The Prestige

Amazon.com

The Prestige attempts a hat trick by combining a ridiculously good-looking cast, a highly regarded new director, and more than one sleight of hand. Does it pull it off? Sort of. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman play rival magicians who were once friends before an on-stage tragedy drove a wedge between them. While Bale's Alfred Borden is a more skilled illusionist, Jackman's Rufus Angier is the better showman; much of the film's interesting first half is their attempts to sabotage--and simultaneously, top--each other's tricks. Even with the help of a prop inventor (Michael Caine) and a comely assistant (Scarlett Johansson), Angier can't match Borden's ultimate illusion: The Transporting Man. Angier's obsession with learning Borden's trick leads him to an encounter with an eccentric inventor (David Bowie) in a second half that gets bogged down in plot loops and theatrics. Director Christopher Nolan, reuniting with his Batman Begins star Bale, demonstrates the same dark touch that hued that film, but some plot elements--without giving anything away--seem out of place with the rest of the movie. It's better to sit back and let the sometimes-clunky turns steer themselves than try to draw back the black curtain. That said, The Prestige still manages to entertain long after the magician has left the stage--a feat in itself. --Ellen A. Kim

Description

Award-winning actors Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson star in THE PRESTIGE, the twisting, turning story that, like all great magic tricks, stays with you. Two young, passionate magicians, Robert Angier (Jackman), a charismatic showman, and Alfred Borden (Bale), a gifted illusionist, are friends and partners until one fateful night when their biggest trick goes terribly wrong. Now the bitterest of enemies, they will stop at nothing to learn each other's secrets. As their rivalry escalates into a total obsession full of deceit and sabotage, they risk everything to become the greatest magician of all time. But nothing is as it seems, so watch closely. And be prepared to watch it again and again.

Customer Reviews:

Not bad.......2007-09-17

3.5 stars.
Looks good, full of solid acting, interesting story.
Gets a little convoluted, plot becomes somewhat oblique.
Caine has been ubiquitous for so many years now, but you've gotta hand it to him, he's still pretty good.
Worth watching if you like period pieces/mysteries.

Convoluted, but in a good way........2007-09-15

I just saw "The Illusionist" a couple of weeks ago and was afraid that this movie would be too similar, as they came out around the same time and are both about magicians. I could NOT have been more wrong. Two completely different films.

Anyway, this movie was amazing. It took me a while to get excited about it, but then I couldn't look away. The ending especially - wow.

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED.......2007-09-15

I picked this up because I think Christian Bale is an incredible actor. I was pleasantly surprised by the movie's storyline. I can honestly say that this a movie that is great the first time around and even better when you watch it a second time. SUPERB ACTING ALL THE WAY AROUND!

A Note To Prospective Viewers/Buyers Of This Movie..........2007-09-11

Just so we can stem the tide of surly, dissatisfied reviewers who obviously lack an imagination or sense of wonder:

THERE IS SCIENCE FICTION IN THIS MOVIE. THERE IS FANTASY IN THIS MOVIE.

Ok? It's not a moldy period piece about the 19th century. If that's what you are looking for, look elsewhere.

Now, for those of you who actually have an imagination and enjoy seeing the impossible become possible: The Prestige was probably the best picture of 2006, despite what Oscar thought. A fantastic film. Five stars!

Why do they explain everything at the end???.......2007-09-09

Let me just say that I loved Memento. Part of that movie's appeal is that they don't spoon feed you everything at the end but rather provide hints that leaves the viewer to try to unravel it's mysteries and inspires one to watch the movie multiple times to try to figure it out. The Prestige is frustrating as it had the potential to provide the same experience, but instead everything is explained to you at the end. The movie provided enough subtle hints to allow the viewer the fun of trying to solve the film on their own, while debating the possibilities with friends. I felt robbed. My suggestion to viewers is to turn off the movie with @ 5 minutes left and attempt to figure it out on your own....
Are you watching closely? - No need to do so if you watch the movie to it's disappointing finale...

Average customer rating:

DOESN'T KNOW WHAT IT WANTS TO BE
A typical Affleck heart string yanker!
Is this movie trying to be funny or moving?
a pretty good one ruined by a ridiculous scenario

Man About Town
Starring: Ben Affleck , Gina Gershon , Adam Goldberg , Howard Hesseman , and Jerry O'Connell
Director: Mike Binder
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000LC3IDS
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Description

Successful, hardworking and unscrupulous, Jack is a Hollywood agent at the top of his game and completely out of kilter with his personal life. So he takes a self-help class and, when word gets out, becomes the focus of the gossip columns. Word travels fast...and so do the laughs.

Customer Reviews:

DOESN'T KNOW WHAT IT WANTS TO BE.......2007-08-25

This movie was very weird and I really didn't know if it was a drama or a comedy. The acting and story are OK. I guess it shows, I wasn't really impressed by this movie,but it was an OK watch. If your bored and want to see it, rent it.

A typical Affleck heart string yanker!.......2007-03-13

Affleck seems to be in just about every film under the sun nowadays. I felt like this show was somewhat similar to the film "Bounce" that he co-starred in with Gwyneth Paltrow. This film tries showing a go getter in a corporate environment whose life is falling apart around him. Rebecca Romjin co-stars as his wife Nina, and her character adds a lot to the drama, which also includes a journal belonging to Jack (Affleck) being stolen and used against him. Many great actors and this story was somewhat interesting, but in the end it is just one of those campy films you could enjoy on a Sunday afternoon.

