Supernatural - The Complete Second Season

Description

Twenty-two years ago, Sam (series star JARED PADALECKI) and Dean (series star JENSEN ACKLES) Winchester lost their mother to a mysterious and demonic supernatural force. As a result, their father, John (recurring guest star JEFFREY DEAN MORGAN - "Grey's Anatomy"), raised the brothers to be soldiers. He taught them about the paranormal evil that lives in the dark corners and on the back roads of America...and he taught them how to kill it. Sam, however, wanted nothing to do with this violent and dangerous life, and he left it behind, until the day Dean appeared on his doorstep with troubling news. Their father had gone missing on a "hunting trip." Sam and Dean have spent the last year cruising the highwaysof the United States in their 1967 Chevy Impala, searching for their lost father and encountering creatures that most people believe exist only in folklore, superstition and nightmares. Along the way, they have battled the various supernatural threats--and each other as well, for their sibling rivalries and conflicts were never far from the surface. Finally, they found their father, just as he was closing in on the Demon who claimed their mother.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Featurette
Gag Reel
Other

Customer Reviews:

No witchcraft involved in the success of the second season--it's darn entertaining.......2007-09-15

Special Features: "The Devil's Roadmap", "Webisodes", three commentary tracks, gag reel, deleted/unaired scenes

There was no witchcraft involved in the success of "Supernatural". The show benefited from top notch writing, direction and performances with just the right dash of quirky humor to offset the horror elements of the show. The second season of the show picks up right where the first ended. Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki) have located their dad (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and have the fabled gun fashioned to kill demons in their possession. The trio confront the Demon that killed Dean and Sam's mom only to find it leaping from person to person finally possessing their father almost forcing the boys to kill him. Driving the Demon out of their father the trio escape with the gun believing that they can still track down the creature, find out why it has harvested children with special psychic abilities and how it plans on using them in its "war" against humanity. Then a truck hits Dean's 1967 Impala. Sam is injured but alive and Dean is on the cusp of death with internal injuries. John makes a deal with the Devil or, in this case, the Demon they were pursuing--take his life for Dean's. Before he dies John whispers something to Dean which will resonate throughout the rest of the second season.

We get three commentary tracks on "In My Time of Dying" (director Kim Manners and actors Ackles & Padalecki), "What Is And Should Never Be" (writer Eric Kripe) and the first part of the season two finale "All Hell Breaks Loose" (Kripke, Manners and writer Sera Gamble) along with deleted/unaired scenes on three episodes.

"The Devil's Road Map" is exactly that; a map of the United States showing where each episode takes place in the country You can click on each spot and see material from John's book with writers like Whitley Striber discussing the various monsters. We also see behind-the-scenes footage of the writers/producers discussing the creation of various episodes such as "All Hell Breaks Loose". These are essentially featurettes on each episode and they are kind of cool. We also get Jared Padalecki's original screen test on videotape. The quality of the screen test is typical for home video cameras as it was really never intended to be shown. It's kind of cool to be able to contrast his first take on the character vs. the final performance from the pilot episode and subsequent character development over the course of two seasons.

We also get three "webisode" featurettes including "The Inside Scoop with Ivan Hayden/VFX Supervisor" discussing the visual effects of the show, the overall look of these effects and how he approaches integrating the visuals into the show. "Inside the Writer's Room" which also aired on the "Supernatural" website during season two features writer/creator/producer Kripke, writer/producer John Shiban and producer/writer/director Robert Singer where the trio point out that the show uses Urban folklore as the basis for most of their episodes. Sadly we can't see the board with story ideas behind them. We also get glimpses of some of the storyboards including plenty of clips from the second season. "The Inside Scoop with Chris Cooper" is the final webisode included and features the prop master for "Supernatural" who discusses "all the toys" that the cast use on the show. Cooper discusses some of the fun stuff he gets to create including the guns and devices that Dean & Sam use. The amusing gag reel rounds things out including a very funny scene where Padalecki has a practical joke played on him during shooting.

"Supernatural" looks extremely good overall with nice color reproduction and detail. There are some digital artifacts and the images do blur a bit when there is rapid action on screen (which could be due to the fact that the show is shot and mastered in HD although it largely captures the "look" of film) but on the whole the show looks quite good.

An exceptional second season with only a few dud episodes, I'd highly recommend the "Supernatural". The show has hip humor that manages to capture much of the fun elements that made "The X-Files" so memorable (and hard to reproduce as the failed but interesting "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" from 2005 demonstrated). As with the previous the discs are housed in a fold out case with a brief synopsis and credits for each episode.

Supernatural Season 2 is great!!.......2007-09-13

I'm very pleased with the DVD's for Supernatural Season Two. The special features are great. The gag reel is very funny and the vignettes about the various urban legends are quite interesting. I didn't realize how much research and background information goes into each episode.
The production values on this TV show are very high -- the episodes all have a 'movie' feel to them and the cinematography is beautiful. Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki give excellent performances throughout as Dean and Sam Winchester. The brotherly relationship is one of the best parts of the series. Oh yeah, and its creepy scary too! Treat yourself to this AND the season one DVD's. You won't be disappointed.

My absolute favorite TV Show--never miss it.......2007-09-12

I can't say enough about how great Supernatural is. I've never been so engrossed in a TV show before. If you give the show a chance (get through the first half of Season 1) you will find yourself so involved with the main characters. And Season 2 was just outstanding.

Amazing! No, really!.......2007-09-12

"Supernatural" is an amazing television series. No, really, it is. Put aside your skepticism. The network that brought you "7th Heaven" and "Dawson's Creek" *can* also make great tv. Because that this show is aired by the CW (formally the WB, still owned by Warner Brothers) is incidental. "Supernatural" is actually the collaboration of Eric Kripke (the creator/writer), Kim Manners (producer/director, also of "The X-Files"), Robert Singer (producer/director, also of "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman"), John Shiban (producer/writer, also of "The X-Files"), Ben Edlund (producer/writer, also of "Angel," "The Tick" and "Firefly"), and Cyrus Yavneh (producer, also of "24"). (Did you notice the amount of talent there, and that's all *behind* the camera! There's even more in front of it, not to mention the special effects team, sound editors, makeup effects, and the rest of the crew. This show has it *all*!) The CW just pays for the thing to be made... That's about it... So forgive "Supernatural" for letting CW foot the bill and give this show a chance. I promise you won't be sorry!

Watch the first two seasons first, in order! Back story is essential for maximum impact! That brings me to the DVDs...

Not only are the episodes themselves reason enough to buy Season Two (and also Season One, but this review is for Season Two), there are *three* commentary tracks on key episodes that are a lot of fun to watch for anyone who might be interested in the show, as well as hardcore fans, hilarious bloopers, and several featurettes. Jared Padalecki's screen test is also included with this set, and I tell you, we get to literally watch him *find* Sam, get to witness the process and I was just blown away. What makes the Season Two set stand out particularly is the Interactive Map feature where you can follow the boys from town to town with each episode and see where that episode was set, as well as anything from a single bit of trivia about that episode to a full half-hour featurette about how the episode was brought to the screen. It's really a neat feature and I'm so glad that they put it in.

Supernatural.......2007-09-11

This is the greatest show. I just wish that more people would know about this one. It's a keeper. Everyone should sit down and watch this absolutely fantastic show.

