DVD

Night at the Museum (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

fun movie
Decent movie for everyone's entertainment
Really Great Movie 4 All Ages !!!
Great for the Whole Family!
Night at the Museum

Night at the Museum (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Ben Stiller , Dick Van Dyke , Mickey Rooney , and Bill Cobbs
Director: Shawn Levy
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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ASIN: B000NOKJC2
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Amazon.com

An irresistible concept meets computer-generated wonders in Night at the Museum, inspired by a 1993 children's book by Milan Trenc. Ben Stiller stars as Larry Daley, an underachieving inventor waiting for his ship to come in while getting evicted from one apartment after another for lack of funds. Larry's son needs some stability, so the well-meaning ne'er-do-well takes a job as night watchman at New York City's Museum of Natural History. What the soon-to-retire guards (Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Bill Cobbs) don't tell him is that an ancient pharaoh's tablet in the museum causes everything on display to come to life at night. Thus, Larry meets representations of Teddy Roosevelt, Attila the Hun, fire-worshipping cavemen, and Roman Empire soldiers, and learns to cope with an excitable T-Rex and man-eating, ancient animals. The film might have left things at that, but an added story element gives Night at the Museum some extra urgency and excitement, especially for kids: Larry becomes responsible for keeping this nightly miracle going and preventing anything in the museum from dying due to exposure to sunrise. Computer effects, as well as wildly imaginative costumes and makeup, help make the film appeal to the 8-year-old in everyone. Director Shawn Levy (The Pink Panther) works with a hugely talented cast, including Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Ricky Gervais, Carla Gugino, and Steve Coogan. --Tom Keogh

Night at the Museum Extras

Ben Stiller on Director Shawn Levy
Ricky Gervais on the size of his trailer and eating cheese.

Beyond Night at the Museum

See What DVDs Meant Special Effects to Amazon DVD Editors As Kids
More Adventure Films for Kids & Family
The Night at the Museum Paperback Book

Stills from Night at the Museum

Description

Ben Stiller leads an all-star cast including Robin Williams and Dick Van Dyke in this hilarious blockbuster hit. When good-hearted dreamer Larry Daley (Stiller) is hired as night watchman at the Museum of Natural History, he soon discovers that an ancient curse brings all the exhibits to life after the sun sets. Suddenly, Larry finds himself face-to-face with a frisky T. rex skeleton, tiny armies of Romans and cowboys and a mischievous monkey who taunts him to the breaking point. But with the help of President Teddy Roosevelt (Williams), Larry may just figure out a way to control the chaos and become a hero in his son's eyes. Boasting jaw-dropping special effects and laugh-out-loud moments, Night at the Museum is your ticket to nonstop fun!

Customer Reviews:

fun movie.......2007-07-02

this is a good movie for the family, althought idk it wasnt quite as good as i expected. it did have funny moments, and is great for kids

Decent movie for everyone's entertainment.......2007-06-30

This is a good movie for the whole family. It probably won't hold a child 5 and under attention the whole time.

Really Great Movie 4 All Ages !!!.......2007-06-28

This is one of those rare movies that comes up with a really unique idea and than puts it into action wonderfully :) Night at the Museum is really fun and hilarious and seeing the museum stuff come to life is like re-living my childhood when I first visited the museum :)

Great movie - Great Jokes - Good Buy :)

Great for the Whole Family!.......2007-06-28

While I wish our family had been able to see this on the big screen, it's a great DVD to own and it's definitely a winner. Our kids love this film & get plenty of great laughs out of it, but I have to say, I think my husband and I were laughing far more than the kids were - it has some seriously hysterical moments in it!
The story idea is original, the acting is excellent, the CGI is really well done, set design is fantastic, there is indeed a plot (!) and behind it all, there really is a positive message to be had. The comedic capacities of our stars in the film are great. Stiller does a great job with his cast. Micky Roonie has some great moments that leave you cracking up, and honestly, I wish there were more outtakes to be viewed but the additional material is really enjoyable nonetheless.
Enjoy!

Night at the Museum.......2007-06-27

This is an amusing, light-hearted movie that is fun for the whole family to watch!

Average customer rating:

Classic TV
We need more cops who can get the 'point' across.
Jesse Stone - Night Passage
A nicely done, engaging film....
Selleck is Jesse Stone

Jesse Stone - Night Passage
Starring: Tom Selleck , Stephanie March , Stephen Baldwin , Polly Shannon , and Saul Rubinek
Director: Robert Harmon
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

Jesse Stone - Death In Paradise
Stone Cold
Seraphim Falls
Breach (Widescreen Edition)
Shooter (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000OVLBFS
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Amazon.com

How Tom Selleck's world-weary cop Jesse Stone became the police chief of sleepy Paradise, Mass., is revealed in this engaging prequel to the first made-for-TV Stone feature, Stone Cold (2005). Selleck is once again well cast as the rough-around-the-edges Stone, whose drinking problem gets him ejected from the Los Angeles police force; he soon finds himself the head lawman in a small New England fishing village, where his slow dissolution continues until a routine domestic disturbance case reveals connections to money laundering and murder, with several of the town's most affluent names as possible suspects. Selleck is well-matched by veteran scene stealer Saul Rubinek, and there's good work by Polly Shannon as a city attorney who becomes Stone's romantic interest, and Stephen Baldwin as an ill-tempered local. Fans of author Robert B. Parker (on whose books the Jesse Stone films are based) and Selleck won't be disappointed by this smart thriller. --Paul Gaita

Product Description

Selleck plays the role of Jesse Stone, a former Los Angeles homicide detective who left California and his ex-wife to become the police chief in a small New England town. Among his many character flaws are his struggles with a drinking problem and lingering feelings for his ex-wife.

Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise Co-starring William Devane (TV's "Knot's Landing"), the TV movie finds Chief Stone (Selleck) settling into his new life in Paradise when he becomes obsessed with finding the killer of a teenage girl. His quest to solve the murder unearths facts indicating there is more to the girl's history than originally suspected and the new clues lead him to probe the Boston underworld.

DVD Special Features for Jesse Stone: Night Passage Include: Digitally Mastered Audio and Video, Widescreen Presentations, Audio: English, French, Portuguese, Thai, Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Thai, Bonus Previews, Closed Captioned

Customer Reviews:

Classic TV.......2007-07-02

I recently got to watch Night Passage on TV and truly enjoyed it. It has a simple yet interesting detective storyline and nice strong characters (Selleck is perfect in the Stone's role, believably flawed as a womanizing drunk), and an allover simple "classic" timeless feel to it in the style of many British TV miniseries or films - and that's a real compliment! (since I believe the British are the best at producing quality work for television.)
Well done!

We need more cops who can get the 'point' across........2007-07-02

Tom does a great job on all for stories. The scenes are pleasant and calm. The crime is cold and solvable. When the legal paperwork won't solve a domestic problem, Chief Stone adds his 'extra' means of enforcement. We need more police chiefs (and patrolmen) willing take the extra means necessary to control the 'bad' element out there. If they had done so when the bad seeds were younger, perhaps they would have chosen a better path. Good writing and directing. Great story. Need more of this caliber on TV and DVD.

