A Summer Place

Amazon.com

Think A Summer Place, and you'll probably be humming Max Steiner's wonderfully romantic instrumental theme song, a hand-holding hit in 1959. The movie itself is similarly irresistible, a colorful soap opera about the passions of a pair of dewy-eyed teens and their straying parents. At an island resort in Maine, Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue (the reigning teen idols of the day) fall hard for each other. What they don't know is that her father (Richard Egan) and his mother (Dorothy McGuire), lovers 20 years earlier, have rekindled their affair. Both, inconveniently, have spouses, which is what makes this a soap opera. Lovers of camp will find much to savor in the incredible '50s attitudes, and in the innocence of supervirgin Dee ("Johnny, have you been bad with girls?"). Yet the sincerity of writer-director Delmer Daves, cowriter of An Affair to Remember, comes shining through the corn; and the grown-up affair anticipates The Bridges of Madison County by 30 years. --Robert Horton

Description

Illicit romance take center stage when a wealthy family set off for a summer seaside vacation.

Customer Reviews:

In most 1950s Hollywood flicks, sex is subtext, but in A Summer Place sex stands front and center at rigid attention. .......2007-09-11

Director Dellmar Daves throws together six people bleary-eyed with lust under the roof of a summer guest house in photogenic Maine. The oldsters include badly married Dorothy McGuire, reduced to taking in renters, and Arthur Kennedy, her blue-blooded souse of a husband, who sets the overripe tone by describing Pine Island as "a perverted Garden of Eden where the pine and the salt air seem to act as an aphrodisiac. Into the mix come filthy rich, equally badly married vacationers Richard Egan and his wife, played to dykey perfection by Constance Ford.

Before one can say "old flames," McGuire's gazes longingly out her bedroom window at Egan -- the ex-lifeguard who deflowered her in her teens but was too poor to marry her, now the humpiest research chemist ever to strain the seams of a LaCoste. In no time flat, the old lovers are stealing away to deserted boathouses. "I'm hungry,"McGuire confesses, "for everything that hasn't been." Teen lust has its day, too. When a teen Sandra Dee whines about the "armor-lated bra" and "cast-iron girdle" her mother buys to hide her budding curves, Papa Egan -- with whom Sandra likes to snuggle in bed to confess "naughty" thoughts -- hurls them into the ocean. Mommy Dearest Ford reasserts her authority by commanding Dee, upon arriving at her room in the inn, to "get the disinfectant and clean this bathroom. And don't forget the toilet seat!" But we know what repression breeds, right? Barely after they have been introduced, Dee and Troy Donahue (the innkeepers' pouty glambomb of a son) dive into a tacky soundstage woods to dry-hump. Although Troy and Sandra strike zero romantic sparks, Max Steiner's famous, lilting theme does the trick.

Dee's mother spies on the young couple ("You can't let him think that your kisses come cheap!"), and after the teens spend the night together, she greets her daughter with a waiting doctor, bellowing, "Take off every stitch and let him examine you!" The director zooms in on Dee for big, fat, hissy-fit closeups. "I want my fatha! I want my fatha!" she screams. Yes, doll, we know, but all you're going to get is pregnant by Troy.

The couple finds acceptance with her father and his mother, now married. The chintz moment supreme, the scene that put the Production Code seal of approval on all the heavy breathing that has preceded it, comes when the director cuts from an exterior of Egan and McGuire's spectacular Frank Lloyd Wright love nest to a living room interior where our four stars, cozily domesticated, talk sex and chow down supper on TV trays. (John Waters and David Lynch, take a note.)

Two love stories.......2007-09-08

Great acting, great story of two couples from different generations. Both couples fight societal convention and thus the conflict that plays out so well in this movie. Lots of ocean and beach scenes. Movie features a Frank Loyd Wright home.

Why did I bother........2007-08-30

Having watched this movie many years ago I thought it would be just as good but I found it dated and boring, except for the music.

One Torrid Summer.......2007-08-30

The theme of "A Summer Place," especially when crooned by The Lettermen, has the ability to conjure up images of beaches and sailboats even in the depths of winter. Schmaltzy but pleasing, it perfectly suits a movie which at first glance is the soapiest of soap operas. The 1959 film, based upon the torrid novel of Sloan Wilson, was scandalous because of the topics of adolescent fornication and pregnancy in an era when teenagers were supposed to be innocent. Set in New England, for the most part, "A Summer Place" debuted in the cinema as Calvinist America stood on the brink of cultural and sexual revolution. The book even more than the movie shows the reaction of the new generation to the Manichean attitudes which tended to flow as an undercurrent in American society. Puritanical repression is as different from genuine purity as ice is from fire; when sexuality is rejected because it is considered dirty or unclean, rather than restrained for the sake of love, then a monster is unleashed.

As the Richard Egan character reacts against his wife's disdain of the marriage bed by rekindling passion with his lost love (Dorothy McGuire), two families are ruined and all hell breaks loose. When the adults break the rules, they open up the way for the adolescents to break them, too. And while the grown-ups are able to piece their lives back together again, the youngsters are nearly destroyed. It is one of the films which best show the effects of divorce and remarriage upon the children involved. In the light of the confusion and torment suffered by the two teenagers, played by Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue, the affair embarked upon by Egan and McGuire appears irresponsible rather than romantic, although one cannot help but pity them for their impossible marriages. When people break commitments in order to find happiness and fulfillment, they must be aware of the high price to be paid, and the one to pay it might very probably be an innocent child.

My Wife's Favorite Film; BUT picture quality Flawed.......2007-08-15

Just arrived on DVD. Amazon experience is always wonderful.

My beef is with Warner Brothers; regarding the print. I have ordered a lot of product from Amazon; both in CD's and DVD's and this is the first that came with a flawed picture. NOT Amazon's fault.

On the upper left hand part of the screen you sometimes see what is a red X. Looks like fluff or dirt. Then you see (I think) more dirt. This time like a green piece of fluff on the lens.