Average customer rating:

Comfortable As An Old Brown Coat
Clever, original series
Everyone should be given the chance to experience Joss Whedon's truly unique series `Firefly'.
"The newest Browncoat"
Sexist show for the most part

Firefly - The Complete Series
Starring: Nathan Fillion , and Gina Torres
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000AQS0F
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Amazon.com

As the 2005 theatrical release of Serenity made clear, Firefly was a science fiction concept that deserved a second chance. Devoted fans (or "Browncoats") knew it all along, and with this well-packaged DVD set, those who missed the show's original broadcasts can see what they missed. Creator Joss Whedon's ambitious science-fiction Western (Whedon's third series after Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel) was canceled after only 11 of these 14 episodes had aired on the Fox network, but history has proven that its demise was woefully premature. Whedon's generic hybrid got off to a shaky start when network executives demanded an action-packed one-hour premiere ("The Train Job"); in hindsight the intended two-hour pilot (also titled "Serenity," and oddly enough, the final episode aired) provides a better introduction to the show's concept and splendid ensemble cast. Obsessive fans can debate the quirky logic of combining spaceships with direct parallels to frontier America (it's 500 years in the future, and embattled humankind has expanded into the galaxy, where undeveloped "outer rim" planets struggle with the equivalent of Old West accommodations), but Whedon and his gifted co-writers and directors make it work, at least well enough to fashion a credible context from the incongruous culture-clashing of past, present, and future technologies, along with a polyglot language (the result of two dominant superpowers) that combines English with an abundance of Chinese slang.

What makes it work is Whedon's delightfully well-chosen cast and their nine well-developed characters--a typically Whedon-esque extended family--each providing a unique perspective on their adventures aboard Serenity, the junky but beloved "Firefly-class" starship they call home. As a veteran of the disadvantaged Independent faction's war against the all-powerful planetary Alliance (think of it as Underdogs vs. Overlords), Serenity captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) leads his compact crew on a quest for survival. They're renegades with an amoral agenda, taking any job that pays well, but Firefly's complex tapestry of right and wrong (and peace vs. violence) is richer and deeper than it first appears. Tantalizing clues about Blue Sun (an insidious mega-corporation with a mysteriously evil agenda), its ties to the Alliance, and the traumatizing use of Serenity's resident stowaway (Summer Glau) as a guinea pig in the development of advanced warfare were clear indications Firefly was heading for exciting revelations that were precluded by the series' cancellation. Fortunately, the big-screen Serenity (which can be enjoyed independently of the series) ensured that Whedon's wild extraterrestrial west had not seen its final sunset. Its very existence confirms that these 14 episodes (and enjoyable bonus features) will endure as irrefutable proof Fox made a glaring mistake in canceling the series. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Five hundred years in the future there's a whole new frontier, and the crew of the Firefly-class spaceship Serenity is eager to stake a claim on the action. They'll take any job, legal or illegal, to keep fuel in the tanks and food on the table. But things get a bit more complicated after they take on a passenger wanted by the new totalitarian Alliance regime. Now they find themselves on the run, desperate to steer clear of Alliance ships and the flesh-eating Reavers who live on the fringes of space.

Customer Reviews:

Comfortable As An Old Brown Coat.......2007-09-17

I enjoyed this series thoroughly. It's not high-budget, which adds to
its charm. The opening song comes off cheesy at first, but then I found
myself singing it to myself throughout the day! Firefly and its crew will
be missed in our household...

Clever, original series.......2007-09-17

My new favorite show! Fox, I can't believe you canceled this show. This has the most clever writing, great character interaction and just an over all fun feel to it. I highly recommend it to anyone.

Everyone should be given the chance to experience Joss Whedon's truly unique series `Firefly'. .......2007-09-17

Everyone should be given the chance to experience Joss Whedon's truly unique series `Firefly'. It isn't often in the entertainment industry that two very dissimilar genres can be melded together into one highly entertaining package. But where others may have failed Joss Whedon succeeds. Many have heard of his other works such as `Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and `Angel', and both of those shows stand on their own popularity, as evidenced by their huge fan base. But it seems only a select few have ever heard of `Firefly' and even fewer yet have ever actually experienced it. Unlike his other previously mentioned TV series, `Firefly' has no roots in magic or the supernatural. `Firefly' is a unique combination of science fiction and western. Two genres that are generally, for the most part, considered absolute opposites by many. Aside from being such a unique work, just by the combination of the two genres, it has many qualities that will entertain even those who generally avoid science fiction and westerns. And when the series ends Joss keeps it coming with the movie `Serenity'. `Serenity' answers many of the questions the TV series leaves unanswered, but it also, purposefully, leaves some of the biggest questions as mysteries.
`Firefly' takes place in a science fiction rich environment. And for the first few minutes of the pilot episode you almost accept that this is what `Firefly' will be. But then Joss brings you fully into their universe. A universe where science fiction is the driver and western is the strong shotgun sitting next to it on a dusty horse driven coach. A universe where vessels can easily travel through space, and yet many still ride horses. A universe where some marvel at the wonders of the technology of the inner planets and where yet others struggle just to find food on desert-like moons.
The `Firefly' universe exists in a post-Earth era. An era some time after man has left Earth's solar system, and found a new place to live. In this new solar system man has terra-formed many planets and moons. The inner planets and moons were the first and are the more civilized of the planets. The farther out from the core you go the more `wild' the planets are. The inner planets might be considered your `industrial' worlds and the outer planets might be considered your `western' worlds. When we first enter the `Firefly' universe we find war. That war, which is a strong part of the overall storyline, is between the inner and outer planets. The inner planets are fighting for `unification' of all the planets under one government. The outer planets are fighting to remain free. By the time we meet the crew of Firefly the war has long since ended, but the war still gives Joss a lot of material to turn into interesting storylines and plots which will keep you watching.
The story is centered around a group of individuals who are thrown together, by chance in some cases, by design in other cases, but learn to become almost family to one another. The series shows a sense of camaraderie that isn't forced, but grown. Joss gives you the sense of them growing together rather than just blindly accepting each other. Even those amongst them who dislike each other the most are often likely to make sacrifices for each other. And the interaction between them is always entertaining even when it's emotionally tense.
The character development for all of them is so well written and convincing that you can almost feel you know them. You know how they behave, you know generally what to expect of them. And yet Joss keeps them far enough from predictable that you never know just exactly what they are going to do. He keeps them interesting even after he teaches you everything there is to know about them.
And for those who are die hard effects people, Joss doesn't disappoint. He has given the whole thing a very science fiction feel as far as the effects go, but has kept it believable. Even the weapons used between ships are to some degree believable and yet fantastic. And the method with which he shot scenes where space vessels are in `atmosphere' makes the scenes truly unique. A lot of the effects seem based more about what environment the characters are in rather than what ship will blow up first, unlike most science fiction shows. You won't see a lot of `photons' or `phasers' but you will get your fill of good effects. And sometimes the most interesting effects are the ones he has completely excluded. Sound being the shining example of this. In Joss' `Firefly' universe the lack of atmosphere in space prevents any sounds. It makes the effect very realistic but after years of science fiction `space' being full of sounds it feels somehow other-worldly.
Not wanting to leave you stranded in this universe with no background and no idea how man came to this point, many episodes give you glimpses of the past. Sometimes these glimpses are literally `flashbacks' of the crew members. Sometimes the glimpses come in the dialog, people speaking of `Earth that was'. In other dialogs you sometimes catch just the briefest hints at underlying history. And sometimes the glimpse comes in the form of the characters telling a story. Joss uses many methods to paint the history of his `Firefly' universe. Every method is precise; every glimpse is colorful and alluring. Joss brilliantly fills the void of this universe so you aren't stuck within the confines of a single vessel.
Even those who generally do not like either of the genres covered in `Firefly' should have a chance to experience this unique series. Want strong storylines? Want characters you can believe in? Want visually pleasing effects? Want a series with enough content and background to fill a universe? Then you owe it to yourself to experience `Firefly'. It is one of the most unique TV series' of our time and Joss isn't in the habit of disappointing. So go rent or buy a copy today, go home, and allow Joss to fully submerse you in the universe that is... Firefly.

