. I've been waiting for this movie to come out on DVD since I first saw it in the 1990s. It's one I will enjoy seeing over and over. Foul language may repel some viewers, but for those who are not squeemish... this is a masterpiece that wacks you across the head then waits for you to laugh.

Five Taxis. Five Cities. One Night. .......2007-07-13

Jarmusch went for a series of shorts like he did in Mystery Train, only this time he decided to stetch his vision out to include LA, New York, Paris, Rome and Helsinki, with a cavalcade of stars including Winona Ryder and Gena Rowlands. The movie has its appeal, especially the foul-mouthed Roberto Benigni divulging more than the priest he takes for a ride through the streets of Rome would like to hear. The stories all revolve around taxi rides during the course of a single night, more or less trying to capture the spirit of the cities in which they take place. Somehow the taxi ride in Helsinki rang the most true, but then maybe that's because I know nothing about Helsinki. The short stories are choppy and uneven with nothing to hold them together, unlike Mystery Train, which was set entirely in Memphis. The scenarios provide fine comic ground for actors like Benigni, Rosie Perez and Giancarlo Esposito, but other actors seem to struggle with their roles, notably Ryder as the cab driver, Corky. Jarmusch purportedly wrote the script in a week and it shows. After such independent hits as Stranger than Paradise and Down By Law, Night on Earth was a bit of a disappointment, but worth watching just the same.

Average customer rating:

i love it all :D
I am addicted to this SHOW!

Avatar The Last Airbender - Book 2 Earth, Vol. 4
Starring: Avatar-the Last Airbender
Manufacturer: Paramount Home Video / Nickelodeon
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000Q6GUVQ
Release Date: 2007-08-14

Customer Reviews:

i love it all :D.......2007-09-12

i love this series and i got it a month befor the local mall did here so i am happy :D

I am addicted to this SHOW!.......2007-09-05

ZUKO....you either love the twerp...or ya HATE him. *sighs* I love this show! I could watch it over again and again! It is fantastic, and I am constantly pleasantly surprised! (THOUGH I still want to wack ZUKO on the head!) *ahem* Love all the other characters though! LOVE THIS SHOW...PERIOD!

Average customer rating:

Underworld

Underworld (Unrated) [Blu-ray]
Starring: Kate Beckinsale , Erwin Leder , Bill Nighy , Michael Sheen , and Scott Speedman
Director: Len Wiseman
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000TGJ80I
Release Date: 2007-09-25

Product Description

In the Underworld, Vampires are a secret clan of modern aristocratic sophisticates whose mortal enemies are the Lycans (werewolves), a shrewd gang of street thugs who prowl the city's underbelly. Noone knows the origin of their bitter blood feud, but the balance of power between them turns even bloodier when a beautiful young Vampire warrior and a newly-turned Lycan with a mysterious past fall in love. Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman star in this modern-day, action-packed tale of ruthless intrigue and forbidden passion all set against the dazzling backdrop of a timeless, Gothic metropolis.

Customer Reviews:

Underworld.......2007-08-07

Region 1 only??? BOOO! region free plz... what about us antipodians?
seen the regular dvd, ( 4 stars) liked the theme

Chosen Survivors / The Earth Dies Screaming

Average customer rating:

FOX / MGM Do Great Job With New Midnite Movies!!!
Chosen Survivors - Saw it !
CHEESY 70S FRIGHTFEST BY ZOCCHI 666
Let's not discourage Fox from keeping the Midnight Movies going

Chosen Survivors / The Earth Dies Screaming
Starring: Chosen Survivors , and Earth Dies Screaming
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000RXVNCE
Release Date: 2007-09-11

Description

Disc 1:CHOSEN SURVIVORS (1974) Disc 2:EARTH DIES SCREAMING (B&W) (1965)

Customer Reviews:

FOX / MGM Do Great Job With New Midnite Movies!!! .......2007-09-13

Fox and MGM has done great with these new Midnite Movies Collections released Set 11th 2007 for the Double Features! They are two seperate discs! Each film has its own DVD! Instead of the old flipper discs! These are great collections! Maybe we can see more Midnite Movies coming soon from Fox including the Incredible Melting Man /// Chosen Survivors is really not that bad... I laughed a lot but held my attention but reall good fun I love the 70's!

