John Waters

Average customer rating:

good music
Just adding to
The Standard for Concert Films - A Trip down Memory Lane!
The Last Waltz-The Band
THE LAST WALTZ IS THE BAND'S MOST SHINING MOMENT.

The Last Waltz
Starring: The Band , Paul Butterfield , Rick Danko , Dr. John , and Emmylou Harris
Manufacturer: MGM
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Last Waltz
Bob Dylan - No Direction Home
The Last Waltz
Stop Making Sense
The Band - Greatest Hits

ASIN: B00003CXB1
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Amazon.com

Martin Scorsese's 1978 capsule history of the Band is mixed with footage of the group's allegedly last performance (certainly their last performance as a quintet) in this particularly stylish concert film. Scorsese shoots the players and their sundry guests with the same flair and enthusiasm one can see in the later The Color of Money or Goodfellas. He also proves a good interviewer with Band members, particularly Robbie Robertson, whose sleepy-sexy good looks make a star-caliber impression in close-up. But the film's real hook is the stage show, which features a rotation of rock legends (Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Paul Butterfield, Bob Dylan, and so on) playing with the Band before a wildly appreciative audience. --Tom Keogh

Description

It started as a concert. It became a celebration. Join an unparalleled lineup of rock superstars asthey celebrate The Band's historic 1976 farewell performance. Directed by Martin Scorsese (Raging Bull, Goodfellas), The Last Waltz is not only "the most beautiful rock film evermade" (New York Times) it's "one of the most important cultural events of the last two decades" (Rolling Stone)!

Customer Reviews:

good music.......2007-06-14

this dvd is excellent. there is nothing else to be said.

Just adding to.......2007-06-08

There's enough reviews of this Classic. I'm 50+ and showed my copy of this DVD to my teenage kids last Thanksgiving. They were enthralled! My daughter asked for it as a gift for her graduation from UT (uhhh, I guess that means she's not a teenager anymore! but my son is and a Music major at UT). That about says it all I think.

The Standard for Concert Films - A Trip down Memory Lane!.......2007-05-16

Viewing "The Last Waltz," was like a trip down rock history memory lane. This is the DVD you show your children to introduce them to rock music of the seventies. The direction of Martin Scorsese provides the viewer with insightful interviews coupled with lush musical productions. I am still trying to decide on my favorite performance - there are just too many! Also, buy the CD - you will not be disappointed.

The Last Waltz-The Band.......2007-05-15

Probably the best concert film of its kind to date!! Every performer was captured in their prime all at one major rock event. Don't miss it.

THE LAST WALTZ IS THE BAND'S MOST SHINING MOMENT........2007-04-15

I will be writing a review on the legendary historic live DVD concert entitled "THE LAST WALTZ" by one of Rock's greatest legendary bands ever. I give you one of America's pride and joy's, THE BAND. "THE LAST WALTZ" was originally released in 1978 by MGM and United Artists. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary band or the artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the best informative and most accurate review possible.

THE BAND will forever go down in Rock n' Roll history and be remembered for recording some of Rock's most sacred anthems. BOB DYLAN recruited THE BAND known then as THE HAWKS as his back-up group for the 1965-66 World Tour. When THE BAND recorded their first album "MUSIC FROM BIG PINK" in 1968, it was clearly evident that THE BAND had a very special blend and brand of sound formula that would soon be their trademark. When the late great bassist Rick Danko met and joined up with drummer Levon Helm, organist Garth Hudson, the late great pianist Richard Manuel and guitarist Robbie Robertson, the line-up was complete and THE BAND would be born. THE BAND would record many great legendary albums through the years to highly critically acclaim. However, being on the road for many years was starting to take a toll on THE BAND and the group was contemplating retiring from the Rock n' Roll world. Which brings me to the DVD concert I'm about to review for you now. "THE LAST WALTZ" was to be THE BAND'S last hurrah and farewell at Robbie Robertson's request. "THE LAST WALTZ" was filmed and recorded live by Martin Scorsese on Thanksgiving Day 26 November 1976 at the legendary historic Winterland in San Francisco, California. This legendary historic concert was a star studded Rock show which featured fellow contemporary artists such as BOB DYLAN, ERIC CLAPTON, NEIL YOUNG, JONI MITCHELL, VAN MORRISON, NEIL DIAMOND, EMMYLOU HARRIS, MUDDY WATERS, THE STAPLES, RINGO STARR, RON WOOD, DR. JOHN, PAUL BUTTERFIELD and RONNIE HAWKINS. "THE LAST WALTZ" without a doubt, is one of the greatest live concerts ever recorded. "THE LAST WALTZ" is also THE BAND'S greatest achievement and most shining moment in their career. In my opinion, "THE LAST WALTZ" is a true testament of the creative brilliance and musical creativity of five extremely talented masterminded individuals. "THE LAST WALTZ" is also a fine fitting tribute to a great legendary band that was truly indeed, far ahead of their time. And now without further delay, it is now time for me to take you back in time to Thanksgiving Day, 26 November 1976 at the Winterland, San Francisco, California where THE BAND is about ready to take the stage.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS FILM SHOULD BE PLAYED LOUD. It is now time to let the music of THE BAND and many others to speak for itself and back it up by doing all of the talking. The film begins with the "Main Theme from "THE LAST WALTZ." This legendary historic concert film begins with the legendary BAND song "Don't Do It," the uplifting "Up On Cripple Creek," RONNIE HAWKINS singing the rendition of the BO DIDLEY classic "Who Do You Love," DR. JOHN singing "Such A Night," NEIL YOUNG singing "Helpless," THE BAND singing a great live version of "Stagefright," THE BAND singing a great version of their song "The Weight" with the help and assistance of THE STAPLES, THE BAND singing an unforgetable version of "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," NEIL DIAMOND singing "Dry Your Eyes," JONI MITCHELL singing "Coyote," THE BAND and PAUL BUTTERFIELD sing their rendition of "Mystery Train," MUDDY WATERS singing his classic Blues song "Mannish Boy," ERIC CLAPTON singing a great version of "Further On Up The Road," a fine BAND and EMMYLOU HARRIS studio recording of "Evangeline," Garth Hudson's organ solo "Genetic Method" THE BAND sings a fantastic version of their song "Ophelia," VAN MORRISON sings a wonderful version of "Caravan," BOB DYLAN sings "Forever Young," BOB DYLAN sings a great version of "Baby Let Me Follow You Down" and the star studded finale which features RINGO STARR and RON WOOD, "I Shall Be Released." May I also add that this is one hell of a concert that everyone can see over and over again and never get tired of it.

Overall, this is one hell of a DVD concert worth seeking further research into and checking out especially if you are a diehard hardcore BAND fan and many of the artists that appeared in this legendary historic concert film or a devout music collector. As for all of the curious newcomers and new beginners that are not familiar with the sound and music of THE BAND, I would highly recommend purchasing this live DVD concert. This is one great live DVD concert that you will be glad that you bought.

I would like to highly recommend purchasing this legendary historic DVD concert to own as a valuable and important part of his or her own personal music and DVD concert collection. This legendary historic concert has already proven to stand the test of time and will always be around to be enjoyed, appreciated and cherished for many years to come, NOW AND FOREVER. You can purchase this legendary historic concert on both a 4-CD set and on DVD. This is one great concert that no hardcore music fan or devout music collector would want to be without.

