Charlton Heston

Average customer rating:

Miracle at Midway
Weak Technically, Still Great in its Genre
Midway was the foundation for victory in the Pacific
Not what I remembered
war movie at its best

Midway (Collector's Edition)
Starring: Charlton Heston , Edward Albert , Henry Fonda , James Coburn , and Glenn Ford
Director: Jack Smight
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Tora! Tora! Tora!
In Harm's Way
Battle of the Bulge [HD DVD]
Patton
The Longest Day

ASIN: B00005N5S3
Release Date: 2001-10-30

Amazon.com

Six months after the Japanese destroyed the U.S. Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor, the Americans discovered the Japanese were planning to seize the Naval base at Midway Island--a perfect staging point for invading Hawaii or the mainland. Outnumbered four to one, the Americans won a surprise victory and shattered the backbone of the Japanese Imperial Navy. This 1976 film feels more like a history lesson than a drama, but World War II buffs will appreciate the attention to historical fact (especially the way in which fate and a few bad decisions turned the tide), as well as the generous use of actual battle footage. The all-star cast includes Robert Mitchum, James Coburn, and Cliff Robertson in cameos and a whole slew of familiar TV faces in supporting roles. Hal Holbrook is fun as an oddball intelligence officer. --Geof Miller

Customer Reviews:

Miracle at Midway.......2007-06-22

1976's "Midway" is very much in the tradition of other World War II movie epics such as "The Longest Day" and "A Bridge Too Far" in packing a star-studded cast around a key battle. "Midway" depicts the surprising June 1942 victory by a U.S. Naval Carrier Task Force over a far larger Japanese Fleet attempting to seize Midway Island, located north west of the Hawaiian Islands.

Henry Fonda stars as Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Nimitz. On the basis of intercepted Japanese communications, and against the advice of his staff, the soft-spoken but tough-minded Nimitz gambles his three surviving aircraft carriers on the opportunity to ambush the Japanese Fleet near Midway. Hal Holbrooke has a nice cameo as the eccentric Naval cryptographer who made the key intelligence assessment. Robert Mitchum also has a nice cameo as the famous fighting Admiral Bill Halsey, bed-ridden with a tropical skin disease, who must defer command of his carrier task force to Rear Admiral Raymond Spruance (played by veteran character actor Ed Nelson). Overall command of the U.S. force would be exercised by Admiral Jack Fletcher (a pitch-perfect performance by Glenn Ford).

The connecting thread in the long (two-plus hours) movie is fictional Navy Captain Matt Garth (played with jut-jawed determination by Charlton Heston). Garth, a fighter pilot recovering from a wound, starts the movie as Nimitz's aide, is transferred to Spruance's staff for the Midway mission, and ends up back in the cockpit of a dive bomber for the decisive air strike against the Japanese fleet. His life is complicated by a sub-plot involving the arrival in Hawaii of his estranged son (played by Edward Albert), a rookie naval aviator who is engaged to an interned Japanese-American woman. Garth's attempts to help his son make contact with his fiance draw the ire of security forces, while his request to an old friend (Cliff Robertson in a cameo) to look after his son results in the son's precipitious transfer to one of the Midway-bound carriers.

The engagement at sea interweaves movie scenes with real combat footage from the battle. The action shifts rapidly between the Commander and staff of the Japanese carrier force and the pilots of a variety of U.S. aircraft seeking and then attacking the Japanese ships. The resulting sequences may replicate some of the chaos of combat but are apt to be confusing to the average viewer. The respective fates of Garth and his son provide a poignant ending to the battle.

"Midway" does a reasonable job of narrating the story of an almost miraculous U.S. victory. The production values, in terms of authentic-looking ships, aircraft, vehicles, and uniforms, are solid. However, the insertion of "name" actors in a variety of small roles becomes almost distracting, as none of these parts get enough screen time for real character development. The edited VHS and DVD versions of the movie seem to be shorter than the original theatrical release, and to lose some story exposition in the process.

This movie is recommended to fans of the World War II movie genre, who will be able to appreciate the authenticity of the sets and who will find this an entertaining production.

Weak Technically, Still Great in its Genre.......2007-06-01

In the Genre of early post-WW2 films, this is a good Navy flick. The reason the U.S. won the Battle of Midway was because of the first deployment of the Proximity (or Variable Time) fuze in 5 inch AA shells, which is probably lesser known and less film-worth, although the History Channel has picked up on its importance. If you want to learn about it, get The Deadly Fuze, a documentary produced by WGVU in Michigan!!!

Midway was the foundation for victory in the Pacific.......2007-05-31

i was 12 when this movie came out. it was a huge blockbuster with an all-star cast led by Charlton Heston as the fictional character Captain Matt Garth. the Garth character was in the movie to add some much needed human interest. Garth was the hero we could identify with and root for. and it also allowed the movie to have Edward Albert portray his son (a fighter pilot) and show how the Japanese were rounded up and sent to internment camps.

if those elements were not in the movie, it simply would have been a documentary of probably the most compelling naval battle for the US during WW II. it was the battle that turned the tide in the US's favor and allowed us to keep the Japanese at bay till we were ready to go on the offensive.

the DVD itself is very good quality with many excellent bonus feautures. i particulary enjoyed the interviews with producer Walter Mirish and director Jack Smight and also Charlton Heston. and there is also a nice interview session with composer John Williams who did a very nice job with the score for Midway.

now let me say something about the confusion regarding the length and scope of the movie. the movie on this DVD is the original theatrical release. there was another version of this movie which was longer and showed the Battle of the Coral Sea (Mitch Ryan starred as Rear Admiral Aubrey Fitch) and also gave Heston a romantic interest with Susan Sullivan playing his girlfriend. this version was made after the fact to accommodate NBC (i believe) so it could have a long two-part movie for its popular Movie of the Week. personally, i liked this longer version better as it gave the movie a lot more meat and made it more interesting. without these additional scenes, the movie seems a bit hurried and uninspired in my opinion.

now on this DVD set they do have the 10 minutes worth of footage with Susan Sullivan in the Bonus section. but for some inexplicable reason there are no shots of the Battle of Coral Sea and that is very dissapointing.

it would have been nice if they could have released this as a 2-DVD set with the second disc containing the longer TV version.

the bottom line is that this is a good movie with a good cast and it is nice to see it with all of the extra bonus feautures as well.

