Porgy and Bess (1959) Review

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(More customer reviews)I believe Porgy and Bess was the first movie I ever saw, when I was about three years old, in a movie theater in the Queensbridge Projects, Long Island City, NY. (My second movie was West Side Story.) Porgy and Bess has only appeared a couple of times on TV, and a few times in special screenings. The last screening was probably the year 2000 at either Brooklyn College or the Long Island University campus in Brooklyn, which had a panel discussion afterward over the film's supposed racism and other issues.
I'm not often one to knock political correctness, but please, knock your PC fears aside and release this movie! It's inspiring, fun, glorious, exciting, etc., etc., with wonderful performances by Dorothy Dandridge (Bess), Sammy Davis, Jr. (who dances up a storm as Sportin' Life), Pearl Bailey (Maria), and Brock Peters (outstanding as Crown). I've only thought this recently: Sidney Poitier, although he does an admirable job, is miscast as Porgy. Porgy is a good soul, but Poitier is too refined for an uneducated street beggar; Poitier's Porgy, I imagine, went to college to study law and had a bad accident which devastated his life. Too bad Brock Peters couldn't play two roles at once.
The movie even has a scene, which I think is in the play Porgy but isn't in the opera, where Serena offers to take an orphaned baby given to Bess, and Bess refuses.
I love P&B's verve, spirituality, fun, and grand Gershwin music. I've seen the full operatic version on Broadway (by the Houston Grand Opera) in the 1970s and at the Metropolitan Opera House in the 1980s or 90s, as well as the truncated New York City Opera version in 2000. Now please do us Porgy and Bess fans a favor and release this movie on DVD, too! (I'd prefer it on VHS, but people aren't making those anymore, are they?)
BTW, I am an African-American woman with a love of musical theater and American opera.


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Sodom and Gomorrah ( Sodoma e Gomorra ) ( The Last Days of Sodom and Gomorrah ) Review

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(More customer reviews)Amazon's listings, normally accurate to a fault, erroneously tag this item as "full screen." In fact it's widescreen, 1.85 or 1.78, it's hard to tell, and the jewel case itself only states (in English) "Letterbox." So it's the original theatrical release aspect ratio. Don't worry about its being a Brazilian pressing: the language is English, the opening titles are English, everything English. Only the jewel case text is in Portuguese.
Quality wise? A-okay, certainly better than Fox's own VHS version which is full of streaks, scratches, and quivers. But it needs to be digitally remastered and released in DVD by Fox itself, Dolby 5.0 all that stuff. Meanwhile, this version is the best thing going, and it's damn good.
As for the movie. Well . . . de gustibus and all that. For me, the most fascinating persona is not Lot (Stewart Granger) but the "Queen of Sodom," a lady of tastes sapphic and sadistic ("Next only to the pleasure of giving death is the excitement of watching it" she burbles to a horrified Lot), played to a perfect lip-snarl by the French actress Anouk Aimée.
Most of all though is the MUSIC SCORE, which outclasses every other element of the movie and is a bit incongruous to find accompanying this biblical pabulum, amusing and visually stunning as much of it is. To me the score is simply one of Miklos Rozsa's absolute finest, his third best after Ben-Hur and Quo Vadis, utterly LUCID and free of the mushy dissonances that occasionally, just occasionally muck up the Rozsa repertoire. Take just one example: a pastorale Rozsa called "By the River," which plays when Lot is courting his wife-to-be (Pier Angeli), a little gem-of-a-gem that stands with ANY pastorale in any of his films.
So we need to have this DVD remastered in state-of-the-art by Fox itself in Dolby 5.0, the whole works. But meanwhile, kudos to the Brazilians for doing Fox's work for it, a very very credible job. Buy with confidence.