In closing, following the release of "THE LAST WALTZ," THE BAND would retire from the music world for many years until they reunited for the LIVE AID concert in 1985. THE BAND would soon after suffer their worse tragedies in the group's career with the untimely deaths of pianist Richard Manuel in March 1986 and bassist Rick Danko in December 1999. THE BAND received the highest ultimate honor by being inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. THE BAND has forever left their mark in Rock n' Roll history and will never be forgotton. So here's to you late great Rick, Levon, Garth, late great Richard and Robbie. Thanks for the great memories. RICK DANKO LIVES. RICHARD MANUEL LIVES. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N' ROLL HISTORY," am I wrong? Thanks for reading my review and I hope that you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also hope that all of you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. THE BAND FOREVER. R.I.P. RICK DANKO, Born 9 December 1943, Died 10 December 1999 at age 56. Also R.I.P. RICHARD MANUEL, Born 3 April 1943, Died 4 March 1986 at age 43. Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever In Rock, John L.

Average customer rating:

Great Great Family comedy!
Hairdo detention, integration angst, TV dancing competitions, kids who really knew how to tease and one great big campy YES !!!
How is the new movie going to top this?
wonderful!
Dance Show Movie

Hairspray
Starring: Sonny Bono , Ruth Brown , Josh Charles , Divine , and Jason Downs
Director: John Waters
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Cry Baby (Director's Cut)
Hairspray (2002 Original Broadway Cast)
Little Shop of Horrors
Hairspray: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Hair

ASIN: B00006RZ9Y
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Amazon.com essential video

John Waters made his bid for PG respectability with this enjoyably trashy comedy about the racial integration of a teen dance show on Baltimore television in the early '60s. Waters, as always, makes a virtue of junk culture and the powerful emotional forces it can represent as kids vie to get on the show. Meanwhile, a parade of former stars (Pia Zadora, Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono) and pseudostars (Divine, Ricki Lake) cross the screen, playing freakish characters absorbed by thoughts of fame. (Waters himself turns up as a weirdo psychiatrist.) This transitional film for Waters is rough going at times and not as interesting or funny as his later features Cry-Baby and Serial Mom, but it's worth a look. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Great Great Family comedy!.......2007-06-23

This movie is probabally one of the best films I have ever seen! It is about an overweight girl named Tracey Turnblad (Ricki Lake) who, like every other Baltimore Teenager loves the local tv dance show the corny collins show. When her mother and father (Divine and Jerry Stiller ) find out her mother is angerd by the obsession but her father thinks it is a finee show with really no problem. When Tracey gets excepted as a dancer her mother loves the attention and publicity her daughter is getting. However with tracey becoming famous she kicks bratty Amber Von Tussle out of the spotlight. Amber, madder than ever starts spreading nasty rumors about tracey. However sweet sweet Tracey doesn't let it bother he. The rest is a hilarious fun comedy about dancing, the 60's and the serious part racial issues in Baltimore. Parents who may know John Water's other films are downright weird and nasty but there is nothing weird or nasty. However there is one scene where the kids are hiding from their parents and run into bizzare beatniks who suggest drugs but link sends a good message by getting him and his friends out of their and says to not do drugs or you's get addicted and get hurt. That's really the only reason it got the PG rating. I think that if the scene weren't in there it would be a G rating. Now for special features there is a nice reunion commentary between John Waters and Ricki Lake. Besides that there is the original trailer also I have not checked it out but the dvd case says there are special features only viewible on a computer. I highly reccomend this to all familys or just people who love fun movies. But parents of kids 7 and younger should watch this with them. So whether you rent it or buy it you will not be dissapointed!

Hairdo detention, integration angst, TV dancing competitions, kids who really knew how to tease and one great big campy YES !!!.......2007-06-13

Hairspray is one of John Waters' more mainstream movies in that it deals with the themes of racial tensions leading up to an integrated Baltimore, teen angst and first true loves, and those incredible dances and dance shows on TV from the late 1950s into the 1960s. Of course, with Hairspray being a John Waters movie, characters become grossly exaggerated for a humorous effect; you get a very funny, playful and harmless cast of both young and older people in Baltimore facing changing times as they try to live their lives as best they can.

Tracy Turnblad (Ricki Lake) is an overweight teenage girl who can shake off jokes about her weight with a type of self-confidence that is truly remarkable. Tracy and her friend Penny Pingleton (Joann Havrilla) enjoy watching and dancing along to The Corny Collins TV Show in Tracy's living room at home; and one day Tracy sets her mind to trying out for the show with some support from her friend Penny. When Tracy does try out on the Corny Collins TV dance show for dancing teenagers, she wins a spot on the council almost immediately! This upsets the stuck up, racist reigning queen Amber von Tussle and her parents (Sonny Bono and Debbie Harry) who make their living running Tilted Acres, a segregated theme park in Baltimore. As Tracy's star rises she also charms the heart of Amber's boyfriend, Link Larkin (Michael St. Gerard). Of course, this means war. Amber and her parents must--I mean, must--find a way to disgrace Tracy so that Amber can remain the star of the show and ultimately win the highly coveted 1963 Miss Auto Show award. Of course, as this all happens, Hairspray pokes fun at the obsession some people had with getting their hair to be as high and as perfect looking as they thought it could or should be.

The movie moves along at an even pace and the action keeps your attention. Look for John Waters himself as the psychiatrist hired by Penny's parents when they find out she has a black boyfriend named Seaweed. Divine turns in quite a performance as both Tracy Turnblad's mother and Arvin Hodgepile, the TV studio owner who could can The Corny Collins Show if it becomes integrated against his will. As if that weren't enough, Ruth Brown plays the role of Motormouth Maybelle, a female record store owner who is a prominent integrationist in Baltimore and who also sometimes judges on The Corny Collins Show.

Overall, the acting exceeds my expectations for a John Waters flick; and the choreography shines in great scenes where large crowds must move about. I won't give away the plot; but if you want to see excellent choreography look not at just the complicated dance scenes they had to manage but also the race riot scene near the Tilted Acres segregated amusement park.

The cinematography works well; and each character is developed nicely as the movie goes along. The casting is flawless, too.

Hairspray earns its keep quite well; it will hold your undivided attention as you howl with laughter all the way through! The DVD also features commentary by John Waters and Ricki Lake.

When it comes down to it, Hairspray manages to do be funny, hold your attention and explore rather serious issues concerning racial tensions, segregation, integration and the first true love each teen inevitably experiences--all at the same time and all in the same movie. That's quite a feat; and I recommend this film for fans of John Waters movies but also for people who enjoy comedies that involve social commentary. Great!

How is the new movie going to top this?.......2007-06-05

Honestly, I don't know.

I first became aware of Hairspray when I was 12-years-old(in the early 90's). It aired on Network television and I can't tell you how much I loved it! The music, the clothes, the dancing, and the poignant message of racial segregation had me riveted.

John Waters is notorious for making campy, sometimes just plain BAD, films. But Hairspray had the right amount of camp and attitude. I've seen the trailers for the new Hairspray film and I just don't see the flash and pizzazz of the original. I think I'll skip the theatre and pop in the DVD.

Fantastic!

wonderful!.......2007-05-30

I loved this movie! Ricki Lake is awesome :) who knew she could dance?!?

Dance Show Movie.......2007-05-25

This is the best movie ever. I love it. The new one is coming out soon. See the original before the new one! It's great. It's not really a musical it's a dance movie.

Average customer rating:

What more do you need?
Brillant
John Waters Best Movie! A Must Have For all Rockabilly's and Squares!
can't recommend a purchase
"You got it baby, you got it raw."

