Pufnstuf (1970) Review

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(More customer reviews)I saw a bootleg letterboxed copy of this about seven or eight years ago at a friend's house up in Northern California, and I was astonished. All this is, really, is a 90-minute "H.R. Pufnstuf" episode, but it's one of the best ones ever conceived. In keeping with the times (and, quite possibly, the film's "real" potential audience) there are quickly intercut visual effects that look like they were stolen from the "Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite" section of "2001" throughout. It's a little thin plotwise (who watches this stuff for plot, anyway?), but there are plenty of musical numbers to keep the viewer entertained and amused. It's worth the price of admission alone to see Mama Cass Eliot (she plays Witchiepoo's friend Witch Hazel - yuk yuk) talking on the telephone while sitting in a bathtub full of food! Sadly, there's no "See You Next Week!" sign-off at the end of the movie, which may disappoint some. That's just a small quibble, though. Fans of Sid & Marty Krofft's work shouldn't miss out on this, and it also deserves shelf space in the collection of any fan of camp or Psychotronic stuff. Incredible.

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Steel (1979) Review

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(More customer reviews)I attended the premiere of Steel in my hometome, Lexington, Ky., the city where it was filmed. My late husband, an ironworker, and I, both worked for the company that performed the steel erection for Kincaid Tower, the building used as the centerpiece for this quite interesting film and the firm listed in the credits. We knew many of the 'real' ironworkers who worked as uncredited extras on the film.
The premiere was held at a vintage Lexington theater and was attended by several of the stars including Lee Majors (Mike Catton) and Terry Kiser (Valentino). A reception held at Kincaid Tower was also attended by many of the stars. Phyllis George Brown, first-lady in Kentucky at the time and former Miss Texas and Miss America, was hostess and mistress of ceremonies for the film's opening.
Lee Majors, whose hometown was Middlesboro, KY, played football for and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University 26 miles from Lexington, in effect 'came home' to make this film. Several of my friends attended college with Lee, but I had never met him. I recall being very surprised to learn the 'baby' of the TV hit Big Valley and the amazing 'Million Dollar Man' was painfully uncomfortable and shy in public when he attended the premiere.
Stuntman A.J. Bakunas' (who also had a bit part in the film) 300' leap from the top of the building ended in his tragic death. The stunt received live radio coverage. Listening to the broadcast it was obvious before the actual announcement, based on the lack of definite immediate confirmation of his successful record winning stunt, that the outcome was dire for Bakunas (stunt double for Burt Reynolds in TV's Hooper). The fall in the film as double for George Kennedy, has been previously completed from the 9th floor. The jump from the top of the building was an attempt to regain a high fall record after he learned that Dar Robinson had broken his record high fall for a non-movie related publicity stunt. Bakunas, whose father was in attendance for what would be his final stunt, performed the fall expertly, but the airbag split on impact. The film was dedicated to Bakunas.
I own 'Steel' on VHS and have just recently viewed once again. For me, of course, the backdrop of my hometown is always interesting to see from the vantage point of the pinnacle of one of the tallest buildings in our city. Additionally, I always enjoy seeing so many individuals I knew at that time making their celluloid debut particularly because so many of them are no longer with us. These personal links to the film are not necessary though to enjoy the movie.
'Steel', while certainly not Oscar material or destined to be a classic, is instead a solid film with an impressive cast that pays homage to an art (hanging steel) and to the truly unique individuals who make that art their profession. The writer did a fine job of presenting the personality traits and characteristics of so many of the fine men who daily walked the steel girders high above the rest of the world and the actors carried off their roles in a very believable fashion. These men faced what so many of us fear and most had 'bigger than life', strong personas that made them an interesting breed to know and love. It is the spirited characterizations along with the dazzling views from high atop the steel girders that infuses 'Steel' with the flavor that makes it something other than a run-of-the mill film.
Lee Majors did what I think was his best acting work in 'Steel' Whether it was being back in his home state or settling back in with the blue collar citizenry of his childhood, he filled the steel-toed boots of an ironworker to a T. Terry Kiser, an interesting versatile actor, was perfectly cast for the part of the lover in the crew and this was one of his best films. Art Carney was truly enjoyable and George Kennedy, who had an important role but limited screen time, made his mark on the film.
This film seems to be becoming scarce, having never made it to DVD. Now that so many movie rental stores don't stock videos any longer, these old gems are becoming more difficult to catch-up on. I would recommend 'Steel' to anyone with even a passing interest in building construction, working at heights, or mostly of course seeing an enjoyable movie with a believable plot populated by unique people one would enjoy getting to know.


