Editorial Review

From the moment that Prince Eric's ship emerged from the fog in the opening credits it was apparent that Disney had somehow, suddenly recaptured that "magic" that had been dormant for thirty years. In the tale of a headstrong young mermaid who yearns to "spend a day, warm on the sand," Ariel trades her voice to Ursula, the Sea Witch (classically voiced by Pat Carroll), for a pair of legs. Ariel can only succeed if she receives true love's kiss in a few day's time and she needs all the help she can from a singing crab named Sebastian, a loudmouth seagull, and a flounder. The lyrics and music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken are top form: witty and relevant, and they advance the story (go on, hum a few bars of "Under the Sea"). Read more

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• Animated
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• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered
• Special Edition
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Reviews (244)

Five Big Stars is the review, the text is some advice:
If you plan on buying this as a present for some young person's birthday or other event , check with other relatives and friends who will be involved:Attwobirthday parties recently, -Everyone- bought this for the baby!

Good film...GREAT 2nd DISC FEATURES!!
First... let's just say that somebody needs to tell Ashley Tisdale to lose the boots. They're only gonna be even more embarrasing in 20 years than they are today. Where are Joan and Melissa when we need them!? "Kiss the Girl"? ... pass.
One of Disney's Finest Achievements!
In a wonderful kingdom under the sea lives the beautiful mermaid princess, Ariel, seventh and youngest daughter of King Triton, ruler of Atlantica. Ariel's feisty spirit and gorgeous red hair make her a bit of a favorite among Triton's daughters, and her passion for learning human ways and collecting of their artifacts causes much stress to her family and friends. After spying a handsome, young, human prince aboard a ship one evening and saving his life, Ariel is instantly love-struck, and this is completely unacceptable to her overbearing, human-hating father. In a desperate and rebellious action, Ariel turns to a seductive sea witch for help, who takes possession of Ariel's beautiful voice in exchange for a magical spell. The spell changes Ariel's fish-like tail into a lovely pair of human legs, but there is a condition attached. If Ariel can't get the young prince to fall in love with her in three days and seal it with a kiss, the spell will be broken and Ariel will join the witch Ursula's collection of hideously transformed victims. Luckily, the prince is in love with her already, though he doesn't know it. Prince Eric is obsessed with finding the young lady who saved him from drowning that night and whom he caught a glimpse of as she sang to him just before disappearing. When he takes in the now human Ariel after she appears seemingly washed up from a shipwreck, her inability to speak makes him sure she is not the one. Voiceless and only left with her beauty and exuberant charm, Ariel and her animal friends must try their best to make the prince see that she is the lost love he has been searching for, but the Sea Witch will do all she can to stop them before time runs out! If Ursula holds power over Princess Ariel, the king himself will have to bow down before her!
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Subjects:  1. Cartoons & Animation    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Disney's 1992 animated feature is a triumph of wit and skill. The high-tech artwork and graphics look great, the characters are strong, the familiar story is nicely augmented with an interesting villain (Jafar, voiced by Jonathan Freeman), and there's an incredible hook atop the whole thing: Robin Williams's frantically hilarious vocal performance as Aladdin's genie. Even if one isn't particularly moved by the love story between the title character (Scott Weinger) and his girlfriend Jasmine (Linda Larkin), you can easily get lost in Williams's improvisational energy and the equally entertaining performances of Freeman and Gilbert Gottfried (as Jafar's parrot). Read more

Features

• Animated
• Closed-captioned
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (183)

SOUNDS GREAT - LOOKS GREAT & IT'S GOT ROBIN WILLIAMS & AN EXCITING PLOT TOO!
IN A NUTSHELL: A WHOLE NEW WORLD & IT INCLUDES ROBIN WILLIAMS AS THE GENIE
Excellent Disney Fun For The Whole Family. Great Story, Wonderful Voice Cast And Classic Songs Make This A Diamond In The Rough.
Walt Disney Pictures struck gold yet again (as they've done since 1937, when Walt Disney released the comnpany's first animated feature film "Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs") with another delightful animated family film, a classic alongside "Beauty And The Beast," "The Lion King," "Toy Story" and many other Disney favorites. The story is timeless, like "Beauty And The Beast" and "The Lion King" so I won't summarize it. "Come on down, stop on by. Hop a Carpet And Fly To Another Arabian Night." Be prepared to discover "A Diamond In The Rough." The special features (beginning on Disc 1 and continued on Disc 2), along with the movie, are "A treasure-trove of riches" destined to please everyone. The voice cast includes Linda Larkin, Scott W., Jonathan Freeman, Gilbert Gottfried and Robin Williams. I love this movie. Rated G.

