Posts Tagged ‘Tom Keogh’
June 26th, 2009 | 
Author:
Oren Jacoby’s powerful 2004 film Sister Rose’s Passion won the Best Documentary Short award at the Tribeca Film Festival and was nominated for an Oscar, two commendations that helped bring recognition to the life’s work of Sister Rose Therling. Therling, a Dominican nun who entered the order in 1938, made it her mission to expunge anti-Semitism from Catholic teachings. She made enough of an impression on the church’s powerful hierarchy (some of it through sheer embarrassment) that her research and outspokenness had a direct impact on the historic Vatican II Council, which declared that Jews as a people could not be blamed for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Jacoby makes liberal use of some wonderful old footage and photographs showing us what Sister Rose’s life and career were like at a time when Jews were routinely demonized in Catholic texts, classrooms, and churches. He also shows us a doddering Therling still hard at it, speaking to young Jewish students as well as adult members of a council of Catholic universities. Much is said in protest of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, which, Therling and others in the film claim, cherry-picks ideas from sundry gospels to present yet another customized case for the Jews being Christ’s murderers. This stirring movie reminds us that one determined person can go a long way toward righting an old wrong perpetrated by millions of others. –Tom Keogh
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Sister Rose as a servant leader
Sister Rose’s Passion explores the story of Sister Rose Thering, a Dominican nun who has devoted her life to battling anti-Semitism within the Catholic Church. In the film, Sister Rose recalls how she “almost got ill” reading the Catholic texts that were being used across the country to educate school children. Jews were being vilified as the murderers of Christ. She made it her calling to dedicate her life’s work to justifying the church’s malevolent practices. In doing so, she encountered much resistance to her work. For example, one bishop in Milwaukee, in asking her not to publish her work, suggested that she should not “hang our dirty laundry.” But as Sister Rose retorted, “I listened to what he had to say and then I hung it.” It is that spirit of resistance that stands out throughout the film.
The crowning accomplishment of her career occurred when the Catholic Church decided to address Jewish-Catholic relations, and Augustine Cardinal Bea requested Sister Rose’s dissertation. Influenced by Sister Rose’s work, the Vatican issued “Nostra Aetate,” a document that declared the Jews not responsible for the death of Jesus. This groundbreaking shift in church policy led to widespread changes in Catholic education throughout the world. Her work extended beyond the Catholic Church. For example, Sister Rose was instrumental in the passing of a bill that makes holocaust education mandatory in every school in New Jersey.
For Sister Rose, I would suggest that her act of trust was with God and with the Catholic Church. Despite her outrage with church policy, she decided to remain within the framework of the Catholic Church. Other Christian denominations do not teach their children about Jews in the manner of the Catholic Church, and she could have made a statement simply by attending another denomination. However, she believed she could reform the policies of the church in which she was raised. Sister Rose stood out from the crowd and did the unexpected. She challenged the status quo and strived to find new directions for the common welfare of a marginalized group. Although these actions were not popular, the actions she took reflected the highest regard for the rights of other people and the common welfare. She used her passion and resistance in her efforts to rock the boat. Specifically, Sister Rose was committed in her ideals and wasn’t afraid to make others uncomfortable by rejecting tradition (the familiar). In the end, Sister Rose got her message out to as many people as possible and initiated change for the sake of social justice.
5 Stars SISTER ROSE ‘ S PASSION
THAT IS A GREAT MOVIE I ADMIRE THE LIFE SHE HAD.
1 Star A Well-Meaning But Misguided Nun.
Sister Rose obviously did extensive research but, I’m afraid, it was terribly one-sided. Anti-Semitism is indeed a horrific phenomenon which no person in his/her right mind should support or directly engage in.
However, this nun looked the other way when it comes to the thousands upon thousands of Christians (especially Catholic Christians) who risked their lives by harbouring Jews.
Catholic Poland was almost non-existent given that Poland lost anywhere from 15-25% of its gentile population. Even young children, including those of cradle age, were starved, killed or forced into Germanization. Their crime? Simply the fact that they were Polish.
Hitler’s policy of genocide nearly affected as many Christians as it did Jews. Catholic Christians are documented as having been counted in the 6,000,000 number.
One example of heroism, is that of a Catholic Polish woman by the name of Irena Sendler, who participated in underground work (spearheaded by Polish Catholics)and ended up saving over 2,000 Jewish children from the horrors of the Warsaw ghetto. They were given Polish identities, and she wrote their names on tissue paper which she put in a jar that she hid in a garden so that she would tell these children their real identities should she reconnect with them later on.
She was arrested by the Nazis and ended up having her feet and her arms broken. A bribe to a guard afforded her release. She still lives today.
As for you Pope-bashers out there who think the Pope was complicit in the holocaust, my goodness, do some research. The Pope harboured around 800,000 Jews in the Vatican. And if you think that they were merely pawns, well, that sure is a great number of pawns to hide and feed. The Chief Rabbi of Rome, Zolle, converted to Catholicism after the war as he considered Pope Pius XII his hero. So much for Christians having been complicit in the holocaust.
