Share prlwctd's profile
 
Facebook Twitter
 
 
prlwctd
 
 
 
prlwctd's stats
 
  • Review count
    187
  • Helpfulness votes
    119
  • First review
    October 10, 2007
  • Last review
    July 31, 2009
  • Featured reviews
    0
  • Average rating
    4.1
 
Reviews comments
  • Review comment count
    0
  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First review comment
    None
  • Last review comment
    None
  • Featured review comments
    0
 
Questions
  • Question count
    0
  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First question
    None
  • Last question
    None
  • Featured questions
    0
 
Answers
  • Answer count
    0
  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First answer
    None
  • Last answer
    None
  • Featured answers
    0
  • Best answers
    0
 
 
prlwctd's Reviews
<< 1 ... 13 14 15 16 17 ... 19 >>
 
Bigger isn't always better. Case in point: Bad Boys II. On the other hand, this ample two-disc DVD set from Columbia/TriStar is nothing to complain about. The first disc, with the film, offers both picture and sound that is stunning. The 2.40:1 transfer, enhanced for widescreen televisions, is beautiful in every way. Colors are vibrant, blacks are solid, and detail is constant throughout. Director Michael Bay -- known for style over substance -- doesn't disappoint, and this digital transfer is up to the task of recreating his "vision." Equally impressive is the Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, available in either English or French. Aggressive and exciting, sound alternates from speaker to speaker, both front and back, highlighting every gun shot or obligatory bass-heavy song. This is an remarkable mix, bound to take advantage of any decent sound system. While this disc is slim on extras -- only containing trailers from both Bad Boys films, S.W.A.T., Radio, The Missing, Underworld, and a handful of others -- the second disc holds the meat of the supplements, including a handful of deleted scenes and two featurettes: a short nine-minute look at the stunts and another, twice as long, on the visual effects. Both could have benefited by being more in-depth, but they're still very good. In addition, a music video from Jay-Z for "La-La-La" will appeal to his fans, but the highlight of this disc are two separate sections: the "Sequence Breakdowns," where six sections of the film are extensively studied, and a comprehensive "Production Diary," made up of 19 short, but revealing, featurettes covering just about everything, including the original Bad Boys film. Oddly enough, a Bay commentary is missing, and while his brand of filmmaking is often critically questioned, this set has everything one would expect.
 
Customer Rating
2 out of 5
2
dumb action flick
on November 8, 2008
Posted by: prlwctd
This Michael Bay followup to his own breakout hit gives action films a bad name.
Our heroes (Will Smith & Martin Lawrence) are on another case, this time assisted by Lawrence's sister (the beautiful Gabrielle Union) who is involved with Smith.
The only plus I can give this is the sweet romantic chemistry between Smith & Union. Lawrence, on the other hand, is nothing short of annoying. Even worse, though is the headache-inducing camerawork and some rather disgusting moments involving rats & dead bodies.
Skip this one!
What's great about it: Gabrielle Union & Will Smith
What's not so great: everything else
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
For those whole like their apocalyptic disaster films delivered mother-nature style, Godzilla director Roland Emmerich's The Day After Tomorrow arrives on DVD courtesy of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. The feature is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and looks virtually flawless. For viewers who neglected to see the grand-scale adventure in the big screen, this disc offers the next best thing -- with remarkable clarity and no discernible evidence of digital artifacting or edge enhancement. The English DTS 5.1 audio mix is appropriately room-shaking, and the surround channels are well-utilized in placing viewers directly at the center of the action. Alternate English Dolby Digital 5.1, and Spanish and French Dolby Digital Surround with optional English and Spanish subtitles are also offered. Though there are indeed some informative bonus materials offered on this disc, one might expect quite a bit more from such a special-effects-oriented film. Audio commentary with director Emmerich and producer Mark Gordon often finds the comments of the soft-spoken but good-humored director taking a back seat to the at times gratingly motor-mouthed anecdotes of the producer, while a more informative secondary track featuring co-writer Jeffrey Nachmanoff, director of photography Ueli Steiger, editor David Brenner, and production designer Barry Chusid really explores the behind-the-scenes work that went into crafting such an elaborate production. The "Audio Anatomy" interactive sound demo offers an interesting look at how sound shapes a film by allowing viewers to cycle between eight separate tracks -- each offering a separate component such as foley or score that, when pieced together, truly bring the film to life. It's an interesting feature for audiophiles, and a great way to learn what an important role audio plays in shaping the filmgoing experience. DVD-ROM materials offer viewers who own a PC with Internet access over an hour of exclusive making-of footage.
 