I gather this was taken from the VHS version and not cleaned up. Other than that it is everything my wife could desire. We just got back from Carmel and saw all the shooting locations. We loved it!!!

Average customer rating:

soft core
real bad
The Story of O
No Star if it were possible
A bit clumsy

The Story of O
Starring: Corinne Clery , Udo Kier , Anthony Steel , Jean Gaven , and Christiane Minazzoli
Director: Just Jaeckin
Manufacturer: Somerville House
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ASIN: B000065RSW
Release Date: 2006-09-20

Amazon.com

A milestone of cinematic eroticism, The Story of O was an art house sensation in 1975, and it's still worthy of intelligent discussion. As with the controversial French novella by Pauline Réage, reactions to Just Jaeckin's sumptuous adaptation range from moral outrage to masturbatory indulgence, yet this remains one of the few sex films that stand the test of time (and a lot of academic study). Championed by practitioners of bondage and discipline and vilified by feminists, this metaphorical "love dream" (as Jaeckin has called it) follows the beautiful fashion photographer "O" (Corrine Clery) as she, like many gorgeously naked women before her, is "trained" for a seemingly satisfying life of love and discipline, her freedom sacrificed to the man (Anthony Steel) whom she willingly obeys. The debate whether Jaeckin's feminine-empowerment ending, which differs from that of the novella, justifies a story of humiliating submission is just one more reason why The Story of O endures. (Note: This DVD presents the 97-minute version of the film, edited by the director to improve pacing and not for purposes of censorship.) --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

soft core.......2007-09-11

Story of O, the movie, is a softish core redo of the Pauline Reage classic novel: Story of O. While it's fairly true to the book, it does make allowances in order to stay out of the XXX rating area. All in all, however, I'd call it a "must have" for serious collectors.

real bad.......2007-08-13

bad acting and a weak plot. they should have thoght twice about turning a great book in to a bad film.

The Story of O.......2007-07-09

Hot in a dominant sort of way. If this is what you want, then this movie is a 10.

No Star if it were possible.......2007-06-08

I was so disappointed by this purchase and this film. Being a fan of the book I was very excited to see how they translated it on to film. What I found out is that they didn't translate it at all. They LOOSELY followed the story line and took the liberty to add and change which in my opinion, changed the story all together. I threw this movie away and would not reccomend it to any true Story of O fan.

A bit clumsy.......2007-05-15

Somehow, I was expecting better acting, knowing this would be a major undertaking based on a controversial book. Sadly, the film just doesn't work. There's no arguing Corrine Clery's beauty but Udo Kier is completely miscast.

The Phantom of the Opera (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Poor -Unable to view
Wonderful!
Wonderfull!!!
Movies
Holds true to the Broadway musical

The Phantom of the Opera (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Gerard Butler , Emmy Rossum , Patrick Wilson , Miranda Richardson , and Minnie Driver
Director: Joel Schumacher
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B0007TKNL0
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Amazon.com

Although it's not as bold as Oscar darling Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera continues the resuscitation of the movie musical with a faithful adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's blockbuster stage musical. Emmy Rossum glows in a breakout role as opera ingénue Christine Daae, and if phantom Gerard Butler isn't Rossum's match vocally, he does convey menace and sensuality in such numbers as "The Music of the Night." The most experienced musical theater veteran in the cast, romantic lead Patrick Wilson, sings sweetly but seems wooden. The biggest name in the cast, Minnie Driver, hams it up as diva Carlotta, and she's the only principal whose voice was dubbed (though she does sing the closing-credit number, "Learn to Be Lonely," which is also the only new song).

Director Joel Schumacher, no stranger to visual spectacle, seems to have found a good match in Lloyd Webber's larger-than-life vision of Gaston LeRoux's Gothic horror-romance. His weakness is cuing too many audience-reaction shots and showing too much of the lurking Phantom, but when he calms down and lets Rossum sings "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" alone in a silent graveyard, it's exquisite.

Read our CD buying guide
Those who consider the stage musical shallow and overblown probably won't have their minds changed by the movie, and devotees will forever rue that the movie took the better part of two decades to develop, which prevented the casting of original principals Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Still, The Phantom of the Opera is a welcome exception to the long line of ill-conceived Broadway-to-movie travesties.

DVD Features
The special edition of The Phantom of the Opera has two major extras. "Behind the Mask: The Story of The Phantom of the Opera" is an hourlong documentary tracing the genesis of the stage show, with interviews of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, director Harold Prince, producer Cameron Macintosh, lyricists Richard Stilgoe and Charles Hart, choreographer Gillian Lynne, and others. Conspicuously absent are stars Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. Both do appear in video clips, including Brightman performing with Colm Wilkinson at an early workshop, and Crawford is the subject of a casting segment. Other brief scenes from the show are represented by a 2001 production. The other major feature is the 45-minute making-of focusing on the movie, including casting and the selection of director Joel Schumacher Both are well-done productions by Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group.

The deleted scene is a new song written by Lloyd Webber and Charles Hart, "No One Would Listen," sung by the Phantom toward the end of the movie. It's a beautiful song that, along with Madame Giry's story, makes him a more sympathetic character. But because that bit of backstory already slowed down the ending, it was probably a good move to cut the song. --David Horiuchi

More on The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera (Special Extended Edition Soundtrack) (CD)
The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack) (CD)
The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast) (CD)

Evita (DVD)
Andrew Lloyd Weber: The Royal Albert Hall Celebration (DVD)
More Broadway DVDs

Description

Musical Drama based on Andrew Lloyd Webber's celebrated musical phenomenon. The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius (Gerard Butler) who haunts the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera, waging a reign of terror over its occupants. When he falls fatally in love with the lovely Christine (Emmy Rossum), the Phantom devotes himself to creating a new star for the Opera, exerting a strange sense of control over the young soprano as he nurtures her extraordinary talents.

