Editorial Review

Robin Williams stars as an English teacher who doesn't fit into the conservative prep school where he teaches, but whose charisma and love of poetry inspires several boys to revive a secret society with a bohemian bent. The script is well meaning but a little trite, though director Peter Weir (Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (323)

I Sound My Barbaric YAWP Over The Roofs Of The World
I used to love this Peter Weir movie and now sadly it seems far too idealistic and implausible to me. I wish it didn't. I've probably seen Dead Poet's Society a dozen times and while I still think it is a beautiful motion picture in its message about how the power of the written word as a tool for free thought is a life-changing force, I can't seem to find it in me to think it's possible that a teacher could have reached teenaged boys in quite that way. Well, I guess that's why we have films, so we can see things we wouldn't in life. All this said, I do believe Dead Poet's Society is a classic. If you haven't seen it, you probably should. It is an uplifting, often gloriously beautiful, always embraceable film with a solid cast that includes Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, and living theatrical legend, Norman Lloyd.

Raises interesting questions
This film is superlative by every standard.Robin Williams does a brilliant job in his role as a semi-bohemian poetry teacher with a passion for challenging orthodoxy.As mentioned so many times by past reviewers, Ethan Hawke's performance is similarly powerful, as are those of the other boys.Sets and cinematography deserve praise too, for capturing the "feel" not only of the school but the era in which it is set.The script is superb as well.It captures all the angst felt by the young men as they begin to question the world they have been thrust into and their places in it.
"Captain, my captain..."
The influx of teacher/student movies will never cease.That said there are those that succeed on every level like `A Beautiful Mind' or `Mr. Holland's Opus' and even `Dangerous Minds' to an extent.Then you have those that fail miserably.But this film is neither.It failed to move me in ways never done before, but it also carried enough weight to make the experience worth the time spent viewing it.`Dead Poets Society' is a film about being who you are despite what the rest of society wants you to be.It's about expressing yourself in the face of adversity.The idea of a bunch of male college students secretly sneaking off campus to read poetry is pretty lame and far fetched, but it's the ferocity in their eyes while in the class room that makes up for the plot.
Read more

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

Editorial Review

This big and sometimes messy movie achieves the seemingly impossible: it demythologizes the American Revolution and lets us see it in a completely new light. Hugh Hudson (Read more

Features

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

Reviews (40)

Haunting and real, a cinematic work of art
I chose this film over Gibson's The Patriot for my son to view as part of his course on American history and literature, with no regrets.
A bit clipped
This film leaves me a bit on the confused side. Costuming is first class and excellant. The Scenery and settings are first rank. Battle scenes are good and appear realistic. But the plot leaves me a bit confused. I would be inclined to ask if this was originally planned as a great mini-series except the best parts have been clipped out and the rest stitched back together to form something within a time limit.
Overlooked Gem
I wrote a review for this film six years ago while I was a college history student. After one more degree, and six more years of study in the history field, I still consider this film the best treatment of the American Revolution.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Action    2. Adventure    3. Drama    4. Feature Film-action/Adventure    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

Elaine May wrote, directed, and starred in this acidic comedy about a wealthy playboy (Walter Matthau) who discovers that he has nearly spent all of his fortune. Casting about for a solution to his money problems that won't actually involve work, he finds a desperate solution: He'll marry an heiress (May) for her fortune. The hitch: She's a social maladept ("The woman is feral," Matthau growls). Indeed, Matthau finds marriage so intolerable that he decides there's only one course of action, which is to actively pursue making himself a widower by bumping her off. An offbeat, funny, and dry film, with a wonderfully misanthropic performance by Matthau and a sharply drawn one by May. Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• HiFi Sound
• NTSC

Reviews (48)

WHY is this film NOT on DVD!!!???
I'm very pleased to see a flurry of 'new'/er reviews of this film.I only hope the DVD gods take notice!!
A film no fan of comedy should miss
This touching, sly, hilarious comedy with understated performances should be on DVD. Walter Matthau's transformation from a vain, self-absorbed product of inherited wealth into a caring human being is brilliantly written and played. Elaine May's klutzy, endearing, naive Henrietta is one of the loveliest of screen portrayals. This film is a true classic, under-seen and under-appreciated.