Customer Rating
1 out of 5
1
another dumb blockbuster
on November 8, 2008
Posted by: prlwctd
The producer & director of Independence Day give us yet another big, loud, dumb, action flick.
This time the warnings of a scientist (a wasted Dennis Quaid) go ignored by the government (which include a Dick Cheney-lookalike as Vice President) resulting in global warming-induced storms basically burying half the planet in ice.
The only good thing about this film is the chance to see & listen to the heavenly Emmy Rossum (playing the cliched love interest of Quaid's son). The above star is for her alone.
What's great about it: Emmy Rossum
What's not so great: everything else
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Alien Resurrection comes to DVD in this two-disc Collector's Edition from 20th Century Fox. Presented with a widescreen 2.35:1 color transfer. Dolby Digital Surround soundtracks are available in English and Spanish. English and Spanish subtitles are also accessible. Disc one contains the original 1997 theatrical version along with the 2003 Special Edition version. Director Jeunet provides an introduction and an audio commentary track. Disc two contains all the special features, including a teaser trailer for Alien Vs. Predator. The Pre-Production section contains a ton of featurettes about the writing process, character design, casting decisions, and general direction. Includes test footage, ADI effects, conceptual art, storyboards, and multi-angle rehearsals. The Production section contains the featurettes "Death From Below: Underwater Photography," "In the Zone: The Basketball Scene," and "Unnatural Mutation: Creature Design." The Post-Production section explores the music, CGI animation, miniature photography, and reaction to the film's release. Each section contains an extensive photo gallery. A highly recommended disc for fans of the saga.
 
Customer Rating
2 out of 5
2
just OK
on November 8, 2008
Posted by: prlwctd
Basically conceived as an antidote of sorts to Alien 3, this film, picking up hundreds of years after the last film, finds Ripley resurrected thanks to some DNA manipulation. This same method also brings back the Aliens that have long been part of her life.
Winona Ryder is brought aboard this time around as someone interested in Ripley and her story. Sadly, though, the momentum from the first two entries of this series had all but vanished by this time.
What's great about it: fine work from the actors
What's not so great: we've seen it all before
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-2points
0of 2voted this as helpful.
 