DVD Features:
Additional Scenes:"No-one Would Listen" Approx. 4 Mins.
DVD ROM Features
Documentary:Behind the Mask - The Story of the Phantom of the Opera
Easter Eggs
Featurette:The Making of The Phantom of the Opera in 3 Spellbinding Acts: Preproduction, The Director, Production

Customer Reviews:

Poor -Unable to view.......2007-09-17

Disappointing. This was our first purchase through amazon and unfortunately we are unable to view the movie; it comes up "bad disc" on all comp and players. We had thrown out the return slip for shipping and had not yet contacted amazon about an exchange. So any assistance would be appreciated to rectify this situation.

Wonderful!.......2007-09-16

Wow...the music, the sets, the acting...I loved this DVD! After hearing Brighton and Crawford on the original soundtrack my expectations were high, but they really pulled it off with this DVD. Rossum is no Brightman, but she does have a beautiful voice and Patrick Wilson, wow! What a beautiful tenor voice he has!

I liked the way the movie starts out when Raoul is old and remembering, and ends that way, too. Great touch. This retelling of the story is a little different, but again, they really pulled it off and did a great job. There has never been a more beautiful score than The Phantom of the Opera. Andrew Lloyd Weber is a genius.

Wonderfull!!!.......2007-09-12

First,I have to say that I have not seen the Broadway version of The Phantom of the Opera. However, I have listened to the CD of the Broadway version many many times. I checked this movie from my library. I absolutely loved this movie. The opening scene draws you into the story. I loved Gerard Butler's acting and singing in this movie. I think he did a wonderful job with the part. Emmy Rossum also did a wonderful job as well.

Movies.......2007-09-04

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I love musicals and this one touched my heart. I gave it four stars only because I didn't want it to end.

Holds true to the Broadway musical.......2007-08-29

I've seen Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway production and traveling production of this play. The movie holds true to both and actually makes the play easier to understand. The storyline is strong, the music well done, and the acting superb. Even though this is a love story, this isn't a chick flick. I thoroughly appreciated it. And you will too.

Oh, and the video quality is second to none. I compared this version with the version that came on HBO HD, and the picture was superior on the HD DVD. It was a clear-cut improvement, but the edges were more well-defined on the HD DVD version. The sound quality is also superior. A big bonus when you consider all the singing going on.

Average customer rating:

I really enjoyed this movie, great love story.
MOVIE
The Oval Office
Make a Date with the American President
Even the President needs passion...

The American President
Starring: Michael Douglas , Annette Bening , Martin Sheen , Michael J. Fox , and Anna Deavere Smith
Director: Rob Reiner
Manufacturer: Castle Rock
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305236518
Release Date: 1999-08-31

Amazon.com essential video

What sounds like the high-concept romantic comedy pitch from hell--widower president falls for smart lobbyist while the world watches--is actually intelligent, charming, touching, and quite funny. Granted, it's wish fulfillment all the way (when was the last time you saw a president who was truly presidential?), but in the capable hands of writer Aaron Sorkin (TV's Sports Night) and director Rob Reiner, The American President is incredibly enjoyable entertainment with quite a few ideas about both romance and the government. Michael Douglas stars as the president, who after three years in office starts thinking about the possibility of dating. When he auspiciously encounters cutthroat environmental lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), sparks begin to crackle and the two begin a tentative but heartfelt romance. Of course, his job gets in the way--their first kiss is interrupted by a Libyan bombing--but darn it if these two kids aren't going to try and make it work! However, they hadn't counted on the president's Republican antagonist (Richard Dreyfuss), who starts carping about family values. The predictable plot--Douglas finally goes to bat for his lady and his country--is leavened by Sorkin's wonderful, snappy dialogue and a light touch from the usually subtle-as-a-sledgehammer Reiner. Both manage to create a believable White House-office atmosphere (with a crack staff including Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox, Anna Deavere Smith, and Samantha Mathis) as well as a plausible and funny dating scenario. The true success of the movie, though, rides squarely on Douglas and Bening; this is unequivocally Douglas's best comedic performance (ergo his best performance, period) and Bening, usually such a good bad girl, takes a standard career-woman role and fleshes it out magnificently. You can see in an instant why Douglas would fall for her. One of the best unsung romantic comedies of the '90s. --Mark Englehart

Description

The world's most powerful man has met his match! Michael Douglas is the widower President wooing environmental lobbyist Annette Bening in this romantic hit by Rob Reiner.

DVD Features:
Interactive Menus
Production Notes
Scene Access
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

I really enjoyed this movie, great love story. .......2007-09-14

The American President is a great movie, good love story.
So many movies that are out now and in the past plus being done in the future, have so much vilonence, and to much nudity and sex in the movie
that it is no good.
I spent three years from 1968 to 1970 in the army and I have seen enough
killing and war.
This movie is by far my all time favorite movie.
I also bought the movie Dreamer about the race horse from you folks, and that one also rates right along with The American President.

MOVIE.......2007-09-14

It is quite a cute movie. Not at all like the sex movies that Annette Bening has made in recent years. I recommend it at a price of around 10 to 12 dollars.

The Oval Office.......2007-08-28

This movie takes you inside the White House and humanizes the Presidency. The movie was entertaining and funny.

Corey Cotta, Author of All of Yestedays Tomorrows

Make a Date with the American President.......2007-08-25

In the world of romantic comedies this is one of my personal favorites, ranking along side such modern classics as "You've Got Mail" and "Pretty Woman". (Yes I own all three.) It's been available on DVD for some time, and chances are you've seen it on TV. If it is new to you, then read on. The story is unusual in that it revolves around a widowed President, his pre-teen daughter and an antagonistic lobbyist to whom he's attracted. The dialog is smart, witty and funny, and the chemistry between all the principle actors is very evident. If the opening theme music and some of the players seem familiar, it's because the film was made and produced by the same people who went on to do the Emmy-winning TV series "The West Wing". (With Martin Sheen advancing from Presidential Advisor here, to the Presidency itself.) The workings of the White House, the serious decisions that have to be made, and the travails of a re-election campaign all provide an authentic backdrop to the tale of romance that is the real heart of the film. I don't want to spoil the fun of the ins and outs of the love story as it unfolds, so instead offer up a few of my favorite lines:

"This is the White House...yes the President is expecting your call."
"Tell her she has nice shoes, women like that."
"No Sydney, 200 pairs of eyes are not on me, they are on you..."
"Oh, hi Sydney... Good morning Sydney...Hi Sydney..."