"The newest Browncoat".......2007-09-16

Browncoat is the name of a fan of the series Firefly. Believe me when I say that if you watch this you will love of every second of it. I have bought a lot of stuff from amazon and this is the only product I loved so much that I had to give it a review. A week ago I had no idea what Firefly was truly about and now I know! I never gave it a chance because the only thing I knew about it was that it was a show that replaced my favorite show "Dark Angel". And now it is my favorite show, thats pretty cool for a show to replace your favorite show and then I ends up being your new favorite show. Take my advice buy Firefly the series and the movie Serenity, but watch the series first and then the movie. If you watch the movie first and then the series it will be too late. I never got a chance to watch the movie this summer when it came on tv and I have to say I was glad I missed it because I would have never looked into Firefly. Believe me if you never saw Firefly or Serenity I was just like you. I was sitting there just like you looking into this and bought the series box set and the movie, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Buy this trust me, I was a skeptic just like you and now I am a obsessed fan... a "Browncoat".

Sexist show for the most part.......2007-09-16

After seeing the movie, I started watching the show. Everyone wonders why it got canceled, Ahhhh...maybe because the captain's girlfriend is a high class prostitute??? Oh yeah, and the mechanic girl is totally sex-starved. Plus the off handed comments that disrespect women through out the series?

Firefly is truly insulting to women and if I was on the Board I would of canceled the show also.

Makes me think about what kind of relationship Josh Whedon had with his Mother because it certainly wasn't a good one.

If you can over that it's a fun show!

Stargate Atlantis - The Complete Third Season

Average customer rating:

season 3 of Stargate Atlantis
Neat special effects
Gets Better and Better
Good at times but overall fails to realize its potential
Definate Improvement Over Season 2 & Possibilities For An Even Better Season 4!

Stargate Atlantis - The Complete Third Season
Starring: Stargate Atlantis
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000RW3YYA
Release Date: 2007-09-18

Description

For the first time ever, fans can catch up on season 3 before season 4 begins on Sci Fi!

Customer Reviews:

season 3 of Stargate Atlantis.......2007-07-29

This was a Excellent season as always, very good jobs on all parts i thought they really brought out a lot of the characters like they said , even Joe Flanigan's character John Sheppard , but only problem i have is with the cover art for the box set , it just looks so ugly i can't believe they are using it wow, anyway they are suppose to be a production company better then regular people and this what they give us it looks horrible they first one was just fine

Neat special effects.......2007-07-23

This season we saw the Atlanteans return, more spaceships, more replicators, and finally the station blasting into space. I'm a bit tired of Tayla's culture--most of the Jaffa centered episodes in the other series were rather weak. But Atlantis has some potential left (though I'd like to tackle the ascension angle a bit more--these wraiths don't have quite enough dimension to them).

Gets Better and Better.......2007-07-22

I just loved this series and I'm very glad they are releasing it on DVD so soon! season 2 took forever to come on DVD.

I have to say that Stargate Atlantis is a wonderful show, darker and yet funnier than SG1 I guess the writers got to get better at their job while working on SG1 and the now 3 seasons of Atlantis.
If you watch the show, this is a most, and if you are just starting well now you have 60 episodes available to watch without having to wait.
Love all the characters can't wait for season 4 to begin!

Good at times but overall fails to realize its potential.......2007-07-08

Warning! There are multiple spoilers in the following review!

I've watched STARGATE ATLANTIS from the beginning and have more or less enjoyed it from the start. I definitely plan on continuing to watch it, but I have some concerns about the show that I'm convinced have to be addressed for it to continue to be worth watching.

First and foremost, ATLANTIS has always had and continues to have serious cast problems. They have now had three complete seasons to address these problems and while they have played with it some, most of their decisions have been odd at best. I really like Joe Flannigan as Sheppard and David Hewlett as Rodney, but beyond that the cast is mainly made up of liabilities. There was one other actor I liked a lot on the show, Paul McGillion as Beckett, but inexplicably in remaking the cast they chose to kill off one of the few strong characters on the show. Rachel Luttrell as Teyla is more baffling. Her character has never been very interesting, but I'm not convinced that Luttrell is untalented. I suspect that for whatever reason the writers have simply not been willing or able to come up with any interesting arcs for her (apart from having an interesting connection to the wraiths, which by and large has been underutilized). My hope is that they will rethink Teyla and either do both her and us a favor and kill her off, or become more aggressive in writing her character and give her some significant arcs and character development. Jason Momoa as Ronon, however, is probably a lost cause. He is perhaps the most wooden actor on television today and they have done virtually nothing of interest with his character. David Nykl, however, is good as Zelenka. I always enjoy his scenes with Rodney. Finally, I really want to like Torri Higginson (not least because she bears a scary resemblance to an ex-girlfriend of mine). I love shows that feature strong and interesting female characters, but after three years she remains yet another character with whom they've been unable to do very much. In her case, however, it appears that the producers have decided to either write her out of the show entirely or reduce her merely to a recurring character. I will continue to watch and sometimes enjoy STARGATE ATLANTIS, but they really need to do some serious rehabilitation.

Some help is on the way. We know that Amanda Tapping and her character Samantha Carter will be moving over from the cancelled STARGATE SG-1 to become the new head of the Atlantis project. I think she will bring more strength to the role than Torri Higginson did. Normally I would also applaud the casting of Jewel Staite as the new base doctor. I loved her on FIREFLY as Kaylee, but I still regret Beckett's leaving the show. But I honestly feel that the cast needs several more major changes. The show has had to rely far too heavily on Sheppard and Rodney.

The end of Season Three did, however, leave hope for new and better things. Atlantis has emerged as the name not of a location that cannot be moved, but of a truly mobile city that can relocate . . . well, to anywhere. The season ends with the city blasting off into space. I'm anxious to see what happens next. But whatever they do, I would like to see the show continue the risks it started taking in Season Three. Killing Beckett was an abominable mistake (especially given that there were some other characters who could have been killed with far greater profit to the show), but it at least started giving the show something that both it and SG-1 have always lacked: a body count. The good adventure shows have body counts. SG-1 had next to none. The only truly heartbreaking death in ten seasons was when Dr. Frasier was killed. It is no accident that that the episode in which that occurred was one of the finest in the series' run. If you don't have a body count, you get no sense of danger. On shows like BUFFY, LOST, and BATTLESTAR GALACTIC they have killed off some important characters. As a result when a character is in danger you get a degree of danger that you never, ever get on ATLANTIS or SG-1. Well, at least until they killed off Beckett and at least seriously injured Weir. I dearly hope they continue doing this in the future.

I also hope that we see Season Four taking the stories of the Wraith and the replicators to newer and more complex levels. The series has had some great moments over the first three seasons, especially when they let situations get really desperate. Hopefully they will continue to do this.