the trend lives on
by 1992 and aladdin's release disney was riding high with such hits as "the little mermaid" and "beauty and the beast." disney carried on it's trend with this fun filled adventure.aladdin was truely a great additiion to the disney cannon because of strenght and subtleties.
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Subjects:  1. Childrens    2. Classics (Silents/Avant Garde)    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (770)

"Was that the Boogeyman?" "As a Matter of Fact it Was..."
I remember as fifteen year old teenager, sneaking into my local theatre for a showing of John Carpenter's now classic, horror film, "Halloween". I'll never forget, that long walk home afterwords, looking over my shoulder with a shudder, imagining 'the Shape'/Michael Myers suddenly appearing behind the bare trees. Now over twenty-five years later with 'All Hollow's Eve' fast approaching, I thought I'd buy this movieand see if it still retains it power to scare or if merely came off a a corny/campy 'genre' film of my youth. Well, I have got to tell you, after a late night viewing, that this movie retains it's status as a horror classic and it's still scary as anything! What makes this movie so good ? For one, director/writer, John Carpenter sets this movie in a normal any-town, suburbia. We can see ourselves in this town of picket fences and tree line streets with middle income suburban family houses. Two, the main characters are pretty well written. The three teenage girls are not just faceless victims. Carpenter spends the first half of the film introducing us to these characters and letting us get to know them. They are like any other average teenage girls. They joke around, boast, laugh, fight and gossip with each other. The acting is a step above most horror films. Jamie Lee Curtis gives an especially effective lead performance in her film debut. Third, mood seems to be everything in this film. The majority of the time is spent at night. Cinematographer/Director of Photography, Dean Cundey bathes the film in the pitch blackness of night and highlights it with errie, autumn colors. The few day scenes are almost grimey. Daylight is just a prelude (or set-up) for what is to come. Cundey's use of light in the darkness, highlights the chilling details within the scenes (just look at the scene of Jamie Lee Curtis standing next to an open, pitch-black closet, when all of a sudden Michael's masked face suddenly, ghostly appears out of nowhere). Mood is also set with Carpenter's now classic, electronic, musical score. If there is one thing that gives me goose bumps about this film is that persistant theme music! Finally, this is a film, where less is more. We actually see and know very little about the killer. He is presented as an almost supenatural force of nature. Aside from the opening backflash scene and an over the top desription from Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence), we know very little about him or his motivations. The viewer only briefly sees parts of his masked face in the darkness. We see his hulking form in blurry, long shots. But not until the end, do we actually get a good look at him. He is the unknown and we are all frightened by the unknown. This is just a great, classic horror film! After all these years it still retains it's power to just scare! Highly recommended!

Question not a comment
Does this 25th anniversary edition have the scene when P.J. Soles' character Lynda comes over to Laurie's house to borrow the blouse?

Boo!
It wasn't a bad movie except for all the killing. How about a nice movie where people just get along? Instead, this crazy michael myers guy runs around killing all the teenie weeners and ruins halloween for everyone. This character totally ruined the movie. Pleasent Donald demonstrated some good acting but I had a hard time telling him apart from that buttugly Jamie Lee Curtis. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Horror   

Editorial Review

This huge 1993 hit for Robin Williams and director Chris Columbus (Read more

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Reviews (68)

Classic Williams at his finest (and funniest)
Why Robin Williams can't get an Oscar nod for his specialty (comedy) is beyond me.He's been nominated numerous times, and actually won, for his dramatic roles, but to me Williams will always shine much brighter when making us laugh.To me, arguably his greatest role was that of Daniel Hillard, a very irresponsible married man, father of three, whose wife Miranda (Field) finally has enough and puts him out.In an attempt to see more of his children he disguises himself as Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire, an elderly woman who is hired to take care of the children while their mother is at work.William's is genius as he frantically switches between Daniel and Euphegenia, trying to, through Mrs. Doubtfire, win back his wife and deter her from Stu (Bosnan), the new man in her life.Hysterical from start to finish, `Mrs. Doubtfire' is a sure fire crowd pleaser.

Mrs. Doubtfire
This movie is really good and funny. The actors did a great job. If you like comedies, you should definately check this movie out.
More please!
Robin Williams should stick to making films like this and stop trying to pander to the chattering classes by making stinkers such as Good Will Hunting. Mr Williams as the calamitous Mrs Doubtfire is both hilarious and moving. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film-comedy    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

David O. Selznick wanted Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• Dolby
• Original recording remastered
• Special Edition
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Reviews (629)