Is this movie trying to be funny or moving?.......2007-03-03

Is a meaningful movie possible that tries to be both at the same time? After watching this you will only feel what a stupid movie because it self destroys any seriousness.

a pretty good one ruined by a ridiculous scenario.......2006-12-31

it's a shame to see a screenplay simply ruined by a ridiculous insertion that ruined ben afleck's good performance. since when writing a diary or journal would become such a big fuss? to arrange a bad actress, bai ling, focused at, circled around, and concentrated on her plot to ruin the hottest talent agent in town is the worst scenario i've ever seen. if the screenplay writers have the least logic training, they should know that the adulterous betrayal of the talent agent's wife and his silent suffering devastation would be more than enough to touch viewers' hearts. the beginning and the ending parts were good, but the plot and the scenes of chinese restaurant negotiations, chasings by a chinese kitchen clan was so ridiculous and stupid, so stupid that beyond any word that i could describe.
ben afleck did a quite good job even in this lousy screenplay. as to his father's part and the whole chinese rip-off scenario, both should be omitted and rewritten before putting into production.

Average customer rating:

Good Movie
More than expected
Very itnteresting movie
Oddly Entertaining Movie
amazing amazing movie

Particles of Truth
Starring: Diane Bearden , Amy Casanova , Regina Dreyer-Thomas , Susan Floyd , and Gale Harold
Manufacturer: Arts Alliance Amer
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0009PVZO6
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Product Description

Consumed with the fear of failing, Lilli (Jennifer Elster), a skeptical young painter crosses paths on the streets of Manhattan with Morrison (Gale Harold) an obsessive compulsive writer who rarely escapes the confines of his car. In the most harrowing 48 hours of their lives they are forced to come to terms with their past in order to feel worthy of success and love. As we weave in and out of eight defective lives, Lilli and Morrison expose us to the sad truths of life as well as its wonderful possibilities.

System Requirements:

Running Time 101 Mins.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Although it barely registered as a blip on the indie-film radar, Particles of Truth should find an appreciative audience on DVD. After a marginal theatrical release and TV showings on the Sundance Channel, Jennifer Elster's assured debut as a writer-director will be remembered long after most indie-films fade into obscurity. It's one of those self-indulgent, angst-ridden, hyper-neurotic New York stories that seem to be a staple among first-time filmmakers (Elster was a 27-year-old Manhattan fashion stylist when she began writing her screenplay in 2001), but Elster--who also stars as Lilli Black, an insecure artist on the eve of her first gallery show--hits all the right notes in her anguished and all-too-human tale of love, loss, and the abject fear of failure. The movie encompasses a complex array of engaging emotions, focusing on Lilli's unlikely but life-affirming romance with Morrison (played by Gale Harold from the acclaimed Showtime series Queer as Folk), a reclusive writer with obsessive-compulsive disorder. They've both got parental issues (her estranged drug-addict father is dying of AIDS; his parents are suffering through health and financial crises), and Elster does a fine job of developing several other characters who complicate the film's turbulent emotional landscape, and her cast (including herself) is uniformly good. Elster's memorable characters express a broad spectrum of human dysfunction, but their stories are told with appealing humor, refreshing candor and compassionate sincerity. Particles of Truth is ripe for discovery as an overlooked gem that deserves to be seen. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Good Movie.......2007-09-03

Loved the movie, sometimes alittle confusing, but damn Gale Harold was so HOT!! I watch it just to see him!!!!!!

More than expected.......2007-05-15

Truthfully, I bought the movie because I am a fan of Gale Harold and I wanted to see his portrayal of the character. Not only was I pleased by his interpretation of Morrison, but in the end I was won over by the other characters as well. At some point in our lives, we all
have some of the same insecurities Lilli, Morrison, Flora and the others have, maybe not as pronounced, but they are there, and Jennifer's story lets us know it's OK. We are human, and we are all worthy.

Very itnteresting movie.......2006-11-02

Basically it's a story of two people living in solitude and with their very own problems due to their personal history and you can watch them develop and grow somehow in such a short period of time - within 48 hours.

Oddly Entertaining Movie.......2006-05-26

This is an amazing movie that takes you off guard and gives you insight while entertaining you. I was stunningly pleased.

amazing amazing movie.......2006-01-29

this is such an incredible movie. you have to watch it someday when you have the whole day to let it resonate. it's beautiful.

BBQ Secrets - The Master Guide To Extraordinary Barbecue Cookin'

Average customer rating:

Great information
serious bbq must have

BBQ Secrets - The Master Guide To Extraordinary Barbecue Cookin'
Director: Rebecca Gerendasy
Manufacturer: Potter Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000ADS6GM
Release Date: 2005-07-19

Description

BBQ is enormously popular, but while many people know how to grill, a relative few know how to cook authentic-style barbecue. BBQ SECRETS: The Master Guide to Extraordinary Barbecue Cookin', an interactive DVD video cookbook, brings authentic barbecue techniques to the backyard cook.

Filmed in 3 geographic locations: St Louis, Little Rock, and Kansas City, 3 former grand champion BBQ cooks, and restaurateurs', demonstrate how to barbecue beef, pork, chicken and more. This video includes a free booklet from the champions' private recipe collections. Unlike other how-to barbecue videos, this award winning video also relies upon the use of story to convey information and connect with its audience.

BBQ Secrets delivers detailed and comprehensive barbecue cooking instruction from 3 master cooks (Mike Davis; Terry Black; and Jeff Stehney) whose accomplishments are born out of many years of successful competition experience. Learn techniques of preparing and cooking a whole hog that even veteran barbecue aficionados have never seen done before. Learn how to barbecue a beef brisket by one of the great all-time competition cooks in the business. Learn the secrets to preparing spice rubs, marinades, monitoring internal and external cooking temperatures, and the proper use of woods for fuel and for adding smoke flavor.

With the information provided by these expert cooks, barbecue will never again be a noun!

Customer Reviews:

Great information.......2007-01-04

If you like to barbque you need to have this DVD in your collection. It offers additional tips and view points that will help to increase your reputation as a grill master.

serious bbq must have.......2006-05-27

Excellent resource for serious outdoor cooks.

Never knew BBQ was such big business, or how much I did not know about great grill cooking. Fun story, many many tips (basic AND advanced) step by step from the Masters in this movie.

I may not be ready for the big time but these secrets helped make me queen of the grill at my house. Highly recommended.