Jesse Stone - Night Passage.......2007-06-25

The entire series of Jesse Stone is absolutely fantastic. It keeps you at the end of your seat. Bravo to Tom Selleck!!!!!! Looking forward to "Sea Change", the fourth in the series.

A nicely done, engaging film...........2007-06-25

This review is for Night Passage, the prequel to
Stone Cold. Both of which originally aired on
television in 2005(Stone Cold) and 2006 (Night
Passage).

Another great film to the Jesse Stone series. In
this impressive prequel we get to see how Stone established
himself as the sheriff in the small town of Sleepy
Paradise, Mass. Selleck doesn't dissapoint as the
rundown, witty detective that has a knack for asking
all the right questions. And the suspicion arises
quickly as he's hired on despite his ongoing drinking problem.
This isn't a "who done it?" mystery, rather a how's-
the-detective-going-wrap-up-this-case type mystery,
where you know early on who's guilty. Stone plods
along methodically putting the pieces together, quickly
sizing people up and questioning everyone in his path, and
it's done so convincingly that you can't help but wonder
what questions will be asked next. The supporting cast is
perfect, especially Stephen Baldwin as the town's abusive
bully. The dialougue flows nicely, intelligently and yet
at a quick pace, even leaving room for sarcasm and banter,
all delivered naturally by the cast.

The setting of the small peaceful fishing town is the perfect
contrast for the big city detective, in creating that fish out
of water aspect. Though looks can be deceiving, there lurks
an ominous danger to Paradise, one in which Stone is
determined to solve.

Selleck is Jesse Stone.......2007-04-28

Tom Selleck is absolutely perfect as Jesse Stone, a character created by the great crime author Robert Parker. Selleck plays a burned out, alcoholic cop who takes a job in the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts as sheriff. "Night Passage" is the tale of the quest by the emotionally damaged Stone for the killer of a young girl. William Devane costars as Jesse's shrink and he is excellent. Terrific secondary characters. In my opinion, Parker's Jesse Stone series of novels eclipses his famous Spencer books. This story line is the prequal to CBS's fabulously successful "Stone Cold", Selleck's first outing as Jesse Stone. Grab "Night Passage" . . . the Jesse Stone made-for-TV movies are quality productions with superb acting and beautiful cinematography. Stunning music. Exceptional TV. Highly, highly recommended. You don't ofter see TV this well done these days. You must also pick up Stone Cold one of the best ever made for TV movies and Jesse Stone - Death In Paradise. Can't wait for the latest Jesse Stone TV movie, Sea Change, to be released on DVD!!

Night at the Museum (Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

fun movie
Decent movie for everyone's entertainment
Really Great Movie 4 All Ages !!!
Great for the Whole Family!
Night at the Museum

Night at the Museum (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Ben Stiller
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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The Queen
Casino Royale (2-Disc Widescreen Edition)
Deja Vu
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ASIN: B000NOKJCC
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Amazon.com

Night at the Museum Extras

Ben Stiller on Director Shawn Levy
Ricky Gervais on the size of his trailer and eating cheese.

Description

Customer Reviews:

fun movie.......2007-07-02

this is a good movie for the family, althought idk it wasnt quite as good as i expected. it did have funny moments, and is great for kids

Decent movie for everyone's entertainment.......2007-06-30

This is a good movie for the whole family. It probably won't hold a child 5 and under attention the whole time.

Really Great Movie 4 All Ages !!!.......2007-06-28

Great for the Whole Family!.......2007-06-28

Night at the Museum.......2007-06-27

This is an amusing, light-hearted movie that is fun for the whole family to watch!

Average customer rating:

Fun, Funny, Cult-Classic
Hollywood, Please Remake This One! Thanks.
Good 80s campy fun
Movie I've waited for and finally found.
Night of the Comet

Night of the Comet
Starring: Robert Beltran , Catherine Mary Stewart , Kelli Maroney , Sharon Farrell , and Mary Woronov
Director: Thom Eberhardt
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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Comic Action | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( N ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Looker
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Manitou

ASIN: B000MDFTHE
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Amazon.com

A sleeper at the time of its release in 1984, Thom Eberhardt's Night of the Comet has built a small cadre of fans thanks to its breezy performances and blend of comedy and tongue-in-cheek science fiction. Catherine Mary Stewart and Kelli Maroney are thoroughly likable as a pair of San Fernando Valley sisters who find themselves completely alone after the arrival of Halley's Comet reduces their affluent community--and most of Los Angeles--to dust. Their subsequent nonstop shopping spree is soon interrupted by predatory zombies, as well as a sinister scientific cabal (led by cult favorites Mary Woronov and Geoffrey Lewis) with designs on the girls. Stewart and Maroney are terrifically game as the heroines (especially Maroney, whose flair for bubbly comedy was never given another chance on screen), and Robert (Star Trek: Voyager) Beltran is also on hand as a fellow survivor and romantic lead. Fun for '80s enthusiasts and sci-fi fiends who don't mind a little fizz in their end-of-the-world scenarios. -- Paul Gaita

Customer Reviews:

Fun, Funny, Cult-Classic.......2007-06-28

Make some popcorn and settle into your favorite chair for this one. As the opening narative states, the world has not seen a comet like this since the dinosaurs disappeared. A good foreshadow as one comet-watcher assures everyone that nothing happened when people were so worried about Halley's Comet coming around so there's no need to worry now. Well they should've worried, as we soon find out in this OmegaMan-knockoff. Yes this is a B-movie and yes there are some inconsistancies, but for the most part the plot has good execution and follow-thru. If you're a scifi fan who enjoys recognizing stolen moments from other movies, or you like a movie that can poke fun at its own genre, or you just want some good clean fun to make you laugh, this movie is for you.