Cry Baby (Director's Cut)
Starring: Johnny Depp , Amy Locane , Susan Tyrrell , Polly Bergen , and Iggy Pop
Director: John Waters
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Hairspray
Cry Baby: Original Soundtrack Album
Benny and Joon
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Ed Wood (Special Edition)

ASIN: B0009IOR6Q
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Amazon.com essential video

John Waters's goofy, 1990 comedy about a Baltimore girl (Amy Locane) who can't decide if she should remain "good" in her 1954 world or hang out with the motorcycle boys is funny in a scene-by-scene way, but doesn't quite gel into the grand piece the director was hoping for. The cast is exceptionally likable, however, including Johnny Depp as an Elvis type and Iggy Pop as a chattering loony. The best material is set in a fringe world of bikers and losers on the outskirts of town, and Waters writes some hilarious sardonic dialogue for the characters. Cry-Baby is the last of Waters's more undisciplined features; he followed it with the glossier but no less perverse Serial Mom. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

What more do you need?.......2007-06-17

Being written and directed by John Waters and Johnny Depp not playing a gay drunken pirate is all this movie needs to be good. Add the fact that Cry Baby is an original version of the cliched movies that have the same plot as Grease. John Waters is a modern day critic of American society and his movies add comedy to the criticism. All his movies are classics and Cry Baby is no different.

The DVD features Commetary by John Waters, deleted scenes, and "It Came From Baltimore" which is a behind the scenes Featurette. The price is good the movie is great, what is stopping you from buying this?

Brillant.......2007-06-13

Great movie. Really Enjoyable. Got my 15 year old cousin to watch it and she loved it. Great cast.

John Waters Best Movie! A Must Have For all Rockabilly's and Squares!.......2007-06-01

This movie holds a special place for me. The fact that my grandpa in the 50's lived in Baltimore and he was a Drape! That man had alot of wild stories. Drapes as John Waters talks about was a gang in Maryland and term used for juvenile delinquints. Suffice to say I often wonder if John and my grandpa ever crossed paths. In fact the character Crybaby is alot like my grandpa he was white trash, he'd been to juvie, he rode a motorcycle, had a leather jacket and a greasy ducktail. He used to swipe cars and get into fights. He also was a musician with band called Rich Rocket and the Automobiles. It was a Rockabilly band he did a song called "Shaking my Dice" a euphemism for you know what, after watching a film warning about the solo act him and his buddies came up with this song as a joke. My Grandpa said they did a 45, the flip was a cover of Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire" they pressed copies only for the band and after he died I looked all through the attic to find it to no avail I was pretty pissed and sad. His stories and bravado made me want to be a Drape and Rockabilly greaser.
Your probably wondering what this has to do with the movie. Alot, when I was a kid me and my grandpa watched this movie in theatres. He snuck me past my parents who wouldn't let me ever set eyes on a John Waters film. I had a good time and so did my grandpa. He thought the movie vulgar and little stupid because he had become a born again Christian but overall I saw that gleam in his eyes and he said it brought back memories. This movie is hilarious and some of the music in this film is really hokey and corny. The Rockabilly stuff is pretty good since Rockabilly veterans Dave Alvin and James Intveld worked on those numbers. Its pretty surreal and crazy overall it is a mind trip and a delightful one. My grandpa if he was alive would recommend this movie. The DVD has interviews with John Waters, the cast and crew. Waters talks in length about the real Drapes which I found interesting and there is commentary. Some of the musical numbers could've been done a little better, but all in all as my grandfather said after leaving the theater with a smile on his face: "Swell, pretty swell."

can't recommend a purchase.......2007-05-24

Even though Cry Baby is an above-average comedy movie, the thing is, more often than not the storyline is more *silly* than it is actually funny. Johnny Depp's character was pretty good, but he wasn't as much of a bad guy or rebel as you'd believe. Just because he goes around driving a motorcycle and taking a few punches in the face doesn't mean he's a believable bad guy. His character was lacking in that area, in my opinion.

I also felt that the grandmother of his girlfriend (the GOOD girl who sings happy 50's-style rock tunes, instead of the more loud and outrageous Elvis Presley-like rockers intended for the troublemakers) wasn't entirely in character for the majority of the film. I mean, she tried so hard to flat out HATE teenagers who rebel against their parents to the point where she actually stood up to a crowd and mentions how she will not be brought down by them. But then, a short time later when Depp showed up to her granddaughter's musical thing in a motorcycle, for some reason the grandmother forgot that she was supposed to strongly dislike teens who rebel and didn't mind at all that her granddaughter opted to drive away with Depp. Strange.

The musical parts were okay, but most of them were 50's style rockers. You know how the music sounds. No need to elaborate on that.

A pretty decent movie with a few flaws in the way. Pick up some of Depp's other superior movies, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Secret Window.

"You got it baby, you got it raw.".......2007-05-24

Cry-Baby is a hilarious, campy musical that pokes fun at some classic musicals. The movie takes place in Baltimore and is named after its main character Wade Walker (Johnny Depp) who is nicknamed Cry-Baby because of the single tear he's able to shed at will. This unique ability and his devilish good looks drive the ladies wild. He even has Cry-Baby tattooed on his arm under Depp's real Cherokee chief head tattoo and scripted across the back of his leather jacket.

Cry-Baby is a drape, a leather wearing, motor cycling bad boy who hangs with a bunch of other drapes made of up of his pregnant sister Pepper (Ricki Lake), Hatchet-Face girl (Kim McGuire), Wanda Woodward (Traci Lords), and Milton Hackett (Darren E. Burrows); all delinquents in their own right.

One day one of the "square" girls takes notice of Cry-Baby. Allison (Amy Locane) decides she doesn't want to be so good anymore and encourages Cry-Baby's advances. Cry-Baby crashes a square party and takes Allison for a ride on his bike back to the drapes hang-out where his troupe gives her a makeover reminiscent of Sandy in Grease. They sing a duet together and there's a memorable make out scene with everyone wet French-kissing. Cry-Baby teaches Allison the basics of how to French Kiss ("Kiss Me, kiss me hard") which was both sexy and pee your pants funny. Everyone is interrupted when Allison's jilted boyfriend and his gaggle of goons pay a visit and set Cry-Baby's motorcycle on fire. A fight breaks out, the police show up and Cry-Baby is arrested and sent to a detention center until he's 21. There are some songbirds singing in jail reminiscent of Elvis Presley's Jailhouse Rock but perhaps less choreographed. But bars, conniving girls and angry mothers can't separate Cry-Baby from his true love for long.

Acting wise it is really hard to judge. Everyone was over acting to make a point and these roles are really tongue-in-cheek. As far as I'm concerned this film proves Johnny Depp can do just about anything and still be sexy. Johnny already had a huge following with his success in 21 Jump Street. As for fat girl, Ricki Lake, this came after Babycakes and Hairspray which I think were better roles for her. It looks like she's sporting a pregnant breasts and tummy body suit for her role. I didn't notice any fat stereotypes. She already has two illegitimate kids and gets just as much make-out time as any of the other characters. Even the somewhat deformed Hatchet Face girl gets a lot of action. Special appearances by Willem Dafoe (Batman) as a mean guard and rock star Iggy Pop as Uncle Belvedere round off the cast.

Cry-Baby was written and directed by John Walters who is also the writer and director of the Hairspray musical. You really have to have an open mind for comedy to enjoy this film. I thought it was hilarious, going in with the perspective of not taking it seriously. There are a lot of great one-liners. Would it be on my favorite movie list? Probably not, but I'd watch it again and recommend seeing it at least once. Reviewed by M.E. Wood.