By the way, Communism has way more bloodshed and death on its hands than Nazism. Stalin was responsible for the murder of 50,000,000 people…..Christians and Jews.
5 Stars Sister Rose’s Passion
Sister Rose was a true heroine. If she is right, that the way to eliminate hate is by being careful what we teach our children, there is hope for the future.
5 Stars She looks so innocent. But Sister Rose is a Force.
“Why did the Jews want to put the Son of God to death?”
That’s the question some very pleasant people — Christians, all — ask at the start of “Sister Rose’s Passion.” And the answer is not a brainbuster. They all seem to know it: The Jews are Satanic creatures. Killing Jesus was their destiny — and, now, their mark of shame.
“Sister Rose’s Passion” was released in 2003, the year that — not coincidentally — saw the release of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ.” One film is notorious: It made a fortune and got reams of press. The other is little known: It was shown on HBO and at film festivals, it was nominated for (but did not win) an Academy Award in the Best Documentary category.
But size isn’t everything. Authenticity matters. Courage matters. The truth, odd as it seems, also matters. And so, although Gibson’s admirers might not like it, these films are linked. How? Because Oren Jacoby and his subject, Sister Rose Thering, rudely jumped the large zone of politeness around Gibson’s movie and tied it to the long, nasty history of blaming the Jews for the murder of the King of the Jews. Sister Rose’s review of “The Passion of the Christ” is blunt: “There’s no scholarship. It’s shocking.”
What’s much more shocking is Sister Rose, who was, at the time of filming, an 84-year-old Dominican nun. For there is nothing in her background that suggests she would dedicate her life to educating the elders of her church about its corrosive, historically incorrect anti-Semitism. She was a farmer’s daughter. Grew up in aptly named Plain, Wisconsin. Became a nun in 1938.
In years to come, she would travel to Auschwitz. Her report: “The guide told me you could smell the burning flesh for miles.” She did her homework, got anti-Semitic textbooks removed from Catholic schools. She was a key player in the Church’s 1962 reversal of opinion about the role of the Jews in the Crucifixion. In 1986, when she was in her late ’60s, she traveled to Austria to protest the inauguration of Kurt Waldheim, who had recently been exposed for committing atrocities as a German soldier in World War II; in the melee, the crowd pushed Sister Rose around and tore a yellow star from her coat.
The heart of the film is Sister Rose telling her story. But Jacoby, a consummate documentarian, has looked far and wide for footage never seen before. I thought I’d seen every frame taken in World War II Germany; I blinked here. And, a universe away, Jacoby found footage of Catholic rituals that will be stunning to almost anyone — especially the scene when two dozen nuns-to-be walk down the stairs in wedding dresses, prostrate themselves at the altar and are married to Jesus Christ.
There’s a nice surprise at the end of the film. It’s sweet. You may find yourself smiling. Go ahead. Sister Rose would understand. But then, this mild-mannered, seemingly innocuous child of the farm understands much more than a lot of so-called smarter folks.
The Longest Day Two Disc Collectors Edition
After seeing Saving Private Ryan, this epic tale about the Normandy invasion will look sanitized. But in its re-creation of events leading to the epochal battle, the film is captivating and grand, and the parade of famous actors who cross the screen naturally give the already charged action even more of a boost. Three directors worked on it: Ken Annakin (Battle of the Bulge), Andrew Marton (Crack in the World), and Bernhard Wicki (this film being his only credit). –Tom Keogh
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Subtitles lost
This is a great movie. The only complaint is the loss of the subtitles when using 16:9.
5 Stars War fans
I purchased this movie for my husband because he’s a war buff. He loved this movie. It took me a while to find it but it was worth the money.
Beautifully remastered. A great buy.
4 Stars The Cast & The Event: Overwhelming Numbers
This was an another one of these all-star casts that you don’t see these days in which about everyone who was actor at the time made an appearance….or it just seems that way.
Some of them, to be fair, had very short roles in here, but this is a real “Who’s Who” of the acting profession in 1962. There are also a lot of German actors in here speaking German (with subtitles provided), perhaps numbering even more than the English-speaking stars. That’s because the famous day of June 6, 1944, is seen from both sides of the conflict.
At three hours, it gives you plenty of D-Day World War II action. Almost two-thirds of the movie involves action from that famous invasion. In some spots, it just gets to be too much. Frankly, the whole film is too much and almost bogs down in too many areas….and it shouldn’t, but it is a very technical film.
Special-effects-wise, for a film 45 years old, the action is pretty realistic. I thought the best shots were the overheads during one particular scenes when the Allies were going through a town.
I am not a WWII expert so how much info of the infamous ‘D-Day” here is correct, I don’t know. Since they went into such detail, I’ll assume they were fairly accurate. I can say one thing I learned at the time I first saw this as a late teen: I had no idea “D-Day” was this huge in scope: three million men and 5,000 ships??!!! Amazing.
