Patricia Quinn

Average customer rating:

I, Claudius
An oldy but a definite goody
Save the best for first
So what's the problem here?
Beneath the hype and superb acting is an average series

I, Claudius
Starring: Derek Jacobi , Siân Phillips , Brian Blessed , George Baker , and John Hurt
Director: Herbert Wise
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Elizabeth R
Augustus [Region 99]
Rome - The Complete First Season
The Jewel in the Crown
The Six Wives of Henry VIII

ASIN: B00004U12X
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Amazon.com essential video

This superbly acted, mordantly funny romp through 70 years or so of Roman history is one of the best-loved miniseries ever made, and deservedly so. Derek Jacobi plays Roman Emperor Claudius, who reflects in old age on his life and his remarkable family, giving us a history lesson that's unlike anything you learned in school.

The story begins in 24 B.C. during the reign of Augustus Caesar, Rome's first emperor, and ends in A.D. 54 with Nero on the throne. In between, I, Claudius details the scheming, murder, madness, and lust that passed for politics in the early years of the Pax Romana. The biggest worm in the Roman apple is Augustus's wife, Livia (the superb Siân Phillips), whose single-minded pursuit of power shapes the destiny of the Empire. With a carefully planted rumor here and a poisoned fig there, she gradually maneuvers her son, Tiberius, toward the throne, creating an atmosphere of suspicion and treachery that starts Rome on its helter-skelter slide into bloody chaos. Phillips somehow makes us understand this extraordinarily wicked woman. As she ages and her carefully wrought webs begin to unravel, it becomes clear that Livia has been as thoroughly poisoned by her own ambition as her victims were by her carefully prepared meals.

Further acting honors go to George Baker as Tiberius, who resists but eventually succumbs to the destiny forced upon him by his mother, and to John Hurt as a hilarious and absolutely terrifying Caligula. In one breathtakingly tense scene, the mad Emperor performs a dance in drag, then asks Claudius to critique it, perfectly capturing the horror of a world where one wrong word means death, or worse. Jacobi is the perfect Claudius, hiding his intelligence behind a crippling stammer and shuffling around the edges of events--until he finds himself pulled to the very center. His wry comments give shape to the tangled story of his family and help the audience make sense of a dauntingly complex cast of characters.

I, Claudius might seem a little studio-bound to viewers brought up on more recent big-budget costume dramas, but the topnotch cast and the incident-filled plot are more than enough to hold the attention through almost 11 hours of gripping, deliciously wicked Roman follies. This boxed set also includes a documentary entitled "The Epic That Never Was," about Alexander Korda's failed attempt to film I, Claudius in 1937. The film, directed by Josef von Sternberg and starring Charles Laughton as Claudius and Merle Oberon as Messalina, was abandoned unfinished, and it remains one of Hollywood's great lost movies. --Simon Leake

Description

Roman history comes alive in this magnificent 13-part series. "I, Claudius" (1976, 668 min.) ranks among the most acclaimed productions in BBC history. Tracing the lives of the last of the Roman emperors, it's an epic of ruthless ambition, shocking debauchery and murderous intrigue set in one of history's most fascinating eras. Bearing witness to the saga is Claudius, whose stutter and limp have marked him a fool--yet whom prophesies have foretold will one day rule Rome. This collector's edition set includes a unique documentary feature, "The Epic That Never Was" (1965, 71 min.), a remarkable behind-the-scenes look at Alexander Korda's ill-fated 1937 screen adaptation of "I, Claudius." Starring Merle Oberon and Charles Laughton, the chronicle of this uncompleted masterpieces is an unforgettable coda to one of the greatest stories ever told.

Customer Reviews:

I, Claudius.......2007-05-27

A great BBC series that stands the test of time. Great characterization and great performances by a superb cast about the Roman empire. It doesn't have the slick, modern 'look' of the newer Rome series, but surpasses it with a quality that doesn't seem to be matched in today's productions.

An oldy but a definite goody.......2007-05-21

I bought this for my husband for his birthday. Thanks to Amazon, tracking it down was not nearly as hard as it would have been in the past. I agree with another reviewer, the first half is definitely more superior, whilst Augustus and Livia are still firmly in control (mostly Livia!).

The series has definitely dated and today's viewer has to exercise a little patience with this. I believe the financially beleagured BBC actually filmed this in stage form. Hence there are many 'Actors!!', with heavy makeup. Costumes were obviously not too taxing everyone is in a toga), and sets could be got round by confining the action to a couple of rooms and probably only one 'outdoor' fountained courtyard. As for the crowd scenes one would expect to see at the Coliseum forgeddaboudit!!! This is the Beeb! With all the budgetary restrictions a Beeb production involves (I cite Mr and Mrs Badger from the BBC production of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' in support of this - they were giants draped with what looked like shagpile).

All this aside, this adaption of Robert Graves book is one of the greats. It is carried by the magnificent story and actually requires one to watch, listen and engage. It can be quite funny and horrific. Violence is everpresent, but in those days it wasn't necessary to rub the audiences' faces in it. I am transported back to my childhood when my parents watched the series as originally televised. We were not allowed to watch it, but I went and borrowed the book from the library anyway.

In the current cultural slump we are enduring, I Claudius is well worth a long weekend with wine and cheese and blankets and someone to giggle with. Expect to scramble frequently for the pause button while you consult the handy family tree and character guide that comes with this edition, and the ensuing arguments about who is currently banished to a miniscule island and who is related to whom by birth or adoption. Have fun!!

Save the best for first.......2007-05-13

Excellent performances, but I lost most interest after Livia and Augustus died. Later episodes more of the same with less appealing characters.

So what's the problem here?.......2007-05-10

I just received this in the mail. I was worried about the picture and sound quality, based on other people's review. It's great! I'd say it looks better than standard TV, although it doesn't compare to more modern DVDs. Maybe I just have a special setup in my entertainment system, without knowing it, but as I said, it looks better than COPS or a standard baseball broadcast or what have you.

The menus are archaic and the "big box" setup for the box set is disappointing (no slimline cases or folding cases to save shelf space)

As for the story, I haven't seen this in years but I remember it being great. Everyone else already agrees on that, so you don't need to hear from me. I just wanted to add my voice to the presentation debate.

Beneath the hype and superb acting is an average series.......2007-04-22

Watching the episodes one after another, about two each night for a week or so, I had high expectations for the series which has been so critically acclaimed.

The first episode was a good, but not fabulously great, way to begin, showing off the titanic acting talents of the likes of Brian Blessed as Augustus (whom I only know as Boss Nass in The Phantom Menace and the wrestling instructor in Alexander), Sian Phillips as Livia, and John Paul as Agrippa.

The real core focus of the series is the "court" dramas of the Imperial family, in which they are more like a monarchal dynasty than figureheads of Roman virtue and such.

At some point by episode two, the real focus of the series starts getting muddied. After Livia kills Marcellus, the episodes start to mold together, with no real action or drama occuring save for the family bickering with one another. Tiberius this, Agrippa that, Julia etc. If it weren't for the massive amounts of makeup placed on the actors to indicate their aging, you wouldn't know whether it's still episode three or episode five.

It isn't until Claudius enters the picture that the series begins to pick up again and get more exciting. At this point, it's discovered that Julia has been sleeping around Rome and Augustus finds out. While I think Brian Blessed is magnificent as Augustus, I think he's too thick, and boistrous to be the Emperor. Augustus in reality was very thin all his life, very pretty and often prone to illness due to asthma and such.