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Shrek/Shrek 3D Double Bill (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)First, there's the Shrek film, which is not only an Academy Award winning Animated film...It's one of the best Films I've ever seen. I HIGHLY recommend that you buy the ASIN=B00003CXXJ version of Shrek which is both Widescreen and Fullscreen DVD, with great extras. The Shrek in this DVD pack is just Full Screen, which is an insult to this amazing film.
Then, there's Shrek 3-D, which is a great "4-D" theme park attraction at Universal Studios. It looses some of it's funniness going from 4-D to 3-D...so see it at the theme park, in all it's glory. Here, it is only presented in Anaglyph (Latin for "annoying"). The 15 minute short is presented in 2 formats, 2-D (why?!?) and Anaglyph (Red/Cyan glasses). Very bad move not to have included a Field Sequential 3-D version, which is what all the 3-D film lovers were readying their wallets for. Anaglyph looks like bad 3-D on all TVs, while Field Sequential looks great, but only works some TVs. Including both would've sold very well.
Lastly...there's NO "Making Of Shrek 3-D" on the 3-D DVD...just 2 versions of a 15 minute short, and an interesting ad/trailer for Shrek 2.
Skip this 2 pack. Buy the Widescreen DVD of Shrek. And hope they re-release Shrek 3-D in Field Sequential 3-D, with a Making Of, as a single DVD, later.

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This two-pack contains the single-disc, full-screen version of "Shrek" plus a new 15-minute short, "Shrek 3-D," plus 3-D glasses.Shrek 3-D: When we last left everyone's favorite newlyweds Shrek and Fiona, they were singing and dancing late into the night with Donkey and all the fairytale creatures. Happily ever after...right? Not so fast: The honeymoon has barely begun when Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) is ambushed by Lord Farquaad's (John Lithgow) henchman, Thelonius. A dizzying and hilarious chase ensues with Shrek (Mike Myers) and Donkey (Eddie Murphy) hot on the trail! More action, more adventure, more fun that picks up right where Shrek left off...and drops you off laughing and out-of-breath before "Shrek 2" begins!

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Mulan/Mulan II (3 Disc Collector's Set) Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all, kudos to Disney for *finally* including a MANDARIN LANGUAGE AUDIO TRACK (the original DVD had French and Spanish- no Chinese). It's about time!!!
Next: I have to emphatically disagree with reviewer Bill Mydo below. -You will excuse me if I spend some little time defending this film against his critique; Mulan happens to be my favorite Disney animated movie, second only perhaps to Beauty and the Beast. Perhaps my being Chinese-American may have something to do with it, as does the fact that I strongly identify with the character's self-doubts. Still, I am fairly particular as to what I consider "good art"; and it boggles and confounds me that anyone would fail to see the difference between this movie and, for example, Hunchback or Hercules.
Yes, Disney's Mulan is very much a western/ American movie, made for western and American- not Asian- audiences. No, they "didn't get it right"; or, not exactly. But I never expected them to, and I give them a good deal of credit for trying. They came quite a bit closer that I ever thought that they would. Nor do I find this movie overly feminist (no more than Snow White or Cinderella are "chauvinist"). Mulan may be a strong female character, but she is not Aladdin's Princess Jasmine. Mulan is not defined by rebellion, nor by what she rejects. Instead she upholds her sense of honor as she struggles to find out who she is and where she fits in. Moreover, in a genre known for its blatant ad nauseum boy-meets-girl love themes, I truly appreciated the downplayed understatedness of the "interest" between Mulan and Captain Shang.
As to the "commercial" aspect of the film; yes, it had its tie-ins and its merchandising. What Disney movie doesn't? But the real issue is the worth of the film itself, and on this I take exception to the review below. I believe there is more in it than Mr. Mydo gives credit for.
The film does have its awkward moments. The scene with the match-maker and Mulan's first entrance into the army camp are both extremely painful to watch- I do not enjoy watching anyone be utterly humiliated- not even a cartoon character (and I do not believe that someone as bright as Mulan would fumble so badly over simply coming up with a new name). I also find it somewhat irksome that one minor character, Mushu the dragon, continually steals attention away from the movie's proper focus. And there are a number of jokes and visual gags that closely border on PG. I found this in somewhat poor taste in a kid's movie.
But these faults are counterbalanced, and more than compensated for, by the scenes that really work. The opening "brush painting" of the Great Wall; Mulan's song (Reflections) and the ensuing scene of loving encouragement from her father; the scene where she decides to leave home; her heart-to-heart talk with Mushu at the abandoned camp in the mountains; the Imperial Palace where she is honored by the Emperor before all China... the sheer artistry of these scenes is breathtaking.
When the Special Edition DVD is released, I intend to be first in line!