5 Stars Patriots
This war brought out the greatest patriots in the history of mankind. There were millions that gave up there lives for this country. Knowingly and willingly so that those at home could live free.They hoped that the ones that lived would leave a better world.This generation paid the highest price for freedom than any other before them . This is a piece of their story.They gave all for the future.Lets hope it was not all in vain!
5 Stars Great War Movie
This is one of the great war movies of all time. The documentary-style production, cinematography, editing and fast-paced action are first rate.
Unlike most movies with a huge cast of big name actors, you will be following the story instead of trying to spot the big stars in their cameo appearances. The blu-ray version of this film is terrific. It looks as good as it did when I saw it at the theater. I couldn’t recommend this movie any more highly.
In Independence Day, a scientist played by Jeff Goldblum once actually had a fistfight with a man (Bill Pullman) who is now president of the United States. That same president, late in the film, personally flies a jet fighter to deliver a payload of missiles against an attack by extraterrestrials. Independence Day is the kind of movie so giddy with its own outrageousness that one doesn’t even blink at such howlers in the plot. Directed by Roland Emmerich, Independence Day is a pastiche of conventions from flying-saucer movies from the 1940s and 1950s, replete with icky monsters and bizarre coincidences that create convenient shortcuts in the story. (Such as the way the girlfriend of one of the film’s heroes–played by Will Smith–just happens to run across the president’s injured wife, who are then both rescued by Smith’s character who somehow runs across them in alien-ravaged Los Angeles County.) The movie is just sheer fun, aided by a cast that knows how to balance the retro requirements of the genre with a more contemporary feel. –Tom Keogh
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars This blu ray is the theatrical not the special edition version
I gave this only 3 stars because it is not the longer special edition, but only the theatrical version. The blu ray is terrific, though, in both video and sound quality. There were many scenes that I did not recognize due to the greater detail provided by BD. However, had I realized it was not the SE version, I would have waited. I would suggest saving your $$ for the longer version we all know will be released some day.
1 Star Good transfer, but still disappointing
I have to say that I’m a big fan of this film, and I already own the DVD. Most of those wanting to buy this film on Bluray are those who have already seen it and liked it, so I won’t comment on the movie content itself, but rather the technical and supplemental aspects of this release.
I borrowed a friend’s copy of the BD version of ID4 just a few weeks ago, as I was contemplating whether to add this to my small but growing blu-ray collection. The picture and audio are superb, and watching this on my new LCD at 1080p with the lossless DTS-MA audio track really transported me back to the July of ‘96, when I watched this on the big screen. This movie has certainly aged well these thirteen years, and the special effects are still terrific even today. While watching, I was pretty much set on adding this to my collection.
That is, until after I finished watching the movie and wanted to see the extras in HD.
The DVD version I have contains two discs and a lot of extras, including an alternate ending, making-of feature, trailers, and cast/crew interviews. Sadly, in this BD release there are none, not even in standard definition. The only “extra” is a commentary track, which, as an another reviewer already pointed out, is laughably outdated. At $25, I would expect more than just a movie and nothing else.
The Dark Knight BD had two discs plus a digital copy for the same price- that was justifiable, even in this economy. This… isn’t.
FOX is notorious for double-dipping their DVD and Blu-ray releases. I would imagine that a two-disc or dual-layered “special edition” version will come out over the next year or so.
Needless to say, this BD release is quite a disappointment.
4 Stars Repeatable Fun!
Ok–great special effects, good to so-so acting, bordering on bad but with the threat of global extinction, who shouldn’t enjoy this film? I have the DVD but hardly pull it off the shelf because it is almost perpetually on cable or regular TV (yuck). I watch it every time it is on unless something else over rides it, which isn’t too often. The actors playing the array of characters are priceless…from Robert Loggia’s ridicules ill fitting cap and triumphant speech “we got them beat Will, they are going down all over the world” and “tell them how to bring those sons of bitches down!” Now that’s great writing and acting! Jeff Gouldblum–I love his quirkiness, delivery and hand gestures but he definitely tries to act way too cool walking with Will Smith after their alien ship crashes back on earth. The only unresolved question is how and where are they going to get ride of all of those city size space ships that were shot down? I really do love this move!
5 Stars GREAT MOVIE
This movie launched Will Smith’s career. This movie was also funny, sad, and happy all together.
4 Stars Awesome movie. Blu-Ray needs improvement
This is an awesome movie! I just purchased a new Blu-Ray player (Samsung) and a 73-inch Mitsubishi projection TV. I’m in HOG heaven! This was the first Blu-Ray movie I tried out on the player.
As far as the sound goes, I was blown away (7.1 surround system). For the video, well, it was great in most places, but some scenes were noticeably grainy, especially in the shadows. Other scenes, everything was perfect.
Other than that, a great disc!