The Wicker Man (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

The Original
This Version Should Win Any Straw Poll
MASTERPIECE!
The Wicker Man - 2006 vs. 1973 - It's No contest
The new double disc the one to own

The Wicker Man (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Juliet Cadzow , Ian Campbell , Walter Carr , Diane Cilento , and Michael Cole
Director: Robin Hardy
Manufacturer: Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Cult Classics | Anchor Bay Horror Store | Stores | DVD | Video

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Black Christmas (Special Edition)
Don't Look Now
The Mario Bava Collection, Volume 1 (Black Sunday / Black Sabbath / The Girl Who Knew Too Much / Kill Baby Kill / Knives of the Avenger)
Suspiria
The Wicker Man

ASIN: B000JVT1U0
Release Date: 2006-12-19

Amazon.com

Typically categorized as a horror film, The Wicker Man is actually a serious and literate thriller about modern paganism, written by Anthony Shaffer (Sleuth) with a deft combination of cool subjectivity and escalating dread. (Despite this promising directorial debut, British filmmaker Robin Hardy didn't make another film until The Fantasist, a little-seen thriller released in 1986.) We're introduced to the friendly but mysterious residents of Summerisle (located off the west coast of Scotland), where the isolated community enacts rituals that seem, at first, to be merely unconventional. When called in to investigate an anonymous tip about a missing child, mainland police sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) is treated as an outsider, and the ominous Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee) has the inside advantage. As the repressed policeman is taunted by the island's sensuous atmosphere, his investigation leads to increasingly disturbing implications.

With phallic symbols and soothing music at every turn, Summerisle is a pleasant haven for those who perform the pagan rituals of Lord Summerisle's maverick ancestors. These earthy ceremonies are presented with alluring authenticity, and the island's tempting eroticism is fully expressed by the landlord's daughter (Britt Ekland), who fills Howie with barely suppressed carnal desire. (Sirens took a comedic approach to a similar situation in 1994.) And yet the mystery of the missing girl remains, with clues that hint at a darker reality beneath the colorful local customs. When that reality is ultimately discovered, Howie becomes the crucial element in the islanders' most elaborate ritual, which is where the film's title comes into play. It may not be horror, but it is horrific, and this makes The Wicker Man an unforgettable film. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Special 2 - Disc Collectors edition of the Original movie filmed in 1973. Released to coincide with the release of the 2006 Wicker Man starring Nicholas Cage. Features: <BR> Extended version with 11 minutes of additional footage <BR> Theatrical Version<BR> Brand new audio commentary with director Robin Hardy, actors Christopher <BR> Liee and Edward Woodward and moderator Mark Kermonde

Customer Reviews:

The Original .......2007-06-19

My oppinion: The Wicker Man is a disturbing cult/Sacrafice movie. This is the original Wicker Man movie and it's more disturbinjg than the remak.

about The Film: The wicker man is about a pagen cult who trick this christian inspector to come to thier island to find a girl who really isn't missing.

Second oppinion. the Wicker man might not be for everybody. but if you like good horror films this one is for you.

If you liked this movie check out The Wicker Man(2006) Version & the wicker Man Soundtrack

This Version Should Win Any Straw Poll.......2007-06-12

This original "Wicker Man" (forget about the Nicholas Cage re-make) starts like a somewhat more conventional B-horror film. There are the purposefully unhelpful townspeople on the British island where Edward Woodward is sent to investigate the report of a missing girl. There are sidelong glances and whispers. Mysterious rites are practiced. All these slightly clichéd goings-on build mild suspense. But it's the twist-ending, with its awakening overturn of conventional role assignments, that is the real pay-off of the film.

What's more, Edward Woodward found the perfect defining role for himself here, even though he would probably prefer to be praised for his more "important" roles in Shakespearean works, in "Breaker Morant," or even as "The Equalizer" in the TV series. But here he portrays the supreme rectitude that he always seems to be striving towards in his other screen appearances. He is a man of proper, classical demeanor - a very rare kind of man who will not betray his principles for the expedient of satisfying any passing desire. It's the role that made me a Woodward fan.

As a bonus for male viewers, Britt Ekland does the most sumptuously erotic dance here that I think has ever been captured on camera.

All in all, "Wicker Man" ignites from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

MASTERPIECE!.......2007-06-11

I dont know what people are talking about when they say alot was cut from the extended version,because from what I read its only a couple minutes,and besides the extended version pretty much explains everything there is to know that the shortened version doesnt.This is one of the greatest films of all time and the ending twist is definitely probably the greatest twist in a horror film ever.Nicholas Cage,you classic destroying son of a [...]..

The Wicker Man - 2006 vs. 1973 - It's No contest.......2007-05-08

I don't write reviews very often because while I'm a movie buff, I don't usually take the time to pontificate. But having seen the 2006 version of Wicker Man on DVD, I feel the need to make a few observations.

First, on the positive side: certainly the production values of the new version are far superior to the original. It is an extremely well-crafted motion picture. The exterior shots were especially beautiful and made me want to revisit British Columbia.

At the end of the film, Ellen Burstyn's makeup and costume were a lot more convincing than Christopher Lee's getup in the original version! Even back when I first saw it in the theatre, Lee just didn't quite seem believable.

Having said this, I have serious problems with the remake. First, one of the things that made the original such an interesting film was the use of Celtic folk music. (The film takes place on Summerville Isle off the coast of Britain.) While the lyrics certainly qualify as bawdy, they are entirely appropriate to the setting of the story. The total absence of this and the orchestral score in the current version diminished both the intensity and the message of the film.

The real problem however is found in the dialog where Sister Summersisle tells Edward Malus he is to be a martyr. The dictionary describes a martyr as a person who is killed because of his or her religious or other beliefs. But as far as we know, Malus doesn't really have any religious convictions. He may be a sacrifice, but he's no martyr.

This brings us to the thrust of the original picture. The message was the battle between British forms of Christianity and Paganism. Both are done a serious disservice by the current version. In the original version, Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) is a passionately devoted conservative Christian. Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee) is an equally committed pagan.

As in the current version, the police officer is tricked into coming to the island for the purpose of being sacrificed because the crops have failed. He is chosen because of his very commitment to his faith and the fact that, due to this commitment, he remains a virgin. (And yes, I know, no matter how good an actor Cage is, nobody would believe he has remained sexually pure.) So Howie as a believer represents the perfect fool for these pagans and therefore the perfect sacrifice and martyr. Sergeant Howie, unlike Malus, actually dies for a reason. Malus just dies. And while Malus has no answers for Sister Summersisle, Howie certainly has them for Lord Summerisle. As Howie dies for his faith, he warns Summerisle that the next time the crop fails, it will be Lord Summerisle himself burning inside the Wicker Man.

The 1973 version ends with a man of honor dying for his faith and the warning that it is only a matter of time before the meaninglessness of the sacrifice will become apparent. In the `06 revised version's ending, we are left with a dead man and nothing more.

If you have only seen the current version of Wicker Man, I strongly suggest you view the original. If you ignore the picture's dated aspects, you will find a film with great depth which presents a highly compelling and far more accurate picture of people of faith, be they Christian or pagan.

The new double disc the one to own.......2007-05-02

Anchor Bay's new double disk, which includes the cut American version and the restored 99 minute version, as well as both a doc and a commentary, is the one to own of this title. Too bad they didn't find the post credit sun god image mentioned below but no doubt that will come on the three disc set in the future.