Hollywood, Please Remake This One! Thanks........2007-06-18

This is a "nice" little C-grade movie. This movie is NOT 4.5 stars in the 21st century. "Night of the Living Dead" (1968)-now that's 4.5-5 stars still in today's age. I believe the people that rated this movie past 2 stars are promotional stand-ins for Hollywood. Either that or they've been watching some pretty whacked out flicks. Speaking of Hollywood-Hollywood this would be a lovely little movie to re-make. I would hope that you don't do much worse than the original like the Hollywood remake for "Black Christmas"-an atrocity. But to prevent another remake catastrophe, Hollywood, please grab either Sam Raimi, Quentin Tarantino, John Carpenter or even Steven Spielberg before attempting a remake of this film. This why I am so NOT liking this film: I asked myself: why the "Star Wars" intro? Boring. Why the banter between snobby mom and snobby child? Boring. Why the movie theater and radio station scene? Nothing really happens. Boring. Then it hit me these scenes are just space fillers. The only thing worth watching is the 3 or 4 zombies that debut in the film and the no-nonsense, woman scientist, Audrey. She's lethal like her shot. This movie is absolutely afraid to be horror. Horror to the point where Ms. Cheerhead gets "done-in" for real by Audrey. Horror like poppin' the zombie kid in the noggin-just for kicks. Or horror, like the zombie kid eats Mr. Knight in Shinning Armor. Horror like RUN Ms. Cheerhead over at the end-I mean get real she asked for it by running out in the streets challenging Fate at its best! These are just some improvement horror suggestions. I mean come on in a real-life event one of them would die if not all, in their case, but no everyone stays alive. And with no surprise, the ending is too "happily ever after." Horror should never be happily ever after unless there is a grotesquely sarcastic twist i.e, the ending of John Carpenter's "Village of the Damned" and "The Thing." Or the ending of Robert Rodriguez's "Death Proof" (Note: SHAME on you movie watchers who did not understand "Grindhouse"). Now those are some endings that leave you thinking. This movie is probably best served to newly found horror fans or some Halloweeners on October 31st. Sorry folks, I have to be honest. This movie really ain't worth a nickel, until the remake. That is if there is one and if Hollywood doesn't F&$K that up. I'm selling my copy of "Night of the Comet." Anyone want to buy? Sorry no "nickel discounts".

Good 80s campy fun.......2007-06-16

Do you like zombie movies but feel that Romero is too preachy? Well this may be the movie for you. It has the scared female protaganist of Night of the Living Dead, the blantant capitalistic joys of malls like Dawn of the Dead, and the confined underground scientists of Day of the Dead. It has zombies at different levels of intelligence in it like Land of the Dead which came two decades later, making it ahead of its time when it comes to the zombie genre.
Now in all seriousness Night of the Comet is cheesy as it gets and if you are one that enjoys movies so bad that they are good than give this movie a shot. It doesn't offer any special features and although I wish it did provide a commentary of sorts, the cheapness of the product lets this omission slide. So get a few friends, a few drinks, pop in this DVD, and let the campy fun begin.

Movie I've waited for and finally found........2007-06-11

This movie is so great to watch many times over because I never get tired of it. It arrived here so quickly which made me very pleased.

Night of the Comet.......2007-05-29

This is one of my favorite movies. A good, fun, lighthearted take on the "Night of the Living Dead" genre. It stars one of my favorite actresses that didn't quite make it big, Catherine Mary Stewart, and also includes some other folks that you'll recognize. This was generally their first movie appearance. Night of the Living Dead meets Valley Girl.

Good Night, and Good Luck (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Excellent film
Joe McCarthy was mostly right---but that's not good enough
A Needed Historical Film
good movie, but not for everyone
I liked this

Good Night, and Good Luck (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Robert John Burke , Patricia Clarkson , George Clooney , J.D. Cullum , and Jeff Daniels
Director: George Clooney
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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DVDs as Low as $7.49 | The Big DVD Sale | Stores | DVD | Video

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Walk the Line (Widescreen Edition)
Memoirs of a Geisha (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition)
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 4)

ASIN: B000E1NXJ0
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Product Description

"Good Night, And, Good Luck." takes place during the early days of broadcast journalism in 1950's America. It chronicles the real-life conflict between television newsman Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee. With a desire to report the facts and enlighten the public, Murrow, and his dedicated staff - headed by his producer Fred Friendly and Joe Wershba in the CBS newsroom - defy corporate and sponsorship pressures to examine the lies and scaremongering tactics perpetrated by McCarthy during his communist 'witch-hunts'. A very public feud develops when the Senator responds by accusing the anchor of being a communist. In this climate of fear and reprisal, the CBS crew carries on and their tenacity will prove historic and monumental.
Running Time: 93 min.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Without force-feeding its timely message, Good Night, and Good Luck illuminates history to enlighten our present, when the need for a free and independent press is more important than ever. In 90 breathtaking minutes of efficient and intricate storytelling, writer-director George Clooney and cowriter Grant Heslov pay honorable tribute to the journalistic integrity of legendary CBS newscaster Edward R. Murrow,

Director George Clooney

who confronted the virulent and overzealous anti-Communist witch-hunting of Wisconsin Sen. Joseph McCarthy in 1953-54, and emerged as a triumphant truth-seeker against the abuses of corporate and governmental power.

David Strathairn as Edward R. Murrow

As played by David Strathairn, Murrow is a dogged realist, keenly aware of the smear tactics that will be employed against him; Clooney provides crucial backup as Murrow's "See It Now" producer and closest confidante Fred Friendly, forming a fierce but not entirely fearless triumvirate of broadcasting bravery with CBS chief William Paley (Frank Langella), who anxiously champions Murrow's cause under constant threat of reprisals. While using crisp black-and-white cinematography (by Robert Elswit) to vividly recreate the electrifying atmosphere of the CBS newsroom and the early years of television, Clooney (son of long-time Cincinnati newsman Nick Clooney) proves his directorial skill by juggling big themes and an esteemed ensemble cast, never stooping to simplification of ethically complex material. Good Night, and Good Luck is an instant classic, destined for all the accolades it so richly deserves. --Jeff Shannon

Learn More About Edward R. Murrow and Broadcast Journalism

George Clooney's Recommended Reading
George Clooney's Recommended Movies
The Edward R. Murrow Collection

Customer Reviews:

Excellent film.......2007-07-01

If you want to see a film that shows how important Edward R. Murrow was to the broadcasting community, and the country, during McCarthism, this is a great choice. Murrow and CBS take on Senator Joseph McCarthy in this film. It is shot in black and white, and intertwined with actual footage from that time. I thought the acting was well done also.

The special features include a commentary by George Clooney and Grant Heslov. "A Good Night and Good Luck companion piece" which talks about the movie as well as interviews a few of the living key characters, such as Milo Radulovich. Along with a trailer for the movie. Subtitles are in English, French and Spanish.

Joe McCarthy was mostly right---but that's not good enough.......2007-06-27

"Good Night, and Good Luck" is a very well done movie. George Clooney is a talented director and David Strathairn brilliantly portrays the morally flawed Joe McCarty. Yes, there were actual Communists and Communist sympathizers in our government. This is beyond debate. Alger Hiss was a Communist spy along with Harry Dexter White. Franklin D. Roosevelt even felt compelled to drop his own vice-president, Henry Wallace, from the ticket in 1944 because of the latter's infatuation with Communism. Joe McCarty was mostly right about the problem. Something had to be done. Still, this did not justify his slanderous behavior and bullying. The man was a political thug who threatened our civil liberties. He is directly responsible for creating a climate of fear. While watching "Good Night, and Good Luck," I kept thinking how much good McCarthy could have accomplished had he been meticulously careful with his accusations. In many respects, the Wisconsin senator inadvertently became one of the best friends the Communists ever had.