Sling Blade Directors Cut Miramax Collectors Series
Billy Bob Thornton wrote, directed, and starred in this mesmerizing drama with haunting overtones of To Kill a Mockingbird. Thornton plays a mentally retarded man who has spent 20 years in a psychiatric hospital for killing his mother and her lover. Released into the community from which he came, he befriends and protects a lonely boy regularly harassed and abused by his mom’s boyfriend (a terrific performance by Dwight Yoakam). The story is ultimately about sacrifice, but Thornton certainly doesn’t get twinkly about it. Some of the best material concerns the hero’s no-big-deal efforts to integrate into a “normal” life: working, eating fast food, earning admiration for his handyman skills, and attaining a semblance of community among other damaged souls. John Ritter has a great part as a gay shopkeeper who tries to assuage his own loneliness by spilling his guts out to Thornton’s uncomprehending character. –Tom Keogh
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Slingblade: Masterful
Slingblade offers a very touching look at the relationship between a mentally ill man and a young boy who seemingly needs any semblance of a father figure in his life. Billy Bob Thornton acts so well in the film that he physically doesn’t resemble himself. The late great Jon Ritter offers little masculine comfort to the boy as he is gay in the film, but provides priceless moments in his attempts to understand this mentally ill man who has forged a bond with a family he holds dear. All the while, Doyle (the mother’s boyfriend) provides some of the funniest and despicable moments in film with his conservative red-neck views on all things. Inevitably Billy Bob Thornton’s character callously succumbs to the beckoning of his nature and kills again for what he believes are the right reasons. His strong sense of misdirected justice draws you in and leaves you to question whether or not he should be blamed. A powerful film that I use for instruction. It is entertaining from the word go, and a jewel in film seldom discussed.
4 Stars Socio-Psycho Drama
Top drawer performances by entire cast. Having grown up in a small town in the rural south, the film is not only believable, but also probable. Provides brilliant insights on our poor understanding, lack of funding, and related inadequate treatment of our warehoused non-mainstream population. While the film makes an important statement, it certainly should be recognized for the wonderful telling of beautiful story with an unfortunate ending. Learn something new with every viewing.
5 Stars One of the BEST movies ever made! A Masterpiece!
The film starts with Karl Childers (Billy Bob Thornton) being released from the State Hospital (a mental ward) and telling his story to two young college student reporters. Karl is retarded, and spent his childhood in a dirt-floored shed in back of his parents house - they didn’t want him in the house and treated him like an animal they’d picked up. Around the age of ten or twelve he caught his mother having sex with a bully from his school and he mistakenly thought his mother was being raped. So he killed the boy, Jesse Dickson, with a sling blade. When he found out his mother “didn’t mind what Jesse was a’doin to her”, he killed her too.
Freshly released from the hospital, Karl returns to his hometown but “doesn’t know how to be a free man”. He helps a young boy, Frank (Lucas Black) carry his laundry home and the two become fast friends. He gets a job, with help, working at a small engine repair shop. Karl is like an idiot-savant, hardly able to live on his own but a genius at fixing small engines. “Lawnmowers and whatnot”. Frank’s mother Linda (Natalie Canerday) invites Karl to stay in their garage instead of out in back of the repair shop, so Karl moves in.
There’s just one problem. Linda’s boyfriend, Doyle Hargraves (Dwight Yoakam) is a mean, intolerant man. He hates Frank, and abuses Linda and Frank verbally nonstop. He doesn’t like a “mental retard” living in Linda’s garage. He also doesn’t like Linda’s best friend Vaughan Cunningham (John Ritter), the gay manager of the dollar store Linda works at. Doyle can’t even get along with his own friends.
‘Sling Blade’ is the story of Karl’s “free” life and his friendship with Frank. It’s a story of awakenings, one that will leave you breathless with the beauty of it. It’s about the purest form of love, and the ugliest side of domestic abuse. I was deeply moved by the hidden bravery of Vaughan, who’s terrified of Doyle but stands up for Linda and Frank even though he knows he’s incapable of physically defending them. There’s the quiet reflectiveness of Karl, who’s spent a lifetime inside his own head and now has to deal with people on a daily basis. You’ll see the “battered women’s syndrome” in Linda, a kind soul who only sees the beauty in every person, even Doyle. And there’s the viciousness of Doyle, from his everyday spoken words to his threats to beat and kill Linda, Frank, and Vaughan.
The acting in this movie is outstanding. Billy Bob Thornton, who also wrote and directed the movie, is amazing as Karl. He’s honestly captured the motions, speech, and spirit of the mentally challenged Karl. And where the heck did Dwight Yoakam learn to act so well? He gives a stunning performance as the sadistic Doyle, he makes the role as real as life, an absolutely amazing performance. Yoakam’s performance and Thornton’s writing really captured the unexpected violence of the domestic abuser, the “walking on eggshells” routine those around them must live. Yoakam and Thornton are both naturals in front of the camera. There’s also a short cameo appearance by Robert Duvall as Karl’s father.
The question is, can Karl save Linda and Frank from a life of abuse under Doyle’s cruel behavior? In the end, will he sacrifice himself for them? Just how much love does Karl have for the boy he’s become so attached to?