Forget PC Culture for a Few Hours and Just Enjoy the Movie!
I still remember the first time I read "Gone with the Wind".I was in my native Georgia, in high school, and spent a weekend in bed with the book.Once I started reading it, I could not put it down.Margaret Mitchell's characters were sparkling with vitality and a contagious energy that made you feel as though they were your own neighbors and family!
Oh, those poor racists lost their slaves, how sad!
(1) Scarlett O'Hara is the least likable "heroine" I've ever seen. She has no redeeming qualities.
Long and laborious, and so very stupid... how is this a classic?
This is another of those movies I wonder "HOW is this a classic?". Maybe the book was a lot better than the movie! I was watching this, not expecting much, but expecting to earn my respect, the way "Scarface" or "Casablanca", movies I don't like but have earned my respect as classic movies.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Now and forever a favorite among kids, this 1990 comedy written by John Hughes (Read more

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• Closed-captioned
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Reviews (161)

Christmas Classic!!
This movie has become one of my holiday favorites!
comedyaction
The burglars were funny and goofy.But, they were a bit too crazy.Why?Because when they tripped on ice, and stepped on christmas ornaments is was too violent.That's why I only gave it three stars.
Wrong DVD transfer
The movie itself is pretty good, well-organized with many distinctive and innovative plots. but the DVD transfer has serious problem. Let me tell you something, widescreen 1.85:1 is actually 1:33:1 (Black matte top and bottom makes it 1:33) If you play it on widescreen TV (not on computer), you'll probably get very small widescreen on the middle of the screen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Comedies    3. Comedy Video    4. Family    5. Feature Film Family    6. Movie   

Features

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Reviews (51)

Barnabas Collins Has Risen

GREAT!!!
I used to watch the soap opera, then I saw this film.I loved them both.

Darker than "Dark"
"House of Dark Shadows" is one of my all-time favorite horror movies, and I've always been a fan of the TV series.The movie, though, is fairly gory and much darker than the series had ever been. It was made 35 years ago, but it still scares me when I watch it!Some of the best scenes include Willie Loomis releasing Barnabas from his coffin, and the film's climax involving Barnabas, Maggie Evans, Jeff Clark and Willie.
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Subjects:  1. Horror    2. Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Most of this second volume of stories from the 1985-87 televisionanthology series is a middling offering from former Steven Spielbergprotégé Robert Zemeckis, who later won an Oscar for directingRead more

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Reviews (11)

Family Dog - Family Favorite
The first half of this is a less than memorable Christopher Lloyd episode of Amazing Stories, which says a lot about the writing since Christopher Lloyd could make a piece of toast funny. The second half of this is the Family Dog, which is not only memorable, but classic and under appreciated. This animated half hour has excellent writing, animation, and voice talent - including Annie Potts as the mother. The hilarity of home life is in your face and leaves you wanting more. My sisters, brother, even my mother quoted it for years after seeing it, "Oh my gawd they've taken the coffee maker!" My family was very grateful when years after seeing it, I bought each of them a copy through Amazon. They love it and watch it over and over- and what makes a classic of something beyond the audiences love of returning to the material? Even though the eventual animated series it spawned lacked the same writing punch, I would highly recommend this to anyone with a love of good clean "art imitating family life" humor.

It's perfect... would like it on DVD
We first watched it about 18 years ago and it's brilliant, a real gem. We watch it every couple of years now and enjoy just as much. The VHS tape (which was a copy) is almost unwatchable... would love to get the DVD.
OH MY GOD!!!
The cartoon was unbelievably funny! That rotten little boy and the smartass dog was too too funny for words.I RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE TO ANYONE WITH AN ATTITUDE PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS MOVIE WILL GET RID OF IT TEMPORARILY. JUST LONG ENOUGH FOR YOU TO FORGET WHY YOU WERE MAD IN THE 1ST PLACE ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Mystery / Suspense / Thriller    3. TV Shows    4. Television   

Editorial Review

Director Francis Coppola's adaptation of the popular S.E. Hinton novel about the price of rebellious youth is notable chiefly for the stunning cast of young actors who went on to rich and varied careers. In supporting roles, the film features the likes of Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Diane Lane, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, and Tom Waits, among others. The story centers on two rival gangs in the early 1960s Midwest, and the violent turf wars that escalate and tragically claim young lives. C. Thomas Howell plays the central character who yearns to prove himself and be accepted by his older brothers' gang, while at the same time finding his first love and dreaming of a life beyond his dead end existence. Geared toward the teenage crowd, the film nonetheless features some fine direction from Coppola in a story that evokes memories of the classic coming-of-age films of the 1950s. Read more

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Reviews (303)

the outsiders with rob lowe and patrick swayze etc
this film was brillant,the story was written well and the stars were fantasic in this film a must see with a sad ending

Great New Soundtrack...
The musical score in the original version underlined the melodrama in an almost 1950's way.The new version is not only more true to S.E. Hinton's novel but the soundtrack is much more appropos, in time with the early/mid 1960's backdrop of the story.You can't get more timeless than bluesy surf garage rock mixed with Sun era/early RCA Elvis. The new sounds juxtaposed against the original 'Stay Gold' theme provide a relief which further accentuates the beauty of the original composition.
a old favorite
I like this show it came out in my teenage year's, I think it's got all the good players in it ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Only Joel and Ethan Coen, the fraternal director and producer teambehind art-house hits such as Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• Original recording reissued
• NTSC