Chosen Survivors - Saw it !.......2007-08-21

I saw this movie back in '74 when I was a kid. I remember all the bats and the plot pretty well. They were sent to this bomb shelter to survive a nuclear war, and the shelter was cheap, and the bats got in. The death scenes were cheesy, but effective for the time. I know the ending of the film, but wont disclose it for those who haven't seen it yet. It's complete with babes, and heros, and wild characters. It's definitely a good B-movie night flick!

CHEESY 70S FRIGHTFEST BY ZOCCHI 666 .......2007-08-10

CHOSEN SURVIORS IS AS MUCH FUN AS SATURDAY NIGHT CHILLER THEATRE FUN GETS . REMEMBER COLD RAINY NIGHTS WATCHING CHEESY FUN HORROR FLIMS ? WELL , HERES ANOTHER . THIS FILM IN THE SAME VEIN AS THE OMEGA MAN OR DAMNATION ALLEY IS NUCLEAR HOLOCAUST AT ITS MOST FUN. I HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THIS FILM AS A GREAT OFFSET TO THE RATHER DUMB EARTH DIES SCREAMING . ITS WORTH EVERY PENNY .TRUST ME .

Let's not discourage Fox from keeping the Midnight Movies going.......2007-08-07

Don't forget these reviews are supposed to be of the product, not necessarily of the movie (though that can factor in, sure). My 5 star review is mainly to offset the 1-star review. The Earth Dies Screaming and Chosen Survivors may not be anywhere near the greatest sci fi movies ever made, but thanks to Fox for making these movies available to rabid horror/sci fi movie fans like me who want to see and own just about everything from the classic drive-in era of the 50s through the 70s. I haven't seen the DVD yet either, but the Midnight Movies line is always well done, with movies picked to fit together as double features, very nice prints of the films (if usually lacking extras like trailers, commentary, etc.), and attractive, suitably retro cover art complete with movie factoids. Neither film was ever officially released on any home video format, so it's nice to see these available at long last. As to Earth Dies Screaming, actually I think it's an enjoyable little British sci fi, sometimes silly, often creepy, and definitely a step up from most of the American sci fi of the time (the British just seemed to have more of a sense of class about b-movies, even when the films themselves were low budget and with silly premises like crawling eyes and man eating plants). This film would have paired better with another UK sci fi film from its era, such as the rarely seen Invasion and/or the underrated Unearthly Stranger, but I don't know if Fox owns the rights to either of those films. As for Chosen Survivors, I've never seen it, but I have wanted to for a long time. Even if it's a disappointment (likely) it'll be fun to finally see. By the way, Survivors probably would have been better paired with Bat People, another American early 70s sci-fi rarity about bats also coming out as a Fox Midnight Movie this September, but why be too picky? Note to Fox, keep these Midnight Movies coming. With so many of the smaller b-movie oriented DVD labels now struggling, we easy to please obscure movie nuts will be happy to see the majors release everything they've got in the vaults.

Average customer rating:

An enlightened message of peace or a plug for capital punishment? Many misinterpret this film!
The Day The Earth Stood Still
The Day The Earth Stood Still
Regrets
Corny but fun

The Day the Earth Stood Still
Starring: Frances Bavier , Marshall Bradford , John Burton , Wheaton Chambers , and James Craven
Director: Robert Wise
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JKFR
Release Date: 2003-03-04

Amazon.com essential video

A hallmark of the science fiction genre as well as a wry commentary on the political climate of the 1950s, The Day the Earth Stood Still is a sci-fi movie less concerned with special effects than with a social parable. A spacecraft lands in Washington, D.C., carrying a humanoid messenger from another world (Michael Rennie) imparting a warning to the people of Earth to cease their violent behavior. But panic ensues as the messenger lands and is shot by a nervous soldier. His large robot companion destroys the Capitol as the messenger escapes the confines of the hospital. He moves in with a family as a boarder and blends into society to observe the full range of the human experience. Director Robert Wise (West Side Story) not only provides one of the most recognizable icons of the science fiction world in his depiction of the massive robot loyal to his master, but he avoids the obvious camp elements of the story to create a quiet and observant story highlighting both the good and the bad in human nature. --Robert Lane

Description

The Day The Earth Stood Still depicts the arrival of an alien dignitary, Klaatu (Michael Rennie), who has come to earth with his deadly robot, Gort (Lock Martin), to deliver the message that earthlings must stop warring among themselves--or else. After being shot at by military guards, Klaatu is brought to a Washington, D.C. hospital, where he begs a sympathetic but frank Major White (Robert Osterloh) to gather all the world's leaders so he can tell them more specifically what he has come to warn them about. Losing patience, Klaatu slips into the human world, adapting a false identity and living at a boarding house where he meets a smart woman with a conscience and her inquisitive son. Both mother and son soon find themselves embroiled in the complex mystery of Klaatu, his message and the government's witch hunt for the alien.

