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arnieb
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- Review count67
- Helpfulness votes55
- First reviewNovember 4, 2007
- Last reviewMay 28, 2011
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.1
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![Born This Way [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/2588/2588749_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
Terrific Pop Album
on May 28, 2011
Posted by: arnieb
from Redlands, CA
The new album by Lady Gaga takes a new direction from her previous work. "The Fame" was fun and dance floor ready, "The Fame Monster" was self-reflective and also had some great songs on there.
BTW is completely different: the sound, the lyrics, the song production. In her new album, Gaga blends Euro pop, disco, 80s stadium rock, and even some metal! I bought the Special Edition, but I would recommend the standard edition because as one reviewer noted, it contains the "meat" and the special edition just has the sides.
Lyrically, the album tackles identity, conformity, gay marriage, immigration, religion (not blatant or blasphemous in any way), fashion, liberation and freedom (on High Unicorn).
Overall, this a terrific album--not the album of the decade--but nonetheless it's a refreshing pop album in a sea of auto-tuned, factory churned pop albums that are being released nowadays. I hope this album has those other pop stars stepping their game up.
My personal favorites: the singles, Marry the Night, Government Hooker, Americano, Scheisse, Electric Chapel, and the masterpiece that is You and I! I highly recommend this album.
I cannot wait to hear what she releases next! Hopefully a jazz album to highlight her beautiful voice and have Clarence Clemons throughout (one can only dream).
What's great about it: The lyrics, the song production, and the price.
What's not so great: None.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
![The Wild Bunch [Blu-ray] [1969]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8495/8495461_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
A really great blu ray transfer
on September 3, 2010
Posted by: arnieb
from Redlands, CA
If you've watched the movie, you know how great it is and how the performances really hold this movie up. Well, this movie is over 40 years old and usually the look really bad, right?
Wrong. This version of "The Wild Bunch" in blu ray is gorgeous. You can see the wrinkles and the sweat on Holden's face. You can see the bright-red blood with such clarity that you will be stunned at how violent this movie was for being filmed so long ago. The shots of the desert and the gang riding around in the west are gorgeous.
If you love this movie, definitely buy this on blu ray. You will NOT be disappointed!
What's great about it: Picture quality!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
![2001: A Space Odyssey [Blu-ray] [1968]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8509/8509795_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
An example of why blu-ray will push DVD out...
on September 3, 2010
Posted by: arnieb
from Redlands, CA
I'm not here to give a review about the film... This blu-ray edition of 2001: A Space Odyssey is the one you should own if you are a fan of this film. I have never seen it look this good. I recently bought a blu-ray player, looked on some sites to see what were the "definitive" BD's to get and 2001 was recommended. I love this film as it is and to watch it with such clarity and sharpness makes me all giddy.
I can tell you that you will NOT be disappointed. The picture quality and audio is absolutely stunning. I wasn't around when it was released in theaters, but I'm pretty sure this is how it looked on the big screen. Kubrick would be proud of the treatment his sci-fi masterpiece received.
And PLEASE to those citing the 2.20:1 aspect ratio... LOOK IT UP. That's how Kubrick filmed it! If you knew anything about the original you would know this is how it was intended to be and NOTHING is cut from this version.
What's great about it: Amazing video quality
What's not so great: Nothing
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+9points
9of 9voted this as helpful.
![Flesh Tone [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9981/9981279_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
A PERFECT Summer Album!
on July 6, 2010
Posted by: arnieb
from Redlands, CA
"Flesh Tone" is a deliciously perfect blend of electro-house pop. I bought the album today and I have been playing it non-stop and now I'm waiting for my hard copy so I can play it until it plays no more! The music is euphoric and the lyrics are beautiful. Yes, here is an electronic-pop album with deep and meaningful lyrics. I did not care for Kelis before, I just liked her "Milkshake" and "Bossy" hits like everyone else, but after hearing her single "Acapella" and "4th of July" I learned more about her and watched some interviews and performances--Tavis Smiley and saw her on Kimmel and Leno. She is so amazing live that I already bought my tickets to see her in concert with Robyn! (YES!)
This album is like the ultimate lullaby to her son and a kind of declaration of her independence and strength as a woman. Her divorce from Nas did not turn her into a crying woman that cowers back and loses it all. With this album she picks herself up, pieces everything together and rises from the problems with strength!
The music is amazing. If this is her new musical direction, then more power to her! There are so many club stomping hits on this album, it is incredible. My personal favorites are "22nd Century", "Acapella", "4th of July", and "Song for the Baby". I just cannot get over the fact that this is a dance album with beautiful lyrics and for such a cheap price ($7.99) it is a STEAL! It is has gotten praise from critics and bloggers alike, and all I can say is that they hit the nail on the head. This album is HOT!