Not what I remembered.......2007-05-20

I watched Midway at least five times in the theater as a kid and I have fond memories of this movie. The DVD is a much shorter version of the original, why they cut out the Coral Sea portion of the movie is beyond me and very dissapointing. I was also dissapointed when I realized that Charleton Heston's son takes off from his aircraft carrier in an F4F Wildcat but returns after the battle and crashes in a F6F Hellcat. This movie will remain for me a classic war movie but I can see why this DVD is hard to find.

war movie at its best.......2007-05-17

as good as war movies get. by far one of the best ever made.

Average customer rating:

Ben- Hur
Ben-Hur
Loved it!
Ben-Hur Collector's Edition
The Chariots of Challenge

Ben-Hur (Four-Disc Collector's Edition)
Starring: Charlton Heston , Jack Hawkins , Haya Harareet , Stephen Boyd , and Hugh Griffith
Director: William Wyler , Christy Cabanne , and Charles Brabin
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

The Ten Commandments (50th Anniversary Collection)
The Robe
Lawrence of Arabia (Limited Edition) [Region 99]
Gone with the Wind (Four-Disc Collector's Edition)
The Wizard of Oz (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B0009UZG1O
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Amazon.com essential video

Ben-Hur scooped an unprecedented 11 Academy Awards® in 1959 and, unlike some later rivals, richly deserved every single one. This is epic filmmaking on a scale that had not been seen before and is unlikely ever to be seen again. But it's not just running time or a cast of thousands that makes an epic, it's the subject matter, and here the subject--Prince Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) and his estrangement from old Roman pal Messala (Stephen Boyd)--is rich, detailed, and sensitively handled. Director William Wyler, who had been a junior assistant on MGM's original silent version back in 1925, never sacrifices the human focus of the story in favor of spectacle, and is aided immeasurably by Miklos Rozsa's majestic musical score, arguably the greatest ever written for a Hollywood picture. At four hours it's a long haul (especially given some of the portentous dialogue), but all in all, Ben-Hur is a great movie, best seen on the biggest screen possible. --Mark Walker

Description

The numbers speak volumes: 100,000 costumes, 8,000 extras, 300 sets and a staggering budget in its day the largest in movie history. Ben-Hur's creators made it the best, the greatest Biblical-era epic ever. Charlton Heston brings a muscular physical and moral presence to the role of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman in Palestine whose heroic odyssey includes enslavement by the Romans, a bold escape from an embattled slave galley, vengeance against his tormentors during a furious arena chariot race and fateful encounters with Jesus Christ. Heston's charismatic performance brought him the Best Actor Oscar; the winner as 1959's Best Picture with the legendary William Wyler earning his third Best Director trophy, the film won a total 11 Academy Awards -- a tally unequaled until 1997's Titanic set sail.DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Commentary by Film Historian T. Gene Hatcher with Scene Specific Comments from Charlton Heston
Documentaries:New Documentary: Ben-Hur: The Epic That Changed Cinema - Current filmmakers such as Ridley Scott and George Lucas reflect on the importance and influence of the film 1994 Documentary: Ben-Hur: The Making of an Epic Hosted by Christopher Plummer Directed by William Wyler - 1986 Emmy Award-nominated documentary featuring the last interview with Wyler before his death
Featurette:Ben-Hur: A Journey Through Pictures - New audiovisual recreation of the film via stills, storyboards, sketches, music and dialogue
Other:The 1925 Feature-length Silent Version of Ben-Hur with a stereophonic orchestral score by composer Carl Davis. Vintage Newsreels Gallery Highlights from the 1960 Academy Awards Ceremony Theatrical Trailer Gallery
Outtakes:Screen Tests: Leslie Nielsen and Cesare Danova Leslie Nielsen and Yale Wexler George Baker and William Russel Haya Harareet Hair and Make-up Tests

Customer Reviews:

Ben- Hur.......2007-06-13

This is a great movie. Everyone should enjoy this classic.

Ben-Hur.......2007-05-19

Yet another childhood classic. wonderful actors and actresses. Very exciting and a bit emotional.

Loved it!.......2007-05-15

Everything I expected. I love this film and it was wonderful to have it in letterbox and without commercials!

Ben-Hur Collector's Edition.......2007-05-13

Received the DVD earlier than what was expected. The DVD is the best, the four set collector's edition has tons of stuff never seen before.

The Chariots of Challenge.......2007-05-07

The chariot race was always my favorite part of the film. Interestingly enough my grandchildren also enjoyed this part, the challenge between good and evil. The acting, story line, scenery, and characters collectively and individually were inspirting and spiritually motivating. The characters may die but movies like this will never die of interest.

Average customer rating:

Environmental degradation, extreme poverty in 2022. No way right?
A smart, powerful, and still timely cautionary tale
Heston discovers a REALLY inconvenient truth
Still waiting for it
A Bleak Picture

Soylent Green
Starring: Charlton Heston , Leigh Taylor-Young , Chuck Connors , Joseph Cotten , and Brock Peters
Director: Richard Fleischer
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Omega Man
Logan's Run
The Andromeda Strain
Silent Running
Westworld

ASIN: B00009NHBM
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Amazon.com

Charlton Heston seemed fond of starring in apocalyptic science-fiction films in the late 1960s and early '70s. There was Planet of the Apes, of course, and The Omega Man. But there was also 1973's Soylent Green, a strange detective film (based on Harry Harrison's Make Room! Make Room!) set in 2022 and starring Heston as a Manhattan cop trying to solve a murder in the overpopulated, overheated city. His roommate (a necessity in the overcrowded metropolis), played by Edward G. Robinson, tries telling him about a better time on Earth before there were no more resources or room left; but Heston doesn't care. Directed by Richard Fleischer (The Vikings), the film has a curious but largely successful mix of mystery and bleak futuristic vision, somewhat like Blade Runner but without the extraordinary art direction. This was Robinson's last film and he's easily the best thing about it; his final scene seems terribly appropriate in retrospect. Joseph Cotten makes an appearance as the man whose murder results in the revelation of a shocking secret. --Tom Keogh

Description

The is the year 2022. Overcrowding, pollution, and resource depletion have reduced society's leaders to finding food for the teeming masses. The answer is Soylent Green -- an artificial nourishment whose actual ingredients are not known by the public. Thorn is the tough homicide detective who stumbles onto the secret so terrifying no one would dare believe him.