Got your attention? If so, then buy this romantic comedy that will definitely leave you in an upbeat mood when it's over. (Oh, for a Presidency like this one!)

Even the President needs passion..........2007-07-14

Michael Douglas and Annette Bening are perfect together in this 1995 romantic comedy. It shows a different side of a president, rather than all politics. President Andy (a widower) wants to date just like any other single guy, except he's the president. It makes light of just how hard it is for the president to do anything like a normal person outside the White House. Rounding up the cast are Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox and Richard Dreyfuss all are excellent in their performances. I enjoyed this movie-- it is funny and heartwarming. I could watch it over and over again and not get tired of it...an excellent buy...

Average customer rating:

Glad I decided to watch it after all!
This movie makes you glad that you watched.
It's Like Pain You Can Watch
wow
The Lake House (Widescreen Edition)

The Lake House (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Keanu Reeves , Sandra Bullock , Shohreh Aghdashloo , Christopher Plummer , and Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Director: Alejandro Agresti
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000HEWEE4
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Amazon.com

Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock pair up again in what could be described as the anti-Speed: The Lake House, a sweet, relaxed-paced, whimsical romance. When Alex Wyler (Reeves, The Matrix) moves into an unusual glass house on stilts over a lake, he discovers a note from the previous tenant in the mailbox--but no one's lived in the house for years. He replies and soon discovers that he's corresponding with a doctor named Kate Forster (Bullock, Miss Congeniality) who's writing from two years in the future. Their correspondence turns romantic and their paths cross in unexpected ways, but when they try to truly connect, danger looms. Though the plot of The Lake House sounds potentially static, the movie is skillfully structured and, despite some truly awful dialogue, will exert an emotional pull on anyone willing to embrace the device of the time-travelling mailbox. What the movie really demonstrates, though, is the genuine rapport between Bullock and Reeves; Reeves, though handsome, has a wooden presence--but in his few scenes with Bullock, his stiffness transforms into a palpable yearning. On-screen chemistry is slippery and hard to define, but these two have it. --Bret Fetzer

Description

A lonely doctor (Sandra Bullock) who once occupied an unusual lakeside home begins exchanging love letters with its newest resident, a frustrated architect (Keanu Reeves). When they discover that they're actually living two years apart, they must try to unravel the mystery behind their extraordinary romance before it's too late.

Customer Reviews:

Glad I decided to watch it after all!.......2007-09-15

After reading some not so good reviews I wasn't sure if I wanted to watch this movie even though I really like Sandra Bullock. Then a friend of mine suggested that I watch it because she wanted to discuss it and know what I thought about it. While watching the movie, I simply took it as it was presented and not ask "how come", "how did" like I do in a lot of movies. I enjoyed it so much that I'm buying it!

This movie makes you glad that you watched........2007-09-15

Some people expect a realistic story for a movie, but not me. I would like to be entertained and afterward would like to enjoy the happy ending since this world is such a chaotic place... So, I totally enjoyed this movie. If you like Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves and also like a happy ending, you ought to watch this movie!

It's Like Pain You Can Watch.......2007-08-28

This is one of those movies that seems like it has a neat premise, which it does, but it's executed about as skillfully as a cripple riding a half-pipe. If you enjoy predictable, ham-fisted romance with just enough of a clever twist to make yourself feel like you're more intelligent than the people who liked "Black Book," than this is the film for you! If, on the other hand, you don't enjoy having an assault of suck on all of your senses, avoid this movie at all costs.

wow.......2007-08-27

I sat in the theater watching this film...and well, I sat in the theater watching the film and tried to understand what was happening to me. The final scenes were clicking into place and all around me people were hushed into irreverent silence.
Then suddenly the actors appear on the screen in what will be the climax of the movie. Behind me an elderly lady begins to cry into her sleeve and I am over come. I too begin to sob. Huge racking waves of hysteria flood out of my body and my cheeks are wet from thick torrents of hot tears.
Here is where you need to pay attention and understand...
I am crying because this was the most ridiculous, useless, pointless, unemotional, waste of time and space, movie I have ever seen.
I am not going to tell you play by play of why, or what could have been done... or maybe it was an editing thing. The truth is that it was not in anyway, shape or form redeemable. This is that movie you see and then have forty minute fantasies of going to the actors homes personally and asking for your ten dollars back, because you certainly won't see the last three hours of your life again.

If you want a great love story with a tiny pinch of supernatural... read "The Time Travelers Wife."

The Lake House (Widescreen Edition).......2007-08-24

Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves are terrific in this movie---if only it could truly happen!

Average customer rating:

If you have the DVD, don't buy the Blue-ray: Terrible image quality!!!!
Poor Blu-Ray Transfer
Terrible image transfer quality. Don't purchase.
This HD sux
An unexpected love story

House of Flying Daggers [Blu-ray]
Starring: Takeshi Kaneshiro , and Andy Lau
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000EZ7ZYK
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Customer Reviews:

If you have the DVD, don't buy the Blue-ray: Terrible image quality!!!!.......2007-08-23

The PS3's images are too bright and blurry. I have to change the TV video mode from Vivid to Standard. The DVD upconverted to 720p/1080i from Zenith DVB318, looked BETTER than the 1080p image coming from the PS3 through HDMI!
Sony should recall this Blue-ray . . . .
Kung Fu Hustle Blue-ray looks/sounds excellent.

Poor Blu-Ray Transfer.......2007-07-06

I think Sony should remaster this film. The blu-ray transfer quality is very poor. On 50" plasma, it look much worse than other WB blu-ray movies. The video quality is only slightly better than the regular DVD.

Terrible image transfer quality. Don't purchase........2007-06-07

This is listed on many sites as having among the poorest image quality of all Blu-ray disks (bottom tier). It's a real shame, too, because this movie is filled with stunningly gorgeous shots filled with color and life. It looked to me as if the transfer was done from a poor-quality copy of the master. I am almost certain they will re-release this on Bluray one day with better picture quality, as has already been done with 5th Element and Superman. Don't buy this unless they do!

This HD sux.......2007-05-08

I got this dvd because i was excepting sweet HD and didn't get it. The quality of the picture wasn't much better than a DVD. The storyline was okay but as far as next gen disks go it lacked.

An unexpected love story.......2007-03-09

I purchased "Flying daggers" thinking it would be an interesting and beautifully filmed action movie. while it is that, I was surprised at the depth of the love story that propels this movie forward. It seems more a fable of old, a story meant to convey a moral lesson and it does and I found myself truly enjoying (and missing) this genre. I would highly recommend this movie. Just be aware that it is not an all-action tale but rather an very sweet love story with some very cool fight scenes.

Average customer rating:

Gorgeous cast, beautiful production
almost romantic.
Unrealistic
The House of Flying Chaos.......
Beautifully styled film that makes up for what it lacks in breathtaking visuals...

House of Flying Daggers
Starring: Takeshi Kaneshiro , Andy Lau , Ziyi Zhang , Dandan Song , and Hongfei Zhao
Director: Yimou Zhang
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007Q6VXC
Release Date: 2005-04-19

Amazon.com

No one uses color like Chinese director Zhang Yimou--movies like Raise the Red Lantern or Hero, though different in tone and subject matter, are drenched in rich, luscious shades of red, blue, yellow, and green. House of Flying Daggers is no exception; if they weren't choreographed with such vigorous imagination, the spectacular action sequences would seem little more than an excuse for vivid hues rippling across the screen. Government officers Leo and Jin (Asian superstars Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro) set out to destroy an underground rebellion called the House of Flying Daggers (named for their weapon of choice, a curved blade that swoops through the air like a boomerang). Their only chance to find the rebels is a blind women named Mei (Ziyi Zhang, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) who has some lethal kung fu moves of her own. In the guise of an aspiring rebel, Jin escorts Mei through gorgeous forests and fields that become bloody battlegrounds as soldiers try to kill them both. While arrows and spears of bamboo fly through the air, Mei, Jin, and Leo turn against each other in surprising ways, driven by passion and honor. Zhang's previous action/art film, Hero, sometimes sacrificed momentum for sheer visual beauty; House of Flying Daggers finds a more muscular balance of aesthetic splendor and dazzling swordplay. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous cast, beautiful production.......2007-09-15

Decades of fine Chinese film-making seemed to have reached a peak when "Crouching Tiger" was embraced so completely by the American film-going public. (The Chinese thought it was mediocre and couldn't understand the fuss.) Director Zhang Yimou has made fine films for years, and 2 of them, "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers" reached American shores in 2003. "House" made more top 10 lists, but "Hero" was the official Chinese entry for the Oscars. "House of Flying Daggers" is a wonderful action piece beautifully embracing a terrific love story. Yimou's trademark use of gorgeous color schemes is again awesome, and the casting of Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau & Ziyi Zhang has to be the most pretty trio of actors put in any one film. Ms. Zhang is indeed luminous. Mr. Yimou's later "Curse of the Golden Flower" was disappointing, though still pretty to look at. The Tang Dynasty seems to appeal to Mr. Yimou, allowing him to create his image of that most opulent period.I was highly entertained.

almost romantic. .......2007-08-28

On the surface, this thing is awesome eyecandy. lush scenery, beautiful costume, fantastic action sequences, blah, blah, blah, blah. Yes, it looks exquisite in all its widescreen delight and the sound is incredible. But... just beneath the thin, oh so slick veneer, is the over the top melodrama, the very one dimensional bad guy, the doomed romance, and all the cookie cutter disposable solidiers. This was a whole lot of fun to watch, and very moving at times, but on closer review it starts to resemble something like bamboo. Solid to a point, but hollow on the inside, and very likely to split apart when over used. Visually superb at times? of course. Entertaining? sure. Satisfying as a story? well...almost.

Unrealistic.......2007-08-27

First of all, let me explain. Yes, I know this is a fantasy tale that where we are supposed to suspend belief in order to enjoy the film, but I think these Chinese films take things a bit too far. For example, even in Spiderman where we are given a superhuman man with spider powers BUT his movements, his actions, his jumps seem to be what a person with his stregnth and abilities might be able to do. Ultimately the laws of physics are loosely followed. I understand it's a Chinese martial arts movie and the characters will do some incredible things, which is great but they do things that are completely and utterly impossible. Um... float for no reason. Prop themselelves between two bamboo stems even though in reality the pressure would push the bamboo sticks away from each other. Stuff like that just makes it hard for me to enjoy the movie.
Beyond this, the characters are cold and we are never really given a reason to care about them. Yes, the movie is beautiful at times and perhaps this is the only thing that saves it. Even the story isn't that bad but it needed to be developed and the characters needed to be fleshed out.
If you want to see a really good Chinese movie then I suggest you see "Together" by Hong Chen. Enjoy.

The House of Flying Chaos..............2007-08-12

I was a great fan of CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, so, when I heard that another wuxia film was being brought to the United States, I flocked to the movie theater to see this one. Director Zhang Yimou (HERO) sets the scene for us with broad use of color and drama. I can't argue that the opening dance sequence with the blind courtesan (Ziyi Zhang) isn't pretty eyepopping. However, the convoluted plot left MUCH to be desired. Granted, I am up for an intriguing plot centered on a battle of wits anyday (I loved HERO), this film was, for me, one melodrama after another. Without giving away too much of the plot, I will say that I was particularly offended by one depiction of rape and abuse that then blossoms into a relationship between victim and victimizer. Also, there were some scenes intended to be highly dramatic in tone, and I recall several members of the audience giggling over the absurdity of the thoroughly unbelievable acting and the stylized violence (a familiar sequence in Chinese wuxia cinema is that where you see blood dripping from the slain/maimed individual's mouth). There aren't really heros here--just different degrees of villainhood, and, for the most part, it's a battle based on manipulation, and it all stems from the society of the House of Flying Daggers and interrogating those possibly affiliated with the organization. I would advise you to skip this one. It's just a little too much......I can't imagine how it transfers to the small screen, as a DVD, but I would imagine it just looks absurd on a smaller scale.

Beautifully styled film that makes up for what it lacks in breathtaking visuals..........2007-08-09

`House of Flying Daggers' is truly no `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'. That's in no way to say it's not visually stunning and engrossing, it just lacks a little of that flare and a lot of that plot that made `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' so brilliant. Director Zhang Yimou keeps his film heavy on the action but very light on substance. It still delivers, don't get me wrong, and I was not entirely disappointed while it's credits began to roll but I will say that when you've been spoiled with something like Ang Lee's `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' you begin to wish that every Asian film could be that wonderful.

The film centers around a group of rebels referring to themselves as the House of Flying Daggers, or more specifically around one of their members, a blind woman named Mei posing as a showgirl. This rebel group is in direct conflict with the government and so two officials, Leo and Jin devise a plan to infiltrate the rebel's lair. Jin disguises himself as a lone rebel himself, rescues her from the hands of government officials and offers to escort her back to her group. Along the way though, they are met with adversity. The governor, unknowing of Leo and Jin's plan, has sent out his best soldiers to track down and kill Mei and Jin. The fight sequences that follow are brilliantly choreographed and directed. In fact, I'd be tempted to say they rival or maybe even transcend those in Lee's lauded film, but I haven't seen `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' in a few years and so I'm not the best judge at the moment. The fight within the trees alone though is breathtaking.

As has been mentioned, the use of color within this film really takes it to another level. The fight sequences are even more spectacular thanks to the wide range of reds and greens, whites and yellows all wrapped up within the natural backdrop to the scenes. It's beautiful to look at, elegant and effortlessly put together. The actor's movements are so well calculated, so controlled, and they perfectly complement the mood each scene intends to portray.

`House of Flyer Daggers' fails in the one aspect of plot, for everything else is truly splendid. The above plot in itself would have sufficed, and it does have more twists and turns than an episode of `The Sopranos' but it tries a little too hard to transfer into a love story and it's there that it falls flat. I don't want to give away too much of those `twists and turns' but I will say that it loses it's focus towards the end, and instead of delivering a final battle between rebel's and government (a battle I was salivating over in expectation of) it gives us a battle between star-crossed lovers that delivers in beauty but fails to deliver in emotional depth and thus becomes just another fight.

The acting is decent all the way around, but Ziyi Zhang is truly the standout. Her performance is so tempered, so controlled it transcends the performances of her cast mates and becomes award worthy, Oscar nomination worthy even. She's the only actor in the cast that is able to really connect with the audience, in such a deep way that even though I found the love story aspect a little phony and unbelievable I believed her character, I believed her side of that love and that in itself was a major accomplishment for Zhang. Ziyi has got quite the resume going for herself, and she has all the potential in the world to be an Oscar winning actress. Once the academy learns to embrace her stylized performances over her more Americanized (say `Memoirs of a Geisha') then they will see the beauty and grace that we all see.

The film, while far from perfect, still offers quite a bit for the far on this form of martial arts film. The direction is top notch and the scenery just as breathtaking as the choreography. I surely enjoyed myself and would watch this film again. So sit back and enjoy, just don't expect anything too deep emotionally, just some beautiful, graceful and in the end brutal battles that more than make up for what this film lacks.

Average customer rating:

What a movie!
Good Christmas Show
One of the funniest family movies I've ever seen!
Thanks to Ferrell, it's no lump of coal
Way Too Fun to Take Seriously

Elf (Infinifilm Edition)
Starring: Edward Asner , James Caan , Zooey Deschanel , Peter Dinklage , and Patrick Ferrell
Manufacturer: New Line Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002F6BRE
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Amazon.com

Elf is genuinely good. Not just Saturday Night Live-movie good, when the movie has some funny bits but is basically an insult to humanity; Elf is a smartly written, skillfully directed, and deftly acted story of a human being adopted by Christmas elves who returns to the human world to find his father. And because the writing, directing, and acting are all genuinely good, Elf is also genuinely funny. Will Ferrell, as Buddy the adopted elf, is hysterically sincere. James Caan, as his rediscovered father, executes his surly dumbfoundedness with perfect aplomb. Zooey Deschanel, as a department store worker with whom Buddy falls in love, is adorably sardonic. Director Jon Favreau (Swingers) shepherds the movie through all the obligatory Christmas cliches and focuses on material that's sometimes subtle and consistently surprising. Frankly, Elf feels miraculous. Also featuring Mary Steenburgen, Bob Newhart, Peter Dinklage, and Ed Asner as Santa Claus. --Bret Fetzer

Description

This hilarious Christmas film tells the tale of a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts on Christmas Eve and is transported back to the North Pole and raised as an elf. Years later Buddy learns he is not really an elf and goes on a journey to New York City to find his true identity.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:2 commentaries with Will Ferrell & Director
DVD ROM Features
Deleted Scenes
Featurette:Film school for kids Tag along with Will Ferrell How they made the North Pole Kids on Christmas and more!
Other:2-Disc Infinifilm DVD Widescreen version on Disc 1 and Fullscreen version on Disc 2 Spanish Language Track Elf Karaoke Read-Along Infinifilm Fact Tack Buddy's Adventure Game Elf Decoder Card and more!

Customer Reviews:

What a movie!.......2007-09-01

one of his best movies, and magical all the way, you get lost in the story line, and the music.

Good Christmas Show.......2007-08-26

We loved this show. How fun!!! We plan on watching it every Christmas. It is a good family show.

One of the funniest family movies I've ever seen!.......2007-06-10

This movie is loved by my whole family, all ages, from the 3-year-old up to the 64-year-old! A hilarious adventure for all! The character Elf is so lovable and the movie just touches your heart (and your funny bone!).

Thanks to Ferrell, it's no lump of coal.......2007-05-26

The yuletide season always brings a handful of holiday-themed releases, but most of them are pure humbug. It's only every five years or so that a true holiday classic comes along. Elf, from actor/director Jon Favreau ("Swingers"), tries to buck that trend by dressing Will Ferrell in tights and putting his comic skills to the test.

Ferrell plays Buddy, a human who grew up among Santa's elves. When he was a baby, he snuck into Santa's bag on Christmas Eve and wasn't discovered until Santa was back at the North Pole. Papa Elf (Bob Newhart) "adopted" Buddy and raised him. But now, Buddy is sticking out like a sore thumb within the elf community because of his ungainly size, unable to perform classic elf functions like toy building.

Buddy decides the answer to his problems is to seek out his human father Walter (James Caan) in New York City. Walter is the stereotypical big-business prick, and initially wants nothing to do with his elf-son freak. That leaves Buddy to inadvertently score a job at a department store, which leads to a romance with fellow store employee Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) and much hilarity when Buddy prepares for a visit from "Santa," thinking the real deal is on the way. When he sees that the store-hired Santa is actually an imposter, hilarious havoc ensues.

Walter slowly starts to warm to Buddy, who befriends his wife (Mary Steenburgen) and neglected son (Daniel Tay). But as Buddy becomes an increasingly disruptive presence at Walter's workplace, the fragile new family bond is threatened. Things comes to a head on Christmas Eve, naturally, as Santa begins his toy-delivering run and Walter desperately tries to make an 11th hour book sale.

Director Favreau and his crew deserve props for their work in creating the elf community. By using forced perspective and some cool animation techniques, they do a great job of building a unique world that captures the feel of the classic "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Frosty The Snowman" animated holiday specials.

The screenplay, by newcomer David Berenbaum, is best when it places Ferrell in inventive fish-out-of-water scenarios. The story does stoop to formulaic scenarios from time-to-time, but it's a little more forgivable in this instance, since we're talking about a Christmas movie. The cast is also a mixed bag. Former Academy Award nominees Caan and Steenburgen are largely wasted in thankless roles, but Newhart and Deschanel make the most of theirs.

Fortunately, when the film threatens to get stuck in syrupy cliche, the wacky Ferrell comes to the rescue. He pulls out all the stops in an off-the-wall comedic performance that will have you in stitches. From wild slapstick to nuanced facial expressions, this is pure comedic genius at work.

It remains to be seen whether "Elf" becomes a new holiday classic, but thanks to Ferrell, it's definitely no lump of coal. It's a great way to have some holiday fun and raise your Christmas spirits.

Way Too Fun to Take Seriously.......2007-05-17

Elf is one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies.

Will Ferrell fans fall into two camps: the ones that appreciate his raunchy side, and those who find his goofy innocence charming.

I'm in the second camp.

My children and I quote Elf often. "Does somebody need a hug?" is a favorite.

But I know perfectly wonderful people who hated the movie.

If you go for art or brilliant acting/writing, or a deep heartfelt message to take away with you -- you probably shouldn't go there with Elf. The logical will be annoyed with the elf adoption and flying sleigh logistics.

But if you find it at all amusing when grown men wear tights and get sideswiped by taxis, Elf may be singing your song. Does excessive childlike behavior no matter how old the child, coax a smile? Then Elf may be a movie you'll add to your favorites list.

Elf may fall into that category with Napoleon Dynamite...either you love it or you hate it. And I'm a Napoleon fan. I even loved Nacho Libre, Three Amigos and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Give me an excellent sight gag, some physical humor and a few great one-liners and I'm in.

The Phantom of the Opera (Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Poor -Unable to view
Wonderful!
Wonderfull!!!
Movies
Holds true to the Broadway musical

The Phantom of the Opera (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Gerard Butler , Emmy Rossum , Patrick Wilson , Miranda Richardson , and Minnie Driver
Director: Joel Schumacher
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007TKNIS
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Amazon.com

Those who consider the stage musical shallow and overblown probably won't have their minds changed by the movie, and devotees will forever rue that the movie took the better part of two decades to develop, which prevented the casting of original principals Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Still, The Phantom of the Opera is a welcome exception to the long line of ill-conceived Broadway-to-movie travesties. --David Horiuchi

Description

Customer Reviews:

Poor -Unable to view.......2007-09-17

Wonderful!.......2007-09-16

Wonderfull!!!.......2007-09-12

Movies.......2007-09-04

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I love musicals and this one touched my heart. I gave it four stars only because I didn't want it to end.

Holds true to the Broadway musical.......2007-08-29

Average customer rating:

Fright Night
More Solid 80s Vampire Fare
Good movie
Perhaps the Greatest Vampire Movie of all Time
Classic Horror, 80s Cheese

Fright Night
Starring: Chris Sarandon , William Ragsdale , Amanda Bearse , Roddy McDowall , and Stephen Geoffreys
Director: Tom Holland
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: 0767817664
Release Date: 1999-09-07

Customer Reviews:

Fright Night.......2007-09-14

This movie was one of the best horror movies ever, especially in the 1980s!
The brief nudity can and should be skipped with the dvd remote.
The story line was deep and full of depth.
This movie would change the outcast life for the better because he or she would see that excelling in school, having personal, amitious goals that fulfill one's life, brings joy that others, increases their i.q. and enriches them to becoming successful through a positive path is better than be competitve in a low-pay minimum wage part time job where ne'er do well jealous, greedy, selfish, psychotic psychopaths work and put people in trouble so that they are the only ones that remain.
Forget about dead end part-time minimum wage jobs that have a jealous, greedy, selfish, psychotic, psychopath who likes to put people in trouble as your way of life. Focus on a better education, excelling in school, having positive, amitious, personal goals that will enrich you, increase your i.q. and be your successful path in life, that is so much better then that lousy part time job with that ne'er do well loser!
There was great rock n roll music in this movie.
There was an interesting cast.
The movie shouldv'e had better special features such as cast interviews, cast bio, etc.