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George Mckenna Story (1986) Review

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(More customer reviews)I seriously doubt Mr. Denzel Washington is able to give anything less than a performance of total conviction, as he proves once again to me here in one of his earliest leading roles. In a true-life portrayal of George McKenna, new principal to the trouble-torn George Washington Memorial High School, he is wholly convincing. The problems he encounters are not solely those caused by the students, but also the parents and indeed some of the teachers. His determination to turn things round stems from his passion that his pupils WILL graduate to college if they want to, and that this will never happen if they don't feel anyone cares about them. Despite resistance from some pupils and teachers,(not to mention ongoing gang warfare within the grounds), others rise to the occasion, both for themselves and for McKenna himself, such is the respect he gains. In the process of such diligence his once supportive girlfriend leaves him under the pressure of his split commitments, but as for the School, he succeeds. Seeing the graduating students really is a heartwarming moment! Having previously seen "187", it does make the violent scenes and troublesome pupils here look bland by comparison, but its hard to tell if this film was sanitised or "187" sensationalised. Regardless, its still well worth the watch, especially if you respect Denzel's work in later movies already.

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Cherry, Harry & Raquel / Common Law Cabin (Megavixens / Three Ways to Love) (Big Six / Conjugal Cabin) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is one of Russ Meyer's finer films, a late 60's collage of psychedelia, sex and violence occasionally overdubbed with psuedo-scholarly narration about class struggle(?) A bizarre and thoroughly entertaining mix. Charles Napier shines, as usual.
The DVD, on the other hand, is a bit of dissapointment. While it sports the "MINT QUALITY--From Original Negative" tag on the cover, don't be fooled..the picture (full frame) and sound (mono) are pretty much indistinguishable from the VHS edition of the same film. You get an animated menu, chapter stops, and a few trailers from other RM films, but that's about it.
If you already own the VHS, you may want to skip the DVD. Otherwise, go for it.

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Sassy Girl Chun-Hyang Korean Drama (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)This was one of the top 10 Korean Drama of 2005, constantly in number 1 spot and rightfully so.
But if you don't like mushy stuff this series isn't for you.. At times it is a bit excessively corny. However the story line is unique and worth watching.. With good acting by Jae Hee and Chae-yeong and almost everyone else.
The editorial review / product description is about 5% right.. The series was made by KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) not PBS. It is the modern day version of the Legend of Chun-Hyang. In this series Seong Chun Hyang (Han Chae Young) is a daughter of a poor cabaret singer. She is pretty, independent and the smartest girl in school. Lee Mong-ryong (Jae Hee) is the bratty son of the police chief, who's always in trouble. The two high school kids are forced into an arranged marriage due to a drunken night incident, where they slept in a same room, which led to a huge rumor and an uncomfortable situation. This is where the story begins.
I'm not going to get into the details and ruin the spoiler. But watch it you might like it. It's the ultimate chick flick with lots of twists and turns and tragedy and finally a happy ending. I absolutely loved the hilarious previous life and other korean drama parodies the series pulled. Like the legend, there's rich and powerful Byun Hak-do who falls in love with Chun-Hyang and manipulates Chun-Hyang to break up with Mong-Ryong. There's also Chae-rin who is Mong-Ryong's first crush who wants the couple to break up.
Another name of the series is.. Delightful Girl Choon-Hyang (or Chun-Hyang).. I wish Amazon could post trailers of the videos.. You can find the trailer on you tube I guess..

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Someone is Watching Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this movie thought it was excellent Give it 10 Stars.It has a little bit of everything in it. Like the title Someone Is watching you.Scary!!