Customer Reviews:

Environmental degradation, extreme poverty in 2022. No way right? .......2007-06-11

I saw this in the now defunct Northland theater in Southfield Michigan. The theater had only 1 screen. And it didn't change films every other week like they do now(Funny girl was shown here as the only feature for over a year!). But hey I digress. Released in 1973, Soylent Green's future shows global warming reeking havoc, extreme poverty, corporations running things, extreme food shortages, energy shortages and overpopulation. Pretty prophetic I'd say. As for the food shortages Soylent Corporation comes to the rescue with their Soylent food- tasteless food squares in different colors that look a lot like the low fat snacks that my wife buys.

Charlton Heston is fantastic as NYC Detective Thorn who is investigating the murder of a rich but troubled man (played by Joseph Cotton). He is troubled because he knows the secret of the powerful Soylent Corporation. Because of NYC overcrowding and poverty(40 mil and counting) Detective Thorn is overburdened and underpaid so the police of the future have no qualms about helping themselves to a deadman's belongings, including his live in prostitute (how cool is that). It appears that between 1973 and 2022 they did not seem to make any new cars, firearms or trash trucks which are sometimes used for the secondary purpose of scooping up disorderly citizens. The movie does not have the production values and special effects of a futuristic movie like Bladerunner but these are minor points of contention for an otherwise fine film. This DVD is shown in widescreen and for the true fan it has a commentary track with actress Leigh Taylor-Young and Director Richard Fleisher giving interesting behind the scenes info.

Edward G. Robinson is excellent as Sol, Thorn's assisant or 'book' as he is referred to. This was Robinson's 101st and last film. In a memorable and famous scene with Heston, Sol decides to end his life after finding out the horrible secret of Soylent Greens origin. Unfortunately Robinson passed away shortly after this film was released. This DVD should be in every sci-fi fans library.

A smart, powerful, and still timely cautionary tale.......2007-06-06

Like most people, I knew the shocking secret of the film long before actually watching it. But I was truly surprised to discover what a strong film it remains to this day, presenting a grim but convincing picture of a world in rapid decline, both materially & culturally. Even better, it credits the audience with intelligence & lets us put the pieces together as we watch, rather than hitting us over the head with speeches & statistics.

Are the minimal effects & overall design dated? Of course -- but that's totally beside the point. Ideas are what matter here, not gloss. True science-fiction isn't about prediction, it's about speculation: what if? And it's often commentary on & criticism of the present. This film is a perfect case in point. If the details haven't aged well, the essence remains as searingly potent as ever.

What strikes me is the restrained, casual tone of the picture, presenting a corrupt & apathetic world so matter-of-factly. Our coarsened hero Thorn (an excellent Charlton Heston) is so obviously a product of that world, shaped by its anomie & mounting despair. Sol Roth (Edward G. Robinson in a heartfelt final appearance) is the dwindling counterpoint, no more than a living memory of a better, cleaner world that Thorn can't even begin to imagine. And Leigh Taylor-Young's Shirl is a tragic figure, sensitive but wearily accepting of her role in a society that has no place or pity for her humane spirit.

The background is filled with throwaway lines that almost slide by without calling attention to themselves: asking a bodyguard if he can read or write, thus establishing the collapse of literacy; marveling at something as common to us as a glass of ice, indicating its scarcity; succumbing to the temptation of a rare hot shower, rather than sex or money. A sickening yellow-green pall fills the screen in all outdoor scenes; a palpable weariness & desperation covers everyone like a thickening layer of dust. The viewer feels as grimy & sweaty & unwashed as any of the characters. In some ways, it's a brutally realistic version of "Idiocracy" long before that satiric film.

Most telling is the transformation of human beings into disposable commodities by the corporate masters of the world. From young women called "furniture," to the literal scooping up of hungry rioters, to the secret of Soylent Green itself, the mass of humanity exists to be used, traded, bought & sold to satisfy the greed of a handful of the rich & powerful. Which doesn't seem all that far-fetched these days ...

When we get to the final scenes with Sol, dying before screen images of the green earth he knew as a child, it's as jolting to the viewer as it is to a stunned Thorn, who finally realizes just how much both humanity & the world have lost. And the age of the film is actually a reminder that the greenhouse effect & global warming were well-known over 30 years ago, only to be ignored & disregarded since that time in favor of corporate interests. Dated? Not in this regard!

All in all, it's the sort of film that probably wouldn't get made today, not unless it was packed with CGI effects, massive explosions, a larger body count, and a lot less intelligence. But if you're ready for a thought-provoking story, you won't do much better than this fine science-fiction film. And the commentary by director Richard Fleischer & Leigh Taylor-Young is informative & articulate, adding to the experience. Most highly recommended!

Heston discovers a REALLY inconvenient truth.......2007-06-03

In an overcrowded, overheated world where nature is dying, a cop (Charlton Heston) investigates the assassination of an executive (Joseph Cotton) of the company that manufactures most of the world's food supply, learning a terrible secret in the process. Although the look of this 70s SF movie is dated (please tell me that the scarf Heston wears throughout the film won't come back into style), its story is more relevant than ever. This is a world where global warming has gone unchecked and the most powerful nation in the world has been reduced to third world poverty. One can only imagine how bad it is elsewhere.