Customer Reviews:

An enlightened message of peace or a plug for capital punishment? Many misinterpret this film!.......2007-09-09

The Day the Earth Stood Still always appears on any list of "the best sci fi films of all time." It's easy to see why. First, it's more serious and less campy than most 50s sci fi, as well as more intelligent than most sci fi films in general. Second, Robert Wise's direction is masterful. Wise also gave us The Haunting (about the best horror film ever made), The Andromeda Strain and Star Trek the Motion Picture (both sci fi masterpieces in their own right). Casting unknowns in the leads was a pivotal decision. Had Klaatu been played by Spencer Tracy (as was actually considered) rather than British actor Michael Rennie the film would have been far less convincing. Patricia Neal, another relative unknown, was also a good choice. The mood and ambiance of the film would not have been as effective without Bernard Hermann's score, which is one of his all-time best (second only to his score for Vertigo in my opinion). Other little touches came together nicely to polish this gem off, such as hiring a real scientist and mathematician to lend credence to the science and math appearing in the film (a move other sci fi films would do well to follow!--by the way, the equations on the blackboard are real, not gobbledygook) as well as hiring a real giant to play Gort. Interestingly, those with giantism in real life are often extremely weak. When Gort was supposed to lift Patricia Neal and carry her into the saucer the actor who played him could not lift her; this is why you can see all the black cables around Neal--she was actually supported by a crane. Also deserving of mention is the screenplay--it crackles with excellent dialogue and many memorable lines. Examples include (paraphrasing here): "It's terrible when people substitute fear for reason," "Nothing is strange about Washington!" and "They're not people, they're Democrats!"

With all this said it must be added that a great many people misinterpret this film! Yes, the film has a message of peace, but think, just how did the aliens erect their peace? This film is NOT about non-violent, enlightened aliens who come to show us the error of our ways. Far from it!! What does Klaatu actually say when he explains himself to the scientists? He says basically that the rule of law is imperative AND that a law is ONLY AS GOOD as the ability to enforce it. That's it. As any behaviorist knows, he says that punishment works only when punishment is swift, harsh (the "punishee" has to fear the punishment, else it isn't punishment at all!) and invariable. People ignore laws in the US because they know they'll probably get away with it. (Think about it. If you KNEW you'd get a ticket every time you sped, would you ever drive over the speed limit?) What Klaatu says--and this is what so many people amazingly miss--is that THEY TOO were violent, but that they created a race of robot police agents, of which Gort is only one, and that if any of them commit a violent act one of these robots comes and immediately annihilates them. Since no one wants to be disintegrated by a Gort, no one commits violent crimes. What this film is actually about is the effectiveness of law--that any law is only as effective as the threat that backs it up. (I don't want to get too political here--though people have been politicizing this film for years--but contrary to the liberal backing of the film, this is a very conservative message!) What Klaatu ACTUALLY says is that we need to set up an effective system of capital punishment! That's what he actually says before leaving. Think about it.

The Day The Earth Stood Still.......2007-09-05

What can I say? This is one of the greatest Sci-Fi movies in movie history. Take an enjoyable look if you haven't seen this classic!!

The Day The Earth Stood Still.......2007-09-02

One of the greatest classic scifi movies ever made. It is old, but still good.

Regrets.......2007-09-02

Une leçon de vie dans ce film mythique montrant d'un côté le savoir vivre et le bon goût des gens de l'époque et d'un autre côté la bêtise humaine déjà à l'oeuvre...

Corny but fun.......2007-08-17

Just like most of the 1950's classic black and white "monster" movies, this one is just as corny and "mild" compared to todays standards, but it's great fun. The acting is really pretty good - you find yourself drawn right into that boarding house where Bobby and his mother live (ok now her character name escapes me, but it's Patricia Neal)....and of course Gort standing guard at the spaceship does a tremendous job of making you feel like there is no way under the sun you're walking up that ramp towards the spaceship! (and he doesn't speak one single word) One blink of his super-duper evaporating x-ray and that's all it would take to convince me to get out of Dodge. Great fun - great for the family, and a must for your classic movie collection.