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Bang (1997) Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, what we have here is a hidden and forgotten indie film. It is cheaply made, produced etc. But dont let all these factors fool you. This movie is very energetic as well as unique.
When I saw this film first, I was in London back in couple of years ago). I did not buy it but checked out the vhs case. Looked interesting. Just couple of weeks ago very surprisingly I found it in a supermarket's... basket in vcd format. I immediately grabbed it.
Film is focused on a young Japanese American girl's one day in city of angels (or as portrayed in the film, city of hell)
She encounters many strange, funny as well as horrifying incidents which are all captured by the director Ash's camera in a very plain, very raw but as well as very realistic style.Film is [placed] on the low life areas of LA where gangsters, homeless,drug dealers,prostitutes (like in every mega city in the world) are in plenty even on daylight.
Darling Narita the leading actress of the film portrays this pretty looking and broke Asian American girl so well that it almost gave me the feeling that the film is actually...a real life documentary.
She is no tuff tom boy, riott grlll,poor victim or foxy lady stereotype, instead a girl who is very normal, just like any of us with all her weaknesses and humanity who does a crazy thing and pays its price heavily as well as collecting its small rewards.
Peter Greene is also very good in his portrayal of an alcoholic and crazy homeless who is philosophical and friendly towards Narita. There are many issues spreaded around the film like living in LA under harsh conditions, [influenced] police officers, Gangster activities on day light, [threats] that women faces etc etc. Movie is sometimes politically correct some times just plain funny. Also in parts it is very violent but this violence is rather in the atmosphere of the film instead of bloody fist fights or raining bullets and splashing blood. Thus it is portrayed realistically and shows the limits of what a person can do under such conditions whether he or she is a victim or the villain (when Narita is helpless while a young hispanic is shot and bleeding to death or when she is beaten by a gang).In some of the scenes I just felt very disturbed even these scenes were gore, blood or fight free. It was like being there trapped into a hopeless and hellish abyss with Narita. (horror films never got me that way)
There are interesting points and clues to the soul of the film If you are in to the psychoanalsis of the movies. Indie Soundtrack (reggae & hip hop but on the lighter side) is also a strong companion to the hot and dirty atmosphere and the camera of the film without rather suffocating the scenes.
Film mostly differs itself from the road movies that dominates the US indie film making although you can see her cruisin with with the police bike often.Unlike most of the indie film makers. He also put lots of realism in brutal way rather than romanticisng it or making it just plain funny instead
Director Ash has done a great job with this film and could be the US indie equivalent of wong kar wai If given the chance.
...so go on give Ash's hard work a chance. Worth watching indeed.

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Masters of the Pillow (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)There are a growing number of docs on porn, but few examine porn and race at the same time. Also, oppressive stereotypes present Asian Americans as asexual. Thus, a tenured professor proposes that a porn film, really a porn scene, with an Asian-American couple be made. This work speaks about the production of the scene as well as interviewing well-known Asian-American scholars and actors about the matter.
Talk about tenure setting professors free! One reason why a Kinsey or Masters & Johnson were considered so revolutionary is because many naysayers deem sex and sexuality unimportant for serious study. Dr. Hamamoto tries to go against this grain. However, even a progressive or horny student may be shocked seeing their gray-haired professor obsessed with writing about and making porn. Part of Hamamoto's project is to promote yellow-on-yellow action. Along that line you learn that he is in an INTRAracial, heterosexual relationship. The film tries to walk a fine line and not alienate biracial Asian Americans or those in interracial relationships.
Like "The Slanted Screen" and other projects, this work focuses on East and Southeast Asians. It completely ignores South Asians and that may upset some viewers.
When I saw this at an arthouse screening, they showed the blue scene that was produced. I don't think this disc include it, unfortunately. So if you are looking for the real action, you gotta visit a certain type of store or a video store with a certain money-making section, if you know what I mean.
One of the most poignant scenes to me was when Hamamoto and his girlfriend disagreed on whether to film a controversial, though almost requisite, act in blue movies. The point is that this film doesn't leave gender at the door. It tries to be gender-diverse, though it is clearly not sexual orientation-diverse.
In brief, I liked this documentary immensely and I bought a copy for my cousin as a Christmas gift. I think it will be incredibly useful for Ethnic Studies or Asian-American studies majors. Though risqu'e, this was a needed and quality work.

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Promise Her Anything (1966) Review

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(More customer reviews)This movie is one of my favorites! What the guy does to get the girl is just hilarious! A must-see, especially for Warren Beatty fans. You won't be disappointed.

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Real Wheels Collection: Mega Truck Adventures/Rescue Adventures/Travel Adventures Review

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(More customer reviews)Yes, Dave is goofy, but that's exactly why the little kids love him. The large amount of information included in each episode is interesting even for adults. Our 5-year-old and my 10-year-old students enjoy these videos and the adults don't mind watching them over and over.

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The New Swiss Family Robinson Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a movie for all people. It contains action for those who long for a thrill, yet not to an intensity that would bother young or sensitive viewers. Often, the action is very humorous. The scenes left me on the edge of my seat. One scene made me swallow tears. (You have to watch the movie to find out which scene I'm talking about.) However, this is not a sad movie in any way! I found it to contain humor from start to finish. These characters became my friends and made me laugh and laugh and laugh. If you have not seen The New Swiss Family Robinson, you should buy it now!