I'm usually not a big fan of remakes, but this film would be a good candidate for an update. Not only is the message appropriate for today's audience, but just imagine what they could do now with the food riot scenes and the machines that scoop up the rioters with huge shovels. Heston bellows one of his most memorable lines ever in this one: "Soylent Green is ------!" ranks right up there with "Keep your hands off me, you damn, dirty ape!"

Still waiting for it.......2007-05-15

I will be willing to send you any details that help other customers. But I have not received the movie yet. According to Amazon prediction of approximate delivery, the item should be arriving today, May 15, at the latest. Unless this occurs in the afternoon today, this did not happen. I understand that there may be some delay, due to the international delivery process, so I expect to get it in the next few days. especially because whatever I have bought from Amazon in the past has always arrived to my door without any problem. M. Ferreira.

A Bleak Picture.......2007-05-15

This is definitely a very outdated film but it is still very watchable. It depicts a horrific future in which the planet has been so damaged that putting food on the table is difficult. The staple is a product called Soylent, made in part from soy. There are different varieties: red, yellow, brown, but the most palatable one is green. Unfortunately, it is always running short and riots ensue.

Charlton Heston plays a policeman called in to investigate the death of a member of the Soylent corporate board. In this version of society, policemen are fairly corrupt by our standards. Heston's character is neither more nor less that average but his conduct is not flattering...until he realizes that the death of the executive is tied into something bigger. As he investigates, thugs and his own superiors try to warn him off but he will not let go. Finally, he finds the secret of Soylent Green and it is a grisly one.

This in an interesting retro look at a bleak future but it is not great entertainment.

Hercules (Disney Gold Classic Collection)

Average customer rating:

Good Film
Slow moving
Disney Goofed!
Disney rewrites Greek Mythology
Disney does its magic!

Hercules (Disney Gold Classic Collection)
Starring: Tate Donovan , Josh Keaton , Roger Bart , Danny DeVito , and James Woods
Director: John Musker , and Ron Clements
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Tarzan (Special Edition)
Mulan (Special Edition)
Pocahontas (10th Anniversary Edition)
Aladdin (Disney Special Platinum Edition)

ASIN: B00004R99S
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Amazon.com

Not the egregious foul it seemed to be in theaters, Hercules stands up as an entertaining spritzer of an animated feature. The continual peppering of in-jokes and cultural references becomes less irksome on video. That there's no majesty or awe invested in the beloved Greek legends also seems less of an error. Also on the plus side is the bounciest Alan Menken music since Little Shop of Horrors. With Zeus's blood in his veins, young Hercules's amazing strength makes him an outcast (sorry, that still doesn't fly), so he trains with a satyr named Phil to become a hero. Along the way Herc meets Meg, a common mortal who falls hard for him. They're both against the jocular Hades, who has to destroy Hercules to take over Olympus. The hydra is the computer-animated set piece for this little number, a no-chance attempt to beat that wildebeest herd from The Lion King. --Keith Simanton

Description

An outrageous odyssey of fun, fantasy, and adventure unfolds in the hilarious hit film HERCULES, Disney's 35th animated triumph "brimming with comic surprise!" (Entertainment Weekly) Taken from the gods as a newborn, adopted on earth, Hercules becomes an awkward teenage pillar of strength. Trying to fit in, he discovers his dad is Zeus and home is Mount Olympus -- if he can move from "zero" to true hero! Hercules teams with babyhood pal Pegasus, the flying stallion, and Phil -- a feisty personal trainer -- for the mission. But it's no easy task as he must match wits with Grecian beauty Meg and a comical hothead named Hades. With the help of Pain and Panic, Hades plans to rule the Universe with only Hercules standing in his way! With a bold animation style, colossal voice cast, and spectacular music, HERCULES is unmatched in strength -- delivering something for everyone with "pinwheeling, knockabout fun!"

Customer Reviews:

Good Film.......2007-06-12

I saw this in my class while studying about Ancient Greece. I found it interesting to see everyone we learned about: the Muses, Zeus, Hera, Narciuss Heidis, the Gorgon Sisters, and of course, Hercules! I like how he calls Megara "Megan," when she said her 'friends' call her "Meg." This movies pretty good and will be great to watch if you'll ever have a Greek party!

Slow moving.......2007-05-13

This is a good movie, BUT it doesn't have the story line and action to keep a 3-year-old interested. It's very slow moving in parts and has lots of dark scenes with not much color. It also occasional breaks away to parts that have music but very few graphics and that causes a lost interest from the kids.

Disney Goofed!.......2007-01-23

I can't tell the number of hours my daughter and I sat in our big chair with a big bowl of pop-corn watching and rewatching this movie. She always loved it at five and, now at twelve, she still does.

Some people pick this movie apart as if it is supposed to be somehow "accurate" to the mythology. Sheesh! It's a disney film. Just enjoy the beautiful colors, more than tolerable story line, exceptional music and campy laughs. I did rewatching it for the first time on dvd.

One final point: Disney goofed in that they being one of the most left-wing liberal organizations out there mistakenly presented the Gospel to the world in cartoon allegory.

Think about it: The only Son of the Most High becomes human, and dwells among men, "discovers" himself, all the while perfoming a myriad miraculous feats. How does he become a "True Hero"? By sacrificing himself for the one that he loves...His bride.

Alright, it's a bit of a stretch and surely unintentional, but it still works. It's a beautiful thing!

Disney rewrites Greek Mythology.......2006-11-03

What a shock, Disney changed a story when they adapted it to an animated feature. Hercules is representative of the whole Disney canon in this aspect. This has been the norm for Disney going back to Snow White so I think complaints don't hold much water, especially if someone is willing to accept previous changes made in other Disney films.