Claudius really steals the show at this point, even as a child, with his limping and constant twitching and stuttering. It's a bit overdone by the child actor, but as soon as Derek Jacobi comes in, he is perfect in his role.

There's really very little interest in Tiberius, despite his great acting and the emphasis on his reign, but the true impact of his terror isn't as rightly felt by anyone in the series as it is in, say, "Caligula" (and Peter O'Toole is far superior to George Baker as Tiberius, not to detract anything from him as an actor). His reign of over two decades is covered in 3 or 4 episodes.

In this period, the drama starts picking up again, with Germanicus and Drusus and Nero and Livia's plotting against them, but really it's not very clearly defined. Their whole conflict appears to be muddled in the midst of familial bickering and complaining, primarily at the hands of Tiberius's complaining about Rome and everything else.

Patrick Stewart shows up as Lucius Aelius Sejanus, and lasts two or three episodes. His role, an important one, is quite speedily done, and much focus is placed on him rather than Tiberius in Capri, so when his death comes an episode later, it's rather sudden, and there hasn't been enough characterization of Caligula. John Hurt just jumps into him straight into madness.

A lot of other rather big roles are either reduced to cameos, or eliminated altogether. There is no Nerva, and Macro is not depicted as controlling Tiberius via the Praetorian Guard.

As soon as John Hurt comes in as Caligula, he completely steals the show. His acting is stupendous, despite his presence being in only two episodes, and towards the end it starts going way too over the top. As opposed to Malcolm McDowell's nuanced portrayal in "Caligula", John Hurt's Caligula is all madness, with no humanity to him. Even his relationship with Drusilla is reduced to lunatic debauchery, with the two of them pretending to be Zeus and Hera and prancing about drunkenly in the palace. John Hurt's acting in such scenes as his return from Britannia and showing his loot from Neptune to the Senate, and his dancing sequence before Claudius and two of the senators are marvels of acting fire.

Caligula's death is rather hastily done, and done in such a way that there's no real cohesion among the conspirators, and they sort of pull a "Brutus and Cassius" by panicking and running around in many different directions until they storm into Claudius's house and declare him Emperor.

A rather small issue I have is that the female actresses they use in the series range from average appearance to frightfully ugly. This wouldn't be a problem, if it weren't for the constant mention of how beautiful they are, or what stunning beauties the Julians/Claudians produce. And the same for the men as well.

Reaching up to Claudius's reign, Derek Jacobi seems to get lazier in his role, stuttering and twitching much less (though it probably would have been, as he ceases playing the fool), and begins to act less like the Claudius we've seen before, and more just mumbling and bumbling his way through lines, until the final episode where he begins losing in earnest.

The ending is rather long and drawn out, and seeming to be quickly rushed, as it explains to the audience, rather than show or lightly detail, how it seals up the series. The actor playing Nero is also quite terrible, seeming to be content to frolic around stupidly looking fat and frilly without anything really important to say.

All in all, the series had great potential to be grand and encompassing, but behind the great acting and set and costumes, it was highly flawed and muddled in the beginning. Not the greatest series I've ever seen, but not the worst.

Breakfast at Tiffany's (Special Aniversary Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

A true classic film.
classic movie
A Classic Worth Adding to One's Collection
SIMPLY a Classic - Always!
A Classic

Breakfast at Tiffany's (Special Aniversary Collector's Edition)
Starring: Stanley Adams , Elvia Allman , Martin Balsam , Dick Crockett , and Buddy Ebsen
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Roman Holiday (Special Collector's Edition)
Sabrina
Funny Face
My Fair Lady
An Affair to Remember

ASIN: B000BTGY1O
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Amazon.com essential video

No film better utilizes Audrey Hepburn's flighty charm and svelte beauty than this romantic adaptation of Truman Capote's novella. Hepburn's urban sophisticate Holly Golightly, an enchanting neurotic living off the gifts of gentlemen, is a bewitching figure in designer dresses and costume jewelry. George Peppard is her upstairs neighbor, a struggling writer and "kept" man financed by a steely older woman (Patricia Neal). His growing friendship with the lonely Holly soon turns to love and threatens the delicate balance of both of their compromised lives. Taking liberties with Capote's bittersweet story, director Blake Edwards and screenwriter George Axelrod turn New York into a city of lovers and create a poignant portrait of Holly, a frustrated romantic with a secret past and a hidden vulnerability. Composer Henry Mancini earned Oscars for the hit song "Moon River" and his tastefully romantic score. The only sour note in the whole film is Mickey Rooney's demeaning performance as the apartment's Japanese manager, an offensively overdone stereotype even in 1961. The rest of the film has weathered the decades well. Edwards's elegant yet light touch, Axelrod's generous screenplay, and Hepburn's mix of knowing experience and naiveté combine to create one of the great screen romances and a refined slice of high society bohemian chic. --Sean Axmaker

Product Description

Winner of two Oscars®, the romantic comedy that sparkles like diamonds! From the opening strains of Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer's haunting, Oscar®-winning song "Moon River," you'll once again be under the alluring spell of that madcap, carefree New York playgirl known as Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) in this 24-carat romantic comedy based of Truman Capote's best-selling novella. George Peppard is the struggling and "sponsored" young writer who finds himself swept into Holly's dizzying, delightfully unstructured lifestyle as she determinedly scours Manhattan for a suitable millionaire to marry. The sparkling special features on this Anniversary Edition DVD only add to the luster of director Blake Edwards' timeless film classic. Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen, Martin Balsam and Mickey Rooney co-star; Mancini won an additional Academy Award® for his enthralling musical score.

Customer Reviews:

A true classic film........2007-05-26

This is one of Audrey Hepburn's finest films. It is based on the novel by Truman Capote set in early 1960's New York City. Hepburn plays Holly Golitely, a stylish New York socialite with a hidden past (which couldn't be more different than her life today). Her character is quirky, vulnerable, sweet, and lonely, while at the same time is selfish, naive, and strong. She considers herself to be "a wild thing" that can never be tamed. She detachedly "dates" several older men who give her money which is how she makes her living. While in search of a glamorous life and a wealthy husband, she is at the same time is afraid of true love. She won't commit to anything, even naming her cat.

Whenever she is very upset, she dresses up in her finest, most glamorous dresses and jumps in a cab to the famous Tiffany's jewelry store. As she dreams of owning the diamonds someday, she thinks "nothing bad could ever happen to you here."

Along comes Paul Varjak, played by George Peppard, who is a writer and a kept man that moves into an apartment in Holly's building. He lives off the money that he receives from his older, married lover. He develops a friendship with Holly that turns to love. He understands Holly's vulnerablity and wants to help her, but he has a difficult time trying to love this "wild thing".

Though the film is over forty years old and looks dated now, it still stands the test of time. The scene where Audrey Hepburn sits in a window singing "Moon River" is a truly magical moment of film history. It is a great romantic movie and the ending will bring a tear to your eye.

classic movie.......2007-05-19

What's not to love about this movie. It's a true classic and timeless. Loved it. Great for "date night" or dressing up with the girls and watching.

A Classic Worth Adding to One's Collection.......2007-05-14

Taken for what it is, it's a fun movie. One can simply enjoy the story, the music, and the relief at the recovery of "Cat". The closing scene is always touching to the romantic at heart. It is a vastly superior way to spend one's evening compared to watching the news or the various crime dramas that seem to dominate TV nowadays.