An exemplary undertaking
My predecessors in reviewing this movie have done a great job of detailing it's highlights... I cannot advance their descriptions and their accolades any farther than they have done.I will, however, add that this is one of those movies that when you see it on cable at 3 am, you will not be able to turn it off.After you watched it and failed to find the title you will canvas your friends to try to find out the name of the movie... when noone knows what you're talking about, go to your secretary who will google the actor and the story line and come up with the name of the movie and you try to find the dvd and it won't exist...then you vainly try to find the title anywhere and it comes up on vhs. BUY IT because if you don't you will certainly wish you had. I have a brand new vhs player sitting in my attic in the box so that in the future, when the vhs player is no longer available and the studio wonks refuse to put classics on dvd, I will still be able to play these movies like "New Leaf" that aren't on DVD. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Comedy Video    3. Feature Film-comedy    4. Movie   

Editorial Review

Roland Joffé (Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• Dolby
• NTSC

Reviews (197)

My Favorite Movie - Bar None!
Although the story surrounds the Spanish Jesuits building a mission in the South American wilderness, the real action takes place in the heart.
Must see movie
This movie has it all, great screenplay, actors, set, costumes, extras, direction and cinematography. Everything appears to be set in the correct time period. And does a very vivid job portraying of the Eighteenth Centaury in the Amazon Jungle.
Amazing.
This film is as close as it gets to perfection in the genre of historical fiction. DeNiro and Irons turn in two of the best peformances of their careers. The story, by Robert Bolt, is both complex and compelling. Few films engage the viewer on such a deep level and ask them to make a choice between the characters and their convictions. Is it right to take up arms to defend the innocent or is pacificism the only path for followers of Christ? Best film to ever take on this question. The scenery is majestic and the film's score is haunting. This is a sad, beautiful film that will rarely be equaled. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

One of numerous film versions of Anthony Hope's novel, this 1937 production directed by John Cromwell (Read more

Features

• Black & White
• NTSC

Reviews (24)

Unsurpassed!
This movie is a gen from the golden age of moviemaking. Anthony Hope's story comes to life with strong performances by some of the greatest actors of the 30s. Madeleine Carroll is heart-breakingly beautiful as Princess Flavia and Douglas Fairbanks, jr. almost steals the show as the rascal/villain Rupert of Hentzau.
A great forgotten Classic
I'm baffled as to why this hasn't been brought out on DVD yet, considering the amount of shoddy films from this and later periods that have.
Wonderful!!
I enjoyed this movie immensely. Ronald Colman did an excellent job in his dual role, and all the supporting actors were well chosen. I don't agree with other opinions that Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. stole the show. I do agree that the final duel was magnificently done! It had all the hallmarks of 30's swashbucklers, including witty dialogue and shots where the camera shows the shadows of the men fighting. This movie proves that a viewer can be entertained without the extraneous offensive elements they put in movies today. Over all, this is a great classic that I want to add to my library! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

The come-from-behind winner of the 1981 Oscar for best picture, Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• Dolby
• NTSC

Reviews (163)

almost as exciting as watching golf on tv
ok, i have an admission to make: i have always said this is one of the most boring movies ever made, but i never actually saw it til now. not that i didnt pay my way into the theater because i did. but i fell asleep after 20 minutes or so and never actually SAW the movie. now i have. worse movies have won the oscar: "gandhi", "kramer vs kramer", "the english patient", maybe a few more. but i dont think theres ever been a duller movie. that said, i gave it 2 stars instead of one to honor the all-too-brief shots of dennis christopher who was dreamycreamy back then, but is only on screen about 5 minutes. frankly, i found the two "heroes" to be a pair of self-centered religious zealots, and prigs to boot. and god, i loathe that vangelis music that played constantly for the decade after the movies release. my gawd, this thing beat "reds" for a best picture oscar?!?!? maybe i shall go back and take away the second star ...