As for Disney's Hercules, it's a fun film. This was a nice break for Disney as they had been putting out some heavier material for a LONG time. Aladdin was fairly light-hearted but Lion King, Pocahontas, and especially Hunchback of Notre Dame had all been harder edged. Hercules is a comedy and needs to be looked at as such.

The voicework and songs are all pretty good here. I do like the gospel approach on the music and think it works quite well. Menken, as usual, does a fantastic job with the music and Zippel does well with the lyrics. Granted, he's no Howard Ashman but no one is.

I wouldn't call Hercules one of Disney's best, but it is a good, entertaining film that fulfills its mission. Don't expect to get a lesson in Greek mythology. I do agree with others who encourage viewers to read the mythology, but that doesn't invalidate Disney's film. It's clear that they were merely inspired by the story of Hercules and went from there. I think it's a good thing that they don't feel constrained to follow the stories to a tee; a flat adaptation would not be this entertaining.

As for the DVD, it's far from spectacular. The film is not in anamorphic widescreen and the quality of the "Making if" Featurette is horrible. It looks like someone taped it on VHS and then dumped it on to DVD. The film looks good and the sound is good. This is a fairly barebones release and is one of the most poorly treated of all Disney animated films. It seems to be another that Disney has decided to forget or neglect. What a shame.

Disney does its magic!.......2006-09-22

Another Disney classic just like Pocahondas, Shrek, Snow white, Alandin and Lion King. These are cartoon figures and films that are never forgoten.

Average customer rating:

I love this movie!!!
Tombstone is tops
Tombstone review
Phenomenal
A gorgeous example of western nobility and honor...

Tombstone
Starring: Kurt Russell , Val Kilmer , Sam Elliott , Bill Paxton , and Powers Boothe
Director: George P. Cosmatos
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Wyatt Earp (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Unforgiven
Open Range
Silverado (2 Disc Superbit Gift Set) [Region 99]
Young Guns (Special Edition)

ASIN: 6304711905
Release Date: 1997-12-02

Amazon.com

This Western has become a modest cult favorite since its release in 1993, when the film was met with mixed reviews but the performances of Kurt Russell (as Wyatt Earp) and especially Val Kilmer, for his memorably eccentric performance as the dying gunslinger Doc Holliday, garnered high praise. The movie opens with Wyatt Earp trying to put his violent past behind him, living happily in Tombstone with his brothers and the woman (Dana Delany) who puts his soul at ease. But a murderous gang called the Cowboys has burst on the scene, and Earp can't keep his gun belt off any longer. The plot sounds routine, and in many ways it is, but Western buffs won't mind a bit thanks to a fine cast and some well-handled action on the part of Rambo director George P. Cosmatos, who has yet to make a better film than this. --Jeff Shannon

Description

A sizzling, star-studded cast brings to life the legendary battle to deliver justice to TOMBSTONE! Kurt Russell (MIRACLE, VANILLA SKY) turns in a gripping performance as U.S. Marshall Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer (THE MISSING, BATMAN FOREVER) ignites the screen as the outrageous Doc Holliday. Together, they team up to bring law to the lawless in a notorious showdown with the ruthless outlaws at the O.K. Corral! The all-star ensemble also includes Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Dana Delany, Jason Priestley, Michael Biehn, and long-time Hollywood favorite Charlton Heston. Get ready for an explosive, action-packed adventure the Wild West would never forget!

Customer Reviews:

I love this movie!!!.......2007-06-13

Tombstone is one of my favorite movies!!! I thought it was about time I bought the DVD.

Tombstone is tops.......2007-06-11

This movie is very close to the actual circumstances of the OK Corral. Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliot (who is so perfect in westerns it makes you wonder if he was time shifted from 1880!!), and Bill Paxton are great! Then you see some of the actors from classic western movies and TV back as older men. Another one that we have memorized the lines to and still have to watch it each time it is on the satellite!! If you've never seen it....buy it, pop some popcorn, pour some butter on it and turn on the home theater!!

Tombstone review.......2007-06-08

Excellent movie. Hard to beat if you are a true western fan. Amazon service is great!

Phenomenal.......2007-06-05

This movie is absolutely awesome. Sure, that sounds like a young awe struck boy in its description of the film, but that is what it reduced me to. Some of the best one-liners of all-time, and a great chemistry between the always solid Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer. Kilmer is at his best as the Consumption addled (read TB) Doc Holliday. This is a novie that I have never heard a bad thing about, even though the discussions almost always involve guys. Really a fun and well-made film. One of the few movies that I can watch time and time again. A 5 star classic. Enjoy!!!

A gorgeous example of western nobility and honor..........2007-05-24

"Tombstone" is a classic American film of honor and nobility. In a time when villains openly used force, true heroes stood up to these men not because they were tough guys, but because they knew they were right. It provides a fine example of how cowards and bullies rely on fear and intimidation to gain their power, and how one needs only be strong to stand up to them.

Kurt Russell plays one of the most conflicted, yet noble characters with gravitas and strength. Val Kilmer as "Doc Holliday" steals the show as the southern gentleman with an unfortunate affliction and deadly vices. The Villains, led by Powers Booth as Curly Bill, are fantastic and able acting foils to the protagonists. The entire cast is strong and the script is outstanding.

This movie should be a standard for every young man on the nobility in honor, the value of intelligence and education, and the merits of being a gentleman.

