Centurion [Blu-ray]

Muscular battles in the bitter North.
This is a story set in the time of Roman Britain. It begins with the `myth' of the 9th Legion, which might have been destroyed in battle with the wild Picts of Scotland. The bulk of the story though is concerned with the flight of a small group of survivors and the merciless pursuit of their fierce and vengeful enemies.

Frankly I struggle to understand the low profile of this film and the lukewarm reports. In my opinion it is a perfectly reasonable movie with some exceptional aspects. These include the stunning scenery which really conveys the bracing cold and desolation but also beauty of the far-North. It looks like an ancient land, all rugged and wild and is almost worth the price of admission alone. The Picts are hard as glacial ice, tough and violent and look very impressive too.

With the story itself I had a few quibbles but it was serviceable. The action scenes were generally good, even tense in places but I was annoyed with some battle scenes which...

Technically Impressive Epic That Sometimes Fails The Logic Test
When I first discovered director Neil Marshall, I was an instant fan. In the horror genre, he did some solid work with the satisfying werewolf tale "Dog Soldiers" and the sublimely staged "The Descent" (which I know has its detractors, but for me was one of the most entertaining films of its year). The "Mad Max" retread "Doomsday" was an inevitable disappointment--but didn't dispel the notion that, at least, Marshall had a visual flair. I was intrigued to see him wander into "Gladiator" type territory with "Centurion" because the man can stage one heck of a battle. While the film, which is certainly better than "Doomsday," has a lot going for it--sadly, it ends up missing the mark. My guy reaction as I turned to my friend at the end was "Man, I wanted to like that much more than I did!"

I was genuinely and actively rooting for "Centurion" to be more wholly satisfying--so I guess that's a positive comment in and of itself. First off, the film looks absolutely...

wonderfully gritty realism in historical fiction, however unhistoric
This is an absolutely excellent historical fiction film, granted with extreme license. OK, I am a Roman history pedant and aficionado of historical novels, so I brought to this a critical eye, but also a hope that I would get enveloped in the narrative, in subtle character, in wonder at the endless varieties of human ambition. At this, it was so successful that I forgot the present with complete delight, even after 2 full viewings.

In terms of history, this is fiction based on speculation about what happened to the 9th Legion, which disappeared from the historical record without a trace - the only way to limn what happened to them is to piece together ambiguous clues, such as the inscriptions on grave stones scattered throughout the former empire. The time is that of the Emperor Hadrian, the golden age of the Roman Empire - the series of good, circumspect emperors who governed judiciously and without the insane excess that is remembered with Nero or Commodus. Rome is...

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The Goonies (25th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]

The Goonies R Still Good Enough
Director Richard Donner has gone into his wine cellar, retrieved this vintage flick, and poured it out for today's kids who might enjoy it along with a serving of Spy Kids and Harry Potter.Now, what is a goony, they might ask? Well, in this case, it's one of seven kids who find themselves searching for buried pirate loot, and running from the villainous Fratelli family. It's Saturday-matinee serial redux; SEE the Goonies escape from Steven Spielberg death-traps and Rube Goldberg booby traps! LAUGH at the unforgettable 'Truffle Shuffle!' APPLAUD as our heroes save the day, and WISH they'd made a sequel.Donner's wine has improved with age. The rapid pacing, the unraveling mystery, the over-lapping dialogue...and the incomparable Anne Ramsey as Mama Fratelli. Ahhhh, what a great actress. She scared the lice off of me as a kid, and can still do it, sixteen years later. And Sloth, cousin to the Incredible Hulk. How much can one love a misunderstood movie mutant? And Jeff Cohen as Chunk,...

The Goonies R Good Enough For Me.
Every once in a while that one movie that a whole generation of kids knows and loves comes around. For my generation, it was The Goonies. My friends and I used to pretend we were characters from the movie for months after we saw it. Goonies features one of the most endearing monsters ever, in the Baby Ruth loving Sloth, a young hero, Mikey, who uses his words incorrectly, an asian James Bond wannabe, Corey Feldman as the obnoxious Mouth, and the obligatory fat kid who everyone makes fun off. This group of kids, and Mikey's older brother and his girlfriends go off on an underground treasure hunt in an effort to save their beloved homes which are about to be torn down to make room for a country club. All the while their being pursued by The Fratellis, a family of counterfeiters who are after the same treasure. Awesome in everyway, despite it's script flaws (Data mentions the infamous non-existing octopus scene deleted from the film because it was deemed unnecessary)...

Nothing Will Never Surpass The Goonies!
Like many before me, I grew up with The Goonies. I ran around my house as a young one, trying to act like Mouth, or doing the Truffle Shuffle to entertain friends (I lacked on the truffle, but I could do the shuffle).

The Goonies holds something that every kid should find magical, even though the only magic in the movie is the magic of friendship. Steven Spielberg wrote the story about a group of friends who are about to lose their houses so a country club can be built where they leave. They come upon a treasure map that supposedly has a legend behind it, and leads to a great treasure. Mikey and his colorful bunch of friends set up to go in search of the treasure not knowing the villianist trio, the Fratellis, are also out for the treasure. Along the way, chaos ensues, friendships go stronger, and they meet a creature who has nothing but love to share and Baby Ruths to eat.