Watch the special features on Mark Brown's Two Can Play That Game DVD and you quickly learn this battle-of-the-sexes romantic comedy is a film of firsts. Brown not only wrote the script, he also takes a 360 and delves into the female perspective after demonstrating the male side of things in Def Jam's The Player. He also makes his directorial debut, while Vivica A. Fox finally takes on a much-deserved starring role and comedian Mo'Nique makes her first feature-film appearance. Three featurettes -- "Two Can Play That Game: Surviving the Battle of the Sexes," "First Time at Bat", and "Vivica A. Fox Makes Her Move" -- take a closer look at the trials and triumphs of these neophytes while giving interesting and humorous insight into the cast's own views on each other, relationships, and the opposite sex. Also included is a director's commentary, a "Nothing in This World" music video with Keke Wyatt, featuring Avant, filmographies, and trailers for Two Can Play That Game, The Brothers, and Baby Boy. The film can be viewed in either widescreen or full format and offers Dolby Digital 5.1 audio and English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai subtitles. All in all, this is a DVD that shines a light on its stars-in-the-making, while supplementing the movie with additional laughs.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
delightully romantic comedy
on November 7, 2008
Posted by: prlwctd
In her first lead role, Vivica A Fox proves she's beautiful and talented as Shante, a self-made woman who helps her girlfriends and has a great boyfriend named Keith (Morris Chestnut). However, her good fortune is tested when she spots Keith going out with another woman one evening. Shante then embarks on a 10 day plan to ensure that Keith has seen the error of his ways, without taking into account the input Keith may have on the matter. Fox & Chestnut are a nice match as the sweethearts/rivals, and Gabrielle Union nicely spices things up as the one who has eyes for Keith herself. Shante's narration to the camera adds to her appeal. The only complaint is that the film has a few slow spots, which, happily, don't stop the film from being fun.
What's great about it: laughs and sexy women
What's not so great: a bit tiresome in spots
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall gets the deluxe treatment from Artisan on this release. The disc offers a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Closed-captioned English soundtracks are rendered in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo. English, French, and Spanish subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a commentary track recorded by Verhoeven and star Arnold Schwarzenegger, a pair of featurettes, a photo gallery, trailers, television promotional spots, and storyboards. This is a superb disc from Artisan.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
a sci-fi thrill ride par excellance
on November 7, 2008
Posted by: prlwctd
Like Blade Runner before it and Minority Report after it, Total Recall is a sublime adaptation of Philip K. Dick's work.
Arnold Schwarzenegger plays perhaps the most sympathetic character of his career. His Douglas Quaid is a quiet man (who just happens to be muscular) whose lifestyle is turned upside down when he realizes that everything he knows about his life and himself is a lie. This leads him to Mars to try to overthrow its bloodthirsty dictator who has a connection to who he truly is.
Sharon Stone (just before Basic Instinct) is also first-rate as Quaid's wife, who has a secret or two of her own.
This is more action-packed than Blade Runner or Minority Report, but it's just as memorable.
What's great about it: acting, SFX, music
What's not so great: the violence is extreme
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
George Lucas' rarely seen, experimental, bald-headed first journey into the world of science fiction, THX 1138 finally arrives on DVD in the form a digitally enhanced two-disc "George Lucas Director's Cut." Just as he has done with every release of his Star Wars series, Lucas has tweaked his film with a new edit and several new digital special effects. The film's bleak, claustrophobic cityscapes have been transformed into vast, sprawling, claustrophobic cityscapes that slightly resemble the cloud city of Bespin in The Empire Strikes Back. Other additions include a bizarre, yet exciting new moment in the film's final jet-car sequence, and an odd moment where THX (Robert Duvall) is attacked by digital monkey-like "shell dwellers." As no original version of the film is made available on this edition, this new version may upset long-time fans, yet anyone familiar with the quirks of George Lucas should be used to "special editions" of his films. The DVD manages to capture the sterile, white look of the film brilliantly with outstanding clarity and picture quality. It is difficult to believe the footage shot in the late '60s is not brand new. THX 1138 has been given a gorgeous letterboxed transfer to disc one in the widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Rounding out the disc are the film's special features which include a thought-provoking and in- depth commentary track by Lucas and the film's co-screenwriter, editor, and sound designer Walter Murch. Murch returns once again on the disc for a series of branching video segments accessible throughout the film where he explains the methods he used for creating the complex sounds used in the film. The film's absorbing soundtrack has been mastered in Dolby Digital 5.1 and can be listened to in an isolated audio track of just score and sound effects. Alternate dubbed tracks and subtitles are available in English, French, and Spanish. The second disc is a treasure chest of wonderful material not only for fans of