Average customer rating:

Historical Art
WOW
Man for all Seasons
Clash of Wills
pretty pictures, just turn off the audio

The Agony and the Ecstasy
Starring: Charlton Heston , Rex Harrison , Diane Cilento , Harry Andrews , and Alberto Lupo
Director: Carol Reed
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Francis of Assisi
A Man for All Seasons (Special Edition) [Region 99]
Lust for Life
The Lion in Winter
The Robe

ASIN: B0006GANX2
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Amazon.com essential video

Carol Reed (The Third Man) directed this 1965 portrait of the relationship between Michelangelo (Charlton Heston) and Pope Julius II (Rex Harrison), who commissioned the artist to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Based on a novel by Irving Stone, the script plods along, juggling the dynamics between the two men along with a somewhat perfunctory love story and distracting battle sequences. Reed seems more attuned to the nuances and great pains of the artistic process, as seen in sequences of Michelangelo working. But the overall focus of the film is unfortunately fuzzy. --Tom Keogh

Description

Charlton Heston and Rex Harrison portray two of the Renaissance's most colorful figures in this historical drama based on Irving Stone's best-seller set in the early 16th century. When Pope Julius ll (Harrison) commissions Michelangelo (Heston) to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the artist initially refuses. Virtually forced to do the job by Julius, he later destroys his own work and flees to Rome. Eventually resumed, the project becomes a battle of wills fueled by artistic and temperamental differences that form the core of this movie. Nominated for an Oscar® Cinematography and named one of the year's best films by the National Board of Review.

Customer Reviews:

Historical Art.......2007-05-26

The complicated relationship between the pope and the artist is fascinating to watch. It is well done as the dialog between the two personalities span the complete range of emotions... humor was used sparingly, but very effectively. I also enjoyed watching Rex Harrison's (pope)communicate his unspoken desire to share his pride in the artwork on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel with his church members. The photography during and after the ceiling was finished was very good and added to the viewing pleasure.

WOW.......2007-05-12

I loved this movie it shows beautiful art work along with a history lesson and the actors at at there very best in this movie. If you love art history like I do get this movie.

Man for all Seasons.......2007-05-10

This was my first encounter of buying on-line. It proved to be a costly lesson, that you don't buy DVD from out side your own country As I have 4 DVD that i Can't play.
Br Robert Cottam

Clash of Wills.......2007-05-06

Without a doubt, Michael Angelo was the most profoud artist of his day
and our days too. It is simply amazing how an artist of his ilk is able
to function in such a structured society. The Pope, Julius II, aptly played by Rex Harrison, really portrayed the feeling of his era.The portrail by Charleton Heston of the artist really showed how, even a
recognized artist, was treated.

pretty pictures, just turn off the audio.......2007-03-30

charlton heston is a heterosexual michelangelo, and rex harrison is a warrior pope in this verrrry loooong telling of the spiritual struggle between the artist and the patron responsible for the creation of the sistine chapel. nice to look at, but an hour-long documentary on the discovery channel would be easier to take.

Average customer rating:

Ben- Hur
Ben-Hur
Loved it!
Ben-Hur Collector's Edition
The Chariots of Challenge

Ben-Hur
Starring: Charlton Heston , Jack Hawkins , Haya Harareet , Stephen Boyd , and Hugh Griffith
Director: William Wyler
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Ten Commandments (50th Anniversary Collection)
The Robe
Lawrence of Arabia (Limited Edition) [Region 99]
Gone with the Wind (Four-Disc Collector's Edition)
The Wizard of Oz (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B000056BP4
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Amazon.com essential video

Description

After his boyhood friend Messala's fanatic loyalty to Rome makes him a powerful enemy, Judah Ben-Hur is found guilty of an attempted murder he did not commit. His family is banished and he is enslaved on a warship. Through his ferocity in a raging sea battle, he is able to escape and become a horse trainer. To exact his revenge, Ben-Hur decides to compete against Messala in the Roman chariot races. They race, locked in a battle to the death. Barely surviving, Ben-Hur forsakes the sword for Christ and finally finds redemption. Winner of a record 11 Academy Award, including Best Picture and Actor (Charlton Heston).

Customer Reviews:

Ben- Hur.......2007-06-13

This is a great movie. Everyone should enjoy this classic.

Ben-Hur.......2007-05-19

Yet another childhood classic. wonderful actors and actresses. Very exciting and a bit emotional.

Loved it!.......2007-05-15

Everything I expected. I love this film and it was wonderful to have it in letterbox and without commercials!

Ben-Hur Collector's Edition.......2007-05-13

Received the DVD earlier than what was expected. The DVD is the best, the four set collector's edition has tons of stuff never seen before.

The Chariots of Challenge.......2007-05-07

The Complete Musketeers (The Three Musketeers / The Four Musketeers)

Average customer rating:

Best of the best
Excellent!
Slapstick comedy
Beautifuful customs and ambience
Perhaps the best swashbucklers since Errol Flynn

The Complete Musketeers (The Three Musketeers / The Four Musketeers)
Starring: Oliver Reed , Raquel Welch , Richard Chamberlain , Michael York , and Frank Finlay
Director: Richard Lester
Manufacturer: Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Comic Action | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Three Musketeers
The Man in the Iron Mask
La Femme Musketeer
Duellists (Ws Sub)
The Adventures of Robin Hood (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B00006LPC5
Release Date: 2003-02-04

Description

Join the Musketeers D'Artagnan (Michael York), Athos (Oliver Reed), Aramis (Richard Chamberlain), Porthos (Frank Finlay) and the stunning yet clumsy maiden Constance (Raquel Welch) as they battle for fortune, glory and vengeance against the devious Cardinal Richelieu (Charlton Heston), Milady de Winter (Faye Dunaway) and Count de Rochefort (Christopher Lee). These are the two hit movies that redefined the rousing action and riotous comedy of the swashbuckler genre for a whole new generation. This is THE COMPLETE MUSKETEERS! Director Richard Lester (A HARD DAY'S NIGHT, HELP!) and producers Ilya & Alexandre Salkind (SUPERMAN) created an international sensation with these all-star adaptations of Alexandre Dumas' timeless tale. Both THE THREE MUSKETEERS and THE FOUR MUSKETEERS have now been completely restored from original vault elements and loaded with exclusive extras for the ultimate two-disc Musketeer collection!