I normally do not share the political views of Director Clooney. He is often naïve and poorly informed regarding our present Islamic nihilist threat. Clooney's involvement in the inane "Syriana" project, for instance, was embarrassing to say the least. Nonetheless, I strongly urge everyone to see this particular film. "Good Night, and Good Luck" well deserves five stars.

A Needed Historical Film.......2007-06-09

Good Night and Good Luck is the exact antidote to the current entertainment reporting we often confuse as news and the current big budget pictures we often accept as important.

George Clooney reveals Edward R. Murrow's true grit in his challenging of Joseph McCarthy's hunt for communists in mid-1950's America. Instead of seeming to be on an agenda or over stepping his bounds, David Strathairn's Murrow comes across as a journalist who allowed the facts to lead him to an unavoidable conclusion about McCarthy's activities.

Murrow used his show 'See It Now' to dissect the horrible tactics that lied at the heart of the blacklist practice and as a result truly added to the debate in his country, while testing the patience of the company who paid his cheque. Strathairn plays Murrow completely believably as a normal guy who was able to be conduct himself always as a professional while working for CBS, while still being dogged in his committment to the importance of honest discussion about political events, even to the point of annoyance of his CBS co-workers and bosses.

The true genius of the movie is the way the script, directed by Clooney, a confirmed Liberal, is able to allow the full debate of the mix between the public's need to know and their desire to be entertained to be aired. This movie actually does a wonderful job presenting the counter arguement to Murrow's activities as a journalist in some beautifully illuminated scenes vocalized in a great performance by Frank Langella as Murrow's boss.

As director Clooney keeps everything tight and claustrophobic, ratcheting up the tension as all the scenes take place in small quarters, which is further aided by the black and white photography leaving a very small film dominated by huge issues. This small feel makes Good Night and Good Luck the exact opposite of what is presented in most films and many news broadcasts. The end result is a film that presents issues that regardless of the time-period have an importance in our current world.

good movie, but not for everyone.......2007-06-02

This is one of those movies you absolutely love if you enjoy these types of movies. Sorry for being vague! Excellent quality and released at the correct moment in US history. It was low on action (obviously) but really made me feel and react deeply. If you're not sure you're into the style, then I would say find something else. But if the description sounds like your style, it's amazing!

I liked this.......2007-05-29

This movie was very well-done, interesting, thought provoking although I don't see the point in Robert Downey, Jr. character's marriage being exposed. Loved George.

Average customer rating:

Why mess with perfection?
Sub-par Plot and Production Reduce a Great Story Into So-so Movie
Esther
A better attempt than most...
FLOWERS, STARS AND ROMANCE - BUT VERY LITTLE TRUTH

One Night With the King
Starring: Tiffany Dupont , Luke Goss , John Noble , Omar Sharif , and John Rhys-Davies
Director: Michael O. Sajbel
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000JJSJO6
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Amazon.com

The moving biblical tale of Esther--a humble Jewish girl who saved her people from annihilation and won the heart of the handsome Persian king Xerxes--is the subject of One Night with the King, a lush ode to one of the Old Testament's most inspiring women. Esther, played with spark and confidence by Tiffany Dupont, could perhaps be said to be the first career woman to "have it all"--while also serving her people, and God. The film, shot on location in India, has the feel of the great epics of the '60s--a sensation underscored by the appearance, in small but pivotal roles, of both Omar Sharif and Peter O'Toole. (Even Raiders of the Lost Ark's John Rhys-Davies--"Bad dates!"--echoes earlier desert adventures.) But the film belongs to the willful Esther, who navigates among war, bloodlust, persecution, and terror with the strength of knowing she's serving the Lord, and her people. If the film has a few anachronisms--including the young Esther's suitor, who has blonde streaks and a surfer-dude delivery ("The market was rilly busy today")--its heart and its focus never waver. Fans of biblical tales and well-made drama for the entire family shouldn't miss it. --A.T. Hurley

Description

One Night with the King is a sweeping epic about Hadassah, the young Jewish girl who becomes the Biblical Esther, Queen of Persia.

Despite her position, Hadassah's life is in danger, as the state has decreed that all Jews will be put to death. Defying warnings to remain silent, however, Hadassah struggles to save her people, evens as she seeks to win the heart of the king, in this exciting and inspiring story about destiny.

Customer Reviews:

Why mess with perfection?.......2007-06-27

I more or less enjoyed the film, previewing it once myself and then presenting it as part of a Movie Night at my church. Tiffany Dupont was charming.

But why were there changes made to the story to make it more Hollywoodized? If there was ever a perfect story to present just as it was in the original, this would have to have been one of them!

I found the political intrigue of the movie to be confusing, and frankly, part of the reason for that is that you can't always understand what the actors are saying. The reason they contrived for the queen to dishonor the king's command to appear seemed artificial and unbelievable, at least to me--a 21st-century antiwar message stuffed uncomfortably into a warrior society. And the final confrontation between the king and the queen and the antagonist was nothing like the scripture text.

But altogether I recommend it. It was wholesome family entertainment that harkened back to the Scriptures; what's not to recommend? Even more, though--read the original. A better story than the screenplay, with the added benefit of being true!

Sub-par Plot and Production Reduce a Great Story Into So-so Movie.......2007-06-25

"One Night With the King" is a movie that looks like it wanted to be more than it turned out to be. Based on the story of a woman obeying God for the benefit of her people, the Jews, despite the promise of great peril, "One Night With the King" misses the mark.

Her story is well-known to any student of ancient literature, CCD or Sunday school. It is up there with Jonah, Noah, Adam and Eve, and the death and resurrection of Jesus. Even agnostics and atheists who are versed in the classics can provide the plot. With this, there are expectations: bring a major story to film and treat it properly.

With lines that come across stiff and stuffy, characters become cartoons, and do not live as real people. How can we believe actors speaking in a mock Shakespearean dialect? I couldn't.

Esther was flirtatious, flighty and yet bold from the first moment. Her character reminded me of Princess Jasmine in Disney's "Aladdin." This is not the unassuming future leader we read about, but a different Esther. When the grand decision must be made, she does not struggle in mortal angst as did the biblical version.

The plot itself didn't merit a long movie. A shorter piece, maybe 90 minutes, would have sufficed.

I felt like I was watching "The Robe," in all its effort to send a message, gets lost in a mediocre script.

Esther is a great story in its original form that has incredible big screen potential. Too many liberties were taken, and the production quality was sub-par. It was not a horrible movie, but I won't give it a pass just because I'm a Christian wanting to see biblical stories in film.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

Esther.......2007-06-22

I don't feel like the changes they made in the story are a personal attack on Christianity, Judaism, or God. Hollywood always changes stories. The Hollywood versions of any of the Mark Twain books remove all humor before they pass it on to us. If it is a personal attack on God then it is a personal attack on Mark Twain too. It is up to us to read the book for the things they couldn't fit in the movie.

Someone suggested that it plays too romantic trying to reach girls for its audience. Hello! I've never known a man to say that Esther is his favorite book in the Bible. Every woman I know who reads the Bible claims it as one of, if not, their favorite book.