Wide-Screen Finally!
Before this wide-screen edition of CHARIOTS OF FIRE was released, I was extremely reluctant to recommend buying this DVD. Now that it is out, and that the sound has been made crisper, there is nothing that should prevent anyone from buying this product.
Chariots of Fire
What an amazing film!This is the story of a real olympics and the participants who represented Great Britain in track.The main characters are really well developed and include Abraham who is attending Cambridge University and besides being a stellar student of law has been graced with the ability to sprint.He is Hebrew in a Christian world son to a financier.He enrolls a coach named Mr. Masanbini who admits he can't put in what god left out but none the less agrees to train the young Ben.
Read more

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

Editorial Review

Looking for a way to make the American Revolution come alive for yourchild? Based on Esther Forbes'sbook of the same name, Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• HiFi Sound
• Live
• NTSC

Reviews (44)

Not the best Introduction to the American Revolution
Had very high hopes for this movie of introducing the American Revolution in an entertaining way. The movie is an adaptation of the Newbery Award winning historical novel Johnny Tremain which is set during the American Revolution. The movie is okay but not at the exceptional level one generally thinks of for a Disney movie. The highlight of the DVD is Walt Disney talking about human freedom in the Special Feature The Making of Johnny Tremain and Introduction to the movie. As a possible alternative around Independence day would recommend the PBS documentary American Experience John and Abigail Adams which also covers this period.

Johnny Tremain - DVD
This DVD covered a lot of the material mentioned in our school's Socical Studies curriculum.I used it as a supplement my curriculum because it provides a great visual of this time of history.I felt the themes of the importance of religion in peoples' lives, apprenticeship, rise of patriotism, and the means the minute men used to fight the war were explained well.

FROM THE "BOSTON TEA PARTY" TO "PAUL REVERE'S RIDE" JOHNNY TREMAIN ENTERTAINS!
"Johnny Tremain" is among the most entertaining historical films ever produced.Disney's American Revolution films, such as "Dr. Syn Alias the Scarecrow," "The Swamp Fox" tv series, and "Johnny Tremain" are not only enjoyable feature films, they give the viewer a history lesson in the bargain.Young Hal Stalmaster plays Johnny, who is the son of a rich aristocratic woman who dies, leaving her son a sterling silver cup with the engraving LYTE on it.Johnny Lyte Tremain is secretly the heir to an English noble family of great wealth.As the story unfolds, he's caught up in the early stages of the coming American Revolution, with the Boston Tea Party and the Ride of Paul Revere to be played out with great performances by all.This movie was made for tv, however, plays as a theater release.The dvd transfer has some glitches and the color is not as vibrant as it should be.I taped this movie from the Disney channel and my vhs tape copy is more clear and the color has more depth.I highly recommend "Johnny Tremain" to fans of "Dr. Syn Alias the Scarecrow," "The Swamp Fox" tv series, and to all Disney dvd collectors."Johnny Tremain" is a definite essential to American history buffs and makes a great addition to any dvd library.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Following the successful 1998 video release of Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (310)

What Were They Thinking??
Okay, I got this movie at the library. Now everybody told it was horrible, but I had to see it myself. I've only just flicked through a couple of the scenes, but what I have seen is enough. First of all, most of the sets that I've seen are AWFUL! For example, watch the "Jacob and Sons/Joseph's Dreams" scene. It looks like it was a computer graphic! Is it? Why? Also, the costumes! Why is the narrator in sneakers and what's with her shirt? You really have to see it to believe it. She can't really sing, either. The kids look so gray and drab! They could have done a much better job with this production, as it was such an important milestone in the partnership of ALW and TR.
An excellent movie
I love this movie.It's not quite a stage version, but not a movie version.It's a little of both.Donny Osmond is a great Joseph and Maria Friedman is a great Narrator.The rest of the cast is the best they can be.Everyone sings well, dances well, and acts really well.It's cute, funny, sad, and heartbreaking.If you like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice this one is for you.