I can’t recommend this movie highly enough. It’s a low budget film that introduced Billy Bob Thornton into the filmmaking industry, as a writer, director, and actor. The talent in this film is astonishing. It’s never dull or slow. This is a film I believe that everyone should watch, no matter what your genre preferences are. Ten Stars! Enjoy!
5 Stars Sling Blade
If your a Billy Bob fan this one is his best. I’ve watched it several times I can’t get enough of Karl.
5 Stars I LIKE TATERS
I RECKEN I LIKE THIS HERE MOVIE I WOULD SAY IT IS A 5 STAR MOVIE I RECKEN.
Independence Day Full Screen Edition
In Independence Day, a scientist played by Jeff Goldblum once actually had a fistfight with a man (Bill Pullman) who is now president of the United States. That same president, late in the film, personally flies a jet fighter to deliver a payload of missiles against an attack by extraterrestrials. Independence Day is the kind of movie so giddy with its own outrageousness that one doesn’t even blink at such howlers in the plot. Directed by Roland Emmerich, Independence Day is a pastiche of conventions from flying-saucer movies from the 1940s and 1950s, replete with icky monsters and bizarre coincidences that create convenient shortcuts in the story. (Such as the way the girlfriend of one of the film’s heroes–played by Will Smith–just happens to run across the president’s injured wife, who are then both rescued by Smith’s character who somehow runs across them in alien-ravaged Los Angeles County.) The movie is just sheer fun, aided by a cast that knows how to balance the retro requirements of the genre with a more contemporary feel. –Tom Keogh
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars This blu ray is the theatrical not the special edition version
I gave this only 3 stars because it is not the longer special edition, but only the theatrical version. The blu ray is terrific, though, in both video and sound quality. There were many scenes that I did not recognize due to the greater detail provided by BD. However, had I realized it was not the SE version, I would have waited. I would suggest saving your $$ for the longer version we all know will be released some day.
1 Star Good transfer, but still disappointing
I have to say that I’m a big fan of this film, and I already own the DVD. Most of those wanting to buy this film on Bluray are those who have already seen it and liked it, so I won’t comment on the movie content itself, but rather the technical and supplemental aspects of this release.
I borrowed a friend’s copy of the BD version of ID4 just a few weeks ago, as I was contemplating whether to add this to my small but growing blu-ray collection. The picture and audio are superb, and watching this on my new LCD at 1080p with the lossless DTS-MA audio track really transported me back to the July of ‘96, when I watched this on the big screen. This movie has certainly aged well these thirteen years, and the special effects are still terrific even today. While watching, I was pretty much set on adding this to my collection.
That is, until after I finished watching the movie and wanted to see the extras in HD.
The DVD version I have contains two discs and a lot of extras, including an alternate ending, making-of feature, trailers, and cast/crew interviews. Sadly, in this BD release there are none, not even in standard definition. The only “extra” is a commentary track, which, as an another reviewer already pointed out, is laughably outdated. At $25, I would expect more than just a movie and nothing else.
The Dark Knight BD had two discs plus a digital copy for the same price- that was justifiable, even in this economy. This… isn’t.
FOX is notorious for double-dipping their DVD and Blu-ray releases. I would imagine that a two-disc or dual-layered “special edition” version will come out over the next year or so.
Needless to say, this BD release is quite a disappointment.
4 Stars Repeatable Fun!
Ok–great special effects, good to so-so acting, bordering on bad but with the threat of global extinction, who shouldn’t enjoy this film? I have the DVD but hardly pull it off the shelf because it is almost perpetually on cable or regular TV (yuck). I watch it every time it is on unless something else over rides it, which isn’t too often. The actors playing the array of characters are priceless…from Robert Loggia’s ridicules ill fitting cap and triumphant speech “we got them beat Will, they are going down all over the world” and “tell them how to bring those sons of bitches down!” Now that’s great writing and acting! Jeff Gouldblum–I love his quirkiness, delivery and hand gestures but he definitely tries to act way too cool walking with Will Smith after their alien ship crashes back on earth. The only unresolved question is how and where are they going to get ride of all of those city size space ships that were shot down? I really do love this move!
5 Stars GREAT MOVIE
This movie launched Will Smith’s career. This movie was also funny, sad, and happy all together.
4 Stars Awesome movie. Blu-Ray needs improvement
This is an awesome movie! I just purchased a new Blu-Ray player (Samsung) and a 73-inch Mitsubishi projection TV. I’m in HOG heaven! This was the first Blu-Ray movie I tried out on the player.
As far as the sound goes, I was blown away (7.1 surround system). For the video, well, it was great in most places, but some scenes were noticeably grainy, especially in the shadows. Other scenes, everything was perfect.
Other than that, a great disc!