Nadia, The Secret of Blue Water - The Secret Cave (Vol. 8)

Average customer rating:

Nadia's True Identity Reveals (Episode 29-32)
Only half interesting (and marginally better) than the previous volume.

Nadia, The Secret of Blue Water - The Secret Cave (Vol. 8)
Starring: Yoshino Takamori , Noriko Hidaka , Yûko Mizutani , Toshiharu Sakurai , and Akio Ôtsuka
Director: Hideaki Anno , and Shinji Higuchi
Manufacturer: Adv Films
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ASIN: B0000639E6
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Customer Reviews:

Nadia's True Identity Reveals (Episode 29-32).......2007-09-08

What's most remarkable about the eighth volume of Nadia-Jean adventure somewhat like FUTURE BOY CONAN or THE CASTLE IN THE SKY is Nadia's true identity finally reveals in a mysterious manner in the mysterious island which shows its original self... Red Noah is what is Laputa in CASTLE IN THE SKY and Gigant in FUTURE BOY CONAN, because both Miyazaki works came from the same storyline Miyazaki created with Toho staff the first of which was unfortunately rejected by NHK, national broadcast TV in Japan around 1981 for lack of fund. (Miyazaki at this time was the most destitute and distressed Miyazaki took on NAUSICAA comic in 1982).

Verdict: The drama begins to pick up paces
Rating: 76 out of 100
Recommended for: GAINAX animation fans and Japanese animation fans who like NAUSSICA and NEONGENESIS EVANGELION.

Only half interesting (and marginally better) than the previous volume........2002-08-28

Well, the previous volume of NADIA: THE SECRET OF BLUE WATER was truly dreadful to watch (though the non-existant "plot" DID go somewhere toward the end) and a slapping insult to the show. This next entry has its moments (not to mention very nice extra: a text interview with Meg Bauman, the thirteen-year-old actress who plays Nadia in the English dub which warrants a read), but overall, it's barely an improvement over Volume 7.

The voice casts on both the English and Japanese tracks do their best, but their efforts cannot compensate for the artistic, plotting, and scripting flaws the last volume shared which sadly still exist here. Although there are some lines which come off as funny, the dialogue overall is pretty silly and difficult to even take seriously. As far as the content goes, only two out of the four episodes on this DVD are watchable (Episodes 30 & 31); the first one not only doesn't add anything to the plot, but just an excuse to show off more character stupidities and pointless sequences. Here, we see Sanson and Hanson constantly bickering like children whose cold war turns into a race involving two mechanical lions resembling King(!). Although some interesting information is provided at one point about why Nadia is such a strict vegetarian (and one amusing "999,999,999,999,999" line), this episode overall is wasted, misplaced, dragging filler trash. Grandis sums it up best: "This is getting ridiculous!"

The second and third episodes, although not without some silly moments and fourth-rate animation (Jean's eyes popping out of his head at the sight of mosquito bites on Nadia's legs; Grandis being seduced by Ayerton for wine; the pointless construction of a mechanical chariot pulled by boars), are at least not as offensive as the horrible Lincoln Island arc. Where things *really* get interesting is when Nadia and Jean venture into some sort of long-forgotten factory where it becomes clear that there is more to their island home than they thought. In a spellbinding sequence, Nadia becomes entranced by an invisible force and disappears into a dull wall, leaving her clothes in Jean's arms! Behind this wall is some sort of monotone alien-robot-computer voice which identifies itself as Red Noah, who has a lot to reveal to Nadia -- including the origins of her identity and the Blue Water. To reveal anything else about what new information is given in this engrossing episode would be giving spoilers. However, it may be daring to say that it culminates with a superbly plotted finale where Jean dashes to rescue Nadia while Grandis and the others take off in their Gratan. All the while, the island shakes in terrible tremor and starts to submerge. This is the highest point of the volume, and is enough to make one believe that the show will finally get back on target.

But then along come the Africa Episodes (Episodes 32 & 33). I could not believe the show could actually get worse all over again after a brilliant episode, but regrettably, it does. If the creators were going to include this sidestory, they might as well have done it in another show or earlier on, because it doesn't suit either what came before it or what happens afterwards. Added to which, the execution of the new characters in these episodes are both cardboard and totally uninteresting. Bringing Grandis's ex-fiancee into the picture in particular was a mistake; in Episode 12, the writers had concocted a believable backstory for Grandis involving her previous love affair, but this episode compromises it by the characterization of the ex-fiancee. One, he's protrayed as a dull, uncharismatic villain that it's hard to understand why Grandis fell for him in the first place; two, it makes even less sense that she could fall for him again. Simply put, this backstory should have just been left alone.

What really made these episodes even worse was the animation--the African tribal village is both badly stereotyped and poorly animated--but also in the characterization of Nadia herself. In the Lincoln Island episodes the writers turned her into quite an annoying nuisance, but here she devolves into a totally unlikeable and completely bitchy caricature. Considering that she had confessed that she needed Jean and embraced him passionately in the previous episode when he raced to rescue her, it didn't make any sense to me why she would even be infatuated with a native villager (the only thing he does is give her a petty compliment), and even resorts to treating Jean hideously with practically no reason for her to do so. The African arc, in short, is stupid, inane, unimaginative, uninteresting, incoherent, and pointless--the only thing it succeeds in doing is wasting more time (It may be two episodes but come on now!). I personally would've been happier if ADV had edited these episodes (as well as the Lincoln Island ones) out of their DVD release altogether.

All in all, those who have been disappointed by Volume 7 will find little to resuscitate their interests with Volume 8; the first and last episodes on this DVD obviously HAVE to go, but the second and third episodes are watchable. My recommendation? Stick with the good episodes on this disc, but skip the horrible stuff. And you'll be pleased to know that, after a horrible first episode on Volume 9, NADIA: THE SECRET OF BLUE WATER will return to its initial roots wherein lies its appeal.