SIMPLY a Classic - Always!.......2007-05-11

First of all, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is a fine classic and one of Audrey Hepburn's best. The assemble cast is exceptional. I love this classics and yes, old Hollywood made many mistakes in portraying people of color back then. I do agree that Mickey Rooney's portrayal is over the top, but I don't see it as an insult. I see it as a silly parody portrayed by one of America's most beloved classic actors and not meant to hurt anyone's feelings. IT WAS OLD HOLLYWOOD back then so forgive them. Being a woman of mixed extraction, I could understand why Asian Americans would find the role insulting, but I could see that perhaps they are being overly sensitive. I think Hollywood has learned from their mistakes being that they have also portrayed many other nationalities in such bad light. Let's just dismiss this silly parody and actor miscast from over 40 years ago and enjoy the rest of the movie.

Audrey performance is lovable, charming, endearing and just funny. George Peppard is wonderful as the straight-laced author who falls in love with her. The party scene is a classic and nobody could have ever planned it the way it turned out. FUNNY! I absolutely love it. I recommend this classic to everyone but for those who are too stringent on past Hollywood, let it go. It's a small parody done long ago by old Hollywood. Regardless, it's one of the classic movies I highly recommend.

A Classic.......2007-05-09

Audrey Hepburn at her best and brings back a feeling of New York that doesn't exists anymore..

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

VERY STRANGE
"Frankly", it's fabulous
No words can describe
Classic transsexual horror
such a great good movie

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Tim Curry , Susan Sarandon , Barry Bostwick , Richard O'Brien , and Patricia Quinn
Director: Jim Sharman
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Little Shop of Horrors
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975 Film)
Hair
BEETLEJUICE (DVD)
A Clockwork Orange

ASIN: B00006D295
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Amazon.com essential video

If a musical sci-fi satire about an alien transvestite named Frank-n-Furter, who is building the perfect man while playing sexual games with his virginal visitors, sounds like an intriguing premise for a movie, then you're in for a treat. Not only is The Rocky Horror Picture all this and more, but it stars the surprising cast of Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick (as the demure Janet and uptight Brad, who get lost in a storm and find themselves stranded at Frank-n-Furter's mansion), Meat Loaf (as the rebel Eddie), Charles Gray (as our criminologist and narrator), and, of course, the inimitable Tim Curry as our "sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania."

Upon its release in 1975, the film was an astounding flop. But a few devotees persuaded a New York theater to show it at midnight, and thus was born one of the ultimate cult films of all time. The songs are addictive (just try getting "The Time Warp" or "Toucha Toucha Touch Me" out of your head), the raunchiness amusing, and the plot line utterly ridiculous--in other words, this film is simply tremendous good fun. The downfall, however, is that much of the amusement is found in the audience participation that is obviously missing from a video version (viewers in theaters shout lines at the screen and use props--such as holding up newspapers and shooting water guns during the storm, and throwing rice during a wedding scene). Watched alone as a straight movie, Rocky Horror loses a tremendous amount of its charm. Yet, for those who wish to perfect their lip-synching techniques for movie theater performances or for those who want to gather a crowd around the TV at home for some good, old-fashioned, rowdy fun, this film can't be beat. --Jenny Brown

Description

Fasten your garter belt and come up to the lab and see what's on the slab! It's The Rocky Horror Picture Show Special Edition, a screamingly funny, sinfully twisted salute to sci-fi, horror, B-movies and rock music, all rolled into one deliciously decadent morsel. And now there's even more to make you shiver with antici...pation: two additional musical numbers, "Once In A While" and "Superheroes", never seen theatrically or available on video! The madcap, musical mayhem begins when rain-soaked Brad and Janet take refuge in the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite mad scientist from outer space who is about to unveil his greatest creation - and have a bit of fun with his reluctant guests! Join Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick, Susan Sarandon and rock star Meat Loaf in the most popular cult classic of all time.

Customer Reviews:

VERY STRANGE.......2007-06-09

When I first heard about this movie I was extremely skeptical. Later, when I watched clip on the Internet that featured a man dressed in fish-net stockings and a corset, and with heavy makeup, singing about being a "sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania", I was even more skeptical. However, I decided to rent it anyway. It was something that would not stop bothering me until I had seen the whole thing.

When the film opened with a pair of large red lips singing about various classic science fiction/horror movies, I wondered what I had gotten myself into. However, as the film progressed, despite the countless disturbing occurrences, I found my self laughing. I even found myself enjoying it. I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but the movie was extremely entertaining and very funny. Something about it is just good. Maybe it's the uniqueness, maybe it's Tim Curry's brilliant acting that pulls it off, maybe it's something else. But whatever it is, this movie is extremely disturbing (probably the most disturbing movie you will ever see), but it is also extremely entertaining and hilarious! You must see this movie at least once in your life.

"Frankly", it's fabulous.......2007-06-03

A line from the trailer says it best..."You've seen all kinds of movies, but you've never seen a movie like The Rocky Horror Picture Show".

Some say it's impossible to enjoy this movie without the audience participation. I disagree. The performances, the music, the costumes, and the dead-on parodies of various horror/sci fi movie clichés are perfectly enjoyable on their own...but, of course, the film lends itself to collective experience in a way none others have before, or since.

All the performers seem to have a sixth sense about how to play their roles - no small feat considering the rather offbeat material - but for me, it's all about Tim Curry. With the wrong actor playing Frank, the film would have crashed and burned (actually, with the wrong actor playing Frank, the original play would never have had a life past its initial run in London's Theatre Upstairs). He became a true film icon with this role, and it's easy to understand why. His performance is a delicate balancing act - feminine flounce with masculine power; outrageous but always controlled. His Frank is gorgeous and unbelievably sexy, with a voice from the gods - both speaking and singing.

I think it's time to do the Time Warp again...

No words can describe.......2007-06-02

You need a certain personality to like this movie. I loved it. The first time I didn't think there was much of a plot to it. Which is the main reason why my friend doesn't like it (How many "comedies" today have not plot? too many). But watching it a second time, I understood it better. The music is amazing. Time Warp is my favorite song. Its bizzare. Everyone should watch this film at least once in their life.

Classic transsexual horror.......2007-06-01

Classic. Kinda cheesy but good. Transvestites from outter space! ;P Trust me it makes more sense after the 2nd watch.

-ksha2222

such a great good movie.......2007-03-26

well you know first they sing sceince fiction doble fertre and the church dammit janet noratteader over at the franknstein place time warp and sword of damfcdocbs such a great good movie

Average customer rating:

Someone please take it out of my hands!
Typical Monty Python Hilarious Satire
Great Laughs
British for sure but aging fast
Eric Idle and John Cleese present

Monty Python's the Meaning of Life
Starring: Carol Cleveland , Matt Frewer , Simon Jones , Andrew Maclachlan , and Monty Python
Manufacturer: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
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Life of Brian
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Special Edition) [Region 99]
History of the World Part I
And Now For Something Completely Different
The Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus 16-Ton Megaset

ASIN: B000A2UBNE
Release Date: 2005-08-23

Amazon.com essential video

Perhaps only the collective brilliant minds of the Monty Python film and television troupe are up to the task of tackling a subject as weighty as the Meaning of Life. Sure, Kierkegaard, Wittgenstein, and their ilk have tried their hands at this puzzler, but only Python has attempted to do so within the commercial motion picture medium. Happily for us all, Monty Python's the Meaning of Life truly explains everything one conceivably needs to know about the perplexities of human existence, from the mysteries of Catholic doctrine to the miracle of reproduction to why one should avoid the salmon mousse to the critical importance of the machine that goes ping! Using fish as a linking device (and what marvelous links those aquatic creatures make), The Meaning of Life is presented as a series of sketches: a musical production number about why seed is sacred; a look at dining in the afterlife; the quest for a missing fish (there they are again); a visit from Mr. Death; the cautionary tale of Mr. Creosote and his rather gluttonous appetite; an unflinching examination of the harsh realities of organ donation, and so on. Sadly, this was the last original Python film, but it's a beaut. You'll laugh. You'll cry (probably because you're laughing so hard). You may even learn something about the Meaning of Life. Or at least about how fish fit into the grand scheme of things. --Jim Emerson

Customer Reviews:

Someone please take it out of my hands!.......2007-06-05

I grew up watching "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," so when I saw this VHS for sale at the low cost of $1 I thought I was in for a treat. Unfortunately it was awful. I know their reputation is built on pushing the limits and nothing is too sacred, but this was disgusting and stupid. I have to be honest in admitting there were a couple of funny parts (when the Yorkshire father says he will sell his children for scientific experiments) but it was not worth the $1 I paid for it and I want it out of my house before my kids find it!