The extended version is superior (the image loss on the sections taken from the tape is minor), the story less a mystery than a steady march to doom with a still shocking climax. The American cut works except the rearranging of scenes (after you've seen the original order) looks like the director botched it up. Blame Roger Corman (who did the recut).

When I first saw it I thought it was a rather vicious attack on Paganism (Fellini was more charitable in "Satyricon"); however on second viewing Christianity and religion in all forms are offered up for scrutiny and ridicule. It is a shame that such a daring film had such a tortured path to the light. Not the first time. You would have thought Christian churches would have financed the distribution and shown it to summer camps.

Dead right is the liveliness of the music and celebration costumes and the wonderful amateur actors of the village, who seem to be having such a good time playing such a preposterous game. It figures that a director who could get that right wouldn't work again for twelve years.

Sidenote: Britt Eckland, then married to Rod Stewart, incurred his wrath with her nudity (sometimes doubled). And it lead to no film career for her either. She doesn't display much talent but certainly enhanced the film, pity it turned out so badly for her. And for everyone involved until the past five years.

Average customer rating:

Return to Snowy River
Great Movie.
Very Good Movie
Deserving of No Less than 15 Stars.........
RETURN TO SNOWY RIVER

Return to Snowy River
Starring: Tony Barry , John Bird , Tom Burlinson , Peter Cummins , and Brian Dennehy
Director: Geoff Burrowes
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Romantic Adventure | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

All Disney Titles | Disney Home Entertainment | Stores | DVD | Video

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( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Man From Snowy River
The Silver Stallion: His Spirit Cannot Be Tamed
Snowy River: The McGregor Saga - The Race
The Man From Snowy River: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Return To Snowy River, Part II - The Legend Continues: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

ASIN: B00005JLHX
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Description

Australia's breathtaking Victoria Alps set the backdrop for this spectacular epic saga. Tom Burlinson and Sigrid Thornton, two of Australia's brightest film talents, star in a fast-paced, action-packed story of a stormy romance caught up in a violent feud between landowners. Acclaimed actor Brian Dennehy (LEGAL EAGLES, COCOON) gives a gripping performance as the powerful patriarch determined to keep them apart. Visually unforgettable and packed with rugged adventure and masterful stuntwork, RETURN TO SNOWY RIVER is a thrilling and memorable film!

Customer Reviews:

Return to Snowy River.......2007-06-08

Gotta watch both to get the full affect of the Man of Snowy River... Great love story...

Great Movie........2007-05-13

The ladies love this! Pop it in, and watch 'em cuddle right up into your arms.

Very Good Movie.......2007-05-12

I have the first movie and the second on video and Dvd and I do enjoy them very much.

Deserving of No Less than 15 Stars................2007-04-10

As I said for the First part of this Masterful Storyline, forget what you hear about the Director and the Producers, this story is Given to you not by them but by a Masterful Storyline, Wonderful Acting and Scenery unlike any you will see Anywhere.

Sequals Often do NOT match up to their predecessors, yet This one Equals its First part in All ways possible.

It is NOT to be missed, and it will Demand that you watch it over and over, finding New things at each viewing.

RETURN TO SNOWY RIVER.......2007-03-08

JUST WISH I WAS ABLE TO GET THE WHOLE SERIES. WAS VERY GOOD!

Jackass - Number Two (Unrated Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Two goes too far...
Insane
POSSIBLY THE FUNNIEST FILM IN CINEMATIC HISTORY!!!
Surprise! 'Jack'(a--)-in-a-Box
funny as hell

Jackass - Number Two (Unrated Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Willie Garson , Tony Hawk , Stephanie Hodge , Mat Hoffman , and Rip Taylor
Manufacturer: Paramount / MTV
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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Bloopers | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

Skateboarding | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Jackass - The Movie (Unrated Special Collector's Edition)
Borat - Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (Widescreen Edition)
Talladega Nights - The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (Unrated Widescreen Edition) [Region 99]
The Departed (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Crank (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000JLTRJK
Release Date: 2006-12-26

Amazon.com

Jackass Number Two could be alternately titled " From Bowties to Bunny Ears: What Will Chris Pontius Be Wearing Next?" Like the first Jackass movie, Johnny, Bam, Chris, Steve-O and the gang are all here. This "sequel" is full of stunts, pranks and one-liners, and contains more defecation, more male nudity, more scream-worthy moments and of course more uncontrollable laughter. The film opens with a rather well directed cinematic piece: the entire Jackass gang running from a stampede of bulls. From there it takes off into the hysterically exhausting world of Jackass. The bulls are actually in quite a few stunts, one of which has "leader" Johnny Knoxville using himself as a red flag, and getting spearheaded by a charging bull. Ah, good times. Some of the stunts include: "Beehive Limo", "Fart Mask", "Red Rocket" and a fake terrorist plot which boasts the improve line, "Where I'm going, I don't need luggage." Bam gets branded, they fish for sharks with Steve-O as bait, Johnny catches Anacondas with his bare hands, the list goes on. The gem in this collection of antics has to be the offensive interactions with the innocent people on the street by Johnny Knoxville and director/actor Spike Jonez, while disguised as a very old man and woman. Celebrity guests partaking in stunts include extreme sports legends Tony Hawk and Mat Hoffman. The movie culminates in a beautifully choreographed, fantastical and dangerous musical number not to be missed. Throughout the movie it is apparent that the Jackass gang is older and a little more worn, especially when Bam pleads, "Please God, don't let there be a "Jackass 3". For fans of the TV series and the films, a trilogy may be just what the doctor ordered. The DVD extras (deleted scenes, unrated material and two pretty funny music videos) are more of the same and worth the watch, though some of it is not for the faint hearted. --Rachel Moss

Description

Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O and the entire crew from the popular MTV franchise return in the most insane DVD of the year, jackass number two. Available in both rated and "too hot for theaters" unrated versions, jackass number two pushes the limits with all-new stunts, pants-wetting practical jokes, fun with bears, bees, snakes, bulls, sharks…and other REALLY bad ideas.

Customer Reviews:

Two goes too far..........2007-06-23

I dunno I just don't think watching people do permanent damage to their friend's bodies is all that amusing. Seems like Jackass on MTV (and the first movie) had more clever pranks while this one was more about inflicting pain and damage. I'll admit that I turned it off at the point Steve-o did a sort of reverse beer bong, so maybe it picked up after that point...but that didn't seem likely.

Insane.......2007-05-30

Bought for a 14yo teenage boy who screeches with laughter every 5minutes. Not my cup of tea watching grown men make complete arses of themselves.

POSSIBLY THE FUNNIEST FILM IN CINEMATIC HISTORY!!!.......2007-05-27

I'm not even remotely a fan of Jackass but I had watched the first movie, and when I was going to see number two I kept thinking there was no way these guys could out do themselves with this one. Man I was so wrong.
This movie had me laughing so much I had to take asprins because I had gotten a headache. There are to many parts in this movie that had me rolling all over the floor (especially the switcharoo in the bed, the small toilet, bad grandpa).
I'm even compelled to say this movie could even be the best sequel to date since Godfather Part 2.
Well don't take mine or anyone else's word for it, go and see it.

WARNING: DO NOT EAT ANYTHING BEFORE AND DURING THE MOVIE.