Independence Day Limited Edition
In Independence Day, a scientist played by Jeff Goldblum once actually had a fistfight with a man (Bill Pullman) who is now president of the United States. That same president, late in the film, personally flies a jet fighter to deliver a payload of missiles against an attack by extraterrestrials. Independence Day is the kind of movie so giddy with its own outrageousness that one doesn’t even blink at such howlers in the plot. Directed by Roland Emmerich, Independence Day is a pastiche of conventions from flying-saucer movies from the 1940s and 1950s, replete with icky monsters and bizarre coincidences that create convenient shortcuts in the story. (Such as the way the girlfriend of one of the film’s heroes–played by Will Smith–just happens to run across the president’s injured wife, who are then both rescued by Smith’s character who somehow runs across them in alien-ravaged Los Angeles County.) The movie is just sheer fun, aided by a cast that knows how to balance the retro requirements of the genre with a more contemporary feel. –Tom Keogh
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars This blu ray is the theatrical not the special edition version
I gave this only 3 stars because it is not the longer special edition, but only the theatrical version. The blu ray is terrific, though, in both video and sound quality. There were many scenes that I did not recognize due to the greater detail provided by BD. However, had I realized it was not the SE version, I would have waited. I would suggest saving your $$ for the longer version we all know will be released some day.
1 Star Good transfer, but still disappointing
I have to say that I’m a big fan of this film, and I already own the DVD. Most of those wanting to buy this film on Bluray are those who have already seen it and liked it, so I won’t comment on the movie content itself, but rather the technical and supplemental aspects of this release.
I borrowed a friend’s copy of the BD version of ID4 just a few weeks ago, as I was contemplating whether to add this to my small but growing blu-ray collection. The picture and audio are superb, and watching this on my new LCD at 1080p with the lossless DTS-MA audio track really transported me back to the July of ‘96, when I watched this on the big screen. This movie has certainly aged well these thirteen years, and the special effects are still terrific even today. While watching, I was pretty much set on adding this to my collection.
That is, until after I finished watching the movie and wanted to see the extras in HD.
The DVD version I have contains two discs and a lot of extras, including an alternate ending, making-of feature, trailers, and cast/crew interviews. Sadly, in this BD release there are none, not even in standard definition. The only “extra” is a commentary track, which, as an another reviewer already pointed out, is laughably outdated. At $25, I would expect more than just a movie and nothing else.
The Dark Knight BD had two discs plus a digital copy for the same price- that was justifiable, even in this economy. This… isn’t.
FOX is notorious for double-dipping their DVD and Blu-ray releases. I would imagine that a two-disc or dual-layered “special edition” version will come out over the next year or so.
Needless to say, this BD release is quite a disappointment.
4 Stars Repeatable Fun!
Ok–great special effects, good to so-so acting, bordering on bad but with the threat of global extinction, who shouldn’t enjoy this film? I have the DVD but hardly pull it off the shelf because it is almost perpetually on cable or regular TV (yuck). I watch it every time it is on unless something else over rides it, which isn’t too often. The actors playing the array of characters are priceless…from Robert Loggia’s ridicules ill fitting cap and triumphant speech “we got them beat Will, they are going down all over the world” and “tell them how to bring those sons of bitches down!” Now that’s great writing and acting! Jeff Gouldblum–I love his quirkiness, delivery and hand gestures but he definitely tries to act way too cool walking with Will Smith after their alien ship crashes back on earth. The only unresolved question is how and where are they going to get ride of all of those city size space ships that were shot down? I really do love this move!
5 Stars GREAT MOVIE
This movie launched Will Smith’s career. This movie was also funny, sad, and happy all together.
4 Stars Awesome movie. Blu-Ray needs improvement
This is an awesome movie! I just purchased a new Blu-Ray player (Samsung) and a 73-inch Mitsubishi projection TV. I’m in HOG heaven! This was the first Blu-Ray movie I tried out on the player.
As far as the sound goes, I was blown away (7.1 surround system). For the video, well, it was great in most places, but some scenes were noticeably grainy, especially in the shadows. Other scenes, everything was perfect.
Other than that, a great disc!
Independence Day Two Disc Collectors Edition
In Independence Day, a scientist played by Jeff Goldblum once actually had a fistfight with a man (Bill Pullman) who is now president of the United States. That same president, late in the film, personally flies a jet fighter to deliver a payload of missiles against an attack by extraterrestrials. Independence Day is the kind of movie so giddy with its own outrageousness that one doesn’t even blink at such howlers in the plot. Directed by Roland Emmerich, Independence Day is a pastiche of conventions from flying-saucer movies from the 1940s and 1950s, replete with icky monsters and bizarre coincidences that create convenient shortcuts in the story. (Such as the way the girlfriend of one of the film’s heroes–played by Will Smith–just happens to run across the president’s injured wife, who are then both rescued by Smith’s character who somehow runs across them in alien-ravaged Los Angeles County.) The movie is just sheer fun, aided by a cast that knows how to balance the retro requirements of the genre with a more contemporary feel. –Tom Keogh
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars This blu ray is the theatrical not the special edition version
I gave this only 3 stars because it is not the longer special edition, but only the theatrical version. The blu ray is terrific, though, in both video and sound quality. There were many scenes that I did not recognize due to the greater detail provided by BD. However, had I realized it was not the SE version, I would have waited. I would suggest saving your $$ for the longer version we all know will be released some day.