Nadia, The Secret of Blue Water - The Prophecy Fulfilled (Vol. 10)

Average customer rating:

The Best Ending in Anime
Brilliant Ending !
A truly wonderful finale.
A Satisfying Conclusion to an Epic Series.

Nadia, The Secret of Blue Water - The Prophecy Fulfilled (Vol. 10)
Starring: Yoshino Takamori , Noriko Hidaka , Yûko Mizutani , Toshiharu Sakurai , and Akio Ôtsuka
Director: Hideaki Anno , and Shinji Higuchi
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000068M9Z
Release Date: 2002-07-16

Description

Now that the evil Gargoyle has seized young Nadia and her magical necklace, the Blue Water, he sets his foul plan in motion by resurrecting the most terrible power of the ancient people of Atlantis! Can Jean and the crew of the New Nautilus rescue Nadia and prevent Gargoyle's horrific plan to control the destiny of humanity? Who will survive the final battle of one of the world's most beloved animated series? Join Nadia and Jean one last time for the thrilling climax of Nadia, Secret of Blue Water!

Customer Reviews:

The Best Ending in Anime.......2004-07-28

Don't be put off by the fact that this final volume of the Nadia series only has 3 episodes instead of the usual four. This last volume is worth all of the others put together. It's simply amazing. In my opinion, the ending of this series is the best in all of anime. It'll have you in tears. I really don't want to give away much of the story, so I'll describe it in general. In the last few episodes of this series, this steam-punk adventure gets a strong dose of alien technology, as it is revealed that there is some alien involvement in the storyline. Needless to say, humanity is threated, and it's up to our heros to save the day. Without spilling any details, the story covers alien conspiracy, genetic modification, and the identity of God. If you really want a mind-blowing animation experience, you have to pick this up.

Brilliant Ending !.......2002-08-29

This show is the Babylon 5 of anime. Who'd have thought that the simple storyline of a young girl pursued by jewel thieves at the start would finish like this ? I've just finished viewing this finale and still cant get over how well done it was. What a great, no AMAZING series ! My only gripes are that its now finished (I wish they had done a sequel series, yes I know there is "The Movie" to come ... however I've been told that was done to cash in on Nadia's popularity, different writers/animators, so I'm not expecting anything great from it) and the minor video artefacts throughout. I dont want to "spoil" anything so I wont give any of the storyline away in these final episodes. The cover recommends viewing by 12 years and up however I've sat through this entire series with my 8 year old niece and had to fast forward only one scene I thought would have been too disturbing for her, where the crewman is sacrificed to save the Nautilus, Jean's heart rending cries were just too well acted. To finish, fantastic ending, great storyline throughout, characters you'll love and hate (Gargoyle !) that'll make you laugh and cry, to me (an anime newbie) this is what anime is all about. P.S. Love the music too !

A truly wonderful finale........2002-08-28

GAINAX's NADIA: THE SECRET OF BLUE WATER has been a show of ups and downs. It started out wonderfully with eight engaging, exciting episodes and an equally entertaining sequence of fourteen chapters on the Nautilus. There was much to enjoy in these 22 episodes, from imaginative marvels to deeply moving character development to memorable, spectacularly executed action sequences.

But things got completely out of hand when GAINAX was pressured by the executives of backing distributor, NHK Enterprises, to produce more episodes. What resulted were what fans dub the "infamous island episodes". Only 20% of the filler content moved the story along (landing on a floating island which turns out to be a spaceship, and learning of Nadia's birth origins). The remainder of the content, which ranged from mediocre to just plain awful, should have remained in the trash can where it belongs, as it does nothing except sink a brilliant production.

On the penultimate volume, however, the last two episodes showed that GAINAX had finally returned to the roots of wherein lay NADIA's appeal. But these two are not even half of the five-part finale of this show, which blows the dreadful filler out of the water as though they never existed. This, the last volume of the TV series, also is the best of the bunch, ending the story and everything related with it on a high note.

Oddly, some critics downgraded this final volume, claiming that it fails to deliver the goods... probably because they were so infuriated at the filler garbage. Despite how horrible the extraneous episodes were, one can simply choose to skip the worst of the filler excess and pretend they never happened. Or they can pass them off as not worth dwelling on, for when something is irrelevant to the plot, it's not worth the time to grouse about it.

What IS important, is that the content on this volume is so strong that, when one watches it with the good material, they're sure to find it an engrossing, tearjerking, and ultimately rewarding experience.

Unlike the other NADIA volumes, I will not give you a summary about what happens in the last three episodes. Doing so would be involve revealing spoilers. I will say, however, that there are action-packed scenes, shocking revelations, unexpected twists and surprises, emotionally gripping drama, love beyond death, and a tearjerking ending that will leave you on the edge of your seat... or rather, blow you away; either one works just fine. Featuring spectacular animation effects, clever writing, and some truly terrific music, the ending of NADIA: THE SECRET OF BLUE WATER more than lives up to its name as being one of the best climaxes in any Anime.

The voice actors on the English language track are at their best ever, despite some technical oddities: notably occasionally awkward sentences, sometimes fuzzy sound quality, and some lines on the Japanese language track not spoken at all on the dub. (The Japanese language track, which I spotchecked, consists of similarly excellent quality.) The only other drawbacks are a not-as-decent video transfer and the same textless opening and closing animations as extras (we already got those on Volumes 1-3). However, the good far outweighs the bad, with text interviews with the cast members (some woefully short), and, well, the content presented here.

In short, it is probably best to appreciate this show as a 27-episode series, because much of the filler material that plagued its second half was never supposed to have taken place. But ADV cannot be faulted for their presentation of this show, which, despite its fatal faults, is by no means a waste of time. For its first 22 episodes and the showclosing five, NADIA: THE SECRET OF BLUE WATER is a series with more than a share of priceless moments to overshadow its frustrating weaknesses.