While Season Three frequently left me wanting more due to the weaknesses in the overall cast, there were some great moments. The season finale (both SG-1 and ATLANTIS have had some fine season enders) was splendid. And the season featured what may be my favorite episode of the entire series so far in "Common Ground," in which the Genii kidnap Sheppard and enclose him with a wraith who is allowed to feed on no one else. Christopher Heyerdahl has played several wraiths on the series, but in this episode he was allowed to give this particular wraith a dignity and complexity not allowed any other wraith with the exception of Michael. He gradually drains the life out of Sheppard out of sheer necessity before the two of them, cooperating as human and wraith never have before, manage to escape from the Genii. Then, in a moment that could lead to interesting plot developments in the future, we discover that the wraiths cannot only drain another creature of life, they can also imbue them with it, and as a sign of comradeship he heals Sheppard. I want arcs like this one! On a host of other series some of the most interesting characters have been those who came over from the other side. On STAR TREK: VOYAGER, we had Seven of Nine; on BUFFY we had Angel, Anya, and Spike; currently on BATTLESTAR GALACTICA we have Sharon Agathon and (possibly) Caprica Six; and on SG-1 we had Teal'c. I think it would be fascinating if they could do something like that with a wraith.

So I wait for the beginning of Season Four with some nervousness. The show has some weaknesses and problems, but they are fixable. The series has not lost any of its potential. But until we see how the new city in the air Atlantis works in terms of story and how the new cast changes affect the chemistry we won't know for sure. One thing is for certain. Season Four should bear little resemblance to any of the first three seasons.

Definate Improvement Over Season 2 & Possibilities For An Even Better Season 4!.......2007-06-28

Season 3 was a definate improvement over season 2. There are a number of different reasons for this; *WARNING*: Some Spoilers ahead!

First off, more interesting stories with both gains and losses! They fleshed out a few of the characters a bit more like Ronan and Rodney, but again left Teyla out in the cold! I thought her character was pretty good in the first season, but around the middle of season 2 through the end of 3, I completely lost interest in her. She basically just stands around as a little eye candy; when she is even in a scene! Lately she has come across as somewhat condesending with a "holier-than-thou" attitude. If they killed her off, I wouldn't miss her! (I read somewhere that she is pregnant, so the writers are putting that in some of the 4th season episodes, meaning less screen time! The rumor also hinted that she will rejoin "what is left of her people", and leave SGA!)

This also brings up characters that ARE lost, and others we will gain. The first character we lost was Dr. Carlson Beckett in the episode "Sunday"! A very sad episode! I really liked his character. He was a really nice, cool and calm guy, providing a moral center like Daniel Jackson did for SG-1, which was a perfect "yin" to Rodney McKay's hypertensive, egocentric and often rude "yang". Replacing him will be Jewel Staite as Dr. Jennifer Keller (best known from Firefly). She looks more grown-up, adult-like on SG Atlantis than her more kid-like character did from Firefly. (Which is good if she is to be taken seriously) And as always, she is definately still a hottie!

Another character will be Dr. Elizabeth Weir. Her role has been slowly spiraling downwards in season 3, so much like Teyla, I won't really miss her! Although her fate was undecided at the end of this season, she is going to die in season 4 and will be replaced with an SG-1 veteran, Col. Samantha Carter! She will become the new Atlantis commander and should replace Carson as a spring board for Rodney. With their past chemistry it will be like mixing acids and bases, getting quite a volatile reaction at first, but neutralizing in the end. Sheppard and her should also butt heads a lot as she will out-rank him militarily.

Lastly, I've also read some of the previous reviews and would have to disagree with some of their comments. First off, Rodney McKay is HILARIOUS! His character's annoying, smug attitude is what makes him so funny! Especially with the different reactions the other characters give Rodney when interacting with him! (Ex.'s: Sheppard and Ronon threaten him when he gets annoying; Carson (use to) patronize him even though Rodney didn't realize it, etc.) One thing I didn't like about this season was how the Wraith were practically non-existent! Instead they replaced them with the Replicators! These done-to-death bad guys are really starting to get old since they've been used so much in SG-1. I think the only good point of having them on Atlantis was learning more about their origins. They need to bring the Wraith back since they are the pre-dominant bad guys for Atlantis and need to delve deeper into their culture, weaknesses, etc.

Whatever your opinion on the 3rd season of Atlantis, most people will agree it has gotten better since season 2. And with all the quick changes at the end of the 3rd like 2 major characters dying/replaced and Atlantis itself heading off to a new planet to put down new roots, it gives potential for an awesome season 4! Lets just hope they don't screw it up!

Average customer rating:

Final Season 10 Stargate SG-1
Good "tee up" for DVD movies to come
Stargate SG-1 Season 10: good work but not the best
Stargate SG1-Season 10
Final Season of a great Series!

Stargate SG-1 - Season 10
Starring: Ben Browder , Amanda Tapping , Christopher Judge , Michael Shanks , and Claudia Black
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000PMFRTC
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Amazon.com

If this five-disc, 20-episode, tenth season set really is the end of Stargate SG-1--and considering the number of reprieves the show has already had and the rumors of various movie spin-offs, not to mention the fact that the final installment is entitled "Unending," who knows?--then the folks responsible for this durable sci-fi series can be proud that they finished it off in style, with a run of episodes that are for the most part highly entertaining, exciting, and fun, offering resolution if not complete closure. And if sharks were jumped, at least they were small ones. As was the case in Season 9, and to a large extent in Season 8 as well, original series star Richard Dean Anderson is little in evidence here. Portraying Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell, Ben Browder, who came to Stargate SG-1 from the underrated Farscape, is now entrenched as leader of SG-1, the Stargate project's ace team in the field, joining series veterans Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, and Michael Shanks (as Samantha Carter, Teal'c, and Daniel Jackson, respectively). Most notably, fellow Farscape alum Claudia Black has an ever-expanding role as Vala, whose cheeky wit and irreverence bring a consistent spark to the proceedings. The big, bad villains known as Ori are back as well. We still can't see them--they are, after all, "ascended beings," represented by the blind, monk-like Priors, who roam the universe intoning "Hallowed are the Ori" and ensuring that all will submit to their will (the element of scary religious fanaticism remains as relevant as ever). But the Ori are also still the most implacable, irresistible force our heroes have ever encountered; nothing less than the fate of the entire galaxy is at stake (again)! And now there's an added twist: the Ori have a frontwoman, if you will, whose powers make the Priors look like pikers. Known as Adria (or "the Orici" to believers), this beautiful young woman (played by Morena Baccarin) also happens to be the daughter of Vala, whom the Ori chose to bring their demon seed into the world; the uneasy (to say the least) Adria-Vala relationship provides many intriguing moments. On the minus side, the show tends to break its own rules (for instance, for a character who's supposed to be invincible, Adria often seems awfully, well, vincible), and the commingling of Arthurian legend, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian myth, magic, and other sources is occasionally over-the-top, even for this franchise. Some episodes are plot-heavy, bogged down by too many characters (past bad guys like the Goa'uld, and Ba'al reappear, as do several Stargate Atlantis principals in one episode) or excessive techno-rap about time dilation fields, flux capacitors, and something called the Clava Thessara Infinitas (don't ask). Episodes in which the writers move away from the central Ori theme are less than stellar; "200" exists mostly as an opportunity to make fun of the TV business and is as irrelevant and silly as "Citizen Joe," the worst episode from Season 8. And finally, without revealing details, suffice to say that "Unending," which offers a possible fate for our heroes before totally pulling its punches, may frustrate some longtime adherents. By and large, though, Stargate SG-1 has all the elements--humor, action, great effects, good story-telling and acting, characters you care about--to more than justify its ten-year run. It will be missed. Special features are again bountiful, including audio commentary on all episodes, various featurettes, and five "directors series" entries devoted to particular episodes. --Sam Graham

Description

The final Season comes to DVD! In season 10, Vala, a former Goa'uld host turned freedom-fighter, joins SG-1 in their battle to defend the galaxy from the holy war of the Ori. Meanwhile, relations between the Jaffa and Earth continue to be strained. It all comes to a sizzling end on the finale.