The characters are all likable . . . are all lovable, and the actors who portray them made them all that...

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Johnny Mnemonic

Dated yes, but a fun ride in blu-ray!
Yes, you have to suspend your disbelief in certain areas, the plot for example. Yes, doubling 80 gigs to 160 gigs is laughable with the mega gigs available today (the movie was made over 15 years ago). Yes, Keanu Reeves acting is wooden (when is it not?) However, it is still a kick ass movie that is even better in blu-ray. Just think of it as a comic book type movie and just enjoy the ride. One thing is sure, it has never looked better.

What's the problem?
It has to be said that when they open the annals of the worlds most underrated movies this will be at the top of the list. Keanu is well cast as JMn - some would say bereft of personality but I think that's missing the point, he's cool and professional, just as he should be. Ice-T plays the beleagured yet passionate freedom fighter with gusto and Dolph Lundengrundenhousen...en...whatever...is excellent as a twisted cyborg with a religious fixation. Everyone else is more than adequate in their roles. The plot is more subtle than the instant, intense visuals let on (and this is where a lot of people seem to trip up as they do not see past the cheese) and the movie stands up well to multiple viewings which is what you want from a video. All in all, a great package for any sci-fi fan and a must for Gibsonette's. Buy.

Johnny Mnemonic: Superbit Collection
Been looking for this movie in a widescreen format for ages. The movie was definitely prophetic and thought-provoking. My brother does research on radiation - radio waves, microwaves, cell phones, etc - and we are literally awash in a sea of this stuff. There are numerous health issues, which this movie in an entertaining way addresses.
I enjoyed the characters. Great casting!

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Waldbuhne 2010: An Evening With Renee Fleming [Blu-ray]

Nothing new as far as what she sings; but she is in fine form
I think I have heard Renee sing all of these pieces elsewhere, but I can't recall her sounding better anywhere. I apologize but I can't speak to the orchestral numbers as I enjoyed them, but am not well versed enough to compare to other versions. With Fleming, though, I can say that I can get frustrated with her programs at times. I didn't know what to expect here, especially seeing that there was "nothing new." However, the Korngold (possibly not just her best rendition, but my new favorite all time) and Strauss are beyond any previous recordings I've heard or live versions I've heard myself. A pleasant surprise. even with the orchestral filler (sorry, I like many bought for Renee and was weary that the orchestra numbers might dominate the disk - but, I found them nice accents to what is definitely a Fleming centered concert with a fantastic orchestra). Fleming fans will love. I don't consider myself a die hard Fleming fan after hearing her sing some pretty lazy concerts over the...

Ann's opinion
I am an unabashedly enthusiastic admirer of Renee Fleming's work but was very disappointed in this DVD. The sound seemed tailored to the orchestra - and what an orchestra at that! I've not heard a better rendition of Tchaikovsy's Romeo and Juliet in 50 years of concert going. However, Renee's singing came across as kind of 'muted'. I'd heard all the selections before of course but she sounded, and at times looked, quite apprehensive; although ravishing as usual in some gorgeous dresses. As other reviewers have suggested it may have been a technical problem and the fault of sound engineers. All in all, a very frustrating and disappointing concert. Not that it would stop me buying any other of hers!

Waffling Waldbuhne
I have several Waldbuhne recordings and they have all been quite enjoyable. This particular recording is not up to the standards of the others. The issue is not so much, as one reviewer stated that it is compressed, as all audio is compressed to some degree or another. (If it were not, you would have some very unbalanced over-modulated recordings!)

That being said, there is a limited frequency response here which makes the music sound a bit muted. There are no real deep lows or transparent highs. The DTS 5.1 master audio surround lacks depth and ambiance. For the best Waldbuhne concert from an audio respective get "Berlin Concert: Live From Waldbuhne [Blu-ray] (2008)". It is quite impressive!

Despite some of the audio challenges, I did enjoy this concert as it is a decent live recording. I particularly enjoyed Renee Fleming's interpretation of Dvorak's "Song to the Moon". Even though, it is the slowest and most emphatic version I have ever heard, there is amazing...

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Annie's Point

Can't Wait
I'm so looking forward to getting this movie. I remember watching it on TV several years ago and loved it. I recorded it from the TV and have watched several times. The quality of my VHS tape isn't very good anymore, so it will be wonderful to watch it like it should be.
Betty White & Richard Thomas are both great actors and are wonderful in this movie about a woman (White) who wants to take her husband's ashes to a place that was very special to both of them and where he has requested his ashes be spread. The only problem, it is across the country and her son (Thomas)feels he is too busy to take the time to take her there and that she shouldn't go alone. So she gets her granddaughter to go with her, without telling her son, and off they go in a funny, sentimental at times, road trip. And, of course, like she thought he would, her son follows them and the whole family is together when they reach that special place, "Annie's Point".