Typical Monty Python Hilarious Satire.......2007-05-23

The revolt of the accountants is one of their funniest skits.

Great Laughs.......2007-05-12

It is Monty Python how can you go wrong if you like humor.

British for sure but aging fast.......2007-04-26

Monty Python has a tendency to use, reuse and even overuse some tricks when he has invented them. Here he will definitely overuse and abuse the after-dinner mint. And yet, even if I have never thought Monty Python to be the genius of the second half of the 20th century some think he is, the film has some marvelous scenes that are worth the watching, for example the attack of the old City of London clerks against the super-tyrannical City of New York Stock Exchange, generally known as Wall Street. It becomes a pirate tale and it is funny, even as a satire of the excessive power of the financial market in and on our ordinary lives. A new slavery? Probably. The restaurant scene is overdone unluckily and the vomiting is by far too much to be just funny. It is disgusting, gross, funnily gross for sure but not in any way, at least for me, hilariously gross or funny. And we all know in a way or another this famous after-dinner mint that has been used or hinted at in so many occasions. It is a classic and like all classic it loses its edge, it becomes a little bit blunt or dull.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University Paris Dauphine & University Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne

Eric Idle and John Cleese present.......2007-04-01

To me, this is not a Monty Python movie. The humour might be intact, but its not really a Python movie. I've watched the series and seen The Quest for the Holy Grail, this is not Python. Where was Graham Chapman? I dont know the history behind the troupe, but where the hell is Chapman? He is usually in every sketch and he was absent for most of the movie. I saw Cleese and Idle alot, but not enough Chapman. The movie just seemed to be a attempt to make Python look cool by swearing and adding nudity. Didnt really work for me. All and all, the worst Python ive seen yet.

Monty Python's The Meaning of Life [HD DVD]

Average customer rating:

Monty Python's: The Meaning of Life (HD DVD) Review by Justin Sluss
Great film, not that necessary on HD-DVD...

Monty Python's The Meaning of Life [HD DVD]
Starring: Carol Cleveland , Matt Frewer , Simon Jones , Andrew Maclachlan , and Monty Python
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

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Similar Items:

The Frighteners: Peter Jackson's Director's Cut [HD DVD]
The Ultimate Matrix Collection [HD DVD]
The Big Lebowski [HD DVD]
Lost in Translation [HD DVD]
Sneakers [HD DVD]

ASIN: B000OHZL2G
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Description

Those six pandemonium-mad Pythons are back with their craziest adventure ever! John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin have returned to explain The Meaning of Life. These naughty Brits offer the usual tasteful sketches involving favorite body parts and bodily functions, the wonders of war, the miracle of birth and a special preview of what's waiting for us in Heaven. Nothing is too sacred for the probing Python crew. You'll never look at life in quite the same way again. Time pronounces it "an exhilarating experience!" Newsweek agrees, calling it, "the best movie from England's satirical sextet." Winner of the 1983 Cannes Film Festival Special Jury Award.

Customer Reviews:

Monty Python's: The Meaning of Life (HD DVD) Review by Justin Sluss.......2007-06-21

The Movie Itself is in my own personal opinion the best of the films by the British comedy troupe Monty Python which included (the late) Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and Michael Palin. The group made a total of four motion pictures aside from their widely popular television sketch show Monty Python's Flying Circus. This was the last of those films and was released in 1983. The whole plot to this movie as you guessed even if you're not a Python fan is obviously about The Meaning of Life. And it's pieced down into 8 stages with a little bit of fun thrown in before, during and after. The film has a lot of musical numbers that are absolutely hilarious and extremely catchy to boot (refer to my audio quality review for song titles).

If you're a fan of British sketch comedy or even Canadian sketch like The Kids in the Hall you're going to love this if you've never seen it before. This is sketch comedy at it's finest in the form of a film. The film was directed by Terry Jones who was a member of the comedy troupe and obviously acted quiet a bit in this as well as bossed everyone around. It's obvious that some people will clearly argue the best Python film would be "The Quest for the Holy Grail" or "Life of Brian." They are all great films by me and I look forward to the three others eventually making their way to High Definition disc release. This is encouraging to see one being released you have to admit either way.

Video Quality on this release is presented in 1080p VC-1 encoded on a 30gb disc. First off, yes this is an improvement over the DVD version(s) of this film available in the past but at the same time it's not really the best video transfer to High Def. Don't get me wrong, I mean yes this film is from 1983 for starters and has it's obvious original film grain to it and that's cool in it's own way. The thing I'm really trying to say is that don't expect it to look amazing. Just instead expect it to look better than before. There are some artifacts and pixilatation problems in rare occasions but nothing really to complain about that much.

Audio Quality on this release is in Dolby Digital Plus 5.1. This is only a small improvement over Dolby Digital 5.1 on the latest DVD release of this film. As Python Eric Idle says in one of the bonus materials "the film is a disguised musical" so the songs of this film are really important to the sound mix. I mean after all who can forget such classics as "Isn't it awfully nice to have a penis?", "Every Sperm is Sacred", "Galaxy Song", "Christmas in Heaven" and of course the opening track "It's the Meaning of Life."

Bonus Materials are primarily all in 16:9 (Widescreen) standard definition and ported over from the latest DVD release of the film. There's loads of material here, first off an introduction from Eric Idle before the film, audio Commentary by both Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam. There's also another audio commentary track called "Soundtrack for the Lonely" which is sure to keep you company if "Terry and Terry" don't.

"Snipped Bits" (18 minutes) is basically deleted scenes with occasional commentary introductions or comment from Terry Jones. There's some laughs here but you see why some scenes were obviously deleted. "The Meaning of Making The Meaning of Life" (49 minutes) is your obvious "making of" documentary featuring interviews with the entire Monty Python... cast (even clips of the late Graham Chapman). Eric Idle says "... the film is a disguised musical." in this and we also learn that John Cleese isn't too fond of this film. He argues "Life of Brian" is the better of the Python films. Some would argue "Holy Grail" is but that's to be debated elsewhere, not in my review of bonus materials. "Education Tips" (6 minutes) is a series of skits done by John Cleese, Eric Idle and Michael Palin. I like Cleese's last character "Dr. Ken Enron Chaney." He cracks me up with just his name alone but there's some really hilarious stuff here overall. Including Michael Palin as the world's worst voice over narrator. It's ironic because he actually does voice over narration now on a nature television show.