Surprise! 'Jack'(a--)-in-a-Box.......2007-05-11

Seeing the previews on a review show, `Jackass 2' looked like a barrel of fun. I saw stuntmen propelled in the air for "Fire hose Rodeo," skiing down a stairwell with artificial snow, and a mini loop motorcycle stunt. What I was expecting was `Candid Camera' meets "X"-treme sports novelties. What I mainly got was a "hybrid"* of 'Fear Factor'. I was misled.

Favorably, it all starts out with a bull run that is harrowing and impressively shot. Later, one of the best scenes is a Hollywood movie parody. (Even though there's no plot, per say, the scene is so impressive, that if you must see it, I wouldn`t dare spoil it for you.) In their defense, they certainly are inventive with every stunt they pull.

Then, it gets morbid. Sight gags with snake bites, stunts with shattered glass, and leeches shown to host on a man's "private parts" and his eyeball are definitely an acquired taste. In one scene, a "phallic" image is branded to one stalwart's b--t. To ensure authenticity, they have to show the blood afterwards with participants writhing in pain and onlookers laughing--like it were `The Three Stooges' gone `Gladiator`. (I don't remember laughing at people getting hurt since I was six, but, maybe, it's just me.) Granted the stunt men are professionals and their caveat--to paraphrase, "Don't try this at home, kids--" is amply posted, but I didn`t find it entertaining. Male b--t shots, feces, vomiting, and actors dressed as elderly people with fake genitals hanging out of garments are the obsessive bill of fare presented. (To their credit, their inventive hijinx is only fractionally represented here.)

I felt like I had entered an impressive carnival and left a freak show that mainly made me feel queasy.

"Let the buyer beware?" Maybe. Not asking for a refund, I, nonetheless, would like other thrill seekers to make an informed decision before entering this circus tent.

*with elements that remind one of the initials associated with Marquis de Sade.

funny as hell.......2007-05-09

too much to describe. If you like a bunch of slapstick / sick / and crazy humor....def buy this movie. I even think its better than the first

Average customer rating:

You Are Not Allowed To Read This Review
Great look at how Hollywood works
You'd be outraged if you knew what was going on here
Good stuff
Scathing Portrait of MPAA

This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Starring: David Robb , Allison Anders , Kirby Dick , Atom Egoyan , and Jon Lewis
Manufacturer: Ifc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Jesus Camp
Borat - Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (Widescreen Edition)
The Departed (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Babel
The Prestige

ASIN: B000JGWD64
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Amazon.com

As it turns out, Kirby Dick's eye-opening documentary isn't rated. When he submitted it to the Motion Picture Association of America, they slapped it with an NC-17 (though he had always intended to release it unrated). This is fitting since he sheds much-needed light on the inner workings of a secretive organization that wields great power over the movies the public gets to see (since most mainstream media won't touch the dreaded NC-17). It's just as well since This Film Is Not Yet Rated focuses on the more controversial films of the past three decades. Aside from the stories of filmmakers who have tussled with the MPAA, Dick hires a private investigator to determine who sits on the board, since this information isn't in the public domain. With her assistance, he solves the mystery. Directors include Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream), Mary Harron (American Psycho), and Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don't Cry). Though frequently humorous, This Film Is Not Yet Rated should be required viewing for serious film fans, because the MPAA doesn't just affect what gets seen--but what gets made. If it has a flaw, it's this: In his attempt to generate transparency, Dick (Twist of Faith) arguably crosses the line. It's one thing to identify the board members; it's another to divulge their vital statistics. Whether or not these "guardians of morality" are working for the common good, they're still entitled to a little privacy. That said, this is vital stuff for anyone concerned about First Amendment issues. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

Kirby Dick's provocative film investigates the secretive and inconsistent process by which the Motion Picture Association of America rates films. Dick questions whether certain studios get preferential treatment, exposes the discrepancies in how the MPAA views sex and violence, and reveals the association's efforts to control culture.

Customer Reviews:

You Are Not Allowed To Read This Review.......2007-05-30

How long does it take to explain a double-standard? I suppose it depends on how frustrated the double-standard in question has you. Kirby Dick took 1 hour and 37 minutes to explain his frustrations with double-standards that the MPAA sets (regularly) on films depicting sex & violence, and Kirby's explanation is about 1 hour more than it needed to be.

In a nutshell, Kirby's documentary-of-sorts primarily attempts to expose the monopoly that the MPAA holds over independent filmmakers trying to break through. Basically Kirby thinks that an organization (the MPAA) whose exclusive members are the "Big Six" major Hollywood studios (Disney, Sony, Paramount, 20th Century Fox, Universal, and Warner Brothers) will try to hinder an independent film's chances of getting better than an NC-17 rating if it has any "controversial" sex and violence. Where, on the flip-side, Kirby says that a movie with the same (or very similar) scene from one of the Big Six's studios would earn an R rating.

And Kirby makes a very good case. But after 30 minutes, I'd say most of us get the point. The excessive elaborations in "This Film Is Not Yet Rated" go far beyond need-to-know. [...]

Ahhh...Freedom of Speech...now that's the issue that I thought would be the primary focus of "This Film Is Not Yet Rated"...not, "No fair, the MPAA is a monopoly."

The issue to me is that we are taught that we all have Freedom of Speech as a Constitutional right. Not just the MPAA, but other regulatory groups and corporate entities (the FCC, production companies, theater owners, broadcasters, etc, etc, etc) all say, "That's fine. You can say it, but we won't put it on the air." Therefore, for Kirby to zero in on the MPAA (for over 90 minutes) was a bit narrow, and a better film would have included the other entities (deities in their own minds?) that just say "no" to free speech.

[...]

I actually like the premise of the MPAA. It's too bad for folks like Kirby Dick if a group like the MPAA truly is holding them down. After seeing Kirby's film it does seem like the NC-17 rating could be unfair at times.

The G, PG, PG-13 and R system is a good one, and it should be used broadly across all media. It let's viewers and parents know what they or their kids could be in for. The other more restrictive rating perhaps should be P for porn, and applied specifically to movies that are made to sexually stimulate...not to movies that "have a sex scene in them". [...]

[...] Clearly I don't feel that some government official or anyone should be allowed to restrict you from what you can see and hear. As for Kirby's movie...he does have a point that inspires discussion. But I think your time would be better spent commenting on this review with your take on the issue.

Great look at how Hollywood works.......2007-05-29

I've long been fascinated by what I think of as the "utterly inadequate American movie rating system." The five stamps the Motion Picture Association of America slap onto movies seem to fall far short of the diverse array of films out there. I think there should be SOME sort of rating system, don't misunderstand, I just think the one we have is pretty poor.

It's always nice to know that you're not alone. I just finished watching the 2006 documentary This Film is Not Yet Rated, an (unrated, natch) documentary intent on uncovering the inner workings of the MPAA, how ratings are applied, and who is doing the rating. Director Kirby Dick hires a team of private investigators to help him ferret out who exactly is involved in the ratings board of the MPAA. Supposedly, the ratings board is made up of parents with children aged 5 through 16. Dick, not surprisingly, finds out this may not be the case. Once he finishes his investigation into the board, he attempts to get his own movie (the very one we're watching) rated by the MPAA, and the chronicle of that battle is the most entertaining and intriguing section of the film.

Dick intercuts the story of his investigation with a series of highly entertaining interviews with filmmakers who have had to fight against the dreaded NC-17 rating at times. Kevin Smith, John Waters, Matt Stone and several others explain why their films were targeted, how arbitrary some of the decisions seem and - perhaps most telling - how different their treatment was when working on an independent film as opposed to making a film for a major studio. What's most surprising about this movie is simply how fun to watch most of it is. Dick uses biting humor to get his points across, and the interviewees are often very funny in their own right.