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In Disney's lushly animated MULAN, the title feisty heroine doesn't quite fit in with her village's 'proper' Chinese girls. However, when the country is invaded by brutal Huns, the odd-duck maiden springs into action, disguising herself as a man and taking her ailing father's place in the army. Together with a tiny dragon sidekick, Mushu, Mulan fights to protect the homeland and save her family. This special double feature presents the original Academy-Award nominated film alongside its colorful 2004 sequel, MULAN II, which sees the girl warrior become a bride, and do battle once more with the vicious Hun forces.

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The Emperor's New Groove - The Ultimate Groove (2-Disc Collector's Edition) (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)This may be my favorite Disney movie ever. (I normally prefer Pixar.)
The reviewers who did not like it clearly expected something for small kids. It is not. It is very abstract in places, especially the art, which is really quite amazing. Watch for the design of the panthers, and the bats. And the landscapes. Wonderful stuff.
And the dialogue and the delivery especially is just hilarious. How you can get such delivery in an animated film is beyond me.
Warmly recommended for mature viewers with an edgy sense of humor.

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Betterman - Anime Legends Complete Collection Review

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(More customer reviews)When I heard that my friend watched this a while ago, I decided to pick it up and see what it was about. I was reluctant at first, thinking it would be a cheezy knock-off of some anime I've already seen. But at the end of the first episode, I was practically begging for more, pushing the next button for the next episode.
The main plot is that a virus is spreading across the world, known as "Algernon". Akamatsu Industries at this time is trying to find a way to stop the virus before it contaminates the entire world (some symptoms you may not pick up on right away)! Keita, the protagonist, is dragged into this conflict by getting himself lost in the Bottom World, where he meets the Betterman, who takes on a form of a dragon after eating a mysterious seed.
I would flush out more of the plot, but then I would be spoiling most of the fun! But I must say, even though the animation was on par with Escaflowne, the storyline just about surpassed Neon Genesis Evangelion (in confusion, that is. Shoot, it sort of has the ending similar to "End of Evangelion"!). The characters are presented very nicely, the story is incredible, although sometimes confusing, and they don't overexaggerate on the action, which some anime tends to do unintentionally.
If you feel like sparing thirty or so dollars on a fun, cutesy anime with lots of over-sized women anatomies and simple things like that, this anime probably isn't for you. However, if you want to get involved in a story that may change your way of thinking for a couple of days, then I would definately recommend this.
NOTE: You may suffer brain exhaustion by watching this anime in one sitting, take it a couple of episodes at a time!

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The Pagemaster (1994) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the first movie I remember seeing as a kid. I LOVED it. It was my favorite. Then, I didn't get to see it again for several years (stupid Blockbuster!) When I finally saw it again, I STILL liked it. I like it as I write this very day. The music is good (the background music behind the movie that nobody really conciously listens to, but helps the mood anyway). The animation's good, too. And I ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! (How often does that happen?) See, what happens a lot of the time, is that people blame colors they don't like, or designs that are annoying, or WHATEVER on the animation. But it isn't the animation's fault! The way the thing on-screen MOVES is the only thing the animators do, mostly. So, if you really want to criticize the animation, look at how they MOVE, not what they look like. Do you see?
I think that, really, most of the reason that this is one of my favorite movies is that it is about BOOKS. When I was little, my dad read me "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" and "The Hobbit"; things like that. So, naturally, I loved books and stories. This is practically the only movie I've seen that encourages reading so much while still being sincere. It's obvious that the filmmakers themselves (or at least, a lot of the people working on it) actually like to read. THAT'S really why I like the Pagemaster.
So, if you like to read, watch this movie. If you don't (you utter nincompoop), stay away, and don't criticize what you have no comprehension of.

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A delightful children's tale about magic!