I enjoyed the movie even if it didn't follow the Bible exactly. It was infinitely better than what is passing for romantic movies these days. They didn't have to have some sleazy side-kick doing and saying gross things to try to make the main character look good. I for one appreciated having a movie that I could trust not to be smarmy before I ever entered the theater. I intend to buy it.

If any Christian movie makers are reading this, by all means tackle Ruth. I would definitely go see it and buy it.
If you decide to tackle David, please I beg of you find a way to capture his relationship with God pre-Bathsheba.
The story of David and Abigail could be really romantic I Samuel 25 then in I Samuel 30 when the Amalekites had stolen Abigail and the other wives and possessions of him and all his men and how he handled it because of his extraordinary relationship with God. There is a lot of potential there.

A better attempt than most..........2007-06-03

Overall, I enjoyed this movie, it was a better attempt than most to stay close to the Biblical account of Esther. I think it's understandable that some dialogue & even characters would be added to flesh out the story to make a movie, but I only gave it 4 stars because the film makers did make at least one major mistake in this area. The special pendant which she treasures (not a part of the Bible account) was received as a birthday present from her parents. If they had done their research, they would have found that the Jews did not celebrate birthdays at this time in history; they considered it to be a custom practiced by the pagan nations surrounding them. That was the most glaring mistake I noticed. The movie had some interesting explanations for how Esther caught the king's eye in the first place, & later, for why she hadn't been called to him in a while, why she would be so hesitant to approach him, details that aren't given in the Bible account. Overall, I enjoyed the movie & would recommend it.

FLOWERS, STARS AND ROMANCE - BUT VERY LITTLE TRUTH.......2007-06-02

One Night With The King is a pretty film, and a romantic film, but it is not a Christian film. The production design team has gone overboard trying to make the film appeal to girls. I can't remember the last time I saw so many flowers on screen, unless it was Doctor Zhivago. And the writer, basing his script on the novel by Mark Andrew Olsen, has gone overboard to make the story as romantic as possible, also appealing to girls. It is a romantic extravaganza.

But the story of Esther, as it comes from the Bible, is not a romance. It is a political thriller, if anything. On the one hand, we have Xerxes, the young king of Persia, who needs a new wife because the previous one was disrespectful and disobedient. On the other, we have Haman, an ambitious man who, because Mordecai won't give him the respect he thinks he deserves, is driven by jealousy to destroy Mordecai and his people. And then there is Esther, the young woman caught in the middle, who comes into the king's court, "for such a time as this." As circumstances turn out, only she can save Mordecai and her people from Haman, and she does so by using her position as the king's new bride.

While there is opportunity to glamorize court life and make marriage to the king something to daydream about, the main plot is one of genocide, equal to the Holocaust. To play that down in order to give the girls a little romance betrays the heart of the story. I don't believe Esther was the silly teenager portrayed by Tiffany Dupont. Nor do I think Xerxes was the star-struck romantic portrayed by Luke Goss. And Tommy 'Tiny' Lister, who plays Hegai, the Royal Eunuch, is just plain terrible. Why in the world would they have cast someone with a speech impediment in such an important role? Most of what he says is totally garbled.

The simple, straightforward story as it comes to us from the Bible has been so altered and convoluted that it is almost unrecognizable as the story of Esther. Characters' motivations have been changed, there are key characters, like Prince Admantha, that don't even exist in the original, and the plot has been changed to a different story entirely. Most of the characters end up in the same place as the Bible story, but how they get there is totally different.

What is really unforgivable is the fact that, rather than letting God be the hero of the story, the filmmakers introduce a magical pendant that produces stars of David on the wall. According to the new plot, the magic pendant is actually responsible for changing Xerxes mind, not God, because when he gives the reason to Esther, he says, "I saw the stars." God is not even involved in delivering His people. Even though God's name is not mentioned in the book of Esther, we all know who delivers the Jews in the end. It's not a magic pendant. That's a different religion.

Why would Fox Faith change a story that has become one of the most beloved in both Jewish and Christian tradition? Why would they base it on a novel instead of the Bible account, which is so clear? Why would they spend so much money on sets and costumes, and then ignore script, directing and acting. And why would they introduce a magic pendant into the story? This film is a real mystery.

Conclusion? Fox Faith has laid a big, expensive egg, and one on which they probably won't get their money back. To date, it's made less than $14 M domestically. Any more like this, and they can close down their new "Christian" division. Maybe they should get some real Christian filmmakers in there to show them what a Christian film is, plus some decent directors, writers and actors. Anything but what they're using now.

Waitsel Smith

Average customer rating:

Mediocre movie based on a great novel
Lots of fun
Light vs. Dark?
great movie, if a little flawed
I don't want to wait for the next ones.

Night Watch
Starring: Konstantin Khabensky , Vladimir Menshov , Valeri Zolotukhin , Mariya Poroshina , and Galina Tyunina
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
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Night Watch: A Novel
Day Watch
V for Vendetta (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Underworld - Evolution (Widescreen Special Edition)
The Hills Have Eyes (Unrated Edition)

ASIN: B000FFJ81C
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Amazon.com

Night Watch is that rare film that--like The Matrix--is not only visually dazzling but creates an intriguing, seductive, and thrilling alternative world. A young man named Anton, after dabbling in black magic to bring back the wife who left him, discovers that the world is populated by fantastical Others (vampires, shape-shifters, witches, and more) who have chosen sides--Light or Dark--in an epic battle. A truce has been declared; both sides watch the other to ensure the truce is maintained. But a prophecy has predicted that a powerful Other will tilt the balance, and Anton--who is himself an Other--finds himself crucial to the prophecy's fulfillment. There's no question that Night Watch has weaknesses. Numerous plot holes get glossed over by pell-mell pacing, the visual conception of the apocalyptic battle between Light and Dark is curiously pedestrian (a bunch of knights fighting a bunch of guys in fur with swords--what happened to their various powers?), and more--but, much like similar problems with The Matrix, it doesn't matter.

The alternative world Night Watch presents is so rich with possibilities that it takes on a life of its own, both as an imaginative universe and as a vivid metaphor for the moral complexities of our own lives--for example, though the forces of Light claim to be good, their often brutal actions call their virtue into question, and the forces of Dark make some compelling moral arguments on the topic. The movie is so overstuffed with ideas that many don't get fleshed out, but that only contributes to the sense of vitality and unexplored dimensions. Even the subtitles are used creatively. The impending sequels (this is the first film of a trilogy) may--like The Matrix--take all the stimulating possibilities Night Watch raises and drag them into the toilet, but for the moment, this is the sort of electric excitement that blockbuster movies promise but so rarely deliver. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Among normal humans live the "Others" possessing various supernatural powers. They are divided up into the forces of light and the forces of the dark, who signed a truce several centuries ago to end a devastating battle. Ever since, the forces of light govern the day while the night belongs to their dark opponents. In modern day, the dark Others actually roam the night as vampires while a "Night Watch" of light forces, among them Anton, try to control them and limit their outrage.