A Satisfying Conclusion to an Epic Series........2002-07-18

For a long time, I waited and waited for the final DVD of "Nadia" to come out. And finally, it did. And the conclusion is more then satisfactory!
The characters return, and we are treated to one of the best animated battle scenes (Non-CGI!) with excellent animation and FX.
The English voices for Nemo and Gargoyle hit their best in this; making their lines one of the best English voice-acting I've heard in a long time.
The ending is one of the best I've seen. Original in a lot of ways, and a great ending with no letdowns. And the interviews of the voice actors was definately a plus, showing a rare glimpse into the actors who offered such great vocal performances for an anime dub.
Definately a great series with an even greater conclusion.
My few problems: the transfer is not as crystal clear as other DVDs I've seen. And for a final DVD, all we really get as "Extras" are credit-less opening and closing animations, (Which is what we got in the first four DVDs).

Average customer rating:

No, I have not bought this set yet, however ...
StarMariner
The Mystery is finally over

Trade Winds
Starring: Stephen Meadows , Barbara Stock , Michael McLafferty , Rebecca Staab , and Anita Morris
Director: Charles Jarrott , Reza Badiyi , and Tony Wharmby
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00063MCVG
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Description

A forbidden love affair blossoms on the gorgeous Caribbean island of St. Martin in this juicy tale of two feuding families vying for control of the island. Family patriach Cristof Philips (Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.) attempts to bring the Philips and Sommers families together, but tempers flare when sparks fly between hunky island adventurer Ocean Sommers (Michael McLafferty, General Hospital) and exotic beauty Maxine Philips (Michael Michele, E.R.) newly engaged to another man. Maxine's family warns her: "This Ocean has a riptide and he will drag you under!," but nothing can stop her from running out in a hurricane for a secret, rain-soaked night of passion! Tensions grow when Ocean is accused of murdering Maxine#s brother Chris in a scuba-diving mission for a cursed treasure, while her fiance is determined to see Ocean behind bars for the rest of his life. Now Maxine will do anything -make any sacrifice - as chaos erupts when the shocking truth behind Chris' death and long-hidden family secrets are revealed.

Customer Reviews:

No, I have not bought this set yet, however ..........2007-09-08

I think the network that aired this miniseries was ABC and not NBC. I was furious when they would not show the final episode. Instead they showed two pilots for sitcoms that failed (predictably, "Cafe American" and "The Mommies," both of which were incredibly STUPID!). Because ABC pulled this on us, I refused to watch that network for years and I seldom watch ABC to this day - so THERE! I don't think I have missed anything either! I bought the book hoping to find out how the story ended, but that turned out just to be a "prequel" rather than a retelling of the story shown on TV. I hope now to see the final episode. Don't tell me how it ends!

StarMariner.......2006-05-22

I really liked this series. I found it every bit as good as Dynasty or Dallas and don't understand why it never stayed on air. It has the perfect formula, passion, romance, intrigue and rivalry between two wealthy families--the Philips and Sommers. It is a great continuation of the book Trade Winds by Janet Quinn Harkin.

The Mystery is finally over.......2005-03-31

Well, I've been checking in periodically to see what others have to say about this miniseries but no one has clocked in yet so I guess I'll be the first (only?) one.

If I recall this correctly, back in 1992 NBC had the idea to make a weekly television show that was comprised of a series of short, unrelated miniseries. Kind of a 'romance theater' sort of thing. Audiences would never have to commit to more than five or six weeks to see a whole story; and if one of the miniseries was particularly popular it could easily serve as a pilot and be made into it's own series.

Well first up was "Trade Winds" a six-hour drama with all the typical mini-series ingredients: beautiful young people, venerable older actors (Efram Zimblast Jr. in this case) forbidden love, vengeful villains, fueding familes, an exotic locale, a grand hotel setting, catfights, a mysterious murder, a lost treasure, a curse, courtroom dramatics etc. It was all cheesy and predictable in a guilty-pleasure 'Dynasty' way.

The problem was that hardly anyone watched. In fact, the ratings tanked so badly that NBC yanked the show before showing the sixth and final hour. So those of us who watched this 13 years ago never found out who killed Chris, what happened to the treasure, who ended up owning the hotel, if the young lovers ended up together, if the hero ever got out of jail etc. (actually I believe after a flood of complaints NBC did eventually air the final hour but it was on a Sunday afternoon at 3pm with almost no advanced warning and was still preempted by local channels in some instances in favor of local programing).

Anyway, had the entire mini-series been shown it would have just been another wannabe Dallas/Dynasty that failed and would have been quickly forgotten. However, due to the fact that the finale was never shown, it has always stuck in my mind and become something of a legend in the annals of cheesy TV movies. I had never experienced such a thing before...to be shown all but the final hour of a movie...a final hour where all is revealed no less. For years now, everytime I would see an actor who was in this show in some other series, I would always be reminded of "Trade Winds" and wonder...hey how did that story ever end up?...

Well now, to those hapless few (very few apparently) who stuck with the show for those 5 weeks way back in 1992, NOW you can finally can find out what happened! (And then will quickly forget about it I'm sure :)) The mini-series was obviously a pilot for a future series that never materialized so some story threads are still left hanging, but the main ones are basically settled.

The DVD has no extras, but, hey, I never thought I'd ever see this released on DVD at all so it was fun to see. It's nicely packaged with all episodes on two one-sided discs. There are some nice publicity shots in the little inside insert sheet too.

And PS: For those who care, (don't worry, this is not a spoiler) the murderer's revelation was actually quite a surprise! I didn't see it coming. That's something for a show like this! Oh and the two people on the DVD cover are not the two Romeo/Juliette lovers. That's the girl alright, but the guy pictured is actually the antagonist who trys to breaks them apart (!) I don't think the package designer watched the movie when he chose that photograph. One last indignity to be endured by the little mini-series that got shafted.

Nadia, The Secret of Blue Water - Nadia in Love (Vol. 9)

Average customer rating:

Nadia Finally Finds Her Homeland
Not the Best of the Series
Slow but worthy climb back into excellence for the series.