1 Star Good transfer, but still disappointing
I have to say that I’m a big fan of this film, and I already own the DVD. Most of those wanting to buy this film on Bluray are those who have already seen it and liked it, so I won’t comment on the movie content itself, but rather the technical and supplemental aspects of this release.
I borrowed a friend’s copy of the BD version of ID4 just a few weeks ago, as I was contemplating whether to add this to my small but growing blu-ray collection. The picture and audio are superb, and watching this on my new LCD at 1080p with the lossless DTS-MA audio track really transported me back to the July of ‘96, when I watched this on the big screen. This movie has certainly aged well these thirteen years, and the special effects are still terrific even today. While watching, I was pretty much set on adding this to my collection.
That is, until after I finished watching the movie and wanted to see the extras in HD.
The DVD version I have contains two discs and a lot of extras, including an alternate ending, making-of feature, trailers, and cast/crew interviews. Sadly, in this BD release there are none, not even in standard definition. The only “extra” is a commentary track, which, as an another reviewer already pointed out, is laughably outdated. At $25, I would expect more than just a movie and nothing else.
The Dark Knight BD had two discs plus a digital copy for the same price- that was justifiable, even in this economy. This… isn’t.
FOX is notorious for double-dipping their DVD and Blu-ray releases. I would imagine that a two-disc or dual-layered “special edition” version will come out over the next year or so.
Needless to say, this BD release is quite a disappointment.
4 Stars Repeatable Fun!
Ok–great special effects, good to so-so acting, bordering on bad but with the threat of global extinction, who shouldn’t enjoy this film? I have the DVD but hardly pull it off the shelf because it is almost perpetually on cable or regular TV (yuck). I watch it every time it is on unless something else over rides it, which isn’t too often. The actors playing the array of characters are priceless…from Robert Loggia’s ridicules ill fitting cap and triumphant speech “we got them beat Will, they are going down all over the world” and “tell them how to bring those sons of bitches down!” Now that’s great writing and acting! Jeff Gouldblum–I love his quirkiness, delivery and hand gestures but he definitely tries to act way too cool walking with Will Smith after their alien ship crashes back on earth. The only unresolved question is how and where are they going to get ride of all of those city size space ships that were shot down? I really do love this move!
5 Stars GREAT MOVIE
This movie launched Will Smith’s career. This movie was also funny, sad, and happy all together.
4 Stars Awesome movie. Blu-Ray needs improvement
This is an awesome movie! I just purchased a new Blu-Ray player (Samsung) and a 73-inch Mitsubishi projection TV. I’m in HOG heaven! This was the first Blu-Ray movie I tried out on the player.
As far as the sound goes, I was blown away (7.1 surround system). For the video, well, it was great in most places, but some scenes were noticeably grainy, especially in the shadows. Other scenes, everything was perfect.
Other than that, a great disc!
The Red Green Show 1998 Season
In its eighth year, the Canadian comedy series carries on its absurdist brand of rustic humor in The Red Green Show: 1998 Season. As always, the Possum Lodge’s indefatigable handyman, Red Green (Steve Smith), proves a never-ending fount of ideas about turning junkyard debris into modern conveniences and applying a bit of know-how to applications of duct tape on anything and everything. 1998 Season gets off to a scary start with the prospect of Red’s nebbish nephew Harold (Patrick McKenna) leaving the show to attend college, which might be true or might be a ploy to earn Red’s respect and attention. (The pre-credits teaser is one of the series’ best: Red offering a suggestion about how to keep birds from crashing into one’s picture window.) “House Moving” is literally that, an episode about moving an old building by balancing it on pick-up trucks. Guest star Graham Greene (Dances With Wolves) is around in a show in which Red demonstrates how to turn a car into a backhoe. “College Life” raises the prospect of Harold going off to school again, this time sharing an apartment with three girls, a situation for which he is less than prepared. In “Free Apricots,” a tractor-trailer flips and provides Red and his chums with a large supply of the fruit; meanwhile, Red invents a car jack that goes really, really high. The very funny “Town Services Contract” finds the Possum Lodge boys receiving a contract for towing, snow-plowing, and ambulance services to Possum Lake. One of the best episodes of the season, “Mad About You,” concerns Harold attempting to teach Red about anger management, an effort that goes hilariously awry. –Tom Keogh
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars One of my favs.
I absolutely love the new format of the show! I saw this back in the early 90s when they actually showed meetings right through at the end..lol
5 Stars great season
As with all of the other shows this set is great;I only wish they would bring out the previous ones as well.
5 Stars Funny!
Good stuff! If you like Red Green at all, you will love this set!
5 Stars If She Doesn’t Find You Hansom, At Least Let Her Find You Handy
Male silliness at its best. Safe enough for the kids to watch also. A semi-parody of Home Improvement with just the men. Through out the coarse of the series you will see every use of duct tape known to man. Great fun!