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All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989) Review

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(More customer reviews)I never liked dogs when I was a kid, mostly because I was a runt and they could pretty much eat me whole. Which didn't preclude me from liking the idea of dogs, or from loving this film way back when. On a nostalgia kick I bought it again and expected to have another aspect of my childhood destroyed upon being reminded of how horrible some of the things I liked back then actually are from an adult perspective (A few examples come to mind, but at least I won't have to contend with liking a few things on TV nowadays that will definitely have future adults cringing...).
Surprise, it's actually even more enjoyable now as an "adult". It's all as good as I remembered, or better.
When I was a child I never percieved it as a particularly "dark" film as so many claim it to be... Truthfully, the thing that has stuck with me over the years is the songs. They really are engaging and well written, not the squirm-fests that populate most children's films of any era. And while certain things stick out as not being acceptable in today's children's pictures (the drinking, and straightforwardness on topics such as gambling and murder), I definitely don't think that's the attitude that defines the film. To "clean up" this movie would be to suck the life from it, and make it just like any more modern children's film.
I have no qualms with showing it to my nieces and nephews. I think it's a shame that movies nowaday shelter younguns from anything resembling reality. Besides, at the core it's a great, touching story about love and friendship, and I think that's what shines through for most kids, and most adults upon watching the film. Anne Marie is absolutely adorable, and Charlie, voiced by Burt Reynolds is as likeable a scoundrel as any. The characters are all dimensional and believable, despite being dogs. Another thing that sticks out when viewing this film in comparison to more modern children's offerings.
It can now be seen, unfortunately, as a throwback to when kids movies didn't need to rely on flashy graphics or super-hip characters and settings to be entertaining. Current studios could use a dose of this adventurousness.

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Set in 1939 New Orleans, this colorful, song-filled story centers on Charles B. Barkin, a roguish German Shepherd with the charm of a con man and the heart of a marshmallow. Out for revenge against his double-crossing former partner, a cigar-chomping pit bull known as Carface, Charlie finds himself guardian to a lonely little orphan named Anne-Marie. Her astounding ability to talk to animals leads this unlikely pair on an adventure packed with thrills, laughs, tears and true love.

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Here Comes the Littles (1985) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Littles is one of my favorites. It is the prequil to the animated series and tells how Henry meets Tom and Lucy Little. (note: how the 30 minute cartoon says Henry found Tom and Lucy is NOT true according to the movie!!--watch and you'll find out, as Paul Harvey put it, "...the rest of the story") The characters are honest, genuine, and teach kids that your true friends will always look out for you. This beautifully animated movie is great for all ages.

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Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this set because my daughter so enjoyed her other video, "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" (which seems to be out of print now). I didn't realize that this set is essentially a repackaging of the same material from that video (1 of the 4 tapes is new material). I much prefer the original tape to this set - there are a lot of ads at the beginning of every tape, so the "ads to watchable video" ratio is extremely high in the set version. There were ads on the original tape, too, but you simply went through them once and then had essentially 3 tapes of uninterrupted watchable video. This set is clever packaging that makes it look like you're getting a lot at a good price, when in fact you're essentially getting one movie over multiple tapes and 4 times the amount of ads that you would normally see.

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Mighty Joe Young (1998) Review

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(More customer reviews)Jill Young's mother is killed by a poacher while trying to protect a baby Gorilla named Joe who is rather big for his age. Jill grows up with the giant Gorilla and takes care of him in honor of her mother. Unfortunately poachers are always on the lookout for the giant gorilla, and so Jill and Joe have to relocate to a mini-preserve in California. Unfortunately the poacher that killed Jill's mother is out for revenge since Joe bit off his finger during the original encounter, and now it seems nowhere is safe for Joe.
What a beautiful movie! Charlize Theron brings real heart to her character and it is her love for Joe as part of her family that makes this a movie to believe in. Bill Paxton does a fine job as the male lead, and they are well supported by great characters and actors (Regina King among them). Also watch out for Naveen Andrews who currently appears in the television series "Lost". The movie is extremely well directed by Ron Underwood, and the beautiful score by James Horner adds the movie's soul to Charlize Theron's heart.
The picture quality on the DVD is good, thanks in part to the amazing cinematography, and the film is in a nicely balanced Dolby Digital 5.1. This movie is a rare gem. So yes it is a remake to the original Mighty Joe Young, and yes we have a new King Kong movie coming up, thus making this a bit of a middle child. Still, once you've seen it, you'll see how wonderful it is. Who needs King Kong? Who needs the original Mighty Joe Young? Hell, who needs Planet Of The Apes? This movie has real heart and soul, once more I credit Charlize Theron and James Horner for that. It won me over. I hope it does you too.

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A heroic Disney movie.