Great movie!!
when I saw the play in Branson last summer, I absolutely loved it!This DVD was great entertainment also.I showed it at our Vacation Bible School, and the kids loved it too.a couple of parts were a bit racey, but over all it was great. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Musicals    3. Musicals & Cast Recordings    4. Musicals (Theatrical)    5. Performing Arts   

Editorial Review

Read more

Features

• NTSC

Reviews (18)

When is this movie going to be on DVD already???????
My VHS tape is wearing out.I really liked this movie, good story good acting.It's a one sided love story.William is gay and in prision, Raul is a political prisoner and they share a cell.The corrupt warden makes a deal with William, if he can get Raul to reveal some vital information they can use against him, William will get his sentence commuted.But, in spite of their obvious differences, the men become closer , William realizes he is in love with Raul and refuses to tell the warden what Raul might have revealed to him.Enjoy!

Looking forward to DVD

Needs a DVD Release
"Kiss of the Spider Woman" won William Hurt an Oscar, but I've never heard a single person mentioning this movie. The only reason I wanted to see it is because I wanted to see the performance that garnered him the Academy Award and while I don't know who he was up against that year, he deserved it. But it's not just the performance alone that makes this movie good, it's so many other things as well. The movie is beautiful, hypnotic, and totally different from any other movie you'll see. The movie stars Hurt and Raul Julia as two-polar opposite prisoners somewhere in Latin America. Hurt plays Molina, Julia plays Valentin. Molina is in prison for "corrupting a minor" and Valentin is a political prisoner who fears torture is forseeable in his future at the hands of the guards. To pass the time, Molina humours Valentin with narrations of movies he has seen. A movie like this would normally not work, but this one does for a number of reason. First of all, is because of Hurt's narration. Hurt has a unique voice, he doesn't sound like any other person and he's perfect as a narrator. Also the visuals of what Hurt explains work perfectly. But a movie can't hold up with a simple plot like that, so a twist is thrown in the middle. But, anyways, 2005 was considered a "gay year" for movies. Not gay the adjective, gay the noun. Movies like Brokeback Mountain, Transamerica, Capote, Breakfast on Pluto, and others were found on a bunch of Top 10 Lists. This movie was made back in 1985 and this is like Brokeback Mountain meets The Shawshank Redemption, except not quite as graphic. Molina is gay and Hurt mastered both the posture and voice for the character without turning it into a stereotype. This movie is essentially a love story, but it's not a movie that homophobes will shrink away from. There's no nudity and no sex in this movie. But, sadly enough, this movie has been pretty much forgotten by everyone...Which is sad, but true. This is a marvelous film, that movie buffs should really appreciate and like a lot. This is William Hurt's best performance (although it may be tied with his 8 minute Oscar nominated performance in "A History of Violence") and is not to be missed.
Read more

Editorial Review

Ranked 34 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 Greatest American Films, Read more

Features

• Black & White
• Closed-captioned
• Letterboxed
• Original recording reissued
• Special Edition
• THX
• Widescreen
• NTSC

Reviews (294)

Just about perfect in all respects...
Race and crime are the topics of this adaptation of Harper Lee's mega-selling novel. Set in the pre-World War II south, filmed in black and white, starring two child actors who were totally unknown and the wonderful Gregory Peck, the movie is really a tale of a single dad small-town lawyer raising a boy and a girl to do the right things and think the right thoughts. Famous for many things, the movie features a child character based on Truman Capote, and a mysterious neighbor played by Robert Duvall in his film debut. The music and cinematography are both superb. Everyone over the age of 12 should see this film at least once.