Average customer rating:

Not as scary.
The Best Of 50' Sci-Fi !
classic!
A Story About One Man`s Resistance To Collectivism
A great Cold War classic

Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Starring: Kevin McCarthy , Dana Wynter , Larry Gates , King Donovan , and Carolyn Jones
Director: Don Siegel
Manufacturer: Republic Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0782009980
Release Date: 1998-07-01

Amazon.com

Something's wrong in the town of Santa Mira, California. At first, Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) is unconcerned when the townsfolk accuse their loved ones of acting like emotionless imposters. But soon the evidence is overwhelming--Santa Mira has been invaded by alien "pods" that are capable of replicating humans and taking possession of their identities. It's up to McCarthy to spread the word of warning, battling the alien invasion at the risk of his own life. Considered one of the best science fiction films of the 1950s and '60s, this classic paranoid thriller was widely interpreted as a criticism of the McCarthy era (that's Senator Joseph, not actor Kevin), which was characterized by anticommunist witch-hunts and fear of the dreaded blacklist. Some hailed it as an attack on the oppressive power of government as Big Brother. However viewers interpret it, this original 1956 version of Invaders of the Body Snatchers (based on Jack Finney's serialized novel The Body Snatchers) remains a milestone movie in its genre, directed by Don Siegel with an inventive intensity that continues to pack an entertaining wallop. Look closely and you'll find future director Sam Peckinpah (an uncredited cowriter of this film) making a cameo appearance as a meter reader! The DVD release includes an interview with Kevin McCarthy, and for the first time on home video the film is presented in its original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Not as scary........2007-09-09

After seeing that another remake of this story was being filmed I had to get my own copy of the original. I had seen this film when it first came out many, many years ago. At that time I was terrified. This time around I found it not as scary as I remembered. The story line is the same as the remake with Donald Sutherland. It is fun viewing these older films and seeing the way film making has changed over the years.

The Best Of 50' Sci-Fi !.......2007-08-28

When I first watched this movie I was a teenager. I knew nothing about the Mcarthey era. I didn't live through the early post cold war paranoia. There were no outside influences aside from my love of movies.

I have seen the film over 2 dozen times and believe it to be the best of the 50's generation, and one of the top 3 or 4 science fiction films of all time. With or without the prologue and epilogue.

All things are not what they seem. What if you woke up from a nightmare to find that you are still in it, and can't get out. The message is clear. A home, a car, and a career are all great to strive for in one's life. But love, compassion and emotion are the true gifts to keep living in the first place. Imagine a home without love or any emotion what so ever. None. Good or bad.

One by one, Kevin Mcarthy and Dana Wynter are confronted by the loss of neighbors, associates, and friends. The horror of the loss of everything they new. Early on, when a boy thinks his mother isn't his mother, and a friend doubt's her uncle is who he says he is. Doctor Miles is confused and doesn't know what to believe. So he goes with common sense. His eyes see there is no problem. But The evidence piles slowly and precisely. Soon it is not only what to believe, but who to trust.

Kevin Mcarthy is outstanding. Dana Wynter is absolutely gorgeous and the chemistry between the two seems real. The film will keep you glued from beginning 'til end. Simply one of the best!

classic!.......2007-08-17

You can't get much better if you like SciFi. The remake wasn't very good. Kevin was at his best. Loved the ending. There must always be hope or it is depressing.No matter how bad it gets there is hope.

A Story About One Man`s Resistance To Collectivism.......2007-06-16

The original version of The Invasion Of The Body Snatchers is an absolutely wonderful tale of how one man first tries to save his community from falling into a collectivist society. When this fails he tries save the individual identity of himself and the woman that he loves. Then when she joins the collectivist community he is left with no other alternative but to escape from this community and try to warn those living in other communities.

This is a terrific story that very much captures the political and social environment of the time that this movie was made. I highly recommend The Invasion Of The Body Snatchers. Also if you enjoy this movie you might want to considering reading 1984 by George Orwell.

A great Cold War classic.......2007-05-16

I bought this DVD intending to teach it in a community college film class, but they didn't have the funds so the class didn't get approved. However, I'm pleased as punch at the chance to own this gem of 50's SF film. To watch this film is to fully understand Cold War paranoia, and the mood of the US during that time. Also, it's one of the few 50's SF films that don't descend into VERY silly "special" effects. Worth watching repeatedly.