Nadia, The Secret of Blue Water - Nadia in Love (Vol. 9)
Starring: Yoshino Takamori , Noriko Hidaka , Yûko Mizutani , Toshiharu Sakurai , and Akio Ôtsuka
Director: Hideaki Anno , and Shinji Higuchi
Manufacturer: Adv Films
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ASIN: B000067IVW
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Description

With King the lion cub in the evil clutches of Grandis' former love, it will take everything Nadia and the rest of her friends have to save him! But something sinister awaits our adventurers as they finally draw near to Nadia's homeland. Dark forces from the past pursue them, while the last pieces of Nadia's heritage come together. Will her fate doom them all? Or is there someone that can save them? Find out as Nadia's magical adventure approaches its ultimate conclusion in Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water- Nadia in Love!

Customer Reviews:

Nadia Finally Finds Her Homeland.......2007-09-15

The highlight of the 9th volume of Nadia lies with the last two episodes where Nadia finds her own home of Tartessos in Africa. And the reunion of the Nautilus crew that were believed to be dead. Episode 34 is much more like showcase of theme songs of each characters though the music itself is nice. If you are bored with Lincoln island episodes and African village episodes the patience is now rewarded with last grandios episodes.

Verdict: Nadia and its series is back to the right course.
Rating: 78 out of 100
Recommended for: Nadia series, Evangelion series and Nausicaa fans.

Not the Best of the Series.......2004-07-28

Nadia is my favorite anime series, but this volume has a few weak episodes. Of the four episodes on this disc, 2 are weak and 2 are great. The first one is the final episode of the African adventure. The African adventure is a substory that doesn't add much to the overall plot of the series. In other words, it's a forgetable episode. The next episode is a song episode. Each character gets a song and the songs are played over a montage of scenes from previous episodes. I imagine this episode was made to cut down on production costs. Again, it's a forgetable episode.

The third episode , however, is a key episode in the series. In this episode, Nadia learns who she really is. This discovery is key in underdanding the superb ending of this series. In the forth episode, we see the heroic return of a lost character who was thought to be dead. This episode explodes with action and suspense.

Even though two of the episodes are weak, I recommend that fans of the series pick it up. You'll need this one to understand the last episode of the series which, in my opinion, has one of the best endings in all of anime.

Slow but worthy climb back into excellence for the series........2002-08-28

Let's all pretend that the infamous Lincoln Island and two African episodes (the last of which concludes on this DVD--in a way so bad that the fact they were ever written is all the more ludicrous) never existed. Okay? OKAY?!

Good.

After the unmentionably poor African arc wraps up, the penultimate volume of NADIA finally gets back on its feet. But first we have to sit through (or not, depending on what you decide) second episode on this disc -- the last of the filler episodes -- a musical montage actually features an important turning point: Jean writing a song to confess his feelings to Nadia, causing her to think twice before she impulsively lashes out at him. Although it's better than the African episodes, this episode is hardly one of the best. I liked the songs and thought the actors on the English and Japanese tracks did great jobs delivering them, but once again the writing is pretty stupid, and it barely does much to move the story along.

After this episode (not to mention numerous other dreadful ones prior to this volume), the show finally gets back on the right track. The artwork retains the rich, crisp quality of the first twenty-two episodes, and the characters no longer act anomalously or stupidly. More importantly, the script on both the subtitled and dubbed tracks is EXCELLENT and completely devoid of the unbelievably atrocious writing the filler episodes suffered from. (One assumes GAINAX had these final five episodes -- in addition to the first twenty-two -- in mind all along when they began production on this show.) The only catch is that it happens only for five episodes. Yep, this chapter, in addition to the second as well as the remaining three on Volume 10, are the closing episodes of NADIA: THE SECRET OF BLUE WATER. This can be seen as good and bad. It's wonderful that the show manages to finish off even more strongly than it began, but at the same time, it does feel somewhat disappointing that it comes after such unbearable filler material. On the flip side, if one ignores the filler episodes -- pretending that they never happened -- then it becomes easier to appreciate the final five episodes... especially since there's much to enjoy in them.

What's really amazing about the third episode on this DVD, in fact, is the way it looks and builds to an emotional climax with a heartfelt resolution. After our heroes disappear into some sort of whirlpool and descend into Nadia's long forgotten homeland of Tartessos, the artwork becomes black & white for about 75% of the episode. Only the blue light of Nadia's shimmering jewel, occasional red wavelengths, and a painting of Noah's Ark are in color in contrast to the darker images. This style continues as Jean and company explore the ruins of the kingdom and Nadia confesses her darkest secrets -- about her homeland, identity, burden, responsibility, destiny... and ultimately, her self-loathing.

The combination of an interesting artistic style, poignant scripting, and tugging at all the right heart strings, make this episode rank as arguably one of the very best of the show. The good qualities of Episode 35 are so strong that any issues one may have with it are probably going to come off as excessive nitpicking. Some of the "secrets" Nadia reveals about her homeland feel somewhat rushed (the writers COULD have used the filler episodes as an opportunity to hint at them), yes, but are still engrossing to hear. Also, this isn't really a flaw by any means, when Jean and company sing "Happy birthday" to Nadia on the Japanese language track, the song is song in ENGLISH("Engrish"?)! On the dub, Jean and his friends instead sing something along the lines of, "It's your birthday today, may all your wishes come true", which works just as wonderfully, although one gets the impression that the dubbing team concocted this to avoid the issue of legal rights. This is no real problem, as mentioned, but it is a curiosity, nevertheless.

I'm not going to reveal anymore about this volume, for doing so would be the equivalent of giving more spoilers. Yet it will not be so daring to commend this volume for having enough good to outweigh the bad, contrary to the previous two installments. Even if the first episode on this DVD clearly belongs in the trash (and the second mostly a waste), the extremely strong content of this volume's remainder more than make up for it. And how does it affect the dub? Well, despite strong vocal performances from the talented cast, all that is wasted in the case of the worst episodes of NADIA, but when the show returns to brilliance, then, the dub does likewise. The only sad factor is that there's only one more volume to go after this, but in the meantime, avoid the horrid bits of this penultimate volume and start watching from where the good kicks in. You won't be disappointed.