Customer Reviews:

Mediocre movie based on a great novel.......2007-06-13

It is disappointing to see that Russian film makers are apparently as inept as their Hollywood counterparts when it comes to translating books to film. I realize that some changes are necessary due to the differences in medium but it seems odd that in this case one of the sacrifices are the great visuals described by Sergei Lukyanenko in his novels. Instead of the Twilight as described by Lukyanenko we get flies and people fading in and out. Its not just the Twilight either. Instead of a black vortex over Svetlana's head, we get her hair blowing all around her and then, later, a bunch of crows flying circles over her building.

Unfortunately its not just the visuals that change either. Lukyanenko's story ponders the difference between the Light and the Dark and how Good often does Evil in pursuit of what it sees as the greater good as Anton seeks to unravel the mystery of whats actually going on around him. Those complexities are pretty much gone in order to turn the movie into a more streamlined actioner that requires little thought to follow. For example, Zabulon's machiavellian manipulations are largely replaced with him repeatedly playing out the final confrontation with Anton in the form of a video game until things go the way he wants them.

In a reversal of the book, the more important Svetlana storyline is reduced to a minor subplot that is resolved in a singularly unsatisfying sequence and which seems to have little, if any, connection to the plot surrounding Egor.

The director makes some curious choices as well. Despite the movie's emphasis on action, the rooftop confrontation between Night and Day Watch is reduced to a brief fight between Anton and Zabulon. I suppose this allows for more shots of the Nightwatchmen, clad in matching jumpsuits and dark sunglasses, tooling around town in what can only be termed the Nightwatch-mobile. Also, because the story apparently isn't cliched enough, Egor is now Anton's son and he now chooses a side rather than balance between Light and Dark like he does in the novel.

My advice would be to read the novel and forget the movie. You'll get a better story that way.

Lots of fun.......2007-06-02

I liked this movie. You get the sense while watching it that the filmmakers really went for style over substance, but you won't mind so much because the style is handled so well and the substance, thin as it is, isn't botched like so many diasters we've seen before.

Watch it in Russian not just to hear the original actors, but also because the subs were done in a very creative way that makes them a joy to read.

Light vs. Dark?.......2007-06-01

I'll keep this brief; I wanted to point out some things as my perspective, my opinion of what I've seen so far.

This is NOT Light vs. Dark.
This is a deconstruction of Light and Dark.
This is an opportunity to understand the personality, methodology and mannerisms of those who favor feeding off the hopes or fears of humanity.
The abashment of those caught in what might be considered "the middle" and the utter ignorance of those that are unawares.

To quote "Olga" (adlib): "The difference between light others and dark others is the part of the human they feed on."
I find this concept quite intriguing.

This movie's "trance" comes more from relying on the strength of plot and good acting over the visual overload that bad movies have to rely on so heavily.
Don't get me wrong though, I will not speak badly of the visual affects, they were tantalizing and provocative; Eye candy without the sugar-shock. I really enjoyed how "The Gloom" was realized.
I look forward to the future installments of this movie.

great movie, if a little flawed.......2007-05-31

I have seen this twice now, and read the books to go with it. Yes, it does stray drastically from the books, but I must admit that I like what they have done. There was no way they could have made this movie and stayed honest to the books' stories. So instead they took ideas from the book and made it their own movie. Rarely do I like when directors do this (Peter Jackson), but it truly does work here.

As for the movie, it is stunning to watch. The only reason for the 4 star rating instead of 5 is that there is a clutter of information in the story that just gets confusing. It isn't an intellectual thing, rather it's just a bit of poor story telling. This is not the original cut of the movie though. The russian version is longer, and this one was "Americanized". I haven't seen the original (though I'm dying to), but it may resolve these issues. With that said, the movie flows very well and is just unbelievably shot. What great cinemetography and effects. And brilliant use of subtitles.

Watch this flick, you will not be disapointed.

I don't want to wait for the next ones........2007-05-21

I thought this movie was good because it is different than all the American movies that I am used to seeing. This trilogy was compaired to The Lord of Rings, and yes I can see that comparison but I think it's better. The one bad thing is that the the last movie (Dusk Watch I believe it is) has not been made yet or does not have a release date and Day watch just recently reached American movie theaters. Over all, awesome movie!

Curious George - Zoo Night & Other Animal Stories

Average customer rating:

TV show trumps movie -- again
Happy 3-year-old, happy parents!
So Cute!
Daughters Love It
Great for on the road!

Curious George - Zoo Night & Other Animal Stories
Starring: Jeff Bennett , Frank Welker , William H. Macy , Annie Mumolo , and Grey DeLisle
Director: Frank Marino (II) , and Steve Socki
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Curious George - Rocket Ride and Other Adventures
Curious George (Collector's Edition)
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Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Mickey's Great Clubhouse Hunt

ASIN: B000LPS2VI
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Amazon.com

In these eight PBS Kids Television episodes, Curious George's curiosity focuses on the animal world and takes him and the man with the yellow hat from the balcony of their city apartment to a house in the countryside. As George observes and interacts with everything from dogs, bunnies, bears, and bees to tadpoles, cats, squirrels, penguins, and pigeons, he learns about different animals and their distinct characteristics, preferred habitats, and growth and maturation while developing important skills like map reading, tracking, measuring, and sorting. Preschoolers love seeing their favorite H.A. and Margret Rey little monkey spring to life with the help of animation and are sure to be thoroughly entertained by George's cute antics and boundless curiosity. Best of all, they'll absorb some math, science, and engineering concepts while they watch. (Ages 2 to 7) --Tami Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

TV show trumps movie -- again.......2007-07-02

Don't confuse tbis DVD with the movie "Curious George," which comes in a similar DVD case. These are episodes from the far superior TV show. Not that the movie isn't worth your time and money. This is just so much more so.

The product lives up to the credits: Dr. John on the swinging theme song; Ron Howard and Brian Glazer executive producing; and William H. Macy, who makes the most of any role he assumes, as narrator.

There's an urban, downtown quality to these episodes, from being drawn in the manner of classic New Yorker cartoons to the jazzy soundtrack, extending even to the live action suffixes in which a group of young kids further delving into some element in the episode. Even when they're in a rural setting, you get the feeling these kids aren't suburban spawn.

George comes off as a monkey-fied human preschooler, one of the many elements with which the writers have fun (one character calls George "a city kid"). The Man in The Yellow Hat, though often in the stereotypical Long-Suffering Parent supporting role, manages to be more than a two-dimensional character. Watch these episodes and the ones that still air on PBS and you'll learn of a full cast of characters, only a couple of which could be called "cardboard."

It's always a good morning when my daughter wants to watch, "Monkey George."