the film but for any fan of the filmmaking process. Starting out the disc is a fascinating hour-long documentary, A Legacy of Filmmakers: The Early Years of American Zoetrope. Directed by Gary Leva and narrated by Richard Dreyfuss, the documentary shows how young film school grads Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas worked to form a late- '60s artistic alternative to the Hollywood system only to have that same system nearly destroy their dreams. Next on the disc is an equally amazing documentary titled "Artifact From the Future: The Making of THX 1138," which goes into detail on the making of the film from concept to script to head-shaving to filming, as well as its eventual box-office failure. Along the way we hear from some of the film's many fans, such as Frank Darbount and Steven Spielberg, on how the film has influenced and affected their careers. A vintage making-of documentary titled "Bald" also sheds more light on the film's head-shaving antics and features a wonderful, priceless moment where a very young Francis Coppola interviews an even younger George Lucas long before the two of them took over the film world with The Godfather and Star Wars films. Also included is a holy grail for George Lucas fans, his original film-school version of THX 1138, titled Electronic Labyrinth THX 1138 4EB. Dark, grainy, and unsettling, the short gives a clear hint of what was to come in Lucas' career. Rounding out disc two is an original trailer and five trailers for the film's 2004 rerelease. The obvious care in the overall presentation of THX 1138 on DVD adds up to an outstanding release for an influential and stunning science-fiction film classic.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
intriguing sci-fi
on November 7, 2008
Posted by: prlwctd
George Lucas's directorial debut, based on his short film of the same name, is a fascinating Orwell-esque look at the future and how consumerism basically consumes everyone, which eventually prompts the title character (Robert Duvall, just before his star-making work in The Godfather) to rebel against the law after he falls in love with his roommate (Maggie McOmie). Donald Pleasance and Don Pedro Colley are also good as his mysterious confederates.
The aforementioned student film is included in the bonus disc along with great documentaries about the making of the film and its production company American Zoetrope.
Not surprisingly, this film, a flop upon its initial release, gained more attention following Lucas's mind-blowing success with Star Wars.
What's great about it: great cast and setting
What's not so great: confusing at times
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
The captains speak
on November 6, 2008
Posted by: prlwctd
This collection showcases episodes involving each of the five Trek captains. Each of them selects and comments on their personal favorite episode, with two more episodes (designated 'fan picks') to accompany each of them.
The five actors also comment on other aspects of Star Trek, which is a treat.
Although one wonders how Enterprise's awful finale "These are the Voyages..." got called a fan pick.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
nice collection of episodes
on November 6, 2008
Posted by: prlwctd
There are several episodes of Star Trek involving characters living different lives or acting completely different. Great episodes such as the original Trek's "Mirror, Mirror," DS9's "Mirror" sequels, and TNG's "Parallels" are all great viewing.
Both Voyager and Enterprise, however, became notorious for constantly showing episodes involving its characters acting bizarre only for the reset button to be pushed at the end.
Another plus is the comments on each episode from participants of each.
What's great about it: good episodes with interviews
What's not so great: the Voyager & Enterprise episodes
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
The complete Q
on November 6, 2008
Posted by: prlwctd
This is the most complete of all the Trek collections, as it has ALL episodes from all three (TNG, DS9, & Voyager) series in which John de Lancie's character appeared.
Since his first appearance in TNG's premiere episode "Encounter at Farpoint," de Lancie's delightful performances made Q an intriguing character who would appear numerous times more on TNG and even once on DS9. Sadly, his three appearances on Voyager, like those of the Borg, lessened the character's appeal.
Still, the good outweighs the bad here.
What's great about it: All episodes with Q
What's not so great: the Voyager episodes
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
3of 4voted this as helpful.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Qapla! (Success!)
on November 6, 2008
Posted by: prlwctd
The Klingons, a warrior race which was an intriguing combination of the Soviet Union & Native American tribes, have always been a staple of Star Trek.
Fittingly, their first appearance, in the original Trek's "Errand of Mercy," is included here, along with the famous "Trouble with Tribbles" episode, as well as several TNG & DS9 episodes, as Worf became a prominent player on both series. Even Voyager, the weakest of the Trek series, has the good "Barge of the Dead" episode here (Enterprise is rightfully regarded by many as non-canon, so I won't comment on its episode here).
The only problem is that there are many other Klingon episodes which aren't in this collection.
What's great about it: great episode picks
What's not so great: a few left out
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
<< 1 ... 13 14 15 16 17 ... 19 >>
 
prlwctd's Review Comments
 
prlwctd has not submitted comments on any reviews.
 
prlwctd's Questions
 
prlwctd has not submitted any questions.
 
prlwctd's Answers
 
prlwctd has not submitted any answers.