Customer Reviews:

Final Season 10 Stargate SG-1.......2007-09-17

I thoroughly enjoyed season 10. Lots of great stories, plenty of action and charactor growth. Stargate SG1 should have gone another season as your left with a few loose ends like the Ori threat. I felt they rushed the fate of the Asgard. On the special features they say we have two 2 hour dvds to look forward to.

Good "tee up" for DVD movies to come.......2007-09-15

Outstanding "last" season. It doesn't tie up any loose ends because the series will continue in DVD movie format which is outstanding. I will miss the weekly new adventures but will be first in line to buy each DVD movie that comes out! The last episode "Unending" is truly that. A tear jerker in some respects. Enjoy!

Stargate SG-1 Season 10: good work but not the best.......2007-09-15

(Be warn there are some references to what happens in a couple of episodes.)
The final season of Stargate SG-1 was a good season though I did feel a little let down in the way that the season was done. The final episode of the season was emotional and gave that feeling of what is like to end such a great long running series that is until the upcoming movie in 2008 but I feel like it only added nothing and took out one of the greatest group of characters in the series. Yet I had also had to wonder what was the point of the sixth episode other than to make references to other science fiction shows and make a reference to the long running time of Stargate SG-1. I admit that I was laughing but in the overall story I saw no point of it other than to say that we can do it because this is the last season.
I admit that the reason I bought the tenth season of Stargate to have the entire series though I feel like I could have waited to get the movie to possibly see the final demise of the Ori and its followers which I was expecting to see in the tenth season. Yet the season still has plenty of action and it does answer some questions about the Ancients and Merlin.
If a person could possibly wait I would recommend that a person wait until the price of the season comes down a little more before spending their money of wait until they can buy the season with the upcoming movie in 2008.

Stargate SG1-Season 10.......2007-09-13

1 word...Fantastic!!! I hated to see the series end, but anxiously await the movies to be released.

Final Season of a great Series!.......2007-09-12

Stargate SG-1 was a great and original sci-fi series. The combination of great writing, quality special effects, and an unusually well-balanced cast playing beleivable characters you cared about, made it truely unique. Season Ten did a good job, I think, given the cast and bad guy changes along the way, in concluding the series. In one way, it left you feeling that the end was ready to happen, and in another way, you wanted some more - and it gave one both. Well done!

Grindhouse Presents, Death Proof - Extended and Unrated (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Great Fun
Death Proof....but where's Planet Terror too!
Great idea and that's why it's more disappointing ...
Though I'd Prefer Not, Even Seperated, "Grindhouse" is Still a Truly Thrilling and Unique Experience.
Add More Chicks Talking

Grindhouse Presents, Death Proof - Extended and Unrated (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Kurt Russell , Rosario Dawson , and Rose McGowan
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Manufacturer: The Weinstein Company
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000R7HY0K
Release Date: 2007-09-18

Description

A deranged stuntman stalks his victims from the safety of his killer car, but when he picks on the wrong group of badass babes, all bets are off in an adrenaline-pumping, high speed, white-knuckle automotive duel of epic proportions, where anything can happen.

Customer Reviews:

Great Fun.......2007-09-17

Death Proof is Quentin Tarantino's homage to the B movie genre form the late 60s, 70s and early 80s. Keep this in mind when you watch this film. Like the original low budget flicks, this film has very bad picture quality and sound, terrible editing, silly dialogue, revealing mistakes and bad acting. Of course, these characteristics were all accidental or due to a lack of talent in the original movies, whereas Tarantino has deliberately added these "mistakes" in order to recreate the feel of the old films. This might be a bit confusing or even annoying during the first half hour or so, because, unlike 30 years ago, this movie is not shown in a Grindhouse but a modern theater and you can't help but notice that the bad editing is deliberate and therefor misses the charm of the old B movies. Also, the fact that the film is set in 2007 but shot in a way that would be below standard even 30 years ago, slightly removes the charm it would have had, had it been set in the 70s. However, this changes about 30 min into the movie when cell phones, MP3 players and Japanese automobiles are replaced by muscle cars, references to cult classics and John Hughes movies, old school car chases, stunts and your typical Quentin Tarantino dialogues and soundtrack. The uncut European version could have done without some of the more boring conversations at the beginning of the film, though, but Kurt Russell more than makes up for this when he uses his old charm to talk Vanessa Ferlito into a lap dance and by the end of the film real life stunt woman Zoe Bell and Tracie Thoms will have you roaring with laughter as they seek to get even with Stuntman Mike. Although Death proof might not be quite as impressive as House of 1000 Corpses or The Devil's Rejects, it definitely is just as much fun.

Death Proof....but where's Planet Terror too!.......2007-09-17

I'm a fan of Tarantino and Rodriguez, but what I have to agree with most of the mediocre reviews about this is what is up with releasing this seperately from the other film, that makes absolutely no sense, or does it? Maybe to rake in the money the studio didn't get on it's theatrical release? Death Proof has a film is brilliantly shot with style, but as some of the reviews had eluded to earlier gets bogged down in boring chick chit-chat about nothing. I literally found myself zoning off and thinking of other things during those scenes. I don't mind a lot of dialogue if you have something to say. These girls didn't, but the movie is saved by the ominous scenes with actor, Kurt Russell. Still a movie worth seeing, but maybe wait until it drops in price or is released with the other grindhouse film, "Planet Terror".

Great idea and that's why it's more disappointing ..........2007-09-17

Kurt Russell is awesomely good, it seems like every time. When I saw Breakdown in 1996, I was amazed at his use of facial expression. He continues to surprise me as such a good actor because he's an easy actor to forget about when measuring who's good. Why is this? The only thing I can surmise is because he's in entertaining movies rather than Academy Award types of movies.

He does it again here, giving a screamingly good performance. I didnt' scream out loud in the theater, but I did on the inside, especially towards the end when he's physically struggling (no spoilers here).

So, it's just a shame that his top notch performance has to be put to shame in a movie that shows such promise when you hear what it's about.

My friend Tim said it well when the movie was over. He said 'Tarantino is writing the same dialogue he did in 1994 but it just doesn't work anymore.' My paraphrase of that is that it was never much good to begin with, but because it was new, and daring and provactive, he's hot stuff. But if you're just watching a movie and trying to enjoy it, is there anyone out there who really thinks talking about eating hamburgers in Amsterdam is all that good or interesting, even when the delivery is by a black man with an afro (or, is that supposed to make it cool). People are so quick to idolize, and certainly Tarantino has his worshippers.

He basically ruins his own good idea by writing a few scenes filled with women talking about having sex, with the occasional reference to other movies. And that's the movie, except for the only good parts, which feature Kurt Russel. And the parts he's featured in are really good!