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Amazing Panda Adventure (1995) Review

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(More customer reviews)This movie is better than I expected. I thought it would be really corny and dumb. But it was really good actually.
The Chinese actors in this movie really are speaking Mandarin. A good friend of mine who is Chinese was watching this movie with me, and translated the Chinese dialogue for me. It was authentic and fit with the movie. For instance, when the girl Ling and her grandfather are arguing in the back of the tractor at the beginning of the movie, the girl is complaining about this spoiled brat white kid. The grandfather is telling her to be quiet. Then when the cart crashes, the grandfather starts complaining that they've got no respect for old people.
That nice little authentic touch, which was never translated on-screen, added a lot to the movie in my opinion. The only part my friend couldn't understand was when they went to the Tibetan village, because the people there were speaking Tibet dialect, not Mandarin. That just makes it more authentic.
The scenery for the movie is quite beautiful. They must have had to travel far from the cities of China to find such an unpopulated, beautiful place. Shots of the city were authentic also, but it is good that the movie didn't spend much time there.
Usually I like to take a movie and rip it to shreds, nitpicking each and every flaw I can find and criticizing it mercilessly. With this movie, I would rather not do that. Seeing a cute little baby panda happily running and stumbling along is a sight rarely seen, and is so cute that it makes me want to ignore anything that might be wrong with this movie otherwise.
When the mama panda gets trapped in the bear-trap, man that really makes you feel bad. To me it was an even worse feeling than when Bambi's mother died. Fortunately, it all turns out good in the end.
If only the same could be said for pandas in real life. Now I see why it is such a shame that there are so few of them left. Only 1,000 left? I hope the population has grown since this movie was made. It's been 10 years since then.
You know, cuteness rarely does it for me. Too much cute usually makes me gag. But the cuteness in this movie just won me over. Mainly because it is so authentic. A baby panda rolling off of a log and landing on its head just can't be faked, and it is extremely cute to say the least.
You can't watch the baby panda in this movie and feel nothing, unless you are just cold and dead inside.
In conclusion, this is a very good family movie. As another reviewer put it, it's a movie you can watch with your kids and actually not feel bored. Recommmended.

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Item Name: The Amazing Panda Adventure; Studio:Warner Home Video

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Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law, Vol. 1 (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)Harvey Birdman is an old HB character that Adult Swim (late nights on Cartoon Network)decided to give a face-lift to. Harvey didn't quite hack it as a superhero, but he knows enough about the law to be dangerous! Harvey tries cases of former/current HB characters including Fred Flintstone, Shaggy and Scooby, Dynomutt, and Speed Buggy. The episodes include:
BANNON CUSTODY BATTLE: Remember Jonny Quest? It seems his dad, Dr. Quest and his "partner" Race Bannon are involved in a grueling custody battle over Jonny and little Hadji. Prosecuting attorney Vulturo seems to be winning until Harvey discovers some evidence that may put him over the top.
VERY PERSONAL INJURY: Apache Chief has an embarassing incident with a large cup of very hot coffee from a local coffee chain . He hires Harvey as his attorney to sue Javalux, as he no longer can "grow large at will" after the accident. Prosecuting attorney Reducto has a scheme up his sleeve to help Chief get his teepee back and win the case.
SHAGGY BUSTED: In one of the funniest episodes, we see the Mystery Machine being pulled over via a camera from a cop car (much like "COPS"). Shaggy and Scooby need a good lawyer to beat the charges of smoking pot (always implied, never stated)and Harvey takes the case. Ex-Thespian Prosecuter Spyro not only tries the case, but performs in a stirring rendition of the events of the night in question.
DEATH BY CHOCOLATE: Yogi and Boo-Boo find themselves in a heap of trouble when the ATF swarm their cave and arrest Boo-Boo on charges that he is the terrorist known as "The Unabooboo". Obviously, they need a good lawyer, but Harvey Birdman will do.
SHOYU WEENIE: Jabberjaw and the Neptunes are being sued by a Japanese pop band called Shoyu Weenie for stealing their hit song. Harvey's paralegal Peanut takes the opportunity to hit on the band's female member and finds a way to save the day.
THE DABBA DON: This is my all-time favorite episode. Opening with the theme from "The Sopranos", Fred Flinstone seeks Harvey's advice to expand "a few small businesses". Everything seems to be on the up and up until a few details tie Fred in with the Mob. The episode features my favorite judge Mentok the Mind Taker.
DEADOMUTT, PARTS I and II: Blue Falcon joins the firm as a hot new attorney with his pal DynoMutt in tow. Harvey, crushed that Falcon swooped in and stole the open position of 'partner' from under him, doesn't even try to hide his jealousy and dislike for Falcon, and figures he'd be nothing without DynoMutt to do all his work for him. Now Harvey has a lot of explaining to do when DynoMutt is found mangled up in the copy machine. Harvey is arrested, tried and sentenced to be electrocuted. It's up to Peanut to come to the rescue armed with evidence and heavy sarcasm.
X, THE EXTERMINATOR: X the Eliminator has his memory jarred when he sees and ad with Harvey and his new law firm. Apparently, he was supposed to kill Harvey years ago but never finished him off. Now, he poses as X the Exterminator to get into Harvey's building and finish the job- if he can get over the fact that Harvey barely remembers him and keeps blowing him off for a coffee date.
SPF: After years of gaining power from the sun's rays, Harvey finds a suspicious "spot" on his skin (that oddly resembles Frida Kahlo). The dermatologist insists he stay out of the sun and use a strong SPF. But Harvey becomes listless and tired, not to mention pasty as the underside of a fish. Peanut introduces him to self-tanning cream, and Harvey quickly becomes addicted to the stuff. Peanut uses the opportunity to be his SPF "Candyman", demanding more and more valuables from Harvey in exchange for the goods. It's up to the rest of the firm to throw Harvey an "intervention party".
THE DEVLIN MADE ME DO IT: Daredevil Ernie Devlin is being sued by a kid that injured himself trying one of his famous jumps. Harvey decides the kid is faking it and attacks him- in the courtroom- in his wheelchair. When that severely backfires, Harvey has to do some fancy dancing to win the case.
TRIO'S COMPANY: Harvey represents Inch-High Private Eye when the tiny detective insists he's been fired because of his smaller stature. Meanwhile, Harvey has become smitten with the trainer at his healthclub. But everyone seems to be her "friend", except him.
HIGH SPEED BUGGY CHASE: In an O.J. inspired opener, Speed Buggy gets arrested for leading the cops on a high speed chase. Harvey is hired as defender, but loses a jealous Avenger (his legal eagle assistant) to rival attorney Vulturo. Harvey is forced to downsize to a legal finch.
The DVD also features a ficticious 'movie' trailer and a lot of behind the scenes stuff. There are also auditions for Harvey with Todd Barry and Stephen Colbert (the voice of Reducto). The "Tab" soda scene from "Shaggy Busted" is shown as a video, including lyrics. And finally, deleted scenes from the 2 part episode "DeadoMutt" are here. Of all the Adult Swim cartoons, "Harvey Birdman" is definitely may favorite ("Sealab 2021" and "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" are 2nd and 3rd, repsectively). Get a taste of delicious insanity today!