The nature of "documentary" filmmaking has gotten very dodgy in recent years, and I find myself approaching any such movie with an eye on filtering out the filmmaker's personal biases. And, in fact, the few times this movie does began to push forth something of an agenda instead of presenting stories and facts are the few times it starts to feel a little tedious. Fortunately, those instances are few and far between. I don't expect everyone to rush out and watch this film, and if you do watch it, I recommend you make the effort to educate yourself and not just take the filmmaker's word for anything. If you can do that, though, I think you'll find a movie that's a lot of fun to watch, and will deeply impact the way you think about the movie industry - in a good way.

You'd be outraged if you knew what was going on here.......2007-05-28

Run, don't walk, to rent "This Film is Not Yet Rated", if you love, make or write about MOVIES.

It's about the Motion Picture Association of America, a small group of anonymous individuals in league with big media and the church to censor movies through their coercive control of the ratings system.

The power of the MPAA is to label a film "NC-17" and prohibit people under 18 from seeing it theatrically, even with a parent. This power is most destructive to small, independent film makers with the least power to defend themselves - and frequently have the most to lose by diluting their film to get an "R" rating. (Interestingly, a film maker does not have to accept the MPAA rating, but doing so is tantamount to marketing and distribution suicide.)

The film's anecdotes of directors diluting their films to achieve an R rating suggest that many extraordinary film moments have been stolen from us over the years. Perhaps not surprisingly, most of the deleted or dumbed-down content has been sexual, or dealt with other mature-themes, while violence in all forms has been treated with kid gloves.

The film clearly identifies the societal challenge - we need an effective mechanism to inform parents of film content they may deem inappropriate for their kids - sex, violence, profanity and mature situations. But the film offers a solution - CONTENT DESCRIPTIONS instead of rating grades: OBJECTIVE, EXPLICIT CRITERIA that describes film content so parents can make informed decisions what to let their kids see.

I recommend this movie to everyone for visibility into the daily censorship conducted by the MPAA - literally behind closed doors, in secrecy and anonymity, and sanctioned by the media elite.

Check out the DVD special features, including the deleted scenes. If you're in the media, please write stories about this MPAA rating process. Offer it up for public scrutiny! It will surely fail the test and receive a mandate to reform.

Good stuff.......2007-05-21

Though it feels sometimes more like a TV show than a feature, this movie does a great job at presenting its case. The message is simple: the MPAA has a monopoly on everyone's first impression of a movie, and they are not the best or the fairest people for the job. Since they veil themselves in secrecy, the documentarian hunts them down to reveal who's in charge of determining what's appropriate for movie audiences.

Scathing Portrait of MPAA.......2007-05-16

Kirby Dick, with the help of a private detective firm, has courageously uncovered the individuals who make up the MPAA to reveal its agenda: To hire a bunch of do-gooders who are completely lacking any artistic merit and empower them with the ability to bully independent film makers and even big studios into watering-down their films so that they conform to the provincial, socially conservative sensibility of the MPAA members. We discover that the MPAA has no accountability, no artistic training, no real reflection of "American diversity," no real function at all but to broker censorship power to a bunch of arrogant philistines who have nothing better to do than stick their nose in film makers' business. I had no idea the MPAA is such a pernicious enterprise and watching this compelling documentary made my blood boil.

John Waters Collection (A Dirty Shame NC-17 Version / Desperate Living / Female Trouble / Hairspray / Pecker / Pink Flamingos / Polyester)

Average customer rating:

Close to perfect...
Good little collection......
john waters box set
Not bad, but not great.
Hilarious

John Waters Collection (A Dirty Shame NC-17 Version / Desperate Living / Female Trouble / Hairspray / Pecker / Pink Flamingos / Polyester)
Starring: John Waters Collection
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Comedy | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

Cry Baby (Director's Cut)
Lust in the Dust
Cecil B. Demented
Divine Trash
Serial Mom

ASIN: B000929UPA
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Description

All new John Waters Gift Set that includes: A Dirty Shame, Desperate Living, Female Trouble, Hairspray, Pecker, Pink Flamingos, Polyester and a bonus disc of extras!

Customer Reviews:

Close to perfect..........2007-05-04

John Waters has been an inspiration, a guide in good (bad) taste and a personal hero since I was 13. 24 years later nothing has changed and this DVD box-set was a joy. It's like being shot in the head by your favourite member of the Manson Family or joining a sickening cult who relentlessly coerce you into getting a life.

I'm biased of course. I think John Water's movies should be obligatory by law. However I do have some questions...like where the hell is Multiple Maniacs and why has Serial Mom been omitted from the list?

What you DO get are classics like Pink Flamingos in which the protagonists struggle to prove themselves to be the filthiest people alive, while Desperate Living has the greatest Backwards Day scene ever filmed while hippies blasted on LSD shove babies into refrigerators. Also you get Female Trouble which is simply Divine's unquestionable masterpiece, while Pecker is just sublime and counts as the most loving tribute to a camera yet put on celluloid. All in all this cannot be missed but where the hell have Cry Baby and all the others got to?

The most series overlook is Multiple Maniacs and I'm still stuck without David Lochary as Mr David. I only have my VHS copy and the tape is wearing out. Please release it on a shiny plastic disk before I do something drastic and saw off my own face.

As Water's commented in Crackpot...much of what counted as showmanship in cinema is now dead. Thank god there is then a record of a man possessed of that vision who (unlike the infamous Jim Rose who once threatened to kill me when I compared his freak show with Water's visionary work) has an eye on the truly depraved. As always that's where the action is and there is no competing with it. A whole truckload of Quentin Tarantino's with their boring, tame, saleable zeitgeist crap have missed the bus. Perhaps you'll be on it with them heading to Retardsville instead of moving here?

I bought this with a Date With John Waters on CD. Great double pick. Still I'm missing the armpit licking and Divine's blasphemous unholy vision.

Water's really is The Pope Of Trash and this box-set will at least partially prove it. It makes me want to hit the banned-list and invite over a few nuns.

2000 out of 10.

Good little collection.............2007-02-26

I sometimes wonder if John Waters should've released two boxed sets. One containing the films prior to Hairspray and one after Hairspray, because it seems that the feel and focus of the films changed with that movie. Besides, that would make for a truly complete collection. However, I still enjoyed the box set. Some films I liked better than others obviously..... Personally, I enjoyed Water's newer films more than some of the old ones. Pink Flamingoes is still great, but some of the older flicks such as Female Trouble and Polyester seemed a bit boring to tell the truth. I highly enjoyed Pecker and A Dirty Shame. All in all, its a decent set. And the extra scrapbook disc adds some extras for die-hards to surf through.

john waters box set.......2007-01-12

this is a must have for any waters fan. the box set "very crudely yours" lives up to it's name.

Not bad, but not great........2006-11-03

The older films were a bit rough, as would be expected. Much of the acting is just awful, but that is the charm of the movies in some respects. I am glad that I got this set, but would hesitate to recommend it.