Average customer rating:

Just OK
OK---But Not Great
PC it is
More of a HD DVD Review...
blue planet on imax

Blue Planet (IMAX) [HD DVD]
Starring: Toni Myers
Director: Ben Burtt
Manufacturer: Warner Brothers
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

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ASIN: B000Q6GX22
Release Date: 2007-07-31

Description

From the unique vantage point of 200 miles above Earth's surface, we see how natural forces - volcanoes, earthquakes and hurricanes - affect our world, and how a powerful new force - humankind - has begun to alter the face of the planet. From Amazon rain forests to Serengeti grasslands, Blue Planet inspires a new appreciation of life on Earth, our only home.

Customer Reviews:

Just OK.......2007-09-05

Definitely some impressive shots, but it's got nothing on "Planet Earth" (maybe I shouldn't have expected a comparison considering the price discrepancy b/tw the 2).

Anyway, it is a great way to show off you HD TV as background scenery at a party.

OK---But Not Great.......2007-08-23

I was a little disappointed in the Movie. Some of the shots were pretty good, but some weren't that good. It looked like very little of the Movie was shot with HD Cameras. I think there was way too many shots from outer space onto the Earth. When they overdo something like that, it tends to make you start to lose interest. This movie is nothing like Planet Earth and if you've seen that, you'll be kind of spoiled. If I knew what I know now, I probably would not have bought this movie right away. Maybe later to add to the collection, because in order to have a collection, you have to have some mediocre Movies also.

PC it is.......2007-08-11

I love space videos and movies about the earth but this movie is just too politically correct as it spends too much time on how man is damaging the earth. Most of this is unfounded as Mt. St. Hellens put out an immeasurable amount of carbon dioxide when it erupted several years ago, and the earth survived oaky, and then someone drives a modern SUV that puts out a fraction of the emissions of what any compact car did from ten years ago and that is somehow categorized as evil. The earth actually goes through a heating and cooling process over many thousands and millons of years that has nothing to do with man, we can't produce enough carbon dioxide to change this process if we really tried. But yet, Mr Al Gore is getting money from several political interests who don't realize this. I hope he invests his money wisely as someday they will realize this and he will not get a cent. Yes, I am done ranting.

There is some fantastic photography in this movie and it is worth seeing if you can stand the PC stuff.

More of a HD DVD Review..........2007-08-08

This HD DVD disc has two features on it and both are around 50 minutes long. There's really nothing in the way of extras other then the features. Both features are neat at first but how much footage of the earth from space can you watch? That's up to you. Seeing the earth from orbit these days is nothing new. I was extremely disappointed that it all "seemed" to be shot in film. I think they have to do this for IMAX but can't they shoot it in pure hi-def video & transfer it to film for the IMAX? Probably the wrong screen ratios. A good portion of the film "jumps" a lot and it's noticable at 56". They made no attempt to clean the film as there's specs of duct & stuff throughout the features. A lot of the NASA footage is old because everyone is dressed from the early 90's/late 80's. The space shuttle scenes & Earth scenes from space are fine but not as good as Planet Earth's footage and the video essentials hi-def display of the shuttle taking off blow's this disc away.

The surround sound is actually nice here and there. A hurricane segment was really convincing in sound eventhough you're watching old raw footage from "back in the day". Overall, you get a total of under 2 hours of lame "been there, done that" footage. They even have a little rant on saving the planet at the last 10 minutes of Blue Planet with the usual citing of devastating facts but no explanation of the proof. I believe there's a hole in the ozone layer but at least show us some cool satelite/composite shots of it. I don't know why they give you this great display of our planet that makes you proud to be on this great rock in space for 40 minutes and then end it with a "stop polluting your planet idiots", kind of an ending. Eesh. I wish they showed more of the craters on earth. Now that was interesting.

Overall, from an HD DVD point of view...I did not see it in IMAX and thought it would look amazing in HD but I was sadly disappointed. Thank god I rented it. And for the blu-ray folks, it isn't going to be much better because the stock is not fantastic. You get a VC-1 compressed version of older junky film mixed with newer fine looking film.

blue planet on imax.......2007-05-28

saw this on imax in ft. worth many years ago. if it is 1/3 as good on this dvd as it was in imax, it will be awesome. the imax version i saw in an imax theatre brought tears to my eyes.....it is very near a religious experience. no foolin!!

terry in tulsa
go sooners......

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