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Once a third-rate superhero, Harvey Birdman is now a third-rate lawyer trying like hell to get by in a fancy law firm. It's not clear whether Harvey actually went to law school, but he definitely knows the things to say to sound like a lawyer. And he has a suit now, that's for sure.DVD Features:Audio CommentaryDeleted ScenesOtherTheatrical Trailer

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Alvin and the Chipmunks: Alvin and the Chipettes in Cinderella Cinderella (2010) Review

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(More customer reviews)The animated series "Alvin and the Chipmunks" is one of those animated series that has been part of the childhood of several generations. First beginning as a music group created by Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. back in 1958, the trio which featured Alvin, Simon and Theodore were on top of the charts with their song "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" and eventually giving more exposure to the trio with the animated show "The Alvin Show" which started in 1961 and lasted through 1962.
But the chipmunk trio would return in a new animated series that would last through 1990 and feature a female chipmunk trio known as the Chipettes which featured Brittany, Jeanette and Eleanor. During the eight and final year of the Chipmunks animated series, the series concluded with "The Chipmunks Go to the Movies" in 1990. The theme of the episodes were the Chipmunks and Chipettes doing a parody of popular films and television shows.
This DVD is the latest DVD release in the "Alvin and the Chipmunk goes to the Movies" series and the DVD features a total of three episodes which are:
* Cinderella? Cinderella? - (Episode 41) Brittany doesn't do her chores and Miss Miller tells her that if she wants to go to the dance, she needs to clean her mess. Brittany who is saddened, goes to sleep and dreams that she is Cinderella.
* Alvie's Angels - (Episode 61) Featuring a parody of "Charlie's Angeles", the Chipettes are Alvie's Angels who are on a mission to find the jewel thief Chazz Fleming.
* The Brunch Club - (Episode 55) Featuring a parody of the movie "The Breakfast Club". Alvin and the Chipmunks and Brittany and the Chipettes are stuck in detention. But someone knocked down the statue of Thomas Edison. Who did it?
VIDEO & AUDIO:
Animation for "Alvin and the Chipmunks Go to the Movies - Star Wreck" definitely shows its age. Since these episodes are 20+ years old, you're not going to get pristine picture quality . I will say that compared to the 1961 episodes seen on the DVD "The Very First Alvin Show", they must have remastered the 1961 episodes because they look clean and colors are nice and sharp.
Blacks are nice but compared to the late 80's and 1990's animation, although better with artistic backgrounds, these three episodes has its share of dust and comes out a bit blurry and soft. But if there was one thing that caught my attention is that the background artists did a good job painting the backgrounds (where many tend to not show as much shading of colors). The series is presented in full screen format.
As for the audio, audio is presented in Dolby Digital and in English Stereo. Audio is clear and understandable during the dialogue segments but for music, sometimes the words are hard to pick up. But for the most part, audio is clear and for those with a home theater-based receiver, the best option I found was to watch the series with stereo on all channels.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
There are no special features included. But there is a preview for upcoming "Alvin and the Chipmunk" DVD releases.
JUDGMENT CALL:
I grew up with "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and can easily remember watching the television series during my younger years. So, it's definitely a blast in the past to see these episodes on DVD. For the most part, the episodes are lighthearted as they feature both Alvin and the Chipmunks and also the Chipettes as various characters from popular Hollywood films.
With the upcoming release of "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" on Blu-ray and DVD, for the parents with children who want more Chipmunks or Chipettes can definitely show children these films.
The episodes are not violent and are family friendly. For the most part, as an adult, I think that this series can definitely be enjoyed by children and adults but possibly may not be enjoyed in the same manner as with children of today who are not familiar with the '70s TV show "Charlie's Angels" or the '80s film "The Breakfast Club" but then again, it's not really essential for them to know the film or TV episodes these episodes are parodying.
As for the DVD, I wish that they would include at least five episodes instead of three. As for the picture quality, the animation does show its age as some episodes are very soft and has its share of dirt and scratches (which is common with older animation on DVD).
But for the most part, fans who grew up with "Alvin and the Chipmunks" can be happy with this release, especially those who are familiar with the movies..
If you are a fan of this classic animated series, definitely check out "Alvin and the Chipettes in Cinderella, Cinderella".