Happy 3-year-old, happy parents!.......2007-06-08

I bought this for a long car trip with my 3-year-old son, and it did not disappoint. The stories are appropriate for younger children, and I was pleasantly surprised that my son even enjoys the segments with real children after each episode. (I have tried to forward past them, and he stops me!) As a parent, I like the gentle, loving approach that the adult characters take in dealing with George's mischievous behavior, as well as the emphasis given to George's creativity in solving problems. If your child loves George and his antics, s/he will likely enjoy this video.

So Cute!.......2007-05-15

This is a great DVD! However, it is the same cartoon that you can watch daily on PBS Kids. It is great for the car though because it is VERY long - 8 total episodes with the classroom shorts inbetween. Highly recommended!

Daughters Love It.......2007-05-15

As soon as they hear the theme music, my daughters (6, 5, & 2) come running...I know I'm guaranteed two hours of uninterrupted work time since they are glued to the tv watching this DVD...THANK YOU!!

Great for on the road!.......2007-05-12

My 2 1/2 year old son LOVES Curious George and doesn't mind watching the same episodes over and over, and over again. While traveling, he's alwys asking to watch George in the car. While he likes the full length movie, this DVD collection is great to have on hand. The episodes are quick and he can choose his favorites to watch. We're looking forward to more collections of George's episodes like this in the future!

The Best of Abbott & Costello, Vol. 1 (Buck Privates / Hold That Ghost / In the Navy / Keep 'Em Flying / One Night in the Tropics / Pardon My Sarong / Ride 'Em Cowboy / Who Done It?)

Average customer rating:

Laughing all the way....
Classic comedies
Great collection
Enjoyable films, great price, questionable disc quality
The Best of Abbott and Costello, Vol. 2

The Best of Abbott & Costello, Vol. 1 (Buck Privates / Hold That Ghost / In the Navy / Keep 'Em Flying / One Night in the Tropics / Pardon My Sarong / Ride 'Em Cowboy / Who Done It?)
Starring: Bud Abbott , Lou Costello , Dick Powell , Claire Dodd , and Patty Andrews
Director: Arthur Lubin , A. Edward Sutherland , and Erle C. Kenton
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Best of Abbott & Costello, Vol. 2 (Hit the Ice / In Society / Here Come the Co-Eds / The Naughty Nineties / Little Giant / The Time of Their Lives / Buck Privates Come Home / The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap)
The Best of Abbott & Costello, Vol. 3 (Abbott & Costello Go to Mars / Abbott & Costello in the Foreign Legion / Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein / Abbott & Costello Meet the Invisible Man / Abbott & Costello Meet the Killer / Comin' Round the Mountain / Lost in Alaska / Mexican Hayride)
The Best of Abbott & Costello, Vol. 4 (Abbott & Costello Meet Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde / Abbott & Costello Meet the Keystone Cops / Abbott & Costello Meet the Mummy / Abbott & Costello Meet Jerry Seinfeld / Abbott & Costello Meet the Monsters / The World of Abbott & Costello)
The Adventures of Ma & Pa Kettle - Volume 1
The Marx Brothers Collection (A Night at The Opera/A Day at The Races/A Night in Casablanca/Room Service/At the Circus/Go West/The Big Store)

ASIN: B0000WN0PA
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Description

Get ready for big laughs with Abbott and Costello, undeniably the most popular comedy team of all time! Now, the classic films of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are available on DVD in this hilarious collection.

The wildly popular comic duo has entertained audiences since 1931, conquering vaudeville, radio and the silver screen in nearly 40 films. Enjoy these side-splitting hits like Buck Privates and Hold That Ghost in this collection of eight full-length features. The Best of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello: Volume 1 will have you laughing out loud again and again!

One Night in the Tropics (1940)
Bud and Lou get mixed up in a "Love Insurance" scheme.

Buck Privates (1941)
The duo accidentally enlists in the U.S. Army to avoid getting arrested!

In the Navy (1941)
Bud and Lou are sailors bound for duty on the high seas in this musical comedy.

Hold that Ghost (1941)
The boys inherit a haunted house formerly owned by a mobster.

Keep `Em Flying (1941)
Bud and Lou enlist in the Army Air Corps and get caught up in a love triangle.

Ride `Em Cowboy (1942)
The duo head to the Lazy S ranch to hide after Lou accidentally proposes to an Indian girl.

Pardon My Sarong (1942)
Bud and Lou travel to the South Seas where Lou is mistaken for a legendary god!

Who Done It? (1942)
The boys are suspected of murder while being targeted by the actual killer.

Customer Reviews:

Laughing all the way...........2007-06-30

I remember some of these movies from when I was a kid (okay, I'm dating myself but I don't care). "Hold That Ghost", which is the reason I bought this collection, has some of the funniest bits EVER captured on film. No "off color" language or jokes -- just lots of laughs. The exchange after Joan Davis runs into Lou Costello and knocks him down STILL makes me laugh out loud. If you like "funny" -- this is your ticket.

Classic comedies.......2007-06-24

It may be hard to believe nowadays, but Abbott and Costello were once one of the biggest box office draws at the movies. In the early 1940s, their movies were among the tops in terms of tickets. Nowadays, they seem to be mostly forgotten except by fans of old movies, which is too bad. Their movies may not be the best comedy ever written, but they are all pretty fun. Volume 1 of The Best of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello features their first eight films.

One Night in the Tropics is their screen debut. They are actually just secondary characters who contribute little to the plot (involving some romantic mix-ups) but are brought in to lighten things up, with among other things, their "Who's on First" routine. Next up is their first starring feature and the first of their three military comedies, Buck Privates. In this one, they accidentally enlist in the army while trying to avoid a cop who later turns out to be their drill sergeant.

The next of their "service comedies" was In The Navy, in which they assist a famous singer who is trying to become a regular Joe by becoming a sailor. The final service comedy is Keep `Em Flying, which puts them in the early Air Force.

The pair inherit a supposed haunted house on Hold That Ghost. It actually used to belong to a mobster, and some of his loot is still in the place, attracting other hoodlums. In Ride `Em Cowboy, they wind up on a dude ranch. Pardon My Sarong is something of a takeoff on the Hope/Crosby Road pictures, with the two winding up on a tropical island. Finally, in Who Done It?, they are entangled in a murder mystery at a radio station.

There is a very structured approach to these movies: Universal Pictures obviously wanted these churned out quickly (some were out within a couple months of the start of shooting!) and they used plenty of contract players: for example, three movies have Shemp Howard in small parts and Dick Foran in bigger parts. All the movies are pretty short (they range from 78 to 87 minutes). They all have a romantic subplot involving other characters and (with the exception of Who Done It?), they all have several musical numbers, some featuring big names like the Andrews Sisters and Ella Fitzgerald.

At the core, however, are Abbott and Costello, more particularly Lou Costello who forms the comic heart of these stories. They are the same characters in every story: Bud is the fast-talking con man and Lou is the not-so-bright coward with an almost child-like approach to the world. There is plenty of physical comedy, but they are at their best when the two are just talking.