A Cinematic Masterwork About Human Fallibility in a World of Wearying Intolerance
Having just read Charles Shields' biography of Harper Lee, "Mockingbird", and re-read her classic (and only) novel for at least the third time, I was able recently to watch Robert Mulligan's 1962 classic film adaptation with fresh eyes, and the 2005 Legacy Series Edition DVD fortunately contains a pristine print transfer and a bundle of extras that make repeated viewings more than worthwhile. Rarely has a film so accurately captured the emotional consequences of human fallibility steadfastly within the grip of racial intolerance. Set in the Deep South of Lee's childhood in the fictional town of Maycomb in 1932, the story, adapted by writer Horton Foote, focuses on six-year old Scout, the tomboy, motherless daughter of lawyer Atticus Finch.
Review of DVD To Kill a Mockingbird
The Legacy Series Edition of To Kill a Mockingbird is an excellent DVD set.In addition to the classic movie (which we never tire of), the special features are very interesting, including interviews with "Scout" (Mary Badham), and "Atticus Finch".It is easy to understand why Gregory Peck is so revered and respected as an actor.
Read more

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

Editorial Review

Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• HiFi Sound
• NTSC

Reviews (17)

Someone Please Release This On DVD!
Why this fascinating documentary is not in print I don't know, but it's a major shame. Taking us inside the making of Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece "Apocalypse Now," it mixes interviews with the principals (including Coppola, his star Martin Sheen, and others) with footage shot by Coppola's wife during the actual production. As the shooting dragged on and the budget skyrocketed and Coppola dealt with everything from Third World leaders to heart attacks to nervous studio heads, a drama unfolded that was every bit as captivating as the one he was trying to capture on film. An indispensable look at movie-making in the Decade of the Director, and worth half a dozen Masters courses in film. Plus, just plain fun to watch.

If you think Apocalypse Now is good, you'll think this is better
I was in film school the first time I saw this movie.We watched it in a six hour class right before we watched Apocalypse Now.That was also the first time I saw Apocalypse Now.I feel kind of lucky knowing what went on during the filming before I saw the actual film.It's moving, dramatic, funny, informative, INSANE, and a must see for any Coppola fan.

A Great documentary&RIP Marlon Brando
this Documentary truly hits behind the scenes&captures the strong acting&Overall Chemistry of the Film.Much Props to Marlon Brando who shows why He is One of the Mount Rushmore's of Actor's.you get a great Climpse at the workings&the overall concepts&Direction of this Film.truly a Must have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie   

Editorial Review

Elia Kazan made his directorial debut with this adaptation of Betty Smith's novel about a bright, young girl growing up in turn-of-the-century Brooklyn, trying to rise above her tenement existence. Sensitively filmed by Kazan, and graced with wonderful performances by James Dunn as the wistful, alcoholic father and Dorothy McGuire as a strong-willed mother. Peggy Ann Garner won a special Oscar for her performance. Read more

Features

• Black & White
• Closed-captioned
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (53)

A Fine Old Timer !

BUY IT IN THE UK
I bought this DVD from AMAZON-UK and it played flawlessly in my multi-region DVD player. After figuring the exchange rate it cost me less than $18.00, shipping included, and I received itabout a week from placing my order.

Bravo!
Peggy Ann Garner is superb in this film.I read the book, also.A must have movie.Peggy is one of the best actors I have ever seen. ... Read more

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

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (7)

The Story As Real Depth
A brilliant film, wonderfully directed by Jim McBride, it breaks all the cheesy corny conventions of the TV movie, the story moves and lives just as vibrantly as the characters do.The acting is amazing, the story has real depth.If look close, you'll notice that also the characters of the Mexican policemen have been drawn nicely. A movie for those who like to watch better movies only.
grand escapism
This movie is great viewing.Just the ticket for people trapped in a mundane existence.It starts out in seedy Vera Cruz sailors bars and takes you on a wild ride with desperate characters in a romp through beautifully shot southern Mexico.One of those great adventures in a foreign land movies.A boozy,brawling,sexy,and somewhat vulgar movie,and very entertaining!

the wrong man
made purchase, watched movie, found movie very very used, lines appear on and off movie so used seems out of focus ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie    4. TV Shows   