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Walt Disney Treasures - The Chronological Donald, Volume One (1934 - 1941) (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)This first phase in covering all of Donald Duck's cartoon shorts is no doubt going to be the most popular (and most extensive with future, multiple volumes) of any of the previous Walt Disney Treasures collections. It will probably be hard to find by the beginning of 2004. (A limited amount made is once again expected.)
Because Donald Duck appeared with other characters throughout the years, it's hard to tell how series host/compiler Leonard Maltin will categorize these. Donald was already appearing in Silly Symphony and Mickey Mouse cartoons starting in 1934--though this set starts in 1936 (with "Donald and Pluto"). You can catch the ones not included here (up to 1941) on the now hard-to-find Silly Symphonies/Mickey Mouse in B&W/MM in Living Color Vol. 1 Disney Treasures sets to fill in the gaps. Those shorts are:
1934--"The Wise Little Hen" (A Silly Symphony--and Donald's debut), "Orphan's Benefit", "The Dognapper" (both on MM in B&W).
1935--"Mickey's Service Station" (MM in B&W), "The Band Concert", "Mickey's Fire Brigade", "On Ice" (the last three on MM in Living Color Vol. 1).
1936--"Mickey's Polo Team", "Orphan's Picnic", "Mickey's Grand Opera", "Moving Day", "Alpine Climbers", "Mickey's Circus" (all on MM in Living Color Vol. 1).
1937--"Magician Mickey", "Moose Hunters", "Mickey's Amateurs", "Hawaiian Holiday", "Clock Cleaners", "Lonesome Ghosts" (all on MM in Living Color Vol. 1).
1938--"Boat Builders", "Mickey's Trailer", "The Whalers" (all on MM in Living Color Vol. 1).
1940--"Tugboat Mickey" (will be on upcoming MM in Living Color Vol. 2).
The only other ones between 1934-41 that aren't available yet on DVD are "Mother Goose Goes Hollywood" (a 1938 Silly Symphony where Donald has a cameo), and "The Volunteer Worker" (only a two-minute trailer from 1940 that probably won't be included in this collection). "The Nifty Nineties" (another Donald cameo) is already available on the Vault Disney 2-disc edition of "Pollyanna."
All the starring shorts (up to '41) with Donald Duck on this collection will be (year-by-year):
1936--"Donald and Pluto" (more or less his first starring short, only because he's billed before Pluto).
1937--"Don Donald" (the debut of Daisy Duck--"Donna" Duck in this short), "Modern Inventions" (technically Donald's first solo effort).
1938--"Donald's Ostrich (usually billed as Donald's first solo short), "Self-Control", "Donald's Better Self", "Donald's Nephews" (the debut of Huey, Dewey, and Louie), "Polar Trappers" (starring with Goofy), "Good Scouts", "The Fox Hunt", "Donald's Golf Game"
1939--"Donald's Lucky Day", "Hockey Champ", "Donald's Cousin Gus", "Beach Picnic", "Sea Scouts", "Donald's Penguin", "The Autograph Hound", "Officer Duck", "The Standard Parade"
1940--"The Riveter", "Donald's Dog Laundry", "Bill Posters", "Mr. Duck Steps Out", "Put-Put Troubles", "Donald's Vacation", "Window Cleaners", "Fire Chief", ("The Volunteer Worker" would have been next).
1941--"Timber", "Golden Eggs", "A Good Time for a Dime", "Early to Bed", "Truant Officer Donald", "Old MacDonald Duck", "Donald's Camera", "Chef Donald"
In future volumes of "The Chronological Donald", we can hopefully enjoy Donald's later, interesting shorts such as "Working for Peanuts" (the first Disney short in 3-D) and the ones made in the mid-50's using Cinemascope ("Grand Canyonscope", among others). Donald's WWII shorts will probably be incorporated into the upcoming "Disney on the Front Lines" Treasures collection. We'll have to wait and see how his appearances with Chip & Dale and his educational shorts ("Donald in Mathmagic Land", "How to Have an Accident" cartoons, "Steel and America", "Donald's Fire Survival Plan"--all late 50's/mid-60's) will be presented while covering his entire output. If they're not included here, then hopefully Leonard Maltin will compile an educational short Treasures collection in future years.
One would think that with all this wide output and popularity, Donald Duck would have been the Walt Disney Company mascot (perhaps he's still clamoring for the job ;) ).
The other Disney Treasures released this December '03: "Disney on the Front Lines" (WWII animated shorts and propaganda films), "Mickey Mouse in Living Color 2" (completing Mickey's color cartoons), "Walt's Tomorrowland" (will include Ward Kimball's "Man in Space" series).
Lastly, a personal thanks to Leonard Maltin for championing the releases of these vital parts of American film so people can enjoy them again or discover them for the first time.