"Un Film De John Cleese" (1 minute) is absolutely hilarious. It's nothing more than his edit of the film with only him in it. "Written, produced, directed, conceived, edited and probably projected by John Cleese." To only be a minute long it's definitely worth the minute for a good laugh. "Remastering A Masterpiece" is a spoof restoration documentary narrated by Michael Palin. It offers some goofy interviews with Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam as they try to restore the film by washing it. Gilliam and Jones both seem to have no luck as Jones resorts to a local British laundromat washing machine. Eventually Terry Gilliam gives up and says "I hate this film!" I guess this explains the video quality rating I gave this HD DVD doesn't it? Just kidding. There's a bit more material to be found but they really don't prove to be worth watching to even the most die-hard fan like myself. This is about where it stops for the bonus materials worth watching on this release. Nothing too bad but it is nothing more than the bonus materials from the DVD release ported over.

-- Review written by Justin Sluss of HighDefDiscNews.com

Great film, not that necessary on HD-DVD..........2007-06-18

Although this is probably the most inconsistent film that Monty Python made, it's still fantastic. It ends up being a series of sketches loosely tied together around the meaning of life. Some are the absolute highlights of the Monty Python canon (e.g. the sex education scene and the disgusting Mr. Creosote), while others are much less successful. This was essentially the last material made by the Python troupe.

This HD-DVD release contains the exact same features as the recent 2-disc DVD special edition. The extra features are superb with a hilarious and insightful commentary by director Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam, who aren't afraid to admit its faults. The trouble with this release is that the film is now over 20 years old and was shot with a relatively low budget so it doesn't look that good to start with. So by getting the HD-DVD you're just seeing the graininess and clunky special effects more clearly. If you already have the DVD there's really no need to get this, but if you're looking to buy it for the first time and you have an HD-DVD player then it's a no-brainer...

...and yes, the meaning of life is revealed in this movie!

Average customer rating:

Golden Oldie!!!
The Goodbye Girl
Goodbye Girl
a great Neil Simon story adapted for the screen......
Overly-clever, Self-Indulgent, Contrived

The Goodbye Girl
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss , Marsha Mason , Quinn Cummings , Paul Benedict , and Barbara Rhoades
Director: Herbert Ross
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Same Time, Next Year
Murphy's Romance
The Four Seasons
Barefoot in the Park
Max Dugan Returns

ASIN: B00002ND7A
Release Date: 2000-01-18

Amazon.com

The Goodbye Girl is a bittersweet comedy about relationships and taking chances. Though it deals with the human condition, what most quickly comes to mind are those wickedly comedic scenes featuring Richard Dreyfuss in an Oscar-winning role. He plays a struggling actor with a sharp tongue who has sublet an apartment from single mom Marcia Mason, a divorcée with horrific taste in men, who are always running out on her. She is left high and dry once more, stuck sharing her apartment with Dreyfuss when he hasn't the heart to enforce his lease and toss out mother and daughter.

Neil Simon's play shines under the direction of Herbert Ross as these two mismatched people find their contempt changing into mutual admiration. Quinn Cummings is more interesting than most precocious child stars; she seems brighter and her manner is prickly instead of cloying. Watch this film just for the scene in which Dreyfuss plays Richard III in an off-off-Broadway play. He lisps, he limps, he screams. It is the worst theater you will ever see--and thoroughly hilarious. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

Golden Oldie!!!.......2007-05-18

This movie is one of Neil Simon's best, especially with the addition of Marsha Mason(his real-life wife!!) It is a fun, real life story and I loved it!!
Richard Dreyfuss is so young in this and I'm sure starting his brillant career
If you want a "feel-good" somewhat chick flick, then this is a sure bet, and I feel it is timeless!!!

The Goodbye Girl.......2007-05-13

Super movie. Funny, yet sophisticated! Both Richard Dreyfuss and Marsha Mason are terrific! And so is "the kid"! Too bad they don't make 'em like this anymore!

Goodbye Girl.......2007-03-26

First saw this years ago, but never forgot it. A very funny, intelligent, typical Neil Simon film. Simply heartwarming.

a great Neil Simon story adapted for the screen.............2007-03-14

THE GOODBYE GIRL is a wonderful Neil Simon romantic comedy (with emphasis on screwball). The film takes the formula of THE ODD COUPLE (another wonderful film that examines the relationship between a pair of opposites trying to compromise in a living situation) with a twist. Paula McFadden (Marsha Mason) is an out-of-work dancer and single mother whose boyfriend has abandoned her and her young daughter, Lucy (Quinn Cummings)--not a surprise. However, he also subletted the apartment to his out-of-work actor friend, Elliot Garfield (Richard Dreyfuss). This wasn't what Paula had in mind. This wasn't what Elliot had in mind. Nevertheless, the eccentric Elliot--who chants and eats odd, diet specific food-- and the embittered Paula, who has vowed to stay away from actors--must agree to tolerate each other (to put it nicely). This doesn't come easily.

This film has so many wonderful and funny scenes, and Marsha Mason and Richard Dreyfuss have wonderful screen chemistry even when they are at each other's throats. Wonderfully entertaining......Dreyfuss basically steals the movie. You'll love it.

Overly-clever, Self-Indulgent, Contrived.......2007-01-03

My boyfriend pitched this as a hilarious must-see and now I cite that as an example of why I could not stand him and why we broke up.

My main problem was with the lightning-quick but utterly insipid dialogue. The headline sums up how I felt about that.

Average customer rating:

Vegas, Baby!
Glad to have found this
Sensational
Absolutely Fabulous!!
Glad to see it on DVD but a Disappointing Transfer

Crime Story - Season Two
Starring: Patricia Charbonneau
Director: Gary Sinise , Bill Duke , James A. Contner , Francis Delia , and James Quinn
Manufacturer: Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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

Crime Story - Season One
Miami Vice - Season Two
Hill Street Blues - Season 1
Murder One - The Complete Second Season
Wiseguy - Sonny Steelgrave and the Mob Arc (Season 1 Part 1)

ASIN: B0007WQH3A
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Amazon.com

When the first season of Crime Story ended spectacularly in the Nevada desert, it was anyone's guess what season 2 would do for an encore. With low first-season ratings and conservative watchdogs complaining about its violence, the show received a surprise renewal that necessitated the "miraculous" return of mob-boss Ray Luca (Anthony Denison) and his dimwit sidekick Pauli Taglia (played by former Chicago burglar John Santucci). Moving from 10:00 p.m. Fridays to a new 10:00 p.m. Tuesday-night timeslot on NBC, the Michael Mann-produced series continued its ratings decline, and this lent the series a giddy, go-for-broke quality that held plenty of surprises. The year is 1966, and Chicago Police Lt. Mike Torello (Dennis Farina) and his close-knit Major Crimes Unit continues to track Luca's criminal activities in Las Vegas, where additional complications fueled a number of dynamic, stand-alone episodes, beginning with season opener "The Senator, the Movie Star and the Mob," guest-starring Kevin Spacey (in his first major TV role) and Jenny Wright (Near Dark) in a sordid, mob-connected plot with obvious parallels to Bobby Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. This established the neon-lit, casino-and-nightclub milieu of the season, and Luca's reappearance set the season in volatile motion.