Oh, and there is another cool extra: a text interview with Nathan Parsons, who voices Jean, which is not as interesting as the Meg Bauman interview, but still good and informative.

Nadia, Secret of Blue Water - Aboard the Nautilus (Vol. 3)

Average customer rating:

Captain Nemo's Secret (Episode 9-12)
Welcome aboard the Nautilus Episodes!

Nadia, Secret of Blue Water - Aboard the Nautilus (Vol. 3)
Starring: Yoshino Takamori , Noriko Hidaka , Yûko Mizutani , Toshiharu Sakurai , and Akio Ôtsuka
Director: Hideaki Anno , and Shinji Higuchi
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005NVHQ
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Description

With Gargoyle's terrible weapon destroyed, Jean, Nadia and the rest find themselves once again rescued by the Nautilus. Hot on the trail of a fleeing Gargoyle, the pursuers become the pursued. Will Hanson and Sanson be able to save the ship alone? Why was Captain Nemo so shocked to meet Nadia? What are the memories the Nautilus has triggered within Nadia? Episodes 9-12.

Customer Reviews:

Captain Nemo's Secret (Episode 9-12).......2007-08-17

The third volume of Nadia, the hallmark for Neon Genesis Evangelion giant Hideaki Anno in 1990 gets more deeper into the daily life of Nautilus the super intelligent sub. On the whole this volume lacks action just as previous two volume had provided but unraveling of major characters aboard in Nautilus is very amuzing. Particularly that of Captain Nemo is so intriguing and mysterious still. Borrowing the 20,000 leagues under the sea setting Captain Nemo also plays grand organ and this scene well describes the turbulent mind of the captain. And Nadia's abhorence of eating meal is well shown in Episode 12. Captain Nemo's resoucefulness and kind respect to the whole crew is really touching staying true to Jules Verne character Nemo image.

Verdict: Less action than the previous two but still amuzing
Rating: 87 out of 100
Recommended for: Wide range of Japanese animation fans.

Welcome aboard the Nautilus Episodes!.......2002-02-16

Although one may feel tempted to stop watching NADIA: THE SECRET OF BLUE WATER after Volume 2, especially since it comes to a rather suitable closure, they'll be missing out on the real adventure that is just beginning. Yes, there's more to this tale than meets the eye. The third volume in the series begins the Nautilus episodes, which are ultimately what make NADIA: THE SECRET OF BLUE WATER not only a pleasant inspiration on Jules Verne's 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA but where it's heart lies. There are a total of fourteen episodes which span three-and-a-half volumes, and while they are much slower than the two-volume long opening and the five last episodes, they're certainly leaps and bounds above the filler garbage which plagues the show for about three volumes.

But what also makes the Nautilus episodes worth watching are not only because they're simply engaging and full of surprises, danger, and exploration, but we also get to see the characters and their relationships unfold. It starts out with Jean, Nadia, Marie, and their foes-turned-allies (the ever-funny trio of Grandis, Sanson, and Hanson), having escaped from Gargoyle's island, being taken aboard Captain Nemo's fantastic machine. Although they're at first kept within cabins and denied access around the submarine, everyone nevertheless comes to find a special place of their own on the Nautilus. Jean, in particular, is extremely excited -- after all, what better place is there to learn about technology and wonders beyond his imaginations than the Nautilus? He continues to be extremely outgoing and friendly, and makes friends with all the crew members, including Electra (with, in the English dub, a British accent to "accentuate" her proper, controlled attitude), who treats him like a little brother, and eventually Captain Nemo himself. Nemo (voiced with a mixture of remorse and moodiness by Ev Lunning, Jr.) is more obsessed with his struggle against Gargoyle and has no interest in children or new recruits, but Jean's ever cheerful personality warms his tormented heart and he comes to find a supplementary son in the young lad. Hanson, too, is excited, especially since he, like Jean, is a mechanic who wants to learn more about scientific marvels. He also has an eye for Electra -- even if she doesn't feel the same way about him. Even Grandis changes her initially harsh opinion about the Nautilus when she falls head over heels in love with Captain Nemo! She attempts to catch his eye (unsuccessfully) by cooking a bizarre platter of fish in one episode, then, in another, dons a rather daring (by 1880's standards) bikini. Unfortunately, this also ignites a series of heated catfights with Electra, who is jealous not only of Nadia, but Grandis as well. Their arguments are probably among the funniest moments of the entire show, and it's obvious that Sarah Richardson (Grandis) and Jennifer Stuart (Electra) are having a fun time hamming it up in these scenes.

Not that everybody else is pleased, however. Marie and King both get reduced to having a school session with Electra, which infuriates the former because the latter beats her to solving math problems (another fine moment for Margaret Cassidy and Shawn Sides, whose growls as King are nothing short of funny). Sanson's only concern, aside from looking out for Grandis's welfare, is showing off his new suit (even though all of them look the same). He also has a strong detestation of the rather redundant menu of meals on the Nautilus, as expressed in probably his best line on the volume: "Fish for breakfast! Fish for lunch! More fish for dinner! Every day it's the same thing over and over: grab a plate and eat fish, fish, fish, fish, fish, FISH!!!!!!!!!!! Overall, I... have to say I'm a bit tired of fish." Actually, most of the humor from Sanson's lines are made all the more hilarious by Martin Blacker's over-the-top goofy performance.