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It was 1934 when the irascible Donald Duck came to life in a teeny bit of a part in "The Wise Little Hen" and proceeded to steal the show. From that point on nobody could hold him back, and the much loved cranky character went on to be the most prolific of Walt's "fabulous five." Now for the first time, you can enjoy the Donald in all of his solo starring shorts from "Donald And Pluto" in 1936 to "Chef Donald" in 1941. This volume also includes a loving tribute to the man who achieved immortality by inventing the voice of Donald Duck -- and performing as his alter ego for 50 years -- Clarence "Ducky" Nash. Featuring exclusive introductions by film historian Leonard Maltin, this is a timeless collection from generations past for generations to come. .

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The Animation Show (Vol. 1 & 2 Boxed Set) (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)Very pleased with this set. In an age where you can quite easily pay $20 for a new, single-disc release of most movies, which come with no insert other than a one-sheet "Buy more DVDs from this company"...it's refreshing to pay less than $20 for two well-made discs and a very nice, informative booklet. As a fan of Hertzfeldt, Plympton and Judge, I bought this on the strength of them, but am finding a lot more that I like on here as well. Can't wait to catch the road show when it comes to the my area.
Word of warning, most people who come to this page will already know but, some of these cartoons are rather strange. Just be forewarned, if you try to put this on in mixed company, or for people who aren't really into animation other than Family Guy and The Simpsons, I doubt they will run screaming - but they're probably going to give you some strange looks. That's one of the reasons I love them - but, it might not be a lot of people's cup of tea.
And like JONG said, for 67 cents a short, you really can't beat giving it a shot.

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Renowned animators Mike Judge and Don Hertzfeldt present, The Animation Show, showcasing some of the world's best short films. This 2-disc DVD set features 20 celebrated animated short films personally selected by Judge, himself an animation festival veteran, and Academy Award nominated* animator Hertzfeldt. Included in the collection are Academy Award nominees "The Cathedral", "The Rocks" and "Mt. Head", as well as Mike Judge's own "Early Pencil Tests and Other Experiments."* 2001 Animated Short Film Academy Award for "Rejected"

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Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who (Deluxe Edition) (1970) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you remember the monkeys shouting "Boil That Dust speck" you might be disappointed with this video. It is not the original animated short you remember but in fact is a 94 remake. This is more accurately, "Dustin Hoffman reads Horton". Instead of real animation it is still pictures from the book with minor animation effects. My daughter still likes it, but it's not what I expected.

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HORTON HEARS A WHO:DELUXE EDITION - DVD Movie

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