The series' daring, pulp-fictional style attracted an impressive array of guests stars and newcomers, some of whom (like 24's Dennis Haysbert) would later appear in Michael Mann's films. Ted Levine (The Silence of the Lambs) reprises his role as burglar-turned-rocker Frank Holman; Margaret Avery (The Color Purple) and NYPD Blue's James McDaniel are superb in the racial-tension plot of "Seize the Time"; Laura San Giacomo (sex, lies, and videotape) aces her role as Luca's former flame in "Protected Witness"; and Elias Koteas delivers a fine performance in "Roadrunner," an exciting road-thriller episode that showcases Farina's skill with hardboiled comedy. (For the record, other noteworthy guest stars include Pam Grier, David Hyde Pierce, Billy Zane, David Soul, Steven Weber, Michael Jeter, and recurring performances by Andrew Dice Clay and Rolling Stone editor Jann S. Wenner.) "Pauli Taglia's Dream" is an outrageous experiment in all-out delirium, focusing on Santucci's scene-stealing character and providing a wacky lead-up to the season's climactic story arc, which leads Luca and Torello to their ultimate showdown in an unspecified Latin American country full of corruptible drug-trade politicians.

Of course, any innovative series has a few drawbacks: The violent shootouts turn somewhat redundant as the season progresses, and while Torello's gun-toting crew is brought to life by a perfect supporting cast (Bill Smitrovich, Ray Butler, Steve Ryan, and a young Bill Campbell), there was never enough time (or episodes) to properly develop their characters. The turncoat betrayal of lawyer David Abrams (superbly played by Stephen Lang) is never fully convincing (you just know he's not a bad guy), and when Crime Story's cancellation inevitably came to pass, the final-episode cliffhanger of "Going Home" (broadcast May 10, 1988) left frustrated fans with unanswered questions and nowhere else to go. It's especially regrettable, then, that this four-DVD set offers no extras whatsoever. The fact that Farina, Denison, Mann, and series cocreators Chuck Adamson and Gustave Reininger were not invited to do audio commentaries represents a missed opportunity of epic proportions. We can be grateful, however, that the series' pop-music soundtrack (chosen by the great Al Kooper, credited as "Guy Who Picks Music for the Show") remains intact and unchanged as an essential ingredient to one of the best TV shows of the 1980s. --Jeff Shannon

Description

It was hailed for its realism, condemned for its violence and ended with a climax that shocked millions. Though it lasted only two seasons, fans and critics still consider CRIME STORY to be one of the most uncompromising and influential action dramas in television history. In this stunning final season, obsessed lawman Mike Torello and his street tough strike force pursue mob kingpin Ray Luca from the neon battleground of Las Vegas to the corrupt killing fields of Latin America. Experience the explosive closing chapters of the acclaimed crime epic that New York Newsday calls "A genuine work of art... a masterpiece in a classic genre"

Customer Reviews:

Vegas, Baby!.......2007-03-11

Just when I thought it was as good as it could be, the best cop show ever on TV kicked it up a notch by moving the action from the gritty streets of Chicago to the neon Babylon of Las Vegas. In the second season of Crime Story, Dennis Farina is as macho as ever, Anthony Denison takes evil to a whole new level, and the rest of the cast are unparalleled in acting ability. I gave seasons one and two to my husband as a gift over a month ago, and he hasn't stopped watching them since. If you like cop shows, the Sopranos, or even the sixties, you gotta see this!

Glad to have found this.......2007-02-20

When "Crime Story" starring Dennis Farina and Anthony Dennison came out in 1986, I was instantly hooked, and could not wait until the next episode. Once the show ended, I was disappointed and caught re-runs when I could.

Now, after searching for hard to find and expensive VHS sets, I opted instead for the DVD sets which have both seasons. This show was, IMO definitely a precursor to "The Sopranos" and other great crime shows and Dramas that have since won legions of followers. If you were/are an ardent fan of the series or any other crime/mobster films, these DVD sets are a must have for your collection.

Sensational.......2007-01-19

As with Season 1 the action and intrigue is non-stop.It was such a pity that the show was cancelled after 2 seasons!
We will be lucky to see another series as good as this in our lifetimes!

Absolutely Fabulous!!.......2006-07-03

This DVD of Crime Story made me realize how great TV series can be. Dennis Farino is excellent as are the cast members. This was a totally unplanned purchase and it brought me back to fine television. I recommend this for anyone who appreciates good music, great plots and classic cars.

Glad to see it on DVD but a Disappointing Transfer.......2006-04-25

I had read a few reviews here regarding the DVD versions of Crime Story, including some that commented on the poor visual quality of these transfers, but still purchased these anyway for the content, hoping those reviewers were real nitpickers. Sadly, I have to agree. While not dark and muddy as one reviewer described, they are strangely flat, lacking the contrast and brilliance one expects on a DVD. In addition, there is an annoying pattern to the image, much like if it were being viewed through a very sheer cloth, or projected onto a cloth screen. Not graininess, but definitely a faint weave-like pattern. The sound is also a bit muddy. The content is still why I bought these, but the quality is definitely not anywhere near what you'd expect. In fact, the first two seasons of Superman from the 1950's put the quality of these DVD transfers to shame. I haven't run across the song substitutions yet that have been mentioned, and my memory might not be good enough to notice those. The Del Shannon rework of Runaway is still intact at the start of each episode.

Average customer rating:

It could happen to you
Warning: Watch this movie at your own risk!
Hysterically funny!
Lighthearted Entertainment
80's throw back

Big Business
Starring: Bette Midler , Lily Tomlin , Fred Ward , Edward Herrmann , and Michele Placido
Director: Jim Abrahams
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The First Wives Club
Troop Beverly Hills [Region 99]
Death Becomes Her
That Old Feeling
Hello Again

ASIN: B000065V3L
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Description

Bette Midler (THE FIRST WIVES CLUB, BEACHES) and Lily Tomlin (DISNEY'S THE KID, ALL OF ME, 9 TO 5) -- the first ladies of laughter -- star in this critically acclaimed box office hit about two sets of identical twins who are mismatched at birth. Forty years later, their paths cross amid the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, and the result is unrestrained pandemonium. New York's opulent Plaza Hotel is the setting for a wildly hilarious, classic case of mistaken identities, split personalities, and double trouble! With the unparalleled comedic talents of Midler and Tomlin, two's company ... four's a riot!

Customer Reviews:

It could happen to you.......2007-01-27

Loved this, it could really happen, and I am glad it turned out great!!

Warning: Watch this movie at your own risk!.......2006-09-05

Because you might just die laughing.
A perfect motion picture comedy; watch it alone, with a date, with your parents or your children, everyone's going to feel better after seeing this one.

Hysterically funny!.......2006-07-23

While times have changed in terms of special effects, they certainly did an excellent job pulling this one off. Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin are at their finest in this movie. Great lines, excellent acting and a funny plot make this a must watch movie.

Lighthearted Entertainment.......2006-03-09

This film for me has always been a guaranteed laugh. The southern accents and snooty New York attitude superbly played are hilarious! Bette Midler and Lilly Tomlin now how can you come up with a better duo other than double it.

80's throw back.......2006-02-18

Good movie, needs Special Features
The movie is absolutely great. However, I've seen the movie and what I was looking forward to on the DVD was special features. How great would a commentary by Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin be. But unfortunately there were absolutely no special features included with this movie.

Average customer rating:

An 80's gem that is still plenty of fun today
C.R.U.D.
The Benefits of DVD
TRY WATCHING THIS AT NIGHT BUT KEEP THE LIGHTS TURNED ON!,
"Something's gone wrong and it's so bad no one even wants to talk about it!"

