MGM brings Mel Brooks' science fiction farce Spaceballs to DVD with both widescreen and standard versions on the same disc, and 5.1 Surround Sound, though the movie's lackluster production values make it difficult to discern the quality of the transfer. Still, for fans of actor/writer/director Brooks, the full-length commentary (originally recorded for the laserdisc release) includes his trademark quips and a genuine appreciation of the actors and other collaborators on the film. He has an amazing memory for the details of their careers before and after working with him. It's also refreshing for a director to mock his own work, as well as laugh at the comic bits he has undoubtedly seen dozens of times. In a brief behind-the-scenes featurette, cast members John Candy, Rick Moranis, and others talk about the pleasure of working with Brooks and share stories of on-set goofiness. Basically, for fans of Brooks' unique comic sensibilities, the DVD makes a worthwhile evening's entertainment.
Customer Rating
5
funny movie
on August 7, 2008
Posted by: bp6311
A great funny movie, that will give you a lot of quote to say at work and everywhere else
The X-Men DVD provides an impressive 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and THX sound, but the supplementary material feels rushed. While the viewer has the option of watching ten minutes of extra footage reinserted into the film through "extended branching," the transition is not seamless; most of the scenes are from an unfinished working print and are not anamorphic like the rest of the film. The featurette "Mutant Watch" is a television "making of" special that is at least creative in its execution, if not very substantial. Segments from a Charlie Rose interview with director Bryan Singer are also included, but it would have been nice to see the interview in its entirety, while the Hugh Jackman screen test is a feature better placed in the context of a more expansive documentary about the production. The art and animatics galleries feature remarkable concept designs and computer animated storyboards, as well as two hidden "Easter eggs." Highlighting the rose in the trailer menu shows a brief on-set gag involving Spiderman, while Wolverine's dog tags in the art gallery provide concept art for two characters cut from the film. While X-Men has the appearance of a special edition DVD, it will certainly be supplanted by a more authoritative version in the future.
Customer Rating
4
great movie
on August 6, 2008
Posted by: bp6311
great movie that brings the comic book to life. well worth the price of the dvd
Director Alex Proyas (Dark City, The Crow) helmed this sci-fi thriller inspired by the stories in Isaac Asimov's nine-story anthology of the same name. In the future presented in the film, humans have become exceedingly dependent on robots in their everyday lives. Robots have become more and more advanced, but each one is preprogrammed to always obey humans and to, under no circumstances, ever harm a human. So, when a scientist turns up dead and a humanoid robot is the main suspect, the world is left to wonder if they are as safe around their electronic servants as previously thought. Will Smith stars as Del Spooner, the robot-hating Chicago cop assigned to the murder investigation. Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell, and Chi McBride also star.
Customer Rating
4
good movie
on August 5, 2008
Posted by: bp6311
A good movie that keeps you interested to the very end
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
3
silly movie, ok for kids
on August 4, 2008
Posted by: bp6311
Good for kids to wtach but could put the parents to sleep
Jonathan Lynn's Clue has gained something of a cult following since its original release in 1985. The disc of the film offers a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. English and French soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital Mono. English subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include the theatrical trailer. The gimmick when the film was initially released was that it had three different endings. When the film began to air on television, the three endings were combined into one finale. The disc offers the viewer the choice to view any of the three conclusions. This is a fine release from Paramount, but they really could have done more with it, especially the soundtrack.
Customer Rating
4
classic
on July 31, 2008
Posted by: bp6311
A good older movie that makes you think, and keeps you laughing
Devil-may-care navy pilot Pete Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is sent to Miramar Naval Air Station for advanced training. Here he vies with Tom Kasansky (Val Kilmer) for the coveted "Top Gun" award. When not so occupied, Mitchell carries on a romance with civilian consultant Charlotte Blackwood (Kelly McGillis). Shaken up by the death of a friend, Mitchell loses the Top Gun honor to Kasansky. Worried that he may have lost his nerve, Mitchell is given a chance to redeem himself during a tense international crisis involving a crippled US vessel and a flock of predatory enemy planes. The story wasn't new in 1986, but Top Gun scored with audiences on the strength of its visuals, especially the vertigo-inducing aerial sequences. The film made more money than any other film in 1986 and even spawned a 1989 takeoff, Hot Shots. An Academy Award went to the Giogio Moroder-Tom Whitlock song "Take My Breath Away."
Customer Rating
5
instant classic
on July 30, 2008
Posted by: bp6311
If you have the need for speed or action pack thrills? Need a litle dose of romance>? This is the movie for you!