It's cool that QT comes up with great ideas, even if he is greatly influenced by all these movies he's seen (I'm okay with that). But, to me, he damages his own knowing sense of good cinema with amateur, crude dialoge that, and this is the most important, doesn't make me more interested in either the story or the characters. All it does is allow me to get to know Quentin Tarantino better.

And it seems there's a place for that in cinema, making movies to say 'hello, here's who I am as a person' but I doubt it's when your trying to entertain a bunch of people you don't know.

I'll say this about 'Death Proof,' Tim and I talked about it way longer than we talked about 'Planet Terror.' And that's ironic because we liked Planet Terror better even though going into Grindhouse we were both most excited to see Death Proof.

This ironic ending to our Friday night was due to seeminly endless ponderings as to why such a good idea could end up so mediocre due to an amateurish, too personal, approach to filmmaking.

Though I'd Prefer Not, Even Seperated, "Grindhouse" is Still a Truly Thrilling and Unique Experience........2007-09-17

Yes it sucks they are releasing Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez's films separately. And yes it sucks most of us will more than likely end up shelling out more dough for either the theatrical version of "Grindhouse," or some form of special edition package that, even if doesn't recombine the films the way they were in their glorious theatrical release, combines these two movies in some fashion - and gives us back the faux trailers, which were just as much a reason to see "Grindhouse" as either of the films themselves.

"Grindhouse" was an experience. That was the whole point of the project. Bigger than just seeing a double feature, the creators wanted their audience to experience the exploitation pictures of the 70s, many of which inspired them to become the directors they are today, in all their over-the-top glory.

Because the film was too long, too violent and released on Easter weekend, people just didn't get it, didn't want to see a couple of grainy, odd 70's exploitation style flicks (they weren't hits then either, and that's the whole point), it was rated `R' and largely off-limits to its target audience, or because the promos for the film so heavily focused on something as admittedly strange as a stripper with a machine gun leg - there are several theories - "Grindhouse" disappointed in theatres.

It is perhaps because of that we are now getting the films released separately and the experience has been, for the most part, broken up and abandoned. Gone are those terrific trailers, though they admittedly would have seemed out of place as individual special features on just one the films; and gone is the thrill of what was a three-plus-hour, down and dirty, drive in spectacular. Who knows if this decision was meant to recoup lost funds in order to release more versions down the road, or if the two films were always planned to live on their own after theaters, like any film that was part of a double feature during its theatrical release.

As I said, this is not the way I would prefer to relive "Grindhouse," and I sympathize with those who would bash these two DVDs because releasing them separately not only distorts and truncates the experience, but this decision feels like it will ultimately prove to be a cash-grab by the studio when, six months down the line, they decide to release another version. But the fact is, the "Grindhouse" films are still great and work well on their own. Just because they are no longer a double feature doesn't mean each doesn't accomplish what it sets out to do expertly well. And realistically, this type of separate release makes sense in that these really are two separate films, not one long one. But I loved "Grindhouse" in its entirety so much that I was looking forward to reliving the experience over and over, and I envisioned it becoming one of those staple movies the next generation watches behind their parents backs during sleep-overs and such.

Well, shoulda, woulda, coulda. That's not the way, at least for now, the films will be released. And my own hopes for the film's legacy are not what I am supposed to be reviewing.

Nearly as much as debating this releasing format, people have been debating which half of "Grindhouse" is the best - Tarantino's or Rodriguez's. I will admit right off that I found much more to savor, as I always do, in Tarantino's film, "Death Proof". Some have dismissed it as too talky or too boring or not the "slasher" film it was presented to be (though I don't recall being promised anything specific from the movie before its release). It is first and foremost a hot rod thriller ala "Vanishing Point". Cars, stunts, menacing characters - both evil and anti-heroes - and thrilling chases are the point of this vehicle. As usual Tarantino doesn't just mimic the films and filmmakers he idolizes, but he raises the bar and does all the old stuff in a new, interesting and many times in a shockingly audacious way. And the stunts in this flick are not only spectacular, but they are real; and I'll take that over CGI and camera trickery any day.

Which brings us to "Planet Terror."

Yes Robert Rodriguez's "Planet Terror" is the flashier, showier, more action-packed entry here, and just because I'm in the "Death Proof" camp doesn't mean I didn't love what Rodriguz did with this zombie throwback. As both spectacle and parody, "Planet Terror" is big, loud and fun. It has a great cast, some surprising cameos, and tons of great lines. I think the problem I had with "Planet Terror" is that it was a zombie movie. Not because it is a zombie movie (I love zombie movies), but because there have been so many lately and a lot of them have already been presented in a hip, self-winking manor as if they were already sending up old-school, schlocky 70's zombie movies. Because of that, I always felt like I knew where "Planet Terror" was going and I was never that thrilled or gripped with suspense. The movie managed to have some big surprises here and there and plenty of individual great scenes and moments. I would never call it dull, or bad, uninteresting or anything other than expertly done - as I said, I liked this film too, it's just that by comparison, I think Tarantino offered up the more interesting film.

But, to each his own. The criticisms for films like this - and with the goals these guys have in mind, which is really to deliver a piece of hopped-up nostalgia - are relative and negligible. Too criticize "Planet Terror" for some of the things I did one could argue is missing the point. The whole reason for these movies is to honor and revisit the over-the-top junk that these films were. It that regard - and in terms pure entertainment and bang for the buck - these films both out do themselves. But, as they say, I likes what I likes and "Death Proof" was more my style. More ambitious and less obvious in its thrills, the movie builds a sense of dread and it gets that feeling of 70s cinema just right, from the opening shot and title cards, to its gasp-educing, thrillingly abrupt conclusion. Kurt Russel is flat-out fantastic and real-life Tarantino stunt-woman Zoe Bell is a discovery and revelation. As always with QT, this movie is dialog-heavy. I savor his stuff. If you don't, I can see why the movie may play like less than the sum of its parts for you. But I love juicy dialog as much as I love the blood and goo that spills and flies out of bodies in movies like "Planet Terror."

And that is the genius here.

By giving us both sides of the coin - two major types and examples of 70s exploitation cinema - "Grindhouse" delivered on both a promise and a concept. No two directors were more suited for the task, and it likely would have failed with any others at the helm. Now that QT and RR have laid the blueprint, I look forward to seeing what other genre-dabbling directors could do with similar material (like all the guys who contributed those terrific afore-motioned fake trailers - I would definitely pay to see full-film versions of "Machete," "Thanksgiving," and "Nazi Werewolves of the S.S."). Sadly, because the films are now split, some of you may not feel the same excitement (and if you didn't see it theatres, for now at least, you won't see any of these trailers).

But rest assured, even separated, if you pick up either "Death Proof" or "Planet Terror" - preferably both (and assuming you know what you are getting into and what these two visionary directors are trying to do) you are in for one hell of ride. For true film fans or just those in search of something daring, original, and way too entertaining, to miss these two films, or in the case of the fans boycotting their separation: to avoid buying these two films, is to miss out on a great film experience. Sure the real experience was better, but buying these separate is hardly a rip-off. First, both come in jam-packed, two-disc sets with all kinds of bells and whistles, including deleted scenes. And speaking of deleted scenes, since about a half an hour of each film had to be cut for the theatrical release, had they just released "Grindhouse" as we knew it, we would not be seeing the films in their intended entirety.