C.H.U.D.
Starring: John Heard , Daniel Stern , Christopher Curry , Kim Greist , and Laure Mattos
Director: Douglas Cheek
Manufacturer: Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Stuff
Demons
The Blob [Region 99]
Demons 2 - The Nightmare Returns
Street Trash

ASIN: B00004Y6BC
Release Date: 2001-01-30

Amazon.com

Douglas Cheek's grotty urban horror fable C.H.U.D. deserves to be seen in its natural habitat--a Times Square grind-house theater--but horror enthusiasts will have to enjoy this widescreen version from the comforts of their own homes. John Heard stars as a former fashion photographer now pursuing a "real" career in photojournalism. While working on a piece about the homeless, he discovers that toxic waste, stashed in New York's sewer system, is turning tunnel squatters into the title acronym (Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers). Teaming up with frazzled soup kitchen capo (and fellow Home Alone alumnus) Daniel Stern, Heard uncovers a government conspiracy behind the mutations; horror fans will know exactly how the government handles its uncovered wrongdoings. While Gary Sherman's Raw Meat (1973) remains the final word in homeless horror films, C.H.U.D. has a threadbare charm, thanks to Cheek's poker-faced direction, the endearingly slap-dash effects (courtesy John Caglione Jr. and Ed French), and game performances by a surprisingly A-list cast, including appearances by John Goodman, Jay Thomas, Patricia Richardson, and Jon Polito.

Anchor Bay's DVD is uncut and retains all of the cutting-room footage added by New World Pictures to beef up the butchered TV version; furthermore, it features a rollicking commentary by Cheek, Heard, Stern, cast mate Christopher Curry, and writer Shephard Abbott, which is worth the purchase price alone. Easter-egg hunters should click on the C.H.U.D.'s glowing eyes in the main menu for a longer version of the grotesque shower scene. --Paul Gaita

Customer Reviews:

An 80's gem that is still plenty of fun today.......2007-04-27

C.H.U.D. is one of those hard to find horror gems from the 80's that still remains fun to watch today. John Heard stars as a New York City photographer who, along with a cook (Daniel Stern) and a police captain (Christopher Curry), uncover that the homeless living in the sewers are being mutated into hideous, cannibalistic monsters thanks to the dumping of toxic waste underground. These "Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers" (hence the title of the film) soon start coming to the surface, and they're quite hungry too. Though C.H.U.D. is a bonafide B-movie creature feature, the crew makes the most out of the small budget with imaginitive creature and gore effects, great shots of New York City, and a cast that is surprisingly good to boot. Though it's happy ending detracts from the tone of the rest of the film, C.H.U.D. remains one of the best and most overlooked horror films to come out of the early 80's. Look for a young John Goodman as an unlucky cop in the diner.

C.R.U.D........2007-04-27

Wow, I must be out of the loop on this one,because I couldn't find honest to goodness scare or laugh in this BOMB! WHAT A WASTE OF MY TIME. I guess that I just don't get it! Pewee, this one stinks.

The Benefits of DVD.......2006-08-20

I won't pretend that CHUD is as good a film as Seven Samurai, or The Battle of Algiers, but their is a kind of love affair tht develops between viewers and this film with seemingly very little going for it. The cast is actually quite strong (see other reviews) and the effects are campy, and gimmiky (sp?) but that isn't why you'll like this film. Through several viewings, over several years I tried to figure out what in this strange little movie appealed to me. When the local Mediaplay went out of business I found CHUD in a bin for about 95% off and snatched it up. I got my answer from the commentary. Without a doubt, the commentry for this film is one of the best I've ever heard. Just listen and you'll see why everyone loves CHUD. The humnor, the heartache, the-- Okay, it isn't the Dead Sea Scrolls, but it is almost more entertaining that the film. This is the one and only time I've invited a friend to listen the commentary, rather than watch the film. Enjoy.

TRY WATCHING THIS AT NIGHT BUT KEEP THE LIGHTS TURNED ON!, .......2006-04-21

***** WIDESCREEN VIDEO EDITION *****

This is a recommended film for sci-fi/horror/creature-feature fans who can view R-rated films. Children are strongly cautioned.

FIRST OFF - -

To call this an epic would be misleading, yet this very creepy film is quite eerily effective without gore or CGI. It has actors we have all heard of. It has a plot -- YES, a plot, of sorts. Watch C.H.U.D. alone and you may start feeling queasy. Watch it alone at night and you may find yourself turning on lights and talking to yourself while you quickly try to locate another human being ... as if another human could save mere mortal humans from "C.H.U.D."! Has anyone lived to tell us anything about THEM firsthand?

So this is a mystery and there are people vanishing. We have homeless people that may be the victims, or the fiends, or both. We have what looks like a big government cover-up, but what is it about and who is doing the covering up? We have something coming out of the sewers in Manhattan, of all places, and it gets scarier all the time. Who will be next and where is this story going? Like I said, "YES, THERE IS A PLOT"!

WHAT IS "C.H.U.D."?

C.H.U.D. is an anachronism as films go, something which is already extinct when it was made, which is probably how it surprises audiences and scares them a little without terrifying or grossing them out. You might say that they just don't make films like C.H.U.D. anymore and its a darn shame.

-- * PRINCIPAL CREW MEMBERS -- *

Douglas Cheek - Director
Larry Abrams - Producer / Executive Producer
Andrew Bonime - Producer
Shepard Abbott - Screenwriter
Parnell Hall - Screenwriter
Peter Stein - Cinematographer

-- * ABRIDGED LIST OF PLAYERS -- *

John Heard - George Cooper
Kim Greist - Lauren Daniels
Daniel Stern - The Reverend
Christopher Curry - Capt. Bosch
George Martin - Wilson
John Ramsey - Commissioner
Ed Jones - Chief O'Brien

SOME VIDEO SUGGESTIONS

If you like "C.H.U.D.", you may also enjoy "Tremors", "The Crawling Eye", "Boogens" "Creepshow", and the remake of "The Blob" for similarly creepy cinematic experiences.

"Something's gone wrong and it's so bad no one even wants to talk about it!".......2006-03-15

In the film C.H.U.D. (1984) it's related to us that there are cannibalistic, underground, humanoid dwellers (aka C.H.U.D.s) roaming around in the labyrinth of tunnels and what not beneath the city of New York. Okay...so? I mean would this really be such a shocking revelation? Would anyone actually be blown away by such news? Somehow I doubt it (New Yorkers do seem pretty jaded, and let's face it, if something like this were to happen, it would most likely occur in the Big Apple)...written by Shepard Abbott, and directed by Douglas Cheek, in his one and only feature to date, the film stars John Heard (Heaven Help Us, The Pelican Brief) and Daniel Stern (Diner, Blue Thunder). Also appearing is Christopher Curry (The Return of Superfly), Kim Greist (Brazil, Manhunter), in her film debut, Eddie Jones (Invasion U.S.A.), J.C. Quinn (Brubaker), George Martin (Quiz Show), Jon Polito (Highlander, Miller's Crossing), Frankie Faison (Hannibal), and Sam McMurray (Addams Family Values), with John Goodman ("Roseanne") and Jay Thomas ("Cheers") appearing in cameo roles as a pair of New York City cops.