5 Stars A Great Family Show
We bought the 1997 Season after my husband got an e-mail with a Red Green clip. Then we bought the 1998 Season because the whole family enjoyed it so much. Now my 10 year old son and all of the ladies at work who have borrowed the DVD’s are all running around making noises like Harold and quoting Red. These video’s are addictive. We now have a Red Green line item in the family budget to buy the entire collection. I don’t know how girls will react to the show but I know that little boys LOVE it. Harold is my hero!
Men in Black Collectors Series
This imaginative summer comedy from director Barry Sonnenfeld (Get Shorty) is a lot of fun, largely on the strength of Will Smith’s engaging performance as the rookie partner of a secret agent (Tommy Lee Jones) assigned to keep tabs on Earth-dwelling extraterrestrials. There’s lots of comedy to spare in this bright film, some of the funniest stuff found in the margins of the major action. (A scene with Smith’s character being trounced in the distance by a huge alien while Jones questions a witness is a riot.) The inventiveness never lets up, and the cast–including Vincent D’Onofrio doing frighteningly convincing work as an alien occupying a decaying human–hold up their end splendidly. –Tom Keogh
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars My Good, My Bad Of ‘Men In Black’
A good combination of comedy, drama and sci-fi with effective special effects made this movie very entertaining and thus, a big hit. It evened spawned a sequel that didn’t do as well but I liked even better.
To me, Tommy Lee Jones was the best part of this film. I liked his straight-faced, no-nonsense approach to the job and his deadpan comedy lines. Then again, I prefer almost anyone to the smug, macho-obsessed Will Smith, who is just full of himself in almost every film he’s in (although I’ve really enjoyed his last few in 2007-09).
At any rate, Smith and Jones play off each other well and Rip Torn, Linda Fiorentino and Vincent D’Onofrio are all entertaining in supporting roles.
Rick Baker’s special-effects team did a creative job with these monsters. All of them are quite different in appearance and fun to view. Negatives include too much language for a kids-appealing film and the usual military/government cover-up conspiracies the Liberal filmmakers love so much. Have you seen a Hollywood filmmaker who likes the U.S. government? Well, they like the money they make here in America.
5 Stars Great Movie
Tommie Lee Jones and Will Smith in the same movie, what more needs to be said!
4 Stars A good movie
If you enjoy watch Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, then this movie is for you.
4 Stars A little disappointing.
This was to replace our DVD, so I already knew it was a great movie! However, the difference between our DVD, and the Blu-ray was not as amazing as I was hoping.
4 Stars Good memory
I had heard this film but I had no chance to watch this film entirly. This BD brought me the exciting experience of Audio and Video. Especially, the scenario of this film is funny and relaxed.
Casablanca Two Disc Special Edition
A truly perfect movie, the 1942 Casablanca still wows viewers today, and for good reason. Its unique story of a love triangle set against terribly high stakes in the war against a monster is sophisticated instead of outlandish, intriguing instead of garish. Humphrey Bogart plays the allegedly apolitical club owner in unoccupied French territory that is nevertheless crawling with Nazis; Ingrid Bergman is the lover who mysteriously deserted him in Paris; and Paul Heinreid is her heroic, slightly bewildered husband. Claude Rains, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, and Conrad Veidt are among what may be the best supporting cast in the history of Hollywood films. This is certainly among the most spirited and ennobling movies ever made. –Tom Keogh
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Casablanca
Still one of the greatest movies of all time. Humphrey Bogart at his best. Classic story of love, war and espionage. They just don’t make movies this good anymore.
4 Stars A classic
It’s a classic. If you love classics, you’ll love it. If you’re one of the young, snobby-minded people who think today’s crap outshines old films and you just can’t handle watching anything without color, forget about it.
4 Stars Cheap Click Case Cover
Amazon needs to indicate that this comes in a cheap click case and not a hard case as this matters to some of us choosing to buy this edition of the movie. Should be listed in the “details” of the product.
Movie is 5 stars, couldn’t possibly be anything less, however, rated this edition a 4 due to the cheap case. This movie will be watched over and over for many years, but I doubt the case is up to the challenge. 50 cents more to the purchase price would be worth it!
1 Star Poor - did not meet expectations
Reading the advertisement you are left to believe this would be a re-mastered version, but it was only a rerecorded copy on Blu-Ray. Not any better than could be expected from a good DVD.
Missed to mark entirely for blu-ray.
Great movie - but DVD would have been the correct choice
5 Stars You must remember this…..
Without question, one of the most influential films of it’s generation and one of the greatest love stories ever.
Considering it was just “another production” on the Warner Bros assembly line, and Bogart wasn’t even the front runner for the role of Rick, it’s made it’s mark in cinematic history.
This DVD special edition is superb; it features interviews with Bogart’s wife Lauren Bacall, the screenwriters and those who were close to the production of the movie as it was being made.
The film itself has been digitally restored and is, as always just as relevant now as it was to it’s generation.