Hilarious.......2006-08-03

I've only recently discovered Jon Waters' movies. I had seen Pink Flamingos last year and loved it. Now, within the last 2 months I have purchased 5 of the movies in this collection as well as the Divine Trash documentary. I will only review the films i have seen (i have not seen Pecker or Hairspray)
1. Pink Flamingos-this movie is absolutely hilarious and is the best in this collection. Waters could not have cast a more perfect group of people-Divine, Mink Stole, Mary V. Pearce, Danny Mills, David Lochary and the unforgettable Edith Massey are all brilliant in their roles as dysfunctional perverts and freaks. The plot is very simple, the sets are simple...but the film is great. watch it with friends! [A+]

2. Female Troube-comes oh so close to being #1. This was the perfect follow-up to Pink Flamingos. It's not as gross though (which isn't saying a lot, it still has it's uneasy moments!). Divine gives a better performance this time around and Mink is priceless as Taffy. The scene with Divine in her see-through wedding dress had me howling on the floor. This is Waters' second best film. [A+]

3. Desperate Living-I had my reservations before seeing this one since Divine is not in it, but it turned out to be really good as well. I'm almost tempted to say that this one is even more gross than Pink Flamingos! It has a lot of laughs, although i do have some criticisms. The Mole characted was really annoying to me, I don't think Susan Lowe should have played the part. Also, the penis-cutting scene was a bit over the top. But on the better side, Mink Stole deserved an Academy Award for the performance, Jean Hill was a brilliant addition to the Waters gang, and Mary Vivian and Edith Massey were great, as always.Third best Waters film. [A]

4. Polyester-This is considered Waters' "transitional" film from underground to mainstream. It was a little more conventional, but still had enough of an edge to be considered a true Waters film, especially with the return of Divine. Honestly though, it wasn't as good as the previous three films. It had some good moments but it kind of dragged on a little bit. I also wish Mary Vivian would have been featured a lot more. [B-]

5. Dirty Shame-I was looking forward to this one since it was heralded as Waters' return to his nasty roots, but it just wasn't that good. Sorry to say it, but Waters' best days were in the late 60's and 70's. I barely even laughed through this one. I really don't see how it was even rated NC17, it didn't even come close to the filth from his 70's movies. [D+]

I recommend that you just buy the Trash trio: Pink Flamingos, Female Troube and Desperate Living-those are the 3 best he's ever done and ever will do. Cemented in stone as the Filthiest Movies Alive.

Average customer rating:

"You've Never Seen Paper Moon? What!!!!"
Funny and Charming Road Movie
A CLASSIC! TATUM AND RYAN ARE PRICELESS IN THE MOVIE!
One or the Other
Disappointed

Paper Moon
Starring: Ryan O'Neal , Tatum O'Neal , Madeline Kahn , John Hillerman , and P.J. Johnson
Director: Peter Bogdanovich
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Bad News Bears
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ASIN: B00009RDGA
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Amazon.com

A sweet and subtle gem of a movie. Newly orphaned Addie (Tatum O'Neal) falls into the care of small-time con artist Moses Pray (Ryan O'Neal, Tatum's real-life father) and turns out to be better at grifting than he is. Set in Depression-era Kansas, Paper Moon is a miracle of unity. The set design and cinematography combine to give both the flavor of documentary photos and the visual quality of movies from the period, and every performance meshes with the overall tone of sincerity, earnest optimism, and creeping desperation. The rapport between Addie and Moses is phenomenal--and being father and daughter doesn't make that a sure thing. Ryan O'Neal gives a truly great performance (perhaps the only one of his career) and Tatum won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (she's the youngest winner in history). Madeline Kahn was also nominated for her wonderfully funny and sad turn as an exotic dancer named Trixie Delight. Paper Moon has a miraculous combination of outrageous sentimentality and pragmatic cynicism; the result is genuinely touching. One of director Peter Bogdanovich's best films, and kind of a comic companion piece to The Last Picture Show. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Adapted from the novel "Addie Pray" by Joe David Brown, PAPER MOON is set in the Midwest during the Great Depression, and follows the story of Moses Pray (Ryan O'Neal), a happy-go-lucky con artist who travels through the Midwest on a mission to swindle money out of innocent widows. While attending a friend's funeral, Pray is called upon by two elderly ladies to deliver the daughter of the deceased, Addie (Tatum O'Neal), to her aunt in Missouri. Soon learning that the 9-year-old is almost as mischievous and manipulative as he is, Pray and Addie develop a father and daughter routine that increases their credibility as well as their income. Now, the devious duo set out on a series of misadventures involving crooked cops, bootleggers, grieving widows and a Carney dancer named Miss Trixie Delight (Kahn) who adds a little spice to their routine.

Customer Reviews:

"You've Never Seen Paper Moon? What!!!!".......2007-06-13

It's great a movie.

Everyone needs to see this movie so they can recall scenes in conversation. Basically, seeing movies like these, keep you in touch with most present day social situations.

Funny and Charming Road Movie.......2007-04-16

I recently watched for the first time Peter Bogdanovich's early gem (how could I miss it?) with the family team, Ryan and Tatum O'Neil, and fell in love with this charming and touching road movie/comedy that takes place during the Great Depression. Tatum gave, perhaps, one of the best performances by a child I've seen for which she received the Academy award as Best Supporting Actress. Her Addie is almost never cute (even though she could be when she wanted to) but her Addie is very smart, very observant, and much better "con artist" than "professional" Moses Pray. It was sad to see how talented Tatum was and how her career went nowhere after this triumph. Madeline Kahn, as Trixie Delight, the seductive lounge singer and P.J. Johnson as Imogene, 15 years old Trixie's maid are delightful.

4.5/5

A CLASSIC! TATUM AND RYAN ARE PRICELESS IN THE MOVIE!.......2007-04-12

This is the kind of movie that can not be duplicated. It is like lightning in a bottle. Ryan and Tatum O'Neal are pure magic as the "one step ahead of em" con artists, but it is little Tatum O'Neal who completely steals the show! Filmed in beautiful black and white which sets the tone of this depression era comedy. The supporting cast in excellent too, so the film never drags. The DVD transfer is great and some interesting extras.

One or the Other.......2007-03-09

This is that rare case of a book (ADDIE PRAY) and this film, based on the book being equally good. That said, if you've read the book, avoid the film and vice versa. I had read the book and had a vision of what the film should be. What Peter Bogdonovich made didn't match what I wanted. The characters are vastly different with Addie becoming almost the leader. (As with many other reviewers, I agree that Tatum O'Neal deserved to be nominated as a "best" rather than "supporting" actress.) Without a scintilla of sentimentality, the film still has enormous warmth, charm and even grace. Unusual in a movie that is essentially about two con artists. (I thought of Borsalino.) So see it, buy it or buy it and read it but not both. Either way it's a treat.

Disappointed.......2007-02-12

This VHS was old and worn. It broke after watching it once. I took it as a lost without complaining. Went to a flee Market and bought a 2nd used copy.

Average customer rating:

good music
Just adding to
The Standard for Concert Films - A Trip down Memory Lane!
The Last Waltz-The Band
THE LAST WALTZ IS THE BAND'S MOST SHINING MOMENT.

The Last Waltz (Blu-Ray)
Starring: The Band , Paul Butterfield , Rick Danko , Dr. John , and Emmylou Harris
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000EZ7ZZ4
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

good music.......2007-06-14

this dvd is excellent. there is nothing else to be said.

Just adding to.......2007-06-08

The Standard for Concert Films - A Trip down Memory Lane!.......2007-05-16

The Last Waltz-The Band.......2007-05-15

Probably the best concert film of its kind to date!! Every performer was captured in their prime all at one major rock event. Don't miss it.

THE LAST WALTZ IS THE BAND'S MOST SHINING MOMENT........2007-04-15