As the film begins we see a woman walking her foo foo dog down a lonely, darkened city street, and you just know something bad is going to happen...and it does...next we meet George Cooper (Heard) and his live-in girlfriend Lauren (Greist). Seems George, a once prominent fashion photographer, has since forgone the fame and fortune of taking pictures of scantily clad models in pursuit of artistic credibility, his most current project photographing New York's homeless population, specifically those known as `undergrounders', or people who reside within the bowels of the city (the sewers, unused subway tunnels, etc.). We also meet a police captain named Bosch (Curry), who has a personal interest in the recent spate of missing persons being reported to his precinct (mostly the homeless), so much so he interviews A.J. 'The Reverend' Shepherd (Stern), who runs the local bum shelter and believes recent events to be a part of some massive, gooberment cover up, and has the evidence to prove it...Bosch's superiors know more than they're letting on, and seem to be taking their cues from an overly glib, weasely type named Wilson (Martin), who works for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Turns out there are monsters lurking beneath the streets, beings that were once human, since mutated by toxic waste into hideous, flesh eating creatures preying on those homeless who live beneath the streets...and guess what? Given the recent drop in the underground transient population, the creatures have resorted to coming to the surface (through sewer manholes) in order to feed. Through a series of events, both George and A.J. find themselves trapped in the sewers, a reporter gets involved (and eaten), Lauren has a problem with both a clogged shower drain and an unexpected visitor (one who came up through the sewer access point in the basement of the apartment building), while Captain Bosch argues with Wilson as how to best deal with the beasties (Wilson wants to seal the sewers, open up some gas lines, and asphyxiate the nasty despite the inherent danger in blowing up half the city). Oh yeah, we also learn Wilson isn't who he appears to be, and is harboring a much bigger secret than originally thought...

First of all I want to say I thought the creature design to be excellent here. They're appropriately gruesome looking with sharp, pointy teeth, maintaining just enough human characteristics to infer that they once were human (the glowing eyes bit was a nice touch). This was back in the good old days before computer generated effects were affordable enough to be used on as wide scale basis are they are today. The creature shots are limited to mainly shots of their claws, arms, and heads, but there's enough to provide the illusion you're seeing more than you actually do...what we don't see are scenes of the creatures gnawing on the flesh of their victims, but usually only the aftermath in that of dismembered body parts left behind. The plot is somewhat convoluted and draggy given the large number of characters present, and the level of development given to each, but I enjoyed it nonetheless as there felt more attention to substantial details than what one might normally get in a movie like this. The characters played by both Heard and Greist were pretty much of the extraneous type, as they could have easily been removed and we still would have had a viable story, one with a quicker pace, but given Heard was, and is, a relatively well known actor (at least in terms of B films), one would probably want to take advantage of the fact that he'd be interested in appearing in modestly budgeted film. Stern was a whole lot of fun to watch as the altruistic, suspicious, greasy, neo-hippish, don't feed me no bullsh*t homeless shelter operator who knows the score, inherently distrustful of any and all gooberment types. The film does fall back on an old standard in that of gooberment types doing evil and nasty things, but this is offset slightly by limiting the focus on one individual (Wilson), with the local officials coming off as incompetent lackeys, not fully understanding or appreciating the ramifications of blindly following one whose authority would seem to supercede their own. Once they see the lengths Wilson is willing to go to in an effort to cover up whatever nastiness his agency's has been perpetrating on their community, they actually develop a sense of concern for their constituents, if only to save their own ashes during election time. Overall a relatively strong and experienced cast populates the cast, and it shows. The direction by Cheek is solid, and it makes me curious as to why he hasn't done more (his credits since all involve editing). One aspect I really appreciated was the gritty realism added to the film by the various scenes that looked like they were actually shot within a grimy, dirty, rank, filthy, mucky, dilapidated network of tunnels/sewers one would expect beneath a large, metropolitan city. There was one plot element I didn't fully understand and that was near the end. Wilson, in an effort to kill the creatures, has his flunkies seal all the manhole covers within a specific area by parking city trucks on top of them, the intent being to cut off any means of escape, and then flooding the sewers with gas. Apparently the trucks were rigged with explosives on purpose (one of the drivers was warned about looking out for potholes)...why? I have no idea, but an exploding truck does play a part in the climatic finale.

Anchor Bay Entertainment provides a sharp looking widescreen (1.77:1), enhanced for 16X9 TVs, transfer on this DVD, along with a decent Dolby Digital mono audio track. As far as extras, there's an extremely entertaining commentary track with director Cheek, writer Abbott, and stars Heard, Stern, and Curry, along with a theatrical trailer, behind the scenes still gallery, and a 5X7 movie poster reproduction card insert. I've also heard there's a hidden feature in that of an extended sequence of Lauren in the shower, one that uses a body double for actress Greist, but I haven't seen it...the shower sequence included in the film, while fun and bloody, was pointless and most likely thrown in as an afterthought if only to include some skin. This feature was followed up by a sequel titled C.H.U.D. II - Bud the Chud (1989), which I haven't seen.

Cookieman108

Average customer rating:

Incredible Flick
realistic
Keeping it real
McCoy's Musings
Keaton and Freeman great....

Clean and Sober
Starring: Michael Keaton , Kathy Baker , Morgan Freeman , Tate Donovan , and Henry Judd Baker
Director: Glenn Gordon Caron
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305162026
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Amazon.com essential video

After making his mark in several hit comedies including Beetlejuice, Michael Keaton startled critics and audiences alike with his acclaimed performance in this 1988 drama about one man's struggle against cocaine addiction. Keaton's comedic energy is transformed here into the kind of jittery intensity that's perfect for his role, suggesting a driven personality who can maintain the appearance of self-control for only so long before he crashes and burns. After a series of setbacks, Keaton's character seeks refuge in a drug rehabilitation program and must confront the truth of his own addiction at the urging of a counselor (Morgan Freeman) who's heard every lame excuse in the book from addicts struggling to quit. Kathy Baker leads a superb supporting cast as a recovering alcoholic and battered wife whose flagging self-esteem is boosted by Keaton's attention. Under the careful direction of Glenn Gordon Caron (of TV's Moonlighting fame), Keaton and Baker handle this delicate material with consummate skill and grace, turning a potentially depressing story into a moving portrait of people who must battle their inner demons step by tentative step. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Incredible Flick.......2007-02-28

All I can say is that this movie captures the desparation and difficulties for addicts and the grim reality of "one day at a time." Buy this movie. You will love it.

realistic.......2007-02-24

Having been through a rehab myself, I found this movie to be extremely realistic to the addictive behaviors and realities of alcoholics and addicts and the way rehabs and their staff function.

Keeping it real.......2007-01-04

If you know anyone with an addiction or you are an addict yourself, this is the movie to keep in your library. Michael protrays the challenges of coming to terms with addiction....from denial to acceptance, with the realistic kicking and screaming that comes with it. I watch it everytime I feel the need to remember how far I have come and how quickly I can go back, if I let my guard down. It's a must see.

McCoy's Musings.......2007-01-04

During the course of a graduate school class, this student was required to watch this movie and discuss it. In her own opinion, she considers this movie very good even though there are scenes in it that are not accurate. For example, the scene where the counselor accuses a patient of being high and orders her to leave. In real life, if a counselor suspects a client of being intoxicated, tests will be ordered to either confirm or rule out the suspicion. These tests protects everyone's legal rights. Otherwise, this movie could be a good introduction to the issue of addictions and treatment.

Keaton and Freeman great...........2006-12-14

This movie is really entertaining. I couldn't quite grasp why I liked it so much. I just did. Morgan Freeman in one of his first big films was spectacular as usual. Michael Keaton stole the show of coarse though. Basically Oscar worthy performance. I like the dvd cover, it seems real genuine. Buy this. I did before I even watched it. Well worth it.

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Actress

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