Customer Reviews:

Best of the best.......2007-06-13

My father took me to see these movies when they were playing at the theaters. These are truer to the Alexander Dumas classic than any other cinematic version I have seen since... and far more entertaining. While I like Charlie Sheen, Keifer Sutherland, Oliver Platt, and the other actors that appeared in the Hollywoodized remake, their take on The Three Musketeers left so much to be desired. Michael York, Oliver Reed, Richard Chamberlain, Christopher Lee, etc. gave a far more realistic feel while still providing humor and great swordplay.

Excellent!.......2007-05-14

I saw The Three Musketeers and The Four Musketeers when I was seven, loved them then, and was very impressed with the DVD set. The discs have good sound quality and lighting, both of which had been problems with previous reproductions of the films. (An outdoor night scene in a rainstorm in The Three Muskteers had been particularly bad; it is now vastly improved.)

As for the films themselves, what can be said? The acting is top notch: Heston is a fantastic, understated Richelieu, York seems to have been born to play D'Artagnan, and everyone else is cast perfectly as well. (Okay, maybe Raquel Welch isn't all that great, but when you look like that, who cares about your acting.) The action sequences are a cut above most swordfighting in movies, especially the martial arts choreography on wires that passes for swordplay in movies now. Grand, sweeping, epic, yet very good at establishing characters, both movies are musts for fans of the books. (If you have the Disney "Young Guns" version of The Three Musketeers with Sheen, Sutherland, et al, chuck it out the window or use it as a coaster. Get this one instead.)

Slapstick comedy.......2007-04-26

Warning. This movie is a parody of the book. If you where inspired by and loved the adventures of D'Artagnan in the book, do not watch this movie. I had to turn the movie off in disgust after 20 minutes. It is a goofy slapstick comedy. There is nothing wrong with comedy. But when it's based on a book with the caliber of romantic heroes such as D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis - that is a crime.

Alexander Dumas wrote two great books; The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. I encourage you to read the books instead of watching the movies.
The Three Musketeers (Barnes & Noble Classics)
The Count of Monte Cristo (Penguin Classics)

Beautifuful customs and ambience.......2007-03-19

This is, without doubt, the best movie of the Three Musketeers available (of course, for the whole book adaptation one has to see the Four Musketeers as well: the book is very long). It is reasonably faithful to the original, and the actors are great, but one of the things I liked more about the movie(s) is the extremely detailed and careful ambience (although mainly Spanish, not French). From the laundry rooms at the palace, to the taverns, the lodgings at Messieur Bonancieux's horrible Inn, the palace of the Duke of Buckingham, etc. And the customs are also great. This movie was made with great care to this type of detail. Perhaps few pay attention to this sort of thing, after so many years of cheap Disney's scenarios and customs, but to me this is about 70% of a period movie. It is also quite funny, with gags and little details that keep you smiling or laughing. Rachel Welch accepts a role of a silly, clumsy maiden, which although unusual is done brilliantly. A must see, I think

Perhaps the best swashbucklers since Errol Flynn.......2007-03-17

Swashes with the best of them, and is funnier.

Average customer rating:

Wyler's Powerful Epic Highly Underrated
A Big Film
Great movie
The Big Country
A Great Western

The Big Country
Starring: Gregory Peck , Jean Simmons , Carroll Baker , Charlton Heston , and Burl Ives
Director: William Wyler
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

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( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Friendly Persuasion
Yellow Sky
MacKenna's Gold
Red River
Shane

ASIN: B000056H2H
Release Date: 2001-03-20

Amazon.com essential video

William Wyler directed this epic Western, about the clash of East and West, intellect and action. Gregory Peck stars as a sea captain who moves way out West to marry Carroll Baker and become part of the ranch owned by her father (Charles Bickford). But he discovers that daddy's top hand (Charlton Heston) carries a torch for Baker and doesn't particularly like Peck stepping into his place. Peck also finds himself caught in the midst of a power struggle between Bickford and his surly neighbor, Burl Ives (and his reprehensibly bullying son, Chuck Connors). This long, sprawling tale works because its characters are played by movie stars who know how to command the big screen in a big story. --Marshall Fine

Description

One of Hollywood's greatest directors teams with a cast of incredible screen legends for this bold,sweeping tale of a ship's captain who ventures west to find a hotbed of jealousy, hatred and dangerous rivalries. As the reluctant hero is thrust into the maelstrom, he must summon all of his resolveto save not only his own life, but also the life of the woman he loves. Four-time Academy AwardÂ(r) winner* William Wyler directs this action-packed adventure that triumphs as "a work of art" (Motion Picture Herald). Starring Gregory Peck, Charlton Heston, Jean Simmons, Chuck Connors and Burl Ives (in an OscarÂ(r)-winning** performance), this magnificently entertaining epic will take your breath away with unbridled suspense, exhilarating excitement and explosive drama on a grand scale.

Customer Reviews:

Wyler's Powerful Epic Highly Underrated.......2007-06-17

Few westerns capture the eye and the imagination as does this majestic, cinematic opera. Bringing together the grand acting talents of Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Burl Ives, Carroll Baker, Charlton Heston, Charles Bickford, Chuck Connors, and Alfonso Bedoya was truly "big"; however, matching them against a magnificent backdrop that cleverly captures the endless expanse of the American frontier - hence the name - was sheer genius. With a splendid score by Jerome Moross that stands the test of time and may be the best western motion picture score ever composed (possibly a dead heat with Elmer Bernstein's 'The Magnificient Seven'), 'The Big Country', for some strange reason, has never seemed to get its due reward.

The story captures a classic struggle between two land barons, ably portrayed by Charles Bickford as Major Henry Terrill, a cultured socialite, who runs the Ladder Ranch and his nemesis,Rufus Hannessey (Burl Ives) - the patriach of a clan of western, knuckle-dragging troglodytes who occupy a ranch beyond Blanco Canyon. While the dichotomy is rich, the portrayal by Burl Ives is nothing less than cinematic poetry - it just doesn't get better than this! The speech delivered by Hannessey (Ives) at the grand ball where Terrill (Bickford) announces the upcoming marriage between his daughter, Patricia (Carroll Baker), and her betrothed, Jim McKay (Gregory Peck), is very powerful and sets the tone for the conflict. In a battle over water rights and access to the "Big Muddy" - essential to both ranchers and their cattle, many characters and conflicts are enhanced.