I don't know if that makes up for separating the two, but it is reason enough for fans of these films to rejoice. Face it. Had they released "Grindhouse" as we knew and loved it, we would still want to see the individual movies in their entirety, so most likely we would have wound up buying two products somewhere along the line anyway. I'm actually hoping somewhere down the line I do indeed get that chance. No I don't want to see three or four more DVD releases of the individual films, but I'll spend some money on these as they are, for what they are, and the entire "Grindhouse" someday.

Here's to hoping we get that chance.

Add More Chicks Talking.......2007-09-16

I sure hope this unrated cut has 45 more minutes of chicks sitting around talking because that would be awesome.

The Monster Squad (Two-Disc 20th Anniversary Edition)

Average customer rating:

It is a classic
Not Up To The Goonies
Welcome back 'Monster Squad'. We've missed you.
A "Universal Classic" not made by Universal Studios...
Great family movie

The Monster Squad (Two-Disc 20th Anniversary Edition)
Starring: Andre Gower , Robby Kiger , Stephen Macht , Duncan Regehr , and Tom Noonan
Director: Fred Dekker
Manufacturer: Lionsgate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000Q6GUKM
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Description

Count Dracula adjourns to Earth, accompanied by Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolfman, the Mummy, and the Gillman. The uglies are in search of a powerful amulet that will grant them power to rule the world. Our heroes - the Monster Squad are the only ones daring to stand in their way.

Customer Reviews:

It is a classic.......2007-09-17

If you remeber this movie then you will know that you had to love it when you were young. It is a classic and a must have for any cult film fanatic.

Not Up To The Goonies.......2007-09-16

If you really like The Goonies, you'll find this only a fair movie. It consists of poor attempts at slapstick, unsuccessful suspense, and unnecessary foul language and humor about virginity, all delivered by some B-grade acting. It is not really appropriate for young children, and anyone else should find it unsatisfying. (I can't account for any rave reviews.)

Welcome back 'Monster Squad'. We've missed you. .......2007-09-15

If there is one thing good thing you can say about the advent of the DVD age, it's that a lot of forgotten -- or downright ignored -- films are getting a second life. While not classics necessarily, these films are nonetheless beloved and - many times - important films. 'The Monster Squad' is one of those films. Released to a general `meh' in 1987, the film has since generated a lot of fan support and love over the years (thanks mainly to its VHS release and Cable showings) and with the support of a strong, ever-growing, core fan group, the film has at last made it to DVD. We couldn't be happier.

The forces of evil (Dracula, the Frankenstein monster, the gill man, the wolf man, and a mean old mummy) have gathered again after 100 years of dormancy. They have returned to take possession of a magical amulet that will shift the scales of the balance of the world to the dark side should they be successful. Famed vampire hunter Van Helsing had been working to put an end to the monsters completely 100 years earlier but had failed and now it falls to five kids to do what he could not. Calling themselves the Monster Squad, (after their love of all things monstrous and scary), this band of misfits, with the aide of a `scary old German guy', and hopefully the help of a suspected virgin, set themselves up as the only defense against these monsters and the possibility of the end of mankind.

An average film with a heart of gold, the magic that makes it all work is the honesty in which it is made. It clear that 'The Monster Squad' was never meant to be a classic - what film starts out with those ambitions? - But it certainly is a fun throwback to a - now sadly - bygone era. The modernized humor works within the confines of its decidedly old fashioned story (it's patterned after the classic Abbott and Costello films with just a pinch of 'The Little Rascals' thrown in). The language - which can be coarse - is never forced, and feels true to the characters and moments. (Sorry Mom and Dad. It is a sad truth that even in the PC world we live in, your young ones may still talk like this when you aren't around.) There are scares of a PG-13 variety, but this isn't just a kiddie film. Thanks to a very dark portrayal of Dracula, and some good acting the film plays very well to all ages. It's a welcome reminder of a bygone era of kinder, gentler filmmaking.

This little gem is blissfully packed with extras: Commentaries, deleted scenes, an extensive documentary, and some odds and ends that will certainly make it a must-own for it's many ardent followers. And the new DVD transfer looks stunning too! If you enjoyed the film as a kid -- you'll be amazed as an adult at the beautiful job director Fred Dekker did with the direction and camera work.

It's fantastic to be able to re-visit this old friend. Welcome back 'Monster Squad'. We've missed you.

A "Universal Classic" not made by Universal Studios..........2007-09-15

"Monster Squad" is a good movie, if solely for the fact that it combines all the Universal Monsters and a bunch of kids who swear. This is not the kind of movie you would see on the Disney Channel (for good reason) and it hearkens back to a decade I can barely remember, but who cares. It has some great one liners and some modest performances. With memorable characters such as "Scary German Guy" (there is a great holocaust reference in the movie with him that I never understood before when I was 11).

The special features for this 20th anniversaet edition are quite enjoyable. They go through most aspects of the movie including sepcial effects, character makeup and design, I would say the most interesting part is the cast interviews from Duncan Regehr (Dracula), Andre Gower (Sean), Ashley Bank (little 5 year old Phoebe all grown up!), Ryan Lambert (Rudy) and Tom Noonan (Frankie) . I was hoping for more cast interviews (because it is always great to see actors 20 years after the fact getting all misty eyed and nostalgic right along with you).

Bottom of the line: This movie is worth the buy for any kid or adult that grew up on this movie or the Universal Classic Monster movies. I would dub this movie part of the nostalgic, feel-good, where-was-I-then movies. You don't buy this one for academy performances. It does what a good movie should do, especially the ones that have a legacy: they engage and entertain.

Great family movie.......2007-09-13

Rented it was a VHS when it first cameout, a classic kids movie,fun scary and moves at a good pace. Now older it has lost none of the charm and enjoyment, they should make more like this,it's good to be a kid again.

Average customer rating:

Better and Better
GET THIS SET! (warning - contains spoilers)
A quick revisit to what made the first season so special.
Two Days Later
Way to much money!

Doctor Who - The Complete Third Series
Starring: David Tennant , and Freema Agyeman
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000UVV2GA
Release Date: 2007-11-06

Description

The third installment of Doctor Who is full of new thrills, new laughs, new heartbreak and some terrifying new monsters. From the moment the Doctor walks into the life of medical student Martha Jones he changes it forever. In Elizabethan London, they meet William Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre while back in present day London, 76-year-old Professor Lazarus recaptures his youth with consequences that threaten Martha's entire family. And, the Doctor's sworn enemies, the Daleks, who have been hiding in 1930's New York, return with a terrifying plan for humanity.

Customer Reviews:

Better and Better.......2007-09-12

I watched all the episodes on line as they came out and then began watching them agian on sci fi.
It is better every time I watch it.

GET THIS SET! (warning - contains spoilers).......2007-09-09

Okay, it hasn't come out yet, but having watched the third series on sci-fi, it is by leaps and bounds superior to the previous two years of mush.

David Tennant has never been better as the Doctor, and Freema Agyeman is impeccable as the far superior companion, Martha Jones.

While I'm not keen on all the references to Rose's departure early on (she's gone, let's get on with things) I love how Martha's unrequited love subplot has played out. It feels natural, especially if you consider the Doctor an asexual being.

Plus, Martha herself is a stronger and intelligent character. The writers and producers have used her to great effect and she is a joy to watch. Okay, she's gorgeous too and Freema knows how to act, but it's her characterization Martha that has won me over.