The music is amazing. If this is her new musical direction, then more power to her! There are so many club stomping hits on this album, it is incredible. My personal favorites are "22nd Century", "Acapella", "4th of July", and "Song for the Baby". I just cannot get over the fact that this is a dance album with beautiful lyrics and for such a cheap price ($7.99) it is a STEAL! It is has gotten praise from critics and bloggers alike, and all I can say is that they hit the nail on the head. This album is HOT!
Finally, this is the PERFECT SUMMER ALBUM! Buy it NOW!
What's great about it: Lyrics, beats, segues, a perfect blend of genres.
What's not so great: Too short!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
![Downfall [DVD] [2004]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/7275/7275922_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
An Amazing WWII Film.
on January 12, 2009
Posted by: arnieb
from Redlands, CA
What an interesting film crafted by Hirschbiegel; I cannot recall a film that has dramatized the last days of Hitler with more accuracy and carefulness as this film. Not only is it an interesting view on Hitler's diminishing health and sanity, it is also a great war film. The film gives Hitler another dimension and sets him at a level that is actually human. You see him at his strongest; you see him at his weakest. I recommend watching this film if WWII events interest you, or merely to get some insight as to Hitler's final days.
What's great about it: Acting, cinematography, direction
What's not so great: Don't be put-off by the subtitles!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![Paranoid Park [WS] [DVD] [2007]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9056/9056488_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
Emotional Piece by Van Sant.
on January 12, 2009
Posted by: arnieb
from Redlands, CA
What an interestingly crafted piece-of-art this film is; a love-child of Van Sant. Those who are weary of long-takes that linger on characters should search for another movie to watch. This film is not what I expected; it fell short; but I would recommend it for its simple plot, yet the complexity of its main character. How beautiful is it when a filmmaker can capture the essence of being a teenager and have their inexperienced actor add so many layers to the character.
What's great about it: A good view into teenage life.
What's not so great: Lingers on characters too much; is not for the easily bored person.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![Hancock [WS] [Unrated] [DVD] [2008]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9081/9081646_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
An Unexpected Fun Superhero Movie!
on January 12, 2009
Posted by: arnieb
from Redlands, CA
What an unexpected approach this film took; it shows us the opposite reasons for being a superhero. Usually, films in the genre present the superhero as one who fights crimes, their own demons, and is loved by all those who like to see justice prevail. Not Hancock; here you will find a film that shows what the consequences are for breaking things and what it means to break the rules in 'our world'. You might have seen many mixed criticism; I avoided this film in theaters, but now that I've seen it I have to say that I missed out. I have to comment on the last third of this film though: it becomes stupid.
What's great about it: Surprisingly Good!
What's not so great: Where's the villian?
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![Mamma Mia! [DVD] [2008]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9071/9071826_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
A Little (Fun) Vacation
on January 10, 2009
Posted by: arnieb
from Redlands, CA
This film is nothing more than sheer fun and excitement! Reviewers try to tear it apart and can't get past the simple fun it consists of; I think one critic put it best by writing, "it's a vacation." That's exactly what this movie is about; just a little less than a two-hour escape from reality. The film is chalk-full of ABBA songs and if you don't like their music, then do not watch this movie!
What's great about it: The music, Meryl Streep, and the cast.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Customer Rating
4
Surprisingly...Great!
on November 26, 2008
Posted by: arnieb
from Redlands, CA
If you're familiar with Kevin Smiths' work than you will certainly not be offended by this film and you should know what to expect. I haven't seen the first Clerks movie, and yet I still love these characters. The dialogue is pretty sharp and drawn out and the story is decent. I was offended, I was laughing, I was shocked. This movie sucked me in since the beginning. One can easily find some of themselves in at least one of these characters. But, if your comedy taste is something like stupid, physical humor, stay away from this.
What's great about it: The humor and the characters.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![Rosemary's Baby [DVD] [1968]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/4020/4020669_sa.jpg)
One of the great psychological thrillers of all time, Rosemary's Baby comes to DVD with a solid 1.66:1 widescreen anamorphic transfer that does justice to the foreboding visuals. English and French soundtracks are presented in Dolby Digital Mono. English subtitles as well as closed-captions are available. Extra features include a making-of featurette and exclusive retrospective interviews with director Roman Polanski, executive producer Robert Evans, and production designer Richard Sylbert. Those seeking additional information on the making of the film would do well to watch Visions of Light, a documentary about cinematography in which this film's director of photography, William A. Fraker, discusses the filmmaking genius of Polanski.
Customer Rating
5
What a Great, Classic Film!
on November 26, 2008
Posted by: arnieb
from Redlands, CA
There's always a movie that comes along and single handedly redefines a genre. After finally watching this film, I can understand why horror films took a turn for the best. This film explores such freakish themes that remind me of The Omen and The Exorcist. Some of the performances in this film are plain great, and others, like Farrows aren't so great. This film had me on the edge of my seat trying to guess what was really going on and that means I loved every minute of it. I'm kind of disappointed I waited so long to see this classic film, but I will definitely recommend it now!
What's great about it: Great Story and Great Performances.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
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