Aside from the somewhat slow pace, there are two other minor shortcomings with this volume. First, the last episode, although well told, ends on an unsatisfying cliffhanger which makes one greatly anticipate the next volume (especially if you've just collected this one and have not purchased the remaining seven). Second, (this is a personal gripe), Nadia herself can be annoying at times, particularly when she shows suspicion toward *everybody* on the Nautilus, especially Captain Nemo and occasionally throws temper tantrums for no good reason at Jean, who obviously doesn't deserve them. Fortunately, Nadia is intelligent enough to recognize whenever she's out of line with Jean (after all, she *does* trust him along with Marie and King), and does more than one reconciliatory thing to show that she cares deeply for him. The most moving part of all this is how patient Jean is -- he never gets angry back but instead forgives her instantly because he recognizes that she has her faults and needs to experience true friendship. This, to me, is where NADIA: THE SECRET OF BLUE WATER's central heart really lies -- how Jean's constant kindness slowly teaches Nadia how to be a good person herself.

That said, the third volume in NADIA is among the "must-see" gems of this show, as there's plenty of character development, great artwork, and one great action sequence (Hanson and Sanson struggling to clear the Nautilus out of a deadly mine field set up by Gargoyle) which are too good to miss.

Average customer rating:

Funny comedy of manners but not really a Stephane Rideau movie
'Una furtiva lacrima'
Transported

Transfixed
Starring: Richard Bohringer , Robinson Stévenin , Stéphane Metzger , William Nadylam , and Frédéric Pellegeay
Director: Francis Girod
Manufacturer: Picture This Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00066FC4C
Release Date: 2004-12-14

Description

TRANSFIXED is a unique detective thriller, replete with unexpected plot twists. Bo Ancellin (Robinson Stévenin), a beautiful, young transsexual with a troubled past, becomes entangled with nosey Police Chief Huysmans (Richard Boringer) as a series of demented killings erupts in Brussels' underground. Each murder and its surrounding circumstances are inexplicably linked to Bo, and it's this cinematic cadence that drives the film.

Customer Reviews:

Funny comedy of manners but not really a Stephane Rideau movie.......2006-03-08

This is a typically good comedy of errors and manners the French do well, but be warned if you're looking to add to your Stéphane Rideau collection, he is only in two scenes, as a policeman, and not on the screen for more than two minutes. But still, if you're a big Rideau fan, he is in this movie if only for those two minutes and should be in your collection.

'Una furtiva lacrima'.......2006-01-30

The aria from Donizetti's 'L'elisir d'amore' plays a significant role throughout this fascinating, intelligent, well made thriller by Francis Girod based on a novel by Brigitte Aubert and adapted for the screen by Girod and Philippe Cougrand. 'The secret tear' takes on many meanings as this complex story set in Brussels unfolds in the same manner as 'Diabolique'. Only this film takes even more risks and succeeds resoundingly.

Presented as simply the main character instead of an oddity, transsexual Bo (Robinson Stévenin) works as an entertainer in a drag club in Brussels. His best friends are other transsexuals, especially Maeva (William Nadylam), who perform with him. Some are also prostitutes and are falling prey to a serial killer who disfigures each of his victims in a vicious way. Bo, we learn, left home at age 13, unable to cope with sexual molestation from his father (Marcel Dossogne) and the suicide of his mother, and lives quietly in a humble apartment. Her interest is peaked when a handsome young Johnny (Stéphane Metzger) moves in next door and she fantasizes an affair with him. While Johnny appears to be infatuated with Bo, he has his dark side, living with a roommate with whom he provides sexual services for older unattractive but rich women.

The police, headed by Huysmans (Richard Bohringer) investigate the serial killings and in some way Bo is always at the scene or is familiar with the victims. The story revolves around the cat and mouse game of surveillance and complications of information regarding the killing spree. An interesting sidebar shows Bo's father arrested for sexual harassment and Bo is interrogated by the police about his childhood traumas with his father. How Bo weaves through all of the events - longing for Johnny, attempts for a consignation with Johnny which teeters on the possible versus the sadistic, gay bashing, gaining courage to speak against his father, etc - is the maze the story pulls us through. The identity of the serial killer is successfully revealed at the very end of the film.

The excitement of the suspense drama is heightened by Girod's stunning direction and by the completely convincing acting of Robinson Stévenin, but also by the superb characterizations by Richard Bohringer, Stéphane Metzger, William Nadylam, Frédéric Pellegeay, Ginette Garcin, Stéphane De Groodt, and Charlie Dupont. The musical score by Alexandre Desplat is one of this fine composer's best, and the cinematography by Thierry Jault finds just the right flavor of the seamy streets of Brussels to make the story as creepy as it should be. So with all this praise why only 4 stars for the DVD? The subtitles (the film is in French) are so out of sync with the film that they completely destroy the important conversations, so much so that many times the subtitles are finishing off a scene that is no longer on the screen! If these were corrected it would be clear to everyone why Robinson Stévenin won the French Cesar Award for best actor and why it is such a success for the daring director Francis Girod. Highly recommended...just be aware that the English subtitles will frustrate you - unless you speak French! Grady Harp, January 06

Transported.......2004-10-09

Set in the demi-monde world of the transsexual community in Brussels, "Transfixed" is an unusually understated, understanding and accepting film. Director Francis Girod has utilized the serial killer/thriller genre to maximum effect as he aims his camera at the risky world of transsexual prostitutes and entertainers.
Girod is not only interested in the built-in sensational aspects of this story but also the whys and the wherefores. Bo (Robinson Stevenin), a transsexual entertainer is very attracted to his shady neighbor Johnny (Stephane Metzger) who resists to a point, hostile even, yet only hostile enough to keep Bo interested. It's the old story of wanting something that you cannot have.
On top of this, there is a serial killer loose bent on killing Brussels' transsexual prostitutes. And Bo, through compassion and necessity is determined to find out who is committing these atrocities.
All of this might seem to be too much weight for one film to bare, but Girod is not only interested in the bizarre, he is interested in what makes all these diverse characters tick: what is at their core selves, what are their real natures.
"Transfixed" is strange and bizarre and far-fetched at times, but director Girod pulls it all together with his knowing and intelligent eye: he examines these people, he takes them apart physically and psychologically but he does it with a loving and compassionate eye.

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