Reviews (573)

MEN OF CONSTANT SORROW
Another bizarre entry in the Coen Brothers arsenal, O BROTHER is a thoroughly entertaining if somewhat unusual film.The story focuses on three prison escapees who are going to Mississippi to collect the 1.2 million dollars supposedly hidden there.Based on Homer's ODYSSEY, the film involves our three heroes/stooges in some unusual adventures, all leading to a lot of twists in its looney conclusion.What makes it work is the spirited performances of George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson as the escapees; the charming bluegrass music including the surprise smash hit I AM A MAN OF CONSTANT SORROW and some nice bits from supporting players John Goodman and Holly Hunter.It has some Three Stooges touches, and is filmed quite beautifully.All in all, a weird but enjoyable comedy.

Holy Cow !
About two years ago I was in a thrift store checking out the good stuff, as I was heading out I walked past a TV set that was playing "O Brother, Where Art Thou".I was stopped in my tracks and stood there for half an hour just mesmerized while watching the video. Talk about totally different and totally enjoyable, I couldn't belive it, it reminded me of a time in the 1940s while living in South Carolina. I returned the next day and bought the video. Now I have the concert "Down From the Mountain"
Odyssey
Ulysses Everette McGill is on a chain gang in Mississippi in 1937. He wants to go home so he tells the two guys that he is chained up with that he has a whole bunch of burried treasure in his house that he wants to get.
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Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Jody is the kind of guy that every 1970s teen looked up to. He's inhis early 20s, has a cool car, splendid '70s hair, leather jacket, playsguitar and (naturally) snags all the girls. His little brother, Mike, inparticular, admires him and emulates him at every turn. Things start to goastray, however, when the two brothers and their friend Reggie attend afuneral for a friend. Mike notices a tall man working at the funeral home; inthe course of his snooping, he sees the tall man put a loaded coffin into theback of a hearse as easily as if it was a shoebox. Jody doesn't believe hislittle brother's stories, though, until he brings home the tall man's severedfinger, still wriggling in what appears to be French's mustard. From there,the film picks up a terrific momentum that doesn't let up until thesequel-ripe twist ending.Read more

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Reviews (162)

a horror classic
I think that Phantasm was a big surprise hit back in '79 for different reasons than why it has endured as a cult movie to this day.
TALL MAN CLEANIN' HOUSE!!!!!
Classic, 'nuff said (Thanks, Stan Lee)!
DRIPS WITH SURREALISM AND ATMOSPHERE
Phasntasm, a little-known (outside of fans) horror fasntasy from 1979 is, simply stated, one of the most effective, atmospheric and genuinely scary movies to come out in a long long time.Even after 27 years, it still holds up as a truly unsettling and thoughtful horror movie and, believe me, it WILL scare the bejesus out of you.The thing I remember most about Phantasm was the normal, suburban culdesac surroundings where the film takes place.I swear, it will remind you of the neighborhood you grew up in.If you thought Spielberg's Americana neighborhoods seem real, wait til you check out the settings here.The fact that the 2 boys live alone in this big Brady Bunch-type house makes the whole thing kind of dreamlike.(Their parents died recently with little explanation). The acting is spot-on.The guy that plays the little brother is completely realistic.You will swear you know this kid!Likewise his cool brother and Reggie the ice cream man.These 3 genuinely seem like they have been friends for years. The acting seems very spontaneous and natural.You totally buy into these characters.
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Subjects:  1. Horror    2. Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Not the egregious foul it seemed to be in theaters, Read more

Features

• Animated
• Closed-captioned
• Color
• Dolby
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Reviews (149)

Disney does its magic!
Another Disney classic just like Pocahondas, Shrek, Snow white, Alandin and Lion King. These are cartoon figures and films that are never forgoten.

The legend reworked...
To be fair, the legends of Herakles, as they were originally written, have little to do with this movie, but maybe that's for the best.Having grown up on Superman, Batman and the Justice League, I have a hard time calling a person like Herakles a hero.In the original legends, he was a warrior, but also a brute who eventually wound up killing his wife and children in a fit of rage.He also wasn't, as far as I can tell, as strong as in this version.
Good Fun - the Kids and I Liked It
This is a great show and very entertaining.The story isn't the Greek classic, but it's a fine riff on it.The songs are good, and they grow on you as you watch.I take issue with the reviewer who thought there was gratuitous sexuality in the Meg character - it's just a cartoon, for pete's sake.
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Subjects:  1. Childrens    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie