This release contains the entire run of the BBC series Planet Earth, which was shot on revolutionary high-definition cameras over the course of five years, and utilized 40 cameramen in 200 locations. From the highest mountain peaks to the deepest river floors, Planet Earth sets out to capture on camera the most elusive creatures every known to humankind.
Customer Rating
5
great
on July 29, 2008
Posted by: mgsimon
Entertaining and educatinal at the same time. Planet Earth is a dvd set everyone should own.
The murder of Julius Caesar sparks an earth-shaking series of events in this release featuring all 10 episodes of Rome: Season Two. Season Two of the lavish, lusty British historical series Rome begins exactly where Season One left off, with the murder of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March in the year 44 BCE. The power struggle that follows is set in motion when, thanks largely to the machinations of Caesar's scheming niece Atia (Polly Walker), her young and callow son Octavian is announced as heir to the throne--infuriating Caesar's closest ally Marc Antony (James Purefoy). In the war that follows between Antony's "Caesarians" and Octavians "Liberators", there can be only one winner--but it is not until the season concludes in the year 31 BCE that the true winner is revealed. Amidst the intrigues of Rome's high-born power brokers, we never lose sight of the secondary plotline involving two lowly veterans of the Gallic wars, Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson) and Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd). Characteristically, it is the thoroughly hedonistic Pullo who thrives and prospers during this turbulent era, with each stroke of luck advancing his prestigate and wealth. Conversely, Lucius suffers spectacularly throughout season two, beginning with the death of his beloved wife and the distintegration of his family. The ultimate blow will not be dealt to Vorenus until the season finale, but in the meantime much is made of the fact that Gallo has aligned himself with Octavian, and Vorenus casts his lot with Antony. Though scrupulously authentic in its historical detail, Rome continues to successfully pinpoint the most "contemporary" aspects of ancient History. Especially notable this season is the series' depiction of Rome's small but ever-growing Jewish community, and the emergence of "Crip and Blood"-style gang warfare in the treacherous Aventine Collegium district. In a similar vein, after Marc Antony suffers his humiliating defeat at Actium, he retreats to the palace of his Egyptian lover Queen Cleopatra (Lyndsley Marshal), where the two lost souls wallow in debauchery.
Customer Rating
5
great
on July 22, 2008
Posted by: mgsimon
Finally a tv show that captures your attention from beginning to end. Too bad they produced only 2 seasons.
Doug Liman's box-office hit The Bourne Identity gets a new DVD release to coincide with the theatrical release of the film's sequel, The Bourne Supremacy. This "Explosive Extended Edition" of the film offers a widescreen transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. English, French, and Spanish soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. English, French, and Spanish subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a new beginning and ending for the film, deleted scenes, a featurette about choreographing a fight scene, a featurette about how much the film resembles actual spy work, a short documentary on amnesia, and a profile of Robert Ludlum -- the author who created these characters. This is a solid release from Universal, who were kind enough to throw in a free ticket to see The Bourne Supremacy with all purchases of this disc.
Customer Rating
5
great
on July 20, 2008
Posted by: mgsimon
great action movie, lots of suspense, great acting and directing
Kenny Ortega directs Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker in the supernatural comedy Hocus Pocus, which arrives on DVD with a widescreen transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The English soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. There are no supplemental materials of any consequence, making this a pedestrian release from Disney/Buena Vista that will appeal primarily to Midler enthusiasts.
Customer Rating
4
great
on July 19, 2008
Posted by: mgsimon
Very funny movie, where you can predict the end after 10 minutes of watching it.
Seinfeld co-creator Larry David's hit HBO comedy series finds its way to DVD courtesy of HBO Video. Presented in its original 1.33:1 full-frame aspect ratio, the image sports even colors and skin tones with solid blacks and no obvious edge enhancement. Audio is offered in both English and French Dolby Digital Stereo and rings through with solid clarity. In addition to innovative packaging, the menu design of the set makes for both intuitive navigation and some interesting features. In addition to getting a quick summary of each episode, viewers also have the opportunity to preview each episode on the menu screen -- a minor feature, but also an innovative one that certainly makes sense. Though the disc isn't exactly brimming with extra features, the ones that are offered are both informative and entertaining. Commentary is only provided for the first episode, entitled "The Pants Tent"; it features Robert Weide, Jeff Garlin, Larry David, and Cheryl Hines, who offer an interesting look at the relationships behind the scenes while explaining the benefits of the series' handheld aesthetic and praising their ability to "phone act." Slightly more revealing is a 30-minute Bob Costas interview with David. As the two men discuss the motivations behind the original one-hour special, Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm (also included in its entirety), the improvisational method that has become the staple of the series, inspiration, and music, viewers are offered a rare look at the Larry David behind the hapless curmudgeon of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Customer Rating
3
so-so
on July 18, 2008
Posted by: mgsimon
Only watch this show if you have a "dry" sense of humor, or you wil be bored to death soon. Chances are you will fall asleep fast if you're not a fan.