Features

• Black & White
• NTSC

Reviews (5)

Schmaltz Fest
Unfortunately, this 30's schmaltz-fest seems pretty dated by now.I guess the Depression-era audiences needed some fluff A FANTASIA ON STRAUSS.
The highly fictionalized fantasia on the life of the great Johann Strauss. This 1938 film is a sacher torte of pleasure for anyone who loves his music and, in the lead, Fernand Gravet does a commendable job acting-wise. The very attractive - albeit large-boned - Polish soprano Miliza Korjus sings with a truly brilliant voice & she became the object of intense jealousy from M-G-M's reigning diva, Jeanette MacDonald! Because it was decided that there wasn't room for two Prima Donnas at the studio, the firmly established MacDonald was kept on the payroll while the European Korjus virtually went into American obscurity. Backgrounds for the film were shot in Chino, California. It is rumoured that portions of this underrated gem was indeed directed by Josef Von Sternberg.

Hollywood operetta at its best
Take the story of a man torn between two women, add the music of Johann Strauss and the scenery of 1840's Vienna and you have The Great Waltz, an irresistible cream puff of a movie.Miliza Korjus-rhymes with gorgeous and she is-portrays the fictional opera singer Carla Doner in a delicious performance that verges on May West camp, murmuring most of her lines through a perpetual full-toothed grin and waltzing herself giddy while singing absolutely impossible sounding obliggatoes to Strauss's walzes-never loosing a beat and never out of breath!Luise Rainer's innate sweetness and vulnerability are perfect for Poldi, Strauss's devoted wife.Watch her silent reaction when she realizes that the song she thought he wrote for her was actually intended for Madame Doner-incredible acting.On the other hand, Fernand Gravet, as Strauss, is unexceptional and a bit bland.Among the excellent supporting cast, Hugh Herbert as the befuddled music publisher and Curt Bois as the comic, but wise violinist are outstanding.The movie does require a temporary suspension of belief.It is full of improbabilities, including the all-female orchestra that performs Tales of the Vienna Woods in a biergarten--wearing evening gowns, Madam Doner's apparent ability to glance at a piece of music once and perform it word and note perfect (the citizens of Vienna take this one step further by singing along even though the waltzes in question have yet to be published!), and the most peculiar version of Die Fledermaus ever performed. If you are looking for historical accuracy or musical purity, this is not your movie, but if you want a delightful Hollywood operetta, you can't do much better than The Great Waltz. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Musicals    3. Musicals & Cast Recordings   

Features

• Color
• HiFi Sound
• NTSC

Reviews (20)

One of the all time great romantic comedies
As romantic comedies go,"The April Fools" is one of the undiscovered treasures of the 1960s, comparable to the vanguard of all New York romantic comedies "Breakfast At Tiffany's". This film is far more simplistic (too simplistic it seems for many reviewers in 1969) and perhaps because of this it will strike more of a chord with today's audiences weary of recent ponderous comedies.
My All Time Favorite Movie
I was working in a movie theater when "The April Fools" first came out. Once the customers were seated,I had a choice of watching either this movie or the then mega hit The Graduate. I saw The Graduate just once.I watched The April Fools over 50 times.I've watched it every time it showed on TV over the past 35 years.I own it,and I'll buy the DVD when I find it.And I'll continue to watch it. A light & lovely film, but also with some hidden depths
Yes, a sweet & fluffy romantic comedy ... but one which can reveal new dimensions for those who look for them. Read more

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

Editorial Review

Gary Cooper plays Alvin York, the real-life country lad and sharpshooter drafted to fight during World War I but blocked from killing by his pacifist sentiments. Howard Hawks makes a rousing, heroic film out of the tale, and Cooper gives one of his best performances (for which he won an Oscar). The 1941 feature seems as much a valentine to wartime America (and a not-so-subtle piece of propaganda) as anything, with Hawks capturing splendidly shot scenes of life in York's home state of Tennessee, which in turn provide a striking contrast to the battlefield.