Betty White Rules!
This movie was on Hallmark and I missed part of it repeatedly. Finally I saw the whole movie, and just loved the story and interaction of the characters. Fun movie to take your mind off of the troubles in life. Enjoy.

funny movie
This was so funny , we watch it for family time all my children are teens and we all were laughing. we had to skip one part when they go swimming that is all, otherwise it is fine movie for the family with older children

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The Pacific [Blu-ray]

Outstanding! The Pacific is rare film making
****Spoiler Alert*****

This program follows 3 Marine heroes, their comrades and their sacrifice against a fearless enemy. You will feel every emotion as you watch this epic series. There are several scenes that will never leave your mind. This is an accurate depiction of combat in the Pacific theatre. Its very inhumane at times and not always easy to watch. Having said that-its something everyone should see, regardless of your interest in World War 2. The level of detail and battle sequences are amazing. The amphibious landings and the hell thats thrown at these guys is unthinkable. The fact that the Pacific war isn't covered enough, makes this educational for some and intriguing to everyone. Thanks to Clint Eastwoods great movies(Letters From Iwo Jima, Flags Of Our Fathers) and Speilberg/Hanks -The Pacific, we are starting to get some great coverage in this area. Of more importance, the men who gave so much are getting the recognition they deserve.

I have read...

It's not Better!
First let me say that HBO, Steven Spielberg, and Tom Hanks deserve a standing ovation for making this epic piece of history. I just finished watching the last episode. Once I saw the first episode, I was mesmerized for the next 9 weeks! I scheduled everything on Sunday around watching "The Pacific".
Outstanding acting, incredible cinematography, great music score, realism that is scary! I'm running out of superlatives to use! It's not better, than BOB! It's just as good and just as heart warming, and gut wrenching as BOB. Both of these historical mini-series deserve equal credit. Don't let some of the reviews here influence your judgement not to watch it. Yes there are those that feel strongly about one or another, but I don't believe that was anyone's goal in making the Pacific. I believe, especially Tom Hanks, just has this compelling, passionate desire to put both theaters of WWII in the minds of both, those that served and those of us who have not. The mellow drama movies of...

Lack of Cohesion Hampers a Noble Effort
I enjoyed bits and pieces of this mini-series and from my readings of E.B. Sledge and historians of the Pacific battles I thought it accurately portrayed the combat experiences of the Marines in that theater. I found the brief strategic overviews narrarated by Hanks before each episode to be helpful, and I thought the combat scenes and the portrayal of the Marines' misery was well done, but on the whole I found the mini-series unsettling in a number of ways and I don't think I'd watch it again.

Most importantly, I feel the format of the series was disconnected. In attempting to weave together the stories of three Marines who weren't necessarily fighting shoulder-to-shoulder, we get glimpses of each Marine and are then moved on to the next one. The effect this had on me was such that I'd begin to care about one of them but would then be quickly shifted away to the next one. So I found I really didn't care about any of the characters until E.B. Sledge heads off to combat,...

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Toy Story 3 (Spanish Edition)

Nostalgia in a big, big way
My review is brief as others have almost said it all. I just want to say that I am 62 years old, and just the thought about the way I felt when I saw this movie in the theatre makes me tear up. It is a nostalgic feeling in a big way. Reminds you of your childhood and those special feelings about growing up. You want to grow up and get on to being an adult in the worst way, but thinking back now your childhood was such a very special time. So fleeting and if we're lucky, such a special time in our lives.
I highly recommend the purchase of this movie to add to your collection.
I honestly feel that the series should stop here. Perfect right where it was left.

A worthy completion of a classic trilogy
I went to the San Francisco Film Festival screening at Pixar Studios last night not really knowing what to expect. Toy Story has been with us for 15 years now (20, in terms of actual development) and I had a sinking feeling that maybe all the character potential had been used in the first two and this was some shameless plot by Disney to exploit the franchise ("Little Mermaid 3", anyone?). Well, shame on me for underestimating the capabilities of Pixar, who once again have shown how a small studio in Emeryville is a storytelling powerhouse that leaves the rest of the industry in the dust.

Toy Story 3 is the tale of Andy, the toys' owner, going to college and their quest to determine their future - headed between the attic or a daycare center. If you've enjoyed the way the first two films blend character drama with innovative action and humor, this cocktail hits its stride in the third film, which draws on everything we already know about the characters and then adds two new...

No owners means no heartbreak
"Toy Story" was about sibling rivalry. "Toy Story 2" was about loving others, even if it means you might get hurt someday.

So what is "Toy Story 3" about? It takes the whole "kids + loyal toys" theme to its natural conclusion, by showing us what happens when the kids grow up and leave. While the first two-thirds of the movie are fairly pedestrian (for a Pixar movie!), the last part is both action-packed and emotionally wrenching.

Ten years have passed, and Andy is now a college-bound teenager. His toys are anxious about what's going to happen, so Woody keeps assuring them that they'll be put safely in the attic. But a misunderstanding leads to a date with the garbage truck. Since the toys believe they have been abandoned, they jump into the box of donated toys bound for Sunnyside Daycare.

They're greeted by the genial Lots-o'-Hugging Bear (aka Lotso) and the friendly daycare toys, and all seems to be well. But Andy's toys soon discover that Sunnyside...

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