More Solid 80s Vampire Fare.......2007-07-29

If you're into 80s horror movies--especially vampires ones, once you've had enough of Freddy and Jason--then FRIGHT NIGHT needs to go on your required viewing list. Like its younger brother, THE LOST BOYS, this movie is campy as often as scary (which is a minor critique, but a critique nonetheless), but it is also far more traditional.

Rather than the contemporary pack-o-vampires motif so prevalent today (see "TEETH", by yours truly, if you don't mind another gratuitous plug), FRIGHT NIGHT comes back to the single domestic vampire with a servant or two, a motif established by Bram Stoker and, more recently, revisited by Stephen King. So, what you have, basically, is a classic tale in modern dressings, decent special effects, and pretty good acting all around. The standout in this movie is Roddy McDowell, who plays Peter Vincent, the vampire killer. Somewhere out there, Buffy's got to be giving this man his props (or at least laying roses and garlic on his grave).

My only lament for this, and its 80s brother in vamping, is the "safeness" of the tone. There's so much comedy in both, you often forget to be really scared. Fun stuff, but easy to watch with the lights on or off.

(This review has been posted by Marcus Damanda, author of the afore-mentioned vampire novel, "Teeth: A Horror Fantasy.")

Good movie.......2007-07-08

Fright Night is a really good movie for those who like horror movies. I liked it a lot.

Perhaps the Greatest Vampire Movie of all Time.......2007-06-12

Fright Night is a horror movie in its most simplistic form. A teenage boy named Charlie Brewster (William Ragsdale, "Herman's Head") believes that his next door neighbor Jerry Dandridge (Chris Sarandon, "The Princess Bride") is a vampire. Of course no one believes him, especially his girlfriend Amy (Amanda Bearse, "Married with Children") and his buddy "Evil" Ed (Stephen Geoffreys, "Heaven Help Us"). Oh by the way, Evil Ed's classic line in this movie is, "Oh you're so cool Brewster."

Amy and Ed are concerned about Charlie's well being and figure humor his claims that his neighbor is a vampire. So Amy and Ed go to speak to Peter "The Great Vampire Killer" Vincent (Roddy McDowall, "Planet of the Apes"), a burnt out horror movie star turned late night T.V. show host for campy horror films (mainly his own). Charlie is a huge fan of Peter Vincent's work and conceders him a hero. This is why Charlie's friends seek Peter out. On the flip side, Amy and Ed are thinking Charlie's imagination is running amuck about Jerry because of all of his Peter Vincent viewing. Anyway I digress; Amy and Ed talk to Peter about their friend Charlie and the obsession that Jerry is a vampire. Now how two teenage kids are able to convince a movie star (burnt out or not) to speak with their "potential" insane friend, still befuddles me. Anyway, after some pretty definitive proof, it is discovered that Jerry REALLY IS A VAMPIRE! Charlie's confirmation is now fact and the other characters are quite shocked at this finding.

I will not give away any details or spoil this flick for anyone who hasn't seen it yet. Fright Night is really a fun movie and yes it does have some creepy and scary parts to it. I will also add that the movie has some pretty good special effects, they really aren't that cheesy. This movie was also made in 1985, which is the zenith of the 1980s, however this movie really doesn't seem dated. As a matter of fact, it is quite possible this movie is as relative today as it was back in 1985. The one part of the movie that could be abased for having a 1980s flare is the night club scene. There is the peachy music, "colorful" outfits and the hair sprayed hair. Then again, 1980s fashion is somewhat neo in these contemporary times, so it might not seem so dastardly. Ultimately, this movie isn't overshadowed by the fact that it was made in the 1980s.

Now when I say that this is the best vampire movie ever made, that is exactly what I mean. This movie has nothing to do with Dracula it is a basic vampire movie, so any comparisons with a Dracula is dubious. Hence Fright Night it is a marvelous vampire movie, not a marvelous Dracula Movie.

The acting in this movie is also really good; Chris Sarandon is smooth and suave as a vampire. He makes being a creature of the undead look like a lot of fun. Roddy McDowall is awesome as Peter Vincent (I love the throwback to Peter Cushing and Vincent Price in the character's name); he is dichotomy in his grapples with believing in vampires and faith. I think this was a bold performance by McDowall. William Ragsdale did a good job as Charlie. He looked a bit older than a 17 year old teenager, but then again this type of realism isn't why I am watching Fright Night. If that was the logic, then Elizabeth Shue was way too hot to be a hooker in Leaving Las Vegas. Consequently, these are the little persnickety thoughts I place into the box labeled "it is only a movie". Amanda Bearse was also fine as Amy, being both reserved and sexy. Stephen Geoffreys was also quite vexing in a jovial sort of way in his performance as Evil Ed. I also like how Jerry's "roommate" looks like a Xerox of Bill Paxton. Did anyone else notice that or was it just me?

As for the DVD itself, it is presented in letterbox/widescreen. There are several subtitles that can be utilized, so it is foreign speaking friendly. The original preview/trailer is included, which is somewhat a disappointment. It seems rather a mundane promotion for such a great movie. Nevertheless, it is cool that the trailer itself is included on the DVD.

Fright Night is great ho

The Phantom of the Opera (Special Extended Edition Soundtrack) (CD)	The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack) (CD)	The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast) (CD)
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