The skill in character development is handled with such finesse, that despite the conflict, the audience finds qualities on both sides and is eager to root for Jim McKay (Peck) when he finally decides that the woman he met back East many years ago is not the woman he wants to marry. (Carroll Baker) plays a perfect "snot" who decides that McKay doesn't quite stand-up to the test of manhood that her father (Bickford) sets. Instead, McKay falls for beautiful Julie Maragon (Jean Simmons)and decides to use the property he purchased from her - containing the "Big Muddy" - to allow both feuding ranchers to partake in quenching the thirst of their cattle.

Look for Alfonso Bedoya, magnificent character actor, as a Terrill ranch hand - formerly "Gold Hat" ("we don't need no stinkin' badges") in "Treasure of the Sierra Madre". Also, Chuck Connors, who would shortly play TV's 'The Rifleman', plays Buck Hannessey with a terrificly solid portrayal as he attempts to woo Julie Maragon (Simmons) before McKay wins her over. Charlton Heston is relegated to the "back seat" as Terrill's ranch foreman who greatly dislikes McKay and believes that McKay doesn't deserve Patricia Terrill (Baker).

Filmed in multiple Arizona, New Mexico, and California locations - including, but not limited to - Canyon de Chelly, Chinle, Red Rock Canyon, Stockton, and Marysville, "The Big Country" is and remains a western classic. You can't go wrong with this one.

A Big Film.......2007-06-10

"The Big Country" is a film about a man and woman who comes of age long before the rest of the west does (and just happen to find each other). Gregory Peck, and Jean Simmons are perfectly casted, and superb in their roles. They don't belong in the west; there is no real place for them within our society either (not as it exist today, as most are yet to learn the lessons that their kind so amply teach -by simply being themselves). I was so glad they found each other; now it's up to us to search them out. I am a Philosopher and writer of aphorisms (thematic verse)whose work can be found on [...].

Great movie.......2007-04-14

I enjoyed this movie from start to finish. I was caught up in the characters and felt the emotions of each as the story unfolds. Great acting and beautiful settings.

The Big Country.......2007-04-11

One of my favorite movies. I was lucky to find a copy.

A Great Western.......2007-04-10

This movie is very refreshing for anyone suffering from 'Western' fatigue. It has all of the streotypical western elements (except no Native Americans), but it uses them in non-stereotypical ways. The characters are all engaging and support the story throughout. Well worth adding to your video collection.

Touch of Evil (Restored to Orson Welles' Vision)

Average customer rating:

Orson Wells
Touch of a master.
Touch of Evil
WIDESCREEN DEBATE
A masterpiece of Gothic expressionism!

Touch of Evil (Restored to Orson Welles' Vision)
Starring: Joe Basulto , Joseph Calleia , Ray Collins , Marlene Dietrich , and Zsa Zsa Gabor
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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Film Noir | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

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Neo-Noir | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Third Man (50th Anniversary Edition) - Criterion Collection
Sunset Boulevard (Special Collector's Edition)
Citizen Kane
The Night of the Hunter
Where the Sidewalk Ends (Fox Film Noir)

ASIN: 6305999872
Release Date: 2000-10-31

Amazon.com essential video

Considered by many to be the greatest B movie ever made, the original-release version of Orson Welles's film noir masterpiece Touch of Evil was, ironically, never intended as a B movie at all--it merely suffered that fate after it was taken away from writer-director Welles, then reedited and released in 1958 as the second half of a double feature. Time and critical acclaim would eventually elevate the film to classic status (and Welles's original vision was meticulously followed for the film's 1998 restoration), but for four decades this original version stood as a testament to Welles's directorial genius. From its astonishing, miraculously choreographed opening shot (lasting over three minutes) to Marlene Dietrich's classic final line of dialogue, this sordid tale of murder and police corruption is like a valentine for the cinematic medium, with Welles as its love-struck suitor. As the corpulent cop who may be involved in a border-town murder, Welles faces opposition from a narcotics officer (Charlton Heston) whose wife (Janet Leigh) is abducted and held as the pawn in a struggle between Heston's quest for truth and Welles's control of carefully hidden secrets. The twisting plot is wildly entertaining (even though it's harder to follow in this original version), but even greater pleasure is found in the pulpy dialogue and the sheer exuberance of the dazzling directorial style. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Orson Wells.......2007-03-19

well worth seeing. A Wells classic, that just has not aged

Touch of a master........2007-02-28

Touch of Evil (Orson Welles, 1958)

The American Experience documentary The Battle Over Citizen Kane concludes with the observation that after the scandal that erupted over Kane, Orson Welles "never worked on another major Hollywood production." Which is pretty amazing, when you consider how many of Welles' post-Kane movies are acknowledged as classics nowadays. After Kane, Welles plunged himself deep into the world of noir (one wonders what Jung would have to say about that) and continued cranking out fantastic movies. Seventeen years later, Welles made his second-best movie-- Touch of Evil, the very epitome of the things that make noir great.

Mike Vargas (Charlton Heston) is a Mexican (yeah, yeah, but suspend your disbelief) narcotics officer who's just gotten married to Susan (Janet Leigh), a Philadelphia socialite. On the eve of their honeymoon, someone plants a bomb in the car of a rich American on the Mexican side of the border, and the bomb explodes on the American side. This brings Vargas into contact with Hank Quinlan (Welles), a corrupt, racist American detective who tries to railroad Manelo Sanchez (Victor Millan, last seen in Scarface), the victim's daughter's boyfriend, by planting evidence at the crime scene. Vargas, meanwhile, is also being pursued by Joe Grandi (Justine's Akim Tamiroff), a crime boss whose brother Vargas arrested. All the threads eventually come together in the most entertaining of ways; the movie's cli