Episodes include:
"Smith and Jones" - series 3 opener and character introduction
"The Shakespeare Code" - AWESOME episode featuring Shakespeare and contains the first set pieces dealing with racism... plus, it's the best pseudo-historical made to date. A terrific piece.
"Gridlock" - a bit disappointing, but not terribly bad. The Macra seemed underused and I couldn't care less about the plight of some of the characters, which felt shoehorned in.
"Daleks in Manhattan"/"Evolution of the Daleks" - it waffles near the end and some would argue the Daleks feel shoehorned in to what is otherwise a story with depth and really good set pieces, but it's got enough merit to be enjoyed.
"The Lazarus Experiment" - a bit better and it introduces a character you need to keep an eye on.
"42" - if you recall the classic series story "Planet of Evil", "42" seems to be reminiscent of "Planet of Evil" yet seems to be a lot more consistent. And creepy. Defintely underrated.
"Human Nature"/"The Family of Blood" - it's the best of the entire new series and then some. Paul Cornell tops himself here with the plot, its resolution, the period setting, the cruelty of racism... this is perfection, personified and alone is worthy of the set's purchase.
"Blink" - another top notch entry from Steven Moffat.
"Utopia" - Russel T Davies' best WHO script, ever. Plus, there's an awesome performance from Derek Jacobi. But the story itself is impeccable as well.
"The Sound of Drums"/"The Last of the Time Lords" - it's a bit campy, plays up emotions rather than providing rudimentary coherence, and unusual for the new series as it ends on a rather happy note, but logic is thrown out the door just to wrap up some of the plot points and that's just bad. Plus, how the Doctor treats his adversary here directly contradicts how he's dealt with other nasty wrongdoers who want to kill everybody. The implied reason is that they are of the same race, which instantly makes people ask if the Doctor is being a racist, or at the very least working with double standards?)

But all in all? The good outweigh the bad, and the bad is nothing worse than I've come to expect out of the new series.

Series 3 is a WINNER for new series fans, classic series fans, and potential converts. And I hope series 4 matches and improves on it.

A quick revisit to what made the first season so special........2007-08-29

Wow, in a word was how I felt watching the first episode of the new Doctor Who's 3rd season. Smith & Jones that is (and not that the Runaway Bride wasn't great, as it was) which was the first pairing of Tennant and his new companion Martha Jones, played superbly by Freema Agyeman. The breakneck speed that threw me for a loop in Season One's opener Rose was back. Again, it offered a highly enjoyable and tightly scripted lead-in, to where the Doctor has to explain and open the eyes of a new Earth companion, to his many dimensions of both time and space.

If you read my review of Season 2, I explained how I felt that with Series 1, there was simply nothing better on TV at that time, either a sci-fi or other genre show, but during Series 2, while still a very good watch and excellent season of Who, I couldn't safely say there was nothing better on televison. Well, now I am back to my original thought, that with Series 3, there isn't anything I'd rather be watching on television, and nothing more entertaining.

I couldn't help but quickly make a comparison of Martha Jones to Mary Tamm's Romana in the original Who series, as someone of a high intellect and someone constantly keeping up to the Doctor in terms of wit, composure, and sophistication. While even though she is just a medical student, and not yet a Doctor when she's swept up into the Tardis, she's as sharp as a surgeon's blade in playing the part of a new Who companion. There were quite the shoes to fill with Rose's departure, and Freema has just about (but not fully) made me forget about Rose. Speaking of Rose, she is recollected in this series, through the Doctor's alouds, and it really sets the tone for a new Doctor-Companion relationship that we may have never seen before. Martha shares a kiss already with the Doc in the first episode, and is lying in bed with him in the second! Oh, Martha!

Anyway, with the Daleks, the Master, and the Face of Boe, the surprises just keep coming in this season. It really rivals the first in terms of the best of the new Doctor Who, and after seeing all 3, unfortunately makes season 2 seem all the more weaker than 1 and 3. Again, I revert to my opinion that it's the writing that was at fault in series 2, and the scripts, dialogue, and character interaction weren't quite as enjoyable as what came before, and what has obviously come now. Some call 2 the sophomore slump, or as one Amazon.co.uk reveiwer put it, that "second album", where there was just something a little less in keeping it from receiving the gem status that I give 1 & 3.

This is a must have season of Who. It also sees David Tennant really settling into his role and upping his status as one of the best of the Doctors. Amazingly, the weakest episodes in the series (if you can call any weak, as they are all quite entertaining) are the Daleks two parter and the series finale.

I was a little sad to see that Martha is only returning for Series 4 in a more limited role, and that Catherine Tate was set to become a companion again (from the Runaway Bride Xmas episode). I liked Tate a lot in that one show, but I am not sure I want her as a continued regular, as she sort of gets on your nerves. We'll just have to wait and see, but Martha being relegated to a lesser role is definitely a minus in my opinion.

As of this writing, audio commentaries, deleted scenes, video diaries, and the Doctor Who Confidential episodes are on slate as box set extras.

Two Days Later.......2007-08-28

Hey, all of you who are complaining about the $89.99 price... it's two days since the last complaint on August 26th and the price is down to $69.99 already. HAVE YOU NOTICED that Amazon guarantees pre-order customers the lowest price offered between the time they order and the release date? Anyone who has already ordered at $89.99 will get it for $69.99 max.

I've seen some of these episodes on Canadian TV and it's another great season for The Doctor... hence my 5 star rating.

Way to much money!.......2007-08-26

$89.99 is insane. As much as I love Dr. Who I will not pay that much for it.

Average customer rating:

A Great Sci-Fi Horror Film to Watch with Friends!
Excellent DVD transfer!
Finally on DVD!! One of Stuart Gordon's Best!
Finally
Creepy,imaginative take on Lovecraft's outline...

From Beyond (Unrated Director's Cut)
Starring: Jeffrey Combs , Barbara Crampton , Ken Foree , Ted Sorel , and Carolyn Purdy-Gordon
Director: Stuart Gordon
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000RPCK2O
Release Date: 2007-09-11

Customer Reviews:

A Great Sci-Fi Horror Film to Watch with Friends!.......2007-09-17

I first saw this on cable TV years ago with friends. We howled with laughter at its campiness-- and that was coming in on the last hour. I eventually saw the full film and fell in love with both its strangeness and subversiveness. It is an absurd tale of excess gone awry that is completely relevant to the human condition.

I greatly enjoyed watching the extended-cut DVD with friends. The added footage gave it extra punch from the toned-down version that I had seen on cable. And, it is a film that allows for comments or gasps to be exchanged during it without losing the thread of events. It's a fun horror film. There is lots of latex and some funny commentaries on s/m. It may not be for the faint of heart, but I would not call it particularly grizzly either. Enjoy!

Also, the extras are great. The interviews with the director are charming. And the section where you can see the story board images alongside the filmed sequences is ultra-cool. The director seems quite proud of his ability to draw detailed story board images and for good reason. Definitely check out the extras, even if you do not normally do so. You won't be disappointed!

Excellent DVD transfer!.......2007-09-15

Holy cow, this is one awesome release. I agree wholeheartedly with the other 5 star reviewers that this is an excellent movie, and thank the studio for it's release. The DVD transfer looks extremely clean and sharp. A+ on the video and sound. I don't see how it could get any better for DVD.

Finally on DVD!! One of Stuart Gordon's Best!.......2007-09-15

Having just got m