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Tempting Fate (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)Weak plat, predictable script, average special effects and ineffectual acting. What else is there to say.

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Busty Cops Review

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(More customer reviews)Softcore, softcore, softcore galore. Big Breasted Pornstars act as cops to but a train robbery. While on the job you see 5 star softcore featuring mostly girl on girl action.

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The Wiggles - Yummy Yummy Review

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(More customer reviews)"Santa" brought the Wiggles "Wiggle Time" video to our house and my two daughters (ages 2 1/2 and 5 years of age) LOVED it, as did all of their friends. I particularly liked that the girls were up dancing and actually getting some exercise during the entire video, unlike most videos where kids are inclined to just sit and watch. For that reason I immediately ordered the "Yummmy Yummy" video.
The girls do love this one but my primary reason for ordering it . . . the "stand-up, dance and move" rather than "sit and stare" factor . . . isn't nearly as good in this one. There is much more down-time (as in 'sit down') on this one.
Still, THEY do enjoy it. If I were choosing between this or Wiggle Time as a parent, I'd recommend that you choose "Wiggle Time" in a heart beat for your kids, for gifts, etc.
Also, I do agree that the puppets are kind of creepy and, while they don't bother my children, they don't really keep their attention either.
They definitely love the upbeat tunes contained on this video though, every one of them.

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It's time to learn how to "Monkey Dance" and do the "Shaky Shaky." Ever wonder how to handle a "Hot Potato" or make a "Fruit Salad?" From way "down under" comes the #1 children's entertainment name in Australia – THE WIGGLES! Murray, Jeff, Anthony and Greg will have children singing, laughing and grooving to funny tunes about numbers, food and favorite animal friends. Joining them in this ultra-hip, live-action video are special guests Dorothy, Wags, Henry and Captain Feathersword. Millions of Brit and Aussie kids can't be wrong – this fabulous foursome is the hottest musical import since John, Paul, George and Ringo! Approx. Run Time: 36 minutes

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Improper Conduct (1994) Review

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(More customer reviews)I love this film for one long legged blonde reason called Kathy Shower, who unfortunately, is almost wasted in this film. However if your'e going to watch this film there is no better reason than to watch it for Kathy. It was almost a vehicle for Kathy but it's as if it drove off without her leaving Kathy standing around 'reacting' instead of acting. There is one hot scene with hubby badboy whom the film title is named after (improper conduct-er) but it's not long enough a scene and the chemistry that is clearly visable between the two actors is not utilised to it's full capacity. Damn and blast! The rest of the film is actually quite good (even for a streight to video/cable tv job thingy) and concerns an advertising executives roaming eye which eventually gets him into big trouble when his former mistress commits suicide and her vengeful sister (blaming him for the act) worms her way seductively into his life in order to destroy it from within. Yeah! ...! As you have probably gathered however, I am a Kathy Shower fan first and foremost and enjoyed this film more for Kathy's appearance so much so that I have two copies of the film. If you like this film, you'll love 'Erotic Bounderies', (this is not an ad) also starring Kathy Shower. I saw this film about a year ago and have since tried to purchase it but to no avail.

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Little Big League (1994) Review

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(More customer reviews)My kids and I love the movie. However after buying the DVD it was in Full screen format only. The description said that it was a widescreen format, so lovers of wide screen formatted movies like myself, Beware!

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Fish Called Wanda (1988) Review

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(More customer reviews)NOTE: This review is about the 1998 version of the DVD. Newer releases may be better quality.
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This film is definitely on my top ten list of funniest movies of all time, with "Some Like it Hot," "National Lampoons Christmas Vacation" and the Monty Python masterpieces...
But this DVD is atrocious. The soundtrack is all in the center channel... haven't heard anything worse since I gave up watching a TV with a 3 inch speaker. The theme song is burbled and warbly. There is no separation -- even to the front speakers. The dialog is flat as a flitter.
The picture quality is a hair better than off the air, rabbit ear antennae reception. At times the picture is choppy and halting -- as if you were watching it on a rental video that has been viewed too many times.
The only extra is the film's trailer.
Wait for a re-release before buying!

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