It'd be a bit much to call these films classics, but they are entertaining and they would probably amuse kids as well as adults. I suppose it's also technically inappropriate to call this The Best of Abbott and Costello when it actually is just their first eight movies, but at the same time it is true: this collection does show them in top form.

Great collection.......2007-06-15

Except for "One Night in the Tropics", these are some of Abbott and Costello's most entertaining films. One of my very favorite A@C films, "Ride 'em Cowboy" is marred by the dreadful dream sequence. What makes it more frustrating is to read from sources that other comedy scenes (which sound funnier) were filmed but rejected including extended bits of business with the poker sequence. The rest of "Ride 'em Cowboy" however more than makes up for the dream skit. This dvd set is a great buy for the cost.

Enjoyable films, great price, questionable disc quality.......2007-05-04

While I don't think I'll ever grow to be a *huge* A&C fan, as I've been seeing more and more of their films, I've grown to genuinely like them and to really enjoy watching them, even if I personally don't find them as consistently hilarious and personally endearing as some of the other great comedians of the era. But for this price, and for this many films in one collection, how could anyone go wrong?

'One Night in the Tropics' (1940) is actually a star vehicle for Allan Jones (best-known for his roles in the Marx Brothers' first two MGM films), Nancy Kelly, Robert Cummings, Peggy Moran, and a few other secondary characters. It's an enjoyable movie, but nothing really classic or memorable. A&C are actually the most interesting characters and steal the show, even though their comedy routines are detached from the plot and they're just trotted out as periodic comic relief. They're also not really playing very sympathetic characters in this one. It seems like one of those films that's watched more for the historical interest than for genuine entertainment value.

'Buck Privates' (1941), their first starring vehicle, is considered a classic, though here too they often seem to be relegated to supporting comedians and pushed to the back burner in favor of the romantic subplot. The same holds true in their other two service comedies, 'In the Navy' and 'Keep 'Em Flying' (also from 1941). While all three of their service comedies are genuinely enjoyable and funny, they would have been even stronger and funnier if all of the superfluous musical numbers and the romantic subplots with boring characters we don't really care about had been cut out. They were funny and talented enough to carry a film on their own without being forced to play second-fiddle to secondary characters! The weakest of these three is 'Keep 'Em Flying'; overall it just seems disjointed and inconsistent, and like they'd run out of top-notch material to mine after already doing their first two service comedies. (These service comedies also feel, in hindsight, like subtle propaganda just in case the U.S. really did enter WWII, what with the "Isn't the Army/Navy/Air Force great and fun?" theme.)

'Hold That Ghost' (1941) is also somewhat bogged down by musical numbers and a romantic subplot, but at least here those elements don't take up as much time as in a lot of their other early films. The plotline about spending a night in a haunted house and all of the hair-raising things that happen seems a bit cliché today, and the script seems a little weak, but overall there are enough funny moments and interesting twists and turns in the plot to make it worthwhile.

'Who Done It?" (1942), which mixes comedy and a murder mystery, has a very strong script and a supporting cast. What makes this film so funny and tight is that it focuses almost entirely on A&C instead of being cluttered up by some boring romantic subplot and superfluous song and dance numbers. 'Pardon My Sarong' (1942), made in imitation of the popular Hope and Crosby 'Road' pictures of the time, finds them on a tropical island. Although it does feature musical numbers and a romantic subplot, at least the comedy routines are seamlessly worked into the picture instead of seeming more detached from the plotline, and the subplot seems more interesting than usual. 'Ride 'Em Cowboy' (1942) is enjoyable entertainment and has a good script, though unfortunately has the same formulaic feel that a lot of these other films do--musical numbers and a dull romantic subplot that really slow down the story and relegate A&C to supporting characters. Normally I find Westerns boring and dated at best and offensive at worst, but since this is a comedy Western, I liked it. Even the stereotypical depictions of the Native Americans weren't as bad and offensive as they often are in these kinds of films.

Overall, while A&C aren't my top favorite comedians, I do enjoy watching them, and these early films are no exception. And while the songs and romantic subplots slow the pictures down, the boys are great when they're front and center instead of being relegated to supporting players. However, while this may seem like a great price for 8 films, it's not entirely a great deal. Since these are double-sided discs, they're more prone to scratching and malfunctioning. While the first disc played fine for me, I had to go through a number of different copies before finally getting a second disc that didn't freeze up or skip at any point. Would it have taken that much effort for Universal to ensure more quality control on this classic catalogue? And while the extras (trailers and production notes) are much appreciated, these films and this comedy team are famous and respected enough to have merited something more, like audio commentaries or photo galleries. Still, at least they're represented on DVD now, inferior technical quality or not.

The Best of Abbott and Costello, Vol. 2.......2007-04-02

Abbott and Costello's humor is outstanding and timeless. This collection of some of their movies will have you laughing uproariously, and you will watch these movies over and over again, and keep on laughing even after you've watched them so many times that you know what is going to happen next.

Night at the Museum (2-Disc Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

fun movie
Decent movie for everyone's entertainment
Really Great Movie 4 All Ages !!!
Great for the Whole Family!
Night at the Museum

Night at the Museum (2-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Ben Stiller
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Happy Feet (Full Screen Edition)
The Queen
Casino Royale (2-Disc Widescreen Edition)
Deja Vu
Eragon (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B000NOKJCM
Release Date: 2007-04-24

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On the DVD

The delightful package of special features on Night at the Museum (Two-Disc Special Edition) logically focuses on the film's many effects and unique needs. Featurettes and little narratives on various niche aspects of Night's production abound. Among them is "Bringing the Museum to Life," an overview of star Ben Stiller and the rest of the cast's vivid imaginations while they reacted to conditions and characters that were not actually present at the time of shooting. Director Shawn Levy is very much the star in this clip, as it turns out the hands-on filmmaker was unabashed about standing in for such computer-generated creations as Rexy, the T-Rex skeleton that comes to puppyish life in the feature. Levy shines, too, in "Directing 101" (which has more footage of him running around like everything from a horse to a fierce friend of Genghis Khan) and "Fox Movie Channel Presents: Life After Film School," the latter a half-hour segment from the cable channel's ongoing series in which film school students interview folks already in the business. (The Levy show is really a pleasure.) "Monkey Business" takes a look at the training of the little monkey whose character vexes Stiller's overwhelmed hero to an extreme. A blooper reel is full of hilarious gaffes, the best of which finds Stiller and Ricky Gervais pretty much incapable of getting through a single scene without losing it. "Building the Museum" answers the question: Did they actually shoot that thing inside a real museum? (The answer: no, which makes the set even more impressive.) "Historical Threads" takes a look at costumes, while trailers, extended scenes, a commentary track by Levy, and a DVD-ROM game ("Reunite with Rexy") give a viewer lots to do here. --Tom Keogh

Night at the Museum Extras

Ben Stiller on Director Shawn Levy
Ricky Gervais on the size of his trailer and eating cheese.

Beyond Night at the Museum